#eh might as well torture myself a little. as a treat.

[thessalian]

Thess vs Why We Fight

Another one from the bowels of Reddit, mostly because it's interesting.

There's a subreddit - r/antijob - that I follow mostly to keep track of real people's experiences in the workplace other than my own. And there was a post where the question was asked, "Why do you do more than the bare minimum?" That was the title, anyway. While the question was genuine, it was also at least half a lead-in to "If you're not stealing time back from the company that abuses you for too little pay, you're doing it wrong".

Thing is ... I had an answer. And that answer is: "I do it for the patients".

Yes, I complain a lot about how much I'm being taken advantage of by my colleagues. How management is allowing and in fact encouraging me to torture myself by taking on overtime that Occupational Health has told me I should not be doing. But the thing is ... I could technically just ... not do it. I could say, "Fuck it; you're on your own". And I probably would, except for the fucking patients.

See, I type histology reports for a living. And while some of those are absolutely routine, bog-standard stuff that shouldn't be an issue ... a lot of them aren't. They don't take out your tonsils or appendix or gallbladder unless there's something wrong. They certainly don't take off your breasts or cut out your kidneys or segments of your fucking intestines unless there's something wrong. They don't stick needles in you to take pieces of your liver or your prostate or your lungs or that weird lump on your breast, or cut off bits of skin because that mole just doesn't look right ... unless there's something potentially wrong. Nine times out of ten, they're looking for cancer.

Now, I know a lot about cancer. I've worked a few oncology departments in my time. And the main thing I know is that you have to catch it early. The sooner you catch it, the sooner it can be treated, and the sooner it's treated, the better the odds that you'll get full remission. More to the point, if you delay any of that, it might spread to another part of the body and then the odds of the patient's survival just drop into the sub-basement. The first step to catching it? Getting histology results to the right people. And even though I only do the macroscopic reports and not the microscopic ones that let you know whether a thing's malignant or not, they can't authorise a report without that information on the damn form. So, in my own small way, I am helping to save lives. That is why I do what I do. That's why I couldn't really hack anything that wasn't directly medical. Arranging the diary of the head of the Royal College of General Practitioners or handling submissions to a medical journal? Eh, I could do it, but it wasn't satisfying. I want to be helping. I want my job to mean something. And mine does.

So I answered the Reddit post with that very fact. And I got, "Well, it wouldn't be your fault if things got delayed; it'd be the boss' fault for not hiring more staff". And thankfully someone else got in before me with the reply of, "Yeah, and Thess is going to feel so much better about a patient potentially dying, potentially painfully, just because it's not technically their fault, even though they could have done something? Have some fucking empathy!" From what I can tell, half the people who read that remark of mine think I'm a hero, and the other half think I'm a doormat. I dunno; maybe both, maybe neither. I just know that reports need doing ASAP because sometimes, even a few days makes a difference.

I don't think my colleagues understand that. I don't think my colleagues let themselves understand that. They just look at it as, "They dictate, I type". I never forget that the tissue those doctors were cutting up and poking at while dictating this stuff was fairly recently attached to and/or inside of a human being, and the fact that they're getting bits cut off or out means, as I said above, that there is something potentially wrong. Best case scenario? Everything's fine, and the patient gets relief from the stress of potentially being sick a little sooner. Worst case scenario? There is a problem and the report gets to the right people quicker, and the patient stands a better chance of surviving it. Either way, it's important. What we do is important.

So I guess it's not even just work ethic, although that's a good-sized part of it. Most of all, it's making a difference, in a small way that might become something huge. And that's why I work three hours of overtime when we're this swamped.

...I just hate that my empathy and general humanity is being taken advantage of by lazy bints who only see it as "it's just a job; do the bare minimum".

[dremieblur]

me walking in. Oh another daydreamer w a cookie run paracosm?

Tell more

LISTEN! thank you for allowing me to talk about my vaguely developed paracosm, it got kinda long ngl so it's under the cut if you want to read it!

This is so bare bones at the moment because my brain keeps jumping around in the 'plot' and like, I could give the bullet points but they are subject to change at some point (probably) especially since I'm mixing both Ovenbreak and Kingdom as well as putting in my own fanon for flair...

ANYWAYS!!

Gingerbrave, Gingerbright, and Dozer (they're triplets) manage to escape the Witch's oven and house after spending an undisclosed/undecided amount of time being tortured/abused by the Witch (she constantly threatened to eat them causing some long lasting psychological damage to all three)

When they escaped, Gingerbrave landed wrong and ended up injuring his leg (more specifically his knee) and he didn't tell his siblings leading to later complications that would lead to Brave having to use a cane as a mobility aid as well as chronic pain.

(These events follow Cookie Run Ovenbreak where Gingerbrave join Pirate Cookie and his crew on his ship where they are later accosted by Captain Ice Cookie)

It also leads to this exchange between the triplets where both Gingerbrave and Dozer turn to Gingerbright (who is the smartest of the three):

BRAVE & DOZER: Uh, Bright? BRIGHT: Yes? DOZER: Is.... is being a Pirate ILLEGAL???BRIGHT: Unfortunately, yes. BRAVE: And since we're on this ship and agreed to be a part of his crew in exchange for passage... We're technically Pirates as well, right? BRIGHT: Yup. [Pirate Cookie and Ice Captain Cookie argue and Pirate refuses to give up, leading to a chase] BRAVE: Oh, we are so fucked...

(A lot of the cookies cuss ngl)

Skipping around a little, they end up in Kingdom where the worse of Brave's injury catches up to him and he ends up collapsing while they are trying to escape a cake wolf, Dozer and Bright manage to beat the monster back but also end up overexerting themselves, leading them to collapse as well.

(It should go without saying that Gingerbrave and his siblings are kinda not into the whole 'government' thing so while they are all appointed leaders of their 'kingdom', they prefer to call it a homestead leading to the paracosm's name: The Sugar Homestead).

I also have some starter comics, that I made in Cookie Run Comic Maker, most of them are kinda eh, but it made me realize how much I want to do sprite edits for this whole thing so I'm gonna buy a tablet or something as a treat to myself at some point.

(Oh yeah spoilers, I made White Lily Cookie and Dark Enchantress Cookie Siblings for the potential angst and parallels to Gingerbrave and his siblings' relationship)

(And then I made a serious attempt at making this in the maker, after finding an EXTREMELY CUTE custom sprite set done by a user named cabbage on the site (which in turn started my whole urge to do sprite edits and figure out the Cookie Run Style))

(And these are like my first official dabbles in the maker where I wanted to A Softer World Remix comic (if you know what I'm talking about, if not look it up, it's actually really fun and several fandoms have at least one blog dedicated to it))

(Also im pretty sure I fucked up the idiom but like shhhhhhhhhhh)

I am also in the process of making a pinterest board for most, if not all of the Cookie Run Characters (which is more difficult than you would think for certain characters)

I might drop a link in the future lol

I have some half-formed notes about Gingerbrave's time in the Creme Republic (he HATED it ngl, he wanted to fight so many adults and spent most it trying to encourage Clotted Cream Cookie to go absolutely APESHIT on Custard Cookie).

It also leads to me thinking about this tweet:

which is something that Brave says to Clotted a LOT tbh, especially when he realizes that Clotted has a lot issues that were caused by Custard (kinda mirroring how Brave, Bright, and Dozer have issues caused by the Witch and how much Brave wants to kinda, sorta kill her)

I have some relationships that are heavy WIPs for the most part because I don't believe every cookie is related to each other, but some certainly are (but ill have to develop that more later on)

There's also so extensive lore work where Devsisters are two witches that are responsible for creating Earthbread and the creation of the Legendary Cookies (who am I labeling elemental Gods/Goddesses/Deities) Millennial Tree Cookie, Wind Archer Cookie, Moonlight Cookie, Sea Fairy Cookie, and Fire Spirit Cookie.

The dragons exist (and i think it's funny that Gingerbrave is just suffering while Bright tries to reason with Longan Dragon)

Timekeeper is also there and brings up the possibility of timelines where TERRIBLE THINGS ARE CONSTANTLY HAPPENING. She also re-traumatizes the kids by dropping them in some of the worst timelines and making them fend for themselves (a vague idea but it's rattling around in my noggin')

Like this is all I can think of right now without giving away some of the other things floating around in my head ngl!

but thanks @cringezskull430 for giving me the opportunity to talk about my paracosm a little bit!

Sorry it got so long and wasn't as detailed as it could have been!

[darkdansdarkestdays]

"In search of a female virgin, huh?" I assume that's your work as well? Fucking hilarious. Damn, must I be constantly tortured by these stinging examples of the caliber of woman that has forbidden my mere ATTEMPT to position myself to one day act as a companion...jeez beauty, brains, and don't forget, folks, she's also a laugh a minute.....the trifecta, right? I must confess, though, to being slightly confused as I first assumed you had become angry with me for something I had said that you deemed "disrespectful" but, if you were the driving force behind the dating app stuff, that indicates something different entirely. Be that as it may, I feel much better than earlier. While I would like for you to speak to and treat me like a friend (cuz even though I can't really say we were, as I'll demonstrate, and as you know...not every piece of everything in this year's long game, of sorts, was my doing. Wanna disagree? I don't know what your memory status is these days-i am guessing fine, but read on) and sit down and speak to me.....or, at least do so on the phone, but give up forever on attempting to see that desire come to it's fruition. I am not going to begin my long promised summary of the occasional weird ass happenings related to you that continued occurring, very infrequently, over a period of years despite absolutely nothing seemingly being positioned to have prompted them, but will refer you, briefly, to an miniscule incident that immediately followed what was easily my least favorite of the 4 "events" that I can recall....I suppose I have to take the lion's share of the blame for the fact that you will never want to be my friend....But, it was this incident that, in all likelihood, kept us from ever getting together...in fact, you blocking me from every piece of tumblr real estate you possess (I am impressed with my ability to always immediately find your blogs even the ones without a description, though...little warm fuzzy to myself in a sea of cold pricklies....sometimes you just gotta take what's there) Anyway, your actions last night--the blocking, followed by, basically "fuck off forever. Move on." were devastating to me, for real...only an unexpected epiphany has relieved horrible doldrums...Anyway, and don't this all you want...It's true, though. Last night was, roughly 1000x more productive for us than that night on 2011, I think. You didn't hzvr to tell me to get out of your life, then....I was way ahead of you on that idea. But, it was afterward, the following morning, or afternoon, when you posted z random Facebook message that was pointed out yo me by Eliot Evans, I think...it said something to the effect of "who are you to judge thd life I lead..." (Which I had yet to do, at that point) although the viewing of the message is actually what pissed me off more than anything because it helped to support my suspicion], unproven, that you originally wanted to see and speak with me that night...I recall....nevermind. details later....Anyway, what I should have realized, at the time is that we are far too different to ever be in a rekationship......I haven't admitted this to myself, I was under the misconception we might know one another then eventually decide on things like this, but, you are right: I want nothing to do with a relationship with you....because I don't believe you are willing to alter your current routines in any way shape or form and there I'd no way I would ever be okay with it.....heartbreaking for you, I am sure. I could list all of the reasons, but it is not that monogamy on a strict level would be required....but, eh you know what? It doesn't matter. ...and, you don't want jack shit to do with ne so, that's it, I suppose. I will be as accurate and respectful as I can in my last posts

[wri0thesley]

hii would j like to say that ive been reading your works since ive got into jjba (around last june) and i absolutely adore your works ♡ you are also incredibly friendly n interactive w all your readers and i rly love how approachable you are! anyway ive been having dio brainrot as of late (ehe) especially sdc dio~ i just want to cockwarm and be spoiled by him, because he absolutely seems like the type to treat his favorite pet with such love and care.. and thinking about my squishy body against his toned and muscular one really gets my gears grinding LMAOOO thank you so much for allowing people to brainrot in your ask box!! i hope you have a good day~

cooling solution - reader x dio (1.7k)

nsfw! afab reader, neutral pronouns. cock-warming, reader is dio’s pet. slight belly bulge. dub-con if you squint but reader is implied to be into it/a willing participant in their status as dio’s pet.

your lord presents a solution to the humid night-time air of egypt.

Lord Dio’s big hand rests gently on the top of your head, fingers petting your hair. You’re kneeling by him, your cheek pressed to his knee, relishing in where he’s all over cool skin in the sticky heat of Cairo. You are wearing very little, by his choice – but still, in a place like this, with someone (something?) like him beside you, even those are too close and uncomfortable.

You sigh, shifting, leaning more into the touch – and Dio chuckles, very low.

“Is something wrong, little morsel?”

Is something wrong? The answer is both yes and no; it’s wrong that you’re not on your Lord’s lap, that you’re not pleasing him, that it’s so hot and sticky and that you’re uncomfortable where you are. But on the other hand . . . nothing is wrong. Not when your Lord Dio is beside you, gifting you with his presence, touching you even in the smallest amount.

“N-no,” you say, after a moment, your voice very soft. “Only--”

“Hmm?” The hand on your head moves, stroking over the soft curve of your cheek to prick his nail into your chin and tip your face up. Your eyes meet his, golden and indulgent – he is always indulgent of you. You are his pampered little pet, and whilst some other occupants of the mansion may rush about and twist their faces into grimace and do all kinds of little chores and odd jobs, your only purpose is to please and amuse Lord Dio.

It is a purpose that you fulfil with great relish.

“You can tell me,” he says, voice soft velvet, comforting like an embrace. “I’ll do anything I can to make you more comfortable, pet.”

The caress of his voice on the soft, fond name makes you press your thighs together in need, reminding you of all of the other times he’s whispered sweet things to you when his fingers or cock have been buried to the hilt inside of you and he’s brought you past your peak over and over again, benevolent in giving you pleasure for he knows that at the end of the night it will be him who has the final gratification.

“It’s just . . . warm,” you say, your cheeks flushing even hotter.

Dio’s golden eyes stay locked on you, but you see the corners crinkle with mirth, the lightest tilt of his carefully painted lips. You are permitted to do that for him, sometimes – your face close to his, your teeth biting into your bottom lip in concentration as you coat every contour of his mouth.

“Oh,” he says. His fingertips move from your chin to brush over your neck, your collarbone – you lean into the touch instinctually again, both because of who it is before you and to chase the coldness of his undead, alabaster skin. “I can help with that, can’t I?”

“I-I would never dream of asking you, my Lord,” you whisper, your eyes widening in case he takes your carefully worded complaint against the air of Egypt as a complaint against him. He’s amused by your attempt; the hand jangling with thick golden bangles moves to grip your upper arm.

“You need not be afraid to make requests of me when I have so much I can give you,” he says, and the words send another bolt of heat through you as he uses his strength to tug you up. “I know that you’re aware my devotion to you comes at the price of your obedience – and I know, too, that you’re a well-trained little pet, hmm?”

“Y-yes, my Lord.”

Your feet are warm on the stone beneath them. The candlelight plays tricks on your body and coverings, showing the curves of your form beneath the sheer, expensive fabrics. Dio’s eyes drink in every inch of you with pleasure that he does not even attempt to hide.

That’s what you are there for, after all – not just a pretty, obedient little pet, but a treasure and an ornament he can enjoy looking at in whichever ways he pleases. If he asked you to rip out your own heart and hold it for him so he may see it, you would stand stock-still as a statue until your last breath forced you to the ground.

“Good,” he’s amused, still. “I see how you bend into my touch. Is my skin a comfort to you, little morsel?”

You nod, biting your lip again. You know what Dio is – you know his skin is marble-cool and chiselled because he is not alive. You ought to be afraid of him, perhaps – but you are hypnotised by his pretty words and the his power, the flex of his muscle when he holds you against him, the whispers of what kind of world he will make for himself and how he wants to have you by his side on your knees always.

“Cool?” He asks, humming, as they brush again over your heated cheeks. “Do you think, perhaps, you would be contented to nestle against me on my lap?”

You sigh at the thought of it – cheek against his chest, big arms and hands holding you in place, the coldness of his skin like a soothing balm.

“I would be honoured, my Lord.”

“Good pet,” He says, and he brushes his thumb over your lips. You open your mouth without thinking, and are rewarded with an emerald-tinted smirk. “Just one condition, yes? I know you’ll be anxious to please me.”

“Of course,” you say, wide-eyed.

Lazily, he reaches for his lower half, fingers expertly undoing the buttons and catches of his complicated outfit. Your mouth goes dry as he pulls out his cock without fanfare, and you see he is already hard. Your body gives another full-length throb that you feel pounding inside you like a heartbeat – you are intimately familiar with this part of Dio’s anatomy. You know what he likes, how he feels, the twitch of it inside you – all by heart.

“You say you’re hot, hmm? The air . . . oppressive. Skin sticky.” Those eyes rake all over you again, and you know he must see the beading of sweat on your forehead, the way your hands dig into palms – the glaze of your eyes as you watch him languidly wrap his big fingers around his cock, pumping the shaft. The slick noise makes your toes curl and your heart skip a beat. “I, however . . . I find myself rather cold, tonight.”

“I’m sorry, my Lord,” you say, through the dryness in your throat. You can barely think. Lord Dio has trained you to see his cock and want nothing more than to have it inside you by any means necessary. “M-may I be of any assistance?”

“Oh, good pet,” he breathes, rubbing his thumb over the tip, where his slit is beading shining pre-come. Your servile devotion, the deferential compliance . . . nothing quite hits him in the same way. “I rather think you might be. Come here.”

He crooks his finger to you, petting his knee with the hand not currently wrapped around his leaking cock. You are smaller than him – as anybody is – and it takes you a moment to manage to perch there. You can already feel the coolness of his thigh leaking through, comforting the warmth of your flesh.

“You won’t need these, hmm?” He hooks a finger into one piece of the fabric that’s covering your body, and lets it flutter to the floor, baring your form to his hungry eyes. You feel radiant under his gaze – at once unworthy, and worshipped. It’s a heady rush, knowing that he’s looking at you and wanting you. There is nothing that quite compares to knowing you are wanted by a God.

You eagerly bend into how he wants you, spreading your thighs wide, straddling him as best you can though the muscle that clings to every line of his body means your legs are stretched in a ‘v’ that is almost painful.

Dio chuckles at you, bringing a hand up to cup your sex. You start at the cool fingers on the very hottest part of you, where you are all slickness and fire. His thumb and forefinger open the plump lips of your labia so he can drink in the sight of you – the swollen nub of your clit, nestled like a pearl in an oyster. The pulsating ring of your entrance, so hungry for something inside of it – and so small that every time Dio looks at it, he wonders how you manage to take him so well.

“You want me too,” he says, and it is not a question but you nod your head frantically even so. The way that he is studying you like a beautiful piece of art is serving to do nothing but make you feel needier to press your body against him in its entirety. How could anyone not want him?

“You’re sweet,” he tells you – and then, he moves his hips just so and the tip of his cock catches against your entrance. Your fingers flex onto his shoulders immediately, by instinct – the ache and stretch of yourself around him momentarily all-consuming. He lets out a soft laugh. “You can hold on,” he murmurs, all soft, as he continues inexorably sheathing himself inside of you, inch by glorious inch. You’re slick from both sweat and desire (Dio could say your name across a crowded room and your body, you know, would react) – but that does not stop the fact that his cock could break you in half, if he wanted it to.

“M-my Lord,” you say, breathlessly, syllables forming and breaking in your throat. “S-so big--”

“Mm,” he says, another torturous inch sinking inside you. “And you, so small and soft . . .”

Your cheeks heat up under the way he says ‘soft’, the rub of his thumb over the plush of your thighs. You are all softness against him indeed – his own stiff body, all cold strength and sinew, in direct opposition to you. Dio never seems to be able to get enough of your body even so; claws and mouth and cock brushing against you, murmuring sweet things, holding and squeezing and enjoying the sight of fingers sinking into flesh.

He hilts his cock inside you, the hand on your thigh once more moving to gently push on your stomach, where his cock is distending the flesh slightly. There’s a smug undercurrent to the way he does it – reacting with unhidden amusement at the little jerk of pleasure you give, to feel him so fully buried inside you.

“You may rest against me,” he tells you – and you do not need to be told again. You shift awkwardly, the feel of his cock inside you not exactly alien, but uncomfortable when you wish to press your cheek against his chest and wrap your arms about his neck in order to feel his cool flesh give you some relief. Dio sighs as you do so, relaxing back into the chair. “There. Now . . . hmm. I have other things to attend to. Pretty thing, You’ll be good and stay here keeping my cock warm, won’t you?”

He does not need to wait for the whisper of assent that you breathe against the scar on his neck. He knows exactly what your answer will be.

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Duplicitous

Warnings: noncon/dubcon elements (rough sex, oral, cuckolding), deception.

This is dark!Loki and ft. some Steve and explicit. 18+ only.

Summary: Loki is new to the team but receives a cool welcome from those at the Avengers compound. Assigned to complete his orientation, you try to start anew with the former villain of New York.

Note: Still working on Omerta and From Eden. Tbh, the last week has been a tough one mentally but I’m working on that. I’ve also been all over the place helping my mother get settled after moving to town. Whatever, life is life. Thanks to all your wonderful people.

Leave some feedback, like and reblog if you can <3

It was a long morning. Much of it had been spent with Tony and as any other meeting with the man, it swung between amiability and antagonism. It was easy to guess why he was agitated as he was determined to thrust the crux of his displeasure upon you. Tony was never one to just roll over and he held a grudge well, but he wasn’t heartless and Thor was one of his best. 

It was only unfortunate that the Asgardian had deemed himself a package deal. If his home was to be Earth, it wouldn’t be his brother’s too. Loki was different now, he sought redemption, to right his wrongs. It was a hard sell but the god was relentless and as usual, he prevailed.

“I want you to make this hell,” Tony’s words echoed in your head as you flipped through the workplace standards binder. “You are going to go through this with a fine tooth comb until that jackass can’t take anymore.”

These things were never easy. Going over protocol, safety regulations, workplace behaviour and etiquette. Usually you did your best to condense it all to make it more palatable; as much for you as the new hires. Now Tony wanted you to torture this man via dry ordinances as he wasn’t allowed to do so physically. The boss wouldn’t sign off until he was sure Loki suffered, though you were just as certain Tony had no plans to sign off on anything.

You checked the clock, it was almost noon already. You’d set up the conference room for your first session. The binders and files stacked neatly on one end as you sat in the middle. 

You rose and looked through the transparent wall. Pepper’s heels raced by as she hurried to Tony’s office with her phone at her ear. The usual chaos of the tower.

You stepped out into the hall and made your way to the kitchen and popped a capsule in the machine before you found a mug. You added water to the machine and listened to the whir as it spat orange pekoe from its nozzle. You hated the little pods of leaves but you didn’t have time to wait on the kettle. You added a touch of milk and checked your watch before you stole one of the scones left in the box Pepper had strolled in with that morning.

You cradled the crummy scone in a paper towel and as you neared the conference room, you found a broad pair of shoulders awaiting you. You had still not grown used to Thor’s lack of hair. Loki’s dark head appeared just on the other side of him and your dread sank into your stomach.

“Hey,” You approached. “Just in time.”

“My lady!” Thor boomed as he turned to greet you. “How are you?”

“Well, and you?” You couldn’t help but smile. “How is the city treating you so far?”

“We have seen many things,” He announced. “Many delicious foods.”

Loki was silent, his eyes dull as he resisted rolling them at his brother. 

“And are you doing more exploring today?” You wondered.

“Eh, I gotta see Tony but I figured I’d see Loki in for his first day,” He lowered his voice. “I told him to behave.”

“I can hear you,” Loki grumbled.

“Yes, well you already know I told you to behave,” Thor said. “So… behave.”

“Yes, mother,” Loki replied snidely.

Thor huffed and shook his head.

“I fear I’ve set him into a mood already,” Thor said. “I apologize.”

Loki blinked in exasperation but said nothing.

“Well, I guess we should begin and you should see Tony sooner than later,” You offered. “He called for the jet so he might not be here much longer.”

“Thank you,” Thor clapped your shoulder. “I promise, he has changed.”

You nodded and gave a weak smile. Thor left you and you turned to Loki. He stared at you a moment then his eyes drifted to the transparent door.

“Allow me,” He pushed the door inward and stepped inside to let you past. 

You looked down at your full hands and thanked him as you entered. You set your mug and scone down but didn’t touch them. You had hoped to enjoy them before his arrival but for once, Thor was timely. Or perhaps that was Loki’s doing. He seemed the more stringent of the two.

“Loki,” You waved to the chair across from you. “Nice to meet you.”

“Again,” He neared slowly and grabbed the back of the chair. “Did you forget?”

“A brief meeting, yes,” You said. “But I’ve been told you weren’t yourself.”

He sat carefully and leaned an elbow on the arm of the chair.

“I remember it though,” He assured you.

“I tend to remember other events that day a little more clearly,” You countered. 

“Mmm,” His brow twitched. “Yes, you Midgardians do cling to the more extreme details of my last visit.”

You wanted to scoff. Your last meeting had very nearly killed you. As creatures flew upon strange machines outside the windows of Stark Tower and buildings were decimated, you had caught a piece of shrapnel as one of the invaders crashed through the windows. You still wore the scar across your side; still remembered the god behind Tony’s bar, lecturing you upon your inferiority.

“This is a new start,” You slid a binder over to him. “Though not an exciting one.”

His fingers tapped on the blue cover as you opened your own and took a sip of your tea. 

“What is this?” He opened his slowly.

“The rules,” You answered. “Combat regulations, mission protocol, office standards… the fun stuff.”

“And did my brother have to sit through this tripe?” He asked.

“Your brother didn’t try to invade New York,” You said sharply. “And Tony likes him.”

“Ah, Stark,” He smirked. “Of course.”

“Did you want a tea? Anything to drink?” You asked.

His eyes flicked up and he considered you. “Very kind, but I’d rather we just begin.”

“Right,” You looked down and took a breath. “Probably best.”

🐍

The clock at the end of the room read past six. You yawned and rubbed your eyes. All the little quizzes and evaluations Tony had tacked on were taking a lot longer than you expected. Loki looked just as uninterested though he read along all the same and had yet to falter. 

You sniffed and leaned back in your chair. 

“Ready to call it a day?” You asked.

“Up to you,” He said coolly. “To be honest, it has been slightly preferable to my brother’s grating presence. Slightly.”

“He’s not that bad,” You chuckled.

“He’s not your brother,” Loki countered. “Have you ever had the pleasure of eating with him? It’s disgusting.”

You held back another laugh and shook your head. Your eyes caught a figure on the other side of the clear wall. Steve squinted through and pointed at Loki with a tilt of his head. You blinked and shrugged. Loki noticed and glanced over his shoulder.

“Ah,” He slowly turned back. “The golden avenger has returned.”

“Well…” You tapped your fingers on the table. “I am, uh, late.”

“Late?” He raised his brows.

Steve went to the door and opened it carefully.

“Sorry to interrupt,” He poked his head in. But I’ve been, uh…” He looked at Loki warily. “Texting you.”

“We were just finishing up,” You assured him. 

“Hello, Captain,” Loki pivoted his chair.

“Steve,” The other man corrected. “Thanks.”

“Ah,” Loki’s mouth twitched and he looked between the two of you. He stood up and turned back to you. “I didn’t realise. I shall see myself out.”

“We’ll pick this up tomorrow. Same time,” You said. 

“I look forward to it,” He said dryly.

Loki took the black jacket he’d slung over the back of his chair halfway through your session and nodded at Steve as he slipped past him. He strode along the wall and offered a two finger wave before he disappeared. Steve watched him with hands on his hips.

“What--”

“You haven’t talked to Tony?”

“I didn’t think he was serious,” Steve turned to you. “He didn’t--”

“Oh, you guys need to calm down,” You rolled your eyes. “He was perfectly… tame.”

You pulled out your phone and saw several notifications from Steve, along with a few emails. One was marked with a red exclamation which deemed it urgent and you opened it up. You glossed through it quickly.

“Steve,” You looked up. “You didn’t?--”

“It was Bucky too,” He said evasively. “We were just doing our job.”

“You collapsed a bridge,” You frowned. “Why is it always you?”

“No casualties,” He pleaded.

“Only me,” You scowled. “I’ll be buried in the paperwork.”

He lowered his chin guiltily. He neared shyly as you packed up your bag.

“How can I ever make it up to you?” He touched your arm.

You narrowed your eyes at him as you collected your mug and half-eaten scone.

“Cheesecake?” He smiled. 

“You can’t buy me with dessert,” You brushed past him and he followed you out into the hall.

“Really?” He said. “I know you like a little whip cream on top.” You entered the kitchen and rinsed out the cup and placed it in the rack. “But… we could try it on something else.”

You faced him and fought not to smirk. You shook your head.

“So the cheesecake is… foreplay?”

“Part of it,” He got closer and his hand settled on your hip. 

“Hmm,” You hummed as his lips hovered over yours. “Strawberry cheesecake?”

“My favourite,” He purred and kissed you. 

🐍

The next day, you found Loki waiting in the conference room. You had spent your morning trying to clean up after the super soldiers. You pushed through the clear door and rounded the table as you greeted Loki.

“You’re early,” You said as you took your seat. The binders were as they had been the day before.

“All the better to get this over with,” He said as you sat and rolled your chair closer to the table.

“You know, I am starting to think it would be a lot easier if you and Tony just had it out,” You opened the binder. “Well, easier for me.”

Loki snickered and flipped through his own binder.

“You and the golden boy,” He ventured as you found the right page. “Adorable.”

You glanced up at him and furrowed your brow. You cleared your throat and looked back to the pages.

“So, we were going over required training.” You said.

“Is that allowed in your little Midgardian handbook?” He prodded.

“We will cover that,” You assured him. “Not that I think you need to worry about it.”

“Hmm, no,” He mused. “I wouldn’t.”

You sat back and sighed.

“It might be easier if you at least tried to make friends here,” You said. 

“Friends?” He lifted a brow. “Who should I start with? Stark? Oh, I’m sure he’d be open to a little reconciliation. Or maybe Rogers? Hmm? He really seems the forgiving type. Or that little redhead thing? She seems peaceable.”

“You could begin with me,” You offered. “I’m not here to provoke you.”

He blinked and shifted in his chair.

“Have I been unkind?” He wondered.

“Not exactly,” You answered. “But not everything needs to be a… snipe.”

He considered you and his hand spread over the binder.

“It wasn’t meant to be,” He said evenly. “I bear you no hostility, though perhaps I do owe you an apology.”

“Apology?” You echoed.

“Regardless of the circumstance, I said what I said that day, it was cruel and there is no excuse,” He said. “You were wounded and I would have watched you die. It might have been a different version of me, but it was me. I apologise.”

“You don’t have to--” You touched your side without thinking. “Thank you.”

“And I will do my best to withhold my contempt. You do not deserve it.”

You were a bit shocked by his candour. You pressed your lips together and straightened the binder in front of you.

“That’s a good start,” You said. “So, now that’s cleared up…”

“What page was it?” He nodded and looked to his binder. He leaned it against the edge of the table as his eyes roved over the tight font. 

🐍

The rest of the week went much the same. However, Tony’s plan to chip away at Loki seemed not to be working as your patience wore away and the Asgardian remained ever stoic. He was almost amused as he humoured your Midgardian codes. 

Your weekend was well earned but didn’t allow for much rest. Steve was due to leave again that week so you had to squeeze what time you could out of him. It could be a couple days, or a week, or two. He could never really say and you never expected him to. You knew how it was when you got into the relationship.

All the while, you tried to catch up on the work delayed by Tony’s pointless ploy to drive Loki out. You hated that he had chosen you for this though you doubted he’d trust any other to do so.

On Monday, Loki was late. You were surprised. He had always been annoyingly early. You texted Steve and he replied with a heart emoji. The door whisked open and had your phone face down on the table. Loki sat heavily across from you, a scrape across his forehead and a split in his lip. His cheek was slightly swollen beneath his eye but he seemed barely fazed by his injuries.

“Oh my god,” You said. “What happened to you?”

“Training,” He smiled and hissed as the gesture pulled at the cut. “My brother… got a bit carried away.”

“And how does he look?”

“To the detriment of my pride, better than I do,” He said. “I did try to restrain myself, though my tongue does not obey me as well as my body.”

“Let me get you some ice,” You stood.

“Really, I’m fine.” He insisted.

“You’re bleeding.” You said as blood began to trickle from the split in his lip.

“I thought I’d stemmed it,” He reached up. “Forgive my lateness.”

“That’s the last thing I’m worried about,” You scoffed. “One second.”

You went to the kitchen and grabbed an ice pack from the freezer and the first aid kit from beneath the counter. You returned to Loki and set your wares down. You flipped open the metal box and grabbed an alcohol wipe.

“Did you clean the cuts at least?” You asked.

“I can handle it,” He assured you.

“Sorry, sorry,” You flicked the packet. “I sound just like my mother right now.”

“I do appreciate it though.” 

He took the little paper packet and tore it open. He blindly wiped the cut along his hairline and that on his lip. You offered him some gauze and he thanked you before he pressed it to his lip. When the blood slowed, he grabbed the ice pack and held it to his cheek.

He stood and you quickly backed away as he tossed his mess in the bin. You packed up the kit as he sat again.

“Thank you,” He said again and you pushed aside the metal box.

“You know, it’s not too uncommon to have a bloody lip here,” You rounded the table and sat across from him. “You good though?”

“Very,” He said with a slight smirk. “I have been anticipating this section most fervently.” He opened the file before him. “Office etiquette. I suppose I am sorely lacking in that.”

You almost laughed at his quip. He wasn’t so cold as that first day and you no longer saw the villainous invader before you. You saw someone wildly out of place. For a moment, you felt bad for him. The glimmer in his eyes quickly smothered it and you wondered for a moment. This was Loki; he could more than handle himself.

🐍

Steve showed up only a couple hours later and waved at you through the glass. He had his bag. He was leaving. You tried not to stutter as you continued reading through the clauses before you and Loki seemed barely bothered by your momentary lapse. You swept a paper out of another folder.

“So, another pop quiz,” You said sourly. “While you fill that out, I’ll just excuse myself for a moment.”

“Very well,” He accepted and played with the pen. 

“Ten minutes.” You promised as you stood and slid the paper to him.

He nodded and looked dully at the sheet. You hurried around the table and out into the hall. Steve retreated and you followed so you could not be seen through the transparent wall.

“Going?” You asked glumly.

“I shouldn’t be long. It’s an easy in and out.” He rubbed your arm.

“Oh? And who’s going with you?” You asked.

“Um, Sam,” He said.

“Ha, sure, easy,” You kidded. 

“And what about him?” Steve nodded to the conference room. “How long’s this gonna take?”

“Well, with all Tony’s bookmarks, probably the rest of my life,” You grumbled.

“Gee,” He frowned. “I don’t envy you.”

“Rub it in,” You huffed. “I’ll miss you.”

“You too,” He leaned in to kiss you.

Your lips met and you grabbed onto his shoulder. You wanted to kiss him forever just to make him stay. But he had to go and you had to get back to work.

“While interoffice relationships are permitted so long as the proper legal protocol is followed, open displays of affection are prohibited as they are unprofessional and unseemly in the workplace and may lead to discomfort of others.” Loki’s voice cut through the air.

You pulled away from Steve and looked to him aghast. You heard Steve sigh and he hitched his duffle up on his arm. Loki held up the paper and grinned.

“Sorry to interrupt but I finished and… well, I think I’ve learned a lot,” He taunted.

“Apparently,” You turned back to Steve as he glared at Loki. “Sorry, I gotta go but… let me know when you can that you’re safe.”

“Of course,” He tore his eyes from Loki. “I love you.”

“You too,” You patted his chest. “See ya.”

“Yeah,” He shook his head and shot Loki one last sneer. “Bye.”

You watched Steve go and turned back to Loki. You hid your irritation and neared to take his paper.

“Thanks,” You said as you swept back into the conference room.

You sat and checked his work. Perfect, as ever. You were certain he didn’t care about any of this but he never wavered. You added it to the pile and looked up at him. He leaned back in his chair coolly.

“Did I pass, teacher?” He teased.

“Why did you do that?” You asked.

“Just practicing my learning,” He smirked.

You shook your head at him and flipped the page.

“Moving on,” You said.

“Must be difficult. Being apart so much.”

“We don’t have to talk about it,” You said. “It’s personal.”

“Apologies,” He said. “I was only attempting small talk.”

“It’s okay,” You said. “I just… to be quite honest, I’m cursing Tony as much as you probably are.”

🐍

Another week of tedium and you were ready to tap out. And you were further irritated that Loki showed no sign of distress. He was just as cool as ever as you went through the ridiculous mandates. Just as irksome as you glanced at your phone between sections. His curious, almost taunting eyes, lit up along with your screen.

But you kept on and on Friday, you let him leave a full twenty minutes early. You stayed another hour as you caught up on the rest of your workload. You barely made a dent but you just wanted to go home and hide in bed. Your empty bed. You hoped Steve would return soon.

You yawned as you drove to your building. Your fatigue mounted as you rode the elevator to your floor and neared the door of your condo. It was unlocked. You hesitated and pushed inside. You blinked as you looked around. The lamp in the living room was on but no other light shone and nothing seemed out of place.

You stepped further inside as you dug your hand into your purse and clutched the can hidden in its depths. Another light came from your bedroom door and you carefully crept down the hall in your heels to peek inside. You pulled out the can and screamed as a shadow appeared in the doorway.

You didn’t have a chance to spray the mace as it was batted out of your hand and the surprised chuckle eased your fears. Steve grabbed your arms as he steadied you. He was freshly showered and smelled of his sandalwood soap. He wore only the pair of old grey sweats with the hole in the knee. You shook your head at yourself and smiled.

“When did you get back?” You asked.

“About an hour ago. Didn’t think I’d beat you home but I had to try,” His hands slipped from your arms and he embraced you. “You miss me?”

“Did you miss me?” You countered.

“Of course,” He bent and kissed your lips, rocking you slightly. He pulled away and lifted a brow. “You look tired. Too tired?”

You giggled and hit his chest. He released you and slid your purse from your arm.

“Don’t worry, I can do all the work,” He offered. “You just get… comfortable.”

He backed away and set your bag on his dresser. You glanced at the chair where you usually put it and shrugged. You stepped out of your shoes and tucked them down beside the dresser. You stood and removed your blazer. Steve moved slowly to the bed and dropped down on his stomach as he watched you, his head cradled in his hand.

You felt like blushing. He hadn’t been like this in a while. The last few times he returned, he’d been tired; quiet. You gave him his space and he came to you after a while. You knew he needed the chance to decompress but sometimes it felt like he thought your time without him was easier. That your job was easier.

You unbuttoned your blouse and tossed it over the chair, shimmied out of your trousers and let them wrinkle on the seat. Your back ached from sitting all day in the chair and your muscles were tense from weeks sitting across from Loki. He was easier to deal with but that little glimmer of paranoia remained.

You unhooked your bra and swung it around before you let it fly across the room. You laughed as Steve hummed and you teasing pushed your fingers under the elastic of your panties. You paused and gave him a cheeky look. He groaned and perked up.

“You need help?” He asked.

“Well, not with these,” You shoved the panties down your thighs and they fell to your feet. “But I wouldn’t mind a nice massage. My back is killing me.”

“Hmm,” He sat up. His pants did little to hide his impatience. “I could do a massage.”

He patted the bed as he shuffled back to the edge. You went to the bed and climbed up. You eased yourself down onto the mattress, your face nestled between the pillows as you sighed. His hand brushed your leg and ran up to squeeze your ass. He urged your legs apart and moved between them.

“You’re tense,” He said as he pushed his hands over your ass and up your back. His fingers traced the scar along your side and lingered there. It was always so sensitive and made you shiver.

“It’s been a long week,” You turned your head to speak.

“Oh yeah?” He wondered. “He… giving you a hard time?”

“Not really but… I don’t wanna think about work.”

“Then don’t,” He ran his thumbs along your shoulder blades and drew a groan from you. 

You turned back to the pillows and stretched your arms up around your head. His hands kept moving, firm, attentive, magic. Your voice got louder and louder as he found the knots and the little aches perfectly. It was rare for him to be so thorough. Often he was thinking so much about what came next, he barely glossed across your flesh.

He gripped your hips and you felt his breath on your skin. He laid a trail of kisses along your back; lower, lower, lower. He dragged his lips over your ass and nibbled your thigh, then your other. He urged your pelvis up and you obliged. You bent your legs just a little to support yourself, your head buried in the pillows.

He got down on his elbows as he pushed his head between your legs and slid his tongue along your folds. He gently began to lap and your thighs began to tingle. The flick of his tongue grew more deliberate as he brought his hand up to tease your clit. He poked your entrance with his tongue and hummed.

Your fingers closed around the duvet and you lifted your head. You whined as you felt the pressure building. You breathed through your teeth and your entire body shook. You were surprised by your orgasm, how quickly it swelled and crashed. Your thighs quivered and you bit down on the corner of the pillow as you came.

He kept on and you whimpered. Your voice floated around you as your entire being buzzed. His purrs sent a shiver along your spine as his tongue kept on. Then you heard your name. A hollow tone. Confused, familiar.

The warmth of Steve’s mouth left your cunt and you turned. Frantic you stared at the man in the doorway of your bedroom. You looked between him and the identical figure kneeling on the end of the bed. What the fuck?

The Steve in the doorway stormed the other. They met at the end of the bed and you were almost crushed beneath them as you backed up against the headboard. Scared, you watched them tussle until they rolled onto the floor with a crash. The grunts were startlingly similar.

You crawled across the bed and looked down at the struggle. The panic brewed in your chest. You hopped off and grabbed the naked Steve’s shoulder.

“Get off! What’s going on?!” You pulled and found yourself flung back. 

You tried to grab him again and found yourself drawn back by an invisible force around your neck. You were dragged back to the bed, almost choking as the blankets wrinkled beneath you as you tried to latch onto them. You stopped at the headboard and felt along your throat, a searing pain in your palm as the unearthly bound tightened.

You kicked out and the sounds of struggle seemed to fade. You heard Steve groan and watched the naked one stand. He went to the chair and dumped your clothes from it. He carried it to the end of the bed and lifted the other onto the seat. Eerie green lights wrapped around his wrists and ankles, a thicker one snaked around his throat and his lashes fluttered as he tried to blink away his daze.

“What--” 

As the naked Steve turned to you, his blond hair darkened to black and his broad shoulders shrunk, a slightly slimmer and taller figure before you. You wriggled and tried to pull at the restraint at your throat once more. You hissed as your hands burned terribly and rescinded them.

“Why?” You kicked your legs and they were stilled by the same odd green glow. “Loki! Stop.”

“Stop? Why, dear…” He turned and slapped Steve’s cheek. Steve shook his head and his blue eyes seemed to focus. “...you were just starting to have fun.”

“Leave him alone,” You tried to get up but were drawn back even more. Your arms were forced out and your ankles tugged further apart. “Loki!”

“Oh, I love to hear my name on your lips,” He purred as he came closer. 

He drew a slow circle in the air and your body turned so your head was at the foot of the bed. He knelt and turned your head as he pressed his lips to yours. He devoured you as he pushed his tongue into your mouth.

“Loki!” Steve barked and you heard the chair creak slightly before he cried out. “Lo-ki!” His voice was strained. “Don’t touch--”

Steve’s shouts fizzled out as Loki drew away. You were flipped sharply onto your stomach and you squealed as your head spun. Loki climbed up swiftly and straddled your ass. He ran his hands over your back and squeezed your shoulders. 

He leaned over you and grabbed a handful of your hair. He lifted your head so your eyes met Steve’s. 

“You want to hate me, Rogers, but you haven’t any reason,” He taunted. “So let me give you one.”

“What do you think Thor will do when he finds out? Tony will--”

“You can tell my brother but he’s forgiven me worse and Tony, well, he could have an unfortunate accident in that lab of his,” Loki slithered. “Or maybe this darling little toy might break before I’m done with her. Pity.”

“You--”

“Would.” Loki insisted as he dropped your head and sat back. He hit the back of your head roughly. “This isn’t love, Rogers. It’s not even a crush. This is just… fun.” His fingers crept down your back as he slid back. “Oh, wouldn’t it be a scandal; the golden avenger murders his own lover. Even if it was an accident, well, that serum of yours… dangerous stuff.”

“No one would believe--” Steve choked before he could finish.

“You think I couldn’t make them? What reason do I have to frame you? And it would be easy enough to stage it all.” Loki preened as he poked between your legs. He rubbed your folds as he spoke. “What they believe hardly matters if she’s gone, eh, Rogers?”

You croaked as the force squeezed your neck and you flailed as you gulped for breath. 

“Stop! Stop!” Steve pleaded. The pressure relented and you coughed and gasped. “Loki, please… don’t hurt her.”

“Oh, I never intended to hurt her,” Loki shoved his fingers inside you and you whimpered. “In fact, quite the opposite. Weren’t you having fun, darling?” You closed your eyes and he pinched your thigh. “Darling?”

“Y-yes,” You murmured into the mattress. “Please--”

“Shhh, you don’t have to beg,” He keened. “But I do love to hear it.”

He pushed his legs between yours as he continued to finger you. You could hear Steve’s heavy, angry breaths. Your own were shallow and frantic. Loki spread his fingers and you felt another prod at your entrance. He held you open as he slipped in; two fingers still in you as his cock stretched your walls. 

He impaled you and pulled his fingers out. He sighed as he wiggled his pelvis and lifted your ass. He got even deep as his hands grasped your hips. You sniffled as you fought the heat behind your eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Steve uttered. You heard the chair wobble but still again as he let out an agonized growl.

“No,” You gulped. “I’m sorry. I didn’t--”

Loki pulled back and slammed into you. You squeaked and he did it again.

“You can have your little reunion when I’m done,” He thrust so hard the bed jolted with each tilt of his hips. “Oh, look at her. She’s shaking again.”

He sped up, a little at a time, until he was hammering into you. You ached from his relentless rhythm and tugged against the bonds. He bent over you and hooked his arms under your shoulders and pulled you up. He bounced you against him, your thighs draped over his as he worked your body.

You bit your lips and turned your head. You couldn’t look at Steve.

“He can’t look away,” Loki whispered in your ear. “I made sure of it.”

You whined as he continued to use you. His hand slid down to your clit as his other arm wrapped around your chest. He pounded into you from below as he began to rub. You felt the same sudden rise. The same irresistible tickle. You gritted your teeth and moaned.

You let out a pathetic sob as you came. Your entire body convulsed and you pushed your head back against Loki’s shoulder. His breath glossed over your cheek and he bent to press his lips to your flesh. He nuzzled further down and bit into your neck. He snarled as he thrust into you hard and deep.

He shuddered as his hips spasmed and he rocked through his orgasm. He came inside you, a sickly flood of warmth. Your arms were kept suspended to either side of you as you struggled to get away from him. You hung your head and squeezed your eyes shut.

He pulled out and let you fall forward. You caught your breath and slowly moved your hand to your throat. You raised yourself shakily and looked to Steve. His eyes were glassy, his lips parted, his face pale.

“Steve,” You reached out to him. 

As you made to climb off the bed, you flew back to the mattress, flat on your back. Loki strode around the bed as he snickered. He pushed his long hair away from his face.

“Now, now, you don’t think that’s it, darling.” He licked his lips as he came to the end of the bed and stood between you and Steve. “We have two weeks to make up for. Two. Grueling. Weeks.”

[amphibiandad]

A Ghostly Gift

Gift exchange for @dappersdoodles :)

‘Twas the night before Christmas

And all through the house

Not a creature was stirring

Not even a mouse...

“Aether, where the FUCK is the tinsel?”

“I thought you didn’t want to do this,” Aether smirked to himself in amusement at the smaller ghoul. Anger falling from his face as he realised the drop of his façade, Dewdrop stomped in a manner that was a little too dramatic to be genuine moodiness and spluttered “n-no! I just want to get it over with is all! I mean, who would want to be dressed like this? It’s-it’s...”

Aether raised his eyebrows expectantly, trying not to break into a grin at the pink warmth growing on Dew’s face.

“Well...you know...ridiculous.”

Aether just couldn’t keep the laughter in. A hearty chuckle rumbled out from him and echoed on the old stone around the pair. It wasn’t his fault - it was impossible not to when Dew was so cute pouting in that adorable reindeer onesie. A fiery blush worked its way across Dew’s cheeks as he glared at the larger ghoul, just about to snap a retort when the rest of their motley crew rounded the corner of the abbey courtyard.

“Oh my God, Dew, you look so cute!!” Cumulus squealed, pulling him into a tight hug which the petite male pretended to try and squirm out of.

“Get off me, Cumulus! Cute is so not my style.” He grumbled.

“Well, it’s not my style either but at least it’s comfortable.” Cirrus shrugged. “I think Papa might have underestimated Mountain’s height though.”

Looking over to him, the others noted that Mountain’s onesie ended almost at his knees and he frowned as he sighed heavily, already mourning his normal clothes. A short snicker came from the fire ghoul at the sight but was quickly halted by a couple of sharp elbows in the ribs (courtesy of Rain and Cumulus, nonetheless) who quickly tried to placate the towering male across from them with soft, reassuring coos.

“I thought they were quite nice,” Swiss commented haughtily. “Although...” He swivelled round and bent at the waist, one hand on his hips and the other resting pensively on his chin. “Does it make my ass look too fat?”

“I’m not sure that’s possible, Swiss.” Rain answered, completely straight faced whilst Dewdrop continued to suppress his laughter at the risk of incoming punishment. “But in any case, I don’t think this is the worst outcome from the Cardinal losing a bet.”

“Hm, I just wish he didn’t have to use us as a bargaining chip.” Mountain mumbled in deep baritone.

“Well, at least it was a bet with the third and not the second.” Aether replied, crossing his arms and huffing a quiet laugh as Dew paled visibly at the prospect. “Who knows what nightmares he would subject us to?”

The group shuddered collectively at the thought. None had been told specifically what was to be expected of this evening with the third, only to wear the the festive pyjamas and be in the courtyard of the abbey on time. So far, the only one who hadn’t made it there promptly was his excellency himself and regardless of how fashionable or not the outfits were, the group were certainly glad to be wearing something warm in the chill of the winter evening as their breath came in puffs of thick mist.

The courtyard itself was bare under the pale light of the moon and had the ghouls wondering why they were called out here in the first place. Originally, the group had mused that perhaps they were to participate in a play for the clergy as a strange celebration of Yule - or perhaps something more...sinister...but having seen that they were obviously not in a theatre or in front of an audience, they were only more confused. Perhaps they would be incorporated into a strange ritual or made to do physical labour - maybe the third just wanted to laugh at them in their new get up.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter...

Suddenly, said papa rushed around the corner of the abbey in a flash, his feet furiously striking the ground in quick, light taps and looking for all the world as if about to shout something awe-inspiring...before slipping on the icy stones and falling flat on his face.

Dewdrop wondered whether tonight was simply an exercise in torture as he yet again went blue in the face trying to contain his laughter at the sight of the third, face down in the grass with his ass stuck straight up in the air. However, Dew wasn’t the only one trying to suppress himself as the rest of the group were trying equally as hard not to break the silence of the untimely fall by revealing the hilarity of it all. When the small, pained giggles did start to break free, papa finally raised his head and blushed for a moment in embarrassment that was almost adorable before laughing himself, prompting everyone to break out in loud hysterics.

Once the laughter had finally died down and the tears wiped away, the third stood gingerly, trying out his limbs to make sure nothing had been injured before putting any real weight on them, and the group finally had a good look at his outfit.

“Um, sir...” Cumulus started.

“Is that a...Santa suit?” Dew finished incredulously.

“Ah! You noticed!” Papa affirmed with renewed vigour, pointing his finger in the air energetically. “Yes, I caught wind of this new trend the kids are hopping on and thought we should follow suit - pardon the pun. Very nice, eh?”

“You mean Christmas?” Cirrus supplemented hesitantly.

“Why would you want to start celebrating Christmas? And that still doesn’t explain why you’re in a Santa suit - even though, I have to say, it looks very good on you, sir.” Swiss said with a teasing wink at the third.

“Ooh, I like you.” Papa returned with an equally flirtatious smile which caused an incredibly rare flush to bless the ghoul’s high cheekbones. “It’s common sense really, the jolly fat man is known by almost everyone on the planet! Why not use that to our advantage? It’s a genius idea if you ask me.”

“So...you want to pretend to be Santa so we can spread the clergy’s message?” Aether said.

“Exactly! And it’s a good job I cheated-I mean, that your cardinal lost our bet, too.”

“Why?” Everyone asked, puzzled.

“Because,” Papa dropped to a whisper as they all leaned in curiously. “You are all very much necessary to my plan.”

The teasing atmosphere of before was gone and replaced briefly by an air of confusion and wariness as the ghouls once again dwelled on the daunting question of why they would be necessary before the third straightened and resumed his eccentric performance.

“Now, let’s hop to it!” He jumped up and started walking briskly out of the courtyard and into the woods beyond, leaving the bemused group trailing behind him.

“Wait, where are we going?” Dew asked, annoyed.

“No, no, no,” Papa replied, not even breaking a sweat still, despite the others panting heavily behind him. “Patience, young one, can’t ruin the surprise!”

Again, Dew tried to calm the traitorous blush that once again bloomed on his face. He couldn’t quite tell if it was from embarrassment at being scolded or just from the third’s overly flirtatious manner but he had little time to ponder it further as only a few moments later, they found themselves at the edge of a vast clearing, covered in a light dusting of white frost.

“See? Here we are!”

The ghouls all looked in childish wonder at the spectacle before them, with Dew and Cumulus even letting out a delighted squeal.

“Wow.” Swiss said, equally as stunned.

Before them, situated perfectly in the centre of the clearing and illuminated like moonlit velvet, was a huge, black...sleigh.

[A/N: that’s right, get your mind out of the gutter, folks.] And it was a thing of midnight beauty; the railings and silver grucifix adorning the sides gleamed as bright as shooting stars and the interior was made of plush leather the deep red of a fine french wine - a luxurious gothic steed befitting of its owner to be sure. Said owner now stood with his hands on his hips, very pleased with himself as he regarded the ghoul’s jaws resting on the floor.

“Pretty ah...impressive, hm?”

“EE-“ Dew squeaked excitedly before remembering himself and coughing. “I mean, it’s-it’s...alright, I guess.”

Terzo found himself biting his cheek at that, he couldn’t reveal his amusement now.

“Good, now onto business.”

The group snapped to attention - well, all but Swiss, who was busy touching every inch of the thing to examine the luxe materials and muse about designers and such. All of them knew. They knew that now would be when he would strike, when papa would finally drop this mask and crack the whip. The cardinal was always very kind with them and treated them like his surrogate family but they were never under any illusions about how brutal the regency could be. Many a ghoul had been handed to the papas and come back completely different, refusing to speak of what they had seen or done.

“Ghouls,” The Papa commanded and again, they straightened with a fearful jolt.

And they waited.

Rain resisted swiping a hand across his bow as sweat started to drip down. Aether could feel his heart pound like it was Mountain himself in the ghoul’s chest, Cirrus starting to tremble slightly in the corner of his eye. Even Swiss stood rim-rod straight to await what was coming.

“I want you...”

The tension became palpable as the group held a collective breath.

“To help pull the sleigh, of course!”

They blinked.

Then blinked again.

What?

“What?” They asked in unison.

“Well, I can’t move it by myself, can I?”

“You mean it works?” Mountain demanded in an unexpected boom of sound.

“What do you mean? Of course it works! How else am I going to spread the word?”

“But, sir...we can’t fly.” Cumulus said softly, careful as she glanced over at Dew, his eyes a little too shiny to be just from the moonlight.

Terzo only chuckled to himself and beckoned the (somehow even more) confused group to the sleigh until they had all found a seat: himself, Dewdrop, Aether and Rain in the front while Mountain, Swiss, Cumulus and Cirrus took the back bench. He held his hands out in front, confidently, and closed his eyes in the picture of serenity before instructing them.

“Now, I want you all to copy me. Take a deep breath...”

They did.

“And imagine yourselves floating, light as a feather.”

There was nothing for a moment and the ghouls wondered whether they really were just on an evening of babysitting the senile but then the sleigh gave a heavy groan...and miraculously, the runners lifted, slowly rising inch-by-inch until the group were suspended almost six feet in the air. Dew didn’t try to stop his thrilled squeal this time.

“OH MY GOD OH MY GOD AETHER WE’RE FLYING WE’RE FLYING AETHER YOU GOTTA LOOK OH MY GOD-“

“Not quite flying yet, boy.” Terzo halted his excited rambling but couldn’t help smiling warmly at the ghoul at his outburst. “We’ll be gone in no time and handing out our lovely gifts for the little kiddies.”

Hearing of such gifts, the group in the backseat looked behind them to the huge black velvet bag and peeked inside to reveal...

“You’re giving them merch?” Swiss asked incredulously. Inside were the warm blue blankets, hundreds of T Shirts and-

“You can’t possibly be thinking of giving them the phallos mortus set!” Cumulus screeched suddenly.

“AHHH NO,” Terzo coughed. “No, no, that-that isn’t supposed to be there. Secundo must have...erm...put that there.”

Spluttering profusely about how it definitely wasn’t his or his idea, the third clambered into the back to throw the set out of the sleigh before coming back to face Dew.

“Now boy, I have a special job for you.” He said warmly.

“What?” Dee breathed with wonder.

“I need you to light my way.”

“You want me to be...your rudolf?”

The rest of the ghouls looked at the pair like they had just stripped down to their underwear and were prancing round the clearing, holding hands.

“How the hell is Dew going to be Rudolph? You got an LED nose in there, old man?” Cirrus said before stiffening as Terzo narrowed his eyes in a downright glare.

“You’re a fire ghoul, aren’t you?”

Dew nodded, confused.

“Well, just - boop!” He tapped the ghoul’s nose.

Dewdrop blinked for a moment, blushing hotly at the unanticipated contact before peeking up and gasping.

“Oh, you mean like this?”

A small flame bloomed to life on the tip of his nose and his eyes crossed as he tried to keep sight of it, Terzo letting out a small chuckle.

“Ah yes, fabulous.” He said, the light from the flame dancing in his eyes with laughter. “Now one more thing...the magic words to make us set off.”

The others chittered excitedly, finally all on board for the trip they were to take after all of the third’s encouragement. At his prompt, they huddled together, becoming a mass of brown fur and poorly disguised horns. As he whispered in their ears the words, there arose a collective groan but the group sat down again, nonetheless.

And finally, after all his hard work, the sleigh rose once again, shook slightly and shot off into the sky as Terzo and the ghouls cheered-

“Merry Christmas to all

And to all a good night!”

[lacewing707]

[Mind Blind] Trappers

Never have I thought I‘d write something that isn’t my first language (at least not this early), but I just love Mind Blind so much I have to do something to contribute to the fandom. Here’s a fanfiction about Nick and f!Button as a result. Dedicated to @mindblindbard for creating such an amazing game (And I would also like to apologize beforehand for the possible OOC.) Summary: a bit of Snickly, less bit of GrayxButton, and a whole bundle of Button’s monologue. Enjoy!

A small “click” echoes from across the room, taking over the quiet essence that previously engulfed the house. Someone is entering, and with only two people living in this place, it’s not hard to guess who it is by the door. My brother Nick, with a coat on his forearm and slightly disheveled hair, is trying too hard to loosen his tie, as if it would strangle him somehow should he fail. He seems to be in a more solemn mood than usual.

I cautiously edge over the sofa, taking a good look at his face. Dreadriness seems to drag down those poor brows on his forehead. When he notices my gaze, my brother slowly drags his eyes up to meet mine. One brief moment of tortured silence follows, then suddenly his shoulders loosen:

“It was you, wasn’t it?”

I grin, relieved to notice his confrontation sounds more of exasperation (or amusement dare I say) rather than of anger. His eyes crinkle with indulgence as a smile steadily plays on his lips. After all, Nick could never really be angry with me. I mean how could he, with his sweet, loving, adjective-adjective little sister, even if she kind of locked him in an empty room for hours, with no one but her best friend Sally, who happens to have a massive crush on him ever since elementary school.

Oops.

Now, before you all begin to judge, I just want to state that my intention is utterly and undoubtedly pure in heart. It was none other than a wedding vow under a Ferris wheel, with heaps of flowers blooming in the background like July fireworks. Sally is going to wear a lily-white dress, cascading down the curve of her body until it floods the ivory stone pavement. The color matches Nick’s ridiculously flashy suit, which...should not come as a surprise knowing how much of an extra he is; and when the pope finalizes the vow, standing aside a model bridesmaid as I am, I will be SCREAMING on top of my lungs “kiss already!” - or better yet, preparing to kiss alongside them, in the delightful scenario of a double wedding (in which the other spouse is definitely not decided by-the-by).

I admit, being stuck in a closed room is not the most creative way of starting a romance, very much beneath a creator such as myself. But you know what, Nick has always expected me to be innovative, so let’s surprise him with this epitome of cliché shall we? In fact, it can serve as a double trap, an unexpected tactic that could put the opponent off-guard and unprepared and, and…

Alright, screw it. After Rosy’s one hell of a training, I was exhausted, okay? Exhausted and, well... a bit lazy. Still, at this point, might as well just start throwing things aimlessly. I’m sick and tired of waiting for my best friend and my brother to be an item. For all I know, Sally’s feeling has been pretty clear, and I am sure there’s something from Nick’s side, but those doofuses just keep throwing at each other meaningless banter and even insisting on the weird, full-first-name basis. What was that all about?

The squeaky sound from one of the cupboards abruptly cuts through my train of thought. I raise my head, only to find Nick already standing beside the kitchen counter. Even though I did prank him a good deal, he still wants to make sure his sister has good nutrition for the night.

“How did you even get access to that room?” He wonders.

Well my dear brother, you obviously have not made aware of my very resourceful friend Glitch. It only took an avocado toast and some treats (vegan, of course!), made and packed by Nick with love. Never would have thought they could be used against him just like that.

Ouch, feeling a bit guilty here; but a double wedding is awaiting, and I just cannot ignore that call from the future. It is my (self-proclaimed) duty to make such vision a reality.

I may have developed some other questionable methods for Nick to come all the way down from the top floor, such as making Grayson unknowingly lead his best friend into a trap. Now, I’m sure I could get Gray involved in a more volitional manner, with just a few shed of crocodile tears, but as much as I love him (I mean, not literally, ahem!), the guy is a disastrous liar. No doubt Gray would be figured out in the blink of eyes.

I need not say a word, as Nick must have known all about my schemes from my open daisy field of a mind. For a brief moment, his brows creased into contemplation as an unreadable expression sets upon his features. It is one of those times where I wish I could just read his mind.

I would assume he’s questioning my ethicality, which is seriously weird coming from him, but I guess it’s different now that he’s the victim? Regardless, I approach the counter, a cheeky smile plastered on my lips.

“So how was the quality time with Sally? Anything...interesting?”

A faint blush flashes across his cheek, and I don’t need to be a Ment to know what’s going on. It’s no challenging feat to imagine that squishy feeling like marshmallows, blooming in his chest; that thumping sound of heart whenever that person’s image conjured in one’s mind; and that sweet-yet-bitterness when ones almost-but-not-quite touch...

I mentally clear my throat, now is not the time.

Nick seems to be resonating my mental throat clearing as well. Dishes clank as he’s trying so hard to form an intelligible answer.

“W-What do you mean interesting? Nothing’s interesting!” He swings around, almost colliding with the edge of the counter. “Let’s eat, Button!”

“Really, Nick?” I smirk.

It’s rare to see Nick like this, very rare. My brother always likes to pride himself on being the suavest of the suave, yet he’s acting like some hormonal teenage kid with a crush. I smile so hard, it’s a miracle that my cheeks are able to contain it. One toothless, dazzling grin as I try my best not to laugh my arse off in a villainous manner. Thousands of suppressed thoughts loom beneath my subconscious.

Then, they all explode.

“Muahahaha!!”

“So much for all those teasing her before eh?”

♪“Who said, who said “I don’t love her”?”♪

It felt immensely glorious. Waves after waves of thoughts come crashing down at once as my heart is bursting with sheer excitement. My head must have been a hell ground for Nick, which can only be worsened by his Pollard Score of 10. This means he can dissect my crumbling mess of thoughts very clearly, and no doubt that Nick can very well hear all my gloat, teasing, as well as a bunch of old songs to which I so horribly butcher the lyrics just to further torment him.

♪“And you’re never ever ever, gonna fool yourself now”♪

Nick’s face is so red, might as well make some marinara sauce. Immediately, he turns around and bolts to his bedroom, despite knowing how little it can help when my mind is already a full-on broadcaster. For the first time in my life, I am actually grateful for my sucker of mind blindness.

Makes the teasing a whole bundle of fun!

I barely hold my breath as I settle down on my diner seat, making a mental note to wrap Nick’s dish in case he’s done sulking in his room. Still giggling to myself, I muse, today has been a fun day.

**

Glitch stares at the neatly packed lunch box temptingly dangled in front of his eyes. An amused smile plastered on his lips.

“It seems that I’ve been attracting a lot of deals with the Wiseman lately, have I?” He chuckles. “What’s with you and all the locked rooms?”

Nick grins. False innocence imprints on his handsome features while he struggles to contain a devilish satisfaction. Button will be so pissed, knowing her own recent scheme actually inspires the trap that has yet to befall her. How he wishes to see her face when it all comes down.

He may or may not attempt this as payback, but one thing Nick is very certain of.

He is not the only person who wants the best friend - sibling scenario.

_____

I’ve just realized that K is the only one from the main cast who doesn’t make at least a cameo appearance. 😂 Oh well, I do have another idea specifically for them anyway (if I ever manage to write it down =)) ).

[virtuosin]

╳

{{  Pretty long so under the cut it goes!  }}

‘Shieda Kayn,’ A warm, soundless voice would permeate his mind, the name languidly spoken from that unseen tongue. ‘The one who heralds the harbinger of death-’ A brief pause. ‘-you, the Promised One...oh, how he has twisted you. His taint has had such undue effects on your mind...and your soul.’ If he were to glance around the the hotel room, he’d find that Sona was still asleep in bed, silent still save for the gentle rising of her chest to indicate she was deep in slumber. Then, when he glances the opposite way, a ball of golden light awaits him, gravitating in place before his eyes. ‘We are Ora,’ They announce themselves to Kayn with slow omnipotence. ‘We have avoided contact due to the one you have bound yourself to...but-’ A pause, and although there is no physical features to the ball, it seems to shift its attention to the sleeping Templar. ‘-we are nearing the end...and the Child of Ora has reached a startling conclusion. She bears a terrible weight, Promised One,’ That invisible gaze returns to Kayn. ‘We wonder...will you help bear that weight? Will you still, after knowing her plan?’ It shudders in place. ‘We have tasked her to endure such hardships for a purpose far greater than should be given to such a small girl...yet she bears it all the same. You, who she has chosen...you, who our beloved Child of Ora marvels...will you dare to see the future she wields?’ Without waiting, light would burst, severing Kayn’s consciousness from that quaint bedroom, blinding him with the intensity of a thousand suns...then, darkness. It’s quiet, perhaps similar to the way Kayn had drifted beneath the waves on that moon--the night he drowned and felt the chill grasp of death. But he wasn’t dead, nor dying...but in this stasis of endless night, he wasn’t living either. Not stars, no moon...nothingness. Then, gravity returns, offering Kayn’s feet a place to rest. He stands on ancient cobblestone, and from there the world crawls into being, fanning out from where he stood. As the scene unfurls around him, the Ordinal might notice the nearby greenery and masonry. Decrepit, foreboding in nature but mystical as well. Even if he had never been to Navorre personally, he might recognize it from photos, or even video surveillance the Empire has had on the small planet. It was home to the Enclave, headquarters to the Templar Order. And there, gushing light enriched with Ora was that looming obelisk--the Ora Gate. “AAAAAAAAUGH!!” A scream of agony, so raw and visceral and brutal in nature. It wasn’t the labored shrill of someone wounded, it was the guttural yowl from torturous pain, the kind that was slow, and all powerful. What’s more, the voice...is would be all too familiar to Kayn at this point. A voice from someone who was meant to be mute--a girl he’s come to known and become close with for so many months in space. There, floating twenty feet in the air just between Kayn and the Ora Gate was the beloved Templar, Sona Buvelle. The light was so blinding that her figure was merely a silhouette, but this close, Kayn might see how brightly her markings burned--quite literally--into her flesh, searing her body and soul as the raw Ora filters into her form. “SUNFLOWER!!” A new voice, from several feet behind Kayn. A woman, tall, thin, but strangely sturdy despite the overwhelming pressure exuding from the gate. She stood, bracing against the dense atmosphere flowing forth, sterling eyes on her dear daughter. Eyes dart down to Kayn, and while he might not know much about Lestara, he would know how hardened the woman was, and how detached she made herself out to be towards others. Not softness, no kindness, not a shred of mercy-- And she was crying. “Stop her, Ordinal-” Lestara mouths towards him, her voice becoming deafened by the augmented nature of the scene. “STOP THIS MADNESS AND SAVE HER!! IT’S KILLING HER!! SHE’S GOING TO LET IT KILL HER!!” Tears were streaking faster, droplets flying off either edge of her gaunt cheekbones. If he were to look back at Sona, he’d notice a sizeable sphere form around her. It was reminiscent to one of her barriers, however, it shielded herself away from the world, acting as a small space to contain herself and the overwhelming Ora now being absorbed by the girl. Another blast of light erupts, and something shifts. As if a moment happens but is not shown to Kayn--like a skip in a record. When his vision adjusts, he would notice an utter lack of Rhaast--had he even been in the memory to start?--and the Ora Gate was pulsating with a final breath of Ora before it went dormant. Would he have enough focus to notice the ebony shade lingering at the edges of the gate, or were his eyes caught off guard by the limp body of his prisoner, flowing straight for the ground. Whether by direct choice of his own or the Ora, Kayn would find himself racing forward, catching Sona at the cost of hitting the ground hard on his side. But she was safe, in his arms--except...she isn’t safe. Not at all. Her Ora markings roared with energy, as if made of fire itself. What’s more, there were more of them, splintering off and creating new curves around her eyes, her arms, her neck. Robes were singed, the long emerald sleeves burned off to her biceps, revealing her scotched flesh to him. A direct effect from how she was forced to filter the raw Ora into her body, all in order to control that Ora Gate of his. “Sh-Shieda...” Sona wheezes out, the light in her gilded eyes rising and falling in color, going from prismatic to dull. All of her features matched that ebbing effect, signifying what he’d feel in his gut; Lestara was right...she was dying. He might feel that strong, innate connection they share, and it would only confirm the fear. He would feel how ravaged her body was, how close to the brink operating the Ora Gate had brought her, and of how little life remained inside her. And yet, she was smiling. “Ehe...heh...” Soft laughter, barely a wheeze. “I...am sorry...h-had to...let it in...funneled it all...into myself...h-had...to stop Rhaast from taking you...f-from absorbing the Ora and letting them in,” A deep breath causes Sona’s body to shudder hard against his lap and arms, and it’s almost painful to feel how cold this mirthful woman was becoming. It was...tragic...and still, she smiled at him. Feebly, a hand manages to touch his chest, palm flush against his sternum as if she wants nothing more than to touch his very heart. “I...was n-never meant to live anyway...I-I wasn’t born to have...a future...” Tears would form, so fat and full of life. Eyes would drift from her hand back up to his eyes, and those large, shiny gold hues would meet his, bringing back countless memories all at once. “B-But...you gave me a life...a-and now...I can die with meaning...I-I’m so happy...to die like this, Shieda, I-” Another hard wheeze, and now her eyes were falling fast. “-I think...this is the kindest death...I could ever wish for...h-heh...I-I’m so...lucky...aren’t I? T-To die in your arms...I-I can go...happily...if it’s like this...” “Shieda,” A final rasp, eyes so dark and shadowed by death. “...y-you...were my...new home...m-my friend...my b-beloved storm, I...” It fades, and yet her lips keep moving, as if she still attempts to speak but the Ora had run dry--her life had run dry. And then there was no movement at all...her final words...nothing but endearments for the man who had treated her callously, who forced her to this place, who could not stop it even at the very end; In the end, Kayn could not keep his promise and protect her. A heaviness crawls deep into his marrow, making the very air impossible to breathe. A deadened scream echoes in the distance, a reminder of a mother who has lost her child. And then, he’d feel it--a chilling breeze that bellows from behind him...from the Ora Gate. ‘They hunger,’ The Ora would call out to Kayn, speaking to him despite the emotions that may consume him as he gingerly clings to Sona’s limp, lifeless corpse. ‘They will unmake everything,’ The world would turn gray as something oppressive lingers from behind his back, though he wouldn’t find the will to look, even if he wanted to--eyes fixated by force to Sona’s still expression. ‘There will be nothing left to rule...nothing left to live...it will all be erased if you do not heed this warning we give you, Promised One,’ The shadows grow, coalescing around Sona and Kayn. He would watch in horror as the tendrils consume her legs, pulling her out of his grasp and dissolving her into the inky depths, her pale features and dead eyes the final sight he has of his...what was she to him again? Prisoner? Friend? Something far more? ‘She will open the gate, she must open the gate-’ The Ora goes quiet, emphasizing the importance of these next words as Kayn’s vision goes black. ‘-but she need not die...but she has decided on this path. Will you prevent her from enduring this burden alone and suffer a fate undeserving of such a pure being? If she ever meant anything to you, we beseech you, for your volatile will is all that can forge a new divergence from her selected path...stop her, Shieda Kayn, and give the Child of Ora the life you inspired her to long for.’ Jolting upright, sweat trails along his musculature. He was back in their hotel room, Sona still sleeping soundly, Rhaast off in a separate corner, and the Ora...no where to be seen, presumably back inside Sona’s core. As his eyes and body adjust to the transition, he’d find something in his hands. Staring hard through the shadows, it holds a dull glint...wet and dark...like blood. Sona’s blood. When Kayn blinks again, it is gone, though the existential dread remains, instilling a profound fact in his mind. The end was coming...it was coming for them all.

[moonlightwinterdxxix]

Your first Bits of my Brothers (acronym BomB?) anon here again! Could I request a pretending to be each other Zaimoku at Sutabaa or something? There's just not enough canon Zaimoku and sextuplets identity thief shenanigans in the anime! Maybe Totty is trying to get work there again but gotten sick or something and Karamatsu decided his beloved brother can't miss out on his chance to return~✨. Whether or not it'll end in brotherly fluff or Totty & Karamatsu butt monkey angst is your choice! xD

Hello again! I hope you like this one! It’s at 7K words and I didn’t want it to be longer than it already was 😅😅. Zaimoku is one of my favorite combinations (as I’ve kinda made clear in TVV), and I hope you enjoy this little drabble I’ve made of them. 💙💖😎😘

~~~

Whenever Todomatsu Matsuno was sick, he was more than just manipulative. He was manipulative enough to be entitled as the king of manipulation, besting Ichimatsu’s cruel authority might he be the only one in a safe spot outside feverish sensations and phlegm wanting release. No, Todomatsu treated all of them like butlers and castle servants, taking advantage of his vulnerable position to get them to do his bidding and bless him with their feeble-but-ultimately-needed-to-succeed attempts.

The common instance always left the rest of his brothers with a single prayer in mind: that Todomatsu never got sick. They vowed, each and every one of them, to move mountains for hell if it meant they were to be released from the shackles of Todomatsu’s superiority. But no matter the prayers sometimes getting sick was inevitable, and each time at least one of them would be willing to gamble his life off in the Pachinko parlor if it meant escaping Todomatsu’s ruthless jurisdiction.

And Todomatsu was always proud of it.

But today, he wasn’t. He was far from happy, very distant from it in fact. For when Karamatsu had returned from the shop with a can of warm soup, he had opened their shared bedroom door to find Todomatsu curled up and bawling on the futon. The call of ‘I am back with refreshments for your unwell soul, my star of hope!’ was transformed differently in a mighty scale as Karamatsu dropped the soup bag and raced to his brother’s side with a skipping, worrisome heart.

“Totty! What’s wrong, my brother?” Karamatsu asked, placing his hands on Todomatsu’s shoulder with all the gentleness his muscles could allow. “Are you feeling cold? Or warm? Oh, please speak with me through your unfortunate misery, my dear littlest brother!”

“Shut up! I...Cod, why does it have to be you? Cod, why does it have to be you?!” Todomatsu crumbled entirely, giving in to the cries that racked his body as he tucked his face off in the crook of his arms. “Where are the others?” he asked hopefully, his sore voice muffled with the fortress of cloth acting as transparent muteness.

“Ah, yes, about that.” The thing was, the rest of their brothers had surrendered. They’ve yielded into irresponsibility, wanting no relevance whatsoever with Todomatsu’s cruel behavior for this specific occasion.

Osomatsu had decided to spend his entire day at the races, regardless of a win or a lose. Choromatsu had resorted to paying a visit to the all-week international book fair at the end of the city, hoping to find something new out of his pathetic excuse in being alive. Jyushimatsu chose to spend all of his allowance on the zoo, specifically on dolphin shows to satisfy his mammal cravings. And Ichimatsu...Er...Well...

“I’m gonna jump off a cliff,” Ichimatsu deadpanned.

“Nooo~ Please contain your dark tendencies, my dear Ichimatsu!” Karamatsu wailed.

Then Ichimatsu had strangled him for a bit before leaving the house.

“Forget I asked. It’s hopeless anyway.” Todomatsu smacked his face into his pillow and sobbed openly, gripping his pillow with the force of a hundred rakes on the dirt.

Karamatsu let an apologetic breath leave his lungs, before blinking in confusion at the phone propped face-first next to his brother’s space. As Todomatsu resumed his dramatic storm, Karamatsu picked it up and swiped the screen with his two fingers, the password an easy input, before his pupils scanned through the message and his eyes went spherical.

“Todomatsu! You were supposed to have a Sutabaa job interview this afternoon?!”

“Don’t rub it in! Shut up!” Todomatsu yelled, carrying his body’s weight with his elbows and sending Karamatsu a glare that would’ve been knife-sharp piercing might it not be for his scarily flushed face and red-rimmed, teary eyes. “And yes, I was, if you really wanted to know. It was supposed to be a short one, maybe five minutes at most, but as if I can do that with this stupid fever crap, obviously.” His face crumpled, and he toppled back onto the futon. “Just leave me alone in my own problems, niisan. You’re gonna make it a thousand times worse.”

Karamatsu continued to stare at the text on the screen, scrolling upwards and back-reading. “Oh, my Todomatsu,” he sympathized. “I should’ve known that there was more information you had refused to share. And this has been...two months in the ready?”

“Karamatsu-niisan! Quit it!” Todomatsu pleaded. “I didn’t ask to get sick today, okay?! But how am I supposed to tell Aida that I wouldn’t be able to attend?! Cod, I can’t just say it to her face like that! It’s a huge blow to my pride and I...!” He whimpered, dropping to the futon with watery defeat. “Please, just...I can’t tell her. It’s too embarrassing. Can you call her up for me and tell her that I...? Bullhooey! No, I can’t have you of all people talk to her either!”

Todomatsu continued to break down on the futon, and Karamatsu tried his best to shush his brother to the best of his extent. But it made itself clear to him that there was no way to calm him down at this point, or at least calm him down enough that he was going to stop feeling so sad.

After all, the status of Todomatsu wasn’t difficult for Karamatsu to understand, along with the personality and character that came with it. He had made actual friends at Sutabaa, both being of the opposite gender—two pretty girls with kind personalities and proper standards—a miracle remaining unaccomplished by the five other roaches of their household. And for that alone, Todomatsu was in a position in life maybe more heavenly than heaven itself.

Yet of course, naturally...

Nothing lasts forever, is what Todomatsu had to learn next. Well, it would’ve, but when you had five older brothers who were careless, unreliable pieces of crap, then any ounce of happiness might as well be a disregarded atom of dust from a distant dream. For a few months, even lasting until effing Christmas, Todomatsu had lost communication with the girls because of his brothers’ lack of sensitivity. They had publicly made him strip naked in the mixer, dressed him with a pair of banana earrings and stained underwear, and made him strike a pose at the head of the table in front of a set of pretty girls who deserved better after a dance.

So Todomatsu’s hatred towards them was justifiable.

On the other hand, he shouldn’t have lied as well. To be a person once acquainted in one of Japan’s best schools wasn’t something that would up his ratings with females if it were far from the truth. Heck, he was a literal baby during their third year of high school, crying over spilt milk and reporting himself to the police as a lost child when Choromatsu had to take a trip to throw something in the closest garbage bin.

Truth hurt, yes. But it was unstoppable.

But...Todomatsu was right about one thing. Lying did make himself gain more respect, and saved him from a closed spot that would’ve dropped his person into oblivion. It didn’t last long, but...

Sometimes it didn’t have to.

“Aha! Todomatsu, an idea has been brought forth!” Karamatsu announced, straightening his posture with a finger raised theatrically towards their ceiling.

Todomatsu squinted at him. “Nope. I don’t wanna hear it,” he decided.

Karamatsu’s broad facade faltered. “Eh?”

“That’s a recipe for disaster,” Todomatsu explained, a normal tone bringing forward how awful his voice was. It was scratchy and wiped-out, more huffs in it than actual syllables forming his words. “Every time one of my brothers says something, all that happens after that is me wishing I crashed and burned on the spot. It never changes. And with you specifically trying to subside my torture, I think I’d rather let myself die on the spot than let my ear-drums break at your first sentence.”

Ouch. Karamatsu said, “Oh, you are too early to judge, my Todomatsu!” He laughed, emphasizing his breaths in order to mask his apparent hurt. “Please. Allow access first to the plan concocted in my mind. I assure you, you might eat your words once it is laid out for you. Your misery would at once be hurled into the distance, to become nothing more than a star that glinted before joining with its fallen brethren. Heh.” He tapped a finger-gun to his chin smugly.

Expression contorted in absolute disgust, Todomatsu recoiled. “If you tell me what it is, would you please stop talking in that stupid as hell fanfaronade?”

“It would be my pleasure.” He fluttered his dazzling, anime eyes.

Todomatsu made a hurling noise, slamming his fist against his chest before he deadpanned, “Just say it.”

“Hm. Todomatsu.” Karamatsu began twirling around in swooshing motions, swaying his arms in a slow, whipping circle before posing in a fabulous, dazzling stance. “I shall impersonate you and attend the job interview in your shoes!” he declared.

Todomatsu’s sanity dropped. “EEEHHH??!!”

Without warning, Todomatsu snapped up and grabbed Karamatsu by the neckline of his hoodie, shaking him without a pixel of mercy. “Are you effing kidding me, you piece of crap?! There’s no way in heaven nor hell I’m letting you do that! Are you literally waiting for me to die?! Heck, you’re even stupider than I’ve ever imagined—I’ve been too kind to misjudge you, Karamatsu-niisan! Because you’re so much worse and that idea is absolute garbage!”

“A-Ah! Totty, don’t yell too much with your sore throat!” Karamatsu stuttered out, smiling nervously. “Totty, it’s gonna work. I’m sure of it.”

“As if!” Todomatsu retorted, ignoring Karamatsu’s previous suggestion completely. “You’re gonna go out there making me look like an idiot! I’ve lost friends because of you and the others, and when I might be bouncing back you have to idle up to me all, ‘I’m gonna impersonate you and ruin your life more’—BULL!” He shoved Karamatsu down onto the futon. “What do you think of me—a fool?! You may be an actor during elementary but you’re out of your gosh-darn mind if you think you’re going to do good playing me!”

“How hard could it be?” Karamatsu asked, crawling a few spaces backwards with slight terror. “You have a simple personality, my brother! You have a phone, you can converse rather easily, and you have a light voice that makes you all nice and cute!”

Changing the rules of flavoring, Todomatsu’s grin was incredibly bitter. “You really have the guts to compliment me like that, don’t you? Forget it. Not gonna happen.”

“C’mon, Totty, give me a shot!” Karamatsu argued. “You said it yourself! I’m an actor, and with the hundreds of times we’ve spent together since childhood it won’t be hard to capture your essence! Give me a chance.”

“I don’t believe it,” Todomatsu said, rolling his eyes. “The childhood thing is a good excuse, but it won’t make the cut. Literally everyone in Sutabaa knows who I am, and like hell I’m letting someone like you of all people try to use some gosh-darn trickery on them. I’m not going to let you go out there pretending to be me, niisan. And that’s final.”

“But if you don’t get the job then you won’t be happy!” Karamatsu shouted, placing his hands on his hips. “Todomatsu, I want to be able to assist you as well. It’s what we do when we’re sick, isn’t it? We take care of each other? This is part of the treatment—it’s even better because we’re all identical brothers! Give me a chance. I promise I won’t humiliate you, or do something stupid. I’ll imitate you to the best of my abilities, change nothing from your usual self and keep your relationships as stagnant as you want them.”

“That doesn’t sound reassuring,” Todomatsu said, but he was contemplating.

“It doesn’t sound it, okay,” Karamatsu stated, “but I mean it. I really do want to lessen your stress over the matter. I’ll work to my skeleton if it means doing well in that job interview, Todomatsu. I swear, and Akatsuka-Sensei knows I do. Just...trust me, brother.”

Todomatsu narrowed his eyes, but his eyebrows didn’t follow. They shaped his expression over to consideration other than irritation, his body relaxing from its sitting position on their shared bed.

Finally, he said, “How about we make a deal? Since you’re the only one who stayed to help me with my fever—and I have to say that I appreciate that—how about if you do a good job getting me my old job back, I could be your servant the next time you get sick? I’ll suck up to all those painful demeanors of yours and stand it until you get better.”

“I...It’s fair, I suppose,” Karamatsu assessed.

Todomatsu’s grin was not reassuring. “Yeah? Think so? Sure, it could work out, won’t it? But if you make an absolute fool of me...!”

He stood up from the futon and marched over to their closet, pulling out his huge flamethrower and aiming its front at Karamatsu’s terrified face. “I’ll incinerate all your sequined pants and personalized tank tops until they’re nothing but ashes,” he completed viciously, grin worth jealousy from a sadist.

Karamatsu gulped, feeling uneasy with the top he was currently wearing underneath his hoodie. But he supposed it was a fair trade, with both of them receiving equal shares at each side of the bargain. And both their downs...It wasn’t worth a complain. Losing friends was just as bad as losing all of his wonderful, designed Karamatsu fashion.

Tilting his head down, Karamatsu decided. And it wasn’t even a minute before he reached out a hand and gave Todomatsu a worried smile. “I digress. I accept the terms of our deal, my dear brother Todomatsu. Turn all my clothes into smithereens might I annihilate your persona, Todomatsu. I accept thy conditions.”

“Good.” Todomatsu grabbed his hand and shook it, the resolution of their bargain firm. “This is my lifeline in your hands, Shittymatsu. Your clothes, and my lifeline. Don’t mess this up, or else.”

He wouldn’t. He hoped not.

~~~

With Sutabaa towering over him, it looked like the gateway to judgement. It was a taunting, expectant thing, half a thumbs up as it was a middle finger, and Karamatsu’s nervousness and anxiety sloshed in his stomach and burned his skin. His complexion was moist with his sweat, his hair that he had combed to perfection beginning to paste himself on his forehead, and Karamatsu rubbed it with the back of his shaky hand.

For his clothes, but more for Todomatsu’s reputation.

Shoving Todomatsu’s phone into his pocket and arranging his tie, Karamatsu let himself sigh unsteadily as he let his feet take him towards the doorway. He felt like he was dragging ten-thousand anvils behind him. But it was worth it, he decided, as long as he could finish the interview with a proper attitude and a selfless intention. This was for Todomatsu’s job, Todomatsu’s friendships, and Todomatsu’s reputation.

And his clothes.

But Cod, he hoped he would do well. He wished to say exactly what Todomatsu would say in his position, move with the accuracy of his little brother, and speak with a timbre close enough to the original that the term ‘identical’ made more sense than it had the past few years. But perhaps, he thought, as long as nobody who knew Todomatsu approached him, he would be absolutely, absolutely, without a feather of a doubt, fine.

“Totty? Is that you?”

Ah, shoot.

Karamatsu pulled up a kitty-shaped Todomatsu smile. He brightened his eyes and raised his brows from their thick, constant furrow. And as he spun his heel to face the source of the familiar voice, he tried to recap every single piece of information he knew about Aida as she came to him in her recognizable Sutabaa work uniform, her brown curls bouncing on her shoulders.

Aside from seeing Aida then while humiliating Todomatsu at work, and seeing Aida and Sachiko participate unsuccessfully at the baseball space tournament, the last thing Karamatsu remembered about her was she and Sachiko giving him dark, murderous death-stares on the bridge. That..didn’t seem like it was a good thing. Not then, and certainly not now.

He was so dead.

“Totty, there you are!” Aida said, stopping next to him. Cod, she was so pretty, no wonder Todomatsu was so upset to lose someone like her. “Are you ready for your interview? I hope you can get the job again—it was a shame you had to lose it last time. I have a hunch you’ll be able to do it now.”

“Ah-ha! Hopefully, yes! Thank you so much!” Karamatsu said, forcing his voice up from the low baritone that came with his genes. “Hello, Aida! I didn’t think you’d come from that direction!” He pointed. “I could’ve sworn you were in there.” He jabbed his thumb towards the Sutabaa entrance.

“Oh, yeah. Sorry about that.” She giggled apologetically, and Karamatsu felt his cheeks grow warm. “I wasn’t skipping work, I promise. I just got distracted a little, but it was only for a few seconds before I saw you. I was worried! I thought you weren’t gonna come anymore! It would’ve been so embarrassing to cancel last-minute on the manager.”

His gut plummeting, Karamatsu’s laugh came out less of a laugh and more of the sound of a dying hyena. “Well, I’m here! So you don’t have to worry about that anymore! I made it, so no humiliation whatsoever!” He was tempted to pose, but held back at the right second before he could crack.

Aida eyed him dubiously. “Are you alright? Your voice sounds very...breathy.”

“It does?” It did, and it was because Karamatsu’s voice wasn’t at its quality to accommodate a pitch and speaking pattern similar to Todomatsu’s. When he tried, the result came out very breathy, or if not, very screechy and...wrong. It would’ve given away his true identity so quickly might she be an expert in discerning him and Todomatsu from their brothers. So speaking with his normal, light pitch with added cheerfulness was the only way to match closely to the original source. He thought that perhaps it would be enough.

But apparently, it wasn’t enough.

“Ah, it does!” he corrected, rubbing the back of his head with a laugh. “Sorry about that! My throat really hurt this morning and I guess this is the aftermath of that!”

Except Todomatsu’s throat really did hurt that morning, and it continued so until this point. Hence, Karamatsu being here, in his shoes.

He was almost starting to regret doing this. But keeping his brother’s sad, weeping face in mind was plentiful to glue back Karamatsu’s determination. This was for Todomatsu. He had to remember: this was for Todomatsu.

And his clothes.

“It did? Oh, I feel so bad for you,” Aida said, sounding like she meant it, but Karamatsu’s anxiety told him otherwise. Drawing the line between reality and fiction was difficult when he was living in fiction, that fiction meaning, a world where he wasn’t himself. And he wasn’t, because he was Todomatsu. And ‘Todomatsu’ was talking to Aida...

He had to gather up his Todomatsu-ness.

“Would you be able to complete your job interview with that?” Aida asked.

“Oh, I’ll be fine, don’t worry about it,” Karamatsu reassured, flipping a palm. “As long as my brain works fine, I could accomplish what needs to be accomplished. And since I have experience, I don’t think I’ll do so bad, right?” He pulled up two peace signs and waved them energetically. “It’ll all be a matter of time though before we truly see. Heh-heh! So for the time being—” he put the peace signs towards his eyes “—all it takes is a little more determination! Yeah!” He posed, but it was overly cutesy.

Her smile was somewhere between amused and petrified. “Are you sure you’re okay, Todomatsu?” she asked.

“Never been better! Why would you question it?”

“I, well...” She reached to one of her elbows, rubbing it. Dang, she was so cute. “If you had a sore throat this morning, then I wouldn’t think you’d be okay so fast. And your...Oh, I hope I’m not offending you or anything, and I hope I could say this more politely, but have your eyebrows always been that thick?”

I knew I should’ve taken Totty’s word and shaved them a little. Karamatsu laughed again, but inside, he was screaming about his soul and how it could get ripped out of his body. “I suppose—I never really mind them! I hope it doesn’t bother you or anything!”

“It’s fine, I swear.” She tilted her head, her hair hopping a little. “Are you really Totty? He’s got five lookalike brothers, and I honestly won’t be surprised if you’re one of them. Not saying you are, but your behavior is a little strange. Or is that just nervousness for the interview talking?”

“I’m just nervous! That’s all it is!” Karamatsu lied, clasping his hands not out of the hopes to make himself mimic one of his brother’s cute gestures, but so that he could grab something before he combusted from her accuracy. Shoot, how did she find out?! Keep calm, Karamatsu. You’ve got this! This is for Todomatsu’s reputation!

And his clothes.

“But I’m so touched to know you’re so concerned,” he continued lightly, waving his peace sign again. Was he overdoing it with the peace signs? The last time he impersonated someone, he had made paw gestures and moved them with a tenderness like he were an actual feline, and that wasn’t something Ichimatsu would normally do. Or, maybe it wasn’t something he would to at all. “I really wish to get the job again, so we can hang out more often! I miss the regular days before me and my brothers messed things up.”

Because, duh. Todomatsu did have to take a little blame for the incident none of them asked for.

“Uh, yeah...I miss those days too.” Aida gave him a toothy grin laced with the same uncertainty. “Anyway, we’d better get going. You have that interview and I have my work, so we’ll see each other again later after, alright?”

“Yes, sure! That would be spectacular!” He’d actually hope he didn’t see her again later, not if it meant pretending to be Todomatsu for another round of cringe-worthy torture. But if that made Aida happy, he might. As long as he got a better hang of his little masquerade, then maybe he might offer her the opportunity.

It just needed to be at the extent that he would receive no beating once the day was over.

“Great. See you later...Todomatsu.”

Crap, what was with that hesitation? No, it couldn’t be. But the way she was so casually leaving, preparing to get inside...

He had to make up for it now, or else he was to expect an entire army against him and his feeble-sighted efforts! He shouldn’t let her leave with whatever impression crept beneath that hesitant farewell! No, he wouldn’t allow that! If anyone was ever to question any person involved in this mess, then it would be Karamatsu! So no, Aida-chan! You would not walk away with a remark hanging on your lips that left judgement over Karamatsu’s hapless impersonation of their darling star of hope!

“Aida-chan!” Karamatsu called out, grabbing her wrist before she could enter completely, and bringing Todomatsu’s phone out of his pocket. “Sorry for startling you, but, would it be alright if I got a picture with you? You know, before perquisite or calamity?”

Aida shot him a look, and Karamatsu winced internally, wanting to slap himself with the force of a Titan to a mosquito. Shoot, watch your choice of words, you stupid, second eldest! Todomatsu would never speak like that—he calls it out for how painful it was! You will ruin everything if you try that again, you crap!

“Sure, I don’t mind,” Aida said, settling herself by Karamatsu’s chest, her spinal cord parallel to where his heart reverberated in his chest in a wild, twister of patterns. He had a girl leaning against his body. A girl. Was this what it felt whenever Todomatsu hung out with them? This closeness, this wonderful emotion that made him want to laugh and cry at once? It had to be. It just had to be.

Suffering from his unbridled, unexplainable joy, Karamatsu lifted the phone above their heads, his thumb sliding against the selfie option of their camera. And when the camera flipped, he saw Aida and himself on the screen, the girl raising her peace sign with a smile, waiting for Karamatsu to do the same. But he stared at himself in his reflection, reading through the curves of his features and where he was going wrong. And it saddened him, when he looked at himself with the acumen of exposure.

He looked nothing like Todomatsu.

Because unlike Todomatsu, who wore a smile because it was part of him, Karamatsu wore his so he could be him.

But he had to remember: this smile wasn’t for nothing. It was for Todomatsu too. It wasn’t a selfish desire that had brought him into this spot, this tight corner, this unpredicted catastrophe of self-humiliation. He was doing this so that Todomatsu had a better life, one he deserved, after he and the other four cowards elsewhere had ruined it.

So he smiled at the camera, and as that smile illuminated his features, a small sense of the Totty he loved as his little brother and once best friend filled his face. His spirits left their corpse-like slump on the ground. “Say cheese, Aida,” he coaxed, his voice not leaving its lightness.

“Cheese!” Aida said, getting her peace sign into a good position, and as Karamatsu did the same, he snapped their picture.

The output was cute, he had to admit. Though the way his hands were positioned had added exaggeration than what Todomatsu would normally have in a casual photo with one of Sutabaa’s infamous baristas, this was still an image convincing enough to fool an outsider who knew nothing about their miracle of six same faces. Or Iyami.

“Alright! See you later, Todomatsu. Good luck with your interview. Just take a turn to that door at the left, and I believe the manager will be waiting for you.”

“Okay, thanks, Aida! I’ll see you as well!”

With that, Aida and Karamatsu exchanged a few waves, and Aida was out of his view as she let herself in before him, vanishing with her grace behind the employees door of the shop, her figure still leaving an imprint in his retinas.

But he shook it off. Entering himself, Karamatsu followed her direction and went towards the meeting door she indicated, stopping in front of it and taking a deep breath. This was for his brother, for Todomatsu who was sick in bed and unable to come. He needed to make this right, and beyond everything else, natural. So without further stalling he was knocking twice before pushing it open hesitantly.

When it was open, he let himself in, and bowing down, he announced, “Good afternoon! My name is Todomatsu Matsuno, and I am applying for a job here!”

Who must’ve been the manager sat up, eyebrows shooting upwards under his glasses. “Ah, Matsuno-kun! You’re here! Welcome! Please, take a seat.”

He indicated to the one in front of him, and Karamatsu followed his order and sat. Inhaling, the scent of coffee saturated his lungs, and the hunger he had that didn’t even know existed let itself be known as a tremor sounded under his blue suit. But praise the gods, it was silent enough for a pass. He had to do this. Todomatsu, his lifeline depended on what Karamatsu said in this one-one-one speech. He had to approach this correctly without error. He had this. Or didn’t he?

“So, I guess we already know each other, since you’ve been here before,” the manager said, arranging a set of papers by clicking their edges against the wooden surface of the table. “But it has been long enough, so how have you been? What have you been up to?”

Okay, so he wasn’t pissed. That was good. Luckily being absent from the mixer’s horrific presentation was enough to keep his perception on the youngest Matsuno well enough that anger wasn’t a visible option for him. Case in point: visible. Any anger or rage was easy to hide behind a mask of a smile, a knife easy to assume as close by and prepared for its session of stabbing. When it came to Akatsuka Ward, knives weren’t for chopping tasty or delicious portions for any lovely course. It was for chopping distasteful NEETs like them.

Thanks, Ichimatsu.

“Ah, I’ve been very well, thank you,” Karamatsu replied, stretching the muscles that wanted to pull up a whimper into a broad, toothy smile. “It has been quite some time. How have you been?”

“Great, really. Thanks for asking.” Interlocking his fingers, the manager rested his chin on them as he straightened his gaze collateral to Karamatsu’s. “I remember that article you once mentioned about the firefighter and the maiden. Thought I forgot about that? Nah, it was too iconic for the mind to sweep away so easily, Matsuno-kun. That was how funny it was! You do still laugh about that experience, don’t you?”

Karamatsu laughed out loud, and the manager flinched at the unpredicted. “Of course! I’m laughing right now! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!”

You’re messing this up, Karamatsu, you idiot! Don’t laugh like the lunatic you are! You will massacre all of the chances granted for your brother’s probable forthcoming! Quit breaking Todomatsu’s person and show the decency he would when faced with the challenge of real-time communication!

Crap, Todomatsu! You stupid lovable little pice of garbage, why oh why do you need to be the type to camouflage so many secrets from your dear older brothers?! You bring tears to this gullible fool, wanting out of your social status but resumes the struggle just for you! You are loved, little star of hope! And in love comes the infamous, one-lettered word called trust! And by hiding your soul away, you—

“Heh, a bit excessive there, Matsuno-kun,” the manager observed, the waver in his grin a strong symptom to Karamatsu’s fiasco.

“Sorry, sorry! I’m just very thrilled to be here again!” Karamatsu amended. “Please go on. I won’t interrupt you if it means the interview gets postponed.”

The manager dipped his chin, not commenting any further.

Nice. Do more of that and do less of you, Shittymatsu.

“Alright then.” The manager cleared his throat, picking up a pen from the table and clinking it against the papers. “So, I just want to tell you that there are things I would no longer ask, since information regarding your background and education was already accounted for during your first interview under the Sutabaa name. This won’t be a long interview, Matsuno-kun. Just enough for us to decide over your return or permanent departure.”

Karamatsu sweat-dropped. “Oh, sure. That’ll be fine.”

It was now or never.

“Okay then. We’ll begin now.” The manager pressed the pen’s black tip to the paper, marking it with an inky dot. “I bet you recall crystal clear how you lost your job in the first place, Matsuno-kun. How about you remind me of the situation, and follow it with what you might be able to do to repent for the trouble.”

“Eh-heh, of course, sir.” Karamatsu cleared his own throat, summoning up the memory of the situation and picturing it with Todomatsu’s young, victimized eyes.

(But with his undeniable lack of backbone to keep all senses straight and alert, he had lost control over his own, painful words. And he was so naive, so stupid, to have missed it. Darn Shittymatsu, that’s what he was)

“It all began because of the mixer. I made the mistake of abandoning my brothers because of it when Sutabaa’s special glowing girls had gifted me with their invitation. Therefore I made myself look my best in front of them, that was until your doors were opened and my kin of older brothers summoned themselves in our divine territory. They were rather disgruntled with my behavior, and all my efforts to rid them from your wonderful establishment resulted in the turning of tables. Almost literally, as I might say so myself, since we were all so caught up in Matsuno shenanigans that resulted in spilt drinks and traumatized patrons. Sad to say, the mixer was almost as unfortunate, as humiliation had produced scowls and dusted trust. Aida-san and Sachiko-san were quick to strip me of my job the day following.”

The manager nodded, a cringe in his posture at Karamatsu’s theatrical choice of words. “I see you recall the experience as if you had taken it to heart. You sounded like you were out of a stage play, Matsuno-kun.”

Karamatsu blanched, his own blunder dawning on him. “Ah, yeah! It’s an experience that makes a mark on my person!” he alibied gaily.

“And for the repenting?” the manager asked, clicking the end of his pen as he prepared a paper. “What are your plans specifically, and how could you say that those contributions of yours would better the ratings of our business?”

Karamatsu gave himself a few seconds to think. Digging deep in the vault of his memories, Karamatsu pressed on imagining anything that Todomatsu might’ve done that related closely with coffee or anything that could better the antes of the Sutabaa chain. But each option that sprouted to mind gave Karamatsu difficulty, because why won’t it, really. How was tapping on a phone screen nor running some lame puns with Osomatsu going to help in any way?

Shoot, when was the last time Todomatsu even made them coffee? The only person who had come close to trying that had been Jyushimatsu, and Ichimatsu had been confined for three days straight out of food poisoning. So really, what contribution whatsoever would Todomatsu have? Basically nothing, as Karamatsu recalled. But for this interview to work, he had to use what he knew and warp around it.

“I’m skilled in promoting, if that’s what you need,” Karamatsu improvised, Todomatsu’s smartphone in mind. “Since I was gone I had a lot of friends on social media, and I’ve discovered a lot of new ways that could help with marketing. Promotional posters, digital editing, and brochures! I can make the products of Sutabaa stand out more than they normally would!”

“Hmm, I see.” The manager wrote down, and Karamatsu’s anxieties tingled. “Are you describing this as a part-time thing to working as a cashier? Because last time, that was your main job, wasn’t it? And to be a cashier was what Aida had mentioned when she stated that you wanted to reclaim your job here. Am I right?”

“Yes, sir. One-hundred percent.” Heh, if he was wrong about that, then Todomatsu’s career was over. He wished he was right.

“But what of your cashier skills, Matsuno-kun? How much in terms of skills would you say your improvement is? When you still had the job, you were a solid employee with proper manners and the right choice of speech, making our customers feel welcome. Would you say that you graduated into someone better than then? Or are you the same, and want to focus more on marketing than counting money and taking orders this time? Because it would contradict the information on my papers.”

“Uhh...” Karamatsu tugged lightly on his collar, gulping. Save Todomatsu. Save Todomatsu. “Naturally, I’d wish to continue my status working as a cashier. But your question revolved around what more my contributions would offer when it came to the establishment. That’s why I mentioned the marketing. It was merely a suggestion around my part. But if I was to resume as a cashier entirely, then I won’t fight against it. I would be happy with whatever job you offered me.”

The manager eyed him for a bit, the tension killing Karamatsu that it made his nape sweat. The manager then nodded, sold, writing the information down. “Alright. That’s good confirmation.”

Bingo. Nice save.

“So correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems like over time you have turned more adaptable than before. Would you think that’s the case for you?”

Was Todomatsu flexible? No, he was far from it. Todomatsu would never bother waiting for the shampoo at the bathhouse and snag a bottle none of them knew he ever brought with him. He was impatient when it came to his brothers, and very short-tempered when things didn’t flow like the rivers he dwelled in. So no, Todomatsu wasn’t adaptable. He was obdurate, and it was annoying.

But he was making Todomatsu look good here.

“Yes, I am,” Karamatsu lied, smile saccharine. “So if I needed my job here doubled in terms of stress or hard work, then I would be happy to oblige. Being an employee in Sutabaa really was something that I loved dearly, and to be able to comply with any requirement would make me very much grateful. That is, if you brought me back. Then I would go straight to business and work myself to my very core. That’s how much I love it here!”

Which was in fact, the truth. Todomatsu’s love for being in the Sutabaa was stronger, and could surpass any of Karamatsu’s lies by millions and billions of kilometers.

“Hmm, alright. I’ll keep that in mind.” The manager jotted down. “How about your pay? Are there any expectations for you when it comes to the income you will receive from working here?”

Karamatsu went rigid. “Pardon?”

“How much do you aspire to earn?” the manager clarified. “From your salary last time, do you expect to earn twice as much if you did multiple jobs, or are you going to be satisfied with the same amount as before? Or less? And no matter what answer, how much would it be, and what would justify it?”

Oh Cod, why. Why, why, why. Todomatsu never mentioned how much he ever earned working in this dumb establishment ever! And without experience whatsoever with this kind of stuff, how on earth was Karamatsu supposed to know?! He’d be making numbers that didn’t even exist at all on the number line! What was supposed to be the answer to this gosh-darn question if he had never even heard of these kinds of questions since the day his baby form came into reality?!

This was it. He was dead. Deader than a decayed corpse or an animal rolled over on desert roads. He was so, so dead.

“Since I was here before, I was surely satisfied enough with the pay I earned,” Karamatsu replied cautiously, “so I wouldn’t be surprised if you decided to give me the same amount. Most especially since I would—without a doubt—be receiving extra monitoring due to the impression I last left, even if the job was doubled. With that, it shouldn’t be a startle if a few of the workers were weary of me, and I’d accept that. So the money would easily follow the flow of that behavior.”

“Hm. Continue.” He was writing again.

“Not that I would get two jobs when it came to Sutabaa at all, it’s not a priority to extend the marketing. For me now, it’s just to get to work at the cashier again, to reclaim my old position. But when it comes to money—because of the establishment and name that Sutabaa has made for itself, one of the most important things I’d hope from it is honesty and a fair game when it comes to distributing my salary. No bias, but judgement based on my efforts and the way I had attracted patrons into the department. Plenty of agencies in the present are culprits of fraudulent funding, and I believe that Sutabaa follows none of that outlandish conduct. Therefore when it comes to my pay, I wish it to be the amount equivalent to what I have produced for you.”

“Which is?”

“Ah-Ah...” Dang, he was doing so well, he thought. He had no specifics in mind—what was he to say? He blubbered out, “T-The one...before...?”

The manager stared at him. Karamatsu stared back. The terrifying staring contest was getting unbearable, with a smile and the connection of eyes making Karamatsu want to just break away and crumble from insanity. He couldn’t take it anymore. He just couldn’t, he wanted to go home, to crash onto the roof and sing a soliloquy of his own pain and sorrow for the world to hear! He could bear no more of the coffee drifting in the air like a stab to the gut, a spear to the heart, a sword through the spi—

“Have you had any other jobs following the first one here, Matsuno-kun?” the manager asked, already glanced down over his papers again.

“Oh, I haven’t, sir.” There was under the Flag Corporation that one time, and that other thing when he switched with his brothers. But would those really be called jobs? Karamatsu didn’t think so.

“Okay. One more question, Matsuno-kun. What are your opinions on simplicity? Simplicity in a sense that you start small before evolving? Like, a chrysalis before it becomes a butterfly? That kind of evolution on simplicity.”

He couldn’t help it this time.

(Now, here’s the deal: Karamatsu was just plain dumb. Because any smart person would ask why a question like that was necessary at all, especially when it came to working at a cashier for a coffee shop, but this lunatic of a man went straight to standing and posing his arms like he were Romeo might he have broken his back while hunting for Juliet in a poor man’s excuse of a garage)

“The butterfly effect! Oh, how a concept like that just warms my heart!” Karamatsu extolled. “I do believe that simplicity goes in many ways! Plenty of opportunities might blossom like a rose, the sun strike it at the right moment, sending the rose into a mainstream for attention as a result of its beauty! But woe is the past, dreadful and sorrowful for what it contains, when it tears the heart and ruins the soul of its hopes and dreams! The rose, that poor rose, so bundled in its misery, to sit until its last few seconds, ready to fall into despair!

“Then the sun, that glorious sun! Oh, it was the rose’s guardian angel, sending it a spirit for life and the will to fight forward! Oh, and it would now attract all the butterflies that followed a path so similar to it’s! Yes, the simplicity of life’s evolution is a concept to be shared to all ages for the will to fight when life’s chains wish to drag you down! Yes, simplicity is a concept that as it mentions, is simple. And yes, simplicity is a perfect, perfect thing that—!”

“Alright, thank you for your time, Matsuno-kun.” The manager stood up and walked to the other side of the table, standing next to Karamatsu. His smile was anything but sweet, but an amalgamation of horrified, baffled, surprised, and furious. “We’ll send you a call if you get the job or not. Let me lead you out.”

He did, and when Karamatsu was at the other side of the door, he said, “See you then, Matsuno-kun! Have a nice day!” And he slammed the door shut.

Karamatsu stood there.

“Totty?”

Oops, that was Aida from somewhere in the shop he didn’t want to turn towards as his anxiety flopped and flipped and cartwheeled inside him. Nope, he didn’t hear her. And because he didn’t, he dashed out of the shop with speed faster than lightning and ran until the coffee establishment was nothing but a diorama behind him.

Todomatsu was going to kill him.

~~~

One week later...

“Okay, thank you.” Todomatsu lowered the receiver and returned to the main living room, expressionless, mouth a tiny line of nothing on his face.

“Hm? Who might that be, my brother?” Karamatsu asked, glancing up from his mirror.

“Sutabaa.”

Karamatsu immediately sat up with tension freezing his body to its very core. “Y-Yes? What did they say?”

“I have a job.”

Karamatsu’s heart fluttered, and he broke into a wide smile as his eyes shined with starlight. “Oh, my brother! I am so glad you managed to score a position in Sutabaa once more! Thank goodness of your good fortune, your luck be blessed by Akatsuka-Sensei himself! To return as the cashier was what you have wan—!”

“I have a job as a janitor.”

Karamatsu’s smile melted. “Ah, you...Eh?”

Todomatsu’s blank gaze swept over to him. “You turned me into a janitor.”

“I, uh...” Clearing his throat, Karamatsu put down his mirror. A thousand words wanted out for the sake of explanation, but none left him as he tried deciding if he should be apologetic or terrified. Maybe the right answer to this was that he be both. He had been the one to decide the fate of his brother after all, so if it meant feeling both of those things at once, then so be it.

Karamatsu laughed nervously. “You...You still have a job though?” he pointed out hesitantly.

Todomatsu stared down at him without anything in his eyes. “I’ll burn one of your clothes combinations,” he decided.

“A-Ah...! Oh...But would you still care for me if I was sick?” Karamatsu asked.

At first, Todomatsu didn’t say anything at all. Then putting his fingers to his mouth, Todomatsu made a dog whistle.

At first Karamatsu had no idea what that was for, when suddenly Ichimatsu leapt out of nowhere with a feral cat screech, grabbed Karamatsu’s mirror, and slammed it across Karamatsu’s face. Luckily it wasn’t strong enough for the glass to break, but it was enough to leave a burned mark on Karamatsu’s face as he reeled back onto the floor from the force of Ichimatsu’s slam.

Crashing onto the floor and clutching his cheek, Karamatsu doubled over with a yelp and a whimper, a sound of suffocation faintly stuck in his throat. Putting a hand to his cheek, there might’ve been a small wound that bled, now that he touched his face, and it hurt like...It hurt. It really, really hurt.

Karamatsu whimpered.

“I’ll fix that wound up for you, I’ll burn one of your clothes combinations. Can we be even then?” Todomatsu deadpanned, grabbing the mirror from the ‘claw’ of Ichimatsu’s hissing form, and tossed the mirror back onto the table.

“Yeah, that’ll be fine,” Karamatsu rasped.

So Todomatsu’s reputation was secured. As were his clothes.

Partly. Only partly.

[musedblues]

A Nice Surprise with Gwilym

W/C: 4040

Warnings: None? Sweet enough to rot your teeth? I love a good cross over?

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

For as long as you could remember, rock and roll was the most important thing in your life. Besides Gwilym, of course. After literally running right into each other outside the local repertory theater, Gwilym quickly became the second most important thing to you right then and there. You made your devotion to all things rock and roll clear from the get-go. Your first date went a little something like this…

“So, I’m well aware you were apart of the production I had the pleasure of taking in, last weekend. A lover of the arts, eh?”

“An aspiring actor is all. All the expression… I adore bringing stories to life.” His crystal eyes sparkled as he spoke, and you admired his lean figure. Resting your chin on the heel of your hand, you didn’t feel ashamed of swooning over the man who offered to treat you to dinner, to ‘make up for running right into you’ or so he said.

“What do you adore?” Gwilym dared to ask, leaning a little closer and looking to you with undivided attention. You were so lost in that look in his pretty eyes that you nearly didn’t register what words his extremely kissable lips formed.

“Huh? Oh, me? Well…” You straightened your posture and felt like you were revealing some kind of secret. Wasn’t a twenty-something girl fawning over a bunch of old, washed-up musicians a bit taboo, after all?

“I love rock and roll.” You mused, nearly like a joke.

“So put another dime in-” Gwilym’s perfectly fitted response was so quick that you couldn’t help but snort a laugh, cutting off the end of his referenced quote. He was just cheesy enough for your liking.

“And what’s so special about rock and roll, mhh?” Gwilym asked after chuckling a beat, himself. He rose a glass of champagne to his lips as you looked in his eyes, still piercing into yours.

You considered every moment you’d ever heard an electric guitar being played like a battle cry or a harmonica sound off a warning. You thought of every famous album and melody and where you were in life when those songs became your world. One moment stood out from the rest.

“It all began when I was old enough to climb up to my mother’s makeup vanity and steal her lipstick. I would slather on the deepest shade of red, and drape her pearls over my head.” You let out a giggle, recalling the scene. “The radio in the living room was cranked all the way up, and the very moment I glanced at myself all made up, Killer Queen started playing. Little me was utterly convinced the song was being written just for me in that moment.”

“Killer Queen. There’s no doubting that.” Gwilym laughed along with you but rose a sudden and serious brow as he pointed to the bottle of Moet en Chandon on the table between us, to prove his musical knowledge and the point he had just made.

Since that day, you hadn’t parted. Gwilym learned to put up with your blaring music at all hours, stopping songs in the middle of the best choruses to rattle off facts about bands and backstories. 

You repaid the tall, handsome man by practicing lines with him, before auditions. Years of sing-alongs and movie nights meant growing to respect each other’s passions and careers. Gwilym worked his way into some televised productions and swore that he wouldn’t have landed those roles if you hadn’t helped him remember what to say during the audition.

You found yourself a weekend gig at a radio station, hosting a show with an older woman who lived through all the precious rock and roll saturated years you longed to know everything about. You looked into the greatest music from either perspective and gained a steady following on the internet of all places. When you scurried off to record another episode, Gwilym would pop in the studio on the rare occasions he wasn’t busy, sitting outside the booth, leaning towards the window and giving you eyes while you tried to banter with your cohost.

You bought a tiny cottage just outside of the city where you could play records as loud as you desired. Your favorite music often kept you company when there was little to be found. As the years passed, you became used to Gwilym’s long days full of auditions that turned into late-night rehearsals, that turned into early morning milkshake runs; but only after he would pick you up and take you back to the city he’d just come from to show you off to all his television friends.

But today was different. Today Gwilym burst into your modern cottage with a wild look in his eye, smack dab in the middle of the day. You were busy hanging a picture frame on the wall, mindlessly dancing to the Bowie album that blared through the speakers in the kitchen. Your boyfriend’s sudden and intense presence caught you off guard and you let out a gasp as he reached out to you in a hurry.

“What the hell, Gwil?” You panicked as the slender man grabbed your arm and pulled you toward the living room.

“What’s going on, are you okay?” You felt your chest constrict as you monitored Gwyilm’s nervous energy as he guided me toward the bright blue sofa.

“Nothing is wrong, darling, but I need you to sit down because I think you might pass out.”

“Nothing is wrong?” You questioned, easing onto the couch as Gwilym scooted next to you, grabbing both of your hands in his own. For a guy who claimed to be unharmed, he sure wasn’t acting like it.

“I got a call today, during lunch hour thank God.” Gwilym swallowed, looking into either of your eyes with his wide, shiny pair.

“Uh-huh…” You nodded slowly encouraging him to spill the beans.

“God, this feels like a big practical joke.” Gwilym’s eyes darted around the room nervously. The sun was bright and beaming across the too quiet living room.

“Gwilym!” You rang, raising your brows and squeezing his hands, unable to take the torture any longer.

“I-I… got a call from a casting director. They’ve been searching for someone who resembles Brian May. They found me. They didn’t even ask for an audition, well, they said there wasn’t much of a competition, they want me to play Brain May. Brian May wants me to play Brian May.”

Gwilym’s grip on your hands was vice worthy and his eyes looked into your own as if he’d just confessed a sin. What was that last part? The guitarist himself had something to say about the matter? All you could do was let your jaw hang open as Gwilym looked to you like a little boy would look to his mother. A memory came flashing across your mind all of sudden, fogging your brain…

“Oh come on, I wish someone would just do something!” You whined, curling up next to Gwilym on the couch as you both mindlessly scrolled through your cellphones. You’d stumbled upon an interview with Dr. Brian May discussing his endless efforts to create a biopic about Queen’s legendary story, and how hard it had been to land a deal.

“You know people, Gwil, tell someone to help poor ol’ Bri.” You pretended to pout, showing your devoted boyfriend the article you’d come across.

“I wish.” Gwil seemed to mean. “Let’s just put on A Night At The Opera and make our own movie. Best of both worlds, eh?” Gwil smirked before ruining your pity party with a kiss.

“Gwil! What did you say?” You wondered all of a sudden, snapping back to reality and realizing he hadn’t yet revealed his answer.

“Yes. I said yes.” Gwilym spoke softly, seeming to wrap his head around the reality of this role, for the first time. His first major role. You let out a breathy laugh as you considered your favorite band and your favorite man colliding in a way that you didn’t even know was possible. You threw yourself into Gwilym’s arms as you both laughed with glee, between Gwilym’s whimpers as he admitted his unadulterated fear of the pending role of a lifetime.

_

After a couple of solid months of studying your boyfriend’s face from across the kitchen table, you still couldn’t see it. You would consider each of his features and how they were shaped, in the grocery aisle, while he drove, as he lay sleeping next to you. Well, maybe…

“I don’t know what’s worse, really. I either don’t look enough like the lad to land the role, or I look a bit too much like him, and you become some kind of a loon, calling me Dr. and pretending it’s 1974, or something.”

Gwilym joked, resting his dirty dish in the kitchen sink, waggling a brow to you as he brushed past.

“Oh, you poor thing.” You mused, reaching out and grabbing the man by the waist. You would be a loon for him no matter how he looked. Luckily for you, he was an eleven out of ten.

Gwilym had, in fact, landed the role, and you weren’t surprised. He was a talented performer, considering the details. You knew that even if you couldn’t see the resemblance between him and your favorite guitar player now, that Gwilym’s attention to the little quirks would make up for your lacking point of view.

As soon as Gwilym got the green light, the car he raced toward his future in only had one speed. Neither of you had ever experienced such an intense schedule, and even the table reads were keeping Gwilym away as long as he might have been during a normal day on the television set. 

You began to prepare yourself for his absence and the periods of dullness that filled the spaces between, when he was too tired to keep up a conversation after work. Sleep was just about all you did together when he began any production.

But everything about this role was different. He was always buzzing, totally alive with nerves at the mention of Queen. At the mention of anything, really. Like he’d been given a pair of glasses to see color for the first time, he could hardly sit still. Luckily, he had actually listened to your rambling over the years and held onto bits of information you shared about Queen with great delight. Little did you know these funs facts would turn into pure gold a few years down the line. Each time you made Gwilym sing 'You’re My Best Friend’ during your rainy day karaoke parties seemed like an unnoticed build-up to the moment he was cast in the film.

And like any and every other production, Gwilym would beg for you to come and spend the day with him on set. He longed for you to watch him in his element, and you secretly wanted to sneak a peek at your love in the midst of a life-changing opportunity. But as the reality of the film set in, you grew petrified to step foot anywhere near the set. The first day Gwilym met his match, he practically came home in tears.

“You should have been there.” He looked to you, eyes sparkling and full of emotion. He’d just spent four hours receiving a guitar lesson from Brian May.

“Oh no. No, no, no! I absolutely cannot meet them. I’ll make a fool of myself.” You hissed, looking to Gwilym like a madman. Why would he dare bring his fanatic girlfriend on set, knowing she would likely cause some kind of scene? Once, The Velvet Underground’s Pale Blue Eye’s started playing over the loudspeakers during the local autumn flea market festival and you squealed along to the first verse so loudly that every pair of eyes within five feet of you glared your way. You weren’t even drunk. Nor was The Velvet Underground on the top twenty list of your favorite bands ever. So imagining what you might do or say face to face with a member of your all-time favorite group, didn’t seem very promising.

As the days passed and Gwilym became more invested, You managed to be coaxed into going out for dinner with his newly collected cast of friends. You’d heard an ear full about each of them, and felt happy to make their acquaintance, watching how each of them seemed to adore each other, your darling boyfriend included. As Gwilym’s other half, your heart swelled with the knowledge that this group of peers was quickly surpassing the 'friend’ title and headed straight for 'family.’

But as a fan, who pinned for this film to be created, who danced to the music, well you shoved giddy feelings deep down and tried not to embarrass yourself in public for the first time ever. In fact, as your knowing each other furthered, Queen’s music was a scarce topic.

You’d taken a particular liking to Lucy, the pair of you would gush over girly things while the boys laughed about whatever garish mistakes they made on set that day. When you would stumble out of bars, the boys would hug you and ask you to drop by the set the next day. Every time. Lucy even asked for you to help her with some kind of hair extension conundrum, rather than her makeup lady.

Gwilym didn’t push any further as he settled to spend the next few days at home, but still surrounded himself with work. He asked you to leave out all your Queen records and would even spout off random facts about certain songs before you could, even though you both already knew.

Records, albums, CD’s and Spotify, there was always music coming from somewhere at all times.

You smiled to yourself as you shampooed your hair, listening to Gwilym sing along to the songs that blared from your phone, in the bathroom. A little bit of The Beatles helped ease the Queen swell you’d happily succumb too. 

Gwil stopped singing and left the bathroom when the doorbell rang but instructed you to keep singing because your shower performances were some of your very best. You could sing, and did so with pride, especially when it came to The Beatles. You couldn’t let your four favorites mopped topped insects down, so you sang without care. Anyone who had the guts to come over in the early morning had likely already heard you sing because God knows you’d never really stopped. It was like a sickness, a virus. Beatlemania. Hell, you’d even come down with a bad case of Monkeemania a few winters ago. Rock and roll had a unique way of knocking you off your feet in a way that no other thing could do. Your chest would grow heavy and fill up with a certain emotion that didn’t have a name, when a guitar solo was heard. Your head would stir into obscurity when a melody swept through your ears just the right way.

You took your time getting ready for the day, drying your hair and changing into a nice jumper, and considering how undoubtedly lucky you were to have been so affected by a certain collection of sounds. How precious the discs these sounds were stored on, were. How intimidating the people who thought up these sounds were, and how absolutely fantastical it was to watch them bring the sounds to life, right before the eyes and ears of the people who adore them the most.

Nothing could come between you and your music. You left your phone blaring in the bathroom, One song fading into another, far away as you hummed along down the hallway, wondering where Gwilym had been all this time. You were so lost in your musical haze that you’d nearly forgotten someone had rung the bell.

You heard his voice, holding some kind of conversation in the living room, and the light hum of another you couldn’t quite recognize. That’s when you rounded the corner to a very shocking surprise.

“Oh, hello at last!”

It was him. 

It was really him. Brian May was casually sat in your very favorite high back clawfooted chair, wearing a sly smirk. His thick cloud of hair was recognizable from across the room, and his upturned lips were just as familiar. You knew this man, his voice, his looks, his life. But this was your very first encounter. It was like Santa Clause had come a season early… like you’d caught a glimpse of something very special that no one should have been able to.

You drew a hand to your mouth in a wide-eyed instant, totally unprepared for this scenario to play out. Never really certain it ever would have, wondering how it might have, always wishing it would. This wasn’t the way anything had played out between those thoughts in your head.

“Come meet Brian, love. He’s just popped by to help me out with a few things.” Gwilym stood from the relaxed position he held on the couch and reached out to you as if this were any other interaction. You looked at your boyfriend, completely bewildered as you realized that Brian May was in your house and he probably heard you singing. 

Gwilym kept a gentle grasp on your elbow as he guided you further into the room,  tracing soft circles to assure you that you weren’t dreaming. After all this time, and every moment that had built up to now, you hadn’t expected to meet Brian this way. Or at all, really. You mentally cursed yourself and tried your utmost to retrieve any semblance of a calm and cool demeanor.

“How nice it is to meet you.” You breathed, really truly meaning it.

“You know, I heard you in there. You’re quite good.” Brian rose a thick brow, leaning towards you as you eased onto the sofa next to Gwilym who was far too comfortable with this situation for your liking. You signed up to do everything together, dammnit, he should be in a fluster too! And what was that? Oh great, Brain May heard you singing. Abort. Mission.

“Oh my God.” You let out a shaky breath, drawing a hand to your furrowed brow, and beginning to mumble out an apology to the rock and roll royalty sat across from you.

“No, don’t apologize.” Brian stopped you with a lithe chuckle in that velvet voice you’d only ever heard through speakers, until now. “I really should have rang first, it’s not too polite to just show up, never having done before. But I found these old photographs, you see, and I just had to show Gwil before we started back on set.”

Brian reached inside his jacket pocket as you exchanged a “please help me” glance with Gwilym who was all smiles. He rested an easy hand on your knee and his touch was more than enough to calm your rapid heartbeat. But you still could not believe this was happening. Brian leaned toward you, motioning for your attention to three sunbleached polaroids. All of them were of the guitarist as a young man, in various stages of removing his trousers backstage someplace.

“Fred used to carry this prehistoric camera around and snap photos of all his pals. He took these when I wasn’t looking, but it wasn’t blackmailing, you know, because he gave the shots to me. He was drawn to the every day, just as much as the outlandish. Hell, he made the everyday outlandish.”

Brian’s eyes sparked, a hazel pair of eye’s that you hadn’t noticed the color of until they were looking into yours. He handed the three polaroids over to Gwilym who leaned toward you while you giggled at the content, mentioning Brian’s striped boxers.

“I want you to keep those.”

“Oh, I couldn’t possibly.” Gwilym’s voice drifted from laughter and grew full of emotion while you felt your chest grow heavy. Here you were, across from one of Freddie Mercury’s closest friends, cherishing at a set of photographs the singer himself captured. You ran a finger across the border of the photograph and felt a chill run down your spine.

“Consider it a gift from Fred.” Brian simply spoke, as Gwilym and you kept your eyes on the photos. It was as if Brian had read your mind, thoughts of Freddie were running wild. You couldn’t possibly bring up the long passed fellow now, but your head was full of him and you wanted to cry. This was the closest you’d ever been to the frontman you’d idolized for so long, closer than most people were lucky to dream of getting. Your emotions must have been showing.

“You know, he told me the lipstick story.” Brian rested his long arms on his knees, leaning close to catch your eye, giving you a knowing smile. You replayed the memory of sneaking into your mother’s makeup just as Killer Queen flooded your innocent ears for the first time. It was a turning point in your life, one where you realized your deepest love. Now you sat looking into the eyes of one of the men who made that very song, and that very moment, possible.

For a brief moment, you hung your head and shook it, completely overwhelmed by everything you had taken in the past few minutes.

“God, that’s so embarrassing.” You let out a nervous chuckle, raising your eyes to meet the famous guitarists.

“And, it’s proper blackmail! I’ll be sure to tell Rog if you don’t show up to the set after the weekend break. Every great artist need’s his muse.” Brian turned his loving gaze to Gwilym, and you could see how their eye’s sparked in the same way. Maybe there was something there after all…

You felt Gwilym’s hand clasp your knee as he let out a laugh. You couldn’t hold back your shocked chuckle either, admiring the light in your favorite musician’s eyes. Brian stayed for a half-hour longer, absolutely gushing over your boyfriend. You and Brian joined some kind of force, sharing your favorite things about the Gwil. His gentle voice, the care he took in his career, and how his smile could melt the coldest of hearts and apparently already had. According to Brian, a cameraman with a permanent scowl noticed Gwilym bare his teeth as a good morning greeting, and the workers usually sullen face lit up for the first and only time.

When Brian stood to leave, he dared to wrap you in a real genuine hug. It wasn’t a pitiful interaction based on your adoration of him, either. Somewhere during your visit, You realized that Gwilym’s role had opened up a set of a door for you all, and somehow, Brian May and yourself were interacting on common ground. You hugged him back and understood that your knowing each other had just begun. The old man winked to his younger doppelganger before scurrying out the door and shouting something about seeing you both when the weekend was over.

“Okay so…” Gwilym sighed as he pushed the front door to a close. “I may… or may not… have totally set that up.”

Your darling boyfriend rose his eyebrows as a cocky grin spread across his face. You let your mouth hang open as he leaned against the door, crossing his arms with twisted pride.

“You’re a crazy man. Have you gone mad?” You let out a loud laugh, considering everything that just happened in an all-new way. Gwil invited Brian over? Oh, that little-

“Crazy about you!” Gwilym reached out to you all of a sudden, ignoring your twinge of shock.

“Firstly, you love him. You adore his music. You told me so the very day I met you, all those years ago. Secondly, I adore his music. Thirdly, I adore you. And, fourth, Brian has become more than a musician to me, and I couldn’t stand for you going on without meeting any longer.” Gwilym pulled you into a comforting embrace and you searched his deep eyes as he spoke, really meaning it.

That night, you conducted another one of many karaoke parties and Gwilym stole your thunder when 'Your My Best Friend’ flashed up on the screen.

Let’s just say, you never missed 'bring your girlfriend to work day,’ after that. But you enjoyed coming home to your Gwilym even more and more and more.

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

[calleo-bricriu]

Well, the book is finally getting into the title’s namesake, even if the definition of “pervert” so far is pretty tame.

This book, if you’ve missed it so far.

Oh, and even though I didn’t bother getting into chapter 13, I did skim the first page and had one of those, “Well, there it is, what he’s been hinting at the entire time with the descriptions of Mizpra.”:  “Her maternal and reproductive instincts had been starved and enfeebled by a life of wrong training and misdirected study, augmented by the unphysiologic life of the disappointed femme sole, and environed by the false and unhealthy ideas of the New England women suffragists."

So, Mizpra, basically:

Anyway, on to the chapters I did force myself through.

Chapter 10!

Three week time skip where Leigh had himself locked away in what amounts to a drunk tank despite the fact that he hadn't gone out drinking.

Also, he apparently didn't eat OR drink (anything) for those three weeks which is one of those sorts of things that, if you tried to do it, you would actually die.

Alas, I'm not so lucky. Leigh is still alive to bore us for a few hundred more pages.

No surprise he's having wild ass mood swings, not eating or drinking or sleeping for three weeks. Surprised he remembers his name is Leigh at this point. Thankfully, the author has remembered and rambled on for a good ten or so pages about how we should all feel sorry for the tortured genius of Leigh.

I realised another reason I dislike Leigh: He smokes cigars, and I just hate the smell of cigar smoke so not only do I have to hear this moron pretend he's a genius philosopher in my own head as I read this book, I can now also smell him while he's doing it.

Anyway, skipping the dozens of pages that have nothing to do with the plot and are Leigh going on about how he thinks religious people are stupid and why he's so smart and so burdened under the weight of all of his absolute genius.

A genius wouldn't name their kid Mops, as an aside.

Skipping more pages of an irrelevant exchange between some guy outside trying to sneak some guy inside some alcohol.

Now we're up to some thing about a Catholic woman who's gone off the rails, is fully nude because that's a relevant thing to bring up you creep, and is very clearly mentally ill and is locked up. Of course they want Dr. Bell and Leigh (who, I might remind everyone at this point, is still technically inpatient at this place) to see her because geniuses or something.

Don't care, not relevant to the plot. We get it, Leigh, you're a genius.

"She then uttered a string of filthy pornographic oaths that would have put Emulphus to shame." and the author isn't going to share a single one with us.

So, Leigh the genius, declares this naked raving woman perfectly fine and says she--just needs a cold bath. Okay.

So that's the end of chapter ten.

Chapter 11:

Leigh is back home and his wife is not concerned abou tany of this, only "exceedingly interested" in hearing about his struggle with his "other self".

This makes her, in the author's judgement, reasonable.

Obera is, however, getting really antsy to get Mizpra killed, so there's that.

Rev. Bell comes to visit and as part of his groveling hello, "I have heard your pæans shouted from the housetops, and have been anxious to meet such a well-known man." I already dislike him.

Also, sin is the root cause of all illness. Of course Leigh had to go on and on about that so he could be sure it was still clear that he is, in fact, a genius in every way.

10 pages and he's still talking about that.

All right, so Leigh finally said one reasonable thing: "The words 'insanity' and 'insane' should disappear from our scientific vernacular, as they carry with them an atomsphere of medieval superstition and prejudice. There should be no distinction drawn between a person ill with typhoid fever, consumption, or any other physical disease and one ill from disease of the brain; it is only a difference of the organ affected."

Probably the only reasonable thing he'll say.

So, he finally shuts up and Rev. Bald tries to ask him to hang out outside of the house sometime and gets immediately shut down by Obera going with, "Dr. Newcomber prefers his home and books," and he just sort of parrots that back as well.

Obera asks Leigh what he thought of Rev. Bald and gets, "He is an ecclesiastical bunco steerer," and she tells him he's not allowed to hang out with the guy because of--the thing with Mizpra trying to straight up murder Mops.

He tells Obera not to blame Mizpra because "she is not morally responsible" due to being mentally ill, which is all good and well, but she did try to murder a child and should maybe be made to take a tiny bit of responsibility for that.

His solution is to send Obera and Mops away. Cool.

Dr. Bell visits the next morning to tell him the hysterical naked woman ran off with "our big Swede, Andersen. He was a mere animal. We kept him under control by giving him the furnaces to attend".

Turns out, the naked raving woman was relevant as it was Leigh's sister, Marcia and he's not--at all concerned by any of this, just, "Eh, oh yeah, I forgot to mention, she's my sister and she's fucking bonkers, it's no big deal."

And that's chapter 11.

Back to Mizpra for Chapter 12.

"To stand upon the wreck of her brothers and sisters, offering them enough assistance to prolong their misery, was her ambition." Settle down a little Mizpra.

She decides they should all go to Chicago to look at real estate instead of to California, then sort of goes on for awhile about how real estate agents are all crooks.

Long rambling introspection to determine that her mother's side of the family "suffered from weak arteries in advanced years" (like everyone else?) which made her prone to having a stroke or three and that she's arthritic.

So the switch to going to Chicago was to "keep her mother in a low altitude for a few days, then rush her rapidly up the Rockies" hoping to trigger a stroke that would HOPEFULLY not be fatal and if she did die, oh well, can't murder someone by stroke, so she'd not be arrested.

"She must witness torture and cause pain. This was her life." That's the intro for a good few pages of Mizpra thinking over all sorts of torture scenes from mythology which I'm sure are meant to be shocking but the author is what the author is and there's not much for detail. You'd get more detail reading the actual myths.

At the end of that she decides not to throw diphtheria infected toys at Mops anymore and she's going to aim straight at Obera with some method she'd seen but we're not told yet.

Great.

Oh, it's just anthrax.

I was hoping for something a little more creative than more small scale biological warfare.

Trying to murder people by sending disease via post seems to be some sort of fetish for Mizpra.

By now Burke is getting kind of annoyed that Mizpra is treating him like a secretary and errand boy but, honestly Burke, she basically told you that was the arrangement from the start, why are you surprised?

"Burke Wood was one of those unfortunate bipeds whom men despise, women hate, and the females of pervasive instincts employ as useful adjuncts to their much-scorned skirts." Well, we all know what the author thinks of Burke now. Also, all we’ve seen from Burke so far is that he’s a genuinely decent guy who adores Mizpra.

So mom comes in and asks Mizpra if she thinks she's treating that poor idiot Burke correctly and we find out that she somehow made this man with no training her LAWYER not just her secretary. Anyway, her mother reminds her if she keeps being nasty to him he's probably just going to leave her.

Then it just gets weird with her mom trying to not so subtly hint she needs to start with the sex where Burke is concerned and reminds Mizpra that she has "sex instincts".

Not the sort of conversation I'd want to have with my mother and, apparently, Mizpra doesn't want to have it with hers either. She brushes it off and tries to change the topic but this is what mother wants to talk about tonight so here we go.

"I preferred to see you enthusiastic over the dissection of a cat rather than playing with feminine foibles," what is this family even? Well, she regrets doing that now because apparently she's even noticing that Mizpra has some--interesting--obsessions.

Now even her mother is remarking on Mizpra's big, coarse, bony, manly hands. No wonder Mizpra has bizarre anger issues.

Mother figures out, finally, that Mizpra doesn't love Burke and isn't even remotely attracted to him like everyone but her and Burke figured that out at the wedding.

What mom's concerned about is that Mizpra doesn't want to fuck Burke; mom needs to mind her business, and this is not her business.

The problem, of course, is that Mizpra has had TOO MUCH education not that all we've seen of her is everyone else going on about how ugly and mannish she is.

I don't really want to read this old woman lecturing Mizpra on how she needs to fuck more then maybe she'd be happier.

So Burke interrupts them as Mizpra sent him to pick out some books she might like to read and pack the rest, and he interrupted to ask about one and we find out that if the "History of Flagellation does not meet with your approval, then it is because you do not understand the degredation of the woman of the past and my efforts for her enthronment in the future."

She then orders him to sit down then just kind of jerks his head back (with those big ol' coarse, manly hands of hers) and STARES at him before kind of sarcastically asking if he sees "anything but love" in her eyes then gives some, "Sorry if I've been cruel, I'm worried about my mother."

...then she tries to hypnotise him to sleep only she does it...loudly. While holding his eyes shut with her fingers.

To test some of that, she takes her scarf pin (which was holding together her, of course, “masculine necktie”) and jabs him in the forehead with it, then pierces his ears with it, then opened one eye and just jabbed her finger onto it so apparently holding someone's eyes shut then loudly commanding them to--be hypnotised works.

On Burke, at least.

She could have given him earrings or something.

Anyway, she then stabs the pin through his entire cheek then decided this is all making her way too horny and runs off to the sink to dunk her entire head into cold water.

So Mizpra's got a fetish.

For stabbing sleeping men with scarf pins.

I'm going to just stop here.

[doctor-mycroft-fox]

And here am I again, complaining and being a crybaby on this website again. I can’t post on Twitter, too many people might see it, and I’ve already lost some friends about of that dumb story I keep talking about. 

The truth is I don’t know what to do? I don’t know what to say, everything is so shitty, and everything is a mess at the moment. I’m not that depressed during the day, mostly because I keep myself quite busy, I don’t have much time to think, and there’s always some friends from uni around to talk etc so I don’t really think but I’m not really there, I feel like I’m just numb to everything. When evening arrives, and I have to come home, I just want to run away, I don’t want to be in this house anymore, the people here, I just feel paranoid, I just feel like everybody hates me there (except for my Russian flatmate, she’s my Belgium Mum here). And they all make so much noise all the time, I’m so tired. 

The more I go to uni, the more I feel like I’ll fail, but it’s the only thing I have to go, so I do it, I go. Moreover I’m engaged in two team work so I can’t give them up. But seriously, this semester is so hardcore, I don’t even know how I’m gonna pass my exam, I’ll probably fail most of them, but well, at least I know it. The worst part is going to uni, feeling bad about not being able to cope with all the courses and the works, and seeing your friends managing to do it all and even more sometimes, and like... you’re there, and you can’t really complain because we’re all in the same shit and I’m tired of being the one who always complains. I complain because I just suck, that’s the truth. I suck at uni and I know it, but I still have a slight hope that I might maybe, with a miracle, manage to pass my exams ? I don’t even know. 

I finally live in Brussels, a city I’ve always wanted to live in, and I’m not even happy, I can’t even enjoy the city because I have too much work to do. 

I have this one friend, maybe the only one I can call a friend in Brussels, from uni, she’s really cool and protective about me sometimes it feels good to have someone like that, even more in times like this. But I feel guilty for the time she gives me, and the fact that she feels like she has to confort me or whatever.She has other important things to do like work for uni, and take care of her family and close friends, who am I to her but someone who passes in her life?  On the other hand, she’s the only one I feel confortable enough to talk about that dumb Russian asshole. She’s the only one that won’t judge me or else. 

I feel lonely even tho I know I have friends, but, most of my close friends I know I can’t talk to them about everything. The only friend I could talk about really everything and anything, well, just left my life. 

He truly has a toxic person in my life that I needed to get rid of. And I did, it’s a good thing. What I hate is how it happened. Long story short, we spend the entire month of October arguing about how he treated me poorly, and how he didn’t care about me at all, and I told him I wanted him out of my life, and he couldn’t even say (at least sober) why he wanted to keep me in his life as a close friend. He couldn’t tell me how much he cared about me, he couldn’t tell me that he loved him, he couldn’t do this, and admitted that I was the only one he couldn’t actually say it to, and he didn’t even know why. The more I think about, the more I feel like he did all of this just to make me suffer even more. I’m almost convinced he did that with the purpose to torture me even more. Anyway, he just kept on feeding me hope during the entire month, asking me (begging) me to give me a last chance, again and again (because he kept on fucking up his chances every time) until he finally asked me for a break. A break that I didn’t want, I know him, he’s a dumb asshole, and a break would just please him, he’d have the feeling he’d won the battle, and would forget all about what I told him, and blamed him, I just feel good again, while I’ll just keep on feeling more and more shit because of him. And that’s what happened, he just left me like that, with no guarantee, nothing. God I hate him for doing that to me. And he does that on purpose, he knows how it drives me crazy. I truly think he likes to know that I’m suffering. Or worst, he doesn’t care at all about me. That’s probably the best hypothesis. 

I mean, how could he left me like that ? Like he really did care that little about him to let me go like that ? Not even with a last fight. Oh and I didn’t talk about his dumb tweets during his break “I know you’re mad at me but I love you - (I’m sober if that matters)”. He deleted these tweets right after I liked them. Like yeah, I love you but not too much eh, and I just post that here so you just suffer even more. He keeps on feeding me with hopes and let me suffer. Why can’t he just say goodbye and truly let me go ? Why does he have to do that to me ? What have I done to him to deserve that ? I just want him to let me go once and for all. Last week, I was tired of waiting for him, and just sent him a message to say that if he didn’t do something by the end of the week, guess what ? He first replied to me to kind of insult me because I didn’t reply to his phone calls, then tried to make me feel like the bad person who doesn’t hold on her promesses. The irony, when he’s actually the one who’s been lying to me for more than a year now. I eventually told me that he would do what “he planned to do” on the Friday afternoon. And guess what ? He did nothing. He once again gave me hope for nothing, just to gloat over my pain I guess ? To give me again a bit of hope so I’d think about that all weekend long for nothing. I really hoped until midnight. I sent him a message at 00.30am to ask him if it was finally over and complain that he couldn’t even have the guts to say goodbye and to undertake the fact that his only plan was to just gave up on me (maybe because he realised that I was right when I told him that he’d be better off without me) and no answer since then. Oh and also, he putted on some social media a new username like thisisnotover, omg stop him I want to stab him a thousand times (at least if I do that his father would find me back and kill him, all advantages to me since I am too much of a coward to kill myself), he continues to be that dumb ass shit and feeding me hopes just to see me suffering. At what moment, when you want to keep someone in your life (and you keep saying so), you just can time the deadline this person gives you ? Show that you want to get better for that person and do things on time FFS. He stopped his break this week (yeah I checked his Twitter account even tho I know I shouldn’t and I try to do it as less as possible) but didn’t send me anything. Just reply, just say goodbye for fuck’s sake. 

I just spend my day numb, not even able to think properly, wandering at the university, I don’t even know how I found the force to work, I just act like a robot when I’m there. And my nights, it’s just me crying to sleep every time, I don’t even know why I cry ? I wanted him out of my life. But I guess it’s just the way it happens that drives me crazy. And the fact that I cared so much about someone that never gave a shit about me. I did so much for him, even when I think about it now I just feel bad for myself for doing so much for him while he’s not able to do just a little for me... anyway. 

I’ll just be the typical emo girl that will finish all that with a quote from a BMTH song. Never been much of a fan of this band, but True Friends really stick well to my current mood and his behaviour. 

I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you Cause I'll forget but I'll never forgive you Don't you know, don't you know True friends stab you in the front? It's funny how things work out Such a bitter irony Like a kick right to the teeth It fell apart right from the start But I couldn't even see the forest for the trees (I'm afraid you asked for this) You've got a lot of nerve, but not a lot of spine You made your bed when you worried about mine This ends now I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you Cause I'll forget but I'll never forgive you Don't you know, don't you know True friends stab you in the front? I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you You broke my heart & there's nothing you can do And now you know, now you know True friends stab you in the front It's kind of sad cause what we had Well it could have been something I guess it wasn't meant to be (So how dare you) Try and steal my flame Just cause yours faded Well hate is gasoline A fire fuelling all my dreams (I'm afraid you asked for this) You've got a lot of nerve, but not a lot of spine You made your bed when you worried about mine This ends now I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you Cause I'll forget but I'll never forgive you Don't you know, don't you know True friends stab you in the front? I wouldn't hold my breath if I was you You broke my heart & there's nothing you can do And now you know, now you know True friends stab you in the front You can run, but you can't hide Time won't help you Cause karma has no deadline You can run, but you can't hide Time won't help you Cause karma has no deadline

I don’t even know if someone will read this shit, but I’ll probably delete it in few days when I’ll regret writing this. 

[yunsdreamworld]

IDOLiSH7 3.9.4

Again, this one might have some sentences that sound a bit weird as I’m still trying to get the hang of Japanese sentence structure –> English sentence structure. More of my translations here.

Also, my progress will be pretty slow from here on since we have a couple of huge projects at school and I work on the weekends.

Chapter 9 - Scrupulous Malice

Story 4 - Speculation and Forgery

Solvaldo: Good evening. Thank you for the meal. However, I have a suggestion for everyone. Solvaldo: May I set up a surveillance camera in this room? IDOLiSH7: No……!! Izumi Mitsuki: You stalker bastard! Following Nagi around, after all, even drinking Miso Soup and now a surveillance camera!? (1) Nikaidō Yamato: Dignified in spite of being a stalker! It’s obvious we would refuse! Solvaldo: All of your opinions are quite right. Then, as expected, Nagi-san will return to Northmare. IDOLiSH7: Eh……!? Yotsuba Tamaki: This guy! He’s intending to kidnap Nagicchi! Nanase Riku: We won’t hand Nagi to a stalker! Sōgo-san, something that can be used as a weapon! Ōsaka Sōgo: ……, this! Izumi Mitsuki: Don’t throw the pot at the glass! It was expensive! (2) SFX: Click. Rokuya Nagi: Solvaldo……. OH! What’s wrong everyone!? Nanase Riku: This guy is Nagi’s stalker, isn’t he!? Rokuya Nagi: Speaking about stalkers, he is a stalker, but the stalker I told you about the other day is another stalker……. Nikaidō Yamato: You have a lot of stalkers. Rokuya Nagi: Hm……. Even if I say so myself, I’m a sinful man. (3) Solvaldo: It’s a misunderstanding. I’m not Nagi-san’s stal……. Ah……. Yotsuba Tamaki: ….........!? A lot fell out from his pocket! Izumi Mitsuki: All of it is pictures of Nagi……! Nanase Riku: There are even pictures from around when he was a child……! He’s a stalker, who became experienced after many years of practice!! Izumi Iori: …… This picture……. It’s a very extravagant mansion. ……Ah. Rokuya Nagi: Thanks, Iori. Rokuya Nagi: Solvaldo. Did you drop my photographic portrait to the floor in disrespect or something? (4) Solvaldo: It’s inexcusable……. Ah……. I’m sorry, Nagi-san. Rokuya Nagi: Hereafter, the advice of the likes of you, who does not seem to be hunted by Northmarean subjects……. (5) Rokuya Nagi: …………. Izumi Mitsuki: Aah? They started talking in Northmarean……. Nikaidō Yamato: I have no inkling of what they are saying……. Though, if it was English, I’d still understand a little. Nanase Riku: Nagi, is it all right not to contact the police……? Isn’t he a bad stalker? Rokuya Nagi: …………. It’s all right. Don’t worry. It seems he’s already leaving. Solvaldo: Thank you for the food. The dinner was very delicious. I’m sorry for having imposed. Solvaldo: Nagi-san, there is not much time remaining. Rokuya Nagi: Thanks to your incompetence. Solvaldo: My ears are bitter. (6) Yotsuba Tamaki: That’s painfully true. Solvaldo: That is painfully true. Good night. Have good dreams. SFX: Shut. Izumi Mitsuki: …………. That was a storm-like visitor……. Rokuya Nagi: A storm is still well behaved. Nikaidō Yamato: Nagi, is it really all right……? What’s this about a stalker. Why didn’t you consult me? Rokuya Nagi: He’s an Otaku Friend. When I said he was a stalker, it was a joke. Nikaidō Yamato: Why did he smash the window? Rokuya Nagi: I guess he was overly hustled in a foreign country’s territory. Yotsuba Tamaki: Really? He was going to take Nagicchi back home. Rokuya Nagi: Don’t worry. It really feels like an anime. Izumi Mitsuki: I wonder if it’s all right……? You won’t suddenly get stabbed and such by a weird guy, right? Rokuya Nagi: Oh! My friend! You are worried about me! It makes me very happy! Rokuya Nagi: I’m fine. On nights I can’t sleep out of fear, I will go to the room with Cocona DVDs. Rokuya Nagi: Without delay, let’s watch from now! Turn on……. Oh……. (7) TV News: Today, in regards to Tsunashi Ryūnosuke-san and Hanamaki Sumire-san’s relationship, the weekly magazine scooped the latest news. Nanase Riku: ……Tsunashi-san……? 

Reporter: Tsunashi-san, is the story about Hanamaki-san having transferred to Yaotome Production true? Reporter: About when did you become so close to her? Anesagi Kaoru: Let us pass. Ryū, hurry! Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: I’m sorry. I’m unable to answer.

Man: I heard that Yaotome Agency forcibly pulled out Tsukumo Production’s favourite? Woman: Tsunashi Ryūnosuke didn’t show his obligations to either agency and had the girl he’s dating transferred, right? Man: Wrong, wrong! Because it seems they became TRIGGER’s rival at Black and White, it said they forced her to surrender with seductive techniques!

Yaotome Gaku: …… Ryū is being one-sidedly attacked……. Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: …… Sorry……. That is turned into this……. Yaotome Gaku: You’re not at fault. You’re refusing interviews politely after all. You’re dealing with it as usual, aren’t you!? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: …… Yeah. But, this time, something’s different with the mood. Yaotome Gaku: What is? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: The interviewers are aggressive. Yaotome Gaku: ……. The reporter was also aggressive……. Up until now, there has been said various things, but it’s the first time they are this blunt. SFX: Click. Yuki: Is everyone here? Kujō Ten: Yuki-san……. Momo: Ryūnosuke, sorry! I’m really sorry! Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: What’s wrong, Momo-san……? Momo: Although I sent a mail, for Ryū to go through something like this is my fault! Yaotome Gaku: What do you mean……?

Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: Present-day Chiba Salon……? Me, its top brass……? Momo: Ryō-san is misunderstanding. That person wants to control the industry with authority. In such times, it’s the union that gets in the way. Momo: The authority will slowly turn people over like Othello. (8) Momo: Even if one of two people resist, they won’t be able to make a dent. But if everyone unites, no one will be overturned and they will resist. Momo: He’s thinking that the circle of friends, I’ve gathered to have a good time with, is becoming that sort of existence. Yaotome Gaku: But isn’t that odd? If it’s that, he should have attacked Momo-san instead of Ryū. Momo: That’s right……. Do you have an idea if he’s resented for another matter? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: Me!? I don’t think so, though……. Kujō Ten: Ryū isn’t the type to be resented. What about Momo-san? Yaotome Gaku: I’m not doubting you and I ask because I don’t want to doubt you, but you’re not forming an alliance with Tsukumo Ryō, are you? Momo: I’m not……! Even I want the assassin directed at me if Ryū is attacked……! Yuki: Momo won’t betray us. Momo: Yuki……! Yaotome Gaku: Why are you asserting that? Yuki: He won’t do anything I dislike anymore. You won’t, right? Momo: I won’t. Kujō Ten: I think so, too. Gaku, this is rude after we received such kindness from them. Yaotome Gaku: It was just to make sure!? Yuki: What about Gaku-kun and Ten-kun? Don’t you remember being resented by Tsukumo? (9) Kujō Ten: …… It’s not related to President Tsukumo, but recently I met a kid that treated me as an enemy. Yaotome Gaku: What kind of guy? Kujō Ten: …… A kid Kujō-san was working on. Yuki: Kujō again……. Kujō Ten: …………. Yuki: …… Well, it’s fine though. If Ten-kun is happy being with Kujō. Kujō Ten: If you have something you want to tell me, please say it. Yuki: Are you a masochist? Kujō Ten: I don’t really understand, but that’s sadist-like for a senpai, who’s asking an insenstive question. Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: Ten, fighting might be too much!? Yaotome Gaku: It can’t be helped if we’re fighting. Ryū, you were set up by her. As long as we can prove that we’ll be fine. Yaotome Gaku: Isn’t there anyone who can testify. Someone, who was close by at the time or so? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: …… Ah……. Yaotome Gaku: There is!? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: …… There is, but on top of becoming such a situation, we’re being involved with Tsukumo’s speculation. I won’t drag them into this. Yaotome Gaku: Is this a situation you say something like that!? Let’s have them testify and clear up your innocence! Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: No. I won’t tell you. Momo: Perhaps a girlfriend? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: You-you’re wrong! Yaotome Gaku: You, tell us! If there’s someone you’re dating! Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: I said, you’re wrong! Yuki: If it’s a girlfriend, you wouldn’t want to involve her. What kind of girl? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: I’m telling you, it’s not a girl. Kujō Ten: If that’s the case, it’s fine if you tell us, isn’t it? Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: Well, but, I’m not involving him……. Yuki: It can’t be helped. Momo, Gaku-kun. Restrain Ryūnosuke-kun. Yaotome Gaku: What will you do? Yuki: Torturing. (10) Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: Torture!? Eh, wai……. Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: ……, Ahahaha! Stop! I said stop, it tickles! Ahahaha……! No, I can’t! Kujō Ten: …… He’s merciless…… Tsunashi Ryūnosuke: Ahahaha……! Ahahahaha……! I get it! I understand! I surrender! I’ll talk……! 

To continue….

(1) Due to the comma placement, I’m assuming that it’s supposed to be two different parts of a sentence. Though, my grasp on Japanese comma rules is loose at best.

(2) Sōgo’s weapon arsenal…… I wouldn’ want to get on his bad side……

(3) 我ながら can either mean “Even if I say so myself» or «for me (to do such a thing)”. In this context, the former makes more sense to me.

(4) The Japanese habit of leaving sentences incomplete continues to give me a headache. This one might not be translated correctly.

(5) This one was one hell of a nightmare. Not sure if it’s translated 100% correctly.

(6) 耳が痛い is an expression that translates to “being painfully true, striking home”. Solvaldo says it wrong and Tamaki corrects him.

(7) Since the sentence is incomplete, I can only speculate, but he probably wants to say something along the lines of “(Let’s) turn on the TV.”

(8) See TN in IDOLiSH7 3.9.1 (5)

(9) This one I might not have translated correctly, but until I can think if a better wording, I’ll leave it like this.

(10) I have no idea what the かける is supposed to mean exactly here.

[fearofaherobrine]

Roleplay Server Log #267

“Sleepwalker Sammn, Kraz Revealed and Stev Revived”

[Lie] Yawns sleepily as she heads out the door to tend to her animals first thing in the morning-

[Sammn] (is dreaming) - she standing in darkness, hearing shouts & screams from all around. She can't see, but knows her army is on the cusp of defeat. She tries to command them to retreat, but is unable to speak. She tries to move and finds herself frozen. In the darkness, a figure begins to take shape. -

[Sammn] - (still dreaming) - tries again to move, fails. Figure is closer, but it's nothing but a dark shape. Then a deep voice fills her head - WAKE UP! IT'S NOT REAL, WAKE UP!

[Lie] Notices her dogs crowding towards one side of their pen and goes to investigate- Hello?

[Sammn] - gives a scream and wakes up.

[Lie] - Sammn!

[Sammn] - jumps, and stumbles back - Huh? What?

[Lie] - Hey. it's okay, I think you were sleep walking.  Is everything okay?

[Sammn] - blinks, looking around - I guess? This happens sometimes.

[Lie] - Do you need to sit down at all?

[Sammn] - Na, I'm fine. Sorry if I startled you.

[Lie] - Not at all, were you having a good dream?

[Sammn] - frowns - Don't think so, can't really remember much, except the voice. That's always in my dreams.

[Lie] - A voice?

[Sammn] - Yeah, don't know who it is, but they always tell me to wake up.

[Lie] - Wake up?  That seems more like something that my husband would say, he can manipulate dreams, control them, and trap people in them

[Sammn] - Interesting. So... Why you up this early?

[Lie] - I have to take care of my animals, do you want to help?

[Sammn] - Sure.

[Lie] Smiles and leads Sammn over to the horse pen and shows her how much hay to throw in-

-The horses all whinny and press up against the fence-

[Sammn] - Wow, collect horses? - holds out some wheat.

[Lie] Laughs- A bit.  So how have you been?  Are you doing okay?

[Sammn] - shrugs - Yeah, just been sleeping alot. Looked around some, but got lost. Took me hours to get back.

[Lie] - If you ever need help getting somewhere, just call out in chat, somebody can always teleport you.  But I do remember how easy it was to get lost when I first came here

[Sammn] - looks at her funny - Chat?

[Lie] - You know, the words that occasionally pop up in the corner of your vision?  That's the chat

[Sammn] - Hum... Ok, let's go with that. - turns back to feeding the horses.

[Lie] - If you don't know how to use that, you can always call out mentally, several brines here are psychic so we will be able to hear you

[Sammn] - nods - Someone else told me that too.  Hopefully I'll never have resort to that, but I shall remember.

[Lie] - So do you remember anything from before?

[Sammn] - sighs - Not really. Just more random bits, but little of it makes sense.

[Lie] - I almost envy you

[Sammn] Envy? This... I hate not knowing. It's maddening to know I've forgotten something, or someone.

[Sammn] - That I can't remember anything about myself or the life I may have had.

[Lie] - I willingly gave up any good memories I had from when I lived in the real world, but I have all my memories from when I was first dragged into the game up until now

[Sammn] - Oh, I have to guess they weren't pleasant. In that case, I can understand.

[Lie] - Well, I was originally my husbands victim, a means to the ends of a bet

[Sammn] - frowns - That doesn't sound good...

[Lie] - It wasn't, I was hounded, tortured, sexually assaulted...  You name it he probably did it

[Sammn] - looks down at the ground. Something stirs in her memories, but it's fleeting and gone just as fast.

[Lie] - However it's because I was human that Doc found us.  CP was not the type of brine they would have invited here, but they did so for me, to help keep me safe

[Sammn] - nods absentmindly.

[Lie] - Hey?  Are you okay?

[Sammn] - Ah... I almost remembered something. But it's gone...

[Lie] - It's okay, we'll help you in any way we can

[Sammn] - nods and forces a smile. - So, what critter is next?

[Lie] - The sheep, they need to be sheered to

[Sammn] - Lead the way.

[Lie] Leads them a few pens over where the sheep are grazing, Rosebud trots up to the fence and bleats at them- Hey there Rosebud

[Sammn] - Aw, they're so cute.

[Lie] - A gift from my husband.  She's glitched so she'll never grow up

[Sammn] - kneels down to look better - Poor little thing.

[Lie] - Oh she's perfectly happy.  A baby pink sheep is not a natural spawn, so he had to make her specifically.  She was a valentines day gift

[Sammn] - holds out hand - A gift, but broken from the start.

[Rosebud] Lips Sammn's hand, looking for treats-

[Sammn] - smiles sadly - Sorry little one, I dint have any treats.

[Rosebud] Goes back to nibbling the grass-

[Lie] - So do you have any plans for today Sammn?

[Sammn] - No, not really.

[Lie] - Then why don't you hang around here for today, spend some time with the animals

[Sammn] - Maybe. Sad to say, not like I got anything better to do.

[Lie] - Eh, we can always have quiet days where we don't do much

[Sammn] - Yeah, but I've kinda been doing nothing anyways. - stands up dusting skirt - Any more critters I can help with?

[Lie] - Hmmm, everythings been fed, but if you want to take some of the dogs out to play with them I'm sure they'd appreciate it

[Sammn] - Sure. Let me go find a stick or two, give them something to fetch.

[Lie] - Alright, I'm going to work with some of the horses so if you need me I'll be in front of the house

[Sammn] - nods and heads toward the trees.

[Sammn] - searches under the trees, looking for a couple of thick sturdy sticks.

-They both sit in silence in the desert, NK behind Mix, examining the emerald between her shoulder blades. There's almost a sense of sadness in his eyes as he does. He touches its surface curiously, wondering if a weapon type had been decided. Maybe not yet, too soon for her he decided.-

-NK takes a deep breath, eye glow brightening intensely before he blows deeply onto the gem. The air he exhales is deep, deep indigo in color, almost black in spots. Its speckled with white points of light, like distant stars in the mist. It condenses around the emerald before sparking and then sinking into the gem. Mix breaths a bit steadier now, as her energy level smooths out into a calm output rather than spastic bursts of energy. -

[NK] There, that should do, Mix. Self sustaining now... Now I just need to make sure it's functioning right....

[Doc] Scuttles up to the top of a sandpile and looks back- You ready kiddo?

[Yaunfen] Yep!

[Doc] Just topples over and rolls like an angular log to the bottom, kicking up sand everywhere. Xe scoots over and looks back-

[Yaunfen] Wiggles their butt excitedly before doing the same, tumbling down the much less steep slope their parent made in the sand- WHEEE!

[Doc] Stands up and shakes off hir mane-

[Yaunfen] Bounces around - Again! Again!

[Doc] Gestures with a claw- Go ahead.

[Yaunfen] Dashes back up the hill and rolls down again laughing.

[Doc] Flips hir tail and a big cloud of sand goes flying-

[NK] -Sputters and swats sand off body, getting up and turning to yell at who threw sand everywhere- What the fuck!

[Mix] -Sand covered, amazing. Awkwardly stands up and dusts self off-

[Doc] Hair poofs! - Whoops! Sorry guys. Did I inturrupt something?

[Yaunfen] Starts running up the hill again-

[NK] I was sealing her stone, so no. I'd just finished. Actually.. Doctor, would you like to help us? I need someone to look at the code, make sure it's connected now.

[Doc] Sealing it? Oh, sure! You know I'm happy to help out. - Xe shrinks down to hir human shape and sets up a command block. - Just put your hand here Mix. I'll have a look.

[Yaunfen] Comes racing over and jumps on Doc-

[Doc] Is knocked over completely by their nearly horse-sized dragon child- OOOF! -Xe just lays still for a minute. - Can we save that for when I'm in my bigger shape Yaunfen?

[Yaunfen] - But fun!

[Mix] Just put my hand there? Alright. -Sets hand on the command block-

[NK] Got around to sealing it finally, thank the stars.

[Doc] It's more fun when you can just crawl all over me without making me flatter then a lilly pad! - wiggles out from underneath-

[Yaunfen] Goes over to Mix- We play?

[Doc] Pulls hirself up to the block and looks at the readout-

-The code seems more full now, and the energy source is her Stone rather than any food she might eat. Interestingly enough there's an additional respawn code. Older coding is hidden farther in, broken and barely holding together. It seems to be basis for other newer codes, but never removed. It could probably be put together, maybe?-

[Doc] Tilts hir head curiously - You have some odd files here... it's like you're carrying part of someone else's backup disk...

[Yaunfen] Nudges the command block-

-The readout flickers as it glitches from being shoved-

[Doc] Careful, I'm trying to read...

[Yaunfen] Flops with a huff-

[Doc] Reaches over and rubs Yaunfen gently between their spikes. - No need to be huffy.

[NK] -Slightly guilty look where Mix can't see it- It's probably nothing.

[Mix] Really? Is it-- is that dangerous?

[Doc] I don't think so. It looks like basic stuff. I see some bits that look like Steve-type coding actually.

[Mix] Well I am.. a Steve...? I dunno.

[NK] -Softly increased guilt look-

[Doc] It's not that simple Mix. I- I'll just make some copies and start a new folder on my block.

[Yaunfen] - Mada we play!

[Doc] Hang on sweetie... this is a little odd. There's part of a another personality matrix here. - Gives NK a questioning look.

[NK] -Shies back from the look a bit, baring teeth silently-

[Mix] What?

[Doc] Moves Mix's hand off the block gently. There are only a few files and they're already copied. - Nk... what did you do...?

[NK] Nothing. -That's clearly a lie, no one who did nothing would react like that-

[Mix] -Looks back at NK with a confused look-

[Yaunfen] Digs through inventory for entertainment and pulls out a white flitter to play with that they caught-

[Doc] Doesn't notice the flitter but speaks more openly because of it.  - I don't believe you Nk. What is this?

[NK] ... -bites lip a bit and crosses arms- It....

[NK] -Softly- It's the original.

[Doc] Original what?

[NK] Steve from our seed.

[Mix] What?

[Doc] You copied his memories for Mix to carry?

[NK] No... I didn't. I think it's the same body too.. I don't.. I don't know. It might've been Kraz and hir folk who did all that but I don't.. I don't know! *hunches on self a bit

[NK] I don't know.

[Mix] -Looks a bit winded over this all, sitting down and looking up at them-

[Doc] Why didn't you tell me this sooner?!

[NK] I didn't want too! I didn't think anything remained except memories and chunks of broken code! I wasn't going to ruin a child at the chance he'd come back! She deserved a life too!

[Doc] You don't have to ruin anything NK! You've seen me rebuild people from scraps! There's no sacrifice here! For all you know he's been helplessly watching through her eyes this whole time!

[NK] -taps foot a bit anxiously, looking away- ..I.. I was scared. I don't watch you that often, Doctor. I didn't know. I... You can bring him back? Is-- Is there enough?

[Doc] I'm sure the End going to find out! - Still upset-

[Yaunfen] - Mada?

[NK] He wasn't there through it, Doctor. I know. He was resilient, but not that resilient. Do you want to know what he looked like last I saw him as him? If he was aware this whole time I'll apologize myself!

[Doc] Lets out a long whoosh of air, and makes a sad face. Xe reaches for Yaunfen and gives them a small hug to steady hirself- Yes. I need to know everything.

[Yaunfen] Curls around Doc, batting at the flitter-

[NK] -Deep shuddering breath and looks away-

-Fluttery connection to share memories, He's clearly looking down, and likely crying judging by the drops falling. A person who's definitely a Steve is laying motionless on the ground. A good portion of his face is scorched, and black patches on the collarbone vanish under the shirt. One arm is gone completely just beneath the shoulder, while the other is gone below the elbow. A hole in the shirt over the chest is saturated in blood, and NK was clearly trying to avoid looking at it in the memory. Sobbing is about the only sound in it-

[Nk] I-- It was bad. Real bad..... We... when someone with a spellstone dies, their body stays because it rebuilds. But.. His stone was shattered completely. He wasn't coming back. It.. It was all that monsters fault... *huffs

[Doc] Takes a good look at the face and the damage in the connection before it fades and sets hir jaw. - I'll be the judge of who can and can't come back. And don't lie to me again Nk. Not ever.

[NK] -Softer grumble-

[Doc] Pulls out hir carrot phone and starts making a new player account -

[Mix] -Holding sand in her hands, just, processing everything-

[Yaunfen] Stretches- Mada...

[Doc] Yes?

[Yaunfen] - Snack?

[Mix] So I'm a copy?

[NK] I-- No! No. You're not, you're you, sweetheart. *bend down to smooth Mix's hair- You're you.

[Doc] Here you go - Xe takes out the equivilent of bread on Yaunfen's seed. It's a rather large Snickers type bar, and holds it out-

[Doc] You're not a copy Mix. You're an orginal, but your body has... transplants.

[Yaunfen] Vacuums it into their mouth-

[Doc] Slides off Yaunfen and connects the phone to the command block, there's a faint electrical buzz and a Steve skin forms on top of the block and flops over like a doll.

[NK] -Soothes Mix a bit more before turning to watch Doc and the Steve, nervously-

[Doc] Pulls the limp and empty skin down so it's flat on the ground and connects a wire to it with a bit of statick. - Tell me about this... gem. Can one be made? I mean, I can run a basic Steve as a player with no problem, but still... it would be more accurate that way.

[NK] I don't.. I'm not sure if it's safe for both to have a spellstone.. There's only ever been four....

[Doc] Can we just use one of your basic clear crystals? Then if it's rejected, I'll cut it out myself and sew him up again. If he's supposed to have one, it might adjust automatically.

[NK] Sure.. -Pulls one out of his inventory and gives it to Doc.- His was in his back, Like Mix.

[Doc] Takes it and pushes the skin up a bit to add it in. It sinks into the flat surface and leaves a lozenge of whitish pixels over the blue of his shirt-

-There's some crackling and a faint hum as the files are copied and the player skin accepts them-

[NK] I uh... He... -soft grunt and vague gesture- -slight flush to cheeks-

[Doc] Lays the figure back down flat again and watches intently as it begins to spin up and load. After a moment xe disconnects the wire and crouches beside the prone Steve before checking it's code. - It's fragmented... but working so far.

[NK] -Settles and very gently pokes Doc, wanting to say something-

[Doc] Goes for a little zap to try and wake them up- Huh?

[NK] -Softly- He-- No dick. -embarrassed flush- Didn't have one.

[Doc] Head whips around to Nk-  Do what now?! I needed to know that Nk!!

[NK] I-- was getting to it--- *flustered noise

[Steve?] *Squeak and slight wiggle before pained breath

[Steve?] *blinks eyes open

[Doc] Welcome back? I suppose. How do you feel?

[Steve?] -Just stares up blankly for a bit, head turning slowly toward Doc and NK- ...... What the fuck is between my legs?

[NK] -Embarrassed noise as he covers his face- Sorry

[Doc] Male genitalia, sorry about that... Nk didn't tell me you weren't a basic Steve gender-wise.

[Steve?] .. Oh. Can.. Can that get fixed? I- It's making it hard to focus. *pushes self up to sit quietly, avoiding looking at anything farther than his stomach area

[Doc] How do you want it? Just nothing for now?

[Steve?] A slit. It was a slit. I don't-- I don't know how this happened or where I am, but familiarity is helping. It-. .. It went up to here. *Gestures a bit below belly button

[Doc] Gingerly lifts up their shirt and disconnects their unwanted bits, before making a bit of a dark line where they were, xe stuffs them into the sand so they'll quietly despawn. - You don't have any internal organs at the moment. so that'll have to do for now.

[Steve?] *Soft relieved noise

[Steve?] Thank you kindly. I'm Stev. I don't think we've officially met? -Distant look as partitioning memories that are there in his head

[NK] -Just barely containing himself, watching Stev-

[Mix] I.. I've got to go. -Clumsily stands up and moves off. She's shooked-

[Yaunfen] Tries to snag Mix's clothing- Don't go! We have new Steve!

[Doc] No, I don't think so. I'm Doc. And this is my child; Yaunfen-

[Yaunfen] HI!

[Stev] Nice to meet you... -Eyes linger on Yaunfen for a second.- What an odd creature...

[Yaunfen] I'm a dragon! RAWR!

[Doc] We've got lots of dragons here actually. This is a sanctuary for any who require one.

[Stev] Like the mines... I'm glad others are kind..

[Doc] Mines? Well, obviously we have those here. We have several Steves, and Alexes, and Herobrines too. But I'm not sure what you're reffering to specifically.

[Stev] ... The.. The name escapes me..

[NK]Dark Ice Mines. It was called Dark Ice Mines.

[Stev] Hm... Sounds.. About right. Thank you Darlin'. -Offhandedly gives NK a pat to his hand-

[NK] -Looks ready to be in tears-

[Yaunfen] Stands very still as the flitter lands on hir nose - chuff!

[Doc] Dark Ice Mines? That sounds a bit grim.

[NK] It was an odd place. But it was mine, and I took care of it best I could....

[Stev] Pleasant place.. I think... My memory feels broken... Cycling through what I can..

[Doc] I didn't have much to work with. Only time will tell what comes back to you.

[Stev] The last thing I can really remember is pain.. So much....

[Doc] Well you did die.... It looked like you were either torn or blown apart in some accident....

[Stev] -Turns head to look toward NK, questioningly-

[NK] -Looks away nervously, holding onto Stev's hand a bit tighter-

[Flitter] Bats it's wings lightly and glides between them-

[Yaunfen] Reaches for it with their long whiskers-

[NK] Prince.. ... Destroyed you. ..In.. A fit of rage. -Very softly-

[Stev] .. I.. Oh....

[Doc] Who is Prince?

[NK] Our notch. His spellstone was made from gold. -Referencing the gold bits that had been inside Mix's chest- He was prone to.. fits of rage.

[Stev] -Gently- He was good otherwise... Really.

[Doc] If he was an older NOTCH AI... some of them do seem to be rather... quirky and unpredictable.

[Yaunfen] Sneaking up on Stev-

[Stev] I mean.. He had his troubles, but he was good. He took care of his people..

[NK] -Bitterly- Not always.. Otherwise the Mines wouldn't have been as lively as they were.

[Stev] -Head tilts a bit to look at the sneaky sneaking Yaunfen- What doing?

[Yaunfen] Playing! - Xe gives him a light bat with a paw- You're it!

[Doc] Oh dear... He wasn't running a prison, was he?

[NK] No, No... The mines were my domain. Part of them was in the Nether. That's where those who felt unsafe with Prince stayed most often...

[Doc] It sounds like an iffy situation.  So... what happened to everyone else?

[NK] What do you mean?

[Stev] -Looks down at his other arm almost blankly, like he's registering it before lifting it and reaching for Yaunfen to boop them back-

[Doc] What happened to your seed Nk?

[Yaunfen] Is booped and giggles-

[NK] I... -bites lip- I'm not exactly sure to be honest with you... There was a later stage on the seed? Like coded or something... A.. Parasite I guess is it's analogue? Bad code was what it was for us. .. Some of the memories are fucked up here so I might not remember everything.. We... Well we did what we could to keep the seed together..

[Stev] -Listening while scratching Yaunfen's head-

[Yaunfen] Is petted and starts purrring-

[Doc] I see... Is there anyone else in your group carrying fragments of other people?

[NK] I'm.. Not sure. Kraz is unaccounted for... And I'm assuming Prince is as good as Dead... Unless... -head tilt- Unless MA has the other pieces somehow..

[Doc] What was Kraz? A glitch? A player? Or something else entirely?

[NK] Uhh.. Something on our seed, A Krazoa. Powerful... Thing. Kraz was the head of them all..

[Doc] Thing? Was he some kind of monster?

[NK] Uh... You know uh... Gamemode 3? Spectator? Is that how it's phrased? Where you can go through anything?

[Doc] Oh geeze... I hate that mode... It makes me feel like I'm going to throw up... Even when I'm moving through the ground I can't see that far ahead of me.

[Yaunfen] Mada can go through everything!

[NK] Well all of them were like a weird combination of that and creative.

[Doc] Like ghosts.... That's unsettling....

[Kraz] I dunno, It's just our natural state of being... -Just delicately leans onto Doc's shoulder, looking down with a cheerful smile. They're filtering into view as they do so, expression turning cheeky at NK's spooked face across from them-

[Kraz] I don't get how you can remain solid constantly. So tiring.

[Doc] Legit screams and scrambles backwards, xe bangs into the command block and it spazzes for a moment, reacting with hir statick-

[Yaunfen] MADA!

[Kraz] -Keening laugh, covering mouth with a hand, finding delight in the spooked Doc- Delightful.

[Kraz] -From about the hips down they've got just barely visibly wispy limbs, in a blue purple hue-

[NK] You've been here the whole time, haven't you.

[Kraz] Yep.

[Yaunfen] Runs to Doc and curls around them- Mada? Why you hurt my mada?! Blue meanie!

[Doc] What the...?!

[Kraz] Honestly Just been poking around at everything the whole time! Mix didn't notice a thing. Gee, wonder why this painting moved to the second floor? Where did the painting go?... Clueless. We could've done more putting her together... Kind of in a rush... -Shrugs and regards Doc with a hum-

[Yaunfen] Hisses at Kraz-

[Kraz] Oh shhh.. I'm not going to hurt anyone.

[NK] So... The body...? Are the others Jammed in there or what?

[Kraz] -Exasperated sigh- Yes, they are. 8 says Hi.

[Doc] 8? Are there more pieces I need to revive?

[Kraz] No, Not at all. We're about.. 12 entities in one body. Needed to be to put a spark of near permanent life in a corpse.

[Kraz] -offhandedly- We're good, but not good enough to do it separate.

[Doc] Ah... welll..... I don't think I like the idea of people wandering around invisible spying on everyone. That makes me uncomfortable.

[Stev] -Unconsciously leaning into NK, looking at his hands-

[Kraz] I don't really do that much, boring. You all are pretty normal, almost. I usually just follow Mix around. She was such an interesting experiment...

[Doc] Narrows hir eyes at hir friend being reffered to like that. - Nonethless you are not an admin, and I'm not sure I trust you. So... - Xe does some quick typing on the block behind hir-

-  /effect playersKraz glowing 1000000/ -

[Yaunfen] Glowly blue meanie!

[Doc] Now I can keep an eye on you.

[Kraz] -Spooked jerk as a glowing aura surrounds them, only to panic back up as it comes with- What the-- -They flip around so they're upside down, looking as it continues to follow- I... Wow... That's... Huh... Weird...

[Doc] Just a little light so you have an outline. Nothing damaging.

[Kraz] -Upside down- An interesting punishment, Doctor. -Flips back to normal and examines hand, turning it back and forth before fading it, watching the outline remain- I see..

[Stev] -Soft inhale, eyes widening and his grip on NK tightening-

[Nk] Hmm? -Looks over at Stev, only to tense up a bit- What's wrong?

[Doc] It's not a punishment, you're just on probation. I'm aggravated because I don't like people in here who weren't specifically invited.

[Kraz] I was invited! Mix just didn't know I was there. *shrug

[Stev] -Softly- I remember dying...

[Doc] That does not count! -Turns to Stev - Yes... those last files were mostly complete...

[Stev] -Just quietly clinging to NK, eyes flicking around, probably recalling the memory-

[NK] -running fingers through Stev's hair and rocking them back and forth gently-

[Kraz] I mean, It does? I was part of the group and you invited them innnn.....

[Doc] Flat look of annoyance- I would not have nessesarly refused you. I just don't like people decieving me. You hiding all this time makes me suspicious.

[Kraz]  But there was no deception~ If you don't check for extras, it's your fault. Not mine.

[Doc] Nk? Stev? Will you vouch for this entity? If not, I'll boot his ass out.

[Stev]-Still in memory hell-

[NK] -Looks up- I... I guess I'll vouch for them. They're not harmful, and it's not like they have anywhere to go anymore...

[Doc] Then I'll be satisfied with that.

[Kraz] -Just nods a bit.- I'm going to go check on the science nugget then, my spookage is done here... -Fades, but the glow is still there. Outline shifts and looks down before shrugging and going off-

[NK] Gangs almost all here.. And I'm fine with prince being a dead motherfucker... Affections be damned. *soft growl, only to stop as Stev shifts a bit, sniffling-

[Doc] If he's nasty to Mix, let me know. I'm sure I could figure out a way to keep him from constantly shadowing her.

[Yaunfen] Don't cry Stev... - sad eyes-

[NK] I doubt they're nasty to Mix.. They wouldn't have gone through the.. effort to make her, if they were going to be rude to her. ... Can.. You help me get Stev somewhere comfy? -Awkwardly scoops Stev up, tucking the Steve to his chest-

[Doc] Of course, You know my house is closer - Xe scoops up hir command block and puts it away before making a small roll backwards into hir dragon shape again -

[Yaunfen] Prances to hir and buts against hir happily- Mada...

[NK] -Shifts Stev carefully, checking on him before nodding- That'll do.

[Doc] Slides undrground and comes up softly under them so they end up on hir back. Xe starts walking gently back to the castle as Yaunfen runs ahead-

[NK] ..... Thank you, doctor.

[Doc] You're welcome Nk. Just don't be hesitant to ask for my help in the future. Okay? - Xe trots onto the grass and down towards the horsepen.

[NK] I'll.. Keep it in mind.

[Doc] Slips down the stairs and into the ground again leaving them by the side entrance.

[Yaunfen] Changes into their kid form and opens the doors. There's a bed and the fridge just visible inside. -

[NK] -Steps inside=-

[Doc] Comes back normal again and helps Nk get Stev in and onto the bed Endrea once occupied with Ashe.

[Yainfen] Hits the button on the fridge a few times and theres suddenly a scattering of cooked pork chops, apples and potatoes in the vicinity. - Awwww.....

[Doc] It's okay Yaunfen. I'll get you some food. - Xe opens a trunk and gives the child a huge candied apple and a couple of donuts.

[Yaunfen] Tucks in-

[Stev] -Curls up on the bed, holding onto one of NK's hands-

[Doc] Pulls out one of Steve's kitted blankets and drapes the gaudy thing around the new Stev's shoulders-

[Stev] -Softly- Thank you...

[Deer] Comes up the stairs- Love?  Do we have visitors?  I felt you doing stuff

[Doc] Yes... I found some odd code and extracted it. Mix was carrying part of a Steve...

[Deer] - Oh!  Is this them?

[Doc] Indicates the cozy couple. - This is Stev... and Nk, of course.

[Deer] - I see, and now what about the person who's constantly glowing?

[Doc] Mix was also carrying another entity... someone who snuck in with her party. They're partly in spectator mode. I don't like the idea of someone invisible sneaking around.

[Deer] - Ah, well that will take some getting used to...

[Yaunfen] Hi mama. - Goes to hug her-

[Doc] Is it causing a system issue?

[Deer] Picks them up into a snuggly hug- Hello my sweet little one.  Did we have fun today?

[Yaunfen] Yeah! I had candy and rolled in the sand and Mada made us a new Steve!

[Deer] - Good for them, but I bet your a bit dirty now, should we go take a bath?  Maybe we could use the big tub in the lab?

[Yaunfen] Okay!

[Deer] - And maybe Mada will have to join me later~

[Stev[ -Looks up at Deer-

[Deer] Glances back at Stev and smiles warmly- Welcome to the server-

[Stev] It's.. Nice to be here? I... think...

[Doc] Heh. I presume it beats being in limbo slash dead?

[Stev] Yeah... Definitely... *Grimaces a bit and leans into NK slightly

[NK] -Rakes claws through Stev's hair quietly- Definitely..

[Stev] ... -Blinks a bit before tilting head to look up at NK- ...If the seeds gone, does that mean my toys are too?

-Mildly flustered NK noise-

[Doc] Toys?

[Stev]... -Turns to Doc- Sex toys...?

-Even more embarrassed NK noise-

[Doc] ... What did you have in mind?

[Stev] Something that vibrates? Usually.

[Doc] Well you currently don't have any internal organs besides your hearts... but I can arrange it for when you're fully regenerated. Do you need a specific shape?

[Stev] I'm fine waiting... Something Egg shaped, maybe..?

[Doc] Remembers the big slit - Ah... I'll make it happen. You just rest for now.

[Stev] Much thanks..

[NK] -Highly red faced-

[oldmythos]

for your prompts!! (I'm so excite thx for doing this!) sheith royalty au where Keith and Shiro are princes from warring countries and when Shiro's country loses he is captured and sent to Keith as a slave. When he shows up he has been treated very badly...what will Keith do?? Will they fall in love? Can they gain each other's trust??(Requesting maximum angst and Shiro being tenderly taken care of plz

Okay, I got way WAY too into this one and had to force myself to stop writing. I absolutely love this prompt and love putting Shiro through hell. My sweet sweet son. Let’s punch him in the face again.This is the best ending spot I could find, but you bet your ass I have like 1000 more words I haven’t posted.

This is the first fill for my most recent follower celebration, stay tuned for more of me getting way too into prompts.

He wasn’t unfamiliar with the goings on of war. He knew exactly what a well placed punch felt like, what an arrow felt like piercing his shoulder, what a blade felt like slashing along his side. He knew what torture felt like and was all too familiar with the sensations caused by all the different tools they liked to hide in the deep dark holes of war camps. He knew what it felt like to have his arm separated from his body as he watched, as he fought for his life, as he watched his country massacred in front of him. He knew what it felt like to be held up on a podium of bodies, hasty tourniquet tied over the stump of what used to be an arm, he knew what it felt like to be a trophy and absolutely nothing more. He remembered the feeling of Sendak’s knife, slicing through his face, inch by inch, the sound of cheering a dull roar, pierced by his own incoherent screams and Sendak’s soft whisper, filling his ears, his mind, and his memory.

“You’re no champion now. You’re garbage, just like the rest of them.”

Long in short, he knew what it felt like to get hit.

Nonetheless, the kick stunned him. Maybe because his stump was still bleeding and his entire body was pain, leftover from that final battle; maybe because it was supposed to be over.

He knew why; some part of him thought he deserved it. The soldiers surrounding him were all too happy to remind him. One of them almost tripped over his prone form on his next kick.

The man slurred his words. “Bet ya’ wish ya’ hadn’t came in on your fuckin’ white horse at Sheenahet, eh, Champion.” He spit the title down at the bleeding form.

Shiro had never liked the name, but in the mouth of the people who used to fear it, it felt like poison. He wasn’t the Champion, not anymore, not now, not huddled in the fetal position on the way to meet his new master and his new life, if it could even be called that.

One of the drunks gave another swift kick and Shiro could swear he could hear his ribs crack before they stumbled off into the night, cackling about how they had just destroyed the great Champion of Sheenahet, of Tourali, of almost every battle the Alteans had eked out in the last few years of the war. It didn’t matter that he was chained at the wrist, the ankles, a collar around his neck attached to the side of his cage.

He wished that this feeling was unfamiliar, but as he fell out of consciousness he could only remember that this is just how the Galra were and bleeding on the dirt was the least he could do after failing his entire nation.

The Galran prince knew that they had won, finally, but couldn’t bring himself to grasp how much it meant. The war had always been a distant thing; he knew, some time in the past, long before he’d been born, the Alteans had been a more present threat, but they hadn’t breached the border of the kingdom since Zarkon’s time. As legend told it, ever since Zarkon had defeated the traitorous Alfor, the Alteans had never been able to pull themselves back together.

The only way his life would change, as far as he could tell, was that he’d be receiving a new slave. He wouldn’t have to spend hours slaving over battle strategies anymore; he would miss that part. He may have never seen war but that didn’t mean he didn’t have a part in it. His plans were instrumental in winning the last few battles, he knew. He’d seen the numbers and he understood what they meant. Those plans, those numbers, they had been his purpose. They were his friends in the dark days when no one dared to knock on his door.

It was over and he was still alone.

The journey shouldn’t have taken weeks. Shiro had been this way before, and on horseback it should have taken six days. He didn’t know how long it had been; the days melted into night melted into days and back again, the lines blurred by his fever. He watched the shadows cast by the bars of his cage slide across the rough wood he was bound to, he counted the bumps in the road by the ache in his ribs every time the cart hit one.

They didn’t move him often, but sometimes they’d drag him off the safety of his cart and shove him into some open air cell, forcing him to sleep on the dirt by their campfire while they had free reign to enter, kick him, cut him as they pleased, and leave.

None of their little blows felt like anything anymore. They might as well have been beating on a drum. His whole focus was on his arm and the heat that radiated from it. It wasn’t just the stump, the leftover, but his entire right arm, clenching all the way up to his neck. It came in waves, but whatever he did, he couldn’t get the tension to release. The blows were a kind of relief compared to the pain his mind made up.

He wondered if he’d even make it to the capital, if he’d even meet his master. He wondered if he would be killed, if he did make it. He was useless now. He wasn’t worth the space it took to hold him.

But that was a problem for someone else. Shiro never lifted his eyes from a speck of dirt, slightly darker than the rest of it, right in front of his nose. If he had, he would have caught the silhouette of spires, outlined by the dying light of the sun, the capital.

The change in scenery was not a slow one. The Galran were nothing if not paranoid and every time the city extended past the walls they just put up another one around the new suburbs. His view was filled with nothing but stone and darkness for a moment as they passed through the gate in the outer wall and suddenly, his world was alive.

The procession must have been quite a sight: hundreds of thousands of soldiers returning from war, from ending a thousand year war, thousands of horses, cart after cart carrying back the spoils of victory, and right in the front, exposed to the sunlight and the hundreds of gaping faces of the citizens, was Shiro.

He expected violent yelling, roaring crowds, being hit with whatever they could throw at him; instead, he was greeted by stunned silence.

Just whispers, passed through the crowd. He was sure they were talking about him, saying he’s so weak and that used to be the Champion? and there’s no point in him. He heard the whispers from where he was even though there was no way the sound waves could have made it to him. He just knew what they were saying, could hear it in his head, could feel it.

He almost wished they’d throw stuff at him. He was used to that; he knew how to deal with that. He didn’t know how to deal with anything, with these new voices in his head; he didn’t know how to deal with this new him, armless, in the fetal position in the center of a cage, sobbing mindlessly as the fever wracked his body, each wretched movement sending a flare of pain through his nerves, constantly on fire; he didn’t know if the pain had just consumed him, if the fever was actually that bad, or if he was actually literally on fire.

They didn’t bother to throw anything. They knew he was already completely and utterly broken.

The procession made its way through gate after gate and by the second, Shiro had covered his ear and shut his eyes. As ridiculous as it was, some part of him kept chanting if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. he knew it was stupid, he knew that they could see the cowering mess, but it helped him. He could just breathe and pretend he was anywhere else. The fact that one ear remained open to the sound due to his lack of a hand made it difficult, but he made do.

The light flickered through his eyelids more and more as they mode their way out of the public markets, into the tenement, the merchant’s houses, the noble quarter, and eventually faded away altogether.

Something in the air changed. It wasn’t the hot sticky scent of summer and people anymore. It was still, clean, and cold.

He kept his eyes closed.

He heard his cage open and flinched.

A gasp, some yelling.

The sounds were getting harder and harder to focus on, fading in and out as he struggled to stay awake.

He knew he screamed when someone touched him but he couldn’t hear it. The hand retreated. More yelling. Shiro knew his breathing was erratic, he was panicking, grasping onto the thin threads of lucidity that had become so fleeting.

He almost tried to fight back when something tried to pick him up but quickly gave up.

Someone put him on something soft and he almost thought he was safe.

He blacked out, breathing clean air, almost thinking he was safe.

Please like this so I can justify spending my whole life just letting Keith hold Shiro and make him better and restore peace between their kingdoms please.

[anghraine]

So, my sister wanted to watch ANH, and I’m a noble and selfless big sister (:P) and agreed. It’s been ... at least a year? 

Impressions this time:

- ANH is really a magnificent film, just in terms of how everything comes together and how completely balanced the different elements are. It is what it is—a fancy Western-meets-Kurosawa fairy-tale space opera—and instead of trying to ~transcend~ its origins, it embraces them and goes for executing them at peak quality. Overwhelmingly it succeeds. I think that’s really its strength among the SW movies: it’s not the most ambitious, it’s not the most creative, it’s not the most inspiring, but it is the most cleanly, evenly executed, the one that succeeds most completely and unambiguously at the kind of thing it is.

- I definitely think the TFA=ANH thing is overblown. They’re very different movies with very different characters. The only exceptions are 1) the cantina and 2) the trench run. Speaking of which, the cantina scene remains spectacular. (And the trench run! My God.)

- Rogue One fits in REALLY WELL, while also feeling like an even more profoundly dissimilar film. But it really felt like it picked up right where RO left off. Like a lot of people, I was cackling at Leia’s sheer gall in her “???? HOW DARE” at Vader. Unfortunately, the near-seamlessness had me completely convinced that RO just happened and so I was like “wow, okay, Vader just took off after Leia and Jyn and Cassian just died WAIT WAIT ABORT MISSION DIDN’T HAPPEN BYYYYE”

- I thought the criticisms of RO!Tarkin were overblown (tbh I tended to think that a lot of them tended to forget how uncanny valley Tarkin is to begin with), and that’s also only more cemented. He seemed absolutely like the same person. I also don’t think I noticed before how ... bored? he seems with a lot of it. Like, Vader thinks the Death Star is shit but is gung-ho about Doing Empire Things and Victory!!! while Tarkin tends to be more “eh.” Gets a kick out of puppy-kicking Tuesday, though.

- I know it’s been litigated to hell and back, but the SE additions are in nearly all cases very jarring. (OTOH, going back and updating the terrible 70s computer graphics would have been a very feasible choice!) Similarly, I know it’s stale and everything, but the suggested backstory does seem very different from what we get in the prequels; I kept finding myself mentally working to make it fit. 

- If it’s possible, I feel even more strongly than before about how wrongwrongwrong the soft, fluffy, sunshiny!Luke* thing is. Despite his streak of fatalism, he’s also almost invariably confident—sometimes to the point of braggadocio, but in most cases in fact correct. His goals are largely heroic, but he is far and away the most purely pragmatic of the main trio. He’s incredibly naive, but also resourceful; almost all the actual ideas for what to do come from him, and in most cases in a single moment. When Han snaps that “he’s the brains,” I don’t think he’s actually being sarcastic (though obviously he’s being annoyed). Luke is the idea guy, Han is the shooting things guy (which both find frustrating on occasion). Luke combines a streak of earnest gentleness with very frequent abrasiveness. He’s very much Leia’s brother.

(...on that level.)

- Han is incredibly brash and reckless! Sometimes hilariously so. I continue to love the scene where he runs from stormtroopers only to run into WAY MORE stormtroopers and just runs away screaming. He’s interesting because he’s not at all a comic relief character, but he does actually have a lot of it. I think it contributes to his lovability.

- Threepio and Artoo’s relationship remains the cutest, omg. And how did I forget Artoo’s built-in fire extinguisher??

- HELLO WALL-E

- LEIA LEIA LEIA LEIA

- There’s a gifset about how Leia is the only person unafraid of Vader, and I actually disagree. She quite plainly is afraid of him, IMO, quite naturally in the torture scene and then when she backs into him to get away from Tarkin. She just doesn’t let it govern her will or conduct even a little bit. <3

- I remain convinced that all probability is that Vader argued against the destruction of Alderaan, though not for any heroic reasons. I also remain creeped-out by Tarkin’s behaviour towards Leia accompanied by his genuine shock that she would lie to him. Vader is just “duh????” 

- I’ve also noticed it before, but it never ceases to amuse me: when Luke and Leia scream at Han about shooting in the compactor, they sound exactly the same. 

- Luke is the one who thinks to shoot out the cameras in the detention center.

- Obi-Wan’s lightsaber is the proper shade of blue, but Luke’s/Anakin’s has been left at greenish for some reason.

- ROBOT IS A CANON WORD

- I also think criticisms of the Obi-Wan/Vader duel are overblown. It’s a very different style, which seems odd, but ... looks like pretty normal fencing to me? A bit slower than Vader vs Luke in ESB, but that’s what you’d expect. I definitely got the feeling that Vader was drawing it out for maximum enjoyment, lol, but could have ended it at any moment.

- I love Threepio, but I find Chewie super irritating, sorry.

- Leia and Luke are so pretty!!!!

- Han’s snark about “female advice” remains as “well, fuck you, Han” as ever. I’m also not a huge fan of him going on about how he doesn’t care about the revolution or about her, considering that he knows perfectly well that she just saw her planet wiped out. How Jyn trying to survive is worse than this is just ?????

- Nevertheless, ANH Han is by and large my favourite Han. He’s genuinely charming, while his pseudo-devil-may-care is just ... aww, here’s your YOU TRIED star. Setting the implied incest aside, the back-and-forth with Luke about Leia is super cute. I also love the “no reward is worth this,” haha, along with “either I’m going to kill her or I’m starting to like her.”

- If I didn’t know better, I would definitely have thought Harrison and Carrie’s affair was during ESB, not ANH. The UST seems much less intense here (definitely present, but in a more lowkey, adorkable sort of way). 

- Luke and Leia both seem to feel this irrational, near-immediate bond. They tend to pair off and Leia flips out when he’s pulled underwater as much as Luke did when he realized she was scheduled for execution. Luke tends to back her when she’s pissed at Han or ignore it altogether. I also think it’s kind of ... sweet isn’t the word, exactly, but when Luke gives Leia the blaster to cover him while he gets his swinging cord out, he doesn’t seem to have the slightest doubt about her capabilities. And she doesn’t seem to doubt that he’ll be able to carry her with one arm across the BOTTOMLESS PIT OF DOOM. 

- That’s also there in the celebration scene; with Han there’s the UST with his wink + her I’M PUTTING ON MY PRINCESS FACE NOW, while with Luke he grins at her and she grins back, like they’re kids together. (Also, I think, a reason the twin retcon—while certainly awkward at points—works more than not. It's much more about this easy natural camaraderie they have than anything else. They’re bros before they were bros!)

- Leia actually isn’t certain if the plans will show a weakness or not, which suggests 1) she wasn’t told Jyn’s full testimony, or 2) she’s not at all sure about it either. 

- People generally seem to treat the Imperial Senate as a legit concern—not just Leia, but many of the Imperial officers, and Vader himself takes care to create a smokescreen to keep them from realizing what happened to Leia. The OT is not much for politics, but I suspect the abrupt dissolution of the Senate might have contributed to the expanded Rebellion of ESB and ROTJ.

- Even here, though, the Rebellion does seem very well-funded, and Han’s reward appears to be no problem at all. Also, everyone rides around on little carts.

- Luke totally knew Obi-Wan already and I am personally very doubtful that it took just a few hours or a day to get to Alderaan. Think: Leia supposedly caves about the Dantooine base right before Alderaan’s destruction (i.e., after Han&Co go into hyperspace). The Empire sends a contingent to Dantooine from Alderaan, who find and search the abandoned base, and send a report back. I definitely don’t think that’s something that in its entirety would be handled in a day. 

(I always get a sense with the OT—and RO—that we’re seeing snapshots of a wider story, with plenty going on in the empty spaces that’s just not critical, or which can be inferred from what we do see. Luke’s bit with the remote is clearly not his only interaction with Obi-Wan on the trip, say; it’s just a representative bit we see that coincides with the destruction of Alderaan. I think it’s part of the reason it’s compelling in a very fannish way, even though I have very very few issues with the series as-is; normally I get really fannish about things that are super compelling but have a lot of issues I feel the need to address. SW, though, manages to provide those spaces where I want to fill in the blanks, but as a form of storytelling rather than faultlines.)

- Aww, it’s for little children! also have you noticed that one of the charred skeletons at the homestead is contorted weirdly

- I love Carrie’s low voice

- the development of Artoo and Threepio’s relationship is not something I’ve really noticed before, but I was genuinely touched this time? They’re friends, clearly, but they start out at this snappish, intolerant place and Threepio gets increasingly more and more concerned and less selfish. He manages to look devastated when Luke shouts that Artoo is down and then when he offers his own gears and circuits for Artoo, it’s just... awwwww. (Also when they ask Luke if he wants a less beat-up droid and he’s NO WE’VE BONDED. Luke <3 <3)

- Alec Guinness, whatever his private feelings, does a really great job with Obi-Wan as this shrewd, tricky mentor with a deep sense of ambivalence. I think it’s part of the reason the retcon works so well; his behaviour seems entirely credible as someone who’s lying. I also think his :| at Han is pretty hilarious? He’s just seriously?? so much of the time.

- The whole deal with the parsecs was obviously meant to be stupid bragging from Han. There’s no need for an explanation; Obi-Wan and Luke’s faces are both like “...sure, bro.” 

- Even the damn summary of the title crawl on the back was like T_T

The Jedi Knights have been exterminated and the Empire rules the galaxy with an iron fist. A small group of Rebels have dared to fight back by stealing the secret plans to the Empire’s mightiest weapon, the Death Star battle station. The Emperor’s most trusted servant, Darth Vader, must find the plans and locate the hidden Rebel base. [etc]

*sob*

But, just incidentally, there is never the slightest indication given that the team of spies didn’t actually make it out of their mission or that there’s any particular tragedy around the first!!!! victory!!!!!!! They’re never explicitly pointed out, but there also isn’t any occasion for doing so; we don’t see anyone outside the purely military arm. No senators beyond Leia (who’s only there to bring the plans, and had originally intended to go to Alderaan anyway), no Mon Mothma, no operatives of any kind beyond soldiers, pilots, and commanders. It looks like they evacuated everyone else, so even if the Scarif mission had gone precisely according to plan and like 75% of them made it out, there’s no reason for them to show up in ANH anyway. But yeah, basically all we know is that the team that recovered the plans was a small and brave one affiliated with the Rebellion.

*feel free not to remind me that the sun is powerful and dangerous. this is a metaphor