#cus I feel like I haven’t really done a finished piece in a while

[catparty41]

Flightless birds

[gustafsnightangel]

Shattered Lives Ch 38 Pt 2

With the kids in bed, himself freshly showered, he brought the teapot and cups into her office and shut the door. He wasn’t sure if there would be raised voices, but just in case he’d seclude them away until they were done. Pouring her a cup he sat on the edge of her desk, the stroke along her hand jolting her out of lawyer land, a soft smirk tugging his lips. He’d never get over how beautiful she was, wicked smart and beautiful.

She looked at him, the tea in his hand and prepared herself for the argument she knew was coming. The fight he had every right to lay at her feet. She stayed silent, prepared to let him rage at her for placing herself in that kind of danger.

“I want to be so angry with you.” He said softly after a moment. “For putting yourself in that position, for not coming back upstairs with the kids. I want to rage at you for scaring fifty years off my life when I saw him hit you.” His knuckles grazed her cheek, the bruise already blooming. “But I can’t.” He said shaking his head. “I can’t because you were doing what you thought was right, with the split second you had to make the decision to keep the kids safe.” A few years ago this conversation would have gone very differently, he thought. Back then he would have been quick to anger and let the rage rule his mind, rule his actions, rule his life. Now? Not so much, he’d mastered that demon well.

“I know now I should have just stepped into the elevator and come back upstairs.” She said gently. Hindsight was a wonderful thing, she thought bitterly. “But it didn’t even cross my mind.” He wiped the stray tear away, she hated herself for scaring him, for the whole mess of it. “All I could think about was getting the kids away from him. I didn’t even consider getting myself away from him too.”

“And you did keep them safe love.” He smiled. “You sent them to me.”

“I guess I am learning.” She scoffed at herself shrugging her shoulders. He toyed with her hair, his fingers raking through the waves. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t love.” He said shaking his head. “Don’t ever apologize for protecting your kids.”

“Our kids.” She sniffed. “They’re yours as much as they are mine now.”

“I know. I guess I’m still learning.” He murmured. Leaning over he brushed his lips against hers tenderly. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She choked, her emotions still too close to the surface.

“What are you working on?” He asked, determined to move past it, nodding a head toward her open laptop, their front door feed paused ready to be played.

“Something that stuck with me, but because my brain got rattled around in my skull I couldn’t be certain whether he’d said it or whether I was confused and just hallucinating.” She chuckled at his confused look. “Have you seen the feed?”

“Only the first bit to make sure it was working, I haven’t had a chance to really watch or digest it.” He said softly as she stood up and gestured for him to sit, taking up residence in his lap once he’d settled. He snuggled her in, long limbs securing her to him.

“Ignore what you see and listen to what he’s saying.” She pressed play and he listened, but nothing really registered as out of the ordinary, just some mumbling after he’d struck Sildie that he couldn’t really grasp the first time around.

“I’m missing something, I know I am but...” He fell silent as she cued it up at a specific spot.

“Listen, close your eyes and listen, it’s really faint but it’s there.” She hit play once his eyes closed.

“Not unless you want me to bite your dick off.” He heard Sildie say clearly and smirked, she would have too.

“Time to collect what I’m owed you little cunt whore.” It was barely audible before the crack of his hand hitting her face. That was a sound that he’d never get out of his head. “Always fucking with my life, you little bitch. First my cunt sister and now you. Ana said you’ve been trouble for her, accusing her, setting her up. First your brother fucked me over taking my sisters money, now you’re getting in the way with Ana. I’m gonna take what I’m owed from you, fuck the money, I’m gonna fuck you until...” Sildie pressed pause on the feed not wanting to hear or see the rest of it again. She’d watched it enough and Gustaf didn’t need to hear the rest.

His eyes flew open with a choked gasp and he stared at her.

“I only vaguely remember him mentioning Ana. My face was on fire and I couldn’t be sure.” She said quietly, eyes searching his.

“She sent him to hurt you?” He murmured in disbelief that Ana would have gone that far, his own brain chewing over the thought. A fresh new wave of rage started to simmer.

“It’s a possibility.” She nodded. “We won’t know for sure unless he starts spilling the details in a confession. But Elias has hated me for a long time love. He wouldn’t have needed much of a push to come at me.”

“Does Leon know about this? Lucas? Lindstrom? Fuck, everyone?” He asked his eyes widening as the extent of Ana’s involvement clicked. She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him sweetly taking all that rage out of his sails in an instant.

“Take a breath love, and yes they all know. They have copies and a signed statement from me.” She kissed him slowly, a tenderness to soothe. “That’s what I’ve been working on.”

“This is good for us right?” He was unsure how he should feel, rage, anger, fear, joy, hopeful. His brain didn’t seem to know which emotion to settle on.

“It’s good for us, in a few ways. Elias will go away for multiple counts of aggravated assault, restraining order and court order violations. It was all caught on camera, it’s a done deal, I’ve filed the paperwork and sent it all to Leon, copies sent to Elsa, your lawyers. Family court will bury him for that alone, especially with multiple assaults already on his record. Then there’s the possible tie in with Ana.” She held up her hand to stop him from arguing as his mouth dropped open to do exactly that. “It’s only a possible, we have no proof it is her. All he says is Ana, it could be any Ana on the planet. Highly likely it’s our Ana but still. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. That piece of information is circumstantial at best.”

“I see your point.” He said tersely, his own brain working through the information.

“If it is Ana it will not only hurt her case if there is a connection, but hurt him and Dana’s family. To be honest, I’m kind of ok with a bruised wrist and jaw when it will kill two birds with one stone.”

“I’m still not ok with him laying hands on you.” He said bluntly, fingers stroking down her good cheek to bring her closer for a kiss. She let him deepen it, not able to bring herself to mention she’d heard him call her his wife, the microphones barely picking it up, but it was there. The way it rolled off his tongue so effortlessly, with so much love and conviction it had sucker punched her square in the gut.

“I’m ok love.” She said softly, her hand resting on his chest.

“Are you done in here for the night?” He asked, kissing her bare shoulder where her sweater had slipped down as she finished her tea.

“I can be.” She said softly. “I should be.” She sighed, knowing that if she pushed it any further the headache she currently had sitting behind her eyes ready to pounce would get worse.

“Headache?”

“Yeah, and my face hurts.” She winced as she realized just how much she’d been ignoring it.

“How’s the wrist?” He asked, brushing a finger lightly over the strapping the hospital had insist she wear.

“Not as bad as my face.”

“Well that’s something. Up for a soak? You need to switch off that wicked smart brain and let it catch up to the rest of you. It got a little rattled around in there.” His kiss gentle.

“Will you soak with me?” Her finger trailed down his jaw before she claimed that clever mouth tenderly. She wanted to see him calmer as well.

“No water sports.” He said gruffly, the smirk tugging the corner of his mouth.

“Spoil sport.” She pouted.

“But I’ll soak with you.” He kissed her softly. “Take care of you.”

“I think it’s my turn to take care of you, you’ve filled your quota for today.” She chuckled. “Maybe for the entire year.”

“We don’t keep score love, remember.” He murmured and kissed her longingly. “How about we take care of each other?”

“Now that I can get down with.”

“You take care of the teapot, I’ll run the bath.” He tapped her thigh for her to get up, but she stayed.

“I love you.” She said sweetly. “So much.”

“My Sildie.” He breathed. “My love.” He let the love for her pour out of him. “My home.” He kissed her tenderly. “You are my everything.”

While Gustaf readied the tub, Sildie rinsed the teapot and smiled as she looked around their home. Home, she thought, their home, their kids. Her hand went to her belly absently as that ever present question circled along with another. My wife, he’d said it with such conviction, complete commitment, that deep love he only had for her. “Do I want to be married?” She mumbled, almost startling herself with her own question. “Not that it would be much different than what we’re already doing.” She chewed on her lip and flexed her wrist wincing. “Just another question to add to the list I guess.” She muttered and turned off the lights and checked the front door.

She found him in their en-suite, the shirt already in the hamper, sweats slung low on his hips. Memories from their lazy morning flooded into her as she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her face between his blades. Her home, her man.

“You ok love?” He chuckled as he cradled her tender wrist to him.

“Yamnow.” She said and breathed him in, her cheek more a dull ache than earlier, she knew it would be worse tomorrow. He turned and helped her strip, holding out his hand for her to take so she didn’t slip as she climbed in the tub. He went out to the kitchen and brought back an ice pack in a towel and handed it to her.

“You’ll thank me tomorrow. Lots of ice now makes it more bearable in the morning.” He’d taken his fair share of knocks to learn that one quickly.

He scooped her into his lap, soaped his hands and massaged her shoulders as she held the ice to her face, the other wrapped against her wrist, and relaxed into him. His hands wandered, more to soothe and just feel her body than arouse. When she was nearly asleep he pulled the plug and dried her off, carrying her to bed and snuggling her in.

“Sleep now love.” He kissed her, lazy and slow, kisses that he cherished.

“Gustaf?”

“Mmmm.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead willing her to switch her brain off and let sleep take her.

“I love you and I’m sorry I scared you.” She mumbled.

“I love you too and try not to do it again ok?” He chuckled gently.

“I’ll try, I’m sorry.” Her voice barely there.

“Let it be done now love, sleep.”

“Kay.” She went under and he smiled at the sudden deadweight in his arms.

“I’m so in love with you.” He grinned, kissing her head and following her into sleep moments later, her scent soothing him.

@hausofobsession @ill-skillsgard @grandpa-sweaters @authentic90skidd @tuckersgirl @fairlyfallacy @flowers-in-your-hayr @raewritesfiction @stinkerbelle007 @kamie-b @mrsaugustwalker @skrsgardspam @loliwrites @trippedmetaldetector @lihikainanea @fay-walden @nandadb

[theonetheycallhannah]

The Treatment of Captain Syverson-Chapter Five:Sensory Integration 1

Pairing: Captain “Sy” Syverson x OFC (Shane Benton)

Summary: A Friday full of teasing for Shane ends in a steak dinner with a blue-eyed beefcake. If you don’t finish this chapter hungry for one or the other, if not both, I haven’t done my job! Lol! (For inspo on Sy’s date outfit, think back to that one Men’s Health photoshoot Hen did and just imagine his hair shorter. That’s what I did. lol!) 

Click me to catch up on the story and other stuff by Hannah!

Word Count: 4k (This date got away from me! Lol! And it’s only half over!)

Warnings: Mostly this is utter fluffy fluff, but I’m gonna put the following warnings on, anyway. Language, mature themes, alcohol consumption, borderline food worship (Shane may have a problem, I definitely do! Lol!) Also, pretty much every Sy fic I’ve read says that his given name is Logan, so...should his given name be used henceforth, that’s what I’m going with because it seems the most cannon and I like it and if it’s good enough for Wolverine...

Author’s Note: So, guys, this is crazy. First off, the reaction and love Sy and Shane’s story has been getting has taken me completely off guard and utterly made my day/week. (I’m serious. Every note makes my heart do a happy dance. A like, a reblog, a comment. It all means the world to me. Thank you for your feedback and for sharing this story.) Second, YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS TO ME! Because initially, idk what I was thinking. I was going to skim over their first date and like…not write it…and I kept getting notes as I worked on further chapters to the tune of “can’t wait for this date!” and I thought…hmm…well, the date must be written! So, here it is, the first half-ish, of Shane and Sy’s first date. I hope it’s all you were expecting…or at least half of all you were expecting! Lol! More to come in part two of Sens Integ! (BTW, fun fact, these chapter titles are all named after treatments that therapists actually use on their patients sometimes! Lol!)

Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, Henry is not mine, le sigh, and all mention of him, his characters, any characters from his films, or his precious doggy, Kal, are strictly for transformative and recreational use. I neither ask for, nor accept payment for the work I post on Tumblr or AO3. Unbeta’d because this is for fun and escapism.

Tags:

@onlyhenrys @cavillryarchive @summersong69 @titty-teetee @bloodyinspiredfuck @agniavateira @oddsnendsfanfics @omgkatinka@thisismysecretthirstblog

@misslaland @speakerforthedead0@tumblnewby @suavechops

Friday morning. She was up with the sun. And a bit before, really. Today was the day. Her first date with Sy. She’d taken extra care in the shower, less clumsy, thank God! She shaved her legs because she had chosen to wear a knee-length blue dress with a scoop neck and cap sleeves in wrinkle-proof Jersey knit since it would be in her tote bag all day. She was not shaving because she thought anything would happen tonight with Sy. She didn’t think she was ready.

That is, she was ready, but, only physically. Emotionally, mentally, she would need to prepare for him a bit longer before taking him as a lover. She hoped he was on the same page.

He had an appointment in the early afternoon. He greeted her with his warm “Hello, sunshine.” Following it up by telling her how pretty she looked today, causing blush to burn in her cheeks. She’d reciprocated, even though he was in his typical tee and shorts look. It was still true. They got on their usual bikes to warm up for about 15 minutes, and then took to the leg press to try to advance his strengthening.

“I’m really proud of your progress! You wouldn’t have been able to do this much weight two weeks ago!” She encouraged him.

“Yeah?”

“Absolutely. Now, we are going to do some drills next. Simple ones, but they aren’t going to be fun for you. I’ve chosen to do them on your last day of the week for a reason. You may be sore. Ice and whatever you take OTC if you must. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But try the ice first. It shouldn’t be too bad.”

“Okay.” He conceded, dejected.

“Stretching afterward.” She promised.

“Okay!” He pepped up. She knew he just loved an excuse to have her hands on him.

Later, as he lay on the mat, sweaty from the exertion of the drills, with her up there with him having to use her whole body to leverage the proper stretch out of his hip flexors, she felt the heavy weight of his gaze. She tried to look anywhere but those sapphire eyes below her. They were too vulnerable. She couldn’t handle that right now. Not here.

“Shane?” Dammit, he was gonna make her.

“Hmm?” She looked down at him, smile meeting smile.

“I just…” he couldn’t seem to get out the words. But she thought she understood what he was feeling.

“I know, Sy. I know.” She gently patted his outer thigh where she had been bracing her hand for the stretch, and let his leg back down, while dismounting the mat, as well.

“Well, that’s about the hour. Any questions before I let you go?”

“Are you as excited for tonight as I am?” He asked. She chuckled. She couldn’t imagine him being more excited than she was!

“Yes! Hehe! But I still kinda meant about therapy, Sy.”

“Oh, right. Are you excited to finish up with your therapy patients at therapy today so I can pick you up from the therapy clinic and take you on our date?”

“Just because you say therapy 20 times doesn’t make it about therapy.” She laughed.

“Okay, I do have a question for you, since I’m here.”

“Shoot.” She encouraged.

He stood and held her face, taking it into a kiss so devastatingly and painfully tender, she could not process what to do next. She was leaning toward fainting. But then tackling him onto the mat again seemed an attractive option. She settled for placing her hands on his waist, ready to control the situation as need arose. But after a brief moment of slight deepening, he broke away, still holding her face in his large strong hands.

“Ahem. That’s a good question. Why don’t I have you a reply later this evening?”

“Sounds good to me, sunshine.” He grinned widely, and waved a quiet goodby to her.

She walked to the doorway of the small room to watch him walk out…his gait still uneven from his injury but improving enough that she could tell he once took very…confident strides. She could almost picture it. She sighed, forgetting herself for a moment until Anita came up behind her walking her elderly patient with a gait belt and front wheeled walker.

"Is that a bit of drool on your chin, Shane?" she said quietly, but still startling the younger therapist from her reverie.

"Oh, uh, hey." she checked her chin, absentmindedly, late in getting the joke, and rolled her eyes. "Funny, Nita. Do you need anything?"

"Nope, Gladys and I are just headed to the gym for a few minutes on the NuStep to round out her treatment." Nita grinned at Shane.

"Who was that handsome young man that just left, Shane?" Gladys asked her, as women of her…demographic tended to do.

"He's just one of our patient's Miss Gladys. But I can't tell you his name. It's against the privacy policy." She explained.

"Oh, okay. Well, if I was a few years younger, I'd let ya give him MY name…and my telephone number." she smirked with pride in herself. All three ladies giggled.

"I'm pretty sure he's spoken for, Gladys." Anita broke the news to her randy patient, smirking at her coworker.

"Shame! Well, that's one lucky young lady!" Gladys hobbled on with the walker as Anita cued her not to let the device get too far ahead of her feet. Shane was beet red from the whole interaction. At least she wouldn't have to wear blush tonight.

Her day finally finished, notes done, and final communications sent,  the most important (in her opinion, probably not her employer's) message of them all was next. The text to Sy that he could head toward the clinic to pick her up.

She touched up her eye makeup, applied another coat of mascara, and dabbed on some of her favorite lipstick in a deep red that complimented her skin tone. She also spritzed on a bit of her favorite Armani perfume before slipping on her dress and black ballet flats and sliding on a pair of simple hoop earrings. She'd had her hair pulled up all day in a clip, so it should be pleasantly wavy when she took it down…and with a bit of flipping, shaking out, and finger diffusing, it was.

She looked in the mirror. She was ready.

Was she ready? She examined herself in the full length mirror in the empty locker room at the clinic. The dress and the shoes suddenly seemed all wrong, both together and as individual pieces for the occasion. She looked great, it wasn't that…but…was it right for tonight? Should she cancel? Was she being ridiculous? Clearly she was, as she'd already sent the message telling Sy he could come get her. But the closer she got to being ready to go, the less ready she felt. Those butterflies were suddenly clawing at her esophagus, disrupting the bile in her stomach, and threatening to choke off her air supply. They were no longer pleasantly fluttering. She felt like she had a boot against her windpipe.

She was snapped out of the panic attack when she heard her phone go off. A message from Sy.

Your chariot, m'lady. Should I come in and get ya?

She grinned like a lunatic. How could she have considered calling tonight off?

Nay, m'lord, verily the gates be locked. I shall use the rear exit and meet thee around yonder forsooth.

Wow, you ran with that one. *laughing in tears emoji*

I have that tendency. Lol. *monocle wearing emoji*

She grabbed her bags, walked out the back door, and tossed the one that wasn't her purse into her vehicle, which was parked nearby and walked around to the front. He was standing on the sidewalk near that edge of the building.

The sun was just setting, and the light from it hit him so bewitchingly that it took away her breath. Not in the frightening way of the panic attack she'd just had, but in the nice way, like right before you surface from a deep dive and you know the sweet relief of oxygen is imminent. She assessed his ensemble with approval. Black books, sleek dark blue jeans, and a sapphire v-neck polo that even in the low light of near dusk made his blue eyes dance with vibrant intensity against his fading tan. His hair was starting to grow out ever so slightly, but it was still very close cropped. His beard, she could tell, had been finely groomed, combed, and styled. He looked…well, she'd never looked up the word "handsome" in the dictionary, but she imagined it would describe the image before her quite succinctly. And alternatively, Sy's image could be used as an illustration in the reference book, itself.

The best part, though, was the look on his face when he saw her.

She felt like he'd never properly looked at her, perhaps. Maybe he wasn't expecting a dress, or loose hair, or red lips. Or maybe it was a combo of the whole Date Shane package he was seeing before him. As his eyes beheld her, he almost looked confused. As if she was a stand-in. Or maybe an alien. Some body-snatcher. Only he wasn't frightened. She was having a hard time working out his expression as she'd really never seen it before, and particularly, never aimed in her direction. He said one word.

"Wow." It was reverent. Not a whisper. But barely a decibel above.

Again, her cheeks required no artificial pigmentation.

"Hey. You look…you certainly scrub up good, mister." she giggled nervously, feeling immensely awkward at her inability to properly compliment the chiseled image of Adonis before her. His every muscle hugged to perfection by the fabric covering it. How did you even begin to tell such perfection how perfect it was?

"You…Shane, I don't remember the last time I saw anyone look so beautiful." he frowned, as if trying to recall, then giving up with a smile, and leaning in to kiss her cheek. He lingered a moment to hug her, hold her as the day faded, breathe her in. She did the same. He was freshly showered and wearing cologne, as he often did, but it rarely hit her so solidly as it did tonight. She loved this scent. Woody, but earthy, with notes of bergamot, a kind of musky scent similar to amber, but more masculine, and something spicy that she loved. The combination exploded like an olfactory fireworks display.

The shirt was an unthinkably soft cotton (blended she thought perhaps with kitten, she could not stop touching it.) and the warmth of him radiated into her as his chest rose and fell over the course of his numerous breaths as they stood there holding each other and enjoying this feast for the senses.

"You ready for supper?" he asked, a faint but distinct rumble from his abdomen indicating that he most certainly was.

"Yes." she smiled up at him as he took her hand in his and led her to his truck. A Ford F150, the same sapphire blue as his shirt and his eyes. She was sensing a pattern, here. It wasn't the newest vehicle, but he had taken immaculate care of it. She felt shame for her own treatment of her Explorer, Bessie, which often functioned as storage shed, trash can, and sometimes, hotel, when she felt like a road trip on a shoestring budget. He walked her to the passenger side, opened the door for her, and helped her in, as the truck sat a bit higher than what she was used to.

"So, I have us a table saved at this great steakhouse just down the road. And then, it's supposed to be a nice night, I thought we could take a walk by the lake?"

It sounded perfect to her. Quiet and simple.

"Amazing. As long as your knee is up for a walk?"

"I've got all weekend to rest before getting tortured again." he smirked at her as he pulled the truck out of the parking lot and on the main road toward the interstate. "B'sides, who better to have with me if I start hurtin' than my PT?"

The emphasis he placed on the possessive pronoun, claiming her as HIS PT sent a delighted shiver through her that she blamed on the AC, which he promptly turned down.

He had his Spotify shuffling Kings of Leon at a low volume as they conversed lightly and pleasantly. Since it was an earlier model, even well equipped as it was, it wasn't quite ready for auxiliary or Bluetooth sound, so he'd bought one of those radio receivers that tune into an unused frequency and connect to your phone or iPod. She'd retrofitted her 2003 Ford Explorer in a similar fashion.

They were both caught a bit off guard when "Sex on Fire" came on, and tried valiantly to keep talking. But it was hard to hear anything but those lyrics. Singing of exhibitionism and dangerous sex acts that were definitely moving violations…and simply the sex being on fire. She was thankful, for once, that this song that she'd always found catchy without paying much attention to the actual lyrics, was now fading into the night as they pulled into the parking lot of the restaurant.

She remembered to wait for him to get the door for her, even though it had been ages since she'd been on a date or had any kind of romance whatsoever. He helped her down from her perch, giving her a gentlemanly moment to adjust her skirt before taking her hand and leading her into the building.

He opened the door and led her in by that lumbar lordosis that made everyone tremble and swoon. She was no exception just because she knew that part of your back was not actually called "the small" and she got perturbed when she heard it referred to as such.

"Welcome to Mark's, how can we help you?" the host greeted warmly.

"Reservation for Syverson." Sy piped up. She was used to being the voice in these situations. She was thankful not to have to for once. It was a small thing, but it was still nice.

"Right this way, folks." he grabbed two large menus, a mid sized one, and a small one, and led them to a cozy but still spacious two-top in a quiet corner of the dining area. The warm light was low and ambient, and there were real kerosene lamps on the tables, which she loved. It had the rustic ambiance of a cabin with all the refinement of any four+ star restaurant she'd ever been to. Not that she'd been to many.

"Here you are, the table you requested, and your menus. Have a look at them, and Katie will be out soon to answer questions and take your orders."

As he walked away, Sy pulled her chair out for her, and aided her sitting. His gentility was so refreshing to her, because it was so sincere and kind, and in no way oppressive or domineering, as some men seemed to use such gestures. Wielding them like a club rather than a feather. She was just used to seeing a certain side of him, teasing and silly as he was in therapy that this side of Captain Syverson, or as she may end up calling him one day, Logan, his given first name, if it pleased him, had taken her off guard.

"Nice place." she approved, looking around at he exposed beams of the ceiling and the iron and copper chandeliers and light fixtures on the wall. She also noticed quite curiously a copy of American Gothic by Grant Wood on one wall and The Kiss by Gustav Klimt on another. Such different styles to be displayed in one room. She really liked it though.

"It's one of my favorites. I try to come in every couple weeks or so." The fact that he liked steak on the regular was definitely a point in his favor. She loved it but rarely went out for it on her own. Eating out alone wasn't so bad, but it was hard to enjoy a steak dinner by one's self.

"What's your favorite cut?"

"Oh, I've tried most of them, and you can't go wrong." He assured her.

They had a crazy selection. Ribeyes, filets, sirloins, prime rib, all seasoned, smoked, topped and wrapped in every way you could imagine…it was like staring at the Netflix menu of steak. And much like she tended to do with Netflix, she relied on a classic favorite. After all, who goes for an obscure choice their first time at a new steak house?

"I'm keeping it simple and going for their prime rib and a baked potato."

"Ah, that's a perfect choice. We're getting some of their lobster mac and cheese to start, though. Unless you're allergic or something?" he added the disclaimer when he saw her eyes widen.

"Not at all, that sounds…"she was thinking "sexual," but decided instead on "heavenly."

Soon, Katie, a peppy, slender young redhead in black jeans she'd been poured into and a white T-shirt she had outgrown some time ago, descended upon their table with gusto.

"Howdy, I'm Katie and I get to take care of you fine folks this evening. What drinks and appetizers can I start y'all off with?"

Sy looked at Shane to prompt her to start.

"Sweet tea?" she half stated, half inquired. Katie nodded and jotted.

"Sure thing! Sir?" she thought her eyes sparkled when she looked at Sy…she couldn't blame her. But…she thought she could take her if she tried anything. She was certain there was a very sharp knife in the black napkin set-up at her right hand.

"Same for me, Katie. And we are also gonna need an order of your lobster mac to start and a bottle of your house cab."

"Fantastic. I'll be right back with the teas and wine after I put in for the lobster mac for ya, and then I'll take your meal order." she smiled brightly. Sy looked at Shane, though, as he replied "Wonderful."

~~~~~~~

Her instincts about the lobster mac and cheese had been spot on. She couldn’t contain her yummy noises of enjoyment which amused Sy to no end. She couldn’t imagine the steak any better.

About that, she had been completely wrong. It was so succulent, tender, and flavorful, she debated on whether or not the provided au jus and horseradish were even needed. They were also too good to resist, though.

Her potato, twice baked to the perfect tenderness had a salt brined skin, and a garlicky butter that just sung with the sour cream and chives. She was in food heaven, and even if that meant she was dead, it was fine.

He’d ordered the same entrée as she had, but took his baked potato…a bit differently.

“You don’t like sour cream?” She asked, nonplussed.

“Nah, I mean, I can eat it, but…it feels weird in my mouth. I prefer the au jus and butter, instead. It’s much more tasty.” He said, waggling his eyebrows.

“I guess I’ll take your word for it.” She laughed.

“You’re welcome to try mine when I get it all doctored you how I like it!”

She did, right from his fork. And he was right about it being so flavorful, but she preferred the mild, creamier texture of her own side with the savory notes of her steak.

They ate and enjoyed each other’s company and conversation.

“Ya know, Sy, I totally had you pegged as a beer man, instead of a wine guy.” She said, as she brought her own glass of the deep red liquid to her mouth and nose, inhaling the bouquet before she took her sip.

“Normally, you’d be right. With a burger, pizza, sometimes tacos or what not, definitely. But I can’t do beer with steak. It’s gotta be wine. Red. And full-bodied.” He held her gaze as he drank from his own glass. Why did he have to look at her like that when he said those kinds of words? Her cheeks were warm from more than the booze.

For desert, they shared a decadent marbled brownie/blondie a la mode. He’d had the idea to slide his chair so he was sharing a corner of the table with her, rather than looking across it at her. Purely so they didn’t have to keep sliding the dessert…not so their knees would brush against one another now and then, or so they could feel the heat radiating from one another’s bodies…but actually, exactly for those reasons.

“Last bite is to you, Sy.” She set her fork down, full to bursting.

“Are you kiddin’? My mama’d tan my hide if she knew I took the last bite from my date.”

“You’re being gallant, actually! Rescuing me from a certain belly ache.” She patted her small but slightly rounded tummy. She did like her food, and was no gym rat, after all. He didn't seemed to mind. Yet.

“How 'bout we share the last bite?” He suggested.

“Technically that’s not physically possible. Becau…”

He interrupted what was going to be an intellectual explanation of why no matter how small you cut up a bite, the remaining bit was still technically one bite, and couldn’t be shared.

“No. Shh. I know you’re smart. You got nothin’ to prove here. I’m gonna cut what’s left in half until I get a bite you’re willing to take. Okay?” She nodded.

He only had to take the fork to it twice before she conceded, also letting him feed her, feigning paralysis from the food coma. She held the fork tightly between her lips, making him work to pull it from her mouth. She looked innocent, but she was an intentional little shit.

“You're so cute when you eat.”

“Said no one ever!” She held her hand over her face.

“You are, though. You enjoy the food. Experience it. It’s like you’re…getting a story from it, or something. Like it’s…almost like it’s entertaining you, I don’t know. It’s just…beautiful.” He leaned his elbow onto the table, supporting his head in his hand as he looked at her.

"Well, sometimes I think I like food a little TOO much for my own good." she lamented, reaching for the cabernet only to have it snatched by her date. He uncorked it and dispensed a generous pour for her, and topped off his own glass, killing the bottle.

"No such thing. Like I said about the wine, full bodied is the way to go. Nothin' wrong with a little cushion." he winked at her. She could not resist finishing a rhyme she'd always heard about the desirability of curvy girls…for the pushin,' and hoped the flush in her cheeks from the wine was enough to disguise the deepening color from the current blush she was feeling thinking of Sy…pushin' her cushions…but something tipped him off to her distraction.

"What's on yer mind, sunshine?"

"I'm wondering if you're prepared to carry me on this walk we're planning, actually." It was possible to think more than one thing, after all. "I don't know how I'll ever even walk again."

"Ah, give it fifteen minutes. Finish up your sweet tea, and by the time we're done with our walk, you'll want an ice cream cone."

"Ha, doubtful." But she was ashamed to admit, ice cream already didn't sound bad. Vanilla…maybe pistachio….no, coffee! In a waffle cone…with fudge drizzle…and almonds…maybe she had a problem.

"You ready to go?" he asked.

She nodded. He flagged down Katie and gave her cash, and what one might call a benevolent tip. They left the warm steakhouse, and entered the breezy late summer evening, the humid air seeming thick with promises.

Up Next: Chapter Six-Sensory Integration 2

[brokutosan]

Title. It Made Me Feel Warm Yet Scared At The Same Time

Pairing. Ushijima Wakatoshi x Fem!Reader

Summary. In which she’s hurtling towards him, but she’s scared he might not catch her. (Spoiler: he does).

Warnings. This contains manga spoilers to up to the latest chapter!

Ushijima Wakatoshi doesn’t look like someone who’s interested in relationships. Or perhaps he truly isn’t. Day in and day out his thoughts are plagued with volleyball, and Y/N isn’t sure if she can find a place she could weasel her way into those said thoughts.

Tendou Satori, her coworker and friend who had introduced her to the man in question, had once said that, “Wakatoshi-kun’s brain is basically a hollowed out volleyball.” It makes sense, though. He’s a Division 1 player that’s made his way to the National Japanese team at the age of 19, so if he wasn’t as dedicated to the sport as he is then Y/N would think his whole career is a fluke.

“Say, Y/N-chan,” Tendou hums, catching the girl’s attention, “why do you like Wakatoshi-kun anyways?” Y/N stops to think about the question. It’s a good and valid question and the eccentric man in front of her had asked it a million times. And each time Y/N does not know how to answer the question.

“Why is the sky blue?” Y/N finds herself throwing the question at Tendou after much consideration.

“Hah?” He jumps up. His reaction is totally over the top, but it’s nothing Y/N isn’t already used to. “How am I supposed to answer that?” He questions back, brows furrowing into a frown.

“That’s exactly how I feel about your question.” Y/N calmly replies, taking a sip of her drink. Tendou’s face relaxes from its frown, and he jumps up exclaiming, “Oh! I see what you did there.”

“Wait. When did we jump from finishing this paperwork to talking about my love life?” Y/N perks up, straightening her back in order to avoid premature back problems. She focuses her attention back on their forgotten paperwork, rearranging them based on importance.

“I’m just a concerned friend trying to help solve your relationship problems. Specifically your lack of one.”

“Well, thanks but no thanks.” At that, Tendou gives it a rest. Or at least Y/N thought so, before he shoots up in his seat again, gaining strange looks from the people seated near the pair in the small café. “I got it! Is it because he’s attractive?”

Y/N throws him a pointed look, one that screamed out her disappointment, before she sighs out, “I like Ushijima-san because he’s Ushijima-san.” Tendou pauses and brings a hand up to his face, indicating some sort of thought process.

“Yes yes, I totally understand.”

“Kinda feels like you don’t.”

“I do.”

Y/N accepts defeat, choosing to just stay quiet just in case Tendou starts trying to dig deeper. A few minutes of silence engulfs the two as they focus on their on work, the topic of Y/N’s ‘tragic’ love life and Ushijima Wakatoshi being forgotten amidst paperwork and deadlines.

“Aki said yes when I proposed.”

“Satori! Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” This time the strange looks are pointed at Y/N, who’s leaning in from across the table to an unamused red head. “I forgot about it ‘til now.”

“So...?��� Y/N muses, still standing on the balls of her feet as she shoves her face as close as possible to her surprisingly nonchalant friend. “So what?”

“When did you propose? How did you propose? When’s the wedding?” Y/N gushes, forgetting to let her friend answer her never-ending questions. “Slow down there, Y/N-chan.” Tendou chuckles and waits for her to settle down in her seat before continuing,

“I proposed last weekend over dinner and the wedding’s in four months.”

“Four months? Is that enough time to prepare?”

“It’s a simple ceremony at a shrine back home. All we care about is actually getting married.” Tendou has a dreamy look on his face, one that made Y/N slightly jealous. She hopes that someday she’ll feel it too.

Taking in her friend’s expression that screamed out ‘I’m in love!’, Y/N smiles warmly and says, from the bottom of her heart, “I’m happy for you and Aki, Satori. I really am.”

“Yeah. And I wouldn’t have met her if it weren’t for you, Y/N. So...” Tendou hints, wiggling his eyebrows and craning his neck in a way that implied he’s up to something.

“Oh no no no. No, I get where this is going, but no.” Y/N shakes her head ‘no’ vigorously, and Tendou’s almost worried for her neck but argues,

“I didn’t even say anything yet!”

“You’re grateful that I set you and Aki-chan up so now you want to do the same thing for me and Ushijima-san.”

“Damn, you’re good.” Tendou mumbles as he slouches down in his chair. “I wouldn’t be this happy if it weren’t for your help, Y/N-chan. Let me return the favor.”

“It wouldn’t be a favor if I expected something in return. Trust me Satori, I’m fine.” Y/N is hesitant to say her next sentence, but she does so anyway. “Besides...I don’t think Ushijima-san likes me like that anyways.”

“Hah?! Are you blind?!” At this point the workers are giving them dirty looks and Y/N has to physically wrestle Tendou back down to his chair. “Scream one more time and I’m telling our boss you’re finishing all of my paperwork for me.” Tendou pouts but complies anyways.

“You’re crazy if you think he doesn’t like you!” Tendou whisper-yells while making obscene gestures with his hands. “What makes you say that?”

“Look, it might not be obvious to you, but I’ve known Wakatoshi-kun since highschool!” Tendou states the obvious. Y/N looks at him unamused, but lets him continue anyways. “When he likes or dislikes something, it shows on his face!”

“His facial expression has never changed when he’s talking to me though.”

“But it does when you’re not looking! He has that small, satisfying smile on his face like when he perfects a spike or wins a game.” Y/N is skeptical, though she always is when it comes to Tendou, but she gives him the benefit of the doubt. “Okay. Say he does miraculously like me too. Then why hasn’t he made a move?”

“Why haven’t you?”

“Touché.”

Tendou lets out a dramatic sigh and slams his head down on the table. “You’re both hopeless!”

“I’d like to think of myself more as a realist. And the reality is Ushijima-san probably sees me as your boring friend from work.” Tendou runs a hand through his face and lets out something that sounds like a mixture of a grunt and a groan. He’s overreacting, Y/N thinks to herself.

“He’s a VLeague player, Satori. Meanwhile I can barely make rent on time because my friend won’t let me get my work done.”

“You’re being unfair to yourself Y/N! Why not give it a chance?” Y/N ponders over it for a minute. She could. No, she wants to, wholeheartedly. But the thing is she’s scared of making a fool out of herself. While she’s not technically someone with an inferiority complex, it’s hard to get past the fact that the man is way out of her league.

Then again...how the hell would she know if she doesn’t even give it a shot?

“Damn.” Y/N huffs out in defeat, back slamming her chair as she dramatically drops her body on it. Tendou sees this as a sign of victory, and holds up two peace signs. “Operation Wakatoshi and Y/N is a go!”

-

“I hate you, Satori.”

“Oh c��mon! You love me!”

“Nope. I hate you to death.”

“You’ll thank me for this opportunity later.”

“Sure, if I don’t kill you beforehand.” Tendou lets out a laugh, or more like a cackle, and Y/N has to physically rip her phone away from her ears in order to avoid damage. She’s thankful she’s not in public, like a train or something, or else she would have died out of embarrassment.

“You can’t kill me ‘cus then no one would help you with Operation Wakatoshi and Y/N!” Tendou wheezes out as soon as he’s done with his laughing fit.

“I can help myself.”

“I highly doubt that.”

“Have I said how much I hate you yet?”

“Y/N,” Tendou’s voice is clear with no more trace of laughter. If Y/N knew any better - the guy is being one hundred percent serious. “Just go to dinner with us, you won’t die from it. I’ll say Aki-chan had a free dinner for four and pay our meals in advance.”

“Isn’t that too obvious? Like why him and why me out of all of your friends?”

“Wakatoshi-kun won’t look into the finer details of these types of things. Trust me.”

“What if I freak him out? What if he thinks I’m insanely boring? What if -” Tendou cuts off her unnecessary rambling. From her end of the call, Y/N can just feel the major eyeroll Tendou was probably doing.

“Relax. All you need to do is be yourself, Y/N! Talk to him about your daily life and listen to him ramble about volleyball. If anything Aki-chan and I will be there as a buffer.”

“Thanks for the reassurance, but I’d rather die.”

“You’re so dramatic, Y/N chan.” And at that, she immediately shuts her mouth. If that phrase just came out of Tendou’s mouth of all people, then perhaps she was being just a smidge bit dramatic. Only because Tendou was set on hooking her up with his greek god of a friend.

The call ends after a bit more teasing from Tendou and some more death theats from Y/N that followed. Eventually they decide on a date after considering Ushijima’s training schedule, and it suddenly hits Y/N that it’s actually going to happen. She’s actually going to dinner with one of the finest man she’s ever seen walk the Earth.

-

“So...” Four pairs of eyes glance around at each other, each seemingly awkward and unfamiliar despite knowing each and everyone there on the table. It was Aki who had decided to take the liberty of breaking the silence, and Y/N silently thanks her friend who’s always been the more extroverted one among the two.

“Wakatoshi-kun, how’s volleyball training?” Aki darts her eyes at the said man, who was busy trying to ignore the awkward stares by stuffing his face with the pork curry in front of him. He coughs, obviously caught off guard, and Tendou is kind enough to pour him a glass of water (albeit he had a shit-eating grin on his face, but it’s the thought that counts).

“Ah, it’s doing well.” Ushijima replies after his mini choking scare. If he did end up choking on that piece of pork, Y/N is certified at performing the heimlich maneuver, but she’s not sure she could handle being that close to him without suddenly freaking out.

Y/N shakes her head in attempt of getting rid of the mental image of her arms wrapped around Ushijima’s torso. His very lean and toned torso. Her eyes wander a below his chest where she’s sure, hiding behind that thick sweater, is a body she’s only ever seen in movies. A testament to his strict training and diet.

“...Y/N? What do you think?” Tendou’s egging her on. She knows he saw her eyeing Ushijima like a piece of man-candy and now he’s making her pay for it. The red haired man is grinning at her, and it took everything in Y/N not to slap that grin off his face from across the table.

“Um...yes...?” It comes out a lot weaker than Y/N had intended it to, and now Tendou’s biting his cheeks to hold in his laughter. Y/N sees Aki elbow his ribs from under the table. Good. The bastard deserves it.

“Oh, so you do think that Wakatoshi-kun’s the most attractive player in the league?” Fuck. If she blurts out ‘no’ right now she’d be offending him. If she blurts out ‘yes’ she’ll be digging her own grave.

“Tendou. She doesn’t have to answer that.” Ushijima’s voice is stern yet indifferent, but good enough to shut Tendou up. Y/N weakly nods her head, a small apology for letting her thoughts wander and creating that awkward situation. He nods back in acknowledgment.

“Wakatoshi-kun, would ‘ya mind walking Y/N back to her apartment? Aki-chan and I here have a long way home and I’m worried about our friend Y/N here since it’s getting late.” There’s the catch. Y/N should have known he had a few tricks up his sleeve.

“No, it’s totally fine! My apartment is only a fifteen minute walk away, and there’s street lights everywhere! You don’t need to-”

“I was already planning on doing that.” Y/N finds herself getting more excited at those words than she should. He truly is a gentleman.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to impose! I know you’re probably busy with training and stuff.”

“Y/N-san. It’s only a fifteen minute walk away. I think I’ll be fine.” He says with a small smile. Ah. So he’s decided to throw her words right back at her. Clever.

The rest of their dinner goes by smoothly, with Y/N being careful Tendou doesn’t make an ass of her for the rest of the night. She learns more things about Ushijima than before, things like how his dad lives in California, and he tries to visit every once in a while. By the end of the night, Y/N feels herself getting closer to her crush. But then she remembers the dreaded 15 minute walk back to her house.

“Ushijima-san, are you sure about this? I really don’t want to be a bother.” She repeats for the nth time since walking out of the restaurant.

Ushijima offers her another smile and says, “It’s fine, L/N-san. I wouldn’t be comfortable knowing I let you walk home alone in the dark.” And at that Y/N gives it a rest, deciding to walk in silence. It lasts about three minutes, until Ushijima asks in a soft voice,

“Do you find being around me uncomfortable?” It comes out almost vulnerable, pretty ironic considering this tower of a man doesn’t look like the type who’d ask this question. Nontheless, Y/N quickly retorts,

“No! I mean...no, of course not! It’s quite the opposite, actually. I find your presence comforting, like...uh...like a giant teddy bear!” Oh god. She said that out loud. As in she said those words. As in she just called Ushijima Wakatoshi, Schweiden Adlers’ opposite hitter and the National team’s cannon, a giant teddy bear. I want to die. Y/N keeps walking ahead, not noticing that the stupidly handsome man beside her had stopped walking about five steps ago.

Y/N is so focused on mentally kicking herself in the ass that she doesn’t notice the feint small that makes its way to his face. And the laugh that follows takes her by surprise. It’s a nice sound. Y/N’s almost glad she made an ass out of herself in order to hear it.

“That’s...that’s a pretty interesting comparison.” He says once his laughter dies down. Looking back at him, Y/N finds it unfair how the moonlight is hitting his features just right, making him look almost ethereal. This man truly is out of her league. (And she just called him a giant teddy bear, Y/N’s never gonna forget that).

“Sorry, that totally came out wrong.” Y/N’s glad Tendou’s not around. The slimy bastard would never let her live it down. She could almost imagine having to go about her day with Tendou reminding her that this happened. She shudders at the thought. Ushijima notices this.

“Are you cold?” Y/N purses her lips and starts to say no, but is interrupted by him sliding off his jacket. “Here, take this.” He says warmly, closing the five-step gap between them with three long strides.

Y/N finds herself at lost for words as an oversized jacket pools her form, and Ushijima zips up the jacket with gentle hands. His face is even closer now, this much Y/N is hyperactively aware of. She feels a brush creeping up her face and curses herself for being so helpless in this situation. If only Tendou could see her now.

“Thank you, Ushijima-san. You didn’t have to.” He’s looking down at her with an unreadable expression, hands still fixed at her shoulders.

“Wakatoshi.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Just Wakatoshi is fine.” His face breakes into a smile as the sentence causes blood to shoot up Y/N’s face, her cheeks no doubt redder than a tomato. Cute, he thinks to himself.

“A-ah, then, thank you, Wakatoshi.” She manages to squeak out, though her voice is a bit muffled from her hands covering her face. She feels warm hands grip her wrist, gently pulling her hands away from her face. Y/N is once again made aware of the fact that his face alone could be used as a deadly weapon.

“You can just call me Y/N, too.” She finds herself blurting out. Ushijima, the deadly weapon, decides to go in for the kill. “Alright. So, Y/N, would you like to have dinner with me some other day? Just the two of us this time.”

Y/N pinches herself to make sure she isn’t dreaming, and replies with a hearty grin and a, “Yeah, I’d love that.”

A/N. Another reupload! There was a certain point in time when I was obsessed with Ushiwaka. This is me praying tribute to that. As always, thank you for reading! Please leave a like if you enjoyed it! - chuu

[hotel-six]

"Mason." I blurted, eyeing at the man as he smiled. Woods in turn grumbled and fished his wallet, handing the Alaskan a paper bill.

"Great choice Bell!" Alex stood up from his table and shook hands with me. I shot him a questionable glare.

"Boo!" Frank called as he gave us a thumbs down.

"He's just salty he lost a bet. Don't mind him." Alex assured me and all I could do was nod. Frank was the kind of bully that picks on you because he cared for you, and no one else could change my opinion of him.

"Well, now that it's settled, Park, you're with me." Adler concluded as Park followed Adler for additional instructions. You looked at Mason questioning what to do next.

"What now?" I asked as he slumped to a nearby chair and faced me seriously.

"We'll have to come up with ways to earn her trust." He said, pulling a dossier of the president's daughter. Okay. This was easy. I just have to get to know her a little. Got it.

I read the copy of the dossier. It was so formally written, the words started to bore me.

So her name is Eve, she's into foreign languages, likes tea parties and ice fishing. Yeah this is one bizarre gal.

"Do you know anything about her interests?" Alex asked as he noticed my eyebrows already looking confused.

"Yeah… I guess I know a few foreign languages. But I doubt if she'll be interested in that."

"Yeah. It would be weird if we greeted her with a different language." Alex rubbed his fingers on his chin while Woods quickly inserted himself in the conversation, his arms crossed.

"Ice fishin'" the sergeant said. Both Alex and I turned to his suggestion.

"I don't know, make shit up. You're from Alaska, she'd be convinced that you're some popular ice fisher or something." Woods said as Alex agreed to him.

"Great, now that that's done, we could leave, right?" I stood up and clapped.

"Not quite yet. Do you already have something to wear? Remember, we need to act like we belong." he reminded me and of course I'd miss that. My mind started to remember 'Nam all over again, but just bits and pieces.

"Ah yeah. So… " I trailed, waiting for Mason to finish my sentence.

"We look for clothes." Mason tossed his keys to Frank as we stood up and went to buy some. Honestly, the side trips of the missions are the fun parts.

~

International Academy of the Arts

Prom Night

I've never worn formal clothing in quite a while but this one, I actually like. It's a fine mix of comfortable and classy, and I could still fit a gun in it. Perfect for undercover.

I took another sip of their fruit punch, these killer drinks looked fancy and tasted fancy. When Adler said blend in, it meant I get to avail everything served for the students.

"Is it really that good?" Mason asked, his eyes widened in curiosity as I downed another glass. He was wearing this simple tuxedo with a bright red bowtie. He told me red was a noticeable color and he hoped it was trusting enough for Eve to follow us.

The lights started to dim as the colorful spotlights slowed down, diverting all its glow toward the center area of the venue. It was time for the dance. As the crowd started to partner up, my eyes started to focus on Eve.

"There she is, near the stage. Let's go." Mason quickly grabbed my hand and we surged through the crowd positioning ourselves not too far from Eve.

"So we're dancing?" I asked as Mason offered his hand. I could feel my heart thumping as I accepted his offer. This isn't normal.

"Yeah. Just sway your body side to side. No big deal. Just act normal and when the time is right, we could talk to them." Mason assured as his hand found its way on me. I focused my eyes on his feet, attempting to copy his steps.

"Nothing suspicious so far. But they're closing the entrance. Looks like everyone in the guest list is already in." Lazar radioed as we continued dancing, our steps were swaying closer and closer to Eve.

We got close enough that we actually caught her attention. Eve smiled at us as everyone tossed their partners to the nearest couple, forcing me to pair up with Eve's partner.

He looked at me with a warm smile. Maybe I'm really that convincing as a schoolmate so I tagged along, dancing to the rhythm.

"I haven't seen you here. You're one of those exchange students, yeah?" He spoke and all I could ever do was nod and continue dancing.

"Great, great. Welcome to the International Academy of the Arts! I'm Ben." he welcomed me and I smiled in return.

"Great school. I like." I muttered, pretending I don't know much of the English language, further verifying my transfer student alibi. From the corner of my eye, it looked like Eve was already having a great time.

"Back to your partner you go!" He cheered as the music cued for the exchange, but just as the pass was about to happen, the lights quickly dimmed as the music stopped. Collective gasps and screaming immediately filled the dance floor as everyone panicked to safety. The faint glow of the emergency exit was their only source of light.

"What's the sitrep?" I yelled over comms.

"Proceed to exfil! The entrance is under attack!" Adler yelled as gunfire started booming in the background. Glass shattered from the windows and you felt a familiar hand pull you up.

"On your feet, Bell. I got Eve." I felt a gun in my hand and I knew exactly what to do. Lead the way.

"Woods, how's the exit?" 

"Dark and crowded." he grumbled. That just meant it wasn't the safest way out. Three people are defending the entrance and I can't afford wasting my time waiting for the crowd to ease up. 

I remembered the blueprints from earlier. There were a few more exits that I remember and every choice offers the quickest path to Sims.

Route A is through the second floor. There's a metallic ladder that leads straight to the parking lot. I doubt anyone would go there. With all the fancy clothing, this was the least plausible way.

Route B is through the basement parking lot, but the entrance is through the rest of your squad's defending line. It would be such a risk but the basement is underground and actually safer.

[Route A]

[Route B]

[lgceunji]

✧ .・゜゜trainee mission, interview: why did you ever stop?

    despite eunji’s lack of a ‘real’ manager, she was in enough contact with the officials of legacy to get one of the bigger dancing rooms all to herself for free practice. there were other groups she had to fight to get it, yet somehow, she was given the chance to finally get one of the rooms herself.     she made her way past the dark windows, a sharp reminder of how late in the day it was, and through another hallway. the whole building used to confuse her, used to scare her, but she felt like the months being there finally left her comfortable when alone.     she turned yet another corner and saw her designated room. she smiled at it, hoping she could really get half decent practice in for the awful dance she was trying to learn earlier.     like a flash, a being whizzed around the corner. her head snapped to them. two figures darted at her. she gasped as they raced. a camera, a giant microphone, what are you-?

     “hi! are you jin eunji? the child prodigy gymnast?” an eager lady with glasses asked eunji and handed her a still wrapped up mic pack.     eunji took in a deep breath. she put together that it was netflix who was suddenly chasing her, not someone out to attack her. she giggled, took the mic, and smiled.     “you almost gave me a heart attack!” she beamed at the two’s terrifying joke. she spoke to them with a turned head, unlocking and opening the door to let herself in. “but, yes, i am jin eunji if you’re asking,” she stepped inside and waved them in sweetly, “and i don’t think i would call myself a prodigy.” she chuckled.     the older man, he looked a hundred years old yet his muscles looked like they were made of footballs, closed the door behind the ladies and held the camera steadily. eunji looked at him. he was pretty cute, but even cuter, he was clearly comfortable holding such a giant piece of equipment.     “tell me, eunji,” the lady asked and eunji’s head turned to her. she held up her mic pack to her own mouth again. “how long ago did you start gymnastics?”     eunji hummed, her eyes darting around the room. she pursed her lips to the corner of her mouth in thought. “when i was… five? maybe six?”     “wow!” the lady’s exclamation was quite breathy, “at five?!”     eunji beamed proudly, “at five.”     “is there anything you still remember about it? would you be willing to show us?”     eunji laughed confidently, “is there anything i remember?” she dramatically held a hand to her chest in ‘shock’, “i don’t think there’s a single angle i’ve forgotten.” she laughed and handed the mic pack to the lady.     the two instantly moved to get out of eunji’s way, the cameraman running to and fro to find the best spot to capture whatever he was going to witness.     eunji tightened her hair’s ponytail as she looked across the room. it was a bigger dance room but still quite small compared to a performance floor. how many could dance there? forty people? perhaps fifty? it would have to do. eunji set her backpack down but took out her phone. technically she was not supposed to use it, but for music, she guessed it would be fine if she had it out just once. besides, it was her old routine, how was she not supposed to take the opportunity? surely the staff would understand.     “woah, this is so old.” she scrolled through her phone and found the rogue file. she turned to the interview lady, who was snugly beside the cameraman in a corner. eunji smiled at the idea she might kick them both in the face. “i haven’t, uh, practiced this in years!”     she swallowed. she could suddenly feel her fingers shake.     i haven’t done this routine in so long. i’m not great at dancing, either. can i still even- they’re watching. of course i can do this.     she looked back to the couple, “i don’t think it’s a good idea to stand there, try standing in the middle.” she politely waved from them to the center of the mirror. “it-it’s not you! just-… yeah.” she could feel the tips of her ears turn pink.     whatever, eunji, this could get edited anyway. just give it your all, just like then.     she set her phone on the ground, stood, and hit play (1:03 - 2:22).     her feet started nervously. she was already calculating her twists and flips. the floor, eunji physically knew, were engineered wooden floors. she shook her head. the music started. she would have to use all muscle, no momentum and no bounce.     she ran. she ran hard but slammed her hands down after two steps. she shot herself into the air over and over and swung her legs above her head. she landed on flat feet. she was already sweating. she was shocked that she had done it, that she had landed, and danced herself to a new position. she let herself relax as she fell back and rolled on the ground.     the stretches did not phase her. she was bendable like a ribbon, easily flowing and moving as she demanded herself to. she thought not of the camera, but of the performance, and how the hell she was going to complete her next two flips.     she used the time on the floor to relax herself. she thought hard about how she was going to do it. she made it to the corner. she turned. the music started off. she shook her head and her feet ran.     she ran hard and jumped. the tips of her toes smashed into the hard floor and she winced. she did it again. once more. no pain. she landed on her flat feet, her toes, she could feel, were beginning to bleed at the knuckles.     she smiled, stood straight, and continued to tap her injured toes. she kept dancing and jumping. she lept like a baby gazelle until finding herself in another corner.     one more, eunji. it’s just pain. you are fine. it’s only pain.     the music cued her once more and before her brain could react her muscles were flying her forwards. a simple twist was all it was to be.     she ran, ran and slammed herself down then up. she felt physically sick and then hurled her feet over her head once more. she stuck it. she felt a drip, just one, rolling off the side of her pinkie toe. she smiled brightly.     she spun down, around, laid forward, and pushed back. with her arms outstretched and confidence in an injury, eunji had finished, and the music came to its own halt.     no reaction.     eunji sat up and put her legs in front of her. she looked for the camera again, loosing track of where it was, and smiled at it. she waved, then bowed so her forehead touched her knees.     “eunji- eunji that was incredible!” the woman exclaimed. the cameraman had no reaction but the girl, eunji noticed, was completely taken aback. her eyes bulged from her head and her jaw fell through the floor. her hands were up beside her head, open, shocked, each finger stretched as long as a straw. eunji just giggled.     she looked to her toes, “uh, i think, can one of you- there’s some wipes in my bag.” she pointed to her back on the ground and looked to the interviewer. the woman looked clearly confused.     the pain was beginning to really seep in. eunji’s eyebrows leaned away from one another. her breath quickened.     “m-my bag- please bring me my bag i think i hurt myself.” she pulled her knees to her chest so her feet were flat on the ground. it was clear, there was a little blood and already some bruising surrounding her toes’ knuckles.     the woman shrieked and ran for the bag. the cameraman trotted towards eunji. it got a good, gross shot of her feet. she heaved. she pressed her lips closed, eyes focused on her toes. before she knew it, her bag was brought beside her. she was frozen, only for a moment, and stared. she had landed so hard and so fast that the skin split.     she laughed. there was nothing else she could do.     “well!” she chuckled again, “this is reality, huh? the reality of a gymnast.”     from out of her bag she pulled out wipes, napkins, and a first aid kit. she got to work fixing herself, eyes glued onto her toes. she took out the wipes and- an arm was in front of her eyes.     the woman was clipping a microphone onto eunji’s shirt. eunji looked at it. she looked away, her face devoid of emotion. the lady set the microphone in her lap. eunji just focused on herself, cleaning her feet gingerly. the camera recorded her face, her toes, and likely, captured a lack of concern.     “eunji- do you need me to call someone?” the lady asked, her eyes darting across the world trying to figure out what to do. the man and eunji were calm.     “nope!” she smiled up at her, “this happens all the time. my feet aren’t exactly pretty, anyway.” it was a strange insecurity for a pro-body love young lady.     “eunji, how can you just do this? is this normal in gymnastics?” she asked. eunji shook her head.     "no. . . well, it’s sometimes- i guess it’s normal, yeah. it happens to everyone at least once.” she took the napkins and used them to clear out the rest of the wetness the disinfectant wipes left behind. she looked to see which toes, which parts of her feet, were most injured.     "woah… you must really love what you do.” the woman’s voice, for once, was calm. eunji smiled a toothless grin.     “yeah,” she stared at her own toes like a first time mother stares at their newborn, “i really really love it.”     “so, you’re saying that if this happened while dancing, you would be fine?”     eunji tilted her head side to side, calmly putting the wipes away, “well… maybe. i think if i broke my voice like this, oh, i would need to take a year off of training.” she laughed.     “really?”     eunji nodded.     “then why did you ever stop?”     eunji froze. her head tilted up, slightly, and she looked off into the distance. why did she ever stop? her ears turned hot. her blood pressure rose like magma in a volcano.     she turned to the cameraman and was met with a lens. she turned to the woman and was meat with bulbous, curious eyes. she just shook her head. her voice was quiet like a whisper. she felt more drops of blood begin to slowly seep as she worried.     “i-… i don’t know.” her voice sunk even deeper into nothingness than a whisper, “i really don’t know.”

word count: 1,817 points: +5 performance

[holycalum]

vex c.h. 

word count: 3.8k+

warnings: mentions of pregnancy, swearing, drugs refs, but it’s actaully not bad at all

summary: the one where calum’s the most™ annoying but it’s cus he’s in looooove (is tht enough??)

a/n: HI yeah i know i haven’t posted in years because um (: i’ve been the most busy ever. i have so many things i wanna post i have like million half written things and ideas i just don’t have the energy to finish or start i know its bad i miss writing. anyways i hope ya like it i know i suck at writing the good ending parts where the stuff happens but i’m trying. send me requests pls it might take a while but ill defo get to them! love yall the most!

“can you please shut the fuck up and stop chewing ice for like, five seconds?” “first of all, i have an iron deficiency, calum.” you sneer, “you know i’m sensitive about it.” “you know i don’t care about your blood iron content, right (y/n)?” calum glares at you, angrily sipping his drink. “maybe you’re pregnant.” you almost scream, “stop don’t say that,” you pat your stomach, “i don’t want to be pregnant.” “cal, it’s your turn to bowl,” ashton says, flopping down next to calum on the couch opposite you. “i don’t wanna fuckin’ bowl,” calum grumbles, crossing his arms and sinking back into the couch. ashton scrunches his eyebrows, “cal, it was your idea-“ “(y/n) should take my turn, maybe it’ll help her unborn child be a champion bowler.” he mused, making ashton do a double take. “honestly,” ashton squeaks, “i don’t wanna know, (y/n), are you pregnant?” “thought you didn’t wanna know?” you joked, placing two hands on your stomach. “no, i’m not, calum’s just being a bitch.” “m’ not.” he counters, “it’s just your pregnant lady hormones are rubbing off on me, i’m surprised we’re all not crying.” ashton just sits up slowly, backing away from the couch. “it’s just, fuck you calum.” you roll your eyes, leaning back into the couch. you turn your body away from calum, focusing your attention on the scoreboard. “you’re doing really badly.” “can’t show up your bowling prodigy child,” calum hardly misses a beat, as annoying as he was being, he was on fire tonight. “wonder who the dad is.” you pull at your hair, “oh my fucking god,” you want to throw a bowling ball at his head, “it’s like you want me to be pregnant, you’re insinuating i’m getting dicked down enough to be pregnant.” “big word, gotta set a good example for the baby...” calum trails off, trying not to laugh at his constant pestering. “are you?” “wouldn’t be your business if i was, or if i wasn’t.” “then who am i to believe you’re not pregnant,” calum shrugs, finishing his drink. calum’s neck looked like prime real-estate for your fists, you had never been so annoyed with him in your time knowing him. for a while you two were actually friends, but as of lately, he seemed to seize any opportunity to push your buttons. michael slid into the spot next to you, “yanno, boys are usually mean to girls when they like them.” he whispers in your ear, “doesn’t that promote an unhealthy association or something?” you roll your eyes, burning holes into the side of calum’s head. “i’m sure someone who likes you wouldn’t claim you’re pregnant every chance they got.” “calum’s not just someone,” michael sing-songed, “i honestly don’t know what sticks up his ass.” “apparently it’s not a stick, it’s my fake baby.” you crossed your arms, still glaring at calum. “ashton,” you piped up, gripping the back of the drivers seat. “can we please stop at mcdonald’s, i have to pee.” “no.” calum answered for ashton, “i recall asking ashton,” you snapped your head towards him, “but go off i guess.” “yeah.” ashton said quietly, switching lanes to get off at the next exit. “no,” calum grabbed the steering wheel, “you peed like 20 minutes ago.” “jesus fucking ch-calum please,” ashton threw his hand off the wheel, “don’t kill us please.” “wouldn’t wanna kill the baby,” calum grinned at you, sarcasm leaking from his dimples. jesus, you think, here we fucking go. “since when are you the dictator of my bladder?” you asked, face red. “peeing a lot is a sign of pregnancy, you know?” calum said, ignoring your question. “so, you’re an ob-gyn now too?” “i’ve taken up many practices since you conceived your baby,” calum insisted, eyes glued to his phone. you desperately wanted calum to turn his head towards you, to give you his full attention. this half assed argument wasn’t cutting it. “i’m honestly so uncomfortable, we’re almost at McDonald's.” ashton announces, “i am not fucking pregnant!” you shout, slinking into the back seat, “why do i even hang out with you?” “hey, (y/n), how you feeling?” luke asks, face grainy on your phone screen. “like ass,” you croak, you’d been throwing up all morning. you thought you were on the come up, and tested the waters with a piece of toast, but you were unsuccessful. “-is that (y/n)?” you hear calum ask, and your stomach lurches, you didn’t need to deal with him right now. “yeah-she’s sick,” “with what?” “i dunno, she’s throwing up-“ suddenly the phone screen shakes and calum’s face takes up the whole thing. his face holds an evil smile and you’re far too familiar with his jokes and you know what you’re in for. “you’re having morning sickness, (y/n).” he says matter-of-factly. you feel the last of your toast threatening to inch up your throat. “it’s cus’ you’re pregnant.” you empty your stomach into the toilet, “fuck you, calum.” you manage in between deep breaths. “i have food poising.” “if that’s what we’re calling pregnancy these days.” “i’m hanging up.” you throw your phone across the tile of your bathroom, leaning your head against the cool toilet bowl. you felt so gross, and calum’s comments were not helping in the slightest. you felt like crying really, he was being such a jerk to you, for no reason. a few fever naps later, you’re woken up by a knock at your front door. you drag yourself to the door, opening it to find a bag from the drug store, with a note reading ‘pregnancy kit!’ you immediately toss the pregnancy tests to the side, digging out the gatorade. you call calum, “thanks for the gatorade, but i don’t need the tests, wanna give them to your groupies?” you say as soon as he picks up. “ah,” he breathes, “of course, how could i be so silly, you don’t need to test something you’re already sure of.” “fuck off.” “i don’t need them,” he continues, “that’s not me anymore.” “ok, bye calum.” you throw your phone back onto your couch, dropping the bag next to you. if he wasn’t such an asshole, you’d think him going out of his way to bring you things would be sweet, but you’re sure it’s just an extra step he took to tease you. if he were anyone else you might smile and blush at the thought, but thinking of calum’s devilish smile while picking things out only made your skin crawl with heat. “(y/n)...” calum pushes the drink out of your hands, “you can’t drink while pregnant.” you nearly break the bottle over his skull, “are you like deprived of sex or something? is that why you’re so edgy?” “i just care about the well being of your baby,” he rests a hand on your stomach, “seeing that it-speaking if we should find out the gender soon. seeing that its father is absent.” you flick his hand off of you and ignore the way your heart speeds up when he touches you. “let’s find you someone, that sound good?” you ask, dropping his calloused hand from your grip, and scanning the bar for anyone that may peak calum’s interest. if you were being honest, the conflict between you and calum, that you dread, lit something within you. whether it was a match under your ass that kept you on your toes, or something warmer in the pit of your stomach, you found yourself red in the face and tingly every time you went back and forth with each other. calum was pissing you off and he knew it, he had wiggled his way under your skin, and you didn’t know how you felt about it. you spot a blonde girl across the room, and you set out to approach her. “no one that’ll take away from my ob-gyn practice,” he shouts as you walk away, stomping loudly. it almost hurts how ok he was with it. you return only a few minutes later, finding it very easy to convince a random chick to talk to someone in a band. “calum,” you stand in front of him, and he glares down at your smaller frame. “this is ally-allison-um, this is allison.” you introduce her, and she giggled loudly. “oh my god,” he drops his jaw, “you reincarnated michael jackson? for me? you’re too sweet, (y/n).” something inside you relaxes at his dislike for the stranger. “what?” allison cocks her head to the side, looking calum up and down. you catch yourself thinking, me too girl. “never mind,” you mutter, “allison said she likes music, you like that too!” “yeah, i go to a lot of raves.” she assures us, “have you guys ever done molly?” “no.” calum is short, “well, i have a few in my bag-“ “nice,” he responds, “we can do a couple,” “yeah for sure,” his eyes are in slits as soon as he looks at you, you shrink under his gaze. “let’s do molly, in some bar, with ally.” “allison.” she corrects, and calum already has your bicep in his hand, dragging you in the opposite direction of allison. your brain is split between wanting to punch him for being so rough, and letting him drag you along. you go with the latter. “we’ll be right back, ally, just need to converse with my colleague.” calum has no intention of ever speaking to her again, anyone named allison, he decides. soon, you’re standing outside the bar, shooting daggers out of your eyes at calum. if looks could kill, he would’ve been dead hours ago, and you’d be beating the dead horse. your feelings were all jumbled up, in a hot, flaming, pile of trash. “it’s cold,” you complain, rubbing your bare arms. “ok well, i can’t control the weather.” he snapped, making your stomach drop, he was being so mean. “what the hell is your problem?” “i don’t need you to meddle in my love life, (y/n).” he uttered, pulling out a cigarette from his back pocket. you snatch it away from him, and he’s left empty-handed. “not good for you,” you explain, “i’m not the pregnant one...” “no one is pregnant!” you shout, throwing the unlit cigarette on the ground. “sounds like something a pregnant lady would say,” calum hasn’t missed an opportunity yet. “i literally need you to stop,” you beg, shaking his shoulders. he lets out a quiet ‘woah’ but doesn’t do anything to stop you from violently shaking him around. “i don’t know what your problem is, but like, you’ve been at this since before i tried helping you out, so what gives?” calum only shrugs in response, eyes drifting to the people flowing out of the bar. his mind sails elsewhere, wondering if the guys would wonder where you two went, if they knew how he felt, if they cared at all. “cal, there’s gotta be like, someone in there for you, if you want a wingman-“ you babble, trying to push the idea of you and calum far, far, far, out of your brain. if he could just make out with someone, you could never think about him like that again, and then you could really get pregnant, and live a calum-free life. “there’s no one in there for me.” he says coldly, turning his shoulders away from you, making your arms drop down to your sides. you can feel him closing off. you roll your eyes, “how are you supposed to know that,” you soften your tone, you didn’t really know how to talk to calum like this. “cus’ i just do,” he’s slowly inching away from you now, trying to increase the space, trying to decrease the connection. “why should you care?” he turned his difficult feelings into coldness. “you’re my friend, i think, if you’re allowed to be so involved in my uterus, i should be allowed to try and get you some!” you fume, stepping closer to him. “i’m trying to be nice while you continue to be so mean.” “why try?” “i-“ you didn’t know, “i don’t know.” “well,” he barks, “if i’m being so mean and you can’t stand it, why do you hang out with me?” “why are you so mean?” you ask, both of your voices raising. “i don’t know.” he mocks you, “you have to know!” you were being far too dramatic for where you were, but you were so blinded by rage you found it difficult to care. “if you’re allowed to not know why you put up with me, i’m allowed to not know why i’m mean to you.” he turns to walk away from you, you grab the sleeve of his jacket, blood pumping rapidly. “don’t walk away from me, calum, that’s rude as shit.” “i am rude as shit.” “you’re not!” you cry, people walking out of the bar into the cool air taking a second glance at your exchange. “you’re not rude and that’s why i’m confused as to why you’re being rude to me, you weren’t like this before.” “before you started going out on dates and shit and getting pregnant,” he grumbled, shoulders slumping into himself. you gaped, “how does that have to do with why you’re being mean.” “m’ not mean.” his voice got quieter, head now lowered. if he couldn’t just box you out he could always try retreating into himself. “you just said you were,” you matched his volume. “m’ not,” he repeated, “n’ there’s no one in there for me.” “you’re all over the place,” you’re head is spinning, and you can’t connect the dots between anything calum’s saying. “cus’ the only person for me is standing outside the fuckin’ bar.” “have i ever told you, you have such a way with words,” you were trying to be so cool, because you doubted that the middle-aged businessman standing near the entrance was the one for calum, but he was making it really hard. “you’ll never guess what i do for a living.” he jokes back, but his chuckle ends too short to be real. “ok, so, why do you think i’m pregnant? like i’m still lost.” “can we please not talk about it,” he begs, finally looking at you. your stomach flips at his eye contact, and as wobbly as your knees are, you’re unmoving. you couldn’t “that’s not fair to me, cal.” “just not here then, please.” the sound of your front door closing was the first thing to break the agonizing silence between the two of you. “so...” you lean over your kitchen counter. calum rubs his face, and groans. “it’s stupid,” his words are altered by his cheeks being smooshed against his hands. a blush creeps up the back of calum’s neck and onto his face. he wasn’t getting out of this one. “yeah,” you agree, “it is stupid, but why?” there’s a long stretch of silence, “cus i like you,” finally cuts through the thick air surrounding you two. “m’ still a little drunk.” you spit out the sip of water you had just taken. “sorry,” you sputter, wiping your mouth. sure he had implied something of the sort outside the bar, but hearing him say it was sending you elsewhere. “i um,” “you don’t have to say anything back, but you wanted to know, so i told you.” he shrinks into himself, “no, cal, i just wanna know why you thought that was how you should’ve gone about it.” you weren’t saying you didn’t feel the same, but you also weren’t saying you’d let him off so easy. “i’m sorry, if it really bothered you.” he says instead, spinning himself back and forth on the bar stool. he was looking everywhere but you. “it’s not that, it was just-“ “weird?” “yeah.” “i know id be weird anyways, so i figures being mean weird would rule out yanno, me feeling things.” he explains, playing with the cuff of his jacket. “oh,” you whisper, studying how his eyebrows scrunch when he can’t button his sleeve. “you can’t just try and cancel out your feelings...like pemdas.” his eyes flicker towards you, “wrong, i did try, it just didn’t work.” “so you still like me?” you ask, “do all pregnant people ask this many questions?” he says under his breath, and you let yourself laugh because it’s kinda funny. calum smiles sheepishly as he continues looking down at his sleeves. “just me i guess,” you decide to play along. “yeah, i do.” “cool.” “that’s all i get?” he sits up straight, gripping the edge of the counter. “it’s cool!” you defend, giggles escaping your lips. “yeah well, what’s cool about it?” he tests the waters, maybe you were interested, maybe it wasn’t so crazy to think maybe you’d like him too. even just a little bit. he leans back against the chair. “i think it’s cool...” you trail off, biting your lip, “that someone so cool likes me.” “you think i’m cool?” calum’s tone is teasing, but you can tell he’s flustered by the way his usually low voice raises a bit and the blush painting his tanned cheeks. “mhm.” you nod slightly, the little bit of alcohol in your system making it hard to hold off. calum’s stature was especially enduring right now, his soft, sleepy eyes and messy hair, your heart swelled at the sight. “cool.” he said simply, eyes crinkling. you only let out another quiet ‘mhm’ in response, taking another sip of water. “so, is that it?” “is what it?” “is that all we say, and now i just have to stare at you until you kick me out?” he questions, face dropping. surely, he thought, you were only playing him. “bold of you to assume you’d even wanna stare at my face that long.” you counter, raising an eyebrow. he thinks for a moment, “bold of you to assume i wouldn’t.” “bold of you to assume...” it was getting really hard to go back and forth with calum now, his cocky smile getting under your skin instead of on your nerves for once. “bold of you to assume i’d kick you out,” “oh?” he grinned, leaning over the counter, mirroring my position. he widens his eyes at you, “better get used to it then.” “are you flirting with me, calum?” “bold of you to assume i’m not setting you up for the best pregnant joke of all time.” you roll your eyes at him, starting to move away. he grabs your hand suddenly, pulling you back over the counter. “i was only kidding, (y/n).” “figured,” you squeak out, trying not to faulted. you swallow hard, “but why do you need to be so close to me?” you were certain if anything was obvious is was the prominent blush splayed across your cheeks. you’d be surprised if he couldn’t feel the heat radiating off of your cheeks. “like seein’ you blush,” you were right, “sure, i could see it from down the street, but this is a better view.” “doubt it.” you bite your lip, “agree to disagree?” “turning down an argument?” you question, “i’m sure another opportunity will present itself.” he whispers, “you know i’d stay here, but it’s a really uncomfortable position.” you speak, after a moment of silence. “and i hate being in jeans. are you spending the night?” “what does that have to do with being in jeans?” he stays leaned over the counter after you stand straight again, and start walking towards your room. “i don’t have any clothes for you, i’d feel bad if i was comfortable and you weren’t.” “not something you’d ever cared about before, doll.” he spins around to face you, relaxed against the stool. suddenly your whole body feels hot. you gulp, “i guess you’re right,” you come back later, clad in pajama shorts and a long sleeved shirt. calum’s lounging on your couch now, feet kicked up on the coffee table. “glad you’ve made yourself comfortable.” “you weren’t going to,” he speaks, eyes not breaking away from his phone. you sit down next to him, legs folded underneath yourself. he glances over at you, a smile smile evident on his lips. it felt odd, not being genuinely angry at calum for more than an hour. “listen,” he speaks, “you don’t have to kick me out, i can leave on my own.” he looks down at his hands, twisting his rings. “you can if you want,” you say softly, covering your yawn with you hand. you hoped he didn’t want to leave, cause you’d be ok if he sat on your couch forever. “do you want me to?” he meets your eyes, you shrug, inspecting your nail polish, “don’t care,” “i mean, it’d be kinda weird if i stayed cus i like you and you don’t-“ “i like you calum,” you cut him off, darting your eyes back down to your nails. “oh,” he shook his head a bit, a grin creeping its way onto his face. “glad that’s out of the way,” you say, still not looking at calum. if you looked at him it’d be real and you’d given into him, who was bullying you for a fake pregnancy only hours before. it was stupid if you put it that way. but if you thought about it another way, it was never really that deep. “then, i guess i’ll stay?” he says carefully, nudging your thigh, eyebrows raised in anticipation. “cool.” you nod, making eye contact for a split second before turning back away. you could combust then and there. “you’d like that?” he teases, inching closer to you. you swear you feel your heart stutter. “if i stayed?” “mhm.” you laser your focus on your chipping polish instead of his body heat in attempt to calm yourself down. but you’re the furthest thing from calm. “ok,” he huffs, leaning back and throwing an arm around your shoulders. you stiffen under his touch, your entire body on fire. as of the last couple of months you’d been hot out of anger, not by whatever this was. calum’s gaze was fixed on you, his eyes fond despite his cocky manner. “you gonna relax, sweetheart?” the nickname dripped like honey from his lips. “you gonna kiss me to get it over with already?” you spit suddenly, wanting to end the awkwardness. you were sick of the jitters now, and all you wanted was calum. yet, you slap a hand over your mouth. he let out a laugh, “can’t with you so far away from me.” you roll your eyes, and lift yourself to turn yourself toward him. “much better,” he grins, moving a hand up to cup your face. fuck that, you think, grabbing the collar of his shirt and pressing your lips together. you feel the tension leave your body, as calum’s lips work against yours. it feels like heaven, his plump lips against yours, hands gripping whatever they can. calum pulls away, forehead leaning against yours, panting quietly. you take in his look, eyes closed, blissed out, beautiful. “bet your baby daddy couldn’t do that?” he jokes, smiling. “shut up.”

[destinyninjatrash]

Gousuke Maid Fic thing

This is the LEMON one, so I'll be putting it under a cut to protect the eyes of the innocent uwu (assuming tumblr behaves and let's me put a cut -, I apologize in advance if it doesn't QuQ)

Summary: Gou visits his boy toy at work and can't handle being pampered by Daisuke

-

"Yeah I have an appointment," Gou nodded at the employee's question, "It should be under "Gou"." He added, glancing away to try and spot his boyfriend, against all odds he'd managed to tie down a man, and they'd been going strong for a couple of months. Everything was great, although his boyfriend's job was a little strange too say the least, working at a maid cafe and crossdressing, not that he minded, if anything it was a bonus to see such a cute guy in a dress on a regular basis. "There he is ~" His eyes lit up once he finally set his sights on the object of his affection, the corners of his lips tugging upwards in a slight smirk, no matter how many times he saw him in uniform it never failed to amuse him how attractive of a man he was dating. The outfit flattered him perfectly, hugging his small waist and being short enough to partially show off the thick thighs he had been gifted with, and the shoes, the way he strutted over in those heels so confidently just did things for him. Daisuke was perfectly beautiful in normal clothes, but his work outfit was undeniably better, just the thought of it was enough to make his dick twitch in his pants. "I hope you haven't been waiting too long darling ~" The blond commented, reaching out to take one of his hands, "Let me show you to your table-" "Don't you have to grab a menu babe?" Gou interrupted, drinking in the view, as if Daisuke in a maid outfit wasn't bad enough, being called darling only made things worse, he was just too cute to handle, "A menu won't be necessary for you, why? Are you doubting my knowledge of my own boyfriend?" He asked teasingly, leading him off towards the table.

It was a rather busy day for the cafe, so in the hopes of having a little bit of privacy Daisuke had managed to secure a table closer to the back of the establishment, tucked away in a corner. On it there was already a generous slice of red velvet cake and a cup of tea waiting for them, "My my, do you memorize all your clients favorites? You must've read my mind to figure this out." Gou joked, chuckling a little as he was sat down, "Mn-mn," Daisuke shook his head, "I only memorize the special ones, like you ~" He cooed, reaching a hand out to cup his face and rubbing his thumb against the others cheek, causing Gou to go a little red, "Geez...You shouldn't tease so much, you might get a more intense reaction than intended ~" "Well you're the one that insisted on visiting, don't try and act like you didn't want me to spoil you, that's exactly why you came isn't it?" Shit, he was right, that was exactly what he wanted, Daisuke fretting over him, paying attention to no one else, with the bonus of good food and a sexy visual, "Fine fine, you caught me, continue with the doting maid act." "That's what I thought," He giggled, scooting his seat closer and picking up a fork, cutting off a bite of cake, "Ahh ~, open wide sweetheart." "Yes sir ~" He purred, opening his mouth to take in the fork, his blush only getting worse as he was fed, there was just something so intimate about having someone else feed you, and while it was objectively a very sweet gesture he was acutely aware of the heat starting to pool in his lower abdomen, 'gods you're pathetic, you've been here five minutes and you're already starting to get horny? What a loser-, mn he does look good though...what I wouldn't give to have him say ahh and shove something between those pretty lips-'

"Gou?" He was snapped back to reality by Daisuke calling out to him, "Don't space out on me love, aren't we suppose to be spending time together?" He questioned, reaching out to grab the others face and gently turn it to look at him, "Is something wrong?" "Hm? No no, everything's just fine baby doll, keep going," He answered, keeping his mouth open for the next bite and trying to stay on his best behavior, although that was easier said than done. Every compliment, nickname, and sweet gesture sent blood rushing down to his cock, and it wasn't long at all before he was painfully hard, "Dai, baby," He interrupted, pausing the blond for a moment, "Yes?" "I wanna try to feed you something ~" He explained, a smirk gracing his features as he imagined how the other would react to just what he wanted to "feed" him, "Really?" Daisuke was already suspicious, but unwisely decided to play along, "What do you want to fed me then? The last of the cake?" "No, no, I was thinking something a little more...meaty." "Excuse m-? h-hey!" He let out a yelp, feeling Gou start to grind his dick against one of his thighs, "Y-you horn dog...I'm at work...we can't-" "I don't care, I told you to stop being so cute, now you have to take responsibility for it, you wouldn't just leave me to suffer with a hard on would you?" "Er-" He wasn't exactly wrong, Daisuke loved to help and take care of others by nature, he would never leave his boyfriend in such a needy state, "Ugh, okay, okay, but do we have to do it right here...?" "Mmhm, I'm in desperate need of relief, it'd be too painful to move now ~" That was a fat lie, he could move if he wanted to, he just wanted an excuse to fuck Daisuke in public, "Of course you are, and, what, what did you plan on using to fix this...?" "Hm...I think a piece of this should suffice ~" Gou answered, reaching over and grabbing a handful of the blonds ass, squeezing it firmly and illiciting a lovely gasp from him, "Mn, that was a cute one Dai ~, but you'll have to be quiet if we wanna get away with this ~" "Sh-shut up..."

Daisuke huffed a little as he slapped his boyfriend's hand away, reaching under his skirt and easily slipping out of his shorts and underwear, "I swear-, you're lucky I got a table in the back..." He muttered to himself, "Come on, let's see what I'm working with -" He ordered, turning his chair towards the other and reaching over to grab his crotch, teasingly rubbing and squeezing at his cock for a moment before reaching under his waistband and fishing it out, the appendage popping out eagerly standing tall and proud for all to see, precum already dribbling down it, "Like what you see ~?" "Ugh-" Daisuke blushed at the question, getting up and plopping himself down in the others lap, fitting the others needy cock snuggly against his ass, "Y-yes...it's the setting I don't like..." He pouted, grinding back against him, earning some low goans from his boyfriend as he gyrated his hips, "Ahh...come on Dai~ , I want in, we don't have time to tease babe ~" "I know, I'm getting to it," Daisuke snapped, reaching behind him to grab the others cock and leading it to press against his entrance, slipping it inside rather easily, "still a little loose from last time ~?" Gou asked teasingly, starting to roll his hips and thrust into him as best he could in this position, "H-ahhh...stop it...f-focus on getting off-" the blond scolded, shooting a glare at him, although with the situation it only made him want to tease more.

"Well the more I tease you the easier it is to get off, you just look so pretty like this ~" It wasn't a lie, as if it wasn't good enough having a platinum blond twink taking you down to the hilt, the blushy glare he was giving him, along with the way his skirt was starting to tent and the soft squelching sounds coming from his ass being thoroughly plowed was easily enough to let Gou die a happy man. "Why can't you just admit you like this? You're squeezing my dick like your life depends on it, and I'd say this," He hummed, teasingly poking his dick through his skirt, "Is a pretty clear give away that someone's enjoying themself ~" "A-ahhh..." Daisuke whined when his dick was given attention, even if it was just a small touch he was already in sensory overload as it was, getting plowed at work and whatnot, so it did nothing to help, "d-don't touch me there, it's sensitive you ass-!"

"Oh? It's sensitive? Then what if I did this ~?" He asked, grabbing boyfriend's cock through his skirt and starting to pump it in time with his thrusts, "Is this too much baby ~? Am I gonna make you cu-?" Before he could even finish his sentence it had already happened, Daisuke's eyes squeezing shut tightly, his mouth dropping open in shock as he came hard, grinding his ass down onto Gou's dick as he rode it out, leaving an obvious wet stain on the front of his uniform. The visual alone would've been enough to make him nut, but the addition of how tightly his cock was being squeezed and how cute Daisuke looked trying to hold in his moans definitely helped push him over the edge. It wasn't long before he was clutching onto the blonds hips, holding him in place and groaning lowly as he unloaded into him, cumming so much he could feel it starting to leak out onto the seat and undoubtedly the floor too, "H-holy shit Daisuke..." He panted, leaning his head against the others shoulder once they'd finished, "...two minutes," "What?" "You have two minutes to get your dick back in your pants and out of my cafe before I slap you."

-

I'm sorry this is so fucking long asdfghjkl

Honestly I wrote most of this at like 4 am and I didn't really know how to end it so hopefully it doesn't completely suck????? But sorry if it does????

Next one will probably be the Male Yuki reader insert, since I wanna try and alternate between the reader inserts and the next gen x next gen fics, so look forward to that, or don't, whatever floats your boat

- Admin Hyosuke 💛

[rulingqueenarts98-blog]

“The Trail We Blaze” A Queen/Querencia AU Fiction  Chapter One

EDIT(01.06.19) ~ I have finally decided upon a title and therefore, this series is officially titled, “The Trail We Blaze”. 

At last darlings, it’s here! Here are the people that wanted to be tagged to read the story: @freddieseyeliner @mlle-fahrenheit @starlight-and-moonshine @dragonrider96 @littlesilhouettowalkson@yogurtbattle @darlingfreddie @freddimercurys @queen-ruined-my-life @yogurtbattle @ms-melina-mercury

PS, if you feel like doing any fanart related to this chapter, tag my username so that I can see it and if you include Quentin and/or Marley, please give the right credit! :)

To explain quickly for those that don’t know: Quentin Featherling and Marley Allaire are fictional characters I created that have their own universe (Querencia) and were not created for this story but rather be involved in it. They were born in a different time outside of this one if that makes any sense.  Without further ado, relax, grab a blanket and a hot cup of tea, and enjoy the read. :D

~The following content contains an intermediate use of language. Read at your own risk~

Summary:

The setting is Rockfield Farm, Wales in the summer of 1975. The four graduates that starting gaining a sense of fame from their band Queen, journey out to the countryside to escape from the distractions London and record their newest album to follow on the success of a recent single “Killer Queen.” However, they are not alone in this journey as they are accompanied by a troubled teen youth and a professional shepherd: each with their own purpose for coming along in the journey. As time passes, the four get to learn more about these two people and develop their own mutual relationships with them. Perhaps as the two get to know the four personally, they discover much about each other and discover something that might even surprise one another. Only time will tell.

                               **********************************************

Chapter One:

Outside of Rockfield, Wales

Early summer 1975

It was a normal drive in the countryside away from the influence of London, England. As long as you ignore the fact that it wasn’t. To the locals that only caught a glimpse of the Volkswagen driving by would presume that it was the last of the hippies since their era was coming to a close. What no one outside of the Volkswagen didn’t know was that the people inside were all somebody that not even in years would be seen traveling out in the countryside.

Inside of the Volkswagen were four graduates each with a different degree, gradually building a reputation for themselves going by a name called “Queen”. Their names were Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor, and Freddie Mercury, whom all were familiar with one another with the several gigs under their belts, as well as put together only a couple of albums that haven’t helped them so far in reaching stardom. Except for their recent single that was released the year before. The only thing that the boys were concerned with at the moment was an intensive game of Scrabble. This wasn’t uncommon for the lads to play rounds of the game while on the road to pass the time. Anyone that knew each of them individually could clearly tell which words on the board were placed down.

Meanwhile, two passengers were sitting up front of the van where the view only lied straight ahead of them. The pair, Quentin Featherling and Marley Allaire, had only met each other the same time as they met Queen a week ago.

The girl was busy rolling the hemline of her ripped skinny jeans to her ankles, desperate to do something with the limited cushioned space she had upfront. Along with nothing peculiar about the sights outside her passenger window to immortalize through her pictures as her Polaroid camera rested balanced on her thigh. She still couldn’t believe how the day had gone by so fast with waking up early to get picked up at her front door by Quentin and fell asleep the first hour in. She only awoke three hours ago when they reached the halfway point of reaching Rock

The twenty-seven-year-old professional shepherd driving behind the wheel could feel the heat of the sun trembling goosebumps on his forearms. His mind was clear on the road ahead of him as he was behind the wheel, but yet he occasionally thought back and forth double checking that he indeed remembered to bring his sword along. It was chaotic for him earlier today as it was for all of them to organize and stack their luggage on top of the van before departing London for Wales.

Suddenly, Quentin felt a quick three taps on his padded shoulder and he checked his rear-view mirror to see that it was only John. He smiled as a small greeting to John through the mirror since he needed to keep checking the unpaved gravel roads. Marley acknowledged John was right in the middle as she put her other foot down on the floor finished with cuffing her jeans.

“Um, excuse me, Quentin? How long do you think it’ll be until we’re in Rockfield?”

“No need to worry, John. We’ll get there when we get there.” Quentin’s gaze looked at the time on his wrist and then back on the road. “Which should be approximately twenty minutes.”

“Deaky dear, stop pestering Quentin! You still have your turn to finish!” exclaimed Freddie.

John began to silently creep away from Quentin and Marley as he rejoined Fred, Bri, and Roger to place his words on the Scrabble board. Marley looked over her right shoulder to see what the boys were up to. Stealthy, she unbuckled her seat belt, grabbed her camera and turned fully around to observe the gameplay the twenty-somethings were fiercely making a life or death competition.

“I trust none of you checked my hidden pieces during my short absence?”

“That visit with Quentin was only ten seconds, John, I don’t think that would give Roger here any time to check your pieces.”

“Brian you snitch! How could you?!”

“Roger dear that’s what you get for arriving at the previous rehearsal late….and only with a hint of soberness clogging your judgment,” explained Freddie.

“If you lads are done with your melodramatic betrayal arc, I’m ready to place down my word,” interrupted John, wanting to get back to their game. 

John placed down his five words “disco” onto the board aligning with Fred’s word, “dynamite”, which was a clear reference to all of them of their latest single Killer Queen, and to Roger’s word “Romeo”, an obvious reference to the car he currently owned. As John finished and allowed his friends to see his word, Roger threw his arms up into the air.

“Of course, you would’ve gone for that word! Who else could be that obvious!”

John shrugged his shoulders for a few beats in response to Roger’s criticism of his predictable nature. Roger continued on with the gameplay by going next. He placed down his own word down on the board and began to tally his points, taking the lead.

“So that would make it…fifteen points earned from ‘juke’. Brian, you’re up next mate,” cued Roger to as he was tallying his score.

“All right. Here goes then, I think this one might play at the odds.”

Brian took the letters he’s been hiding facedown from Fred, Deaky, and Rog and placed them on the deck spelling it out for the three to see. When Brian was finished, he counted his tally as John and Roger looked at Brian in disbelief.

“Well, lads that should be thirty-one points.”

“Quizzify? Seriously Bri?”

“He isn’t wrong, Rog. It is a valid Scrabble word according to the rules. And, he also just won the whole game,” replied John as he double checked the paperwork in the board game box.

“Brian, dear you are certainly are a clever badger of a bastard,” smoothly replied Freddie. “Since Brian has claimed the crown, and before we restart with the charade again, I believe it’s time for us to indulge in a little revolt?”

With the swift action from his arm, Freddie swiped the cubes off of the board in a theatrical fashion and the boys began to toss the little squares playfully at one another but yet in a rowdy manner. Their forearms being the only defense all of them had as they were sitting down at each other roaring with uncontrollable laughter. This feeling all of them had felt like they were all kids again, embracing the winter by having a traditional snowball fight. The banter continued until….

Click! Snap!

Suddenly, the four stopped when they heard the sound of a camera shutter. Their laughing and chuckles slowly faded away as all of them turned their undivided attention to the sound. To their surprise, it was the young adult with the fusion of blonde/brown hair checking her camera to see how her polaroid turned out. Once it fully developed, she took it out from her camera and grinned; seemingly content with how the quality of the mischievous memory remained intact. She grabbed her shoulder camera bag and carefully placed the picture inside one of the zippers as not to damage it. After setting it aside, returning back to her position she found that the banter no longer carried on. Only this time, she could feel she was being watched and it wasn’t from Quentin. Marley’s chestnut brown eyes came in contact with the four boys that gave her a range of different expressions as she raised a thick brow at them. They didn’t even notice that she was watching the late twentysomethings the whole time, supporting her chin with her light beige freckled arms on the cushioned passenger seat that divided her from the group’s fun chaotic energy.

“I’m sorry, but was that really necessary for you to take a picture? Couldn’t you wait until later on?” asked Roger.

“Well… how else was I supposed to take a polaroid by patiently waiting for a chance to alter life by holding it still with a single press of a button?” she answered.

Four beats of silence went by as they considered the girl’s answer.

“Marley, dear, where ever did you get your hands on that camera?” asked Freddie, curious about the device that he had once tinkered with only by pure fascination.

“Oh, this was a gift, from my mother. She got it for me from a retail camera shop in Yorkton. Before she decided to….” Marley quickly coughed into her fist to change the subject matter.

“If it’s alright with you, could I please see your picture?” asked Brian.

“Yeah, I don’t care sure. Brian, be careful with how you touch it, okay?”

Marley took out her polaroid from her camera bag and passed the developed polaroid to John, who proceeded to pass it to Brian after taking a small look, giving a small smile to the memory she captured. John proceeded to ask Marley, “Where about is Yorkton? Where you grew up?”

“North Saskatchewan. In Canada. Relatively small town. As I said, I wasn’t there for long. I was mostly in the Philippines with my godmother and her family until I graduated high school last month. Then I moved to England after being offered this internship.”

“You certainly captured quite a story from a few minutes ago, to say the least,” Brian added as a positive comment as he passed the picture over to Roger.

“At least there’s an amount of enthusiasm from this shot. So, I guess you might’ve already decided about where you’re going to study photography for university, hey Marley?”

Marley began to intertwine her long wavy bob into her own fingers to little waves as she answered, “Um….at the moment I haven’t figured it out. I haven’t considered which one I should go to yet. They’re all so…daunting. I just feel really unsure if anything from my photography portfolio would be that spectacular to show off for review.”

“Hey, Fred studied at the at Ealing Art College. Freddie, you recall what the program was like?” asked Roger as he passed the square picture to Freddie.

“Roger, no one could forget what Ealing what like. Honestly, sweetheart, it was a bloody waste of time. That’s not to say I didn’t learn anything during my time there, I did gain some skills in graphic design. Wish they offered music as a part of their curriculum if I could be fucking honest.”

“I heard you, Mr. Mercury!”

“Quentin, we’re all adults here and Marley might as well be considered one for moving on her own to England.”

“Young adult maybe Brian, but still a teenager. No more swearing back there,” warned Quentin.

“They do, however, offer photography as a study. I don’t really know what they do, I’ve only ever seen glimpses of the coursework.” Freddie took a momentary gaze into Marley’s photograph, and commented as he handed it back to John, “You have quite a gift in capturing something fun that connects with a fond, happy memory.”

John passed back the photograph to Marley as she put it back where it was. She was starting to consider Freddie’s recommendation. Ealing Art College. Might be a potential possibility to concentrate on during the day and then sneak out at night to search for….

“Hmmm. I’ll think about it, thank you, Freddie.”

“Anytime, dear.”

Marley paused, feeling like there was more than she would want to talk about and ask, but she could feel the awkward stillness crawling back into the space of the van fogging her own thoughts. Marley’s own fingers began to pick at the skin around her nails from the anxious frustrating void that severely doubted her own social interaction. With not many ideas streaming into Marley for conversation starters, she tried ending it so that she could go back to doing nothing.

“Okay…so I guess if you guys don’t want me to watch you anymore, I’ll just turn back around. I guess we’ll talk more when we’re at Rockfield.”

Marley tried to get her feet back into the uncomfortable space she occupied before she could turn back around into her seat, turned away from the lads. It wasn’t until Freddie invited, “Dear wait don’t go just yet. If you’re tired of being held up front, why don’t you come to join us for a new game of Scrabble?”

Marley’s look fixated back at Freddie’s from over her shoulder after he right there and then, asked her to tag along into their game. No one’s really asked her to participate in anything for so long that it all felt so new again. I guess that’s what comes with being alone in England, Marley. You’re rarely being offered to join in with a group of like-minded peers…. And not really knowing anyone all that well…. Damn it stop drifting away in your own mind and say something before he changes his mind! She fully turned back around the way she was positioned earlier.

“Wait…you truly mean it, Freddie? You’re inviting me, to play Scrabble, with you guys?”

“Of course. We can’t ask Quentin since he’s driving, now can we?” joked John as he began to actively clean up the mess from the scattered Scrabble pieces.

“Believe me, John, I would, but ask me again when I’ve suddenly sprouted a second pair of arms,” replied Quentin.

“Unless you don’t want me to impose. I don’t care either way.”

“No, it’s fine Marley just climb over already!” Roger encouraged.

Marley, yearning for belonging since she had left behind an adolescent life she used to know, began to form a bright smile on her face. She dared to lift one leg over the cushioned seat to find her proper footing on the ground, and then the other leg which almost hit Quentin at the side of his face.

“Marley, ahck! Hey! Could you be careful and warn me when you’re climbing over the seat like that next time? I’m driving.”

After coming to the other side of the van, she brushed the wrinkles off of her black ringer shirt. She walked naturally over to the lads and settled down sitting with her long legs crossed. She went in between John and Freddie in the array of draped blankets and cushions that made the expanded space in the van feel much like home. Brian, Roger, Freddie, and Marley began helping John gather all the pieces needed to put the delightful game back together.

“So, you’re pretty familiar with how to play Marley?” asked Brian.

“Yeah, I know it all too well, Brian. I played this all the time with my friends. How does this work for you guys in deciding who goes first? Do you follow the rules or do you just change it every time?”

“Usually we would just-” started Roger.

“Wait just a moment dear honeys. There’s only one thing missing before we renter the dangerous campaign of Death Scrabble.”

“But Freddie, everything we need to start another game is right here. Marley joined in, so what else could we be missing?” asked John.

After building up the suspense of his fellow band mates, Marley left in the dark about what the hell was going on, until he finally unveiled, “A proper appellation. To our spirited newcomer.”

Bri, Rog, and Deaky all gave each other an all but familiar look and smiled when Freddie made the grand announcement. They knew. The trio knew exactly what he was about to do, all Marley gave the boys was the same one lifted eyebrow look that only radiated bewildered. The one thought repeating over and over through her mind was what the fuck is Freddie talking about? What the fuck is Freddie talking about? What is he going to do? Oh my fucking god, act cool Marley! Is this normal? Marley’s gaze fell on Brian’s hazel eyes for an answer as to what Freddie was about to do. All his eyes could simply reply to her was, just wait and see. Marley looked back at Freddie, slightly prepared for

In the most flamboyant and theatrical way he knew how he declared, “From now on, I hereby dub thee, ‘Mars of the Stars’.”

Freddie returned back from his declaration and allowed Marley a moment to accept her nickname. She liked the sound of it, but all she could ever wonder was why he would go through the trouble of giving her a nickname. She didn’t see herself as someone so great and full of stride. A rebel perhaps, but not anything worthy. He continued, “What do you think, dear? Does it suit you?”

“Why give me a nickname like ‘Mars of the Stars’, Freddie?”

“I’m glad you asked. There are two reasons, darling For one, Mars is easier said and done with having such an ordinary name like Marley when you can be named after a planet?”

“Ah, so kind of like your surname I guess?”

“Now you’re starting to understand, Mars. Secondly, every inch of your whole body has freckles everywhere. Almost like you dived headfirst into a lake of incandescent stars that graced you, darling! And you’re not even a redhead for god’s sake!”

“Pfft! Yeah, you know how by the numbers that would be if you actually were born with red hair?” blurted Roger.

“Now that you mention it, if it did turn out I had red hair, my grandmother’s expectations of me would be severely subverted.”

The four laughed along with Marley at her reply and for the first time in months, Marley began to laugh harder than she thought she was capable of. It felt freeing that she could temporarily release everything she’s kept down. After their laughter once again swayed down, there was only one question left on Marley’s mind.

“Hey Freddie, what would you nickname Quentin? I haven’t heard you address him by a nickname yet.”

Freddie had thought long and hard about it even before Marley asked him about it. He had considered it even the first time he met him alongside John Reid, “Hmmm, to be honest honey I was brainstorming something along the lines of, dare I say, ‘Blue Tit’ Featherling?”

All the way up front, Quentin overheard Freddie’s unofficial nickname that would be cuffed to him for eternity and even looked through the rear-view mirror to notice Roger and John snickering at the mere thought of Quentin’s nickname. He didn’t know how to react other than stare at the dashboard feeling his cheeks burn. However, Quentin became so distracted from the chatter of the group that he didn’t realize that he was coming close an unattended herd of sheep that were crossing the gravel road!

He immediately slammed the breaks as the others in the back lost their shit due to the unexpected stop. Quentin was hoping in the least that they didn’t hurt any of the animals but yet stressed about the passengers in the back. Luckily, the VW camper van barely hit any sheep as he was close to them by a few feet. Oh, fuck! How could I have allowed myself to fall for that?! I’m so stupid I should’ve been watching the road! this is all my fault if any of them have a concussion or a broken wrist before reaching Rockfield!

Quentin shuffled the gear on the camper van to park and took the keys out of the ignition. He turned back around checking on the others. He felt a tinge of cold sweat drip down from his forehead and trailing down his spine.

“Brian! Roger! Mr. Mercury! John! Marley! Are you all okay back there? Any serious injuries! For god’s sake just say something!” exclaimed Quentin with the slightest hint of panic in his voice.

“It’s alright, we’re all still alive. Damn, that was just borderline crazy. How about you, Quentin?” Roger called to Quentin.

“Well not dead but I should be after that fiasco could’ve gone downhill quick.”

“Brian’s okay too! Mars nothing is broken?”

“Yeah, I’m good Deaky, thanks for the checkup. Freddie how about you? Anything bad?”

“No, I’m alright dear. I haven’t experienced something that wild on the road in a long while. Brian, are you all good?”

“Yeah, that was really unexpected. I’m alright, Fred.”

Marley began to help the lads clean up the pillows and the sheets of blankets everything that was affected by the unpredictable jolt.

Quentin sighed in relief that Queen and Marley didn’t succumb to anything serious. Otherwise, he would be the one to have to take responsibly for the incident. He couldn’t imagine if it had gotten any worse with having the camper van in the ditch and not a telephone in sight to call for a tow truck to get the van. He repositioned his hands where he left his grip marks onto the steering wheel and landed his forehead against the rim of the leather wheel, trying to calm himself but shaming the fact that he almost could’ve endangered lives. He suddenly felt a warm hand touch his shoulder, but this hand felt different compared to when John tapped his finger on his padded shoulder earlier on. Instead, he looked up, and it was Freddie, comforting Quentin with the deeps of guilt he had burdened onto himself like a heavy anchor dragging down his own competence as a shepherd.

Speechless from the aftershock of the jolt and the blame he could feel clogging his throat, he tried uttering, “M-mister Mercury, I’m so sorry. About all of this. This w-was completely my own undoing. I wasn’t paying attention to the-”

“No, stop dear. You should never be so hard on yourself. If I was even driving up front instead of you, we would’ve crashed a long while ago.”

Quentin tucked one of his brown strands of hair that keep getting onto his forehead. “I appreciate you’re trying to make me feel better, but this is my job. My career. If I even slip up with something as major as this, I would lose my license for good.”

Freddie could clearly understand the severity of Quentin’s situation with his main headquarters if he didn’t perform well in this long-term assignment. He suddenly remembered a coined phrase that he picked up whenever things worried him when he was private and along. He came close to Quentin’s ear and whispered, “Darling, listen closely. What is the worst that can happen?”

Quentin took Freddie’s advice into account and he felt something click in him. His gentle, posh voice ringed through his body and he suddenly came to realize that no one was really hurt. Even though this was a serious business, there was no real traction or damage. He looked at Freddie grateful for his advice but started seeing a tender compassionate side to his confidence that reminded him of someone that was previously in his life.

“You can skip the formalities as well, dear. Call me Freddie from now on, alright?”

Quentin gave Freddie a small smile as his tender supportive hand started to slip away from his blue padded waistcoat. He looked at him as he walked back to check on his comrades and on Marley and mouthed to him, “Okay.”

Quentin turned back around to look through the windshield to see the last of the flock had made it to the other side of the road. He put the keys back in the ignition and began driving onward with a bit more of self-assurance guiding him.

 ~End of Chapter One~

[mineokun]

Mineo Enomoto Character CD Mini-Drama Translation

T/N: This is a translation of the mini-drama that comes with Mineo’s character CD. Though a subbed fan video may come later, I haven’t uploaded the audio alongside this. If you buy the CD (Animate | CDJapan (Ltd Edition) | Play-Asia) or already have the track available, you can follow along while reading this! Thanks also to @jokertrap-ran for helping me proofread!

Translation key: Ichika’s thoughts: ellipses... | (Mineo’s thoughts) | [sound effects]

A Talk Between Two in the Steam

(Mineo Enomoto. 23 years old. Spring’s finally come for me too, and I’ve been spending happy days with my girlfriend. It’s truly a rose-colored life!)

(As for the love bible I stuck with, ‘100 Heart-Jerking Love Confessions’, I haven't opened it again. The reason why being… Now, by my own determination, I'm climbing up the stairway of adulthood! That's right. The stairway of adulthood that is traveling to the hot springs with my girlfriend...!)

Ngh… All right. The hostess left. God, I've been holding back since earlier. I…feel like I'm gonna explode...

...

Heh. So you noticed too, huh? It's just the two of us now… So… it's okay if I don't hold back anymore, right...?

Then… I'll say it.

--AT LONG LAST! SETTING FOOT UPON THE PLACE WHERE DATE MASAMUNE AND COMPANY ACHIEVED THEIR DREAMS - WE'VE ARRIIIIVED!!

Oh, man! I’ve wanted to try coming here for so long! I'm so glad I boldly launched the suggestion at you! It'd be boring going alone after all, y’know? I'm really grateful that you decided to come along with me.

...

Yeah, yeah! When Masamune and his company were here, his role in defending against and resisting outside invaders is what revived them…!

…

Huh? I'm as excited as a kid?

Hmph - well, I'm sorry. I'm a kid who admires Masamune so much I have an eyepatch for him after all. I mean, him being from the Sendai era would more than grab my attention…

But that's fine! I’m here with the same kindred spirit as him after all! Even without words, we'll be able to understand each other! This is - the MASAMUNE SPIRIT!

Whoops, I got kinda fired up there. Let's go bathe separately first!

(Hooo! The smell of cypress is real soothing…)

(A chance to be able to take a carefree bath like this rarely comes by… With the trip in general, I asked where she wished she could go, wanting to bring her there as a man should. But we ended up coming here ultimately.)

(But still, she came with me without pulling a single face.)

(Even though I didn't know what a mashed green soybean flavored shake would taste like, it was so cool when we both took no notice just drinking from our straws…! We tried to drink it at the same time and we ended up bumping our foreheads. But, when we looked up at each other, and started laughing after that…! Eheh! Eheheheheheh!)

(But, man, her eyelashes are so long... I couldn’t help but notice when she was looking at the shake… Ugh! What am I, Shiraishi now?!)

(...No. That’s not it. She's the only one I end up making observations of. That's just ‘cause I love her and I can't help but do that. In other words - I just feel like saying something…)

(Traveling with my girlfriend is THE BEEEEST...!!)

...Ah! Over here, over here! How was it? Did you enjoy the hot spr--! CU--!

(Gh! W-Wow… She looks amazing wearing a yukata…! It-can't-be-it-looks-too-good-on-her-more-than-that-it's-seriously-so…!)

E-Eh?! Oh, n-no no, it's nothing! More importantly, how were the hot springs? Were you able to relax in there?

…

Yeah, I feel you. The cypress floating in the bath gave it a classic Japanese feel, didn't it?

…

Ah. I saw the arcade corner too while I was waiting, but this also seems pretty promising. We might as well, so what game do you…?

…

Oh? The photo booth together?

Ohh, you wanna take some pictures? Well, we can write words onto them, so it’ll be something to commemorate our trip! Heheh. I have to brag about this to Takeru and Yanagi…!

…

Whooa…! So this is the famous… Ah, I’m not so good at handling complicated controls, so I’ll leave that to you!

Even though… I wonder what people who have it all would think in a situation like this… Ah, nothing, just talking to myself.

Oh, are we taking one now? What pose should we do?

…

Ehhh…? Clapping our hands together softly then making our faces small after? That seems cool. Let’s try that out!

[click!]

Wow! Look at those visual effects! Well, your face is small and cute to begin with, though--

Ow! What was that for?! It’s not something to hit me over!

…

Huh? Could it be you’re…being shy...?

! What’s with that…? If you suddenly make a face like that…even I’ll--

[click!]

Ah--?! I wasn’t looking at the camera…! Right, we’re still in the middle of taking pics, aren’t we? For a pose... Doing a generic peace sign should be a safe bet, right?

[click!]

The next one’s the last. Then we gotta go out with a bang. Plus we’ve come this far… Should we do a Date Masamune-like pose here?

…

Huh? ...You wanna take one with us holding hands…?

! What’s with that adorable request…?! Gah! If you’re okay with my hand, then do as you like!

…

O-Oh… I should sit closer, huh…

...You know. I’m...really happy right now.

[click!]

Next comes writing on them, yeah? There are two copies, so let's take one each and show what we wrote on them to each other afterwards! It’ll be more exciting that way!

First things first are the icon stamps, so...

Hehe. Damn… I’m having so much fun. I’m seriously so glad I got to travel with you! Coming to a place you like with the person you love is the best!

…

Huh? What’s up? ...We only have a bit of time left to doodle on them?

Ack, s-seriously?! This wasn’t the time to feel so moved inside! There’s still so much I wanna write…!

[stylus tapping]

No! Not yet! Don’t give up, Mineo! The first photo booth session for fulfilled-real-lifers I get in my life is the one thing I can’t let go to ruin…! I’ll pour all my feelings of love into this…!!

[frantic stylus tapping]

Th-That was close…! I barely managed to finish writing… Did you finish?

…

Hehh. That’s a real piece of work. Well, I’m only able to say that now. I fashioned a considerable tour de force in there myself.

Oh, they’ve come out. Let’s see, let’s see...

Ah--! You have an eyepatch too…! I see. You drew on one with a pen, huh? Lining it up like this… It's like a matching couple look…

…

Eh? That’s what you meant to…?

! N-Now, you! Just what’re you trying to do, making me so happy?!

…

Eh--? My pictures?

W-Wait, don’t yell so loud…! There wasn’t any time writing it, and I lost myself getting into it. When it suddenly stopped, I… ‘I love you most in the world’, is what I wanted I write…

...Eh? You’re happy?

Ha. I see. If that makes you happy too, then I’m glad.

Whenever we look at these, we’ll remember today. It’s...kinda weird! Us having a calm time like this...didn’t use to be a given, either. Back then, we went through pain, through sadness. Even now, there are people out there desperately doing their best. Everyone has hard times to overcome, and their daily lives to get on with now.

...Ah, my bad. I got a little solemn there! Wait, what time is it now…? They said there’d be dinner at 7, didn’t they?

All right! There’s ox tongue calling our name! Let’s hurry...!

Ahh, I’m absolutely stuffed! That ox tongue was so thick and tasty! My feet went on their own and got three helpings for dinner! Ah, it was tough…

[tea being poured]

Oh! Thanks!

[sip]

Going back to our room after a feast and having you pouring tea for me… Maaan, it’s just perfect!

…

Oh? What now? That’s true… We’ve done what there is to do outside the ryokan for the most part…

(...)

(!)

(...!!)

(Crap…! What do I do?! I don’t know what we should do now that it’s just us two in the room…!)

(Not to mention, looking right at her in the eye while she’s in her yukata makes my heart pound-- Ah, wait. It’s awkward to keep silent. Umm, uhhh…!)

(Ah! Why don't we sleep sooner! No! It's still 9 - that's way too early!)

(What else could we do… Nnrgh…! Do you wanna explore the ryokan! What am I, some primary school kid?!)

…

Eh?! You brought playing cards…?

Oh… OHOHO, nice! Why don't we play old maid or something!

…

(Phew! What a lifesaver…!)

(...No. Hold on. Could this be…she saw me struggling and threw me a bone when I needed it? Things like this happen every time…)

(She…must be thinking that…)

…Hey. ...I, uh… I'm probably just a kid in your eyes, aren't I…?

…

I mean, today… I wanted to escort you from the beginning, but at some point I just started having fun by myself. I wanted to…be classier doing this. Heh… Even though I think it’s shameful even by my own standards…

[table slam; rattling]

Whoa! Y-You scared me… Eh, w-was that something to get angry over…?

…

! It's okay if I'm not an adult…? But I'm the older one here. At some point if things keep going like this--

…

Eh! I-I get it - calm down…!

…

Being in high spirits together with me - is fun…?

...I also enjoy being with you best. I wrote that on our pictures earlier, too. That you're the one who I…love most in the world, so…

…

Hm? That's…the one we took earlier, isn't it? Ohh. We were so pressed to get to dinner, we didn't really get to see what we wrote on it.

…

Ah! You wrote something on it, too? Let's see… Mineo, I...love you…

Th-This…! …!

Really? You also wrote you love me. To think that we get along even on this… Eheh. Man, how much do we love each other?

Hah… I'm sorry. Of course that'd make you angry. You said you love me as I am now after all. I'm not me when I force and overstretch myself. That's what you mean, right?

Hey. Come over here a bit.

…

You know, I… keep feeling like I'm acing an exam when I'm with you. Just being able to travel with you made me ecstatic, and when I saw you climbing over the rock in your yukata as well, it was…kind of…different from how you normally are. It got my heart racing. When I sat closer to you when we took pictures in the photo booth, stuff like the smell of your shampoo seriously got to me.

Then, uh… I'm saying this now, but… The truth is, I...felt a little like wanting to… k...kiss you...

…

Eh--! Stupid! Don't say stuff like you'd be glad even if I did! Don’t underestimate me. Now see here - men easily get carried away! You're someone I…want to treasure.

… [hand holding]

…!

You're…always like that.

No matter how much I run away… you chase me, hold onto me, and don't let me go. You got more guts than your outward appearance suggests. You're a cool woman.

Though this is the last time I'm making sure… It's really okay?

…

Heh. I got it. Then…

[kiss]

Your heart's pounding... Hehe. Mine is too.

But, you know. We're okay like this. Having the same feelings, we reach an understanding, and move forward together. Going like that suits us most. Though I end up putting on airs in front of you, saying what I really think like this and being natural at times is also important.

Same goes for you. If you have something you want to say, say it without holding back.

…

Oh? That face means there’s something you wanna say...! C’mon, what is it? Try saying it!

…

...Eh? ...W-...Wait a sec… I-I might've misheard you… J-Just now, what...did you say?

…

Gh--! Y-You want to sleep together...?! Wai… I-Isn't the hurdle suddenly too high?! Are we going that far up the stairway of adulthood and the like...?! I mean, it's not like I didn't think of that at all, but - I thought of taking it slow and building up to the climax where--!

…

...Eh? …Next to each other?

..Ahhh, so that'd be, uh… Sleeping snuggled up in the same futon… That kind of sleeping together?

...Ha. Hahaha! AHAHAHAHA! U-Uh, of course...! I thought that's what you meant! I-If that's what you'd like, we can do that however much you want! I’ve done that with my little sister! I'm her companion when I babysit!

…

H-Hey, hey, you don't need to pull my sleeve for me to...

…

Huh? ...Hey... Your face is - looking kinda scary...

…

Not the same as my sister…? Wh-- Ah-- Oh, no! When I said that I didn't mean it like...!

…

Wha-- Oh, w-whoa, whoa...!

Uh-- Umm… I made a slip-up, earlier. I apologized, so...please cheer up.

…

C’mon, it's not that I treat you like a little sister...! Mnghh…!

...I got it. It'll be fine if we sleep together like lovers, right? Uh… Then…

[shifting; rustling]

…How's this? It's an arm pillow. Th-This is - only something lovers do, right?

…

Gh--! Is that it…?! You little…! Even though this is plenty given the situation…! If you make too many demands now… That mouth of yours? Will be sealed shut.

…

!

Ha. Jeez… I understand how you feel veeery well. Even for me… To be this close to you, and not do anything about it…is impossible.

[kiss]

For all of today, and until morning comes… I won't let you go.

[rustandruin]

daddy lessons

AO3

“Listen to me closely, because I’m only going to do this once,” Cain tells him, gently lifting Isaac out of the stroller and laying him across the blanket he’s placed on the dining table. He starts sliding the baby’s jeans off.

Aaron looks at him in surprise. “Wait. Are you showing me how to change a nappy?”

Or, after Aaron avoids yet another nappy change, Cain takes matters into his own hands. [Set during a recent episode.]

“Here he is! Fresh as a daisy!”

He watches as his mother hands Seb back to Aaron, who takes him from her gratefully. “Thanks, Gran. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Anytime Luv. That’s what great grandmas are for,” Faith says, smiling down at them both. “He’s a cute one, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Aaron replies, smiling down at the infant in his arms. “Though don’t tell Robert that. He’s already got a photo show cued up on his phone, and he won’t even let me get out of it. And I’m in half of them!”

(Cain snorts at that. Because of course Sugden would.)

A second later, Faith’s attention is on Isaac, the baby currently sitting back in his stroller, calmly watching everything unfold as he sucks on a toy. “Oh, I didn’t mean to exclude you, Isaac, my love. You’re looking sharp as well.”

His mother finally addresses him. “I take it Moira dressed him then?”

Aaron snickers at that in the background, but the older man ignores it.

“No. Actually, I did.”

He sounds annoyed and defiant, but that’s both because his mother seems to always bring out this side of him and because he’s actually quite proud of what his son’s wearing today. He may not really be much of an expert on babies or fashion, but Isaac’s wrapped up nice and warm, and they’d actually gotten a few compliments on their way to the pub, with complete strangers cooing over his son’s outfit. For half a second he’d even considered sending Moira a picture of the whole spectacle, with the caption, “See. Not so bad, am I?” (But that’s only because she’d laughed at him for half a day once because he hadn’t realised that Isaac might need a shirt under his overalls, which honestly is a common mistake to make.)

Maybe Sugden is onto something with this photo show business.

Faith just raises her eyebrows at him and gives him an impressed nod. “Well, I’m proud of you son. Couldn’t have been easy.”

He opens his mouth to respond, but she’s already off, flitting away to talk to Eric as he walks through the door — as if the pair of them don’t already spend too much time together.

Shaking his head, he turns his attention back to his nephew, who’s busy bouncing Seb on his knee, pretending he isn’t listening in, an amused smile threatening to break out across his face.

“Oi, you better not be smirkin’ at me,” Cain says, letting his tone get just a little bit more threatening. “What’s this about you not changing any nappies?”

Aaron’s smile vanishes at that. “What? Has Robert been snitchin’ on me?”

Cain gives the younger Dingle a pointed look. “No, he didn’t have to. I saw you earlier, tryin’ to pawn it off on Chas.”

He studies his nephew’s face. “What’s the hold-up? You havin’ second thoughts or somethin’?”

From the look on Aaron’s face at even the insinuation of that, he knows that’s not the case. (Not that he needed the confirmation to know that the younger man is all in on this relationship and the responsibilities that come with it. He’d said as much on Chas’ birthday, and Aaron Dingle is not a liar — at least about things like this.)

So he simply waits for an answer.

Aaron squirms under his stare for half a minute before sighing.

“There’s no hold-up. It’s all just…” He gives the older man a sheepish grin and shrugs. “It’s all just a bit disgustin’ isn’t it?”

He must read the confusion on Cain’s face, because he follows it up with, “It’s not that I’ll never do it. I know I can’t avoid it forever, it’s just that whenever he poos, there’s always so much of it. And I’m not sure where it all comes from because all we’ve been feedin’ him is milk.”

And suddenly Cain gets it. He snorts in understanding.

“Alright. Come with me,” he says, getting to his feet and bending over to pick up Isaac.

Aaron doesn’t move, just sits there, holding Seb with a confused look on his face. Cain glares at him. “Don’t make me ask again.”

The younger man all but jumps to his feet.

:::::

A few moments later, they’re both standing in the living room at the back. Isaac parked in his stroller, and Aaron perched on the arm of the sofa, bouncing Seb on his knee.

“What’re we doin’ here?” He asks, confused.

“Do you love him?” Cain asks, fetching the bag tucked under his son’s stroller and unpacking it on the dining room table.

“Of course I do, he’s my son.”

The word sounds a little strange coming out of the young man’s mouth, but only because Cain wasn’t expecting to ever hear that word from him so soon. He’d thought his nephew was a couple of years out from becoming a dad. If anything, he’s impressed by the fierceness in Aaron’s tone as he says it. Like he’s laying it down as a challenge.

“Right. Then listen to me closely, because I’m only going to do this once,” Cain replies, fishing Isaac out of the stroller and laying him across the blanket he’s placed on the dining table. He starts sliding the baby’s jeans off.

Aaron looks at him in surprise, his disbelieving amusement coming across nice and loud. “Wait. Are you showing me how to change a nappy?”

Cain fixes him with a firm stare, the kind that tends to get across that he means 100% business. His nephew sobers up at that, ceasing his bounces for a second.

“The first time I did this, I needed at least a million of them baby wipes,” he tells him quietly as he goes about the whole process of taking off the diaper Isaac currently has on. Predictably, it smells like death itself. “Because you’re right, it’s absolutely disgusting what these little fellas are able to produce with absolutely no real food in their diets.”

He thinks back to his sheer panic that he might get some of Isaac’s shit on him — something that hadn’t been helped by his mother’s story of how he himself used to burst out of his own nappies. Thankfully, everything had gone relatively smoothly, with him just getting a tiny bit on him in the process. But the whole experience had left him with a sobering realisation that had only really crystalised when he’d gotten back home and had to do the whole thing all over again and by himself. (And if he’s being honest with himself, it’s something that’s been happening every time since.)

He looks down at Isaac, as he lifts his little legs and slides the fresh diaper under his now-clean bottom, his movements having become more self-assured with experience and time — something he’d never have considered happening the first time he’d done this — and continues, “But I’ll tell you what. You think you love that little boy now. Then just wait until you’ve changed your fiftieth nappy and you realise you’ve got a little bit of his poo on your forehead, but that you’re too tired to do anything about it, and that you’re just glad he’s finally stopped crying. Because you’ll realise, that if you can get through that, then there’s nothin’ you won’t do for him.”

Now done, he slides Isaac’s jeans back onto him, his son giving him a bright smile as he does so, almost like a silent, Thanks, Dad.

He finds himself automatically smiling right back in response. Don’t mention it, son.

When he finally does look up at Aaron, he finds himself at the receiving end of his Dingle staredown. Only instead of a joke at his expense or a comment on his display of vulnerability, he gets a, “I guess I never thought of it like that.”

Cain nods in response. Because that was him once.

“Good. Because next time, you’re changing him.” He nods at Isaac as he says that. It’s meant as a joke, but he’s got his serious face on just so he can watch his nephew brick it.

“Wait, what?!” Aaron exclaims in surprise, looking as flabbergasted as he’d expected.

Cain raises his eyebrows at that, extending the joke a little longer.

“Are you saying you don’t love your cousin?”

:::::

He’s just finished loading up the dishwasher — they’d decided to give Liv a pass considering today’s news — when he hears Gerry’s reaction from over by the sofas where he and Robert are seated, the latter busy playing with Seb, his first real chance to have done so all day.

“Pee-ew!” The teenage boy exclaims. “Who’d have thought somethin’ so small could smell so bad?!”

He fans the air in front of his face. “Makes me glad, I’m not a baby. Imagine having to smell that and know you’re the one responsible.”

“Yours aren’t much better you know,” Robert responds on his son’s behalf. “Don’t think we can’t smell them. I’d bring a candle to the office if I didn’t think you might burn the entire cabin down.”

Gerry has the good sense to at least blush at this news.

Having said his piece, Robert slowly gets to his feet, bending down to pick up the baby.

“Actually, hang on,” Aaron tells him, stepping forward towards them. “I can do it.”

He walks over and holds his hands open, giving his husband an expectant look.

“You sure?” Robert asks, pleasantly surprised by this latest twist, but unable to resist the urge to pull his leg — not that it stops him from handing over the smelly infant. “You haven’t exactly been volunteering for nappy duty.”

Aaron simply shrugs as he takes him.

“Yeah. Well, gotta start sometime.”

NOTES

This is actually my first time writing from Cain's point of view, so I really hope I got his character right. As for Aaron's, I feel like his views in this are fitting with what we've seen on screen. He's pretty much declared that he considers Seb his son by calling Chas, "Nana," so that's how I've treated it since that scene was supposed to have taken place right before this one.

Also, I hope I don't offend anyone who IS a parent with what Cain says about changing Isaac's diaper. While I myself am not a parent, this is something I've heard both my mum and my cousin with kids say about their own experiences of changing diapers. So I borrowed from that.

If you have any thoughts, comments, questions, or concerns, please go ahead and drop me a line below, or find me on Ao3 under her_dark_materials

[staytheb]

White Day Festival

Genre: college!au, slice of life, slight fluff Word Count: 4,014 Summary: A month later the two pair of sisters are roped in to assist with the White Day Festival to celebrate White Day thanks to their friend, Gina.

Day Festival masterlist.

Warning: semi-proofread.

oh, hi. i’m taking advantage of my mood to write and sharing whatever i do end up finishing writing. lol but yeah, just like Red Day Festival it’s with the NCT boys in mind and short bits of a series i guess you could say. not sure if people like this, but i sure do. anyways, i don’t think there’s anything else to share, but please anticipate more and hopefully i don’t lose the motivation to write as well lol. but yeah, happy reading and kthxbai, Admin Lia~

A month later it was the White Day Festival in celebration of White Day and it was in full swing with students carrying gifts around the campus of Seoul University just like the Red Day Festival. Once again the pair of sisters somehow found themselves as performers for the White Love Stage event at eleven in the morning. Gina had convincingly roped them into the event as another sort of volunteer credit for extracurricular activities once again. Serena, Jasmine, Katherine, and Melanie were standing in the quad wearing white long-sleeved dresses, long white wigs, and feathered white eye masks with different colored accents to differentiate one from the other. Again, Serena with green, Jasmine with yellow, Katherine with purple, and Melanie with blue.

"This is bogus man." Serena complained in a tired tone while straightening out her mask and outfit. "I mean White Day's on Sunday, yet we're here two days before to celebrate it. Boo."

"It was the same thing as last time." Katherine countered before sighing loudly. "I just got done with my seven A-M and have another one after this. It's really gonna be a long day."

"Well, luckily I just got only one and it's an actual class that I like." Jasmine added with a laugh.

"Must be nice." Melanie interjected with a frown. "I was in the middle of one and Gina had pulled me out for this thing."

"Gina really knows how to get us to do her bidding." Serena stated with a deep sigh as the other agreed.

"Yeah, she sure does."

"But, if we're a part of this, doesn't that mean we don't have to attend the other classes, too, and still get credit?" Katherine recalled, but wasn't sure.

"We do." Melanie confirmed. "So, after this is over, I'm done for the day."

"Okay, cool."

Just then said person came up to them with a bouncy demeanor directing their attention onto their friend.

"Thank you so much ladies for doing another favor for me! I am here on behalf of Hyukyung and Moonhee as they're busy at the Love’s Helpers booth to organize all the items, but they really do appreciate your cooperation to make this White Day Festival a success due to last minute changes." Gina announced and thanked them with a grin knowing full well that they were not all that pleased to be doing this.

"Yeah, you're not welcome, Gi, but the twins are happy to help for sure." Melanie responded first with a neutral tone as Gina chuckled while nudging her friend.

"Your enthusiasm overwhelms me, Mel."

"Anyways," She handed the quartet a piece of paper, "These are the songs y'all are performing."

"Again, just like you did during Red Day Festival when Jiwon and Milo were in charge of it. We somehow ended up helping you with that favor to save the Red Day Festival for them, too." Jasmine inquired with a look as Gina chuckled with a nod.

"You want us to do songs you've chosen that we haven't even practiced?" Katherine questioned with a frown.

"Oh, no. You've practiced these before, ladies. Just like last month with all the arrangements and what not. Y’all will nail it like the Red Love Stage event and will definitely do the same for the White Love Stage event."

The quartet skimmed the sheet in confusion before realization hit them that their friend was right.

"Seriously?" Melanie shot Gina a bored look. "I bet you planned this from the get go."

"Yes I did." Gina confirmed with a proud smile. "Y'all have always been my backup slash go to group when something goes wrong and y'all always pull through. Besides it's not like these are the actual songs that you're gonna do for the Sing In May showcase, anyways."

"Not really, but it's not like we were planning on participating either." Serena countered. "You knew that since winter break."

"About that," Gina cast them a cheeky look. "I've already entered you guys and so don't be late for auditions in like less than two weeks. Haji and team are looking forward to y'all's audition. Okay, thanks and you'll do great."

Jasmine and Katherine tried to grab a hold of her, but Gina evaded their hands and laughed while skipping away.

"Anyways, Kyle will cued y'all in when to start while Haru gets the four of you settled too like last time. Okay thanks and bye!"

Gina ran off before her friends could strangle her just as Haru arrived to prep them for their performance knowing the whole ordeal with a smile.

"Thank you for joining us this morning." Gina greeted those that were present on the campus' quad.

"I hope that everyone is having a wonderful time with the White Day Festival today."

The crowd cheered as Gina smiled.

"Good to know. Anyways, I'll hand this off to Moonhee and Hyunkyung since they're the ones supervising this event."

Gina motioned to the two as they joined her before she walked off leaving them to take control.

"Hello guys!" The paired greeted the crowd as Moonhee spoke first.

"Today we have a special performance set up by these lovely ladies behind me."

Moonhee gestured to the quartet behind her as the four females politely waved at the crowd while continuing their stretches.

"While these ladies are performing, Love's Helpers will still be accepting requests for deliveries so please don't miss out!"

Hyunkyung glanced behind him to see if the four girls were ready before facing forward again with a smile.

"Last month during Red Day Festival we had Cupid's Angels helping us," Hyunkyung announced happily, "So this time around we have Love's Angels honoring us with their performance! So please welcome these lovely ladies to the stage!"

Hyunkyung clapped along with everyone else before he and Moonhee walked away leaving the quartet to start their so-called gig.

"Hello everyone!" Jasmine greeted the audience as the group's de facto leader once again. "One, two..."

"We're Love's Angels!" The quartet sang in unison before introducing themselves with similar stage names as Love's Angels.

"Taro Kitty!" Serena announced followed by Katherine, Melanie, and Jasmine introducing herself last.

"Honey Turtle!"

"Guava Koala!"

"Sugar Tiger!"

The crowd cheered as Jasmine continued speaking.

"I hope you enjoy our performances and that your feelings reach the person or persons that you want to convey them to! So don't give up. Anyways, please watch over us kindly."

The crowd clapped and softly cheered while the quartet glanced over at Kyle to let him know that they were ready to began.

"Alright, our first song will be Glass Shoes. Please enjoy."

Kyle gave them a silent countdown using his fingers before pressing something on his laptop that began playing the song that Jasmine just introduced. Love's Angels sang and danced to the lively song while plastering smiles onto their faces. They just didn't think they would find themselves doing this so early in the morning or at all today. Then again, it was just like last month when they last performed as Cupid's Angels. After that they took a moment to introduce the next song.

"This is for the girls, or guys, awaiting for that special moment to happen!" Serena announced with a chuckle. "So all of y'all, please don't give up. You got this! Anyways, the next song is To Heart!"

Once again, Kyle cued for when they should start as the girls rotated in standing formation to circulate their blood. The arrangement was already made from a while back to accommodate their smaller group. Once again they plastered on smiling faces and try to convey nice thoughts and vibes for the event. When the song came to an end it was Melanie who spoke next.

"Alright, alright. We having fun so far?" She asked as the crowd cheered.

The group took a breather as they drank some water and Haru came to fix some of their attire if it was askew before leaving. Melanie continued to speak.

"We hope you're all getting in the mood and enjoying the performances so far. The third song is something that will make your heart race," Melanie chuckled as she swept her gaze over the crowd, "So we hope that this song can help you settled that pit-a-pat within your heart and mind. Please enjoy DKDK!"

Love's Angels got into formation when the song started and the choreography was done once again as four people compare to the original of nine like the previous ones they've just done. Once the song ended did they take another moment to fix some technical issues that Haru had to come aid them before introducing the fourth song.

"I hope you're all having fun!"

Katherine spoke this time around with a laugh as she tried to catch her breath.

"This is pretty tough. Luckily we don't do this for a living and it's just a hobby. Anyways," Katherine moved on after her humor moment, "The next song relates to those that may have someone already in their heart! So, maybe this song will get it ticking and get things going. Let's have a LOVE BOMB!"

The song began to play and the quartet got into their positions and performed while enjoying themselves without actually thinking about it. Despite being roped into the whole thing like last time the four found themselves becoming energized. After the song ended did they announce their final song and that it would be their last stage.

"Thank you so much for listening and watching us thus far. We really hope that with our covers that it made your day and week. So thank you for allowing us to sing and dance for y'all early in your day." Jasmine thanked the group as she was the one to give the final ment.

"Yeah, we also liked to give major props to Haru and Kyle for coming in clutch with signaling when to start and looking amazing." Melanie stated while motioning at the said two people.

"Also, can't forget Moonhee and Hyunkyung for setting up White Day Festival this year and making it a great success!" Katherine chimed in with a grin while motioning at the said two people. "They worked hard along with the rest of the student council members to make White Day Festival another great success like the Red Day Festival!"

Katherine shot Serena a playful look.

"What about you, Taro Kitty? Any last words?"

"Uh," Serena stalled as having been caught off guard, "Well, thanks for all the love and hope everyone's having a fun time today, too. Thanks to everyone today! Now, back to Sugar Tiger!"

Jasmine chuckled before speaking.

"Yeah, major thanks to everyone to make White Day Festival the way it's going now. Anyways, " Jasmine looked over at the other three and they nodded to signaled to do their final greeting.

"One, two..."

"This was Love's Angels!" They sang once again while waving as Jasmine announced the final song.

"Anyways, thank you all once again. Our last song for this lovely day of the White Day Festival. With much love it's LOVE RUMPUMPUM!"

And one last time Kyle cued the girls once they got into their positions and happily performed the song in their own quartet version compared to the original. Once the song ended did Love's Angels waved at the crowd just as Hyunkyung and Moonhee appeared to take over once more.

"Please give a round of applause to the lovely ladies behind us!" The pair exclaimed as they clapped enthusiastically along with everyone else.

The quartet bowed to everyone as they waited to be dismissed so that they could change out of their outfits and resume their day like nothing had happened.

"Thank you so much, Love's Angels, for a wonderful performance." Hyunkyung thanked the quartet once more with a happy expression. "You definitely helped out the Student Council with your awesome performances!! So thank you once again!"

"Before you go though, there are a few people that would like to thank you!" Moonhee announced as she and Hyunkyung cast one another secretive looks which caught the quartet off guard.

"Anyways," Hyunkyung began, "Before Love's Angels go, there are a few people that would like to thank you!"

Before the quartet could question what was about to happen, Moonhee and Hyunkyung motioned for a group of people that wanted to gift some things to the quartet. Love's Angels slightly panicked, but remained calm when they just noticed that several of the students came up to them to hand them presents in thanks. They took the gifts and thanked their fellow classmates out of politeness and wondered if this was Gina's doing as well.

Jasmine and Katherine were waiting for the other pair of sisters at their usual table once classes were over for the day. The twins were going through their things while talking about all the presents they've received throughout all day today. Serena showed up a moment later with a sour face as she plopped herself onto one of the empty seats and unloaded all of her own gifts onto the table.

"Wow. Did someone make a confession to you this year?"

Katherine mused upon seeing all the things that Serena had  carried tripled in size compare to last year.

"Well, I would hope so though." Jasmine stated with a chuckle while pointing at each of the floating white balloon-like bouquets tied around Serena's wrists. "Because those are the second most expensive gift out of the others."

Katherine frowned as she raised her eyebrows upon glancing at the other items.

"Which one is the most expensive one then?"

Jasmine picked up one of white bear plush that held a white rose, a white balloon stick, and a small white box of chocolate.

"This one."

Serena groaned as she lied her head onto the table due to the amount of items she had received throughout the day.

"I have no idea who sent these and it was such a bother to carry them around campus." Serena explained. "I tried giving them away, but no one wanted them."

Serena lifted her head and glared at the items while removing the strings from her wrists and transferred each of them onto one of the stuffed bears.

"I mean the gifts from earlier was okay, but it got annoying when more showed up and having everyone gushed about it."

She glanced at her friends with a tired look.

"Please tell me that you guys suffered the same thing, too, right?"

Before the pair could answer Serena, another load of White Day gifts joined the pile on the table. This pile was just as large as Serena's or maybe even more. Their eyes quickly moved to see Melanie in the same state, but her expression was equally sour to that of Serena yet there was a dark aura surrounding her unlike Serena.

"I personally did nothing for Red Day Festival and yet I received all this stuff. Like why?" Melanie grumbled to no one in particular as she plopped down on to the other empty seat and removed the strings of her balloon and attached it to one of her bear plushies.

"Very true. I feel you, girl." Katherine agreed also eyeing all of her own gifts given earlier today.

"Anyways," Jasmine interjected wanting to change the topic, "Did someone make a confession to you, too?"

"Huh?" Melanie asked confused.

Jasmine pointed at the stuffed bears that now crowded the table.

"Because someone or maybe it's more bought you quite a lot of these bears holding gifts."

"I have no idea." Melanie answered with a tired sigh. "There were no letters or anything of the sort to indicate who sent them. And if they did, I doubt that they would actually confess to my face. How about you guys?"

"Well, before you came, Serena suffered the same way, too, but not as much as you." Katherine informed with a laugh. "But Jasmine and I got a lot of things, too, but not as much as you guys. So we didn't suffer all that much."

"Oh, wait. Don't forget about how we both received the wrong items and confessions thst came with it." Jasmine added as the other two looked at them confused. "You what?"

"Oh yeah." Katherine remembered. "Jasmine and I were confessed to, but by the wrong person."

"You're lying." Melanie gasped in disbelief. "They did not."

"Yeah they did." The twins confirmed in unison before Jasmine spoke a second later.

"Do you guys remember Alex and Youngjun?"

The other pair of sisters nodded as Jasmine continued.

"Yeah, well Alex thought I was Katherine while Youngjun thought she was me and it was such an awkward encounter."

"No doubt." Serena agreed as Katherine added more.

"The funny thing is that they told us to keep the item anyways and that either twin was fine. How fucked up is that?"

"Fucked up." Melanie stated with a surprised face. "That's hella fucked up. I would've punched them."

"Yeah, that's really messed up." Serena agreed with a frown. "Reminds me of the Hitachiin twins of Ouran High School Host Club when girls would confessed to them, but couldn't tell which twin was who and said either one was fine."

"Wow that is messed up." Jasmine said with a disbelieved look. "Anyways, we kept the stuff and told them to fuck off."

"Yeah, well my words weren't that aggressive." Katherine said with a laugh.

"Yeah, very true." Melanie agreed with a chuckle before looking at Jasmine expectantly. "Anyways, any progress with Johnny?"

Jasmine suddenly turned shy with the thoughts of Johnny floating around in her head.

"Oh, boy."

Came Katherine's response as Serena and Melanie looked at her weirdly.

"Did something happen?" Melanie inquired.

"Let's just say that every gift received she thought it may have been him."

"Aww, you should really confess, Jasmine."

This snapped Jasmine out of her trance and shot Serena a pointed look.

'I'll do it if you confess to Taeyong."

"Ooohhh!"

Came the other two responses. Serena frowned.

“Look, me confessing to Taeyong ain’t gonna do shit. The same with Melanie and Jaehyun as well as Katherine and Taeil. So not happening.”

“Boo. Why you gotta drag us in your persona problem?”

Melanie shot her sister a look as Katherine nodded.

“Yeah.”

Serena rolled her eyes and and instead of responding she directed the topic elsewhere.

"Anyways, let's go home then. Honestly didn't think we would stay to attend the rest of classes after thinking of not going due to the council exection or whatever. Sleep sounds so good right now."

"Not yet, bro. Besides, it was better to spend the day learning then not. Also stop running away." Melanie declined while looking over at the twins. "So what's the plan for today?"

"I dunno, I feel like sleeping, too." Katherine answered upon remembering Serena's suggestion. "That does sound nice."

"I told you." Serena remarked.

"No way. It's Friday. We should do something." Jasmine disagreed while shooting them a knowing look. "We can go clubbing."

"Nah. Not about that life." Melanie declined. "We can try this new restaurant that opened up a few months ago."

"Do we have to dress up?" Serena asked with a face. "I hate dressing up."

"It won't hurt you."

"Says you. Last time y'all made me wear heels and then both heels broke later on."

The other three broke out in laughter upon the incident.

"Yeah, you're right."

Melanie laughed while going through the items and finding a small bag of white chocolate and macadamia nut cookies.

"These are my favorite."

"Probably a stalker that got you those."

Serena also went through the pile and grinned upon finding a yogurt covered pretzels in the mix.

"Thanks to them, but I don't know who would even give me stuff when I barely talk to anyone in class or around campus."

"Isn't it because you always says you're a loner and hate people?" Jasmine asked while also going through the pile.

"Even though I think she's lying about it." Katherine countered also finding something in the pile to snack on.

"That's very true. I do hate people." Serena agreed.

"But she loves me, doesn't she?"

A male voice interjected as arms suddenly wrapped themselves around Serena's shoulders from behind as she shrank into herself due to the sudden skinship.

"Isn't that right, darling?"

The male rubbed his cheeks affectionately against Serena's and she shied away from the familiar touch while trying to lift his arms off of her.

"Stop your shit, Lucas, or your little fanclub is gonna get jealous and murder me this time around." Serena warned him as she smacked his arms this time since the male continued his hold on her.

"Hello, ladies."  Lucas greeted while still maintaining his position much to the dismay of Serena.

"Hi." The others greeted.

"Wait, y'all know Lucas?" Jasmine asked looking from Melanie to Serena.

"Yeah. Through Ten." Melanie answered with Serena making a face.

"Unfortunately, yeah. Hey. Let go. Jerk."

Lucas chuckled as he finally removed his arms from around Serena and took the seat right beside her.

"Anyways, you'll be fine since you changed your hair color since the last time I saw you."

He playfully ruffled her hair in the process and she swatted his hand away in annoyance as she tentatively fixed her newly dyed ash lavender locks.

"Some day I think she's gonna murder you, Lucas." Melanie remarked with a laugh before remembering something.

"I bet it was y'all that gave us all of these, huh?"

Melanie swept her hands at the items with a pointed look while Lucas nodded as he also glanced at the gifts.

"Ten told us to do him a favor."

"Wait, did that include us, perhaps?" Jasmine asked a bit hopefully.

Lucas over at her.

"I think so. There were two other names besides theirs. Are you guys Katherine and Jasmine then?"

“Yeah, that’s us.” Katherine confirmed with a confused smile. “Although I don’t get why, but it was nice of him to include us.”

"Aww, tell him thanks. I’m happy to know that he wanted to treat us, too, despite not having met us." Jasmine grinned as she picked up one of the stuffed bears that belonged to her originally.

Katherine smirked.

"Oh, boy. You just added another step for her."

"For what?" Lucas asked curiously.

"Don't worry about it." Serena dismissed the topic and returned back to the previous topic.

"Not like I even need any of this stuff in the first place. There's so much."

Serena grumbled while Lucas cheekily nudged her and wriggled his eyebrows.

"Did you wished it was only me giving you these instead?"

She rolled her eyes.

"No thanks."

Lucas chuckled before turning his attention towards Melanie.

"Anyways, Ten wanted to make sure you two and company had a good one in part of what occurred last month."

"What does he mean by that?"

Lucas shrugged.

"Dunno. He didn't really say. Just something about the red goodie bags we received on Red Day Festival."

"He's such a brat." Melanie mumbled, but shot him a thankful smile.

"Thanks though. Anyways, how did you know we were here?"

"Ten looked up your location." He nonchalantly answered as Serena scoffed. "This is why I'm Team Android."

"That stalker." Melanie muttered as she looked at the male. "So, then what does he or you want?"

Lucas cast her a sly grin while sweeping his gaze at the other three.

"Are you guys busy right now?"

After three of the four telling him that they weren’t save Serena telling him she was busy. He called her a liar. So the quartet found themselves being treated out by Lucas and later meeting up with Ten when they reached the designated spot for a late lunch and basically a day of hanging out. Then again, it seemed like both males were such charming gentlemen throughout the whole thing despite treating out four women. Melanie and Serena couldn’t help but teased both of them by calling them a player much to Lucas' amusement and Ten's annoyance.

[kawaiipsycho101]

Righteous Side of Hell--Ch.4

4. Alliance

When I told Matt about my former humanity and of my acquaintance, Beyond Birthday, his reaction was very similar to Mello’s: skepticism, followed by dumbfounded acceptance, and then finally, sympathy.

“How old were you? I mean, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, I’m just curious.”

“About your age, give or take.”

“Oh.” There was an awkward silence. “I’m sorry.”

“So am I.”

Mello regained consciousness on the second day.

We had both agreed that it would be best if we waited a bit before telling him of my return, seeing as he had enough to deal with already, so I waited in the living room while Matt changed his bandages and told him where he was. I could make out bits of their conversation through the walls, but didn’t go out of my way to eavesdrop. What little I did hear were mostly pained cries of vulgarity from Mello.

My long-dead heart went out to the guy…sort of. I knew from personal experience how much burns stung, along with overwhelming defeat and humiliation, but he had brought it on himself. Now it was just a matter of whether or not he would bounce back.

He’ll be fine. It may take a while, but he’ll get over it. I’m sure he will.

“So, how is he?” I asked when Matt returned.

“Well, he’s pretty pissed, but I got him to take some pills and go back to sleep. And frankly, I’m startin’ to feel a bit agitated too.” He flopped onto the couch with an angry huff. “Remind me again why you waited until after the hideout blew up to help him?”

“I told you, getting my Death Note back was my top priority, not ensuring Mello’s safety. Plus, I didn’t know that he’d rigged the place with explosives, and that he’d be stupid-slash-crazy enough to detonate them while he was still inside.” I sat on the other side of the couch. “Look, if it’ll make you feel any better, you can punch me in the face.”

“Huh?”

“You’re clearly frustrated and need to let out some pent up anger, not that I blame you, so I’ll let you have one good slug.”

He gaped at me for a few seconds, and I could tell he was seriously considering taking me up on my offer, but in the end, he just shook his head.

“No, thanks.” He took a deep drag of his cigarette and exhaled slowly. “Besides, it’s not you I hate right now, it’s Kira.”

“Ah.”

“I don’t care what I have to do, I am going to see that bastard taken down.” As if to emphasize his point, he viciously ground his fag into an ashtray until it was a messy pulp.

On the afternoon of the fourth day, whilst I floated outside the living room window, I heard soft music coming from inside. It sounded vaguely familiar. It was a sweet, lilting tune, being produced by a wind instrument. I poked my head in and found Matt sitting on the couch playing an ocarina. His eyes were closed, fingers moving over the instrument’s small holes with an ease that only came from many hours of practice. I stepped all the way into the room and watched him for a few seconds.

It was a very serene image. Everything about it soothed me; the gentle music, the way Matt’s fake red hair seemed to glow in the sunlight, and the look on his face, an expression of peace and contentment. For a brief second, I wished very much for time to freeze, so I could watch and listen to him play for as long as I wanted; but I quickly shoved the feeling away.

NO. You already care way too much about one of them, you are NOT getting emotionally attached to the other!

“Too late for that.”

I shivered at the voice’s intrusion. I hadn’t heard it since the explosion, and I’d been hoping it was a one-time thing. And while I was well aware that my sanity wasn’t nearly as intact as it used to be, I was still rather unnerved; having a voice that you knew wasn’t real whispering in your ear was never a good sign.

Matt finished the song and opened his eyes.

“Oh, hey.”

“Hey. What was that? The song?”

“Song of Time from Legend of Zelda.”

“Legend of Zelda…That’s a video game, right?”

“That’s right.”

“You’re very good.”

“Thanks. Whenever I’m feeling stressed, I just whip this out and play a few songs. Works every time.” He gazed fondly at the instrument before glancing back at me. “Any requests?”

“Hmm…There was this one song I really liked back when I was alive, but I can’t remember the name. It had an ocarina in it too, and it was really pretty…” As I racked my brain for the song title, I began to hum bits and pieces of it.

“Stairway to Heaven?”

“Yes, that’s it! Do you know it?”

“Sure.” He blew into the device once more and started to play.

What came over me then can only be described as a tidal wave of emotion. It was somewhat similar to the feeling I got when I took my first bite of chocolate; good, but a little scary. Memories flooded my vision, flickering by so fast it was hard to make most of them out. I saw people, places, animals, colors, everything. I couldn’t speak. I couldn’t move. I could only watch.

Oh…Oh God…This is…

My legs wobbled and I sank into a nearby chair. Matt stopped playing.

“You okay?”

“Yeah…” I relaxed slightly as the images quickly faded away. “Yeah, I’m fine. I think…I think I just had a flashback is all.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No, it’s alright. If you don’t mind, I’d like to hear a little more.”

“Are you sure?”

I nodded.

“Okay. If you want me to stop, just say so.” He started up again.

This time I was prepared, and while I let the strange feelings wash over me, I also pushed them to the back of my mind.

Easy, easy…Focus only on the music…Let it flow through you…

After a while, I began to sing along in the voice of a young Led Zeppelin.

“There’s a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold, And she’s buying a stairway to Heaven. When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed, With a word she can get what she came for.”

I cooed the lyrics, unaware that Matt had stopped playing and was staring at me in awe.

“And she’s buying a stairway to Heaven.” I then noticed that I no longer had musical accompaniment. “Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s just…” He grinned, his eyes twinkling. “That was one of the coolest things I’d ever seen. It was almost like Zeppelin himself was in the room.”

“Thank you.”

“Just…damn.”

“I’ll admit, being me may not be perfect, but you gotta love the voice.”

“I wonder though,” He rubbed his chin in contemplation. “Why do you talk like that? That isn’t really your natural speaking voice, is it?”

“Not exactly. I’ve tried going back to my original voice, but I can’t-”

“What,” We both turned around and saw an extremely pissed off Mello, wearing nothing but a pair of Mario-themed boxer shorts and bandages, standing behind us. “The FUCK?!”

Uh-oh.

“Hey, look who’s up,” Matt smiled innocently. “How ya feeling, Mello?”

Ignoring him, the blonde headed towards me, a murderous glint in his eyes. I stood up and took a few steps back. While I knew this would probably happen, and had prepared myself for Mello’s fury, the look he gave me was still rather intimidating.

“Look, Mello, I know you must have a lot of questions, and-”

“You’re goddamn right I’ve got questions! Where the fuck were you when the hideout was being sieged?!”

“I was watching from above. I was fully aware of what was going on, and I let it happen.”

“You traitorous bitch!”  He reached up to grab hold of my shirt, but his hand went right through it. “How dare you come here after leaving me for dead?!”

“I didn’t-”

“You shut your mouth!” This time he tried to take a swing at me, but I just grabbed his fist and held it tightly while making sure not to break it. “Let go of me, you cu-”

“Mello, stop!” Matt grabbed his good shoulder and pulled him back. “Alix-”

“And you!” He turned his furious gaze to the gamer. “How can you see her?! Only people who’ve touched the Death Note can see her! And it was taken by the NPA!”

“They gave it back!”

“What?!”

“It’s true! They thought that if they gave me my notebook back, I’d leave the human world and return to the Shinigami Realm!”

“So, why didn’t you?!”

“Because I want to help you, dumbass!”

Mello blinked.

“Wait…what?”

“I want to help you catch Kira.”

“Why?”

“Because if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s when someone uses my Death Note without asking! Especially if it’s a self-righteous little prick bent on world domination!”

“Hang on, you said you were helping because you were bored,” Matt interjected.

“That too.”

“But…” Mello thought for a second before glancing at the fist I held in my own. “Could you let me go?”

“Do you promise not to try and hit me again?”

“Do you promise not to provoke me?”

“No.”

“Then there’s your answer.”

“Fair enough.” I released his hand, smirking as he gently rubbed his knuckles. Contrary to my appearance, I actually had quite the grip.

“As I was saying,” Mello said. “Why do you want to help us find Kira? With your abilities, he wouldn’t be that hard to find on your own.”

“I’ve already found him. He gave me my notebook back himself.”

“Are you fucking serious?!” Matt cried. “Why haven’t you killed him already?”

“I was, and believe me, I really wanted to, but then I realized something: just simply killing Kira would be too simple. If anything, people would think that he was one of Kira’s victims, not the real thing. And while I could always make him confess to being Kira before he dies using my Death Note, I know that that won’t do either. I want Kira to be exposed, beyond any reasonable doubt. I want to make him suffer, and once I’m done watching him squirm, I will kill him myself.” I paused for a second to let my words sink in. I could tell that Mello found the notion of Kira wallowing in his own misery to be very appealing, but Matt…I wasn’t quite sure. It was hard to tell with his goggles. “But I can’t do it on my own, as I am now. I need help, human help, and you’re the only guys I know who have even a chance of succeeding.”

“What about Near?” Matt asked. “You must know he has better resources than us.”

“Shut up, Matt!” Mello snapped.

“Well, it’s true!”

“I have thought about going to Near, but I don’t know where he is, nor do I have a decent physical description to go by, other than that he should be in his late teens and is a little pale. Right now, you two are my best bet. And, to be honest…” I sighed. “I think you deserve it more.”

“What do you mean?”

“All that Kira’s ever done to me is use my notebook, which he probably didn’t even know was stolen. But to you, as humans, he’s done a lot more damage, both to the human world itself, and to you personally. So, I’ve decided to let you have him, so that you can avenge L and every other life that Kira’s destroyed.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with that.” Matt grinned and clapped me on the shoulder, or on the forearm, seeing as he couldn’t possibly reach my shoulder. “We’d love to-”

“Wait.” Mello stopped him and glanced at me. “Alixandria, would you mind giving us a few minutes alone?”

“Sure. I’ll understand if you don’t want my help, but do know that if you refuse, I will have no choice but to take my proposal to Near.” Just as I was halfway through the window, I glanced over my shoulder. “Oh, and by the way, you may wanna put some clothes on.”

The last thing I heard before I was out of earshot was Mello asking Matt what the shit was he wearing.

I flew to the roof of the apartment building, where I sat and contemplated my current predicament (along with how surprisingly good Mello looked shirtless).

No! Bad thoughts! Bad thoughts!

I gave myself a good slap.

That’s better. Anyway, this is the right thing to do. I know it. I will see this through to the end, even if it means…Nah, don’t really want to think about that right now.

I slowly rubbed a hand down my face.

Fuck…I’ve got some serious issues.

About ten minutes went by before I heard Matt calling my name. I leaned over the roof and found his head sticking out the window.

“Up here.” Instead of waiting for him to reply, I let myself tumble over the edge and hovered a foot or so from the apartment. “You called?”

“Yeah. Come inside and we’ll talk.” I went through the wall and found Mello sitting on the couch munching on a chocolate bar, this time wearing a pair of gray sweat-pants decorated with golden blocks with question marks on them, and a baggy t-shirt depicting a blue pixelated character that appeared to have a cannon for an arm. I pursed my lips and held back my snickers.

“Alixandria,” he began.

“Just ‘Alix’, is fine.”

“Alright,” he shrugged. “Alix…”

“Yes?”

“First of all, thank you for saving me back at the hideout and helping Matt find me.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Second, I’d like to apologize for lashing out at you. It has been pointed out to me that you could have just left me there to die and returned to the Shinigami Realm with your Death Note, but you instead willingly decided to stay behind and aid in my escape.”

I was surprised. Mello never apologized to anyone, and certainly not this formally. I could tell by looking at him that he wasn’t too happy about it, but also truly meant what he said, and I was touched that he cared enough about me (or at least thought I was a valuable enough asset) to do something so far out of his comfort zone.

“I accept your apology.”

“Good to know. Finally, Matt and I have decided to let you stay and assist us in tracking down Kira. However, we will be doing most of the work ourselves and do not want you to interfere unless we tell you to, understand?”

“I understand.” I felt a strange twinge in my chest that wasn’t entirely unpleasant. “So, where do we start?”

“You said Kira returned your Death Note to you. When and how did this happen?”

“Shortly before the NPA stormed your hideout, Ryuk, the shinigami currently possessing Kira, came to me and told me what was about to happen, and that if I didn’t interfere, I’d get my notebook back. Afterwards, he took me to Kira and made good on his promise.”

“And this was before Matt found me?”

“That’s right.”

“I see. And how fast can you fly?”

“If the winds are right, and I’m properly motivated, I can go as fast as sixty-five miles per hour.”

“Would you say you were ‘properly motivated’ that night?”

“Yes, but Ryuk flies like an old woman, so it took us nearly fifteen minutes to make a trip I could have easily made in five.”

“So Kira was only five miles away from the hideout…” Mello took a savage bite of his chocolate bar.

“But this was three days ago, he’s probably long gone by now.”

“But he could still be in LA,” Matt said. “And since Kira gave up ownership of your Death Note, he won’t be able to see you-”

“I don’t think tailing him would be the best idea, if that’s what you’re going for.”

“Why not?”

“Because while Kira may not be able to see me, Ryuk can.” I sat cross-legged in the air. “If a shinigami loses their Death Note in the human world, they’re allowed to go down to retrieve it. Once they have it back, they’re expected to return to the Shinigami Realm. Ryuk probably thinks I’ve done just that; but if he finds out I’m still in the human world, he might tell Kira. But then again, maybe he won’t.”

“What do you mean?”

“As far as I know, Ryuk doesn’t help Kira in the way that I help you. He’s neutral about the whole thing. To him, this is merely entertainment; a show. If he were able to do something to make the show more entertaining, like tell Kira there’s another shinigami following him, he might just do it. Or, he might not, for the same reason.”

“What do you think the odds are that he would tell Kira?” Matt asked.

“Fifty-fifty, no, sixty-forty, or whatever; the point is that I think it’s more likely that he would. If anything, I think I should stay as far away from Kira as possible.”

“So, if we can’t go after Kira, we’ll have to do the next best thing…” Mello mumbled, consuming the last of his chocolate. “We’ll go to the SPK.”

“Near’s group? But aren’t they in New York?”

“That’s right.”

“So, aside from how precisely we’ll be getting from Los Angeles to New York without being spotted, are you sure you’re up for traveling?” I asked. “You just got up, and those burns are still pretty fresh.”

“I have some former colleagues who owe me a few favors, so transportation won’t be an issue. And as for my current…” He paused for a second and touched the bandages surrounding his face. “Condition, Matt and I have already discussed it, and I assure you, I’ll be fine.” He crushed the now empty chocolate bar wrapper in his fist. “Besides, I’m not going to let something as minor as this deter me. I will find Kira before Near does.”

“Alright, but I’m not carrying you again if you pass out,” I shivered. “Once was enough, thanks.”

The bullet Mello sent my way went right through me and made a hole in the cheap plaster of the wall.

That’s my boy.

Alternative Title for this chapter: Oh No, He’s Hot!

Song of Time, Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven all belong to their respective owner(s), and not me.

[hotel-six]

"Park." I say pointing at her as she nodded.

"Ha! I knew Bell won't pick you!" Woods cackled in joy as Mason handed him a crisp dollar bill.

"Okay then, that settles it. Mason, you're with me." Adler informed as Mason makes his way to Adler for a briefing of their own. Helen instantly approached me handing over a dossier of the daughter.

"What now?" I asked as he slumped to a nearby chair and she faced me seriously.

"For starters, we need to know more about the subject." She said, flipping through her copy of the dossier. Okay. This was easy. I just have to get to know her a little. Got it.

I read the copy of the dossier. It was so formally written, the words started to bore me.

So her name is Eve, she's into foreign languages, likes tea parties and ice fishing. Yeah this is one bizarre gal.

"Find any ways to connect with her?" Park hummed, while seriously browsing through her file. Lazar stood behind her and reading as well.

"Yeah… I guess I know a few foreign languages. But I doubt if she'll be interested in that."

"Yeah. It's not really interesting as this is an international school. It'd feel normal." Park mused and traced her fingers on the dossier, looking for the perfect prompt.

"Tea parties?'" Lazar inserted. Both Park and I turned to his suggestion.

"I'm not like stereotyping and all but I heard Helen once talk about the differences of two flavors and honestly, I'm fascinated. Maybe, the president's daughter would dig it." Lazar suggested as my eyes met Helen's following a nod.

"Great, now that that's done, we could leave, right?" I stood up and clapped.

"Not quite yet. Do you already have something to wear? Remember, we need to act like we belong." she reminded me and of course I'd miss that. My mind started to remember 'Nam all over again, but just bits and pieces.

"Ah yeah. So… " I trailed, waiting for Park to finish my sentence.

"We look for clothes." Park said and Lazar chuckled.

"This is going to take a while. I'll drive." Lazar offered as Helen smiled at him and you three made your way to your next destination.

~

International Academy of the Arts

Prom Night

I've never worn formal clothing in quite a while but this one, I actually like. It's a fine mix of comfortable and classy, and I could still fit a gun in it. Perfect for undercover.

I took another sip of their fruit punch, these killer drinks looked fancy and tasted fancy. When Adler said blend in, it meant I get to avail everything served for the students.

"Careful now, your bladder might betray you if things go wrong." Park commented with concern. She's true though, but I could handle a minor bladder problem. Never in my life did I see Park in a silky red dress, she looked great like everyone else enjoying the party. There was no doubt that Eve would easily trust us.

The lights started to dim as the colorful spotlights slowed down, diverting all its glow toward the center area of the venue. It was time for the dance. As the crowd started to partner up, my eyes started to focus on Eve.

"I'm losing sight of her, Bell. Let's get closer." She said as she made her way to the dance floor and I immediately followed. We positioned ourselves not too far from Eve and started to dance.

"Do you know how to do this?" I asked her and she shook her head.

"No. But we could just move left and right." She said and grabbed my hand, her soft touch was remarkably noticeable as our feet swayed from left to right. Park had her eyes focused on Eve while I focused on not stepping on her foot.

"Nothing suspicious so far. But they're closing the entrance. Looks like everyone in the guest list is already in." Lazar radioed as we continued dancing, our steps were swaying closer and closer to Eve.

We got close enough that we actually caught her attention. Eve smiled at us as everyone tossed their partners to the nearest couple, forcing me to pair up with Eve's partner.

He looked at me with a warm smile. Maybe I'm really that convincing as a schoolmate so I tagged along, dancing to the rhythm.

"I haven't seen you here. You're one of those exchange students, yeah?" He spoke and all I could ever do was nod and continue dancing.

"Great, great. Welcome to the International Academy of the Arts! I'm Ben." he welcomed me and I smiled in return.

"Great school. I like." I muttered, pretending I don't know much of the English language, further verifying my transfer student alibi. From the corner of my eye, it looked like Eve was already having a great time.

"Back to your partner you go!" He cheered as the music cued for the exchange, but just as the pass was about to happen, the lights quickly dimmed as the music stopped. Collective gasps and screaming immediately filled the dance floor as everyone panicked to safety. The faint glow of the emergency exit was their only source of light.

"What's the sitrep?" I yelled over comms.

"Proceed to exfil! The entrance is under attack!" Adler yelled as gunfire started booming in the background. Glass shattered from the windows and you felt a familiar hand pull you up.

"On your feet, Bell. I got Eve." I felt a gun in my hand and I knew exactly what to do. Lead the way.

"Woods, how's the exit?"

"Dark and crowded." he grumbled. That just meant it wasn't the safest way out. Three people are defending the entrance and I can't afford wasting my time waiting for the crowd to ease up.

I remembered the blueprints from earlier. There were a few more exits that I remember and every choice offers the quickest path to Sims.

Route A is through the second floor. There's a metallic ladder that leads straight to the parking lot. I doubt anyone would go there. With all the fancy clothing, this was the least plausible way.

Route B is through the basement parking lot, but the entrance is through the rest of your squad's defending line. It would be such a risk but the basement is underground and actually safer.

[Route A]

[Route B]

[hvti]

AFTG!Siblings AU

Louisa Anastasia Damia Josten (Damia Dolores Wesninski) 

Damia (english. “to tame, to subdue, to kill”) Dolores (spanish. “sorrows”)

Louisa (french. “warrior”) Anastasia (greek. “resurrection”)

the name anastasia was given to her by mary when she unofficially adopted her and took her on the run w her & neil

like how neil keeps the middle name abram in all his identities, louisa keeps anastasia in all her identities

she also keeps damia, much to mary’s chagrin

when they were younger neil used to call lousia ‘DD’ for damia dolores

now he calls her sia (which, btw, is hebrew for victory)

she calls him abe & abram in private (mostly abe)

neil was the one to come up with the name louisa when they went to millport

she’s nathan’s and lola’s daughter so she’s neil’s half sister

she’s older than him by a year or two

they look exactly the same so they often had to pretend to be twins

also she’s shorter than him (by like an inch) which he teases her about constantly

btw dolores is the full name of lola and means the same thing

she was born deaf, master at reading lips in 5 different languages (including english, obvi)

also a master at sign language but has hardly ever had a need to use it because she can communicate w neil using eye contact so,

has trouble pronouncing words because of her hearing; her voice is all hollow and choppy

neil finds comfort in it anyway

super strong & super fast; her arms are thick and muscular af

she has a curvy athletic w a tiny waist that’s super sexy btw un f

also she can most definitely bench press anyone of the the foxes

maybe not matt or kevin but,

can also run as fast as neil

she isn’t a ‘rabbit’ like neil is though

she also doesn’t have an obsession w exy like neil does either, she only plays to be closer to him

she’s a dealer btw

she’s also a freakin’ amazing dealer like woah

she tends to be quiet and aloof; louisa usually only speaks out of irritation or to defend neil when necessary

part of the reason she doesn’t bother communicating is cus it’s too bothersome to try and talk to people who either 1. don’t know asl or 2. can’t read her like neil can

she has sociopathic tendencies,,

maybe borderline psychopathic

she gets pissed easily (but it doesn’t show thanks to her usually display of blank indifference)

enjoys picking on people; she has a dark and sarcastic sense of humor

also,,, she’s v sadistic and has a temper that rivals her fathers

it’s a couple of the things she inherited from nathan besides his looks

loves toying with her enemies and prolly feels most alive when she’s in a fight and/or about to kill someone

she killed a lot of nathan’s men while on the run

usually when his people found them she’d be the first to figure it out & tell mary to take neil and run ahead & she’d catch up with them when she was done

at the beginning she cared only for neil; she’s always had a strong sense of loyalty, devotion, & maternal instincts towards neil ever since he was born

neil is the only person louisa treats with a sort of gentleness

i.e. when she touches him: her fingers are always light and soft as if she’d break if she put too much force,

she often plays with his hair, it relaxes him,

they cuddle a lot

they’ve done it ever since they were kids, it started when neil was too afraid to go to sleep at night cus of his father

when they first moved into the fox tower louisa would sneak into neil’s dorm room and cuddle w him for the first few weeks

(they also shared the couch when they were staying w wymack before school started),

she’d sometimes sing lullabies or tell random, made up stories to help calm him down when he has nightmares or panics, despite her voice

neil highkey finds her voice very soothing

when she becomes closer to the foxes she becomes just as fiercely protective of them as she is of neil (but, ofc, she’ll always hold neil to a higher standing lmao)

she also starts talking with them, not by much tho like a short sentence every now and then

but the foxes learn to read louisa as well as neil can so

they also as neil to teach them asl to surprise louisa (when they showed her she had the biggest smile on her face and so much love in her eyes all of the foxes started crying; except andrew ofc)

she’s never cared for neil’s mother, like, at all

it was mostly because mary beat neil and no one hurts neil

whenever mary would raise her hand to beat neil louisa would crush her wrists or bruise her ribs in return

nothing too major cus they needed mary to still be able to run when needed

she respected mary on some level tho because she stole money and ran to protect neil which lousia can relate too

tho lousia wouldn’t have been so cowardly. she would’ve just killed nathan

she isn’t scared of nathan, her mother or the moriyamas like neil is

she doesn’t have nightmares

she doesn’t live in constant fear for her life

she isn’t worried about making it through the year alive

she isn’t worried about becoming like her father (she basically is as this point)

she isn’t afraid of her natural appearance because it looks too much like nathan’s

she is afraid of not being strong enough to protect neil

she’s afraid of losing him; it’s the one thing she has nightmares about

she’s very skilled with knives and carries like 50 different sized ones on her person at all times

she actually has a great sense of fashion

she hated the shit mary made her and neil wear and lowkey blames mary for neil’s sad excuse for fashion

when mary dies she fixes neil’s wardrobe

she usually only wears pants & long sleeve shirts & jackets

not because she’s hiding her scars tho (which, trust me, she has a lot of scars, like 50% of her body has scars and she get more when she goes with neil to evermore)

she actually likes her scars; she’s quite proud of them, shows she’s survived a lot of shit

part of the reason she covers up is cus of neil (ofc)

when he used to he see her scars he was also reminded of how most of those were because of him, because louisa was protecting him

he always hated that he could never protect her when all she’s done is protect him

he often feels like a burden to her and her scars kinda amplify his self-hate

and louisa noticed this a long time ago so, she covers up

the other have of the reason is cus it helps to hide her disgustingly large amount of knives (like srsly she has so many)

she often forgets to put in her contacts at times or redye her hair when her roots start growing so neil has to remind her

even though louisa is way more like nathan then neil will ever be, he always feels safe with her and loves her more than anything else in the world

he’s just as protective of louisa as she is of him

tho he spent his life running so he isn’t has strong as she is and can’t protect her like she can protect him

he’ll try to nonetheless ofc cus: martyr.

and being the Sass Master that he is neil is always the first one to drag a bitch verbally when they insult louisa

neil does the talking, louisa does that fighting; brain and brawns i guess you could say???

btw louisa is a history geek like kevin is (her favorite is mythology)

remember when i mentioned louisa telling neil stories?

most of them are mythology ones

her best subject is history

surprisingly enough louisa becomes closest with nicky, renee & kevin

she’s close w all of the foxes ofc

but nicky is her Sunshine

and renee gets her the most besides andrew

but andrew is neil’s and she respects that

and for some reason her and kevin share this weird bond and they become inseparable like she is w neil

and to the utter shock of everyone louisa is also as close w aaron as she is w neil & kevin

and i know this is an unpopular opinion but i like aaron

i hate his homophobic slurs with a passion but Goddess Nora mentioned that he became that way because of the environment that he grew up in

and i feel like aaron has potential to be better (there are so many aaron hcs out there that relate to how i perceive him in this hc but im too lazy to find them and link them,,)

so! somehow, someway aaron and louisa have a bonding moment idk what yet i haven’t thought that far yet

(and this is basically an about hc not a fic hc so,,,)

i do know that it happens sometime after the drake incident possibly??? idk

and they talk, a lot mostly in asl (besides neil, andrew and herself aaron is the best at asl)

aaron confesses to her about all the shit he went through with her mom and andrew and how he hates andrew or that he hates nicky

and he tells her how he hates himself the most and that he doesnt really hate andrew or nicky and that he wants to be better

so louisa helps him, listens to him when he needs an ear, drops little pieces of advice here and there

and no one knows this is going on for like the longest time

they only find out when nicky catches aaron and louisa sitting on the couch together in their dorm room playing video games and aaron is at shouting in disbelief because how can someone whos never played a goddamn video game in her life be so fucking good!? and louisa cackling like a freakin’ cartoon villain as she continues to crush aaron in w/e game they were playing

nicky was Shook

he told everyone of course

or something like that again idk,,,

also, louisa doesn’t go pro like neil does

instead, she becomes ichirou’s right hand

when neil finishes talking to ichirou about his life, ichirou tells neil to wait outside while he talked to louisa

and ichirou asks louisa if she wants the same thing her brother wanted

and louisa was confused cus like she didn’t say or do anything during the entire time ichirou was talking with neil so why ask?

she didn’t care what she did when she got out of collage as long as she was near neil so she can protect him

but neil had andrew to protect him now so… was she really needed?

ichirou spoke to her about how she killed her father’s men (he got reports i guess, nathan’s men were kengo’s men technically)

people were sent to the last place they heard from nathan’s followers and they found their bodies bloody and mangled

louisa smirked ever so slightly, nodding her head to ichirou’s implied question (“was it you?”)

so, ichirou makes a different deal with louisa and she becomes his right hand and is held at a much, much higher status than nathan

i don’t know how i’d want their relationship to be though im caught between it being just a business thing, a way for her to protect neil from the inside as well

or have them have like a mutual respect for each other w louisa being almost as fiercely loyal to him as she is to neil (but again, neil will always be #1)

i also kinda want her and ichirou to get together at some point

most likely when louisa graduates from college

p.s. when her and neil get kidnapped by nathan and lola louisa puts up a hell of a fight

like she hurts lola bad

and nathan too

but they drugged her so she was pretty weak and couldn’t kill them like she wanted

it was the most scared she’s ever been cus lola was hurting neil while nathan was hurting her and she knew lola was only toying with neil for fun but god what is lola killed him?

she’s never felt more useless in her life

is was also the first time she’s ever felt so scared

p.s.s. louisa does change her name officially to louisa anastasia damia josten w neil

i think that’s it for now? maybe i’ll write lil drabbles or smth in the future?? i’ve never been good at writing but i do wanna see louisa come to life,,, the struggle is real

i might post more of louisa on here or my writing blog @principi and my main blog is @cimelio

also if you want come talk to me about hcs!!! i love sharing ideas n junk lmao

[flyingangelofblueislands]

Flower Boy Prince pt. 3

VIXX Leo (Taekwoon) X You X VIXX Ravi (Wonshik)

genre: fluff

bias X reader

synopsis: a/u…you are classmates at university with same age Taekwoon, budding a friendship/something special with Wonshik, Taekwoon’s junior from his highschool (secondary school-upper levels)

The next day you woke up in the later part of the morning. Languidly stretching your body in efforts to fully wake up, thoughts of the evening before cued themselves to play in your mind like a timed movie reel. Wonshik was the epitome of a playful gentlemen.  After the pool hall, he had declared he wasn’t ready to say goodnight to you yet. You had to admit, you weren’t ready to say goodnight either. So you headed over to a hole in the wall club/lounge and caught a live band the ground floor, before moving to the top floor with a DJ and a sparse crowd, that extended into a rooftop-like terrace section that was much quieter. You leaned against the rooftop terrace railing and looked over the quiet city weeknight street. The night sky was deep and twinkling with all sorts of stars you never noticed before, as you and Wonshik sipped on your drinks. Every once in a while he would lean over and play with your free hand, and you would let him. Feeling a warm tingly feeling spread all over whenever he did. But as quick as he would touch your hand, he would let it go. Leaving you missing his touch for sporadic moments at a time. Once again, you felt your head spinning as your feelings were pulled up and down. At one point, you asked him, “Wonshik...why do I get the feeling you’ve been planning a night like this for a while?” Wonshik paused for a minute and turned from looking at you and faced the inside of the bar, with his back on the railing and both arms’ elbows resting on the railing at his sides. He puckered his mouth slightly to fight a slightly embarrassed smile. “I may have thought about it once or twice.” “Once or twice?” You pushed a little more. Wonshik playfully scoffed and turned to look at you. He licked his bottom lip and held it between his teeth. “You never thought about what it would be like?” “What would ‘what’ be like?” The air rustling around your body creating a slight chill to shake your body. Wonshik caught your subtle, involuntary movement and moved closer to you, gently rubbing his hands up and down your arms briefly as he made eye contact with you. “Should we go back inside?” He asked you sincerely. You looked over towards the more lively crowd partying away to the top floor DJ. His eyes followed your movements as you picked up his wrist and checked the time on his watch. It was only 11:18pm. You felt like partying. So you nodded and decided to take all your pent up energy inside to where the party was finally getting started. Wonshik stuck his hand out for you to take and gave you a small smile. When you finally grabbed his hand, he used that moment to pull you towards him and swiftly grab you by your waist. You stiffened and held your breath at the contact. But as quick as the contact came, it was gone, and Wonshik moved his hand from your waist to your lower back before sliding it back around between you and grabbing your hand once again. You exhaled and felt a jittery feeling creep around inside yourself once again as you both walked inside the bar into the thick of the party. You both ended up staying at the bar until about 2am. After which, at his insisting, Wonshik rode the train home with you and walked you to your apartment building. In front of your apartment, Wonshik lightly swayed from side to side with his hands in his pockets as you both lingered face to face even after already saying goodnight. You finally spun on your heel and half jogged up the stairs thinking if you didn’t run away you would never go inside. As you searched your bag for your keys to get in the main door, you looked over your shoulder and saw Wonshik still waiting below. You stopped fiddling inside your purse and called out,  ”What?” ”What are you doing tomorrow?” ”Why?” You asked automatically suspicious but intrigued. “What are you doing tomorrow?” ”Missing you.” Smiling at the recent memories for a moment, you sucked your teeth.  “What am I doing?” You scrambled out of bed and shook your whole body. You wanted to get rid of the ticklish feeling. That giddy feeling. Your phone suddenly dinged three times, the sound almost overlapping itself as you received what sounded to be like three message at once. You took your phone off the charger and checked your messages.

mommy👸❤️😩🙃:  hello it’s been three days since I heard from you. if you do not call me today I will have to send a search party!!! call me!!!! I bought that tomato soup you like. the one in a box. it’s organic now. I hope you are not spending all your money eating out. this soup is easy enough to make. just heat it up don’t be so lazy. when will you come pick it up? if you don’t come get it I will eat it. love you, mom. call me. i mean it. You cackled at your mother’s message. “Why does she have to text pages like this?” you sighed, “At least she sent it all in one text this time…” you offhandedly commented while making mental notes to schedule time to go home this coming weekend and also to call her after work. or she would send your uncle, her younger brother, up to the city to check on you. She’d done it before. She did it often, really. You closed her message to see who sent the other two. There was one from Taekwoon and one from a random number. Without hesitation you opened Taekwoon’s first. A little bit of you was feeling guilty already. Taekwoon🙈: was it really that much fun? You pouted out of feeling sorry to him. You didn’t call or text him once, as you agreed to do, last night. You were so caught up in the whirlwind that was Wonshik. You tried to think of how to phrase your apology without making too much of it in case Taekwoon was just playfully teasing you with his text message. You closed his message in the meantime and went to read the unknown number. xx-xxxxxxxx: GM. it’s Wonshik. Taekwoon’s little brother/junior. Pool master. Your all-night partner. haha. hope you slept well. I couldn’t sleep at all…. You felt your heartbeat begin to rise with every word you read. By the end, your fingers were almost on automatic responding to him. You wanted to ask why he couldn’t sleep well, even though you had a feeling how he would cheekily answer already. You: Good morning. I did sleep well thanks. but why didn’t you? Wonshik: because I had a paper I needed to write that I forgot about lol You got bounded back into reality. That wasn’t the answer you expected. Your phone sounded off in your hands once again with another message from Wonshik, Wonshik: You expected me to say something else right? You: no W: I think you did You: think what you want then W: I’m not that easy, you know…. You didn’t know what else to say. A little amused, but kind of disappointed that Wonshik was so bland this morning, you figured out how to finally answer Taekwoon. You: when i got home it felt like was too late to text you. sorry! Taek: it’s never too late for you to text me… Your heart jumped, but once again your brain was at a loss for words. So instead, you lobbed your phone onto the bed and began preparing to take a shower. As you wrapped a towel around your body you remembered that you didn’t have work in the afternoon because you switched days with one of your coworkers to help them out. You exclaimed softly at the realization and all but skipped into the shower humming. A real free day-no school, no work. You almost didn’t know what do with yourself. Then a million things scrolled by in head. You sighed. It was nothing major, just a lot of tedious tasks. You figured if you hurried, you could finish by late afternoon. After stepping out of the shower, you dried yourself off, put on a neon blue sports bra, because now it was laundry day, a large-ish white tee and gray leggings. You picked your phone up off the bed and saw another message from Taekwoon. A piece of you simultaneously wondering why Wonshik hasn’t started the conversation back up. Taekwoon🙈 u shud make it up to for making me worry… You felt a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. You: and how do I do that? T: next time ur free…u spend the day n evening with me instead… T: just me. Your eyes expanded twice their normal size. You wanted to say you were coincidently free today, but you decided against it. You: okay, I will–but wat if ur not free that day??? T: let me worry about that. T: just dnt break your promise this time…. T: I mean it Y/N……dnt let me find out ur spending ur free day with another guy after u just promised me… 

“Oooo! Okay Taekwoon!” You hollered in your room at his sudden assertive tone. You loved his leadership qualities but only got to see them in school. Outside of school he was so accommodating and careful towards you, you forgot he had that other side at all. Your roommate walked past your room and gave you a knowing look. “Don’t. I’m not–he’s–he’s the one making me like this!” “Does he know that yet?” She asked as she kept walking. You yelled after her, “I haven’t not told him on purpose!” You stared at the phone in your hands and mumbled softly, “The timing has just never been right.” “Tell him!!” Your roommate screamed from the kitchen. You pulled a face at her and mouthed ‘shut up’ in silence while out of her line of sight. “Stop making that face at me!” She yelled at an uncanny but timely point. “Leave me alone!” You yelled back but went out to meet her in the kitchen where she was pouring almond milk in her cereal. “I was out with Wonshik last night.” She whipped around intrigued, “And Taek?” You shook your head no. She laughed, “What! How’d that happen? and if so, then why are you screaming over Taekwoon this early in the day?” Your phone sounded off. Wonshik was trying to FaceTime you. “OHHH my god. He’s calling–” “Taekwoon?” your roommate blurted as she almost dropped her milk, “No, Wonshik!!” You yelled in a slowly building frenzy. “What do I do? My hair’s not even–” your friend reached over and accepted the call. You gasped and hissed your curses at her before the video connected and you saw his face, “Uh, Hi-Hello?” Wonshik’s voice filled the room, “Good morning again, beautiful.” Your roommate chortled in the background. Wonshik buffered before speaking again, he squinted at you confused, “What was that?” “My roommate-” you said and whipped the phone around to show your roommate. She yelled with a mouth full of Cheerios and crouched down behind her own raised bowl to cover her disheveled appearance and rushed back to her room screaming back that she was going to kill you. Wonshik laughed heartily before you spoke again. “You’re really taking advantage of having my number aren’t you.” You smirked. “I wouldn’t say it was taking advantage. More like making up for lost time.” He rolled over in what looked like his bed and studied you for a short bit. “I wanted to see what it was like to wake up to your face.” “Wooow!!” You burst out, without thinking. He had really overwhelmed you. “That was a strong one.” You laughed as you rolled your eyes. Wonshik just smiled satisfactorily and continued. “What are you doing today?” “First, some laundry, then grocery shopping, return some library books, and buying some house items..” “Wrong answer. You were supposed to say ‘coming out to play with you Wonshikie!’” “Oh was I??” You raised your eyebrows and tried not to like it as much as you did. He sat up in bed and nodded. “I’ll come to get you in an hour.” “I have things to do today. I’m an adult.” You insisted playfully. Wonshik laughed, “Then I’ll do them with you. Easy. Don’t miss me when I hang up, I’m coming.” With that Wonshik ended the call. Your mouth dropped, head reeling from everything happening so fast. Your eavesdropping roommate squealed. “Oooo! Wonshik’s got it!” “Got what?” You yelled back indignantly. “You, for starters.” You baulked and couldn’t respond. Your mind flitted to Taekwoon. For some reason you felt like this counted as betrayal.

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part 3 done. this is getting more stretched and complicated than I originally planned. but I let it go as the feeling tells me. lol hope you enjoyed that!! I enjoyed writing it… :)

related note: week 3 of VIXX’ promotions! Let’s talk about N for a minute even though if you’re reading this you’re probably Leo or Ravi biased lol. But Cha Hakyeon?? Is killing me in these shangri-la stages. I’m ready this week lol. Leo’s subtle body rolls in the center will always have me in cardiac arrest, i swear. I’m gonna be sad when it’s over. not only for them, but because I’ll have to end this series lol

Love, Peace, and quick Fluff reads!! -admin Fluffintine