#gah i missed them. forgot entirely how to write them but i still missed them

[tickle-bugs]

BUGS YOURE ALIVE!!! Could I bother you for some McKirk? Maybe some bed sharing?? For uh...mission related reasons? Accidental cuddling?? If it's not too much trouble?? Do these emojis help?? 🛏🤣🪶💘

Anything for you beloved!!!!

Suite-Hearts

Bones thinks defecting might genuinely be better than this. 

He’s not twenty anymore, the sight of his best friend shirtless doesn’t fluster him the way it used to, but it’s still…a lot, given the circumstances.

Circumstances being the honeymoon suite in one of the most notorious casinos in the galaxy, a room that couldn’t possibly be big enough for all the feelings that Bones had to fit inside of it.

The room is beautiful, granted—the entire far wall is a floor to ceiling window onto the glittering city lights below. Every inch of the place is plush in a way Bones can appreciate, even if it reminds him vaguely of a padded cell. Stocked mini bar, soundproofing--even a built in white noise stereo. The hotel had been sweet--they’d decorated the place with little hearts and champagne bottles, committed to celebrating the newly engaged couple they’d checked in as. 

But again. The circumstances. 

“Are you gonna glare at me over there all night?” Jim huffs and crosses his legs on the bed. He plays with his hair, still stringy from the shower. 

“I hate this.” Bones clenches and unclenches his fists to stave off the urge to pace. He tears down one of the paper hearts from the ceiling and crumples it instead. 

“Yes, you’ve told me. Repeatedly.” Jim sighs and leans forward, balancing his chin in his hands. “Honestly, Bones, I don’t bite. This isn’t much different than the Academy.”

“Uh-uh. We had bunks in the Academy.” 

“Bunks that we rarely slept apart in, usually. What’s up with you?” Jim drifts over, pretty eyes sloped with concern. The full brunt of the hotel’s fancy pine soap hits Bones. 

“Nothing.” Bones keeps his gaze on the floor. 

“If you hate sharing that much, I’ll try and swing a separate room for you. We can pretend we had a fight or something. I’m sorry.” Jim squeezes his bicep. Bones’s mouth sours at the apology. Jim isn’t apologizing for the room, he’s apologizing for his presence. Bones knows that tone of his and he despises it. 

“It’s fine. I’m just…not the best for these kinds of things.” Bones pinches the bridge of his nose. Guilt swirls and claws at the base of his stomach, making swipes at his throat to try and close it. 

“It’s just for a few days. You’ll never have to do another espionage mission again, scout’s honor.” Jim fumbles his way through the boy scout salute. 

“You were never a scout.” Bones huffs, but the promise soothes him some.

“Semantics.” Jim tries to crack his back a few times. “Want a drink?”

“Your back.” Bones furrows his brow. Jim makes a dismissive noise, scoping out the selection of whiskey and gin on the bar.

“Lay down.” Bones shoves Jim onto the bed with a eyeroll he doesn’t bother to hide. Jim squeaks as he hits the mattress and bounces higher than he expects—gravity’s just a little weird here and Bones can’t figure out how to work the in-room controls. 

He climbs up after Jim and settles heavily on his thighs. Jim grunts a little and Bones affectionately swats the back of his head. 

“M’fine. Really. I’ll go to the spa or something.” Jim hides his face, suspiciously shy, but Bones doesn’t press. Jim talks when he wants to.

“I’m not letting you waste money on that frilly shit. You want a free massage or not?” Bones gives his arms a fond squeeze. Jim nods, then deflates. 

“Where?” Bones reaches for the massage oil. He makes a face at the gaudy and suggestive label before pouring some into his hands. He rubs his palms together to warm it, breathing in the notes of lavender, sandalwood, and something else he can’t quite place. 

Jim makes a noncommittal noise into the mattress. Bones chuckles and smooths his hands up Jim’s back.

Massage therapy had been an optional Academy course but it had always been one that Bones enjoyed. It took a certain amount of trust in a stranger to allow them to know your body in that way. Bones wanted to be that stranger for people, he still does. 

And with Jim, well—what isn’t better with him? That’s comically, cosmically, the problem. Bones knows nearly every atom of Jim’s being, even the ones Jim hides from himself. That’s their deal. They are bonded halves, binary stars, and they care for one another. Even when they drive each other insane. 

“Pressure okay?” Bones hums, working into a stubborn knot near Jim’s shoulder. Jim moans and dissolves into the bed. 

“Quiet down. You’ll make people think we’re really getting a use out of this room.” Bones’s face grows painfully warm as Jim makes another terribly distracting noise. It dissolves into a chuckle. Bones squirrels the entire thing away into a private corner of his brain. 

“S’rry. Feels good,” Jim mumbles, pressing his face further into the mattress. Bones chuckles and continues his work. 

“Stop squirmin’,” Bones huffs, working his way up the back of Jim’s ribs. Jim wiggles around a bit but doesn’t say anything. 

“If I’m hurting you, you gotta say somethin’.” Bones leans down and murmurs, stilling his hands. Jim makes a string of noises, attempts to shake his head into the mattress, then settles on waving his hand around dismissively. 

“Whatever you say.” Bones snorts and smooths his palms over Jim’s warm, soft skin. He finds his lower back and starts over, working his way back up, then down, and up again. The rhythm of it takes them both.

“Doin’ ok?” Bones hums, leveraging his elbow into Jim’s lower back. 

“I’m in love with you,” Jim sighs, then groans, nothing more than a puddle of captain. Bones swallows the surge of emotion in his chest and concentrates on maintaining appropriate pressure of the elbow. 

“Sorry. For the next few days, I’m a taken man.” Bones skimming his fingers slowly up Jim’s back. Jim shivers and grabs fistfuls of the blankets. He traces patterns between mottled scars and freckles, a little lost. 

Jim twitches again, muffling something high-pitched into the mattress. It does, admittedly, take a minute for Bones’s brain to catch up, but once it does…

He slides his fingers ever-so-gently up Jim’s sides, over the back of his ribs, taking great care to wiggle against the ridges of his shoulderblades. Jim jumps, turning to admonish him, but Bones is back to the charade. He works his thumbs into Jim’s shoulders, then squeezes--just above the collarbone. 

“Well h-he’s a lucky guy--holy shit--”

Jim shrieks, high-pitched and frantic, and totters off into a flustered flurry of giggles. Bones has never in his life heard him make such a sound, not even when drunk. 

“What--”

“Bones--” Jim flips over and levels a threatening finger.

“--was that?” Bones smothers his laugh in his fist, but it bursts free when Jim’s face flushes adorably pink.

“You surprised me.” Jim crosses his arms and pulls a face. Bones raises an eyebrow. 

“I surprised--c’mere.” Bones starts tickling him in earnest now, nipping fingers chasing each sensitive spot he’s come to learn over the years. Jim dissolves in his hands, giggles quickly graduating to full-on laughter. 

“B-Bohohones!” Jim shoves lightly at his shoulders as he laughs, bright and bubbly. Bones uses the opportunity to slip his hands up to Jim’s collarbone again, giving another squeeze into the muscle just above. Jim flails, his knees slamming into Bones’s back--ow--and and descends promptly into a highly-entertaining octave of desperate laughter.

“How on earth are you this ticklish and alive?” Bones muses, skittering his fingers back to Jim’s stomach for something of a break. Eventually, he just pats Jim’s stomach and swings off of him. 

“I’m never letting you forget about this. Every time you’re being annoying I hope you think of my hand right here,” Bones grins, resting his hand on the spot. He tries not to read too much into the clear giddiness on Jim’s face. 

“Oh, you bastard,” Jim gasps, eyes positively sparkling. “I’m going to get you back for that.”

Yet, Jim does nothing but flop back against the bed. The extra high bounce shakes a few stray giggles loose. 

“I’m sure you will.” Bones pats Jim’s head. Jim shakes him off, grumbling under his breath. Bones snorts, squeezes Jim’s shoulder, and trods off towards the bathroom, ignoring the indignant screech behind him.

…

Bones wakes up warm, beautifully so. Jim’s arms wind around his torso and keep him close, strong and secure. Some soft and content part of him wants to lean back into it. He’ll never get tired of waking up like this. 

Bones turns slowly so he can see Jim’s face. He looks so different asleep. Younger, maybe. 

Bones allows himself another thirty minutes of drifting sleep, letting Jim’s gentle snores guide them into the late morning. The room chimes a soft tone around ten or so, warning them of their impending loss of breakfast privileges. He has half a mind to ignore it, but he doesn’t really know what they eat on this planet. Jim can be picky as hell when he puts his mind to it, and they’re both useless when they’re hangry. 

Bones starts breaking Jim’s hold, maneuvering him gently. The sleepy whining is par for the course, but the fingers worming into his sides? That’s certainly new.

“J-Jihim.” Bones clears his throat. “Let go, ya sleepy lug.”

Jim makes a soft noise and cuddles closer, decidedly not following instructions. Bones keeps tugging, but the more he pulls, the more Jim decides to tickle. Jim finds a spot on his stomach that makes Bones choke back a squeal, shaking both of them with unreleased laughter. 

“Damn pehest. Two can play at that game.” Bones huffs. He starts poking at his ribs, still gentle, as he wiggles closer to the edge of the bed. Jim smiles and starts chuckling, his hold loosening. Bones worms his torso out of the octopus grip and starts slowly untangling their legs. He gets about halfway there before Jim grabs his leg and starts reeling him back in. 

“Jim--”

Jim smirks and opens his eyes. Oh. Oh no. 

“Gotcha!” Jim cackles, pinching at Bones’s thigh with reckless abandon. Bones screeches, his voice cracking hopelessly. Jim flops on top of him and starts tickling wherever he can reach, taking extra care to revisit his stomach. 

“Y-You absolute—“

Thump. 

Bones’s back collides with the plush carpet, along with a few throw pillows. Jim catches himself at the last minute with a yelp.

“Are you okay?” Jim laughs and peers at him over the edge of the bed. He offers a hand to help Bones up. 

“I hate you.” Bones glares up at him. His lips twitch as he tries to resist the smile that’s already consumed him. He swats Jim’s offered hand away, then smacks him with a pillow for good measure. He goes to get ready for the day--someone has to be the adult here--but Jim grabs him by the waist and pulls him back into bed. 

“I love you too.” Jim gazes down at him with an unbearably goofy smile. Bones rolls his eyes, but his face is warm, so embarrassingly warm. Bones goes to get up, Jim shoves his hands under Bones’s arms, and round two sufficiently costs them any hope of breakfast. 

[rebel-pogue]

Campfires and Blue Eyes

JJ Maybank x Reader

request: yes. @ampanonyg : Write what going camping with JJ would be like

warnings: swearing, innuendos, kissing, fluff galoreeee

summary: You and JJ finally go on your first camping trip together, but something seems amiss...

a/n: I hope you guys enjoy this! My very first JJ and OBX imagine!! It ended up longer than I had originally planned but the more JJ the better, right? Requests are open if you would like more, I also have some ideas as well!!

(Y/n)- your name

(Y/n/n)- your nickname

(Y/h/t)- your hair texture

wc: 1,437

gif by @rudypankows​

Your eyes scanned the contents of your trunk, trying to figure out why you had such a bad feeling. As your focus was taken from everything else, arms wrapping around your abdomen startled you, and you let out a loud gasp. 

“Fuck, JJ! Don’t scare me like that!” You laughed, lightly smacking the blonde’s muscular arms that still held you firmly. 

JJ smirked, resting his chin on your shoulder, the contact causing soft tingles to shoot through your body, “Y/N, how much longer do I have to wait before we can just go? I haven’t been camping in years, man! Don’t get me all excited to just waste the night away eye-banging your car.”

His crude way with words used to bother you, but the more time you spent with the blue-eyed hottie, the more you came to love his easy-going personality. 

“I just feel like we’re forgetting something, and I cannot for the life of me figure out what it is...” You rested your hands on top of JJ’s, leaning your head against his own. You tried to stay focused on anything, but the more you touched JJ, the more you couldn’t stop thinking about him, and nothing more. 

Unfortunately, JJ released and separated you two, causing a slight feeling of disappointment within, “Ehhh, we’ll be fine! We’ve both been camping; we know what we’re doing!” He grinned at you and your worries escaped you quickly. 

You reached your hand up to touch JJ’s cheek, pulling his face towards yours. Your lips met quickly, seeming to move in harmony. It was obviously not your first time kissing him, but every time had a new type of electricity with it, making it seem brand new.

JJ hummed against your lips, causing the butterflies in your stomach to flutter, “Now, now...” he whispered, leaning his forehead against your own as the two of you caught your breaths, “we have to save something for later tonight.”

You shoved him off of you, your cheeks a bright crimson, “Keep it in your pants, Maybank. We still have a good drive ahead of us.” You hurried to your car, not wanting to amuse JJ anymore with your embarrassment. You knew he loved to make you blush.

~~~

“Gah! How much longer do we have?!” JJ complained from the passenger seat of your car. You couldn’t help but chuckle at how child-like he could be at times. You were quite grateful for him, you knew he was struggling to stay awake with you the entire drive, and just wanted to arrive at the destination. 

“You know, the more you ask, the slower I will go.” You gave him a side glance, smirking at his wide eyes. You weren’t going to mention you were merely 10 minutes from the campsite, you enjoyed watching him squirm as much as he did. 

JJ’s hands slapped his face quickly, attempting to keep himself as alert as he could, “Alrighty then, let’s play another game!” 

Holding back a groan, you ran a hand through your (y/h/t) hair, throwing it to the other side of your head. If you could remember correctly, you had played about four different car games since you started your little impromptu road trip. Again, you were very thankful and knew part of his ideas were just to make sure you stayed awake during the drive since he knew there was no convincing you to take turns. 

“Listen trouble,” he drawled, placing his hand softly on your bare thigh. It was like he was making claim with the nickname he loved to call you after all of your adventures together, as well as holding you to him physically. It never bothered you to be touched by JJ; however, the warmth that spread throughout you when you guys did make contact could be unbearable, especially when trapped driving, and not able to do anything about your longings to be held more. “If you could just get us to the campsite already, we wouldn’t have to play these lame games.” 

If there was one thing JJ was better at than making you go crazy, was understanding you and what you thought way too well. He could always tell when you were uncomfortable, tired, angry, happy... being turned on was one he NEVER missed. 

You shot him a warm smile, but turned your eyes back to the road as he gave your thigh a slight squeeze, “Hold yourself together, (y/n)...” you whispered under your breath.

“What was that, babe?” JJ leaned closer to you, already fully knowing what you had said, and enjoying toying with you now. This was forever his favorite game. 

“I said, we made it!” You were successful in distracting him, his head shot forward and took in the sprawl of trees that surrounded them, and the large ‘Onondaga Campsite’ sign that lead you to a dirt road. 

After checking in with the workers, you quickly made your way to your little campsite, that you made sure was separated more from the others, it was off in a little corner, surrounded almost entirely by large trees whereas the other sites were mostly open. 

You pulled into the designated parking spot and grinned. You hadn’t been camping in years as well, but just being here brought back so many great memories, you were already dreading having to return. 

You and JJ simultaneously through your seatbelts off and clambered out of the car. Once your feet hit ground, the reality of the long drive hit your limbs quickly. Stretching your legs out to relieve some stiffness your eyes drifted to JJ. He had a wide smile on, his dimples shining on his face. He was stretching his arms above his head, lifting his navy-blue cut-off shirt to expose a part of his abdomen. You couldn’t tear your eyes away from the small glance at his toned muscles underneath, even as JJ’s eyes found you as well. 

“Ma’am, while I do enjoy being oogled at by you, we have a lot of setting up to do before we can get to the clothes removal part of the night.” He smirked, tilting his head slightly to the side as your cheeks inflamed quickly. 

You recovered as fast as you could, letting out a small chuckle, “’Ogled’, is what you’re trying to say. And I don’t think the river will be warm enough for us to go swimming tonight, baby.” You held in a chuckle as he narrowed his eyes at your sly words. You both knew how to get under each other’s skin, and boy was it rewarding. 

You spent the next hour setting up your camp site, fighting the tent to set it up, realizing too late you forgot to put a tarp down first, losing it watching JJ entangle himself in the tent while you spread the tarp underneath it. Finally, once everything was together, the sun began to set. 

You lit the campfire and a couple of the citronella candles you had brought before it got too late. JJ lounged lazily in one of the folding chairs you had brought, and you settled right on top of his laugh, finally being able to be held by him and not have to worry about anything else. 

“Y’know,” JJ began, twirling his fingers in the ends of your hair, “As much as I love watching the sunsets, this is real nice too...” He finished what he was saying with a whisper, and began planting soft kisses along your neck. 

Instinctively leaning into the kisses, you nodded your head, closing your eyes and taking in all of the senses that were exploding within you. That’s when it hit you. 

“Oh my god!” You sat up quickly, eyes wide with regret. 

JJ furrowed his brows in confusion, watching you carefully, “What’s wrong?”

You turned to him, a slight blush creeping its way to your cheeks, “JJ, we didn’t bring the sleeping bags!” 

To your surprise, JJ shrugged, not caring about the missing items in the slightest.

“I’m fine with that, just means we will definitely have to keep each other warm with body heat.” 

Before you could react, JJ swooped you up into his arms, planting kisses on your neck, and jaw, and finally your lips. You held on tightly, your hands finding their way to the curls that rested at the back of his head. 

JJ carried you swiftly to the tent, not bothering about anything else in the world other than you in that moment. Your focus was fully on the gorgeous blonde hovering over you, who didn’t allow either of you to sleep very well that night. 

[shnuggletea]

So...I completely forgot to post this one to AO3 yesterday. I had an argument with AO3 and this one got missed. And it’s one of my faves so I’m posting it now a day late.

Want a fluffy college AU with a side of body swap? I can’t tell you how much I love this kiss lol.

I really love this one. I wish I had more time to write it but I’m still really happy with it lol. It’s up on AO3 here. For the unedited version (some smoots in there) subscribe and read on my Patreon here.

You can read it below too if you like. I hope you drop me some love either here or on AO3. Or Patreon lol.

@underwater0phelia @lavendertwilight89 @mamabearcat @nartista @nopenname22 @echobows @superpixie42 @smmahamazing @redflamesofpassion @jme-chan @cstorm86 @cicleydark-light @ruddcatha @lavaffair @kirrtash @sistasecbhere @obsessandfangirl @britonell @lordofthechips @mcornilliac @faolenwolf @keichanz @phoenix-before-the-flame @artisticloveexpressitsall @lamuertadehambre @noyourenotreal @mitty-san @thenoammonster @little-deeluna @royaltrashpanda @sailorbabydoll92 @storyweaver2017 @malditamigs @adorabubblesblog @lilms-obsessed @petri808 @anniehcresta @fan-dumpp @itzatakahashi @utakuprincess @theschultinator @all-too-ale @little-inukag-obsessed @theseagullqueen @queenofthesquirps @jolinaaa00 @knowall7k @neutronstarchild @fawn-eyed-girl @eringobroke @sapphirestarxx @clearwillow @dangerouspompadour @misspepperpottss  @jayangel10 @master-ray5 @sailorsilverladybug @astraearose93 @egosolivagant @fandompromptsandfun @fandomartlover @holi-holy @kagometaishostory  @liz8080

She couldn’t take any more of this. Kagome had a huge test tomorrow (midterms) and the jerks next door were having  another  party. She got it. Some people finished up early and were just hanging around with nothing more to do during the break. But it was mostly those who were majoring in “Undecided” with a minor in “What the fuck am I doing with my life?”. 

 Kagome was double majoring. At least, that’s what they called it here but really it was like having two lives. One major was for show and the other a secret. Just like everyone at this university for those who were… different. 

 For example; her roommate, Sango, was majoring in sports medicine and demon-slaying. Kagome was majoring in Psychology and Healing (aka Miko Magic). 

 Her neighbor was majoring in failing. Or at least, that’s what she supposed since all he ever seemed to do was throw parties. And his roommate went along with it. A couple of slack asses with all the free time in the world to torture her with. All because the two of them were ‘the exception’. One a human with a cursed hand and the other half human half demon, they didn’t exactly fit into the school’s ideal student but had nowhere else to go. 

 Couldn’t have the world finding out about them now could they?

 As she spilled out into her hall, Kagome really wished she had the funds for an apartment as the entire dorm floor was out. It was an open door party. 

 It was surprising just how many of her floormates were involved. Kagome was pretty sure at least some of them still had exams to survive. Everyone seemed to be looking at her as she passed; as if they knew she was about to kill the party. 

 Pushing through to the inside of the ‘main room’, the one that was responsible for this mess of a party, Kagome choked on her gasp. Someone knocked on her back until she breathed on her own. “Professor Kaede?? What the hell are you doing here?!”

 Sitting at the table that had been moved into the small dorm room, Miroku sat with his hand in Kaede’s. It looked like she was doing palm readings but that was a parlor trick at best. “I’m determining the students’ futures. Would ye like a reading, Kagome?”

 Kaede went back to Miroku’s palm while Kagome stormed up to the table. “I already know my future. Because I’m going to  fail  my midterm thanks to this jerk!”

 “Come now, Kagome, you’re a very bright woman. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Now, Kaede-san, when will I meet the mother of my child?!”

 Kagome’s jaw dropped as Kaede searched Miroku’s palm with a serious look on her face. “Your palm looks very dark, I’m afraid.”

 “Oh haha, I know about my curse already old lady. What about my future?”

 Kagome smacked the back of Miroku’s head. “Show some respect!!”

 She was about to do more when Miroku shot her a wink but Kagome was pulled off the floor and into strong arms. She didn’t give up the fight, knowing full well who was brave enough to mess with her like this and it only angered her more. “Ignore her, Professor Kaede. She’s under a lot of stress.” Kagome clawed Inuyasha’s arm and got free while he held the scratched arm as if it actually hurt the half-demon. “GAH! What’s your problem now, Kagome!”

 “My problem?” Kagome ignored the complete lack of respect Inuyasha sent her way with her name and let it fuel her rage. “My problem is that I have a huge test tomorrow and…”

 “You always have a huge test or huge paper or huge pain in my ass something tomorrow! LIghten up, Kagome, this is college! You’re supposed to have fun!”

 “Why? Your slack ass is having enough fun for me and everyone else on campus. Damn lazy man whore!!”

 They were in each other’s faces but no one worried in the slightest. The pair always got like this. Inuyasha didn’t take his glare off of Kagome as he spoke to Kaede. “Professor, can you tell me Kagome’s past?”

 “Why would ye want that?”

 “I want to find the demon that put the massive  stick up her ass  and slay them before she ruins my entire college experience.”

 “Drop dead!”

 “You first!!!”

 “Guys! Stop it!” Sango yelled. 

 Kagome rolled her eyes at her roommate, currently chatting with some guy while sipping on a drink. Everyone was having fun besides her. Miroku jumped up from his seat and Inuyasha plopped down, wrapping an arm around Kagome’s shoulders. “Why don’t you have a drink? Take a break from studying for a bit and have your palm read?”

 Shaking him off, Kagome glared at the other man whore in residence. “I can’t take a break, I’m too busy dealing with you asshats. And I already know my future, it’s going to be me out on the street when I fail all my courses!!!”

 “Kagome spreading her legs for money? Well, I guess that’s the only way to get her to…” She leaned down to Inuyasha’s ear and blew into it. He flicked his ears and hands around to get her to stop but always missed her when she did that and she didn’t know if it was on purpose or if he had terrible aim. “Don’t do that! How many times have I told you not to blow in my ears, bitch?!”

 “How many times have I told you to keep the noise down, Bitch?” Kagome cooed in his face.

 She saw something flash in his eyes like a flicker from a flame. It used to scare her but Kagome had seen it enough times now to know it just meant she was really getting to Inuyasha. “Ye two should learn to get along. Ye would fare much better…”

 “Tell me about it.” “I would appreciate it!” They said at the same time.

 Kaede chortled, still holding Inuyasha’s hand. She grabbed Kagome’s as well and held them side by side. “Ye have more in common than ye think…”

 “I’m nothing like him.” “Yeah, if I’d boarded up my cock like she did her vag.” They talked over each other.

 Kagome used her free hand to flick Inuyasha’s ear. “Stop talking about my sex life! You have no clue!!”

 “Fair enough,” he conceded, but she knew better, “can’t talk about something that doesn’t exist, right?”

 “Both of you, quiet!” Kaede yelled suddenly. It made Kagome jump and Inuyasha put a hand on her back until he caught himself and retracted it like it never happened. “The two of ye need to see eye to eye or ye will never be happy.”

 “Agreed. Kagome, can’t you see that I’m only making people happy?”

 “Inuyasha, can’t  you  see that it’s not all about you?!”

 Kaede had Kagome’s hand on top of Inuyasha’s, pushing them together hard with her old and wrinkled hands. “Walk a mile in ye shoes and grow together as a team.”

 Kagome blinked but the image didn’t change. She was laying down but the ceiling didn’t look right. It was the fact that she could see the ceiling that was weird since she should see Sango’s bed above her. They had bunked their beds to make more space in their room. She slowly sat up and found that it was more than the ceiling that was wrong. All of her felt wrong.

 And she was in the wrong bed.

 Miroku was asleep across from her and Kagome had to cup her hands over her mouth to keep her freak out from waking him up. She was in Inuyasha’s bed!!! How the hell did she… the last thing she remembered was Professor Kaede’s weirdness and then… what happened after that?? 

 Oh god… she was drugged! 

 That was the only thing that explained her memory loss AND waking up in Inuyasha’s bed. There was NO WAY she would have slept with him otherwise! Sure, Inuyasha was hot as hell but they had nothing else in common and Kagome needed an emotional connection to be attracted to someone.

 This wasn’t the point, the point was… she needed to get the fuck out of here. She was alone in the bed. Which meant Inuyasha was up already and she hoped to GOD he wasn’t spreading the word around that he had nailed her. 

 Her legs felt weird when she got to them. So did her feet, the carpet not feeling the same as the stuff in her room. But hers was cleaner and she left it at that. Struggling with the door, she looked both ways before barreling out into the empty hall. It was still early so no one else was up yet. She prayed she could get a few more hours of studying in before her exam as she opened and closed her door behind her. 

 Resting against the door, she caught her breath. Her ears were ringing too or something. And the smells around her bugged her to no end. Great, she was getting a migraine. So much for studying, Kagome was going to try and sleep it off. 

 Kagome plopped to her bed only to have it screech back at her. “Fuck, Miroku, I’m not in the mood.”

 Everything stopped; her heart, lungs, eyes, and brain. The body that sat up on her bed was… her. It was her face, her blue eyes, her black hair (a mess), and her mouth that parted in shock as Kagome’s body looked back at her. 

 “What… the fuck….” Kagome’s body shot up and hit her head on the bottom of Sango’s bed. “Awe, fuck!”

 She only knew one person that swore THIS much. “Inuyasha??”

 That wasn’t her voice. That was… Inuyasha’s voice. But it came out of her mouth?! 

 Stumbling, Kagome ended up crawling across the floor to the mirror. When gold eyes met her in the reflection, white hair that was wild around white ears, she felt faint. She tried slapping herself but it was no use. The image in the mirror didn’t change save for the redding of the cheek she’d slapped. Inuyasha’s cheek. 

 She was in Inuyasha’s body.

  Kagome watched her body pace before her. It was so weird; like those ‘out of body’ experiences that she’d read about in her textbooks. The strangest part was that neither of them was in the clothes they were wearing last night. Kagome remembered the over-sized t-shirt and yoga pants from last night and the tight collar shirt and jeans Inuyasha had worn. But she was in sweats and a faded t-shirt now while her body was in….

 Kagome’s body suddenly stopped pacing and she realized to her horror that Inuyasha was staring at her body in the full-length mirror. “Damn, Kags, you’ve got a nice body.”

 Her hands were going up her belly when she shot to her feet and grabbed her hands. Blocking Inuyasha’s view of the mirror as well as stopping him from using her hands to feel herself up, she made Inuyasha’s face glare down at hers. “Don’t do that. Don’t do anything like touch yourself or look at yourself naked while in my body.”

 He huffed, a strange sound coming from her body. “You can touch yourself all you want in my body. And get a good look at... me naked if you want. I know you want to….”

 Pulling Inuyasha’s hands hard off hers, Kagome moved the body she was in away from hers. “That’s not important! What’s important is getting ourselves… right!”

 Inuyasha was twisting Kagome’s hands around and she saw the blood. “Dammit. You have to be careful! My claws are sharp!”

 “Oh my god, I’m sorry!”

 “Yeah? Tell it to yourself. It’ll be your scar.”

 Kagome moved Inuyasha’s body to the dresser and pulled out her first aid. “You’re right. It’ll be my problem and I did it to myself.” Inuyasha was silent while she cleaned and wrapped the slice to the top of her body’s hand. “But I’m sorry because you’re the one feeling the pain right now.. Aren’t you?”

 Inuyasha twisted Kagome’s face in confusion. This was all too weird for her and she had to look away as her brows creased together in the middle. “I feel the pain, yeah. But it’s fine. What are we going to do about this??”

 “Well, first, we should probably figure out how it happened. How did our bodies get switched??”

 “It was Kaede…” A voice mumbled from above. With everything going on, Kagome had forgotten about Sango who had been asleep above their heads. “She did it so go ask her and let me sleep!!”

 Kagome scoffed (which was far more effective when he was in Inuyasha’s body) and grabbed his arm. Something that was also more effective if he was in his body, nearly falling back on the ass he currently inhabited when Kagome didn’t budge in Inuyasha’s body. “Come on, let’s go.”

 She crossed the thick arms of Inuyasha’s across his equally yummy chest.  “You can’t think like that while in his body!!!” she scolded herself and refocused. “Change first.”

 Inuyasha dropped her head to look down at herself and it was just as bad as the mirror as he took in the sight of her body in nothing more than a tight tank top and panties. “You know, I wouldn’t kick you out of the bed if I woke up to this.”

 “God, just stop it and put on some clothes!”

 Racing to her dresser, she pulled out jeans and a sweater that Inuyasha pulled on. Kagome was never going to get used to this, it was too much to wrap her mind around as she watched herself get dressed. The last thing Inuyasha did was grab her strands and pull them around to her shoulder. Kagome was a little more than shocked when he braided her hair perfectly in a few seconds, holding out a hand for a hair tie. With the braid tied off, he gestured to his hair with one of her fingers. 

 “Could you at least do something about that?”

 She brushed Inuyasha’s fingers through his hair, snagging a few times on knots but otherwise finding it super soft. “Wow.”

 “Yeah, I take care of my shit. So don’t fuck it up while the cat is out of the house!”

 She rolled Inuaysha’s eyes and grabbed a brush. A few moments later, they were standing in front of Professor Kaede’s office door. Inuyasha had Kagome’s hands in the pockets of her jeans, standing just as he did when in his body. While Kagome had her backpack on Inuyasha’s shoulder. It felt oddly lighter even though it was filled the same as it always was.

 “What the fucking hell?” Kagome’s mouth spouted.

 Another student passed, giving Kagome a look from the foul mouth Inuyasha was giving her. But Kagome could care less at the moment. She looked with Inuyasha’s eyes at the door to see the note attached to it. “Family emergency. Be back after break??”

 “Great. Juuuuuust great!! What the hell are we supposed to do stuck in the bodies for the entire break?!”

 Inuyasha’s heart dropped into her stomach. “Inuyasha… my exam…”

 “What?” Kagome’s body spun and then flicked her head up, forgetting about his new height. 

 “My exam. I’ve been studying all week for it… it’s important and now I… I can’t even take it?! What… what I’m I gonna do?!”

 Kagome’s body tried to grab Inuyasha’s shoulders but failed from the height difference and held onto biceps instead. “Hey, I can’t be seen crying! Get your shit together Kagome!”

 It was really easy to stop what she had started, sobering quickly. “Whoa, that’s weird. Do you have no feelings at all??”

 “Yeah. I’m an unfeeling monster while you’re an emotional wreck. Who’s the one really suffering here?” Inuyasha fussed while a tear fell down Kagome’s cheek.

 Without a thought, Kagome gently used Inuyasha’s hand to brush the tear off her body’s cheek. “I can’t fail this test Inuyasha. Do you.. Remember anything?”

 She was hoping that their brains were the same. But that didn’t make sense (not that any of it did) since she didn’t have Inuyasha’s memories or anything. If Kagome thought back, it was all her and not Inuyasha inside her head. It was why she remembered her test and not him. 

 “No, I fucking don’t remember a thing.” He sighed ruefully while she worried Inuyasha’s lip. “Give me your notes.” She dug them out and handed them over. “How long until your exam?”

 “Hour and a half.”

 “Good. I need a quiet place.”

 Leading him to the place she liked to sit and read, she watched as Inuyasha read over all her notes. He didn’t take the full time either, shutting the notebook when he was done and getting to his feet… her feet. “What are you doing?”

 “I’m done. Where’s the exam?”

 “Brooke’s hall, room 329. Inuyasha… I don’t think you understand…”

 “Yeah, yeah, I got it, this exam is important. I’ll try and get you at least a C, alright.”

 Kagome’s body was already moving towards the exam spot while she followed behind in his body. Which was interesting since Inuyasha’s body had longer legs than hers; making it a lot easier to keep up and speed pass. Instead of struggling to keep up, she struggled not to leave her body behind. Inuyasha only stopped to ask for her ID before strutting her body into her exam. She watched from the door, slapping a hand to her forehead when Inuyasha asked the person next to him for a pencil. She was sure the strange look they passed her body was due to her never coming unprepared for class.

 The test was passed out and the heart in Inuyasha’s chest raced. Inuyasha didn’t know this, but her entire college career hinged on this test. This one and everything she was ever graded on. The scholarship she got was fat on funds and prestige. If her grades slipped past a 3.8 GPA, Kagome would be stripped of her funds and have no means for her education.

 It hadn’t been more than thirty minutes since the test landed in front of her body when Inuyasha folded up his test, passed the borrowed pencil back with a smile, and handed in the test. He continued to strut Kagome’s body around and past her as she waited. She was hoping he would spill but he said nothing. “Well?”

 “Like I said, at least a C.”

 “Inuyasha!!”

 “Relax. I got you an A.”

 “An A. You can’t possibly know that! This isn’t funny Inuyasha!!”

 He was chuckling. Making her body make an ugly sound especially from a woman. “It’s a little funny. I mean, how long did you study for this only to have me take it for you?”

 “Inuyasha!” She cried, pushing large fists that she wasn’t used to into the corners of her eyes.

 “Hey! I said no crying in my body!!!”

 “Kagome?”

 She turned at her name, instantly forgetting and even calling out, “Hojo?” Before Inuyasha used her body to slap a hand to Inuyasha’s mouth. But it was too late; Hojo was eyeing them both curiously. 

 “Do I know you?” Hojo asked Inuyasha’s body. 

 Kagome pulled back from the hand on her mouth and thrusted a hand to the back of her head; awkward and embarrassed. Neither emotion was ever displayed by the real Inuyasha that she’d ever seen. “No. I mean yes. Sort of?”

 “I’ve told her, I mean him, a lot about you, Hoji.”

 “Hojo,” she tried as a cough. 

 Inuyasha coughed too and hoped to cover up his mistake. “I mean Hojo.”

 “Are you sick, Kagome? You don’t seem like yourself?”

 Hojo was still looking them both over and Kagome didn’t get it. She also didn’t get the weird smell entering Inuyasha’s nose. It was putrid like old sweat. Was that how Inuyasha’s nose worked? He could smell things like sweat? Kagome watched as her body looked over at her and winked, then moved closer to Hojo.

 “I’m fine, thank you for asking.” She was happy with that response but not with how close Inuyasha was getting her body to Hojo, who just stood there and watched her body too intensely. “So… what are you up to?”

 “Um… I’m just… I was heading to an exam and wanted to stop by to see how you did?” That was Hojo for you, so sweet and caring. “I know you were nervous about this one. How did you do? You finished up early; is that good?”

 Inuyasha pushed a fake laugh out of her mouth and Kagome stared at him hard. “Oh, it was no big deal in the end. My friend Kag… I mean Inuyasha helped me out a lot.”

 “Oh? You’re Inuyasha?” Crap, she had spoken to Hojo often about Inuyasha and how he was the bain of her existence. Hojo leaned into her body’s ear but she could hear every word with Inuyasha’s ears. “I thought you said he was a selfish asshole? And you never mentioned he was a…  hanyou .”

 There was disgust in Hojo’s tone. That made both Kagome’s angry but the one in Inuyasha’s body was the one to react. “You have a problem with Hanyous?” She asked as darkly as she could while stepping up to Hojo. 

 “Oh uh... Nnnno, NO! I don’t have a problem…”

 Even if she hadn’t heard him a second ago, Kagome knew he was lying. His heart was racing and his scent had increased. He was sweating a lot right now. “Liar. You don’t like Hanyous? What did they ever do to you, huh? Inuya… I mean Kagome is half Miko, do you find her disgusting too?”

 “That’s different! She can control her powers. And she doesn’t…”

 “She doesn’t what?!” She screamed, hearing Inuyasha’s voice instead of her own.

 “She doesn’t look like a half-breed.”

 Hojo’s eyes flicked up to Inuyasha’s ears on top of Kagome’s head. And she saw red. “Stay away from Kagome.” She pointed a clawed finger in Hojo’s face for emphasis.

 He dared to look around her to her body behind. Kagome turned to her body and grabbed her arm to pull them away. Inuyasha was looking smug but it quickly turned to concern, putting a hand on her back and pushing her the rest of the way out of the building until they were alone in the cold afternoon air. The sun was hazy behind thin clouds and a breeze made it even colder but she still felt hot!

 “Kagome, breathe.”

 Buckled over, she had her big clawed hands on her knees; taking big gulps of air and still seeing red. “That… that jerk….”

 “I know, I know but you need to calm down.”

 She looked up to find her face frowning down at her, Inuyasha keeping a hand on his body’s back to try and calm her down. “I didn’t know he was like that!”

 “You’d be surprised… a lot of people are.”

 “I’m not!”

 Kagome’s lips twisted into a smile. “I noticed.”

 It took a while but she was finally starting to calm down and feel in control again. Standing back up at full, she looked down at her body in wonder. “You don’t feel anything except anger? What’s up with that?”

 He shrugged. “That’s the demon. Makes it hard to feel much of anything save for primal instincts. Like anger and lust.”

 “Oh, I see,” Kagome’s head whipped up to look back at her face, “so you’re blaming the demon for actions? That’s lame, Inuyasha.”

 A grimace graced her face as Inuyasha disapproved of her words fully. “Yeah? Everyone else blames 

the demon in me so why can’t I?”

 “Because they’re stupid. And you’re not.” They were silent for a few minutes after that until she had to change the subject. “Hey, do we all smell that bad?”

 Suddenly, Inuyasha had to get away from her; taking off in a fast walk away with her body. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 She could hear it. In his voice and his heart. Her voice and heart. He was lying. “You’re lying! I can hear it!!”

 Inuyasha jumped on her with Kagome’s body; her hand pressed as best as he could get it to his mouth. “Keep that shit to yourself!”

 After a second and some awkwardness, he let her go. “Why?”

 “I don’t want  anyone  knowing that.”

 “Okay… but why?”

 Inuyasha was moving again and she followed without question. “You think people knowing you’re a Hanyou is bad? What if they knew you could hear and smell their lies? Smell what they did an hour ago? Hear their conversations through a wall? Imagine if there were no secrets between you and others; how many people would want to be around you then?”

 She was silent. Because she got it. They were halfway back to the dorm when she spoke again; needing to ask before they were silenced by ‘others’ being around. “Wait… if your nose and ears are this strong, why do you like loud parties?” Inuyasha glanced back, giving her a look with her face. “You don’t like them… you hate them?? Why the heck do you have them then?!”

 They stopped and it was strange towering over her own body but she was pissed. Inuyasha wouldn’t look up at her though, staring off in the distance with her hands in her pockets. “Miroku is the one that wants them and I go along with it. He doesn’t know about my nose and ears and I want to keep it that way.”

 “Then tell him you don’t want to party! What’s the big deal?!”

 “He’s my first friend…”

 “Sango’s my first college friend too but if she wanted…”

 “Not my first college friend.  First friend ever .” Inuyasha used her toe to kick at that ground and keep his attention there instead. “He’s the first person to accept and like me for who I am. I’d do anything for him. Besides, the parties help me blend in, meet people, and have a good time.”

 “You can have a good time with less noise and destruction.” Now Inuyasha looked up at her with a roll of her eyes. “Next time you want quiet comfortable fun, you can come to my room and have it with me.”

 He fought the smile off his face but since it was Kagome’s face, he lost. “That sounds shitastic.”

 She shrugged his big shoulders. “Whatever.” They were moving again and she couldn’t help but sniff the air. “Oh man, you need to shower. You got Hojo’s nervous sweat on you.” She sniffed herself. “Ick. Me too.”

 “You sure know how to pick them, Kags.”

 “What’s that supposed to mean?”

 “Nothing,” lie and she was pretty sure she got what he was trying to say, “we’re lucky we don’t reek of Hoji’s urine too.”

 “He deserved it.” Kagome wanted to change the subject; she was starting to feel hot again. “How are we going to do this?”

 “Do what?”

 Out of habit, Inuyasha opened the door to their building’s lobby. Instead of pointing it out, she rushed through while a few people stopped and stared; laughing as they walked away. “Shower?”

 Kagome’s body huffed. “I may not be used to it, but I’m pretty sure I can clean your body, Kagome.”

 Even if she didn’t have Inuyasha’s hearing, she would know that leaving him alone with her body was a bad idea. “Oh no. No, no, no way! I’m not letting you do whatever you please to my body!!”

 In the elevator alone, she felt no worry of being overheard. Inuyasha leaned her body against the back wall of the small box. He looked just like himself with his body language. “You’d like it, trust me.”

 “I don’t!”

 “Guess we can take a shower together?”

 The elevator dinged and her long legs took her off and away from Inuyasha quicker than she was used to. “We can’t do that! It’s against the rules!”

 “People do it all the time.” She glared back at him and he flustered for some reason. “Miroku told me, nothing more!”

 Like she believed that. But he didn’t sound like he was lying. It made her feel a bit better but she still didn’t like the idea. But what other choice did they have? The floor was mostly empty at this point anyway. They went back to Kagome’s room first, running into Sango who was almost out the door; passing the two of them with her suitcase in hand.

 “Sango? Where are you going?!” Her body asked in a panic.

 Sango looked between them but quickly settled on Kagome’s face. “I have plane tickets and a little brother that would be pissed if I didn’t come home as promised. Sorry.”

 She got it but it still sucked. “Do you have anything that could help us?”

 Staring at her blankly, Sango looked at her wearing Inuyasha’s face for a moment before shaking herself free with a small laugh. “Sorry. That’s just so weird. Cause you both still talk like yourselves but with the other’s voice and body.”

 “Sango?”

 “Kaede said, ‘walk a mile in each other’s shoes and appreciate each other’ or something like that.”

 “We already walked a mile and more!” Inuyasha roared with Kagome’s voice.

 Sango shrugged. “Guess you still haven’t learned your lesson then?”

 She left and they flopped, helpless, in her room. After some silent pouting, Kagome got up and went to her dresser; pulling out clothes for her body to put on. Inuyasha left only to return with clothes for her to put on when she was done. 

 They double-checked the bathroom and when it was empty, they started to strip. Kagome stopped Inuyasha with a growl. “No peeking!”

 He rolled her eyes and pulled off all her clothes. She thought it would be awkward to take a shower with a man she barely knew. But she was wrong. It was weirder than anything she’d ever experienced, watching her own body wash itself. 

 She was in a daze when Inuyasha thrusted a bottle in her direction. “Use that on my hair please.”

 “Yeah… sure…”

 “Hey,” he knocked a gentle fist to her head, “what are you thinking about?”

 “I was just…” she froze, Inuyasha picking up her loofa and putting body wash on it, “whoa, I should do that.”

 She was okay with him washing her hair but rubbing all over her body? It was too… weird! 

 “Calm down, Kagome. I’ll be gentle.” She ripped the loofa from her own hand and started on her front. “I don’t think this is achieving what you think it is. Cause now, I’m still touching your body.”

 “Yes. But you can’t feel it!”

 “No, you’re right. I can just feel it on your body instead of my hand.” She washed her thighs and decided then and there she would just have to wash her nether regions when she was back in her body again. “I wonder if we’ll remember what our bodies did when we’re back in them?”

 “What do you mean?!” She shrieked a little too loudly.

 “I mean,” she stood up straight and looked down at her face, “will I remember what it feels like to wash your body when I’m back in mine?”

 She forced her body to turn around and started washing her back. “Stop it. Stop talking like that. It’s gross.”

 “Why is it gross?!” He said with some serious anger behind it.

 “Because it’s my voice and face saying it! It’s like I’m hitting on myself or something!”

 The tension in Kagome’s body’s shoulders disappeared instantly with her words. “Oh... I see.”

 Inuyasha didn’t refute her claim that he was hitting on her but she ignored it and focused on Inuyasha’s hair. There was a lot of it and it was thick. Not much different from her own hair but she also had his ears to worry about. “How do I wash these?”

 She was pointing to the triangles on top of her head and Inuyasha gestured for her to crouch down. “Here. Let me.”

 It felt pretty good; Inuyasha was rubbing his ears gently. She could tell from this that his ears were really sensitive and she didn’t mean just from sounds. The massage Inuyasha was giving them was nearly putting her to sleep.

 Clean and soggy, they sat in Inuyasha’s room and Kagome took in all the smells it held. There were a lot but mostly faint. She mostly smelled Inuyasha, knowing it was him from her own personal memory of his scent. 

 “So you never answered my question.”

 Inuyasha looked up from whatever he was doing on his phone while she spun in his desk’s chair.

 “Do I smell that bad too?”

 A grin twisted on Kagome’s face. “Smell yourself now and find out.”

 She had already. But they’d just showered now. “I smell good now.”

 “As you always do.”

 “I do?”

 He nodded and she felt a small flush on her cheeks for some reason. But she shook it away with other thoughts. “You also never told me how you did on my exam?”

 “Yes, I did. You got an A.”

 “You  can’t know that! You spent an hour studying!” She dropped Inuyasha’s head to the back of the chair and watched the ceiling spin. “I studied all semester for that class.”

 “Your notes showed that. I wouldn’t have done so well if you weren’t so… dedicated.”

 Inuyasha had revealed a lot about himself to her today. He didn’t have a choice in the matter but she still felt it was only fair to tell him some things too. A few secrets. “I’m only able to afford this school because of a scholarship that requires me to keep a 3.8 GPA. If it drops below that, I’m out on my ass.”

 “Your ass is too nice to be tossed on.” She looked up to glare at him but he was too busy grinning to be phased. “You have nothing to worry about, Kagome. I have a photographic memory.”

 Kagome nearly fell out of the chair; she sat up so fast. “You what?!”

 “How do you think I got into this college? And how I stayed in it?”

 “Sports scholarship?” Inuyasha frowned with Kagome’s face and she giggled. “I hadn’t thought about it really. I just thought you took easy courses or something? That’s really cool! I wish I had that!!”

 “No you don’t,” he groaned, “because once you see something, you can never forget it.”

 “There are some things, some of us, never want to forget.” She said nothing more. A secret she wasn’t ready to reveal. 

 “Looks like we’re stuck in these bodies for the night,” Inuyasha added, interrupting the silence. “You wanna sleep here or in your bed?”

 “Huh?”

 “You didn’t trust me alone in your body for a shower. I figured you wouldn’t trust me alone in it all night long?” He smirked. “And it’s been a stressful day on your body. I could use a release and some relaxation. Or rather, you could. I think I’ll just see what fingering feels like…”

 “Okay! Okay, you’re right! And don’t you dare masturbate my body!!!”

 It felt weird, sleeping in a small bed with her body. Mostly because she felt the urge to snuggle but that was a therapy session she could do without later in life.

  Without a clue of what else to do, Kagome was packing. She was expected at home today and with waking up, still in Inuyasha’s body, she wasn’t sure what to do. 

 Bag on her bed that was half-filled with her clothes (that wouldn’t fit Inuyasha’s body so she just felt stupid) Kagome’s body rushed into the room with Inuyasha’s phone in his hand. “Answer this.”

 She glanced at the screen and saw the name ‘Kikyo’ on it. “Kikyo? You know her?”

 “Just answer the damn phone already!”

 Doing as told, she sighed and accepted the call. “Hello, Kikyo.”

 Inuyasha glared at her but she just glared back and silently berated his anger with a ‘what?!’. “Hey, Inuyasha. I was hoping to catch you before you left for the break?”

 “Oh uh... Yeah, you caught me. What’s up?”

 Inuyasha rolled her eyes and Kagome decided to ignore him. “I was thinking it would be nice to get lunch? Are you free today?”

 Pressing a hand over the receiver, Kagome whispered to Inuyasha. “She wants to get lunch today.” He nodded while she shook her head ‘no’. “I have to go home!” Inuyasha pointed harshly at the phone. “Uh.. oh… sorry. I’m just checking my schedule.” She pressed her hand to the phone again. “I  have  to go home! We have to go together!”

 He took the phone from her and held it away from them, getting in her face. Which would have been more effective if he was in his body instead of hers. “I helped you with your exam. Help me with this.” He softened quickly. “Please, Kags.”

 She rolled her eyes and took the phone back. “Kikyo? Yeah, I can do it today. How about we meet somewhere?”

 “There’s this nice sushi place on campus?”

 Kagome was shaking Inuyasha’s head but remembered Kikyo couldn’t see her. “Ah.. no, I don’t like sushi.” She remembered very clearly how Inuyasha had reacted to sushi back when they all ate together at the beginning of the year. It had not gone well at all. Kagome blamed that night on why she and Inuyasha started being frenemies. “How about the ramen place on fifth?”

 Inuyasha was staring at her with Kagome’s blue eyes. Was she always that intimidating? No, Inuyasha had to be doing something different with her eyes or something. The way he had them locked on her wasn’t helping; turning from him to finish the phone call. “Sounds good,” even through the phone, it didn’t sound like Kikyo was happy, “see you in an hour.”

 She handed back the phone but Inuyasha grabbed her hand with it and held her still. “If you don’t screw this up, I’ll go and make nice with your family. But if you fuck things up with Kikyo, I’ll get a tattoo on your forehead.”

 Careful with his claws this time, Kagome got Inuyasha’s hand back from the death hold he had on it. “Okay, I get it. I’ll make you look really good, I promise. Geez, you really like Kikyo, huh?”

 It was funny how Inuyasha did the same things while in her body. Like crossing his arms over his chest when he wanted to protect himself. She could hear his heart and breath now though and it was picking up a little like he was uncomfortable or scared. “She’s the only person to show me interest like this so, yeah I like her I guess.”

 “Wow, calm down.” She said sarcastically. “I don’t want my body to stink again.”

 She laughed while Inuyasha bristled. “I’m not good with emotions and your body is a cluster fuck. I’ve never thought about my feelings like this before. No one has ever asked me either so cut me some fucking slack.”

 Kagome was still laughing, the sound strange because it wasn’t hers and she wasn’t used to hearing Inuyasha’s laugh. “Fine. But… a lunch?”

 “What’s wrong with that? She only had time for lunch but she wanted to see me!”

 “If you say so…”

 “You know what, I don’t trust you. You’re going to fuck this up. I’m coming with you.”

 Inuyasha was already starting to dress her body. “What? You can’t bring another girl on a date!”

 “Sure I can! It’ll make her jealous which will work in my favor! Kikyo probably thinks no one else wants me and she has no competition.”

 She placed a hand on her body’s shoulder but Inuyasha ignored her. “Do you hear yourself?”

 Inuyasha shrugged her off. “No, I hear you. Go get dressed!”

 She left him to do as told, not sure of this meeting at all.

  “Whoa.” 

 They stopped just inside the door of the restaurant and Inuyasha twisted Kagome’s head back to look at his. “What?”

 “I see why you like this place. It smells amazing!”

 He smirked but it dropped quickly, grabbing and pulling her the rest of the way inside. They quickly spotted Kikyo; who stood and waved him down, only to frown at the sight of Kagome with him. She had to put on her game face. No part of her liked this and Kagome told herself it was because of Inuyasha’s words about not being liked by others. The gnawing in her chest was about his obvious lack of self-confidence and settling for Kikyo. Nothing else. 

 “Hey, babe.” Kikyo greeted and Kagome took a beat to realize she was talking to her/Inuyasha. 

 “Hey… honey…” She passed a glance at Inuyasha who glared back at her for her slip up. “I mean… hello.” Inuyasha slid her body into the booth Kikyo picked, sitting between them which made Kikyo frown even more. “Oh uh… this is my neighbor, Kagome. She and I are… friends and she…. Wanted to meet you?”

 They really should have discussed a plan of some sort. She was not prepared for this. 

 Kikyo didn’t miss a beat, turning to Kagome with a plastic smile. Could Inuyasha see how fake it was or was that the demon sight she currently had? “Hello, Higurashi-san. We have a few classes together, don’t we?”

 They did? She didn’t remember Kikyo in any of her classes and the look on Kagome’s face told her Inuyasha was shocked. Then mad, like she should have mentioned it or something. Can’t mention what you don’t remember. “Oh, yeah, we did, didn’t we?”

 “Defense against the Darkness 111 and we were at that offense vs defense seminar last month. Your reiki is very impressive.”

 “Uuuuhhhh thanks.”

 She needed to redirect the conversation because Inuyasha knew nothing about Miko practices. “So, Kikyo, how were your exams? I’m sure you did well.”

 Kikyo looked shocked she asked. Maybe Inuyasha wasn’t this polite? He wasn’t polite to her for sure. “Yes, thank you. How about you?”

 “Ah, you know me.”

 Did she? Kikyo just kind of nodded and turned her attention back to Kagome. “Say how did you create that barrier? No one else could manage it and I must admit I still can’t.”

 Kikyo laughed and it made things more uncomfortable. Kagome’s eyes danced to Inuyasha but what could she do to help in this? “I uh… I practice and study a lot. It’s all I do actually.”

 “Oh? That sounds rough!” Kikyo said but the sympathy in it was faked.

 “Yeah. I don’t party or have fun. I’m pretty pathetic actually.” Inuyasha laughed with her body and Kikyo laughed with her.

 “Aren’t you being a little hard on yourself?” Kagome asked, grinding Inuyasha’s fangs together. 

 Kagome’s shoulder’s shrugged. “Am I? This is the first date I’ve been on all year and it’s not even mine!”

 They both laughed while she seethed. Inuyasha was right but she didn’t like that he knew that. How did he know that, anyway? Something to ask later, trying again to direct the conversation back to Inuyasha and Kikyo. “So… I was surprised you called. Are you not heading out of town for the break?”

 “I am. I just wanted to see you one more time before I left.”

 Kikyo placed a hand on his and rubbed the back of it. But there was something about her tone and heartbeat that bothered her. If it were her, Kagome’s heart would be skipping from touching the guy she liked. It skipped whenever Inuyasha touched her and she didn’t even like him! But Kikyo was calm.

 Kagome’s foot kicked hers under the table and she woke up. “Oh, uh, yeah I wanted to see you too. Thanks for calling and asking me out.”

 “Of course. Since you never call me.”

 “I’ll.. uh… fix that. I promise.”

 The waitress appeared. Kikyo ordered a salad while she ordered ramen. Inuyasha did too. They ate with gentle conversation and she did her best to flirt with Kikyo. Inuyasha passed her the other half of his bowl when he was full and she ate it without issue. They had already discovered (last night) that their appetites changed for the body they were in.

 Now lunch was over but there was a bigger issue. Kagome had been holding it in all morning but now she was about to pop and couldn’t any longer. Getting to Inuyasha’s feet suddenly, she grabbed onto Kagome as she pulled out of the booth. “I need a minute with Kagome. Be right back.”

 Inuyasha fought against her hold as soon as they were out of sight. “What the fuck?! This looks really bad, Kagome!!”

 “I know, I’m sorry but I have to…” she stopped and folded into Kagome’s ear, “I have to pee.”

 “So?”

 “I’ve never… I don’t know how to do it with your… equipment.”

 He chuckled and pushed Inuyasha’s body back. “It’s the same as yours, you just have to stand and aim.”

 “Oh god. I have to touch it?!”

 Inuyasha had ‘washed himself’ for her yesterday. And that had been all sorts of confusing. This was going to be worse. “Just don’t let the size freak you out.”

 That was all he gave her before sauntering back to their table. She took two deep breaths and pushed into the men’s room. Regardless, she couldn’t hold it any longer. Which made it easier in the end, staring at Inuyasha’s member in his hands and not focusing on anything else. She had thought he was just being a jerk but… he was kinda right about his size. Guess that was why it felt so heavy? And she thought it was just because she had something swinging between her legs for the first time? Kagome would never know; this was the only body other than hers she would ever inhabit. Hopefully.

 The heightened senses didn’t help either (the scent of the small room making her feel sick) and she was quick to get out of there.

 She didn’t know if leaving ‘Kagome’ alone with Kikyo for long was a good idea so she was as fast as she could move about it all. She focused on the table, finding she could focus her hearing too; which was cool. Until she heard the conversation being had in her absence. 

 “You already have strong Miko powers. You don’t need Inuyasha for your final. I do.”

 Kikyo was talking about finals? They all had a senior project due before graduation; a show of strength mixed with comprehension and skill. Kagome hadn’t come up with anything yet but Kikyo’s involved Inuyasha? She didn’t understand how and by the look Inuyasha had on ‘Kagome’s’ face, he didn’t know about it beforehand.

 He was pushing her body out of the booth in a hurry when he caught sight of her. Knocking into her as she passed, Inuyasha left her behind to figure out what the hell to do next. So she stomped up to the table and Kikyo gave her a look of pure innocence. “I think your friend is jealous of us.”

 “H… she is? We’re just friends.”

 “KA...INUYASHA LET’S GO!”

 Her voice sounded pained and no part of her wanted to argue. So she dug into the wallet Inuyasha made her put in his back pocket; throwing some money on the table. “I’ll… uh call you.”

 Inuyasha had ‘Kagome’s’ hands in her pockets and a pissed look on her face. “You got tickets to your house or something? Let’s get the hell out of here.”

  Inuyasha hadn’t said a word since they left the restaurant. She sat across from her body as it silently rocked on the train. It was another hour until they reached home and a thirty-minute drive to her house. So there really wasn’t a lot of time. 

 “So…. I should probably go over who is who. They’ll expect you to know that.”

 “Why not just tell them the truth? Would save us a lot of grief.” He muttered to the window. 

 “NO!” Kagome’s head slowly turned from her outburst, Inuyasha had her eyes squinted in disapproval of her tone, volume, or general displeasure with her for some reason. It was hard to tell. “They can’t know. They can’t know any of this.”

 “Why the hell not,” he growled and this time, it was pretty scary. 

 “Because… if they knew my well being was at risk? My education? My body?! Add in that a faculty member did this to us and they will either force me to come back home or guilt me into it.”

 “Your family cares that much?”

 Confused, she tilted Inuyasha’s head at him. “Yeah. Yours doesn’t?” He said nothing, going back to his window and she couldn’t take it anymore. “Yash… what happened? Did Kikyo say something to you? I heard her talking about her senior project…”

 “Did you know?” She really didn’t have a clue and shook her head to show that. “Fuck I miss my body. Then I’d know if you were lying right now.”

 Thinking it over, she took her body’s hand and placed it on Inuyasha’s body’s wrist. “Here. Ask me anything.”

 The face he wore, even though it was her face she still didn’t know what it meant. Kagome didn’t think she had ever made that face but Inuyasha still squeezed her body’s fingers around his body’s wrist to feel her pulse. “What is your senior project on?”

 “Mine? I haven’t picked anything yet. Buuut this body switch thing would definitely work for it!” 

 She giggled (sounding super weird from Inuyasha’s body) and he smiled -briefly. “Did you know there’s a way to turn a half-demon into either a full human or demon?”

 Nodding, she still wore a frown on the subject. “There are theories but no one has actually done it.”

 “Why not?”

 She sighed. “Because it’s dangerous. Half-demons are rare so it’s hard to find willing subjects.”

 “What if I was willing?” She blinked in her body’s serious face for a few seconds, listening to the heart beating in her body’s chest. “Would you try it on me?”

 Kagome had to force herself to remain still so Inuyasha could feel her pulse. When she really wanted to rip free and smack him. “Are you nuts?! Why would you want to change who you are?!”

 “You’ve been in my body for less than twenty-four hours. You have no clue what it’s like being me!”

 “That may be true but you’re perfect the way you are!”

 “Perfect?!” He spat back. “I’m the very definition of imperfect! Don’t pretend you know what it’s like to be me!”

 “Don’t I?” Inuyasha still held the wrist between them while they stared into each other’s eyes. “You pretend the loud music and crowds don’t bother you all so you can make your best friend happy! You hide your ability to hear and smell falsehoods so no one feels uncomfortable around you. And you work so hard to control yourself so that you never hurt anyone; you’re a Saint Inuyasha. Yet, there are still people like Hojo that look down on you. It makes me sick.”

 Slowly, Inuyasha let go of his body’s wrist and sat back. She did the same; eyes still glued to one another. “And people like Kikyo. She wanted to use me for her senior project and turn me into a full human.”

 She was so disgusted that she felt sick. And hot. “That stupid bitch.”

 “Careful. I’m starting to rub off on you.” Kagome still felt warm all over and it was only getting worse. “Seriously though, you need to calm down.” She was struggling, imagining Kikyo asking Inuyasha to become human over and over. “Kagome…. breath.” Hands were on her knees and she took a deep breath. “Think about something else. Tell me about your family. Everything I need to know to be you.”

 “My mother…” she said releasing the breath she took and held, “stays home and helps my grandfather with the family shrine.”

 “Wait… you live in a shrine?”

 “Inuyasha now is not the time to push me.”

 “I just… I didn’t know that about you, that’s all. Must have been… tough.”

 “People made jokes and assumptions but I got over it.” She opened her eyes for the first time in several minutes. Her body was hunched over with her hands on Inuyasha’s body’s knees. It was oddly comforting to look into her own blue eyes. “My dad passed away when I was four.”

 “I’m sorry.”

 He was sincere. Maybe he had a close family member die too because she could see it in her eyes that he was currently using. All she could give him in return was a nod of understanding. “My younger brother Souta and his wife will be there.”

 “Ooooh, younger brother that’s already married? That’s rough.”

 “What are you talking about?”

 “He’s married while you're in school?” He said with a strange look on his face. 

 “He’s where he wants to be in life and so am I.”

 “Okay, but I’ll be prepared for some sibling rivalry.”

 She shook it off and kept going. “He has a little girl, Mei. She’s only seven months though. I hope you like kids because she’ll be all over me… I mean you as soon as we get there.”

 “Great.”

 “Um… I’m not really sure what else will come up. So I don’t know how to prepare you. What should we say about us?”

 Inuyasha sat back, taking Kagome’s hands off Inuyasha’s knees. “Just say we’re dating.”

 “Oh no.”

 “Would that be a problem for them? You dating a Hanyou?”

 Inuyasha was looking out the window again while she was trying not to get angry. “It’s not that. I’ve just… never brought someone home before. I’m not sure how they’ll take it. Especially when I have to tell them later that it was all a lie or that we broke up.”

 He was silent, Kagome’s blue eyes searching her borrowed face and making her feel weird all over again. “Worry about that later. For now, saying we’re dating makes it easier. If someone says something I don’t know about you can jump in and pretend I told you. You can cover me.”

 It all made such good sense that she felt no fear or worry when they arrived. Inuyasha’s heart was pounding though. It skipped every time someone pulled him in for a hug. She was sure it was weird hugging strangers like family but it didn’t seem like something that would be terrifying. Yet that would be how she described Inuyasha’s reaction. 

 He was scared. 

 It got worse when baby Mei was handed his way. She cooed in his arms for about four seconds then suddenly reached for her. Mei was reaching out to her like normal only she looked nothing like herself. Kagome’s body sat beside her on the couch while she sat inside Inuyasha’s. 

 He didn’t fight her, letting the seven-month-old come to her; a relative stranger was now holding her niece but she was never more excited. Her tiny heart beat wildly as she stretched up on her toes and grabbed Inuyasha’s body’s ears. 

 “So,” Souta sat down next to her body and wrapped a brotherly arm around her shoulders, “are you two dating or something?”

 “Uh yeah.” “Something like that.” They said on top of each other. 

 “Good. I never liked that Koga guy. What happened to him? You kept talking him up; saying you wanted us to meet him?” 

 This was something she really should have told Inuyasha about on the train but she had hoped it wouldn’t come up. “He uh,” Souta looked to her expectantly, “he isn’t a problem anymore.”

 “Good. Thank you, Inuyasha-san.”

 Their mother called for Souta from the kitchen and he rose quickly, leaving them alone with Mei (who was pulling on an ear now). “Why aren’t you being called to the kitchen right now?”

 She focused on getting the baby to not pull so hard while Inuyasha moved her body a little close to his. “Normally, she would but I guess with you here I’m on baby duty.”

 A quick beat of silence and the elephant in the room trumpeted. “So… who’s Koga?”

 “Uh… no one.” She glanced his way, her body tilted away so Inuyasha could look at her with disbelief. “I met him last year. We dated a little. But… then I found out he was dating five other girls at the same time. He even tried to use the fact that he’s a wolf demon as an excuse; saying he was the leader of the pack and had responsibilities….”

 “That’s true actually. You’re lucky he even dated out of his pack at all.” Inuyasha added but his voice didn’t sound like he was as okay with it as he would like to be.

 “I wouldn’t say I was lucky at all.”

 “Did you… really like him?”

 There was something to Inuyasha’s tone; she wondered if she would have heard it if she was in her body. Kagome forced herself not to listen to more; his heart and breath or even smell him as she shook the sound of his… her voice out of her borrowed head. “I… did… I think. It was nice to have someone. But I refuse to be used by anyone.”

 “AH, so cheating is a deal-breaker for you? Good to know.”

 She chuckled, Mei bouncing on her wide chest as Inuyasha’s body laughed. “Isn’t everyone?”

 “You’d be surprised.”

 He didn’t say more and she didn’t press. They were called for dinner and Mei didn’t release Inuyasha’s body until her mother held out her hands for the child. She had missed her family and even though it was like she was an outsider in her own family, Kagome still didn’t feel left out. Not that she ever expected her family to make anyone feel like that, but she expected to feel something like that. Being in someone else’s body was weird in many ways and she missed her life all the more being around her family. 

 Dinner was delicious as expected and the conversation was pretty light and happy. Until…. 

 “So Inuyasha, are you and Kagome going to visit your family during the break too?” Her mother asked, looking right at her.

 “Uh…”

 “Inuyasha doesn't have any family.” Kagome’s body answered for her.

 The room got quiet as all eyes landed on her; on Inuyasha. “Really?” Souta asked and she nodded.

 They didn’t press, of course, but now she was regretting not getting to know Inuyasha before they came here like she had forced him to get to know her. Why hadn't she even asked? It was weird that he agreed to come here so easily, that he was hanging around campus during the break wasn’t it? Miroku had left as soon as break started (she wasn’t even sure Miroku knew their bodies were switched) and yet, Inuyasha was around like it was any other day. But she never asked.

 Normally, she could say it was none of her business but this time; she couldn’t get away with such an excuse, could she?

  Her mom thought it was funny; putting her in the same room as her body. Inuyasha didn’t put up the appropriate amount of fuss for Kagome to be satisfied either, glaring as her body walked around her room and explored. “You could have demanded I sleep in the guest room or something.”

 “Why? You want to keep ‘watch’ on me in your body, don’t you?”

 That was true. Although, she was starting to care less and less about that. “It sends the wrong message if you just willingly sleep in here with me!”

 “Like what?” Inuyasha turned and the smile on Kagome’s lips told her, she wasn’t going to like what he said. “That the two of us are deeply in love and have slept together so many times now that doing it at your house is no big deal?”

 Nailed that on the head. “Yeah!”

 “I’ll make a fuzz at breakfast tomorrow. Happy?” He flopped to her bed, a twin, and sat back on her hands. “You have a nice family, Kags. And a happy life.”

 She sat next to him and watched his face. “And you? What about your family? I should have asked before we came here, sorry. I hope I’m not keeping you from them…”

 “You don’t need to worry. It’s like I told your family. I have no one.” That wasn’t a lie but it wasn’t the truth either, she could hear and smell it no matter how hard she tried not to. And he knew that too, clearing ‘Kagome’s’ throat and shifting on the bed. “Geez, this is worse than some rom-com with a fake dating plot.” When she eyed him curiously, he caved quickly. “My mom made me watch them with her when I was a kid. She… died. When I was eight.”

 There was no thinking, she just grabbed him; wrapping long arms around a small body was so strange but she shoved that away for now and squeezed him tight. “Kagome… can’t breathe…”

 “Oh sorry,” she loosened but didn’t let go, “I’m so sorry.”

 ‘Kagome’ rubbed ‘Inuyasha’s’ arm and tried to get her to let go. “It’s fine. Would you quit turning me into a pansy? First, it’s crying and now it’s hugging?”

 “Being weak from time to time doesn’t make you a pansy.”

 “Yeah… well… I still don’t like it…” He pushed on her a bit but she didn’t move far. Because her body was starting to emit that strange smell again. “Seriously though, how do you live like this?”

 “Live like what?”

 “This… frustrated?!”

 She fell back to look at herself and Inuyasha pointed to her body. It took her a few seconds but she understood in time. Kagome felt hot under the collar and it had nothing to do with the angry demon in her body. “Oh god.”

 ‘Kagome’ flopped back to the bed completely, laying next to her while she tried not to melt from her embarrassment. “I wish you would at least let me ‘rub one’ out or something. This is just ridiculous. Is it like this all the time?”

 “I’m NOT going to tell you that!!!”

 “I would lose my mind if I was this turned on all the time. This is more than needing to masturbate, you need to get laid!”

 Forgetting her new strength, she slapped ‘Kagome’s’ thigh hard and Inuyasha shot up in pain. “It’s not like this all the time! You’re doing something weird to my body!!”

 He was rubbing the pain out of ‘Kagome’s’ leg and growling. “It’s not my fault….” Inuyasha paused and then looked over at her. She looked anywhere else. “Or is it?”

 “Wh… what are you talking about?”

 Inuyasha made ‘Kagome’s’ face smirk and he turned into her to stare her down. “You smell that?” She shrugged, hoping to play whatever he said next off. “You think I don’t know? That’s my body you’re in; I know you smell your body getting turned on. And I know exactly what it smells like.”

 “Are you trying to tell me that every girl you’ve ever turned on smells the same?” She said with a huff, trying to change the subject to something that would make her mad so she could stop the pounding her blood was doing.

 “No. I’m saying I’ve smelt you, Kagome’s, arousal before. A few times actually.”

 Her jaw dropped and she glared over at her body’s smirking face. “You have NOT!!”

 Inuyasha chuckled with her body and Kagome’s heart started to skip around. “I don’t need my senses; I know you’re lying. There’s no point really. I’ve turned you on before a few times. Took me a while to understand. But, Kagome, you smell... Really fucking sweet when you’re horny.” 

 She was doing everything she could to not look at her body while they talked about this. It was all too weird. How could Inuyasha talk like this to his own body? She was busy having her brain in a spin and stop the blood that was moving south when air hit one of the dog ears on her head. It sent a shock wave through her body so strong, she almost slipped off the bed and to the floor.

 “Wwwwhhat the hell?!” She grabbed the ear too late, her body was already sitting back down.

 To make matters worse, Inuyasha’s penis was now pressing against the inside of his jeans in a painful manner. And Kagome thought going to the bathroom was weird now she had a boner. “You know how I always get so pissed when you blow in my ear? This is why!”

 She was pressing on the appendage and it was only getting angry inside her pants. “Wh… this happens every time someone blows in your ear?”

 “No. It happens every time  you  blow in my ear! Couple it with your fucking scent…” ‘Kagome’s’ eyes had a look to them and a color that she had never seen before. It was crazy, looking at herself turned on like this. 

 It made her wonder what ‘Inuyasha’ looked like right now?

 Standing abruptly, she pushed Inuyasha’s body to leave the room. As it was, the demon wanted to devour ‘Kagome’. “I need the bathroom.”

 “You better not jack off. If I can’t get relief, neither can you!”

 Really, that was the last thing on her mind. This body didn’t want her to find relief with her hand.

 They didn’t speak when she came back, just got into bed and turned off the lights. But laying there, so close together, with ‘Inuyasha’ still hard and ‘Kagome’s’ scent still strongly present, it was impossible to fall asleep. 

 “What if…” ‘Inuyasha’s’ voice cut through the silence and she tried to focus on the sound instead of the origin, “what if we… helped each other.”

 “What do you mean?”

 The lift to ‘Kagome’s’ voice told her, Inuyasha already knew exactly what she meant. “I mean… if we… gave each other a release then it wouldn’t be so… wrong.”

 Inuyasha rolled her body onto its side and stared at the side of his own face. “Kags, I could get this body off myself and it would be far from ‘wrong’. If you want to touch each other then just say so.”

 “That’s not it,” she said in a rush of words, “I was just thinking that if I touch you and you touch me then it would be more like masturbating, right?”

 “It would be better than masturbating.”

 “Look I… I don’t need you to do anything to me. Male ejaculation is pretty straight forward. But I know what I like and I don’t want you fumbling around for an hour…”

 He huffed. “Oh please…”

 “Quick and efficient. We get in and get out.”

 Suddenly, her body was caging her in. Inuyasha had her body looming over her with a hand on either side of her head. “Why don’t we just have sex?”

 “What? No! That would be too weird for me, seriously.”

 “Having sex with me would be too weird for you?” He said with a growl.

 She shoved him back, an easy feat with the bodies they were in. “No, it would be  weird having sex with myself!!!” Inuyasha seemed to understand and didn’t press the issue. So she turned and leaned over her body instead. “So?”

 “Oh? You want my permission? It’s your body!”

 “Okay, okay…” she took deep breaths to try and steady herself, “take your pants off and get on your… my belly.” He didn’t ask; just did as she said quickly. She made Inuyasha put her body in pants and a t-shirt to sleep when normally she wore a lot less to bed. Kagome tried to ignore the awkwardness of it all as Inuyasha panted excitedly; ‘Kagome’s’ heart pounding in her chest as Inuyasha spread her body’s legs and waited. She closed her eyes and that helped a lot. “Shhhh… someone is going to hear you!”

 He growled back at her. “It’s not my fault you’ve been holding out for as long as you have! I’m not being that loud, it’s just your hearing!!”

 She wondered how much of that was true? She could hear the sounds all through the house and no one had stirred since they started this. A few pumps like that and her body shuddered with an orgasm. Laying on her back, Kagome considered going outside on her roof. At least there, she wouldn’t have to smell her body’s juices while Inuyasha’s penis danced in irritation from lack of use. When a hand slipped into her briefs, she closed her eyes and said nothing. The rubbing felt good. Inuyasha knew what he liked too, after all. But then Inuyasha started whispering in her ear.

 “Let’s just have sex.”

 “No.”

 “Come on Kags. Think about it.”

 “I did already. No.”

 The healing hand on her shaft left and she groaned. Even more when Inuyasha had her body straddling his. “You are missing the big point here. Think about the learning experience! No one has ever had this chance to learn about someone else’s body like this!”

 “With good reason, I’m sure.”

 “Come on. It could be how we get our bodies back!”

 She cracked open an eye but regretted it; feeling a bit nauseous at the sight of herself mounting herself. “How does that work in your head?!”

 “Kaede said we needed to get to know each other. What better way to know one another than by fucking?”

 “No way she expected us to have sex! That’s messed up!!”

 “Then push me off,” Kagome told Inuyasha’s body to do it but it wouldn’t move. “You could do it with ease. But you don’t want to. You want to have sex with me.”

 “I don’t want to have sex with myself…”

 “Stop thinking about the outer appearance. I haven’t thought of you as myself since the damn train ride.” He leaned over and she couldn’t take her eyes off his blue ones. “You’re still you and I’m still me. No matter what body you’re in. And I want to fuck you, Kagome.”

 “You… you do?”

 He nodded and then sat back; pulling her shirt off her body in a shift and sexy movement. Kagome closed her eyes again though. Inuyasha might be able to get over seeing himself getting laid by himself but she couldn’t. “I love your breasts.”

 She popped her eyes open to find herself fondling herself. “Hey!”

 “Chill!” He whispered harshly, reminding her to be quiet. “I’ll be gentle”

 ‘Kagome’ was smiling wickedly so she closed her eyes again. As weird as it was, she couldn’t stop Inuyasha. She didn’t want to. But she still tried to understand and maybe talk Inuyasha out of this while he pulled the angry penis out of her briefs. “Isn’t it going to be uncomfortable for you? You’re having sex with a man!”

 “Yeah but… if I’m going to have a dick inside me, at least it’s my own.”

 “That… doesn’t really make sense.”

 “I know, I just want to have sex! How the FUCK do you stand a dry spell like this?!”

 She had nothing to say to that. Because it had been a while and she didn’t want to give any more away to him. Oh god. She was about to have sex with Inuyasha! Of all people… and it was going to be so different from the occasional fantasy she had about him. She did her best to ignore the sounds coming from her body’s mouth; still too weird for her. When Inuyasha fell next to her, Kagome felt another wave of sadness rush over her that had her sniffling and Inuyasha perched over her quickly.

 “What is it now?!”

 “I… I want to… cuddle.”

 “So? We fucking cuddle!”

 She shook her head. “It’s not the same…”

 “Would you cut that shit out? It’s still you and me. Just turn around and let me fucking hold you!”

 Kagome did as commanded, rolling over and letting herself be spooned by her smaller body all night long.

  When she woke up to her sleeping face before her, Kagome was underwhelmed by it all. Sex had been weird but nice and at least they got it out of their system. Inuyasha got up before her as she laid lazily in the bed. He had her underwear back on but not much else, still touching her breasts as he pleased. But then he froze and groaned.

 “What’s wrong?”

 He shifted his hips a little and made a face. “Okay, what the hell is up with your vag? It feels… weird.”

 She laughed. “That’s how it always feels after sex. For every woman.”

 “It’s unpleasant.”

 “It’ll pass. While men think about how to get laid; women decide whether or not sex is worth unbalancing their PH.”

 He crossed arms over her chest. “It’s not that bad. I’d screw you again in a heartbeat.”

 “Really?”

 “Fuck yes.” He shifted again and blanched. “That’s disgusting. My shit just fell out into your panties.”

 “Oh my gosh, that’s hilarious!” She said, buckling over herself.

 “What the fuck? Are you trying to get knocked up by me? Why the fuck did you come inside, you’re not on BC!”

 She contained herself enough to speak but tears were leaking out of her. “Relax. I’m not ovulating. I know my body well enough to not worry. Actually, I should be getting my period soon…”

 “No… no… no, no, no, HELL NO, no, no, no, no, NO! I’m not having a fucking period for you! I’m calling that fucker Miroku and getting this fixed goddammit!!”

 She was on the floor while Inuyasha stepped over her and picked up his phone. It rang in his hands and he sighed ruefully before answering it. Kagome scrambled to her feet to take it from him since he clearly forgot, but he simply pushed her back as he spoke into the phone. 

 Listening, unintentionally, she heard a woman’s voice on the line. “Who is this? Why are you answering Inuyasha’s phone?”

 “He’s in the bathroom right now and left next to my bed.”

 “Who is this??!!”

 “Kagome Higurashi. And I thought about what you said, Kikyo. But after last night… well frankly I like Inuyasha’s massive demon dick too much to let you change it.” He winked at her while he exploited their sex life to her classmate. She was trying to be pissed but was oddly turned on again. As was ‘Kagome’. 

 “Then let me turn him into a full demon instead! The point is, he's mine, Higurashi!”

 She took the phone from him then, yelling into the phone using Inuyasha’s voice. “Kagome loves me the way I am, bitch. Don’t call me again!” Kagome was busy blocking the number and didn’t notice she was being watched intently until she heard the hurried knocks from someone’s chest. Inuyasha was staring at her with a loopy smile on his face. She didn’t get it, passing him back his phone as soon as she finished blocking Kikyo but then she realized; she probably should have asked. “Sorry, but she pissed me off. And I feel like her suggesting you change is harassment so blocking her number feels smart. Feels right. You can unblock it if you want…”

 He looked away and to his phone, messing with it and she thought he was unblocking Kikyo until he looked up at her with a grin. “I need Miroku to fix this quick so I can fuck you hard.”

 “Huh?”

 He leaned in, somehow making her feel small even while towering over him in his body. “I’m going to make you scream when we get our bodies back, Kagome. So. Fucking. Hard.”

 She swallowed something thick down her throat and sat back on the bed. What just happened?

  Kagome was surprised at the dedication; Miroku returning in a few hours thanks to Inuyasha’s call. The look on his face told her that he didn’t know about the body swap. She also didn’t know what Miroku could do for them since she had no clue what his powers or even his major were.

 He eyed them closely while they stood in the middle of Inuyasha’s and Miroku’s dorm room. With the hall completely empty, they had the door open to keep from feeling claustrophobic. But she still felt uneasy with Miroku’s probing eyes.

 “So… you’re Inuyasha?” He asked -again- while pointing at her.

 “For the thousandth fucking time, yes!” Inuyasha growled with ‘Kagome’s’ mouth. 

 Miroku looked at him now, eyeing him up and down. “If you’re in her body… then show me your tits?”

 Inuyasha punched Miroku in the arm but she was pretty sure he wanted to punch him in the face. But her body was weaker than his so he took it easy, clasping her hand instead and threading their fingers together. Miroku took note but she didn’t pull away. She was used to it now since Inuyasha had held her hand on and off since they left her room that morning and informed her family they were leaving earlier than planned. She would visit them again when she was back in her body.

 Miroku stood near the door and shook his head. “Kaede just wanted you two to get along. Which it looks like you’re doing so I’m not sure why you’re still switched like this. Maybe you two need to have sex or something?” She felt her cheeks heat up and smelled her body next to her do the same. “Ooooohhhhh hohoho. Well then. Maybe you two are stuck like this then?”

 “That’s the best you’ve got?!” Inuyasha roared next to her.

 Miroku shrugged. “Break ends in a few more days. Kaede will fix this when she returns.” He backed away more and grabbed the door to close as he left. “I'm going to go… for a few hours… so you two can have some privacy…”

 He shut the door but Inuyasha threw a book at it anyway. In a frustrated and angry huff, he sat on his bed and she slowly followed. Putting a hand on his thigh, she tried to comfort herself when she was in need of comforting herself. “I’m sorry, Yash. I know it’s… annoying being me...”

 “Not really. I kinda like it actually.”

 “What?”

 Inuyasha pulled ‘Kagome’s’ head from the hands he had it buried in and looked her dead in the eye. “Don’t get me wrong, I miss being myself. But I’m really glad I got to be you… to get to know you.”

 He leaned in to kiss her and she tried, she really did, but she just couldn’t; putting a hand on his mouth before he could touch her lips. “I’m sorry. I just can’t. It’s too weird.”

 Grabbing her, Inuyasha had her face cupped in ‘Kagome’s’ hands. “I told you to stop thinking like that.”

 “I guess I’m not like you. It’s hard to think about kissing myself…”

 “You’re not, you’re kissing me. Kagome, I’m nothing like you. You’re kind and strong. I thought you were just like everyone else, disgusted by me and half-demons like me. That you kept your distance from me out of fear or something. But no, you’re just hard-working and I admire the hell out of that.”

 “You… you do?”

 “Yeah. It’s sexy.” She rolled her eyes and he smiled. “Everyone is jealous of you and your skills. It’s not the first time Kikyo bitched about you to me. And you’re so beautiful, I never thought I had a chance with someone like you. But in the end… I love you, Kagome.”

 “Wh…” She couldn’t breathe. The gorgeously handsome Inuyasha was telling her he was in love with her. 

 “You didn’t even notice this morning that you told Kikyo that you loved me. Did you? Or was that just to mess with her?” 

 He was pulling back, his heart bouncing in fear. She grabbed him before he got far. “I meant it. I do love you.”

 “Then kiss me.”

 Her eyes drifted close on their own and she was drawn into him and his mouth. It didn’t even feel like she was kissing herself, it felt like she was kissing Inuyasha. Or what she imagined it would feel like, his thick lips pressing against hers. When she pulled back and opened her eyes, she was met with gold. 

 “There we go.” He whispered and before she could wrap her mind around it (being back in her body) Inuyasha pulled her back to him and smothered her lips with his mouth. 

 It didn’t seem to matter that they had been deep inside one another (literally) and knew one another’s bodies better than anyone. Not to Inuyasha as he discovered her body like it was the first time. But at the same time, it was clear he knew what she liked. It was sometime later, curled in Inuyasha’s arms, that Miroku returned. “Wow, you guys are into some freaky shit.”

 “Get the fuck out!” 

 Inuyasha proved they were back to normal by hurling his clock off his bedside table at Miroku’s head. There wasn’t any discussion of the events from that weekend between the three of them after that.

[the-peak-of-despair]

Mastermind! Chihiro Fujisaki - The Sixth Trial

This wasn’t exactly an old request, just a suggestion to write whatever I felt like. And I love mastermind AUs so fucking much, please, flood my inbox asking about them, I just wanna talk about our lord and savior mastermind chihiro - Mod Akane

“And that would mean..” Makoto begins, the realization striking him as he turns to Chihiro, staring fearfully back at him. “Y-You’re the mastermind, Chihiro!” 

There’s doubt in his voice. He doesn’t want to believe it. His friend, who’d opened up to him, who shares his deepest secrets, in his most vulnerable state… he’d orchestrated all of this? From the outside, he looked like he would burst into tears if he killed a bee. Suppose that’s the trick behind it…

“C-Chihiro..? I-It was you..?” Asahina stutters, looking at him horrified.

“I-I-” Chihiro begins to stutter. He looks like he’s on the verge of bursting into tears. No one in the courtroom believes this claim, how could they? But the evidence was stacked against him.. 

It’s before anyone can argue that Chihiro snaps into an entirely new persona, and the tears are gone. “Yep! That’s me! I’m the mastermind!” 

Everyone takes a step back. Chihiro’s face contorted in a way no one had ever imagined. In an instant, his entire personality changed. His tears evaporated into thin air and despair seemed to wash over his face, seeping down to his very core as his eyes lost all sign of true emotion.

“Gosh, you’re so smart, Makoto!” Chihiro says, clapping his hands like a child. “I can’t believe you found me out!” 

“No. There’s simply no way this is possible.” Byakuya interrupts, crossing his arms. “Chihiro, stop playing games. There’s no way you are the mastermind.”

“Oh no, I really am!” Chihiro smiles. With a snap of his fingers, Monokuma shut down, almost like he was playing dead where he stood on the ground. Chihiro left his podium and approached the robot, standing next to it and humming while he examined it.

..And then, in a sudden instant, he slammed his foot into the robot, kicking it as hard as he could. Monokuma flew into a distant wall, shattering into a million black and white pieces as Chihiro didn’t even blink. Everyone in the courtroom drew back, even Byakuya and Kirigri, unable to hide their shock.

“H-Holy shit!” Yashuiro screams in fear as Chihiro turns back towards the circle of survivors. The room begins to fill with smoke, making most people cough and wave it away from their faces. In a second, it clears, revealing Chihiro in a new outfit, with a Monokuma-esq color palette to boot.

“Da-dun-dun! That’s right, the mastermind all along was Chihiro Fujisaki!” He smiles wildly, throwing his arms out in a grand gesture. Standing between Asahina and Yashuiro at his new podium, he seems so small, but he’s so.. Terrifying. The sudden switch in personalities shook everyone to the very core.

“This doesn’t make sense..” Kirigiri mutters. “How could you control Monokuma and almost never leave our sight?” 

Chihiro backs up until he’s sat on top of the ‘throne’ Monokuma used to always sit on top of. He crosses his legs and leans back, getting comfortable in his seat above everyone else. “Pfffffffft! He’s an AI, come on Kirigiri, aren’t you smarter than this?” Chihiro mocks Kirigiri. “I’ve been living under your noses as the Ultimate Programmer, Monokuma wasn’t even my best work!” 

“That doesn’t make sense. His movements and conversations with us.. They’re nothing like any AI I’ve ever seen.” Byakuya argues.

“Clean your glasses, Byakuya! Didn’t you see Alter Ego?” Chihiro poses the question as he sits up and leans over the arm of his chair towards Byakuya. “They’re all easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!~ I’ve got an iron grip on the technology production from here to Towa City!”

“Speaking of Alter Ego..” Kirgiri interrupts, halting Byakuya’s personal slander. “What was the point of presenting him to us?” 

Chihiro lets out a giggle. “Yeaah, Alter Ego was a bit of a mistake on my part! You weren’t supposed to find it. But since you did I thought it wouldn’t hurt to spin you in the wrong direction a bit!” 

“And his execution?”

“Oh, that was Monokuma’s decision! Spur of the moment thing. I didn’t really mind, it was collateral damage!” Chihiro shrugs. “Collateral damage.. Kinda like Mondo and Kiyotaka!” He smiles, and as he watches everyone in the room come to a full stop before looking at Chihiro with disgust.

“C-Collateral d-damage..?” Makoto stutters. “T-Those were our friends, Chihiro! What the.. What the hell!? They were your friends!”

“Huh, were they?” Chihiro asks sarcastically, tapping a finger to his chin. “Huh. If they were, I just used them!” 

“Y-You what…?” Asahina stutters.

“I used them! I mean, Mondo and Taka were like a package deal! I needed Mondo to make me stronger, and Taka only played by my rules! Let me tell you, it was s-”

“S-Shut up!” Makoto interrupts Chihiro, who perks up, interested in his sudden boldness. “W-We still need to talk about what happened in the last trial!”

“Oooh, you mean where I killed Sakura and framed Toko ‘cus I got bored? What’s there to talk about?” Chihiro asks, excited. “...Aha, did I let that slip?” 

“R-Repeat that.” Asahina suddenly becomes cold, her fists balled tight at her sides. 

“I’m sure you heard me, Asahina!” Chihiro smiles, standing from his throne and once again approaching the podium. “I killed Sakua and framed Toko!”

Asahina begins to breathe heavy, doing  everything in her power to contain her anger as Chihiro continues to talk. “I mean, really, do you think Toko could actually kill Sakura? I don’t even think her wacky double-personality could’ve taken her down! So I worked a bit of magic, aaand..!”

“SHUT THE HELL UP!” Asahina screams, slamming her hands on her podium. “Y-You- You bastard! What the fuck is wrong with you Chihiro?!” She screams, turning and grabbing him by the collar, dragging him close to her face, so close that his feet barely grazed the ground. “I- You fucking killed her! Y-You killed Sakura! I-I- I loved her, you...you..!”

Chihiro doesn’t even look phased as Asahina spits venom in his face. “Hey, Hina! You remember what happened to Junko? Right?” He grins sadistically as the fear begins to strike Asahina, who drops him and takes a step back. 

There’s a familiar whirring noise, and out of nowhere there's a spear that shoots from the middle of the room towards Asahina, almost identical to what happened to Junko. Asahina flinches and draws back violently, forcing the spear to only grace her cheek before slamming into the wall behind her. She opens her eyes, breathing heavy with fear as she held her hand to her cheek. “O-Oh my god..”  

“Gah, I missed!” Chihiro pouts. “I need to get better at shooting games.” 

“G-Games?! Y-You could’ve killed me!” Asahina yells, still holding a hand to her cheek. 

“That’s the fun in it!” Chihiro grins. Once upon a time, this was a wide, innocent grin. Now, it was nothing but evil. Full of despair and agony. And that’s probably exactly what Chihiro wanted. 

Makoto could only wonder- what could possibly push this poor boy to the breaking point..?

If you looked close enough, the answer was laid out in plain sight. 

“Well!” Chihiro claps his hands. “What is there to talk about now? Surely the trial won’t come to a close so easily!” Chihiro scans the room, taking in every facial expression of pure disgust and pain around him. 

“Why..? Why did you do all this?” Makoto asks, basically gripping his podium for dear life. He couldn’t just take all of this in easily. One of his best friends, through this entire hellhole, a person he’d protected with his fucking life and would follow into battle blindly… he was the mastermind? Chihiro, a boy who no one would suspect, he was pulling the strings, he’d orchestrated every death, he’d warped Hope’s Peak into a place of despair..? 

He recalls the moment in the bathhouse when he told Kirigiri: “I’d follow you into battle if I had to!” 

And her response.. “Not such a wise choice, is it?”

Chihiro’s face falls. “Do you know what it’s like, Makoto..?” His tone changes, it’s low and unlike anything anyone had heard from Chihiro before. “To be bullied, every single day, pummeled into the fucking dirt?!” Despair overwhelms his entire face, but he starts to laugh.. “Every.. Goddamn day! Until the point where you.. Hahaa.. You’ve gotta change your whole identity, just to be safe!”  

“Chihiro.. I-” Yasuhiro looks like he’s about to set a hand on his shoulder. Forgetting for just a moment that this was a boy who’d killed his friends, and possibly even thousands, just remembering that once upon a time they were friends.  

Chihiro smacks his hand away with alarming strength, still laughing all as tears gather in his eyes. “NO!” He screams, almost like it was a reflex. “I don’t need.. Ahahaha.. I don’t need anyone’s help anymore! That despair..it only.. It only made me stronger! AhahaAHAHAHA! A-And I- I’ve basked this entire world in despair!” Chihiro hugs himself, breaking into boisterous, manic laughter. 

“What do you mean, the entire world?” Byakuya asks, seemingly unphased by Chihiro’s manic breakdown. Of course, Byakuya wasn’t ever ‘friends’ with the boy… though part of him couldn’t help but reflect on the.. Choice words he’d used against him before. 

Chihiro doesn’t even stop laughing. “Oh, ah..ahaha! I forgot all about that! While you were all locked up in here, the entire world has plunged into despair!” He claps his hands twice, before throwing his arms out wide, gesturing towards the monitors on every corner of the room. The monitors flicker, then turn on, showing a repeating news broadcast.

The broadcast was simple, a repetitive broadcast of a red sky overtop of war and destruction, all with the face of Monokuma plastered all over.  It shakes everyone in the room to the core, except for Chihiro, who gleefully watches his handiwork as he wipes his tears away. “Isn’t it lovely!? Everything destroyed.. Right down to your very bloodlines!”

“No. I simply won’t believe this.” Byakuya starts again. “This is foolish. A highschool boy couldn’t just take down the world.”

“Ahaha, I didn’t work alone, silly Byakuya!” Chihiro grins. “Despair spreads like a plague! And that plague even took down your precious Togami family!” 

“Wh-What..?” Fear seems to take over  Byakuya, if only for a split second. “Th-The Togami family doesn’t just lay down and die! Who the hell backs you!?”

Chihiro laughs. “Despair, dummy! How many times do I gotta repeat myself!?” The words send Byakuya down a spiral, even without evidence.. The very thought shook him to the core.

“H-Hey!” Makoto argues. “This can’t be true! Last I remember, the world was just fine! We’ve been here a month, tops, there’s no way you could’ve done this in all that time!” 

“Weren’t we already over this?” Chihiro asks. “You lost your memories! If I whack ya hard enough, you might get ‘em back! But we’ve all been cooped up, shielded from the outside world! And now you’ve spent your days trying to crawl out of this home we all built together! Isn’t that just a tad hypocritical?” 

“W-Wait, you mean..?” Asahina catches what Chihiro means first- the world had crumbled, and they’d all been here for two years, and then they… 

“W-What was the point of all of this!?” Makoto asks, cutting off any other thought processes about how they’d been gone for two whole years. 

“Huh? Well, I kept you alive, hijacked the airwaves, and displayed you murdering each other for the world to see because I wanted to spread despair to the last dying shreds of hope in the world!” Chihiro explains casually. “I mean, I’ve laid this all out in plain sight for you.” 

“W-” Byakuya begins to speak.

Chihiro interrupts. “Yeah, yeah, be quiet, we’ve had enough of you. Now!” He claps his hands together, excited. “Since this is a trial, I give you one last vote. You can vote for despair- vote to give me the punishment I deserve- or, vote for hope, and stay here for the rest of your golden days!”

“L-Let me get this straight..” Asahina starts. “If we just vote for hope, none of us die..?” 

Chihiro hums. “Well, I suppose, but.. That doesn’t sound as fun! So how about this: vote for hope, and I’ll only execute one of you! The rest of you get to live out the rest of your lives with moi.” He folds his hands under his chin, in an oh-so familiar way. Was he mocking Celeste..? 

“W-Who’ll get executed..?” Yasuhiro stutters.

“Hm..” Chihiro hums as he looks around the room. He starts pointing from person to person. “Eenie.. Meanie… minie… you!” He lands on Makoto, who exhibits a fearful look in return.

“Y-You’ll execute me…?” Makoto stutters, fearful. Somewhere inside him, this felt familiar. 

“Well of course! You seem to be the obvious answer.” Chihiro smiles gleefully, as if he didn’t just imply that with ease he would slaughter his friend. “Why, you used to be my closest friend! You.. were the first person I trusted! What better despair than for you to die at my own hands?” 

Makoto takes a deep breath as he turns to his friends, full of despair and pain. Their hands hovering over their levers, obvious that they would seem.. Almost willing to put Makoto’s life on the line. He looks back at Chihiro, with a devilish grin paired with despair-filled eyes. He starts to laugh, like a loud symphony, bouncing off the walls and into everyone’s ears in an inescapable manner. He laughs so hard he almost starts crying once more, laughing so much it hurt.

Laughing like someone who’d been torn up inside and out and loved every fucking minute of it.

[buddha-in-disguise]

This is how it's done

Episode 5.15 at last.

While the emphasis has been on Nia's story in this episode, the synopsis made it clear Alex, Kelly and J'onn had a secondary storyline running as well. So again we were eager to watch knowing they were finally getting more than a token few minutes together.

Did it deliver?

Oh hell yes.

You just have to look on Twitter to see the praise being heaped on it by fans.

But first let's get the elephant in the room out of the way. William.

The opening sequence as Kara is fighting with Nia, and Nia has to be the one reminding Kara she has a date? Already covered by me and others, but to reiterate: that does not give a vibe of someone excited to be going on a first date. You can't even use the excuse of her mind was on the fight, because so was Nia's.

As to Kara at her apartment with Alex prior to the date?

Those words, "Cancel it for me."

Lets say (for arguments sake) it is nerves again speaking. Maybe it is, but that she is even having those thoughts? That she completely forgot about the 1st date, and needed reminding? If Kara can't get invested in the date, how are the audience expected to become invested?

As for the date itself. Kara arrives.... having been told by Alex to wear the blue top because .... well reasons .... and she is wearing the purple? So, not wanting to go with the best look then?

I didn't mind the date per se, although I did wonder if Kara was simply trying to not show pool skills, because I can't believe for a second, with Alex as a sister, and the control Kara now has on her powers (worry over lack of control would be the only other reason for her hesitation that I can think of), Kara hasn't been pulled into playing many times.

Did I get a date vibe? No. I felt more bonding yes (like why has it taken until now to even vaguely have that much), but date? Nope. Still not feeling it. If any of the above was a one off instance, you could shrug it off. But all of them? Sorry but as I say, if Kara isn't that invested in a first date, then we can't be expected to be as invested. However, that isn't to say that William annoyed me. In truth having him more on the sidelines was a relief as it finally allowed others to get some much needed screen time.

The Nia storyline.

This is obviously one extremely close to me, as my husband is transgender, and we have other family who are also transgender.

Nicole's input was definitely felt. Some of the lines she spoke were ones we have said ourselves almost word for word.

This is a topic that is one I've been extremely vocal about, and one in particular I have spoken about (in the William and Kara at CatCo scene) is the figures for transgender people killed in the last year alone in the USA, but more importantly that this number is likely not a true representation as many who die are misgendered after death.

It was so important to show just how bad for the transgender community it is. And no, it wouldn't necessarily be a fact Kara would know. Even those in the LGBTQ community aren't always aware of these figures. As for William being the one stating the figures back to Kara, again in the context I had no qualms about it. In fact having a CIS straight man write the piece and be a supportive ally is an important message in it's own right. I was worried that wouldn't come across, but I felt it did.

If ever there was a line that spoke volumes in this weeks Supergirl episode it was this:

"They want us to be invisible because of their own fears, they want to erase us so...... we need to shine even brighter." - Nia Nal

And shine Nicole Maines (and Roxy Wood, because the additional line about being a Black transgender woman - take my heart, stomp over it, then expect me to function), did. Both deserve so much praise on the way they delivered their performances.

I genuinely cried at some of this weeks episode, because the experiences have been ones we have faced as a transgender household. Being white does afford us a privilege that Black transgender people (especially the women) don't have. But as I say, it has been something I've been vocal about for a long time.

Lastly Kara and Nia on the balcony. Holy mother of god (or goddess), tears. Again. Nicole and Melissa once again were so good it felt like a punch to the gut. Kara wiping that tear off Nia's cheek. Big ugly sobbing from me. Gah! Just ....

Now Alex and Kelly. While I'm still craving a nice intimate atmosphere at home with them, having had so little of Dansen (and Kelly) it was a relief that for once Kelly wasn't given diminished screentime. Not only that, she was instrumental in helping Alex navigate through the VR world.

Alex having that PTSD flashback to being in the tank. Whoa, finally acknowledging it affected her and obviously still does. I loved how Kelly is so good at helping Alex maintain her equilibrium. You could tell it wasn't just because of her training or profession, but as a girlfriend who knows and understands how to communicate to Alex in that moment of stress, much like Alex was able to realise Malefic was manifesting as Kelly in the earlier part of the season, simply because she knew her girlfriend well enough.

Watching Alex train to get used to the Martian weapon, felt very reminiscent of S1 where Alex was training Kara early on. It was good to see her off balance for once in her training, as she has always shown a confidence in her ability until now. For those who complain she brought up wanting to be back at the DEO, as someone who has heavy military presence in our family (for at least 4 generations on my maternal side), I can safely say, going from military (and remember the DEO is recognised and spoken about in canon as being a military operation), and suddenly and unexpectedly thrown back into civilian life is one heck of an adjustment. It's an adjustment for most even when they know it's coming. To be so abrupt, so unexpected? Alex is going to want that structure back, and have that support around her. It is absolutely not unrealistic for her to feel this way or to talk about it. I would've been more surprised if she hadn't.

"And this is my gun."

Alex giving no crap. The whole rescue sequence was a joy to watch.

If I had a complaint, as I mentioned, I would've loved just a moment of real quiet intimacy between Kelly and Alex. We've barely seen anything of that sort. I hope we get something next episode (which also looks amazing from the trailer).

I could go through the episode and pick up so many times on how good it was. It was so much, I know I will have forgotten something I wanted to say. But I'm exhausted (almost no sleep will do that to you, damn being in the UK and these stupid o'clock viewing times), and it was so much to unpack.

Brainy, was barely in the episode but damn, so lovely (& heartbreaking) to see him give the information to the NCPD to help against transphobic attacks.

Onto a side plot, but finally we have more about Leviathan.

Leviathan have those bodies suspended.

What if William dies in 5.19 and becomes one of those suspended bodies for 5.20 or was supposed to, as Nicole mentioned on her Instagram story they still had scenes to film, and a couple were pretty amazing? With Staz back, would it have involved him, possibly as a sleeper agent? I've touted this idea before. While I would prefer that a MOC isn't cast into being a bad guy again, or killed off, I would more than happily see him simply go back to London and The Times. But I guess we wait to see what happens there.

But if, like Russell in 5a, he becomes an unwitting agent of Leviathan & a bad guy, cue fight scene, possibly in a VR setting? Maybe? Who knows.

Last but by no means least - they killed off Jeremiah. Since we're not entirely sure if Cadmus operated in the same way on Earth Prime as they did on Earth 38, we don't yet know the circumstances behind his death.

Will we get more explanation about it? Honestly I'm not overly bothered unless it helps serve a current storyline. Merely because episode numbers are running out, and it does at least bring us closure on his character one way or another. Something a lot of us have questioned for so long now.

As for complaints, the only ones expressing any real disappointment have been fans who have either regularly attacked other fans (especially those of in the SC or Dansen fandoms), or the outright transphobic users (I won't call them fans), who as the episode makes clear, are everywhere. The transphobes come out in force everytime with Nicole, so it isn't a surprise to see them again. As Nia says, it what transgender people face on a daily basis.

Plus with no Lena in the episode, it helps show that fans didn't need a Lena/Kara centric episode for this to garner such positive reactions, particularly from the LGBTQ fans. In some ways, as many have been saying (yes even SC fans), this Lena drama has long since gone by its sell by date and not having Lena once more stuck in her laboratory wasn't missed. And god, I say this as a huge Lena fan. I still want her on screen of course, but we need progression on what is happening with her. Both Lex and Lena have felt stale of late, and while I know it changes as we get into the last few episodes, I can truly say neither was missed this time. And before anyone jumps in, no this isn't bashing SC (I still ship both Dansen and SC, as well as Brainia), or saying SC shouldn't happen, or Lena is evil, or not needed. I don't think that at all. I merely am getting tired of a merry-go-round on Lena in her laboratory that we've had of late, & the only interaction has been with Lex. Time to break her out of that cell!

I don’t know what they were putting in the water in Vancouver when they did the Batwoman and Supergirl episodes this week, but they both had me simultaneously laughing & crying! It looked ugly for a minute there.

Both were outstanding episodes.

As much as I've had my criticism over some of this season, when Supergirl get it right like they did here, they soar! This was one of my top episodes for the entire series.

And despite all the news in the world right now, Supergirl trended on Twitter again.

Gif courtesy of @ Daily_danvers on Twitter.

[amwritingmeta]

JiB10

So, last year, for various reasons, I didn’t actually put down my experience of JiB, but are y’all ready to hear all about this year’s experiences and adventures? 

Well, in condensed form. I mean, what is this - LiveJournal? (okay yeah kinda is but no not going into excruciating detail here just the best bits) (the choice cuts, as it were) (watch me go full butcher) (it’ll be entertaining I swear) :P

So, firstly, I’m a panel rat. I fucking love those panels. All the panels. It’s mainly why I get the Angel Pass, because the seats are so good and I’m all about them good seats, yeah? 

I have friends who spend a whole lot of time in line for ops or for autos and I just… can’t… do that. Not when there’s talking happening and answering of questions and just that room being MAGIC, because the entire con feels so inclusive and filled with open-minded like-minded human beings who share in our love of this glorious show.

I started a JiB Log, but figured I’d get too distracted to actually update it regularly, because that’s what last year was like. When you’re not in a panel you’re either walking to grab something quick to eat (have to commend the little smoothie place at the airport, because they did good sandwiches and really good coffee at a reasonable price) or you’re heading to the hotel bar to get absolutely plast-… No, actually didn’t do that this year, so correction: or you’re heading to the hotel bar to see who’s there and catch up with people who have been to their ops and are still shaking with excitement. 

(you can also comment on the wonderful imagination of strangers in the ladies’ room when you see them shaking with excitement and are dressed up in bridal gowns) (okay there was one lovely dressed up as a bride so maybe plural is the wrong way to go but the sentiment holds true) (JiBers - you are so fucking awesome and I LOVE YOU ALL)

Okay, so wanna know the most basic things I’ve learned about how to JiB? I mean… if you don’t, then stop reading, I guess, because imma tell ya. #fairwarning

Bring Snacks (you won’t regret it) 

Bring Alcohol (you won’t regret it)

Good Footwear (you won’t regret it)

Clothes For Every Occasion (you may regret it if you overpack) (don’t overpack) (Google “packing tutorial by Jensen Ackles”) (worth it)

Choose Wisely (just general solid advice) (I mean, get your priorities straight) (panel rat or up close and personal kitty cat) (or both) (sidenote: I take it choosing to be both is quite stressful) (make sure that your stress sensors are up and that you don’t overdo it) (switching between rat and cat is bound to be internally messy) (okay that actually came out as not haha solid but actual solid advice so yeah) (be prepared that doing both is difficult!) (and having lots of ops and wanting to do all autos means probably missing a whole lot of panels for standing in line and waiting) (even the solo panels with the main players or - and I will question your sanity - the joint panels that close the weekend) (well not the very final panel) (nobody missed the J2M panel because all ops and autos had closed by then) (but yes prioritise wisely)

Be Open (because, no matter what, you are bound to meet someone you click with at this event) (most people) (actually every stranger I gave a throwaway comment to) (were so chill and happy to have a brief chat or share a moment with me) (so even if you’re traveling by yourself you are bound to feel embraced) *jazz hands rome magic*

Pinches of Salt (take everything you see and hear with healthy pinches of salt) (I briefly forgot about this on Monday morning and oh boy I could’ve saved myself a world of stupidity if I’d only remembered it yeah?)

MNC (get your sweet ass to the Monday Night Concert because both my years of JiBing it has been mind-blowing) (this year was better than last year honestly) (which I did not think could happen) (they are the bee’s bees and the bear’s bear) *throws all the love at them*

When it comes to impressions and memories made this particular trip, I feel like the whole week has been one long run of blessings. Sincerely, it’s been - oh what’s the word again? --> MAGIC. 

I’m not going to go through all the boring personal moments of Holy Fuck *jazz hands rome magic* but I will just say that I think I stepped out of passport control with the widest smile, and it barely left my face for the entire weekend. The panels were wonderful this year. I’m still on a high. No, seriously. It’s almost a week later and I haven’t been hit by the JiB blues yet, and perhaps I won’t this year.

*prays I land a pass for next year* *GAH* *the nail-biting begins*

Confession time? (…when in Rome)

Confession 1 — I have such a crush on Rob. I mean, I’ve had it for years, but time to make it official, I guess. He just seems like the sweetest, loveliest human being and watching him sing is like… watching the stars light in the sky. He is such an amazing singer and performer. He made me cry. He sang Fare Thee Well and he made me cry at the Monday Night Concert. 

*no I was NOT drunk* *though damn that G&T was strong* *oh btw the drinks in Rome are amazing and worth the money because extra alcoholic* *like damnnnnn* *just as an aside* *but also bring your own bourboun* *winks at @waywardliliana* *sup gurl?* *winks again* *winks some more* *can’t stop now* *licks lips* *yeah I know* *uncomfortable?* *licks lipssss againnnnn* *okay stopping now* *….or am I…….?*

:P

Confession 2 — The panel-watching truly is a huge amount of fun. This year there were a lot of things said that made me want to jump up and down in my seat, because it gives me a lot of hope for season fifteen and Jensen provided most of it on the Saturday, and then Jared was pretty much agreeing with Jensen’s assessments of how the brothers’ journeys should end on the Sunday, and I was like GAH! *happy* And then Misha throws in his belief that there needs to be a sacrifice and tragedy and we all went NO! Also his fear that this family of ours will disperse and we all went NOOO! :) Anyway, these are all stated observations, but the confession is this:

As much as I love spending time in a space that is occupied by some of my favourite human beings on this planet (oh but they are), what makes JiB so truly, deeply, personally special is meeting up with friends who otherwise live too far away to see on the regular. All of us convening in this one place to share in this one great love is like electricity through your veins. It’s like… well, it’s like going to a place of worship, and I think you know what I mean. When you’re in a room with a group of peope who’s energy jives with yours, then your energies align, and resonate, and then — MAGIC.

It’s magical. It’s fucking magical. *jazz hands*

Shoutout to everyone I managed to see this year who have not yet been lip-licked at in this post (or real life), whether it was much too brief (so many of you were much too brief) or whether we spent quality time, seeing you all really made the trip sparkle: 

@captainhaterade - who made such a fantastic and impromptu seat mate - thank you, Emily, for having me next to you for most of the weekend! :D 

@eriquin - Meghan, it was so lovely to meet you and I’m thrilled you and Emily both enjoyed your first con, very happy I got to be a part of it! :)

@trickster-angel - my dear Chiara, it took us a few tries, but we finally got to sit down in the Corner (if you get to go next year then I think this may be where we’re all just convene from now on) (*suggestion*) *nobody puts us in a corner except us!* :P So good to meet you!

@inacatastrophicmind - Mara! We met much, much too briefly, but I’m so, so glad we did! See you around tumblr, my friend, and hopefully at JiB11! :)

@misskittyspuffy - aw man, Aurelie, we kept missing each other and I really wanted to sit down and have a proper lunch or dinner, but at least you and--

@assbuttboyfriends - hey, Claire, my dear, at least you and Aurelie aren’t that far away, right? Come visit me in London, I tell ya! :D Otherwise, proper plan-making for next year. xx

@bold-sartorial-statement - a brief hello was still a good hello! Hope you enjoyed the con! xx

@jenmdixon - it was good to say hello to you, my dear, and really hope you enjoyed the con (and didn’t die under those lights because it got HOT) (no wonder the actors are fan-addicts) :) xx

@purgatory-jar - Elena, it was, as ever, fantastic to see you and I’m stoked I got to have a proper lunch with you this time around. You have always been and will always be one of my absolute favourite artists in this fandom and, by extension, anywhere. Already a star, girl!

Shoutout to @northern-sparrow - I was sorry that I missed you at the bar, but there’s always next year. Hope you enjoyed the con and thanks for asking The Perfect Question. :D xx

Finally, @godshipsit​ -- Alessia, my friend, you are this calm, welcoming, very dear part of Rome and JiB for me (last year you supported me so much just by being there) and you are simply brilliant! *all the prettiest flowers at your door*

And to my two felines who are tumblring, but not very often: Laura and Steph, you wonderfuls! Thanks for all the laughs!!

*I now proceed to throw love at you all*

Confession 3 — I have a Favourite Moose. Nope, it’s not who you think it is. (girl, I almost put the hashtag on here but in the current climate) (I think I’d just better not) (especially since I wanna tag you) (hey, Moose!) (hey @natmoose!) (yes you!) (Nat-Blue!) :) #theconversationalists 

Now, the highlights from this years con are too numerous for me to write them all down, really, but here’s a taster:

Ricky Whittle (the man is a genius comedian)

Rob talking about how his fandom experience has changed since he, for the first time, is seeing comments like “I hate your face” (the way he says “I hate your face”) (*giggle*) (also it’s such a question of tone because most of those “I hate your face”s are probably said with loads of love) (because Chuck going ultimate big bad toxic masculinity representative is fucking BRILLIANT) *love to hate his face* 

Matt telling the airplane story

Alex reenacting different parts of the airplane story

Alex choosing Jasmine from Aladdin to put a spin on and making the twist that he’ll rob the wishes from Aladdin like -->

Alex: *sings* I can show you the world *interrupts* I’m just like yo, just give me these wishes. Don’t mess with me. How about this? I’ll show myself the world, okay?

I really, really very much like Alexander Calvert, okay?

Briana being distracted by herself on the stage monitor (she’s gorgeous and she knows it and is also open about how it costs her a lot of money and time and effort and how that’s not for everyone and real beauty runs so much deeper) (which is why she is the most gorgeous woman)

Jared telling us all to shut up during his Sunday morning solo panel (and basically all of his time on stage, but especially this half an hour of stage time, because my GOD he was in such a good mood)

Misha

Jensen going off on a minor rant about Game of Thrones S08E05 because yesssss

Jared doing that jump-and-a-skip at his panel with Misha

Jared’s panel with Misha

Jensen telling Misha he loves him and them hugging, only for Jensen to turn it into a joke and pretty effectively demonstrating how this is how they interact and they don’t mean anything by taking the piss out of each other because yesssss

sincerely, all the solo panels (especially Jensen’s, because he’s so sincere and open and honest about how seriously he takes his work and it’s gorgeous and inspiring and always has been and always will be and)

I mean, Jensen lying flat on his back on that stage and Misha saying You Sexy Bitch is very, very, very… overt. I side-eye. But with a whole lot of appreciation for the balls on those two. I’d venture that they know exactly what they’re doing, and I’ll forever wonder what the percentage is between performative and spur-of-the-moment. Sometimes I think you can tell, but… oh, they know what we like. Usually. :)

Jared bringing the dirty. I just love his filthy mind.

All of their filthy minds tbh. 

Singing Carry On My Wayward Son in the hallway after the final panel is just… one of the best parts, and this year they all came out and high fived and gave hugs and… it was special 

The Monday Night Concert surpassed last year’s and went on for nearly two hours and was deeply moving for many reasons and I wish to the good Heavens (…okay you know what I mean) that Jensen and Briana will record Shallow because I think their version beat the original (damn Briana’s voice is just… damn!) (and I can’t talk about Jensen singing please don’t make me talk about it) (…) (thank you)

Also Richard Speight Jr because Richard Speight Jr!!

Also just Jason Manns because Jason Manns!!

And The Four Cheese!!

See, there’s just tOO MuCH STuFF

<3

And now it’s over and I’m still hopped up on the adrenaline and the happiness and Jensen talking about spreading happiness (I believe it was either during the opening panel with he and Jared on the Saturday or his solo panel later that afternoon) made me feel light as a feather, because he’s right. A healthy dose of real happiness builds you up from the inside out and makes you believe you’re worth it. All of it, yeah? And that, whatever comes your way, you can handle it. Oh, it can be a struggle, but if you only dare to be open, then good things, my peeps. 

Good things do happen.

I hope to see you next year!!

[elsaclack]

hi em how are you? i've been dying to get your opinion on the lover album, if you have the time/interest :)

hi i’m good!!! i’m real good my mom’s doctor gave us really good news yesterday so i’m cruising on good vibes rn and yeah i’m great!!!

literally i have been DYING to unload my thoughts on lover since 3 seconds after it came out omg????? i had a deeply intense discussion with my roommate last night about each song on the album and what it specifically means to us so like this is Peak Talking Opportunity For Me which as a messy hoe i honestly love

i’m putting it under the cut though bc i do not want to be Obnoxious

okay first and foremost, i forgot that you existed? DEEPLY iconic. my roommate doesn’t like this one as much as some of the others on the album but it’s def top 3 for me. like, everything about it is so perfect - the message the song sends is one of hope for people who are kind of hopelessly tangled up in drama at the moment (i.e. don’t worry, soon enough you’re going to wake up one day and forget that all of those people even exist (which is HELLA true)) but like!!! even the music she wrote with the song kind of supports the message!! my roommate’s biggest complaint with that song is that she feels like the music needs to Build and Go Places more than it does, but like........god the whole point of the song is that it’s written to a person taylor’s indifferent toward, shouldn’t the music seem a little indifferent too?? like yes there’s joy and it does build and it does move but if it DID get super dramatic it would actually contradict the message of the song so like??? it’s??? perfect??? and i have scream-singed it in my car a million times already thank u for asking

i’ll be honest, cruel summer doesn’t do as much for me as some of the other songs on the album,,,,,i mean i like it and i can DEF sing along to it and the line “i love you ain’t that the worst thing you’ve ever heard” is such a mood. it’s the first song on the album that i was like oh she probably started writing that (or at least getting the idea to write it) the summer every angry mob in america was calling for her head bc like there’s definitely a sense of self-deprecation/preservation in some of the lyrics. idk it strikes me as a song about how terrifying vulnerability is especially in the face of such public and global hatred directed toward you

LOVER. lover. lllllllover oh my god i love lover which i was not prepared to do since that word seriously bums me out 100% of the time but it’s so sweet??? so sweet and honest and like. what i thought love was when i was a kid?? just finding that other person and being like “oh, you’re like....you’re IT” and like HA wouldn’t it be grand to be in love?? also the brIDGE??? THE BRIDGE!!!!! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WILL YOU PLEASE STAND!!! WITH EVERY GUITAR STRING SCAR ON MY HAND!!! I TAKE THIS MAGNETIC FORCE OF A MAN TO BE MY LOVERRRRRR!!!! MY HEART’S BEEN BORROWED AND YOUR’S HAS BEEN BLUE!!! ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL TO END UP WITH YOU!!! SWEAR TO BE OVER-DRAMATIC A N D T R U E TO MY LOVERRRRR!!!! and oh man i wanna be in love anyways moving on

the man honestly took me a few tries to like but i definitely have a healthy amount of respect for it now. like idk it felt a little out of place at first given that this whole album is supposed to be about love and that song is,,,,,,not (at first glance) but the more i listen to it the more i realize that it sort of is in a way? like she’s been painted as this serial dater since day one when in reality her dating history isn’t really that sordid?? just extremely public. and in listening to the lyrics it sort of dawned on me that her frustration with the way society treats women stems from that reputation (ha) that was forced on her and the way that reputation colored every other interaction she’s ever had with popular culture. like every microinteraction i’ve heard about involving her has been overwhelmingly positive but then you look at media as a whole and they make her out to be this entirely different person and part of u has to wonder if it would even be an issue if you took all the same behaviors, dating history, microinteractions etc. and applied them to an equally famous man. and the answer is no it would not be an issue

the archer made me cry the first time i heard it and it still kind of strikes me at my core a lot if i don’t distract myself with other things while it’s on? like sitting down and actually listening to the words is. tough bc i relate to it a lot and not in the fun scream-sing in the car way that i relate to i forgot that you existed. that song actually makes me really uncomfortable with who i am bc like god!!!!! i have been the archer!!!! i have been the prey!!!! i don’t understand why people have left me and i REALLY don’t understand why people stay!!!!! in all seriousness though it goes back to that struggling with vulnerability thing - by being vulnerable you’re opening up the scariest, rawest parts of yourself to other people and risking being rejected for those scary raw parts. it’s a song about struggling between building those walls up to protect yourself or risking getting hurt for the sake of love - and lucky for her she seems to have found someone who has seen the scary raw stuff in her life and has decided that he wants to stay

i think he knows is the song both me and my roommate bump in our cars whenever we go places together because it’s SO FUN i don’t even know what else to say other than i cry laughing every time my roommate tries to sing “lyrical smile indigo eyes hand on my thigh we can follow the sparks i’ll drive” bc it’s SUCH a tongue-twister for her it’s fhaldskfhadslfkj FUNNY

miss americana & the heartbreak prince is another one that i was kind of so-so about at first but the more i listen to it the more i love it?? it’s so Dramatique in the best way like it makes me feel like i’m watching a movie preview about a dystopian high school in slow motion and honestly i LOVE it

my roommate’s favorite song on the whole album is paper rings and i love it too honestly it’s another one we bump in the car bc it’s SUPER fun to sing with other people lmfao she described it as “the song you hear in a preview for a romcom set in new york city” and i was like YEAH THAT’S ACCURATE but what’s really funny is that?? that’s probably?? exactly?? what it is?? anyways

i’m kind of...meh...about cornelia street yikes i’ve read people talking about how good it is and i’m trying to like it but it’s just,,,,i mean it’s not bad not by any stretch of the imagination but personally i like other songs on the album more hfaldskfjs

death by a thousand cuts!!!!!! that’s my roommate’s other favorite song lmao!!! again the more i listen to it the more i like it but i def like others on the album more at this point

i had london boy stuck in my head all day yesterday it’s so funny god i know a lot of people who live in and around london have some issues with it which is FINE i won’t pretend like i know anything about it but i think it’s cute LMAO

i can’t listen to soon you’ll get better without legit ugly crying (like we’re talking full on sobbing) just because of everything going on with my own mom right now so maybe in a year or two when things have cleared a little for her i might be able to listen to it again but rn i’ve only listened to it all the way through once

honestly i don’t really like false god that much and i can’t really identify why it’s just,,,,fhasdlfk

you need to calm down is just a straight up bop that i sing in the shower a lot and i know it was controversial esp after the music video came out but like. on a base level the song is just fun

afterglow is one of my other top three on the album,,,,,,,,bc again,,,,,,,,,,relatable,,,,,,,like realizing that she’s safe with this person after kind of instinctively flying off the handle,,,,,,,god. idk i’ve heard a lot of apology songs in the past but this one kind of strikes me bc like,,,,idk she takes full responsibility for it rather than trying to justify it with the conditions that beat that kind of behavior into her over the last few years. she’s taking responsibility for her actions, she’s apologizing, she’s asking him to stay, and at the same time she’s pointing out that she’s human and will probably make similar mistakes in the future and idk that’s just reassuring? bc i’m also human and i also make really big dumb mistakes that hurt other people in the name of self-preservation and i can only hope that someday i’ll meet someone who will stick around anyways

me! is a bop as well it’s massively overplayed at this point and i kind of skip it when i’m listening by myself but my roommate and i scream-sing that one too LMFAO

it’s nice to have a friend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! this really is what i thought love would be when i was in like 3rd grade and just becoming aware of it as a concept!!!!!!!! there was a little boy who lived next door and we were best friends growing up and there was never any romantic aspect to our friendship (that i am aware of) but we used to play outside together all the time and it was sweet and simple and secure and that’s the way that song makes me feel!!! also i read that every single instrument/vocal performance on that song (outside of taylor herself) was done by a children’s music group which just adds to the childlike sweetness of the song and gah it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside

daylight,,,,,,,,,,,,,that’s my number 1 y’all i freaking LOVE daylight holy HELL i can’t wait to make my other roommate play/sing it with me at our house show next month??? god it’s just. it’s so indicative of where she’s been, the hell she’s been through both internally- and externally-imposed, and how it makes this moment she now gets to have with the person she loves that much sweeter?? i don’t know i feel like my heart is going to explode every time i hear it and i’m not even remotely close to being in love so i can’t imagine how much deeper it’ll hit if/when i ever do fall in love again and

god i just

i really like lover as an album a WHOLE lot 

[folerdetdufoler]

about a minute after i pulled away from my house on tuesday i realized i forgot my pink face paint but it was already too late to turn around. doing something like that would cause the dominoes of delays to topple and i wouldn’t actually make my flight. for that sacrifice i was rewarded smooth travel, but that meant my friday was a little less...fredag-y. alas.

i woke up for the sunrise again, and was rewarded with a mostly clear sky. the weather was turning out better than expected, which was good because i was planning on some walking today. the night before jenn invited me to ett bord for lunch, so that was my first scheduled event for the day, but i had some stops i wanted to make for personal, skam-related reasons.

after a leisurely breakfast i got dressed and applied sunscreen. then i messaged with nadège to figure out where to meet up on my way to nissen. i wanted to visit the national gallery, even though it was closed, as just a final nod to the museum that inspired rule of seven. we managed to message a firm meet up and then completely miss each other on the street, but we got our shit together eventually and made it to the museum. it was a little sad, if only because another tourist came up to us asking where the entrance was, and we had to break the news that the museum was closed at that location. granted, it was probably confusing seeing us taking pictures of the building as if it were still an active site, but still less confusing than the instructions i tried to give them about visiting the new museum in 2020 (uhhhh wtf kerry).

we moved on. we went to the school for no reason other than to step back into that world for a little bit, check up on the benches. we went to the KB for a drink, and then walked to the restaurant. i’m glossing over most of this because a lot of what was said during this time made me uncomfortable, and it all kind of built up over the next few hours until i snapped at lunch. i didn’t speak out or anything, i just capslocked on twitter once and then tried to tune everyone out. for some reason the restaurant was playing exclusively ed sheeran songs, so i just listened to that instead. i plucked heads and exoskeletons off of shrimp and drowned myself in lukewarm pop music.

the food was good. it was the first time i’d eaten shrimp like that. i don’t know what i was expecting, ordering “norwegian shrimp,” but that was exactly what it was and i shouldn’t have been so shocked. but in general i powered through.

after lunch i went back to the hotel to change before the park. i didn’t have my face paint but i was going to wear a skirt because it was robyn and apparently “one step up from the bare minimum” is my love language. i fell asleep at some point in my preparations, and woke up with my thumb still scrolling through instagram. then i was late, and missed seeing girl in red. but i found my girls as they migrated to the next stage, and was blessed with an absolutely electric performance from christine and the queens. it was another artist i’d never listened to before but i instantly regretted that; she blew us away with her energy and attitude and message, pumping out songs that your heart somehow already knew. it was a good mood-lifter, which i sorely needed after that afternoon.

okay well hold the phone because it’s been weeks since i started writing this post and i definitely lost my train of thought. after christine and the queens we went to get food. after we found a table to sit at, jenni, taru, and kati found us to do some hilarious candy trades. i was not aware of how valuable reese’s are overseas. but the point of mentioning this is that i was being wildly rude to these women because i was not sure who they were, and thus acted very cold. jenn had actually introduced me to jenni the day before and i simply did not connect her to the person i had chatted with online, someone i already knew. so i just compartmentalized them into “oh these are jenn’s friends” and kept myself out of their conversations. it’s kind of a generally rude thing to do, to shut myself off instead of trying to integrate with small talk, but here it was extra rude because i seemed to be ignoring the fact that we’d already “met.” gah! also i’m not sure when i finally connected the dots, but it was late enough to feel deep embarrassment about it and not really figure out how to apologize about it. so i didn’t. i think i tried to be more friendly when we met up the next day but knowing me i probably wasn’t. anyway, i apologize both for how i acted and for not acknowledging it/apologizing for it in person. i usually have a good reason for being rude, but this time it was just...insecurities? ugh.

okay so...the rest of the evening was just ROBYN. we tended to always gather around the same location, stage right, not too close but decently close because i fucking flew to oslo for this. and with every successive evening, the crowds were packed in tighter and more likely to dance. i was still trying to get used to the general lack of personal space but pretty early on i just gave up trying to stand my ground, letting people push past me and not worrying about who i was pushing in return. like, no one was going to win the fight for whatever little patch of grass you were standing on.

it was also an interesting experience as someone who is very aware of how much space she takes up in this world (too much!), being forced to acknowledge that constantly by the pressure of other people against my front and back. it didn’t help that i was wearing a backpack. but most of the time i can ignore that “bigness” by only being in spaces that allow me to fit with ample air around me. (the closest i get to other people these days is my airplane seat.) at a general admission concert though, that doesn’t exist. so i would sing and dance and think about weighing 237 pounds. i don’t know if it was necessarily a bad thing, just a new thing, and it was probably actually good to have that constant awareness, to shrink my comfort zone. i dunno. the real fight was me going back and forth thinking “i wish i took up less space” and “you deserve as much space as any other human being.”

clearly the problem with waiting a month to write a travel recap is that it actually becomes a therapy session about things that could’ve been figured out back in the states. so let’s really move on to robyn. leading up to the festival i’d been lazily following robyn’s tour, watching her play new york city twice and eating up every fan video of “dancing on my own,” where she let the crowd sing it for her simply because they were going to anyway. i was so excited to finally be part of that crowd, to hear the music like that, in my bones. and i did.

i tried to get my picture-taking out of the way at the beginning, because all i needed was one clear photo that could prove i was there. i don’t think i actually got it, but the important thing was i put my phone away and just enjoyed the music for most of her set. i had it ready to go when her two hits started, of course, but robyn, of all of the artists i’d seen, seemed most focused on creating an atmosphere for everyone to just be in. we had billowing curtains and sensual dancers that moved the air around us, which moved us too. we all were encased in lace with ribbons in our hair.

at some point i noticed a guy off to my right who was holding his plastic cup, the reusable one meant for the festival, and it was lit up. he had turned on his camera’s flashlight and was amplifying it through the bottom of the cup. i thought it was very clever and was impressed, wishing i could pause the concert to get enough space to retrieve my cup from my backpack and join him. i wanted to sway and hold up my lighter too.

i think i pointed it out to nadège in that pantomime way, just trying to direct her eyes away from the stage and hoping she’d figure the rest out on her own. she, of course, was already aware, because she then pointed out everyone else at the concert doing the same thing. i don’t know why i didn’t see it before, why i thought only this one guy was doing it, but the rest of the joint was lit up like a candlelight vigil. (looking back at the video i took during her bows, i’m realizing i simply didn’t see it because i’m too fucking short. i had to hold my phone up over my head to see the rest of the crowd beyond the border wall of shoulders around me.) she had the whole crowd at her feet, keeping watch, sending out electro-pop prayers.

i got what i came for. i got the rush of nostalgia for bånder, the single, freeing heartbeat of everyone dancing on their own, and the press of bodies to remind you you’re not actually alone. i was in oslo, the lights were blue, and i felt the pulse that’s been keeping me company ever since the clip dropped. as uncomfortable as my body might’ve been, my heart felt like it was where it belonged.

ugh that was some purple ass writing right there. and now i have to follow it up with “and then i walked back to the hotel.” because i did. i opened a new tab on my computer, and like it’s been doing for the past nearly-three years, it directed to the skam homepage. tap, tap, scroll, and then bånder was playing, chris was dancing, and isak and even were learning what electricity felt like with just a single point of eye contact.

then i was probably too buzzed to fall asleep for another couple of hours which is always a good life choice when you’re already severely sleep deprived. but when i did eventually nod off, i did so knowing that isak and even were on their way to falling in love, and an entire park had felt it too.

[heartforheart532]

THOS2: A weekend to never forget

So I promised I would give a coverage of my weekend at THOS2 as soon as I would get my HD pictures in. I just got them today so I’ve decided to share my story with you guys finally! It’ll be quite a long post so if you’re interested in hearing about me meeting the best cast there is on this planet feel free to continue reading! :)

So this was my first convention ever so I was very curious to see how things would turn out. I was also very, very nervous to finally meet the amazing people who bring these characters to live so amazingly. So Saturday, our first day, started with an opening panel where the casts greets us and everything and shortly after the OPS were beginning. So the first block was Matt, Harry, Jade and Will. I had Matt and Harry first (and to be honest I was the most nervous to meet those two so that didn’t really ease my nerves. xD).

Meeting Harry Shum Jr So I was told to go to Harry first and boy, I was shaking in my shoes about how nervous I was meeting him. Photo ops go very quick so in no time it was my turn to take a picture with him and my heart was just beating out of my chest but when I saw him, he just smiled at me and greeted me with a hug and immediately asked me “Hi! How are you doing?’’ and I could talk with him without even stuttering. Like, one hug and all my previous worries about being nervous just flew out the window. He was so sweet and patient with me and I am forever thankful I got the opportunity to meet this man. They day after I met him at the autographe and I had bought him an omamori and I’ll never forget our little conversation we had when I walked up to the table for the autograph session. He asked me how I was doing, if I still had some energy after these tiring two days and even danced with me a little! (Well he danced a bit in his chair but still, AHH) His reaction when he saw the omamori was the cutest thing ever. “An omoari! Oeeh, thank you so much!’’ (Also when he saw our picture he casually said, “Oh yeah I remember you!’’ and I was screaming on the inside.)

Meeting Matthew Daddario So, after my photoshoot with Harry on the saturday, I immediately queued for Matt’s line in the room where the photo’s were taken. At this point I was a little nervous again because... hello it’s Matt. When I was behind the curtain where Matt took his pictures I could hear him go; “Guys I look ridiculous! I am gonna look ridiculous in these pictures!’’ And at first I thought maybe it were some girls wanting to do some cosplay with hum but NOPE, he was worried about his hat hair! (He wore a cap when he came in during the opening panel and clearly was asked by the crew at the beginning of his photo session to take it off. He later but it back on. xD) So, it was my turn and I walk up to him, give him a hug (which holy shit they all give amazing hugs) and the usual “how are you doing chat’’. So we take out picture and as I’m about to leave (you’re not allowed to hang around for very long) he turns to me and goes “Does my hair look ridiculous to you?’’ and I blink at first and then am like; “What? No! No you look fine, Matt!’’ And he continues to be like “I should’ve done something with it.’’ and I literally stare him dead in the eyes and say: “Matt, you look beautiful.’’ and he FUCKING SMILED AND SAID “Aw, thanks!’’ Yeah no, I was an emotional dead mess after that. Later on this day I had an autographe session with him where I gave him a self made omamori. He was very clearly tired and had a long day behind him so I didn’t want to take up much of his time. I gave him the omamori (which he loved by the way) but forgot to tell him I actually had made it myself. So the next day I had another autographe session and op with him. Because the queue for his op was so long this time there was not much time for small talk, I gave him a hug again and we did the parabatai op which I loved because OH DAMN HE STARES STRAIGHT INTO YOUR SOUL AND THEN HAS THE AUDICITY TO SMIRK AT YOU. ANyways so later on that sunday I had my last autogrpahe session which was him and got my friend an autographe from him. So he asked me about my friend and I told him about her where after I gave him the letter I asked him if he remembered me giving him the omamori. “Yeah! The tiny one right?’’ and so I explained that I made it myself and he was very surprised about that and when I gave him the letter I said that everything was written in there and he went like “Wait, lemme write omamori on it. That way I know it’s from you!’’ after that I said my goodbyes to him and a friend of mine who was stillin line offered a shoulder to cry upon because I was so emtionally overwhelmed :’) But yeah, Matthew Daddario is an angel and I feel so blessed I have met him. 

Meeting Alberto Rosende OKAY THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOMENTS OF THE ENTIRE EFFING WEEKEND.

Let me start off with the fact that Alberto is a Gryffindor and I am a Gryffindor. Last Christmas my friend had gifted me a Gryffindor scarf so... I took that with me to the con. So when I had my op with him (I had two in one row) I wrapped the scarf around his neck and told him “You can borrow it for today.’’ And his eyes just... widened in surprise and he was like “Oh, thank you. This is so cool.’’ So we did a pose with the scarf and then a regular hug pose afterwards. Later that saturday I also had an autographe with him so naturally, I decided I wanted him to sign the gryffindor op! This entire exchange owns my heart. Alberto Rosende is the kindest soul I have ever met and I only love him more after this convention. So when it was my turn for his autographe he was eating some sweets and I playfully asked him if they were good. He  was like “Yeah! Do you want some?’’ They were lemon napoleons AND I DO NOT SAY NO TO SOUR CANDY. So I gave him the picture of us and at first he wrote my name; “Anja. That’s a really pretty name. I love that name.’’ I think I blushed bright red at that lol. Then he saw the op and he gasped and before he even started writing I was like; “Gryffindor’s for life!’’ he stops all movements and was like: “I WAS GONNA WRITE THAT!’’ And we high fived and aahhh my heart was screaming with happiness. So when he had signed my photo I gave him an envelope with a letter and a tiny gift. He looked at me and was like; “Can I open it now?’’ And I was like, yes of course! So he opened it and he smiled so big when he saw the bas guitar keychain I got him. It reminded me of him as well as of Simon so I figured it would be a perfect gift for him. He told me he loved it and honestly, he made my entire day with this exchange. :’’)

Meeting Emeraude, Kat and Dom + the autographes with Jade and Will So these three ops and autographes went quite fast so I’ve decided to put them under one headline lol. With Jade and Will I only had an autographe.

I had two autographes with Kat on the saturday, one for me and one for a friend. Her throat was very sore from when she was in Australia so I talked and laughed about that bit with her and then she was asking me how I liked the convention and such. Her op was super rushed, it was in and out in the snap of a fingers but she was an angel. 

Emeraude was an absolute sweetheart. I talked a bit at the autographe with her about the con as well and then sunday we had our photo op. So I wanted to do the parabatai pose with her and Eme being Eme she was a bit confused which one it was but I showed her and she was like “Oh right! Well as you know I don’t have a parabatai but now you are my first one!’’ “Well I’m very honored to be!’’ She was gorgeous in real life and such a joy to talk with and see at panels.

Dom’s ops were a bit rushed as well but I had the chance to talk to him a bit and gah, his accent in real life. fuck man. Will’s accent too by the way. Shit. I’ve had my doubts about meeting Dom after everything that happened and had been struggling with this decision for the remaining eight months but decided to just do it since I already spend money on the photo op. During his autographe we talked baout my name and The Netherlands and how our J’s sound different, I found it funny he picked up on that xD.

Will was such a fucking pleasure to talk with and he was adorable. Hours before the autographe session he had a panel with Harry that I witnessed and so I had something to talk about with him. That panel was seriously everything. 

Jade was a real sweetheart. He was talking in French at first but when he noticed I spoke English he did that (which I think is amazing, speaking French with the local fans) this was on the sunday and at the end of the event so we just talked about the weekend we had and that he was such a sweetheart.

For the rest I have an op with the Lightwood family and the Shumdario duo with one of my best friends and parabatai!

And basically that was my weekend! i ha the most amazing time with this incredible cast and met the best firends and mutuals in real life that I could’ve ever asked for. 

And no matter how much I miss them at this point, I know I’ll see some of them back again at THOS3! (Whihc I got a pass for again and I can’t wait!)

If you read this far I applaud you! xD Thank you for your time and I hope you enjoyed this story!

[especially-heinous-ada]

Special Bonus! Original Part 3

Hey guys! As you may have read in my previous fic posts, my laptop stopped working the day I finished writing parts three and four of my fic, A Police Gala. I was afraid it would be permanent and I had lost the work forever. As a result, I re-wrote Part 3 and 4, but I was so in love with my originals that neither felt as good re-written. However, because my boyfriend is a wonderful, amazing person, he was able to fix my laptop, and I now have regained my original fics! So as a special bonus while you wait for Part 5, I present the original Part 3!  Let me know which version you prefer in the comments.

(photo is of the reader’s TV room) royalty free image found at https://www.pexels.com/photo/apartment-ceiling-chair-decoration-276653/

Rafael strode down the sidewalk at a leisurely pace. He was in no hurry to return home to his empty apartment after spending the better half of his night with such pleasant company. For a moment, he contemplated stopping for a nightcap, but decided against it, as he was soaked to the bone. His sopping-wet suit clung to his skin in an unpleasant manner as he walked and he cursed the cab driver under his breath. Luckily, it was a short trip from your apartment to his. He found it an amusing twist of fate. You lived so close to him, you were both involved in the law enforcement world, and yet, the two of you had no idea the other existed until now.

Once Rafael was under the building’s awning, he retracted the umbrella and gave it a hearty shake to slough off the rain before bringing it inside. He entered the building and nodded to the doorman.

“Good evening, Giles.”

“Good evening, Mr. Barba. Have a rough night?” Giles smiled, with a jovial twinkle in his eye.

“Actually, it was lovely. Until this, of course.” Rafael motioned to his entire body. “But it…perked up again at the end.” Giles nodded. The older man seemed to mull Rafael’s words over in his head.

“Take care not to catch cold.” He offered, before looking back out toward the street. Based on his expression, Rafael thought Giles might have inquired further about the events of his night, but he didn’t. He found himself wondering why. Though, he supposed he, himself, was probably to blame for that. Although Giles was a kind man and Rafael enjoyed the occasional conversation, it was rare that he had enough time to spare more than a line or two. He was always in a rush in the morning and upon the brink of exhaustion once he returned home.

Rafael stepped into the elevator and hit the button for the top floor. It was divided into two large suites—his, and that of an eccentric young tech guru. He had seen his new neighbor a few times, but they never interacted beyond a nod of acknowledgement. That was fine with him. He suspected they had nothing in common, anyway. The elevator dinged and the door opened to a hallway packed with people. Rafael groaned. Not another party. As soon as he exited the elevator, people from the hallway packed it full. He approached his door and unlocked it, wasting no time slipping inside. He placed his umbrella in its holder by the door and kicked off his shoes on the mat, too tired to take care of them properly. He sighed and crossed over toward his bedroom, wanting desperately to change into something dry and warm.

Entering his bedroom, Rafael quickly strips off the wet, heavy suit pieces and hangs them over a rack to dry. He sighs, wondering if he should even bother picking out pajamas to wear as he swaps his underwear for a dry pair. He decides it isn’t worth the trouble and slips underneath the covers of his bed. He stares up at the ceiling. Although he’s tired, his mind won’t stop racing. He’s thinking of your singing voice. Your dainty hand inside of his. The warmth exuding from your body as he stood close. The sweet nectar of your perfume commanding him to drink you in and never leave. The softness of your skin as his lips brushed against it…

Abruptly, Rafael sits up and throws the covers off of himself. He crosses the room back to where he hung up his suit. He reached inside his breast pocket to retrieve the piece of paper you had given him, wanting to store your number in his phone before he forgot. He felt the paper between his fingers and slid it out of the pocket carefully, to avoid ripping it. A frown crossed his face when he laid eyes on it. The ink had smeared and the phone number was no longer legible.

He began to laugh, unsure of how else to react. He wanted to shout, to cry out in frustration. This was just his luck.

I finally meet someone. She gives me her phone number, tells me to call her. I agree to…then I lose her phone number.

Rafael contemplated whether he might be destined to be alone forever as he sat down on his bed, feeling defeated. He had no idea how else he was going to get ahold of you, and he didn’t dare show up outside your building like a stalker. That was a sure-fire way to guarantee you filed for a restraining order. He contemplated the ways he might get ahold of you as he climbed back underneath the covers, but he knew that rich people like their privacy, making it very difficult to contact them directly. He groaned and laid down with a flop as he thought of what he was more than likely going to miss out on. God, you were fantastic: intelligent, funny, talented, warm, down-to-earth, intriguing, and incredibly sexy.

Rafael’s mind turned back to the pictures from your lingerie photoshoot and he found himself getting aroused. The combination of emotional and sexual frustration built up inside him. At least he could fix one of those problems tonight, he thought as he slid one hand down underneath the covers.

***

You let out a big sigh. Your breathing is still a bit jagged and your heartrate, accelerated. You chuckle, putting an arm over your face to hide it, as if someone were there watching.

“Rafael Barba, what are you doing to me?” you say to yourself before removing the arm to stare up at the ceiling. It had been three days and you hadn’t heard a peep from him. You even went to another charity event tonight, in hopes that he would be there. He wasn’t.

Your mind returns to the other night. The dance floor. You relive the feeling of his hands holding yours, dwarfing them in comparison. They’re big, vascular hands with thick fingers that just scream I am a man. Your memory flashes forward to those same hands cupping your jaw delicately, making you feel so tiny. His face so close to yours that you can see every detail of it, but you’re focused on his eyes…then his lips.

“Gah!” You let out a shout of frustration. He was driving you crazy. You thought that maybe after you had some release, you could get him out of your head, but to no avail. Neither your hands nor your toys were enough to satiate you when you thought of him—and you couldn’t stop thinking of him. You turned onto your side and looked over at your bedside table. The clock read 12:00 A.M.

With another big sigh, you rolled out of bed and made your way straight into the kitchen. Whistling a haphazard tune, you grabbed a fresh bottle of wine from the wine cooler and fished the corkscrew out of a nearby drawer. You opened the bottle, threw the corkscrew in the sink and walked off into the living room, drinking straight from the bottle.

“Ahh, that’s better,” you think aloud, sinking down onto your white leather couch. You take another drink as you turn on the television. If a little on-on-one time can’t chase away the thought of him, maybe wine and late night television will.

“And in other news, the ‘Date Night Ripper’ of Manhattan has been brought to justice. Today, he was found guilty on 12 counts, including rape, murder and mutilation of a corpse—”

“Sick son of a bitch.” You said, shaking your head.

“Following the verdict earlier today, the prosecutor had this to say.”

Suddenly, the live feed from the news station cut to pre-filmed footage from outside the courthouse. The caption stated that it was from earlier in the day. Descending the courthouse stairs was none other than Rafael Barba. You groaned. A reporter called out to him, and he stopped to answer their question. He talked about how the jury made the right decision and how the people of New York could sleep a little easier tonight knowing the killer was off the streets, followed by some generic fluff about justice.

It was a pretty typical statement from an A.D.A., but it was the only typical thing about him in that footage. He wore a stylish black suit with a peach, checked dress shirt and matching baby blue tie and pocket square. You were impressed by the fact that he dressed himself so fashionably. His hair was perfectly coiffed and his jawline was more structured than the five-year-plan your financial advisor had explained to you this morning in explicit detail.  You let out a strangled groan. This had to end. Now. You took a large gulp of wine and stood off the couch, moving over to your entryway, where you had left your phone in your hurry to get to the bedroom. You kept drinking as you scrolled through your contacts, looking for someone tolerable enough to call to handle the situation for you, because you clearly couldn’t do it on your own.

“Damian. I miss you.” You purr, when the handsome man answers your call. “How soon can you be here?”

20 minutes was all it took and Damian was outside the door of your penthouse suite. You invited him in and wasted no time getting right down to business. You pulled him into your room and stripped down to nothing. Laying down on the bed, you pulled him on top of you. You moaned quietly as Damian kissed you and leaned into you, positioning himself between your legs.

Damian was a model you had worked with in the past. Neither of you expressed interest in a relationship, as he wasn’t exactly the type to settle down with, but when the nights were long and lonely, you could count on him to keep you company. Though you didn’t exactly need the stimulation; right now, you needed a distraction from Rafael. It was dangerous how quickly he’d taken up space in your mind. Damian kissed and licked his way down your body, stopping to suck on the tender flesh of your inner thigh. He moved up and let out a hot breath onto your renewed arousal before grasping your hip and taking you into his mouth.

You groaned at the stimulation, threading your fingers through his hair. Suddenly, your brain flashed a vision of Rafael’s perfectly coiffed hair on your TV screen and you imagined what it would be like to grip it as he put his head between your legs. The thought deepened your arousal.

No. You’re supposed to be taking your mind off him. You remind yourself. He’s a prosecuting attorney. He’s made it clear he’s too busy for relationships. There’s no way it would work out. That night was a one-time thing. A fantasy.

You let out a little gasp as Damian changed his rhythm, quickening a bit. Yes. Damian. Focus on him. He was rather good with his mouth. You had to admit, this was your favorite part of your encounters with Damian.

 He looked up and grinned at you as he started to use his fingers to tease you. It was a cocky, one-sided grin that you’d seen before—on Rafael’s face. You growled in frustration and Damian mis-read it as arousal.

“Ay, mami. You’ve never made that noise for me before.” Now doubly annoyed, you put your hand on the back of his head and direct him back to your center. You needed to come. Now. He gladly resumes his position and continues where he left off.

“Rafael Barba, A.D.A., Manhattan.”

You felt your frustration bubble up.

“Would you like to dance?”

Damian quickened his pace and you feel the familiar pressure build inside you.

“It’s kind of romantic, don’t you think?”

       Asshole.

“I’ll call you soon, if that’s still alright with you?”

       Liar.

 You let out a loud moan as you feel yourself near climax.

“That’s it mami, come for me.” Damian says. “Come for me.” After a few moments of resisting, you give in and let the waves rush over you. You panted and moaned and muttered things, but as you come down from your high, you don’t care enough to know what you said.

You scoot away from Damian, who sits up on his feet and looks at you with a confused look.

“Who’s Rafael?”

“What?” You reply, bewildered.

“When you came, you didn’t say my name, you said Rafael. So who is Rafael, and why is he not here instead of me?” He answers. You can tell he’s pissed off. Not that you could blame him, after you said another man’s name.

“Did I really say that?” You ask in disbelief. He sighs.

“I know I’m not exactly your boyfriend, but it’s awfully messed up to fuck someone when you’re wishing it was someone else.”

“I’m sorry, Damian.” You apologize, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You should probably go home. Sorry for wasting your time. You didn’t even get a chance to get naked. I’ll pay for your cab fare.” He shakes his head.

“It’s fine.” He thinks about it for a moment. “Actually, can I have the rest of that wine?” He motions to the open bottle on your bedside table. You laugh and agree. He downs a large gulp before looking at you once again.

“Good luck with this Rafael dude,” he says as he stands up and walks toward the door.

“Thanks.” You say. “I’ll need it.” The last part you mumble to yourself as Damian disappears and you hear your front door shut behind him.

You wake the next morning and resolve that something has to be done about Rafael Barba. You can’t spend the rest of your life obsessing over a man you spent one night dancing with and didn’t even fuck. You weren’t sure what would come of you contacting him, but you knew that you needed closure, whatever that happened to be. He was an attorney, so you knew that the only place you were sure to find him was work. Luckily, you were familiar with the DA’s office. You had toured it previously as a potential donor for the DA’s re-election campaign.

 You sighed, glancing at your phone to get ready for the day. No missed calls or texts. You took your time picking your outfit, styling your hair, and applying your makeup. He needed to see what he’d been missing for the better half of a week. When you were finally ready, you picked up your phone and your purse and walked out the door like a woman on a mission. Dressed to kill and armed with charm—Rafael Barba wouldn’t know what hit him, you smirked.

[asfeedin]

Book Review – Final Serenade by N.N. Britt

Final Serenade (The Encore Book 1) <— OMG YOU GUYS WERE RIGHT!!!!! And now I’m in the throes of an epic book hangover. This one put me in an incredible love fog, and I haven’t felt like this in ages.

What is “like this” you ask? You know that feeling of anxious anticipation, like something awesome is about to happen, and all the butterflies, and a bit of dread (maybe even a lot of it, LOL!!), but a definite feeling of fondness for newfound friends? ALL of that for me. And oh how I miss them terribly right now.

I became utterly attached to the characters (well most of ’em… a few in particular have me swearing up a storm), but I especially LOVED the heroine. After all, I lived in her head the entire time and swooned and stressed with her each step of the way.

Michele G: Maryse, I’m so glad you got as attached to Cassy & Frankie as I did!!! I just loved them and can’t wait for the next book!!

Nay: Maryse–don’t you just love it when a book does that? That ending was just GAH! …Her writing really is phenomenal. You can tell she puts a lot of work into her craft.

Just the right amount of titillating slow burn, jealousy (from both sides!!!) and a few potential monkey wrenches that are threatening my happiness. I mean hers.

The ultimate fantasy but with the realistic pitfalls that come with falling in love with a celebrity. And this book lets us LIVE it.

I LOVE when a book does that. Where I forget I’m reading, and feel like I’m watching an incredible movie. I missed this, and while my brain knows it’s a story, my heart felt it as real. Thank goodness there’s another one coming in just a couple of weeks.

Maryse: OMG Final Serenade is SOOOO GOOD and now I’m mad I’m done, and I want the next one RIGHT NOW!!!! HELP!!!!!!! HELP ME!!! 

  I’m so freaked out for so many things right now in this story. So much potential for chaos… and awesomeness. THAT CRAZY ENDING.

*ooooooooomph* that was 5- STAR good. 

 Review coming right up. But you already get the gist. 

Kim: Right there with you can it be May 14th!!!!! I’m like a little kid counting down the days to a major Holiday 

Maryse: I FEEL SO LONELY!!!!!!! I WANT IT NOW!! I have lived with these characters for a couple of awesome days, and I want to continue living with them. TOTAL book hangover.

Anjanette: Lol I said the exact same thing May 14th is too far away !!!!

Sarah: Never thought I’d miss a guy named Frank so much

Maryse: RIGHT???????? I. AM. LONELY.

Amanda: I keep hoping it is magically released early.

Nadia: I’m dying to read this one and I’ve had it on my kindle, but I’m waiting until the second one is out before I start 

Summer: I already got it but I’m trying to wait it out until the next one comes out. I hate being left hanging, lol.

Maryse: ME TOO! But I couldn’t help myself. It ended up being exactly what I was in the mood for, and written in such a way that I could connect 100%. LOVED IT!

Adele: Best book I’ve read in a while; so INTENSE.

Renee: I liked it the moment I started reading it!

Maryse: ME TOO!!! I clicked into it perfectly right from the start, and devoured it. I was NEVER bored in this one… I was mad a few times though.

Sharon: Now I’ve got to read this!

I can’t wait to be back in their world – even though I have a feeling a total whirlwind of angst is about to befall me. I mean her. And me.

So what’s it about? MY ULTIMATE ROCK STAR FANTASY come to life. Well… sorta.

Cassy works for a popular though smaller music magazine as a journalist. They’ve worked hard to build their reputation amongst the music industry and are one of the most trusted.

I fit in. I had the look, and I was smart and professional beyond my years. I smiled, played nice, shook hands, and never flirted. My goal was to write memories, real accounts about real people, not some manufactured bullsh*t.

I knew how to balance the questions—when to ask the right ones and when to back away.

A hardcore music fan to the bone, she still keeps her professionalism front and center at all times. She’s interviewed ’em all, and has back stage access to most,

Every girl sitting in this limo was secretly hoping she’d hit the jackpot and marry a rock star, but every girl would be wrong. Hundreds of twenty-one-year-olds came and went and no one remembered their names the next morning. It was the way the world of the rich and famous worked. That’s why I’d never allowed myself to become one of those girls.

…but she still has that wide-eyed expression (at least internally) when accolades come her way and when rock stars specifically remember her.

There were some lines that didn’t blur. A very distinct one between them and us.

Even if she’s used to it, she still has her own personal thrills and nerves for a few of ’em.

Like Frank, the lead singer of one of her favorite bands that she listened to as a teen, and connected with deeply during a bad time in her life. He postered her walls, and now, years after a terrible accident that halted the world-famous band in their tracks, Frank is back and ready to be the frontman again.

Even I wasn’t immune.

Back when the band was owning all the charts and radio stations, he’d been titled the sexiest man alive by pretty much every site, magazine, and outlet that practiced grouping men into lists based on their looks and other assets more times than Hollywood had tried to reboot the Spider-Man franchise.

Having a crush on someone like Frankie was inevitable. It was childish and silly, but I cherished my love for him and his music as much as I cherished my love for the real people in my life…

And now Cassy gets to interview him. HOLY MOLY that initial meeting had ME sweating as badly as she was. I felt her nerves, I felt her butterflies,

Breathe, Cassy, breathe, I told myself. My lungs were tight and my stomach knotted pleasantly as I neared the couch.

…and I especially felt their connection.

“Asking a music journalist to dinner implies sooner or later she’d raise the topic,” I tell him, my voice quiet but firm.

“I didn’t ask a music journalist to dinner.” He leaned closer, his elbows flat on the table. “I asked a woman who was in a room with Frankie Blade and Dante Martinez and walked out.”

In fact, as much as I loved Cassy, she wasn’t perfect, which made her even more relatable. There was a certain point where I was so annoyed by a certain overreaction she had. I wanted badly to take back her words for her, and to say something else entirely. Though I had to remind myself. I’m not her, and we see the world differently… and maybe she’s right?

Alas, it wasn’t long before I was bonding with her again.

And I’ll let you explore just how far they get before things start going awry. Because… you know. Not everyone (or everything) is on their side.

Charity: I just read Final Serenade too and I loved it! Gah so many emotions from it and it was just what I needed during this quarantine .. it was Unputdownable!!

Maryse: EXACTLY!!! I HAD to put it down to get some work done, but I couldn’t wait to get back to it, and just kept thinking about it. That’s EXACTLY what I look for when I read. THAT feeling.

Kim: Maryse ~ Final Serenade gah! I LOVE NN Britt’s writing style and her 2 other Rock Star books. The poor author probably thinks I’m stalking her because I can’t wait for the conclusion of the duet lol. My Little rock star romance loving heart is so happy!

Maryse: Oh I AM going to read EVERYTHING she writes!!!! I connected immediately with her writing style.

Michele G: Yay!! Maryse, I’m so glad you’re enjoying Final Serenade! I really enjoy her writing style – I think it’s because she has a different feel from the many other “rockstar romance” stories out there…they are all my catnip but hers stand out!

It’s totally exciting, and nerve-racking and butterfly inducing and BEST OF ALL!!!??? It’s entirely from her POV so I stayed focused, and I felt all the feels and I had no clue what was going on when… you know… “stuff” became apparent because I was seeing it through her eyes only.

THANK YOU TO THIS AUTHOR for sticking to one POV. While I can and have enjoyed books from multiple POVs, only one POV hooks me so much more (not just in ease of reading, but I forget I’m not the main character and feel everything she or he is feeling too).

THIS IS the kind of romance book I love. This writing, the flow, this anxiety, the possibility of mayyyyyyybe…. a potential love triangle… *taps lips…* there’s something there, that I’m stressing about (and loving that stress). I love not knowing what’s going on because I AM HER and living life AS HER.

Similar, storyline wise (so far anyway…) from most of the rock star stories I’ve loved. Same principle and stresses (RE: being in love with a celebrity and not trying to get lost or even devoured in all of that), but this one is written in a way that kept me excited about what was about to happen. Kept me guessing. And I’m still guessing.

5 STARS!! <— This book exhilarated me. An ultimate fantasy, but with that real-feel, you know? I forgot that it wasn’t real, and that it wasn’t me or my life.  It was a welcome escape from my real life worries, and escape, I did. I was gonna say I have my Mojo back, but I think the mojo always exists in me, and depending on the book, the mojo flourishes. This book had PLENTY of all that. My mojo is happy!

Bring on the next!!!

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Tags: Book, Britt, Final, NN, Review, Serenade

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[hannahindie]

At the End of All Things: Chapter 4

Characters: Dean Winchester x Jo Harvelle, Sam Winchester x Amelia Richardson, Bobby Singer x Ellen Harvelle, Cas, Ash, Garth Fitzgerald, Daryl Dixon, Aaron, Rick Grimes

Word Count: 3,222

Warnings: Some language, injury, Amelia being...well...Amelia.

A/N: I really enjoyed writing this chapter. I think it’s because they’re finally on the road and the pace is picking up, but it’s been exciting to write. If you aren’t caught up, you can find Chapter 1 here, Chapter 2 here, and Chapter 3 here. This chapter was beta’d by two wonderful and magnificent ladies that I would be lost without: @pinknerdpanda: “ gah...don't be a pussy, Sam!”

And @wheresthekillswitch: “fucking Amelia. I vote she becomes walker bait.”

Just an FYI, if you live in or near any of the areas that I mention while they’re on their journey, just know that I researched as well as I could, but it’s possible I took some liberties with it. They are all real places, however, and actually on a route that they’d feasibly be taking if driving from somewhere in Columbus to D.C.

Summary: Dean’s group has hit the road, and despite the situation, things seem to be going well...until they hit a snag that none of them were expecting. The incident changes their plans, and the tension grows. Meanwhile, someone is watching the group. Will they leave them alone, or will Dean and Sam have to protect their family from something more deadly than the dead...the living?

As usual, tags are at the bottom. If you’d like to be tagged in this, or any of my other writing, please let me know!

The group traveled through the forsaken landscape slowly, but surely. It was a difficult road; cars blocked long stretches of the cracked asphalt, so they often had to stop and move the rusting and broken down metal behemoths, reminders of what the world had looked like before it came to a screeching halt. The drive from Columbus, Ohio to Washington, D.C., according to the worn map that Sam had been consulting, should have been just a little under seven hours. Seven hours in their new world could stretch into days, and by the end of their first day, Dean had stopped their caravan just outside of Wheeling. He had been optimistic, and although everyone was tired from having to shift cars to the shoulder of the road, killing those that had been trapped in their steel coffins, and searching for anything that would be helpful that had been left behind, it seemed that everyone’s spirits were high. Despite the dangers of traveling across open territory, Dean had been relieved to finally be free of the walls that they’d been living behind for years. He knew that the walls kept them safe, probably safer than he and Sam had been their entire lives, but he had missed cruising along back roads with the windows down and Zeppelin blasting. It was amazing that their lives from before the turn seemed so simple compared to now.

That feeling ended as soon as they hit West Brownsville the next day, and Dean quickly realized that the things they took for granted could easily be the things that got them killed.

The stark contrast of the scene in front of Dean was almost painful. The morning had welcomed him with one of the most beautiful sunrises he had seen in a long time; the sky had looked like a watercolor painting. Muted oranges and bright yellows against a bright blue horizon that was scattered with deep purple and pink clouds that reminded him of the cotton candy he would buy for Sam at carnivals when John had left them on their own as kids. He had been awake before anyone else, and had marveled at the juxtaposition of colors for almost an hour before Jo sleepily shuffled from the car and looped her arm through his. He wished he had the words to really describe to her what he’d been looking at, but that was more Sam’s bag. Instead, he’d pulled her tighter into his side and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. After a quick breakfast, they’d all piled back into their cars and continued their journey, and Dean’s optimism had soared when they didn’t have to stop every ten minutes to clear the road.

And then they came across West Brownsville.

The small town had welcomed them with its aging, brownstone buildings, remnants of old store signs painted on their sides, and narrow streets still lined with rusting meters. Although Sam was in the other car, Dean knew that he was loving every minute of this historic, ‘blink and you’d miss it’ city. They drove slowly down the main drag, and Dean couldn’t help but appreciate the old architecture that had withstood not only the years of weather but the lack of care as the dead slowly outnumbered the living and there was no one left to give it the love the old buildings deserved.

It had been surreal to see the random walkers as they stumbled out of alleys at the sound of the cars, even after all this time. After the turn, it seemed all the supernatural things that they had hunted had just...disappeared. He was sure that wasn’t the case, and driving through this town reminded him that just because he couldn’t see them, didn’t meant they weren’t still there. The dead may have taken over, but this was a literal ghost town. A shiver passed through him and he wondered if Sam had felt it too.

Because the roads had been relatively clear between Wheeling and West Brownsville, it had only taken about an hour to arrive. Although the colors had somewhat dimmed as the sun rose, the sky was still a magnificent stripe of color and Dean could see the sparkle of water as the sun reflected off of it. The Monongahela River wound its way lazily between West Brownsville and its sister city, splitting the two in half, which had led the group to the bridge that connected the two. Dean had immediately slammed on his brakes as the scene he most dreaded unfolded in front of him.

That was how he found himself standing where the watercolor sky met sharp metal and broken asphalt, the rebar jutting out like jagged teeth begging to be fed. At some point, the bridge had collapsed, and the road slanted down at an awkward angle, ending in the water and balancing precariously against several cars that had gone down with it. His eyes roamed over the ruined bridge as he looked for the cause of the destruction. There did not appear to be any singular reason; if anything, it was simply time and lack of care. He could see where the river had risen significantly, the mud line still visible, and Dean assumed the combination of weather, the weight of the cars, and the general disuse of the bridge had caused the collapse.

“Well…this is not ideal.” Dean jumped at the sudden sound of Cas’ voice and looked at him sharply.

“No, Cas, it’s not.” He looked back at the slow moving water and wondered how deep it was. “Think there’s another bridge around here anywhere?”

Cas shrugged, “I do not know. I would imagine there probably is, but how far are we going to have to go to find it? Not to mention, this is a pretty large bridge, so my assumption would be any other crossings nearby would be smaller. If this one is gone, there is a huge chance any other bridges of smaller stature would be destroyed as well.”

Dean tilted his head back and closed his eyes as he tried to keep it together. They could look for other bridges, they could find another way around, but the longer they stayed outside their walls, the likelihood of them making it to D.C. and back with everyone alive, and well, dropped. “What the hell are we going to do?”

“We could take a car and drive a few minutes each direction, see if any of the bridges did survive and meet back here. We could also ask Ash and Garth how they got past this, and give them something of use to talk about. If I thought my father was still around, I’d pray to him and beg for either them to be stricken silent, or for me to spontaneously become deaf.” Cas reached into his pocket and pulled out a battered orange bottle, tapped out a couple of pills, and popped them into his mouth.

Dean rolled his eyes, “Is that really necessary right now? Can you just...not be high?”

Cas smirked, “I mean, I could. But where is the fun in that?” He sauntered off to tell the rest of the group the plan, and left Dean staring dejectedly at the rubble.

While Sam and Cas drove in opposite directions, they had decided on a ten minute drive out and then back along the river, Dean was talking to Garth and Ash about their trip towards D.C.

“So you came this way and everything was fine? The bridge was still here, nothing seemed off?”

Ash shrugged, “Nah, man. I mean, it’s been weeks since we went this way, but that bridge was as fit as a fiddle when we crossed it.” Garth grimaced and Dean raised an eyebrow.

“Do you not agree with him, Garth?” Dean asked.

“Well...I somewhat do. The bridge was here and mostly intact, but it didn’t seem super stable. I didn’t mention it because I honestly thought it would be okay, but I forgot about the big storm that passed through. If it hadn’t been for that, I think it would still be standing. We probably would have needed to be careful, but it would have been here. Since we came back a different way, I didn’t even think about it. Sorry, Dean.”

Dean clapped Garth on the shoulder, “It’s fine, Garth. I think despite it being the end of the world, we still kind of take things for granted...this isn’t an exception.” He looked up at the sound of Sam and Cas returning, and tried not to feel too much hope that they found anything. Sam stepped down out of his truck, and Dean looked at him expectantly. Sam frowned and shook his head, then walked over to where Bobby and Ellen were still looking at the map that was unfolded across the trunk of their car. Dean turned his attention to Cas who also shook his head.

“Dammit!” He walked briskly to where Sam was leaning against the car, both palms flat on the hood as he stared intently at the map. “Tell me you have an idea.”

Sam stood straight and swept the hair from his face, “I have an idea. But I don't think you're going to like it.”

Dean grunted, “Try me.”

Sam grabbed Dean’s arm and pulled him to the edge of the bridge. “Do you notice anything about this river?”

Dean shook his head, “Other than it's in my damn way, no. I don't.”

Sam sighed, “Look. Really look at it.”

“Sam, we don't have time-”

“Okay, fine. It's moving slow and it's not that deep, considering the amount of rain, right? Clearly it flooded, but I think that it's at it's normal level right now. Do you agree?”

“Yea, but what's that got to do with anything?”

“There is a series of locks and dams just a few miles east of here. Which means, at its normal levels, this river is kept at a minimum of nine feet. We don't have to take the cars, we can just cross here on foot and find cars on the other side.”

Dean looked at Sam like he'd grown a second head, “Are you serious right now? Have you seen those riverbanks? This side is fairly low, but the other side...we've got Bobby and Ellen to worry about, and Jo...Jo is five months pregnant. She can't climb that. Plus, even if it's at it's lowest, nine feet is still really deep.”

Sam gave an exasperated sigh, “I never said anything about climbing the river bank, or swimming across.” He pointed towards the middle of the river, just below where the bridge had collapsed. “The angle of the bridge is doable, Dean. We can walk down the bridge, and hop the cars across to the other side. It won't be a cakewalk, but I think it will work.” He looked at Dean, his expression hopeful, and Dean looked back out over what was left of the bridge.

Sam wasn't wrong. Luck had been with them somewhat; the cars appeared to be lined up and at just the right angles that it could work. The sloped piece of the bridge was a little steep, but if they were careful…

“Let's do it. Unpack what we can carry from the cars. We’ll come back for them.” He whistled to get everyone's attention, “I need everyone over here, we've got a plan.”

Dean watched as Cas, Garth, and Ash slowly navigated the steep section of broken concrete and asphalt. Aside from a few small slips, all three of them made it down and halfway across the bridge of cars.

Ash turned around and waved, “These cars are jammed tighter than a nun’s knees, man! They ain’t goin’ anywhere, c’mon!” He shouted through cupped hands. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Dean had to chuckle.

“Make it all the way across and maybe I'll believe you!” He shouted back. It occurred to him briefly that yelling probably wasn't a great idea, but it was too late now. Ash flipped him off, but hopped down to the next car. Cas and Garth followed close behind, and within a couple minutes, all three of them had scuttled up the slight embankment from the last car safely. He turned to Bobby, “Alright, old man, your turn.”

Bobby glared at Dean, “If you don't stop callin’ me old man, I'm gonna kick your ass, boy.”

Ellen grabbed Bobby’s hand and tugged him to the edge of the pavement where it sloped down, “Why don't we get our happy asses across this river first, and then you boys can settle it, huh? I've had about enough of West Brownsville.” Bobby grumbled all the way down but both he and Ellen made quick work of it, and Dean was surprised by how easily they passed over the cars. He breathed a sigh of relief and made a mental note to quit teasing Bobby for being older. He moved better than Dean did.

“Alright Sammy, I think the four of us can go at once. You take the lead, and I’ll cover the rear. Girls, in the middle.” Amelia gripped Sam’s hand tightly as they made their way down the chunk of concrete but made no effort to steady Jo. Dean frowned, but Jo just shook her head, and gently shuffled her feet as she descended to the car. Sam hopped across the gap and helped Amelia, then shifted so that he could help Jo across. Dean couldn’t help but notice the jealous glare that Amelia shot at Jo as Sam lifted her from the asphalt slab and onto the roof of the car. Dean and Amelia locked eyes and she gave him a tight lipped smile, but it was too late; Dean had already seen her shoot daggers at both Sam and Jo. He hurried across the gap and Sam once again took the lead, carefully stepping over exposed steel and concrete slabs and testing out footing before having the others follow him.

Just as they got to the second to last car, Amelia screamed. Somewhere between the separate groups stomping their way across the cars, a lone biter had managed to wriggle free from its watery grave and had grabbed Amelia by the ankle. As she pulled backwards, she began to pinwheel her arms in an attempt to keep her balance. Jo tried to step back, but because they were already crowded together on a small hood, she lost her balance and slipped between two of the cars, her leg jamming between the bumpers.

“Jo!” Dean dropped to his knees on the car he was still standing on and pulled her back up and onto the trunk, “Are you okay?! Fucking hell, Amelia, what was that?!” Sam had whipped around with his machete and cut the walker’s hand off Amelia’s ankle, then had delivered the final blow to its skull. He was now comforting Amelia who had collapsed into sobs.

“I didn’t mean to! It grabbed me and I thought it was going to bite me!” Amelia wailed as she clung to Sam tightly.

“I’m fine, I’m fine. Dean, it’s okay. I’m fine.” Jo grimaced as she stood, and Dean saw that her jeans had ripped and blood was soaking the light denim.

“You’re not fine, look at your leg. Can you walk on it?”

Jo nodded, “Yes, it’s fine. Let’s just get to the other side, okay?” Dean opened his mouth to say something else to Amelia, but between Jo putting a hand on his chest and Sam looking at him pleadingly, he snapped it shut.  

They made it the rest of the way without incident, and Jo sat heavily in the grass. Ellen rushed over and knelt next to her daughter as Dean pulled her pants leg from her calf. An ugly gash ran down her leg, and it was deep enough that it needed stitches. “Shit, Jo...I have to stitch this. Ellen, can you get in Sam’s bag and get the whiskey and the first aid kit?” Sam swung his bag from his shoulder and handed it to Ellen.

She sat next to Jo and watched as Dean got out what he needed. Jo grabbed her hand, and Ellen gripped Jo’s tightly. “What the hell happened out there?”

Jo grimaced, “Nothing anyone had any control over. There was a walker in the water that jostled loose as everyone crossed, and it grabbed Amelia. There wasn’t much room and I slipped. So see, it’s fine. At least I didn’t get bit.”

Dean grunted, “If someone didn’t act like a damn baby, you wouldn’t have fallen. I knew it was a mistake bringing her. If it had been any worse than this-”

“But it wasn’t,” Jo interrupted, “I’ll be fine. Just hurry up with that will ya, it’s not like it tickles.”

Dean finished stitching up Jo’s leg and helped her up, “Alright. Let’s get going. We need to find some cars or a place to crash for the afternoon so you can rest that leg a little bit.” As they began to walk down the road, Cas moved in next to Garth.

“Hey, buddy.”

“Hello, Garth.”

“What’s up?”

“I feel someone watching us. It is different than the dead ones. Keep an eye out, and tell Ash. I do not want to bother Dean with it just yet...but something is off.” He wandered off on his own, and Garth couldn’t help but look around to see if Cas’s intuition was right. He hoped that he wasn’t.

“What are we gonna do about that?” Daryl grumbled. Aaron looked through the binoculars at the ragtag group of people walking in their direction.

“I don’t think we need to do anything about it right now. They seem like decent enough people, and it looks like the one girl is hurt.”

Daryl grunted, “Ain’t nobody decent enough lookin’, anymore.”

Aaron sighed, “You didn’t seem to think that when we were out looking for survivors before. Why don’t you radio Rick and see what he thinks?”

“Do you really wanna bring these people into the mess we’re in right now? Ya might as well just leave ‘em out here to get eaten.”

“Daryl, I don’t think you mean that. Besides, with the way they navigated that bridge, they may be handy people to have around. Radio Rick.”

Daryl rolled his eyes but pulled the radio from his back pocket and pushed the button. “Hey, Rick, got yer ears on, man?”

“Yea, go ahead.”

“We got a group of….looks to be about nine. Headin’ towards Alexandria, looks like at least one of ‘em is hurt.” He released the button and squinted. “Hand me those binoculars.” Aaron tossed them over and Daryl stared at the two heading up the back of the group. “Looks like the injured one is expectin’.”

The radio was silent for a moment, then there was a crackle, “Watch ‘em. If they seem okay, ask ‘em the questions. If not...you know what to do.”

“Gotcha, brother.” Daryl slid the radio back into his back pocket. “Happy now?”

Aaron smiled, “Actually, yes. Yes, I am.” The two men quietly began to follow the small group, keeping a safe distance until the time was right.

Read Chapter 5 HERE.

Forever Tags: @trexrambling @pinknerdpanda  @wheresthekillswitch @emilywritesaboutdean @arryn-nyxx @emptywithout @escabell @charliebradbury1104 @jarpadandjensenaremyheroes  @deanssweetheart23  @canadianjelly @super-not-naturall @aubreyreadsstuff @dean-winchesters-baby @melissaj616 @fandomismyspiritanimal @keepcalmandcarryondean @assbutt-still-in-hell @owllover123 @rosie-winchester @amionthetumbler @duubaduu @hiimaprofessionalfangirl @goldenolaf25 @authoressskr @nanie5 @mrssamfuckingwinchester @zincomms @kathaswings @crazynerdandproud @barbedwireandbubblegum @sandlee44 @boxywrites @justanotherdeangirl @smalltowndivaj @captainradicalpassion @myloveforyouxx @atc74 @endlesslytimeless

At The End Of All Things: @jellersquad @babeonthebike

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 66

in which all hell breaks loose

-elsewhere- miss misery: alright girls, settle down. sign up sheets will be by the foyer table. keep in mind, only go if you are utterly certain you want to take part. EF: *writing her name down* Anya: "?!!! Are you sure?" EF: *she nods* tsugumi:.... *writing her name down* ao: *same* Meme: *writes hers* mio:....*same* Anya: "..." *sighs* *signs up* rowena: *signing up* tsugumi: ro- rowena: ^^ lenore's been helping me practice magic for a while. it may not be much, but im still willing. Anya: "..." *pouts* "Take it seriously..." rowena:... *she nods* i will. -elsewhere- hina: well, looks like a party's coming on down. saku: .... mimeca: 83 PlushFix: "Hee hee...Blood's gonna go spinning, spinning down the drain..." -elsewhere- ???: "...Heroes. The shining ideal that inspires the public." tv: -will go under citywide lockdown until further notice. Death city residents are advised to- ???: "What world would this be..." *picks up his katana* "...if this was left to fake heroes?" -elsewhere- Kid: "..." ellen: do try to get some rest, sir. Kid: "...Okay." -elsewhere- Black Star: *doing push-ups* lilac: *breathing hard* lavender: *holding him* it's going to be ok, lilac. lilac: *holding onto her, crying* Sakuya: "...Damn it..." naho: ..... otogiri: tsubaki, black*star....are you going to be out there. tsubaki: *she nods* i'll need you, shamrock, and higan to look out for everyone, ok? otogiri: understood. Higan: "Of course." Shamrock: *nods* tsubaki: thank you. -elsewhere- elise:....rintarou....? are you scared? Mori: "...Just a bit." *smiles* elise:....*hug* you always were a big crybaby, rintarou... Mori: "Heh..." *pat pat* "It'll be fine..." elise: .... Mori: "...It's getting late. You should wash up and get to bed." elise:....good night, rintarou. Mori: *nods* "Good night, Elise..." *steps away* higuchi: ...... Mori: "...Have you finished your strategy, Higuchi?" higuchi:....yes. Mori: "...Will your sister require protection?" higuchi:...kouyou said she'd look after her. Mori: *nods* "I guess she's looking after many during these trying times." higuchi: .... Mori: "If you need anything, please do not hesitate to ask." higuchi: ..... -two days later, the caravan can be seen on the horizon....- Yumi: "I can see them..." lord death: everyone, to your battle stations! Spirit: *transforms* Akitaru: "Line up!" dia: *taking stance* soul: *scythe arm* Dazai: "Ready for this?" atsushi: ........(thinking: be someone who protects people....) yeah. Steinbeck: *listening to the vines* Chuuya: *takes off his gloves* -cannons are fired at the caravan- milia: EEK! Medusa: "!!! So, that's how we get welcomed..." shaula: rude! grimoire: your orders, ponera? Ponera: "Medusa, give us cover! Grimmy, blast a path for us. Shaula, Nals, close-range..." grimoire: understood. -BOOOOOOM- lord death: !!! spirit! Spirit: "Aim there!" -BOOM BOOM- Bakugo: "Jeez! It's coming from everywhere!" kyouko: we got some coming in! Arthur: "...Are those...snakes?" kyouko: *has her spear out* *The Vectors collide into the ground, soldiers and heroes dodging them* kyouko: shit! Bakugo: *flings an explosive at the Vectors, knocking some away...and producing smoke everywhere* -elsewhere amidst the chaos- Alone: *sniff sniff* eruka: *hiding* Q~Q;;;;;; Alone: "Found yoooooou..." eruka: *SCREAMING and transforms into a frog, making a run for it* Alone: *grabs the Frog* eruka: *SCREEEEEAM* Alone: "How 'bout a kiss for your handsome p--" *BOOM* eruka: ?! Alone: *slammed against the wall--what little hair on his head on fire* "Wh-What?" Bakugo: *silent march forward* eruka: OH THANK FUUUHUUUCK TTuTT Bakugo: *ignores Eruka, marches forward...sneers* "So, this guy can withstand a lot of damage..." *holds up his hands* eruka: *flees* Alone: *roars* Bakugo: *ROARS LOUDER!* Alone: ._.; "..." *runs* Bakugo: *blasts him* ???: oh? are you playing fetch with your doggy? Bakugo: "???" kenji: can i play too? ^^ Bakugo: "??? ..." *smirks* "How big a stick can you throw at him?" Alone: O_____O "Running, running, running..." kenji: ok! *lifting an entire car up* goooo FETCH! *toss* Bakugo: "...Jeez--" Alone: "Crap craP CRA--" *CRASH* kenji: ^^ Bakugo: "...The heck you do that?" kenji: i didnt get to eat breakfast. ^^ Bakugo: "...We have the apocalypse raining down...AND YOU'RE WORRIED ABOUT FOOD?!" -elsewhere- Ponera: "Update?" grimoire: alone has been captured. Ponera: "What?! And the others?" -elsewhere- Giriko: "...What're you thinking?" arachne: .....i'm going to have to face them. Giriko: "?!! Hold up--You're not going out there alone." arachne: .... Giriko: "...I can't lose you again..." arachne: *kiss* i know. i'll be ok this time. i promise. Giriko: "..." *holds her hand* "Come back." arachne: i will. -elsewhere- Black Star: "Jeez, what pushovers..." *holds up a student* "Didn't we already fight brainwashed NOT students?" tsubaki: i guess history repeats. *BOOM* Black Star: "?!" tsubaki: ??!! *inhuman growl and chittering* tsubaki: dont lose focus. Black Star: "Trying not to--but that thing looks creepy!" *It's a giant scorpion...with snakes poking out of openings in its armor...and mouth* -elsewhere- Hiro: *frozen* EF: *in knife form* hiro! snap out of it! Hiro: "R-Right!" *dodges behind debris to avoid an energy blast* "What even is that power?" -elsewhere- Mad!Kid: *locked in a room* "..." pandora: it's time, child. Mad!Kid: "...Will I see her?" pandora: soon. Mad!Kid: "..." *stands* "What do I do first?" pandora: why dont i let you out? *a tendril slips under the door, unlocking it* Mad!Kid: "...Thank you." *steps out* guard: ... !!! hey- -SHIV- guard: grk- *collapses* Mad!Kid: "Waste of time..." *keeps walking* -elsewhere- Looter #1: "Heh heh...Town's insane, and we get all the riches we want..." looter 2: we're gonna be loade- huh? Dazai: -w- "You get the new PlayStation?" looter 2: who the fu- Dazai: *puts an arm around Looter #2, takes a selfie* "Duck face time!" looter 2: h-hey- Dazai: "And now, jail--" *ties his bandage around Looter #2, spinning them around to hit Looter #1* Looter #1: "UMPH!" looter 2: URK- -elsewhere- Kid: *putting his hands over his ears* maid: sir, it's alright. we're handling things as we speak. Kid: *shakes his head* "I-I just hear screams..." -elsewhere- *Someone has a Vector arrow pinned through their arm* ???: "AAAAH!" kyouko: *running towards the noise* ???: "My arm!" *sobbing* Medusa: *hidden in the alley, sending down another rain of arrows* kyouko: *runs in and grabs the person, sending a doppel to shield off the arrows* you ok? ???: *bleeding* "N-No...I need a doctor!" ???: "Someone call?" ???: "HEY! I WAS GOING TO SAY THAT LINE!" kyouko: *noticing something* well then do that, and get to safety! *runs into the alley* Stein: "Okay, I'll just--" Johannes: "I GOT THE THREAD AND NEEDLE READY!" ???: o____O "...I want a different doctor. Not one of you." -in the alley- kyouko: now where did you go....? Medusa: *pulls up her hood--turns* kyouko: OI! *chases after her* Medusa: *running down the alley--reaches a narrow pass, too thin for a human to pass through* kyouko: *tosses her spear* OH NO YOU DONT!! *The spear goes through the hood--pinning her to the wall* kyouko: dont think for a second that i forgot what you tried to do, bitch. Medusa: *still hidden by the hood...it's shifting as she chuckles* "And what did I do that was so bad, child?" kyouko: DONT PLAY DUMB WITH ME! YOU TRIED TO HURT MY SISTER! Medusa: "...You will have to be more specific." kyouko: do you forget why you were sent to jail? you kidnapped several children to use as a vessel for the kishin, including my sister momo. Medusa: "..." *smiles* "Oh...Kyouko, isn't it?" kyouko: that's right. shaula: oh my. small world, isnt it, medusa? kyouko: !? *turns* shaula: hey lil kyou, you really grew up since last i saw you. kyouko: what..? shaula:....*sneers* tell me, do you ever wonder what happened to your father? why he suddenly snapped? kyouko: ?! Death the Kid: Medusa: "Shaula, please...You'll make the child cry..." shaula: it all happened one day. i was wandering around when i met a pastor. he was in quite the prediciment. his church had been losing followers. so i offered him a deal. he help sells my venoms, i get him followers, victims of the venom, you see. kyouko:...w-what? Medusa: *sighs* "Such a sad tale." shaula: it was almost too good to be true! but, seems he caught on to my true nature....hoo, boy was he pissed off. he threatened to expose the truth, but i couldnt have that now~ hehehe, nothing a quick jab of venom wouldnt fix, right? kyouko: ...... shaula: i gave him a simple order. 'kill your whole family, then kill yourself'. seems only half the job was finished. kyouko: ............... Medusa: "Did you cry, little Kyouko?" shaula: *sneers* kyouko: *tightly grips her spear, hot tears spilling* YOU FUCKING BIIIIIITCH!!!!! -elsewhere- Shamrock: *on the rooftop--and fires at someone trying to break into the house's front door* intruder: GRK- Shamrock: "Step back, now! Or the next one goes through your brain!" intruder: wha- otogiri: you heard him. Shamrock: *aims again* -elsewhere- milia: *flying overhead* hmm. Clone!Justin: "Spot them?" noriko: there he is. justin: *looking around* milia:.....!!!! Clone!Justin: "Hee hee hee..." justin: ??? that- Clone!Justin: "Hey, there, handsome..." justin: *paralyzed with shock* w-what? milia: *too afraid to land, and flies away* Clone!Justin: "!!! Hey! What're you doing, witch?!" milia: !!!! justin: ?? -something grabs her and slams her to the ground- milia: AH! o-ow. noriko: my my. are you afraid, child? justin:.. !!!! Clone!Justin: "...Um...Hi?" noriko: tell me, pastor. would you like to have some fun with the witch, or do you want to speak with the other? justin: *blade arm* Clone!Justin: "Heh..." *summons a blade--which bleeds out* "GAH! That still hurts..." -elsewhere- -BANG- monster: *ko'd* twain: boom! 20 points! sawyer: nice! huck: we got another one, 11-o-clock. twain: *aiming* Snake Monster: "GAH!" -elsewhere- Lucy: *waving* "Get the injured in here..." atsushi: *carrying them over* Lucy: *staring...* "Okay...Time to warp over to the hospital..." *sighs* *talking to herself* "I can do this, I can do this..." atsushi: .... -elsewhere- Chuuya: *lifts up another creature* "Off to you, kid!" *tosses it to--* elise: *PAWNCH* naoya: AKUTA! Akutagawa: *stares at the beast--* Beast: o_O; *SLICE* naoya: nice one! kouyou: *slicing enemies with golden demon* golden demon: ~all clear here~ kouyou: excellent, let us proceed. Chuuya: *follows...* "...What are you doing?" Akutagawa: *dragging a scorpion claw* "...Souvenir." -elsewhere- Q: ......it's not fair, i wanna go too. ???: i found you.... Q: ??? zoey: *smiles* Q: ?!? w-who- zoey: it's ok now. mama's here now. Q: huh? mama? zoey:....*gently hugs him* it's ok now. you must have been so lonely.... Q: !!!! zoey: you dont....have to be alone anymore. Q: ah...uu.... *crying* -elsewhere- Shotaro: "Bone of Tiger! Bone of Falcon!" *leaps off the roof, now with wings and tiger claws* mana: *kicking an enemy in the stomach* HYAH! chie: *DARK CLAW* Tuhl: *swings an enemy around with his chain* "Going up!" akaderu: how's everything looking from above, kepuri? Kepuri: *has on bug goggles* "My drone swarm spots another mess of these invaders six blocks away--attacking the hospital!" akaderu: on it! saki: *gattling gun arm shooting at invaders* Emine: "..." *sigh* "If I'm beating up the invaders, is that technically a good deed or a bad deed?" *punches his fist through one monster* -car alarm- lin: well, you did just destroy that guy's car so.... Emine: "..." *small smile* Endeavor: "THAT WAS MY CAR!" -elsewhere- Todoroki: *standing in front of multiple frozen invaders* "..." *sigh* "I feel relieved." -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: "Tch." *flips a quarter* "Not even a whole dollar's worth of strength needed...Quite pathetic, Old Sport." bram: indeed. *holding a blood spear* Fitzgerald: "Good form, by the way..." *looks back* "And the building is protected...although some of our colleagues look discomforted." bram: thank you, sir. eckleburg: *monitoring cameras* louisa: *making plans in a room* mary: toby? toby? where are you hiding? *fox prints are on the floor* -elsewhere- hyakuya: *slicing through enemies with her sword* shit. mitsuba: how's everything above ground? shinoa: hectic. Lily: "..." shinoa: hmm? oh, misono, lily, fancy seeing you here~ misono: this is utterly insane... !!! lily! now! Lily: "Beginning now..." *summons a scythe* monster: *charges* Lily: "On the count of 3?" misono: *nods* shinoa: *aiming* Lily: "3...2..." -DOUBLE SLICE- monster: *dead* shinoa: now, what should we call that attack. double slice? misono:...what? Lily: *sigh* "That lacks flair...'Twin Flame'?" shinoa: oh, that sounds nice! misono: -///-; you two, honestly. -elsewhere- Kuro: *stomps on a snake monster* "So exhausting...How many more are there?" tetsu: if we find the source, then that should be it, right? mahiru: *summons broom* kuro! we're takin the sky! Kuro: "Fine..." *leaps up* -elsewhere- EF: arthur, glad you could make it. Triple A: "Thank y--" EF: NOT YOU! D8< Triple A: "...Oh." caliburn: hmph! so rude of her! Arthur: "...Hiro. That's a...small blade. Is it an elf's?" Hiro: -_-; EF: it's me, arthur. eternal feather? i'm a weapon, remember? ^^; Arthur: "...Oh. The one with glasses, right?" *looks around* "You sliced up pretty well." EF: thanks ^^ Triple A: "I can do better. Give us a worthy opponent--" *BOOM* EF: HOLY- caliurn: EEP! *Walking through the resulting fire, is Nals* Nals: "..." EF: seems you're outnumbered. Hiro: "..." *suddenly, a slash has hit his chest* "GAH!" EF: HIRO! Nals: *smiles* "Seems you're underpowered." caliburn: and that's why you dont bring a knife to a swordfight <3 Arthur: *hits his sword on top of Triple A's head* "Quiet." caliburn: D8< HOW DARE YOU BRAT! Arthur: "I said quiet, magic sword." *looks at Hiro* "...Get up." Hiro: "...Try-Trying..." *on his feet* Triple A: *swings Caliburn* "Have at thee!" Nals: *dodge dodge dodge--kick* Triple A: "?!!!" Nals: "Can't have you damaging these divine looks~" Arthur: "..." *shouts from afar* "You look like a bondage weirdo!" EF: -_-; Nals: "?!! Th-That's not true--" Triple A: *slash* Nals: "Eep!" *backs up in time, blocking, as the two engage in combat* Arthur: "...Might as well assist the weird blond man." EF: right. Hero: *nods* "Let's go..." -elsewhere- kyouko: *slashing violently* shaula: *dodging* *Medusa's hood is on the ground, empty* shaula: aww, did i strike a nerve~ kyouko: you SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!!! *slice slice* *BITE* kyouko: *yelp* shaula: *SCORPION SCISSOR* kyouko: *knocked back* Medusa: *in snake form, slithers away* kyouko: grk- d-damn you. shaula: well, may as well finish the- *a small spider is on her head* shaula: OHFUCKINGJEZUSGETOFF! *falls over* what the-.... arachne: ... shaula: big sis! i heard you died! guess i was wrong! arachne: shaula. i heard you were a piece of shit. guess i was right. Medusa: *hidden in the shadows* "This is not a desirable family reunion..." kyouko: m...more gorgons? arachne: i see my sisters have caused you trouble. do you want to help me put them in their place? kyouko: why should i listen to you?! arachne: well, i dont think i've done anything to offend you personally...and you've been bitten by my sister. kyouko:......fine. but im watching you. arachne: fair enough. Medusa: *slithering around* "Shaula, get her head!" shaula: bitch whaaaat? you're on the good guys team now?! *LOUD LAUGHING* oh how the mighty have fallen! arachne: ... Medusa: "She always was an outsider...It led to her death once...and so again." arachne: *glances back* Medusa: *snake comes at arachne’s neck* arachne: *web shield* Medusa: "GAK!" *stuck in the web* o_O; "H-How?" shaula: tch-, not even phased, are you ar-acne? arachne: i see your penchant for petty insults hasnt changed in the past few years. shaula: look around! what do you have? nothing! your armies, your followers, all washed away 60 years ago! Medusa: *slithers out of the web, resumes her human form* "Forgotten...the Mother of Demon Weapons." arachne: you know. a lot can happen in 60 years time. i've grown tired. all i desire is to live out the remainder of my life in peace. shaula: tch-, weak. you were always mother's favorite, and you're just letting that all go?! HOW STUPID CAN YOU BE!?! Medusa: "Shaula...Behave." shaula: you know what?! *several scorpion tails shoot out of the ground* IM SICK AND TIRED OF BEING IGNORED AND UNLOVED!! Medusa: *sighs* "So annoying..." *unleashes Vectors out of the ground, piercing at whatever she can* *Vectors and tails battling for space* arachne: *picks up kyouko and flees* leave them to bicker amongst themselves for now. kyouko: but- arachne: you need medical attention.... kyouko: so you're just running off? arachne: ... *closes her eyes* i have someone waiting on my return. i guess, im just selfish like that. kyouko:.... arachne: i cant change the past. all i can do is continue onwards to a happier future. kyouko:.... (thinking: momo...) Medusa: "You need to calm down, Shaula..." shaula: SHUT THE FUCK UP!! I JUST....*SCREAMING* -elsewhere- Clone!Justin: "Hee hee..." *licks the blood off his blade* justin: *heavy breathing, bleeding badly* what....what are you...? milia: *scared* noriko: what's wrong, girl? arent you happy? seeing the man who killed your beloved mother suffer so? justin: ..... Clone!Justin: "A bit of a family reunion...if we cut open his stomach." justin: *charges forwards* i think not. Clone!Justin: *charges at him with his blade swinging wildly* -CLANG CLANG- Clone!Justin: "..." -elsewhere- Patty: *BANG BANG BANG BANG* homura: an excellent shot. Patty: "Not so bad yourself, Homura!" ^^ homura:.. *aiming* liz: *BANG BANG BANG* Scorpion Beast: "AAAhhhh!" *BOOM* liz: hell yeah! *Something lands behind Homura* homura: ?? *turns* Gopher: o^o "D-Don't fire!" homura: oh. it's just you. how's everything looking from above? Gopher: "Pretty bad...Hard to tell with so many factions attacking all at once..." homura: the good news, is that the majority are on our side. Gopher: "...And after?" homura: ....hard to say. -elsewhere- Mad!Kid: *in a black hoodie...his fist shaking* pandora: we're getting close... -something can be heard- stocking: *slashing at an ant monster* Mad!Kid: "..." *shaking* stocking: .... ??..... !!!! Mad!Kid: *smiles* "M-My que-queen..." stocking: *swords drawn* i know what you are.....you're not kid. Mad!Kid: "Oh, but I am...The best part of him..." *bites his thumb* stocking: *not backing down* Mad!Kid: *lets his blood drip* "I've learned...new things in my time away from you..." stocking: ?? Mad!Kid: *summons blood along his hands, forming two pistols* "Heh..." -elsewhere- Kid: "Zzz...!!!" *eyes break open* -silence- Kid: "..." *gets out of bed* "Stocking..." *takes off running* maid: sir? sir?! -elsewhere- Black Star: "!!!" *looks around* soul: ok, i think this block is all clear- Black Star: "Dude...Did you feel that?" soul: ?? tsubaki: ?? Black Star: "..." *smirks* "Someone's coming back to the battlefield. Took you long enough, Kid!" soul + tsubaki: !!! kid! *Something is hovering over Death City...in a flowing black cloak...and an angry skull mask* soul: ._.; Black Star: "Dude...He looks pissed..." -elsewhere- Mad!Kid: "Hee hee hee..." stocking: *slashing* Mad!Kid: *fires his blood through the blood-pistols at her* stocking: *blocking and spin slices at him* Mad!Kid: "AH! HA HA--AAAAH!" *falls back* stocking: *panting* are you done?! Mad!Kid: *lying back* "...I'm happy." stocking: ...... Kid: "My blood is everywhere..." stocking: ..... -the blood ensnares her- stocking: !!!!!! pandora: fufufu stocking: motherfucker. Mad!Kid: "Yes...Just like this..." *gets up, walks up to her* stocking: *trying to slash it off, but she's stuck* Mad!Kid: *his palm reaches for her head* stocking: *biting at him* Mad!Kid: "Ah!" *pulls back his hand...cries* "Wh-Why?" stocking: you're not kid. you're some kind of fucked up bootleg! and trapping me like this? obsessing like a lunatic, that's not love. Mad!Kid: "B-But that is...all I know..." pandora: what will you do about this? shall we make her behave? *squeezing around her* stocking: *yelps* Mad!Kid: "...I suppose so...Draw out her madness..." stocking: .... Mad!Kid: *puts a hand along her neck* "It'll be okay. It'll be--" *wind blows by...* stocking:....*grins* ???: ahem~ Mad!Kid: "???" *turns* felisia: ^^# get... *grabs him by the collar* your hands..... *lifts him up* off... *TOSSES HIM* of my daughter! -SLICE- pandora: *retreats* stocking: *cough* thanks mom. felisia: any time, honey. ^^ Mad!Kid: *coughs, collapsed on the ground* "M-Mother..." pandora: *returning into his wounds* felisia: ._.; that's pretty freaky. stocking: no shit. Mad!Kid: *inhales...sighs...sits up* "...I wanted our mothers to meet..." felisia + stocking: o____________o;;;; Mad!Kid: "They should know each other...if we are to become a family..." felisia: well, my daughter's already spoken for by the real death the kid. stocking: MOM! Mad!Kid: "...I'm real..." stocking: *swords drawn* Mad!Kid: "I'M. REAL!" *rushes at Stocking and Felisia* felisia: *also has her swords drawn* -CLANG SLASH CLANG BANG- Mad!Kid: *slashing* "I'm not fake!" *crying* "I'm real! I'm yours! I am yours--" stocking: *grins and backs up* Mad!Kid: "...???" *SWOOSH* Mad!Kid: *knocked back* "What?" *looks up* *The figure in the black cloak stands, silent* Mad!Kid: "Th-The imposter!" *The figure removes his mask...glaring at his doppelganger* Kid: "..." stocking: glad to see you're up, kid. Kid: *smiles at her* "Thank you...Are you and your mother okay?" stocking: yeah. felisia: we're still alive, aren’t we? Kid: "I'm glad--" *CRACK* stocking: !!! KID! Kid: *coughs blood, his head turned* "!!!" Mad!Kid: *his fingers crushing Kid's neck* "You are not me! I am I!" Kid: "..." *unfazed* stocking:.....get.....aWAY FROM HIM!!!! *slashing violently at mad!kidd* Mad!Kid: *grabs her wrist, crushing* stocking: *screams and stabs her sword into his forehead* Mad!Kid: "..." *mad smile* Kid: *rips himself from Mad!Kid's grip, panting* stocking: kid! are you ok? *holding him* Mad!Kid: "...You...Let go of him--" Kid: "Stocking...Stab him..." *holds her wrists* stocking: *nods and does so* Kid: "Stab him!" *pushes with her* Mad!Kid: *roars* -SHIV- stocking: got him! Mad!Kid: *coughs blood--onto Kid and Stocking* "...Heh...Right where Mother needs you..." stocking: !! KID! pandora: *forming a net- Kid: "..." *smiles* stocking: ?? kid? Kid: *his soul is glowing...and so is Stocking's...* stocking:.... *warm smile* Mad!Kid: "??!! M-Mother?" Kid: *as Kid inhales and exhales...Mad!Kid's blood is pulled from his body* pandora: what?!?! Kid: "A small trick I learned...from Eibon..." pandora: !!!!! diana's child... Mad!Kid: "H-How?!" Kid: "You _are_ me...and that means anything _not_ me can be expelled..." *holds Stocking's hand* stocking: *smiles* pandora: why you little impudent- Kid: *hums...gathering Pandora's form into an orb* Mad!Kid: "No!" *panting, falling to his knees* "M-Mother..." pandora: well, this is rather humiliating. stocking: *staring at mad!kidd....looks at kid* Kid: *contains Pandora...and suddenly, the orb is gone* "...It is now locked away." felisia: where did you send her? Kid: "To Eibon. He will manage it for now..." Mad!Kid: *collapsed on the ground, panting...* stocking: ......*looks at kid* Kid: "..." Mad!Kid: "So...Since I'm not part of you...where you keep me?" Kid: "...You _are_ part of me...You always have been." stocking: ...... Mad!Kid: "..." *sniffs* stocking: it's ok....*she kneels down....and hugs him* you can come home now. Mad!Kid: "..." *tears falling* "I-I'm madness..." Kid: "...We're all a little mad here..." *hug* Mad!Kid: *crying* "Wh-What will happen to me?" stocking: you'll be fine, kid. i promise. Kid: "...You'll be here..." *places Mad!Kid's hand over his own chest* Mad!Kid: "...'Kid'?" stocking: welcome home. Mad!Kid: *crying, smiling* "Heh..." *fades into light...turns into a ball that fades into Kid's chest* Kid: "..." *his eyes widen, black lines forming along his chin* stocking:....kid... Kid: *sharp inhale...as the lines fade...he shudders* "We're...I'm here..." stocking:.....*tackles him, hugging him, crying tears of joy* you big jerk! i was really worried about you! *laughs* Kid: "Hee hee..." *hug* felisia: aww, how adorable. ^^ stocking: !!!! mom! do you mind?! >///3///< Kid: ^\\\^ felisia: ^^ now now, this is no time to be necking. the city's still under attack, you know. *BOOM* Kid: ._.;;; "R-Right..." stocking: well, shall we~? Kid: *smiles* "With you, I feel like I can do anything..." stocking: *boops his nose* you dork. <3 -elsewhere- Medusa: "Stay. Down." shaula: *SCREAMING and attacking* Medusa: *slithers away* *sighs* "Do you want another Vector to the shoulder?" *SLICE* Medusa: *her snake form is cut through in two* O_o;;; shaula: ?! Crona: "..." *looks up, their eyes...intense* shaula: oh shit. Medusa: *the bottom half of her dissolves into arrows, while her top half resumes her human form--injured, but in one piece* "...Child?" Crona: "..." *shudders* shaula: *flees* Medusa: "Crona...I--" Crona: *scream of pain* mami: !!! chrona?! Crona: *slicing at Medusa, who is dodging* Medusa: "Crona! Stop this! I am--" Crona: "SHUT UP!" *pulls back Ragnarok, ready to stab into Medusa's heart* -hug- mami: *holding them* Crona: "..." Medusa: *panting, sliding against the wall, holding her side* mami: im here, chrona. Medusa: "..." *stares at Crona and Mami* "..." Crona: "..." *lets go of Ragnarok* mami: *keeping medusa restrained with ribbons* what are we to do with you, i wonder. Medusa: "Urk!" *struggling* "Do you have any idea who you are messing with, child?" -SLAP- mami: *cold glare at medusa* Medusa: "..." *narrows her eyes at Mami* mami: i have half the mind to end you right here and now. give me one good reason to let you live.... Medusa: "...You would kill a child's mother?" mami: after what you put chrona through, you have no right to call yourself their- Medusa: "A baby." mami:....wh-what? Medusa: "...I had a child. Another one. She is only a baby..." mami: *stunned* !!!! Crona: "..." *shaking* "It-It wasn't e-enough for you...to ruin _one_ child's life?" Medusa: "...Crona..." mami:...*holding their hand* Crona: "Y-You don't get to call me that name!" Medusa: *recoils* "..." *lowers her head* "My child...I--" *SLASH* Crona: *holding Ragnarok again, having sliced through--* -the wall beside medusa's head is sliced- Crona: *struggling to hold back their tears* Medusa: *stares in shock* mami: .... Medusa: "..." *shivers...lowers her head...she disappears into her clothes and Mami's ribbons, leaving them behind as her snake form slithers into the narrow pass out of the alley* mami:....*holding chrona* there, there.... Crona: "..." *shaking, covering their face* mami: *rubs their back* -elsewhere- Ponera: "What the H?!" grimoire: your next plan of action? Ponera: "...Burn it all..." ???: *ahem* Ponera: "WHAT?!" *turns* soul: yo, whats up? Ponera: "?!!!! Who let this shark-toothed hamster in here?!" -he wasnt alone however- Ponera: .______.;;;; "...Grimmy?" grimoire:....oh hell. homura: ... lord death: hello there ^^ *Surrounding their location...* Burns: "BRIGADES! LINE UP! BLOCK ALL EXITS." dia: right! Hibana: -_-; "Who put him in charge?" Akitaru: *stretches* miwa: phew! this is exciting! 3rd brigade acting commander: *nervous* o~o; Honda: *pat pat* "Just one step at a time..." 3rd brigade acting commander: y-y-yes sir! >~< -inside- Ponera: "...I'm not letting you take me alive..." soul: not the intention. Ponera: "...ANTS! TO ME!" soul: *scythe arm out* *CRASH* lord death: !! Giant Ant: *SCREECH* soul: motherfucker. Giant Ant: *rushes at Soul* soul: *slicing at it* Giant Ant: *fire breath* Ponera: "...Grimoire..." grimoire: right. Gopher: *stares* "...Not going to happen..." grimoire: ?! Gopher: *exhales, feathers appearing along his arms* grimoire: what- Gopher: "Feather Bullet!" *sends them at Grimoire* grimoire: *jumps out of the way, scratched a bit* Gopher: "You created that...that thing, didn't you?" grimoire: ?? Gopher: "The impersonator...who abused me for so long." grimoire: ....... Gopher: "And if I defeat you...maybe I can get some closure." grimoire: ...very well. come at me, if you dare. Gopher: *smiles* "I dare..." *rushes forward* -BANG BOOM FWEEEOOM- Gopher: "GAH!" *feather shield* -elsewhere- Alone: "Where are you taking me?!" marie: detainment, mr. Alone: "...Any company?" -elsewhere- Chuuya: "How many more are there?" naoya: not much. they seem to be retreating. Chuuya: "...Injured?" naoya: probably. -elsewhere- Aizawa: "Not bad, kid." yuuji: *pant* it wasnt much... Aizawa: "You saved some people--that's an accomplishment." yuuji:... 7///7; i guess.... Aizawa: "Now, get these two to the hospital..." -elsewhere- Nals: "Had enough?" caliburn: you wish! Triple A: "..." *removes his jacket* EF: what's he- Triple A: *muttering a prayer* Arthur: "..." *lowers his head* Hiro: "???" EF: ???? Nals: "A final prayer before--" *FWASH--a bright light* EF: EEP! Nals: "Heh...You think that light will blind me?" Arthur: *shouting, his sword shining like Triple A's* "That's the plan!" Triple A: "?!!! Idiot! You were to be quiet so he could not--" *SLICE* Triple A: "GURK!" Nals: "..." *smirks* "Found you..." caliburn: D8 Nals: "Now, to take care of that stupid so-called knight, and get home before--" *STAB* Nals: "..." *coughs blood* Arthur: *still standing where he was* "_My_ plan was for someone else to stab you..." Hiro: "..." *petrified...having shoved EF's blade into Nal's chest* "...I'm sorry..." Nals: "..." *coughs* shura: we got him! Triple A: *lying on the ground* "I'm...injured..." Nals: "..." *collapses, falling from EF's blade* Hiro: Q____Q EF: y-you did it! Hiro: "I-I can't move now..." EF: *changes back and hugs him* Arthur: *turns off Excalibur, looks around* "...It's darker now. Is it even daylight still?" Hiro: .\\\\. "...Congratulations?" -elsewhere- -CLASH SLASH CLANG- justin: *still attacking* Clone!Justin: "Ha! Tired yet, old man?" justin: i havent...given up yet... Clone!Justin: "I have..." *shackles Justin's arms* justin: !!! Clone!Justin: *in guillotine form* "Say your prayers, me!" -music playing, growing louder- milia: ??? noriko: hmm? what on- ???: "Unleash the tiny woodland creatures!" ???: that wasnt part of the plan. -_-; ????: oh my, it seems justin's in quite a situation. Clone!Justin: "...Why is that furry talking?" justin: oh! tezca! excellent...timing...*cough* kirara: *already has her ofuda out* noriko: oh? how interesting.... Tezca: *waves* "Hello, Justin. Hello other Justin. I--" *double take--triple take* "...Oh, no, I've gone crosseyed." kirara: that one's a fake, i think. justin: exactly. Tezca: "But how can we tell the diff--" Clone!Justin: *crazy giggling* Tezca: "...Oh, okay." esther: well, the outfits have differences as well. kirara: -_-; Clone!Justin: *suddenly serious* "Less talking--I have to fulfill my divine duty." noriko: well, i believe it's my time to show off my lord's blessing, right? Clone!Justin: "Begin." noriko: *praying, her body contorting* justin: ?!?!?! kirara: !!!!!! esther: oh? milia: *paralyzed* -noriko has....just turned into a clown??!!- justin: well.... this is an unpleasant turn of events. Clone!Justin: *smiles* "Indeed. Blessed we are, to operate to fulfill his desires for this Earth..." justin: not if we have anything to say about it. clown!noriko: *laughing distortedly, charging* Clone!Justin: "When we're finished, you won't even have a mouth..." esther: *slashes at her with iron maiden arms* hehe...hehehehehe....ahahahaha! kirara: *sending talismans at it* Tezca: "Well, not as bright as I'd like it to be, but--" *mirrors appear along his arms* milia: *escaping* Tezca: "Thousand Mirror Stare!" *fires a beam of light at the Clown* clown!noriko: *SCREAM* Tezca: "Justin! Behind you!" justin: *looks* Clone!Justin: *shackles around Justin's neck* justin: !!! grk- Clone!Justin: "Our lord Kishin, accept this reprobate as a sacrifice to you..." justin: *carcan claw around the clone's ankle* Clone!Justin: "?!!!" justin: *YOINK* Clone!Justin: *knocked down* "Umph! Vile faker!" justin: ...this feels familiar somehow. Tezca: "Need help, or...?" justin: it would be appreciated. Tezca: *shines light over* "Say when!" -elsewhere- Ponera: "Give up!" soul: i was about to suggest the same thing! -SLASH SLASH- Ponera: *leaps back* "What is wrong with you?!" *assumes Queen Ant wings, flies up* soul: oh come on! *looking for a way up* Ponera: *heading to an opening in the ceiling* ("That's the way we're getting out of here...") *There are walls leading up, made of rock...* soul: *climbing up* come on, come on... Ponera: *getting to the top* ("I will return, Grimoire...I will get us out of here--") soul: oh no ya DONT! *LEAPS* Ponera: "Almost--" -SLASH- soul: SHIT! Ponera: "AH!" *having lost a wing, she's falling* grimoire: !!! *runs to catch her* Ponera: "AAAAAAaaaaaaaah--" soul: *also falling* FUUUUUUU- Ponera: *looking up--seeing his blade arm* "...No..." soul: !!! HAAAAAAAH! *bringing it down* Ponera: *holds up her arms* "NO!" soul: *closing his eyes* {soul: a death scythe, huh?} {Maka: *nods* "Make one like Mama did--only do it younger, before she did. And make one better than my pervy papa."} {soul: sounds like quite the hell of a goal there.} {Maka: "So, you're interested?"} {soul: *grins* consider it done, partner} -CRASH- Ponera: *eyes wide* soul:.....*his scythe blade piercing her chest*....sorry bout the mess... grimoire: *too stunned to move* Ponera: "..." *tears falling down her face, turns her head, looking at Grimoire* "..." *reaches out her hand* grimoire:.............*silently holds her hand* .............. soul: ........*taking the blade out* Ponera: *grunt of pain...smiles at Grimoire* "Gr-Gr..." grimoire: dont. save what strength you have left. Ponera: "I-I'm finished...This was stupid..." soul: ....... Ponera: *her chest is turning...black...it's turning into dead ants* grimoire:.....*his face is expressionless* Ponera: *smiles...as her body dissolves into that mess...and one witch's soul* soul:.....im not proud of what i did, you know. but...better now than never. grimoire:...... soul:.....*consumes it* *wind blows by Soul...before it explodes around him* soul: !!!.....*sad smile* we did it. -outside- Burns: *shirtless, punching a giant fire ant* "Is that the best you got?" Giant Fire Ant: *roars--then...collapses dead...on top of Burns* Burns: grk- >-< Hibana: "..." *points and laughs* dia: !!! commander! *The ants start falling dead, one by one* 3rd brigade acting commander: EEP! Akitaru: "??? Hibana, what is this?" miwa: i think we won. Hibana: "Hilarious! ...But really, I don't know. Maybe that Ant Queen had a hive mind?" gabriella: it's likely. Karim: "...Let's get inside. They may need help." foien: right behind you. -elsewhere- shaula: *hiding out*....fuck. beatrice: *hiding with her* shaula: beatrice, you came to bail me out? beatrice: you didnt return. i was concerned. shaula: dawww... -elsewhere- neian: *crying* Medusa: *snaking through the sewers--and feels pain in her heart* "...!!! Ponera?" "..." *looks at Neian* neian: *sniff* uuuu! Medusa: "..." *holds Neian close* "We have to keep moving..." -elsewhere- justin:...damn...he escaped... esther: *passed out* kirara: we managed to contain this one. noriko: ..... Tezca: "...Better find a good way to transport them...Maybe in pieces?" -elsewhere- Kid: *sighs* stocking: shit...long day today, huh? Kid: *falls back into a chair* "Yes..." stocking:....*leaning against him* maybe now, we can get some peace and quiet.... Kid: "I hope...Are you worried...about...him?" stocking: *smiles and kisses his nose* i know you're going to be fine, kid. Kid: =\\\\= "...I hope...It's been a lot to deal with..." stocking: ^/////^ i love you kid, always. Kid: "..." *smooch* -underground- katya: <WOOT! that was one hell of a show for your birthday, wasnt it, boss man?> FD: "..." *party favor in his mouth* *blows* yana: *chuckles* FD: <Is there even a city left?> yana: <yeah, seems like it on the cameras.> pushkin: <how lame> leo: .... FD: <...Enough discord, though, that we may proceed...> katya: <i sure hope so! it feels like its been months since we did anything!> leo:.....<the nurse has returned> zoey: master....i...brought our son home <3 Q: hiya! *waves his doll's hand* Ivan: "..." *ripping up a napkin* katya:...........the fuck. FD: "...How...surprising." yana: hey, _you're_ the one who wanted more entertainment down here. there ya go. pushkin: DUN DUN DUUUUN! Ivan: <NOT. NOW!> pushkin: OxO;;; zoey: Q...give your papa a hug. Q: *HUUUG* >u< FD: "..." (*internal screaming*) yana: *throws confetti* congrats on parenthood. again. FD: -______-;;; Ivan: *biting into napkins* katya: <*pats his back* do you want to break into the booze closet?> Ivan: TT_TT <Yes.> -elsewhere- Poe: *holding down the cover of a book* "I-I caught a lot of them--BUT THEY ARE RAMBUNCTIOUS!" ranpo: jeez. what are you gonna do with them? Poe: "Call animal control? The police? A tabloid?" lenore: *carrying an unconscious rowena* ugh, honestly, you shouldnt be over exerting yourself. rowena: nnh.... Poe: D: "SISTER!" *shoves the book to Ranpo* ranpo: ??? lenore: o-o; she's not dead! she just overdid it. rowena: nnh.... Poe: "Q______Q Sh-She needs a doctor?" lenore: sure. rowena: *she's a bit scratched up* Poe: "Hospital! Let's get her there..." yosano: please, let me. ^^ Poe: Q~Q "Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh no..." rowena: *opens her eyes* b-brother? Poe: "I-I'm here. I'm here...Sister..." rowena: heh...i fuzzed up. i guess i still need practice. Poe: YWY "Heh...Y-Yes...We-We need to get these injuries taken care of..." rowena: that's good.......zzzzzz Poe: "..." Q_____Q yosano: she's not dead, she's only asleep. lana:....i'll go get the guest room set up, then. Poe: *whispers* "I-I know that, Doctor...Thanks you, Lana..." *strokes Rowena's head* rowena: *she seems content* -elsewhere- Bakugo: -____-# "Then he fell asleep...Where do I even carry this kid?" itsuka: *chuckles* you almost look like a dad. kenji: zzzzz Bakugo: -\\\\\\- "Not there yet...I can't find any ID on him to know where he lives." kirako: kenji! there you are! Kyoka: "...He did it again, huh?" *pokes his cheek* kenji: zzzz =w= kirako: thank you so much for finding him. i hope he didnt cause too much trouble for you. Bakugo: "...I'm out of lunch money for 3 months." -elsewhere, in one of kouyou's buildings- girl: it's ok sonia, your dad will be here soon. sonia: .... *The door opens* girl 2: hmm? sonia: *looks up* Dazai: OWO girls: *SCREAMING* Dazai: D:> -some of the other girls are brandishing weapons/abilities- Dazai: O~O;;; *slowly backs away* *Someone in the hall kicks Dazai aside* Dazai: "UMPH!" Chuuya: "Sonia!" sonia: papa! *hugs him tightly* Chuuya: TT_TT "Are you okay?" sonia: yeah, the ladies looked after me. are all the bad monsters gone now? Chuuya: "Yes...We're just waiting for clean-up..." sonia: ok. Chuuya: *pats her head, looks at the girls* "Thank you..." girl: it's no problem at all, she's so cute! Chuuya: ^^; "And smart." -elsewhere- Yumi: "...Awful." marie: *sigh* so exhausting. i cant wait to pick christa up from the safe house... Yumi: "...Hug her for me." marie: i will. Yumi: "..." *hug* -elsewhere- Gopher: *groans* inori: do take it easy. Gopher: "That...hurt. A lot." -elsewhere- Izuku: *looking out the window* "..." nurse: are you doing alright in here? Izuku: "Sorry...I was watching the news and...just had to see it myself..." nurse: hmm.... Izuku: "...Is there anything I could do to help?" nurse: right now, you need your rest. Izuku: "...Okay..." *sits down* "..." ("I lost the festival...and couldn't even help save people...") -elsewhere- Kunikida: "Are we all accounted for?" kirako: i think so. atsushi: yep. aya: *nods* Dazai: *his arm in a cast, his face swollen* "Aye." atsushi: ... Kunikida: "...What happened?" Dazai: "...I pissed off a tiny man and many women." atsushi: ....... kirako:.... *sweatdrop* Kyoka: *pokes Kenji* Kunikida: "...Anyway, among the damage includes a candy store demolished--" kenji: *snaps awake* candy? ranpo: D8 Kunikida: "--and...Wait...Where's Tanizaki?" -elsewhere- higuchi: oh no. no no no no no no no no.... hirotsu: miss higuchi? Gin: "...It's bad, sir." hirotsu: what is it? higuchi: Q....Q'S MISSING! Gin: "..." naoya: oh fucking shit. Gin: "We have not informed Mori yet." naoya: this is really fucking bad. Tachihara: "Who's gonna inform the boss? And how much you bet he'll flip his shit?" naoya: not it. hirotsu: nnoooope. Gin: "No." higuchi: not it! Tachihara: "Not--" *looks around* "...Oh, dingus!" naoya: ooh, tough break, junior. *pat pat* Tachihara: "I DON'T WANT TO TELL MORI!" Mori: "Tell me what?" -the others have left- Tachihara: .___.;;;; "...H-How are you, sir?" ^^; Mori: *shrugs* "About the same. Where is everyone?" Tachihara: "Oh, you know...Around. And...elsewhere." Mori: " 'Elsewhere'? Where specifically is 'elsewhere,' and _who_ is 'elsewhere'?" Tachihara: owo;;;; "...Q?" Mori: "..." elise: ..... Tachihara: "Sir, I--" Mori: *starts shaking Tachihara* "Who allowed this to happen?" mafioso: you might want to check the cameras, sir... Mori: "Shut up and put on the footage!" mafioso: ok! jeez, get your coffee this morning? *turning the camera on to show Q walking away with zoey* Mori: "??? Who's that person with Q?" mafioso: i dont know, but i dont like the looks of it. Mori: "Oh, thank you for that scintillating bit of analysis. Find out her identity." mafioso: y-yes sir! Mori: >3< "I need a tracker on that child..." -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: "..." *taps his intercom* daisy: yes sir? Fitzgerald: "Schedule a meeting with the Death City Council." daisy: right away, sir. Fitzgerald: "Thank you..." *pulls out a video disc* louisa: ?? Fitzgerald: "Louisa, make a backup of this disc." louisa; right away, sir. Fitzgerald: *small smile...marks a note in his ledger* -early morning- Todoroki: "...What a mess." fuyumi: you gonna be part of the clean up? Todoroki: *nods* "The Quirk students organized it..." fuyumi: that's great! you're already on your way to being a pro. Todoroki: "...Just...doing what you would do." fuyumi: ?? Todoroki: "Have to help others..." fuyumi: *smiles* -elsewhere- FD: "...What?" *stare* yana: yeah, seems like it, so....congrats? FD: "..." *groans* yana: i thought this was part of your plan? FD: "Just...timing." yana: ah... FD: "...How is she?" yana: she seems pretty thrilled. FD: "...Typical." yana: do we tell the others? FD: "..." <Ivan would kill her and rip open her stomach.> yana:....<good point.> FD: <Keep this a secret, including what she will need...> yana: <noted> -elsewhere- Alone: "..." *grumbling* milia: ..... Grimoire: "..." *stares at his hand* milia: are we here forever now? Grimoire: "Or until we die..." milia:...*whimpers* Grimoire: "..." *pats her back* milia: im worried about nalsie... Grimoire: "...They haven't told us anything about him when we ask..." milia: ....did ponera really.... Grimoire: "I saw it...She's dead." milia:..... Grimoire: "..." *shakes* -elsewhere- soul: ..... Black Star: "...How's it feel?" soul:....weird, i guess. Black Star: "...Feel any superpowers?" soul:....*scythe arm* Black Star: "...So...scythes along your arm?" soul:....i guess...... tsubaki:....is it the witch, still? soul:........he stayed with her, even after she was gone.... Black Star: "...What're they going to do with him?" soul:....i dont know.... Black Star: "...Think you should talk with the guy?" soul:....maybe. Black Star: "At least you'll have some training to do now." soul: yeah. im probably gonna lose my job at the megalomart now, since im kind of 'overqualified'. Black Star: "What, they don't need a human can opener?" *nudge* soul:....*weak chuckle* nice. Black Star: "Take a nap, man. It'll help you out." soul: good call. -elsewhere- Kid: *staring into the mirror* stocking: *hugs from behind* looking good, handsome. Kid: "R-Really? Still?" stocking: *she smiles and kisses both his cheeks* i love you, inside and out <3 ^^ Kid: ^\\\^ stocking: *smoooooooch* Kid: "Hmm..." =\\\\= *smooch* stocking: say kiddo, it's been a while since we last...you know~ *pressing up against him* Kid: o\\\\o "I...had been in recovery...So I should be ready to go..." stocking: ^^ Kid: "..." *kisses her lips lightly* stocking: mmmn~ u///u Kid: *hugs her along her hips, drawing her close, leaning his head against hers* stocking: hehe~ Kid: "Thank you..." *massages her hips* stocking: mmn~ Kid: *his fingers reach for her collar, unbuttoning* "How do you want it?" stocking: i want you to fuck me, and i want you to fuck me hard. Kid: *smirks* "Gladly." *swiftly unbuttons the collar, as his hand pulls up her dress* stocking: ah~ Kid: *gets down on his knees, gets under her dress...tugs her underwear away to reveal her sex* stocking: oh~ hehe~ Kid: *kisses her thighs, up to her lips...* stocking: *back arching as she wraps her legs around him* nnh~<3 Kid: *buries his face into her, his tongue sliding past her lips* stocking: *moan* Kid: *his heart is racing, tasting her after so long...his lips massage hers, as his hands clutch her bottom, giving her cheeks a pinch* stocking: anh~ fuck~ *holding onto his head* Kid: *his heart feels like it is beating faster than usual...he licks her up, tasting her...He moans into her, his lips and tongue tickling her* stocking: ah~! kid! that feels so fucking good! Kid: *as his heart beats...he realizes something...* ("You haven't seen anything yet...") *he presses harder against her, almost knocking her back onto the bed* stocking: ah! hehe, *grins* that horny already~? Kid: *pulls back, looks up at her, his lips wet* "How do you feel...about a blindfold?" stocking:...i fucking love you, you know that? Kid: *smiles, as he takes the blindfold from their nightstand and puts it around her* "No peeking..." stocking: hehe <3 Kid: *quickly sets to work drawing her dress down from her shoulders, coaxing her to lift her bottom...* stocking: *soft sigh, doing so* Kid: *slides the dress off of her...along with her panties* "Beautiful..." stocking: *shudders* Kid: "I see you wore your best today..." *while she is blindfolded...his chest is glowing lightly...* *he lies atop her, kisses her lips, his fingers reaching behind her back...* stocking: mmmn, kid~ Kid: *unhooks her bra, slides it down as he kisses behind her ear* stocking: hehe~ Kid: *kisses down to her chest...his chest feels warm* stocking: *hugging him close* u////u Kid: *smiles, holds her and kisses her shoulder* -elsewhere- Assi: *applying a bandage* "There! All fixed!" child: thanks mr! Assi: ^^ "You're welcome. Now, get back out there and play." mono: ...... Assi: *stands up, turns around--* mono: what? Assi: "..." .\\\. "N-Nothing..." *takes off his glasses, cleans them nervously* mono:.... 7///7; Assi: *finishes, puts them back on* "...You're hot." mono: o/////o ! geh? Assi: "Your face. It's all red. Do you need ice water?" mono: oh... um...s-sure. 7-7;;;; Assi: ^^ *pours a cup from the water cooler* "Here you go." -elsewhere- Hiro: "Ow..." nurse: mr kenshimono, please hold still. EF: ... Hiro: "T-Trying...It kind of burns..." EF: any news on arthur and mr angel? Triple A: *LOUD SCREAM* EF: O.O;;; Arthur: *walks into the room in a hospital smock* "...I may have told the nurse that the blond man had a stick up his butt--and he needed a prostate exam immediately." EF:...you're evil. Arthur: "No. I'm a knight." *pose* "...And I am concerned about internal medicine." Hiro: ._.; "...Don't those hospital smocks not have anything covering your butt?" EF: ._________.; tamaki: ARTHUR YOU IDIOT THERE you....are..... ./////////////. Arthur: "??? What's wrong?" -elsewhere- Sakuya: "It's okay...It's passed." lilac: *sniffle, hic* Sakuya: *hug* lilac: *whimper* naho: *hug* Sakuya: *hums lightly* -elsewhere- Hibana: -_-; "...You have _her_ in prison?" marie: shaula? she seems to have disappeared along with medusa. we havent sensed them in city limits, though.... Hibana: *sighs* "So much for hoping...Two witches on the loose isn't good, especially with the fire tech Shaula has..." sid: and _who_ is to blame for that, hmmm? Hibana: "I already paid my debt to society!" >3< -elsewhere- Akitaru: "While Arthur and Tamaki aren't here, I want to congratulate you all on how you handled the invasion into Death City." shinra: d'aww... Takehisa: *salute* Vulcan: *smiles* -elsewhere- Mifune: *serves tea* tsubaki: thank you. Mifune: "You're welcome." *sits down--and groans* tsubaki: are you alright? Mifune: "Sore from the fight..." tsubaki: mm... Mifune: "...I see you survived it physically. How do you feel?" tsubaki: exhausted.....soul became a death scythe now, did you hear? Mifune: "Ah...Which means a witch died." tsubaki: *she nods* it was the ant witch, ponera. Mifune: "...Was there no other way?" tsubaki: .... Mifune: "...That's something to live through." *stares at his tea* -elsewhere- Anya: "..." tsugumi: *knocks on the door* anya? Anya: "Hmm? Oh, Tsugumi!" tsugumi: how you holding up? Anya: "As well as can be expected...Have you heard from Rowena?" tsugumi: she's staying at her brother's place for a while. Anya: *nods* "That makes sense...How are you?" tsugumi: *falls onto the bed* im beat =3= Anya: .\\\. *pats her head* tsugumi: thanks. anya: ^\\^ "Get some rest..." -elsewhere- Poe: *shelving back his books--one of them still shaking* o___o;;; "...I'll have to turn this one over to the authorities to dispose of that pest I caught..." karl: *chitter* Poe: "Wow, stay away from that book, Karl..." *picks him up* rowena: *still asleep on the guest bed* Poe: "...I'll get some tea ready, when Rowena is awake..." karl: *chitter* lenore: *in human form, watching over her* ..... Poe: ("That bird...I feel I can trust her...But she's my sister...") lenore:....she's a good kid. but reckless... Poe: *sets out scones, as well as a bowl of grapes for Karl* lenore:....7-7; you got sunflower seeds at all? Poe: "??? Y-Yes..." *sets some out* lenore: *nom* thanks. Poe: *nervous smile* "Y-You're welcome..." lenore:.....she's been trying to learn magic recently, even though she lacks a capacity for it. that can be pretty dangerous for a normal human. if she overdoes it, it could easily kill her. Poe: "Wh-What?!" lenore: ....i managed to stop her from going too far, but she needs to be more careful if she's going to learn. Poe: Q_____Q "I-I don't like this. Wh-Why is she doing this?!" lenore: maybe ask her when she wakes up? Poe: *steps back, keeping an eye on Lenore* "Y-Yes..." lenore:....you dont trust me, do you? Poe: "..." *resolute face* "My family is something I cherish. I will not let someone lead any of them into harm's way." lenore: ....guess the peach doesnt fall far from the tree then. Poe: "...Huh?" ._. lenore:...nevermind. just thinking out loud. Poe: "...I would like to speak with her, when she awakens." lenore: im not stopping you. -elsewhere- Giovanni: "What a mess..." guruna: and we didnt even get to join in! LAME! Sho: "Quiet. We're not, until the Preacher says we are ready." -elsewhere- Kid: "AAAH!" stocking: *collapses onto him, panting* Kid: "Umph...Th-This is perfect..." *hugs her closer* stocking: *pant pant* ah...fuck, that was....absolutely amazing. Kid: *smiles* "Like we were...in perfect harmony..." *kisses her neck lightly* stocking: hehe~ *nuzzle* Kid: *pulls up their blanket, resting his head against hers* "I love you." stocking: i love you too, kid <3 Kid: *sighs* "...I feel like a weight has been lifted..." stocking: *she nods* Kid: *strokes her hair* "...We'll be getting back to work soon..." stocking: yeah..... Kid: "...Can we try, despite our work...to have these moments?" stocking: always. Kid: *smiles, kisses her cheek* -elsewhere- soul: .......i know, im probably the last person you want to see... Grimoire: "..." soul:....look, if you hate me, i dont blame you. Grimoire: "...Have you..." soul: .....? Grimoire: "...Have you heard her voice?" soul: ........ Grimoire: "...They say some souls continue to speak...Have you ever heard the souls of those you killed?" soul:............i dont know......i've heard them speak......just not ones i killed.... Grimoire: "What do those souls say to you?" soul:..... {Maka: "How much longer you think this will go on?"} {soul:....i dont know.} soul: ......i guess i dont have anything else to say, huh? Grimoire: "...Killer." soul: ......guess i deserved that one. Grimoire: "You deserve more than that." soul: .......*walks off* if you want to hate me, then hate me.....just know that it wont bring her back. Grimoire: "..." ("How do I move forward...without through death?") -outside- soul: ..... Black Star: "How was it?" soul: ....he's still mad at me. not that i blame him. Black Star: "...Yeah...Forgiveness isn't exactly in this line of work." soul:....*sigh* Black Star: "...Come on. Let's walk." soul: ok. Black Star: *pats his back* "Maybe get something to eat..." soul:...*he nods* -elsewhere- Medusa: "..." neian: *asleep* Medusa: *shudders, walks to the window, looking outside* -there's a small park across the street- Medusa: "..." *looking at the light shining on the park* -life goes on for the locals of this town...- Medusa: "..." *puts a hand over her eyes* neian: *waking up* Medusa: *turns, looks at Neian* "..." neian: mmn...mumu. Medusa: "..." *picks her up* neian: ah. *she reaches for her* Medusa: "..." *leans her head closer to Neian* neian: =u= Medusa: "..." *holds her up* -elsewhere- Crona: "..." *shivers* mami: *holding them* Crona: "N-No..." mami: there there, im here.... Crona: "K-Kill..." mami: *holding them closer* Crona: "I-I want to kill..." mami: ...... Crona: *shuddering, crying* mami: *hums and strokes their back* Crona: *cries, holding onto her* -elsewhere- Free: "How you holding up?" eruka: fine. Free: "...Sorry I wasn't there earlier." eruka: *huuug* im just glad that country boy and explode-y boy were there to save me from......*excalibur* having a very very bad time. Free: .\\\\. *hug, pat* "I won't let that happen...Not in the future, not now." eruka: thanks. Free: "...Hey." eruka: yeah? Free: *leans closer* eruka:.....*SMOOCH* >///////< Free: o\\\\\\o "..." *pulls back* "...I was just gonna ask whether you were hungry?" eruka: IPANICKEDOKAY?! >/////< Free: "..." *nuzzle, puppy noise* eruka:..... =/////= Free: *wraps his arms around her* -elsewhere- Tokoyami: "Set it right there..." dark shadow: *places it* got it! Tokoyami: "Great. Momo, the screws..." momo: *hands him a few screws* Tokoyami: *takes a screwdriver, starts replacing the screws* "This repair work is going to take longer than the Sports Festival..." momo: so does that mean the sport's festival is delayed again? Tokoyami: "Maybe..." -elsewhere- Giriko: *hug* arachne: *hug* Giriko: "I was so worried...Don't ever do that again." arachne: i wont. anna: mama! arachne: *cradles her* hey, sweetie, mommy's here. anna: ^o^ Giriko: *sniff* "Our kids need us..." arachne:...*she nods* anna, eva-...malaria. Giriko: "...Yeah, I'm not used to that name, either." arachne:....so much has changed the past 60 years.... Giriko: *nods* "Lot of catching up to do..." -elsewhere- kyouko:.....*laying in bed, in her room, with the lights off* ....... Fujimoto: *knock knock* kyouko:....door's open. *her voice sounds scratchy, as if she had been crying* Fujimoto: *has a tray with a glass of water, a glass of milk, and some cookies* "...Hey, Kyouko." kyouko: .....*staring at the wall* ..... Fujimoto: *sets down the tray* "You haven't been out in some time, so I brought water." kyouko:.....thanks......*her eyes look dull, just as they did a long time ago....* {-phone ringing-} {???: "Could you answer it?"} {rin: *picks up* true cross monestary, rin okumura speaking, who're you?} {kyouko:...rin....put uncle shiro on the phone...} {rin: dad! it's kyouko! she sounds upset!} {Fujimoto: "???" *answers* "Kyouko?"} {kyouko: uncle shiro.....things got bad.....we're at the police station....can you pick us up?} {Fujimoto: "Of course. Do you want me to bring anything?"} {kyouko:...} -...- {officer: i take it you're shiro fujimoto?} {Fujimoto: "Father Fujimoto, yes. I am here to see Kyouko."} {officer: oh, she's not being arrested, we've clarified that from the investigation...perhaps we should explain what's happened....we received a 911 call reporting screams at the residence, and when we got in, mr and mrs sakura were both dead, and their daughter kyouko was covered in blood, holding a makeshift spear...apparently something had possessed the father that caused him to attack. it was a case of self-defense...} {Fujimoto: "!!! H-Her parents...Dead?"} {officer: *nods* the two daughters were taken here to keep them from further harm. miss kyouko was a suspect, due to the blood and weapon, but after hearing her testimony and running a blood sample on mr sakura, we've deemed her innocent...probably has to do with those mind control incidents as of late...} {Fujimoto: "...Her sister?"} {officer: we found her hiding in the shed. she wasnt harmed...not physically, anyway.} {Fujimoto: "May I speak with them? The sisters?"} {officer: *directs him to a room*} {kyouko:....*staring blankly at the floor*} {momo: *whimpering*} {Fujimoto: *enters* "...Momo? Kyouko?"} {momo: uncle shiro! *hugs his leg* p-papa hurt mama and tried to hurt momo and kyouko...} {Fujimoto: *hugs her* "Momo...I'm sorry."} {kyouko:.......} {Fujimoto: "Kyouko..."} {kyouko:.....*stares at her hand....there's a slight bit of blood on her, but most of it was cleaned off*} {Fujimoto: "Kyouko...This is not your fault."} {kyouko: .......} {officer: it's likely they'll be put into an orphanage now, since-} {Fujimoto: "No. They have family."} {officer: oh? immediate family?} {Fujimoto: "...I'll adopt them."} {kyouko: *looks up*} {officer:...i see. well, we'll need you to sign a few forms first.} {Fujimoto: *nods* "Will these be arrangements to have them stay with me and my boys, until the adoption agency can make a decision?"} -...- {kyouko:....} {rin: ...!! yukio! come over! kyouko and momo are here!} {Yukio: Q~Q *inches forward*} {kyouko:.....} {momo: *clinging onto fujimoto's leg*} {rin:....??? dad? what's wrong?} {Fujimoto: "Momo and Kyouko will be staying with us. I want you boys to get a room set up."} {rin: cool! *goes to do that*} {Yukio: "P-Papa? What is going on?"} {kyouko:.....} {Fujimoto: *smiles* "Go help your brother, Yukio. We'll talk over dinner..."} {Yukio: "..." *walks away, looking back at Momo and Kyouko*} kyouko:..... Fujimoto: "...What happened out there?" kyouko:.....the witch... Fujimoto: "??? The one killed?" kyouko: *she shakes her head* shaula gorgon.......she's the one who poisoned all those people.....she poisoned dad.....mom and dad......MOM AND DAD ARE DEAD BECAUSE OF HER!! Fujimoto: "...And you ran into her while you were out there? Kyouko, I'm sorry." kyouko: I SHOULD HAVE JUST CUT HER DOWN RIGHT THERE! *shuddering* but i was bitten by that bitch medusa...*slams fist against the wall* DAMMIT!! *tears falling as she bits her lip* Fujimoto: *hug* kyouko: !!.....grk-...gnh...*she breaks down sobbing* Fujimoto: *pat* "I'm sorry this happened. And I know you want to avenge your parents. But this is not a weight to carry on your own." kyouko: *shuddering and crying* Fujimoto: "I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere. You can cry as much as you want." kyouko: *hic* *sniff* Fujimoto: "..." *holds her, silent* Rin: *in the hallway* "..." -elsewhere- Mori: "..." *picks up a chair* elise: ?? Mori: *throws the chair against the wall* elise: O-O; Mori: "How does he get kidnapped?!" miura: we dont know, but please dont throw things, you'll damage your back. Mori: "I'm not some old man you have to baby, Miura!" miura: -_-; Mori: "Just...give me an update whenever new information arrives." miura: noted Mori: "...I should have a seat--" *sees the broken chair* "...Oh." elise: -_-; -elsewhere- Mr. Tsubaki: *his fur is matted with dirt* louisa: *giving him a bath* Mr. Tsubaki: *small chitter* =\\\\= *wags his tail* -elsewhere- Mephisto: Y~Y *hug* "I'm so happy you're safe." felisia: ^^; Mephisto: *rests a hand along her stomach* "And our baby?" felisia: doing well. -elsewhere- Q: ^^ Ivan: *stare* zoey: *holding him, letting him lay his head on her lap and humming* FD: ._. yana: *muttering* good luck. FD: *clears his throat* zoey: *smiles* Q: ?? FD: "Um, Zoey? What are...What should..." zoey: do you want to....say hello to your baby? FD: -_-;;; "...Hello." Q: hi, papa. ^^ FD: ._.; ("...That was surprisingly easy.") "So, um...son. Are you pleased?" Q: *nods* mommy's really nice! ^^ FD: "Yes, she is. Do you need anything?" Q: brown sugar! FD: "...On a meal?" Q:....toast then. FD: "Ah. Toast and brown sugar. Understood. Ivan, make some for...him." Ivan: D:< Q: please uncle ivan? *puppy eyes* pushkin: *choking on laughter* Ivan: *grumble grumble* "Yeah, yeah, I'll make the toast..." <Simpering creepy demonic bastard monster brat son of a bitch--> Q: ????? mama, what's he saying? zoey: im sure it's something nice. ^^ pushkin: *collapses, laughing hysterically* leo: D8 FD: "He was saying that you remind him of very strong children he saw back in Mother Russia." Ivan: *mutters* <I said no such thing...> Q: cool! katya: <just play it off and get the damn toast.> Ivan: *in the kitchen, slicing the bread, grabbing the cinnamon and brown sugar* "..." ("Maybe we rats should get some rat poison...") *toasting the bread* <I deserve better than this...Master and I should be raising children, not that trollop.> katya: <chill out, vachenka. as soon as she's no longer needed, she's good as dead.> Ivan: <When will that happen? Why does Master keep her around?> katya: <well, A- we need a medic, and B- he has plans for her. not sure what that entails, but im not here to ask questions.> Ivan: <And Master can do no wrong~> *hearts appear over his head--as the toast burns* katya: VACHENKA THE FUCKING TOAST! leo: *already handling it* Ivan: D: "...M-Master will be displeased." leo: *prepping a second toast* Ivan: T~T "He's going to hate me..." leo: i dont think that. Ivan: "H-He'll put me into the room with the preacher, the sad legsless girl, and that boring guy..." leo: i'll put word in for you then. *faint smile* im sure he'll forgive you. Ivan: Y~Y "Th-Thank you, Lev...Please let Master know I will prostrate at his feet." katya: TMI. yana: not what he meant. katya:.....*taking the burnt toast* can i just have this then? Ivan: "??? Um, sure. For what?" katya:.... *NOM AND RUNS* leo:....*blink* Ivan: "...??? In any case, let's serve this on the plate...Maybe some milk..." -elsewhere- Yohei: "You sure you're feeling okay?" chie: yeah. *pricks her finger* Yohei: "..." *unwrapping the bandage* chie: thanks, hun. *kiss* Yohei: *smiles* "Anytime, love." *smooch* -elsewhere- Joker: "...Jeez, this town. Makes a guy wonder why he stays here." ivy: probably because the outside is even more unforgiving... Joker: "..." *lights up a cigarette* "Yeah, that's part of it. You gone through the debris for anything?" ivy: looted some bodies. pawned their shit. Joker: "What, didn't keep something for yourself? Or me? Or Red?" ivy: ....*takes out a lighter and draws a small snake from it* Joker: "Huh...Fancy lighter. Moving on up in the world." ivy: yeah. Joker: "Neat...Also, you see about those new inmates?" ivy: oh? Joker: "Witch, wolf, book guy. I heard they worked with a friend of a friend." ivy:....you mean _her_ *scowls* Joker: "Yep. Maybe you should talk to them." -elsewhere- Spirit: "Jeez...Between clean-up, interrogation, and medical, no one is going to get any sleep any time soon." sachiko: im beat... Spirit: "Same..." *sighs* "I got enough energy to order take-out..." -elsewhere- Child: *crying* "O-Our house..." maki: it's ok. we're rebuilding it now. *smiles* Vulcan: *sets up boards* Takehisa: *rapid-fire nail gun work* tamaki: *on the roof, laying down tile* Relan: *holding window pane* "Okay, it's almost in..." shinra:.... Akitaru: "Kid? You okay?" shinra: *completely serious face* 8th brigade building company. tamaki:....what? Akitaru: "...8BBC?" shinra:....*laughing* tamaki: -_-; nerds. -elsewhere- Fitzgerald: "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. It is an honor to be before the City Council." lord death: likewise. nedzu: indeed. Yumi: "..." Ruffles: *nods* Fitzgerald: "We have a short presentation to outline our plan for rebuilding portions of Death City that were destroyed. I think you will find that the budget is considerably less than that of other proposals--because I will pay for all repairs." council lady: oh? Fitzgerald: "I have felt welcomed by my new adopted home, this city. I have worked for many years to raise funds to support others, to fashion in a way...the family I have lost." *smiles* "I see no reason to let the families of Death City suffer because of the actions of the wicked." Yumi: *stare of 'you aren't fooling me'* -several council members are listening- Fitzgerald: "Now, we'll turn off the lights and--" Yumi: "Mr. Fitzgerald. Where does your money come from?" louisa: manhasset security. not to mention several other companies the fitzgerald family owns. Yumi: "And gambling?" louisa:.... ouo;;;;; Yumi: "Allegations of organized crime within the Fitzgerald companies--" Fitzgerald: "--are absolute nonsense, now that the offending criminals have been arrested." Yumi: "?!!" lord death: oh? Fitzgerald: "I thought you would have read the reports by now." *removes a newspaper from his jacket, slides it to Yumi* *Headline: "Fitzgerald cooperates with FBI sting"* Yumi: o_o## councilman: fancy. Fitzgerald: "I regret the actions taken by a few in my organization--and it is why I sought Manhasset Security, to weed out such criminals from my businesses and any others that operate in this world." -several people clap- louisa: *thumbs up* *An American flag is flying behind Fitzgerald...waved by Mr. Tsubaki* Yumi: -_-#### ("...God...damn it.") -morning- Hibana: *yawns* =_= gabriella: good morning. *smiles* Hibana: =___= "..." *falls asleep--landing on Gabriella* gabriella:.... ^^; -at school- Anya: *opening her locker* yana: long time no see. ^^ Anya: "Oh! You're not--You're safe and-- ..." *hug* yana: !!....*awkward hug* sorry for scaring you, my family was out of town in salt lake city. Anya: *sighs* "That is fortunate. Are they okay?" yana: *she nods* Anya: "Well, let's catch up at lunch." ^^ yana: *smiles* -elsewhere- Izuku: "I'm about ready to check out?" nurse: *she nods* your arm will be in a cast for a while. Izuku: "Figured as much...Only so much recovery can do." -elsewhere- Black Star: "Ready to head out?" naho: *nods* lilac:....*nod* Black Star: "Okay...We'll be picking up some canned food and blankets..." -elsewhere- Hyde: "So you're quitting?" soul: more or less. the boss seemed to understand...ex-boss, rather. Hyde: "Man, that sucks for me: you were the only coworker who wasn't a giant dick." soul: hey, you'll still see me around. maybe you and licht could like, hang out with us for game night? Hyde: " 'Game night'? What game?" soul: wii sports resort. Hyde: *shiny eyes* "I'll drag Licht over!" -elsewhere- Chuuya: "...Unbelievable. How did he go missing?" naoya: i dont know. sonia: *looking at the camera footage*.........that was the nurse. Chuuya: "...Sonia...That...You mean, where you were?" sonia: she was the nurse from underground...the one who lied about being my mama... Chuuya: "..." *sits down, shuddering* naoya: then that means......fuuuuck! fuck fuck fuck! *running to the phone* Chuuya: "..." *puts his hands together* sonia:.....*hugs chuuya* naoya: pick up the goddamn phone already... Chuuya: "..." *pat pat* -riing== Mori: "Answer it." miura: ye- naoya: TELL MORI TO GET HIS ASS ON THE FUCKING PHONE!! Mori: *hair blown back* ._. miura:....it's naoya. Mori: "..." *takes the phone* "Ye--" naoya: we know where Q is. which adds to the problem.....the rats have Q!! Mori: "..." *his hand grips the phone more tightly, as he smiles* "Then I guess we're going to have to retrieve Q from the Rats." -elsewhere- FD: "...Is he always going to sleep in our bed?" Q: *clutching his doll, asleep* zoey: hehe, he looks just like you. <3 FD: "...I'm not seeing it." zoey: ehehe....*nuzzling up against him* FD: "...Well, what does the child need today?" -elsewhere- Kid: *hug* stocking: hehehe, you're really affectionate, huh? Kid: "Making up for lost time...and not wanting to let you forget how loved you are." stocking: aww. *smooches all over his face* so precious <3 Kid: =\\\\= "St-Stocking...Hee hee..." stocking: i love you kiddo~<3 Kid: "I love you." *nuzzle* stocking: hehehe~ Kid: "Ready for today? And what you have to do?" stocking: *nods* we'll have to get ready for celebrating soul becoming a death scythe. Kid: "Yes. I have something to warm up his home." stocking: oh? Kid: *holds up a symmetrical work of art* "Ta-da!" -elsewhere- Meme: *reading* "...And then carry the 1. Like this!" mio: hmm.... Meme: "Then we have to solve for the variable, put that into the graph, and map that out to determine the trajectory of the projectile--Right?" mio:....wha? Meme: "Like this." *reaches over, points on the page* mio: o-oh. .-.; r-right. ^///-///^; Meme: "Good! Let's solve for x now…" -elsewhere- Medusa: "..." neian: zzzz Medusa: "..." *counts the money* "Not enough..." neian: zzzz Medusa: "..." *looks out the window...* ("Who...") person: *walking along* Medusa: "..." *sneaks down* "..." person: *whistling* Medusa: *points an arrow into their back* person: grk- Medusa: "Do not move." person: w-wha- Medusa: "I just want your money. All in your pocket. Then I'm gone." person: i need this for the bus!- Medusa: "I need to feed a child. And if you still want legs on which to walk, you'll give me your money." person: alright, jeez! *handing it over* Medusa: "Thank you. Now skedaddle." *slithers back into the shadows* neian: mmn.... Medusa: *has slid back into the room* "Shh...I'm back...And we're moving on." -elsewhere- Nals: "..." *shifts* kirara: are you ready to talk? Nals: "...I've been slashed, stabbed, and have my talents limited by being tied to this bed. Let me go, before I cut myself loose." esther: ohoho, now we cant have that~ ^^ Nals: *growls* "Where are the others?" kirara: in detainment. the witch ponera is dead. Nals: "...What did you say?" kirara: the witch ponera is dead. esther: ding dong the witch is dead~ kirara: esther, could you not. -_-; Nals: *shakes in his straps* "No. No no no. She said she would give me what I lost. My face. My fame. And you-you killed her?!" kirara: sir, please calm down. Nals: *breaks from a strap, grabs Kirara's collar* -SLAM- esther: *malicious smile, with iron maiden arm holding him down* behave...yourself..... Nals: "Grrk!" *choking* kirara: ESTHER! esther:.....*backing away* Nals: *gasps, coughing* -elsewhere- Tuhl: *carrying groceries* "Got them all?" mana: yep. Tuhl: "Cool...How you doing after the attack?" mana: getting better. Tool: "Glad to hear." *looking around* "...The city is crying still..." mana: ...... io: bapa! Tuhl: "!!! Hey, Io." *picks them up* io: ^o^ saki: she's growing up so fast. Tuhl: "No kidding...Gonna need bigger clothes." -elsewhere- Anya: *sets down her lunch tray* yana: heard the city got attacked while we were out. Anya: *nods* "It was scary here. A lot of people hurt...some still out on recovery." yana: damn. Anya: "You've seen the destruction around here...A lot of people lost everything, right before the holidays..." yana: .... Anya: "I know the city will try to fundraise..." yana: they always seem to do that. Anya: "I'm trying to figure out what I can do...Maybe a bake sale?" yana: sounds like a good plan if any. -elsewhere- Giriko: "How you holding up, preacher?" justin: f-fine... *he smiles, but his hands are shaking* Giriko: "...Okay. Care for a drink?" justin: im good... Giriko: *pours some juice, sips* "...Want to see the baby?" justin: how is she? Giriko: "Doing well. Getting big. Loves laughing." justin: *smiles* Giriko: "She'll be talking in complete sentences--better than me--before we know it." *pulls up a pic on his phone* -elsewhere- Yumi: "Are you doing your homework?" kirika: mmmhmmm.... Yumi: "...Need any help?" kirika: im good. Yumi: "Okay. Dinner will be ready at 6." kirika: *nods*......(thinking: i cant wait for the arena to be finished already, then i can kick ozaki's ass in the finals!) Yumi: "...And good luck with training for the Festival." kirika: *grins* Yumi: *smiles, closes the door behind her* -elsewhere- Gopher: "All ready, sir?" eibon: yes. Gopher: *nods* "Okay..." *sets the relic into the center of the array* "And this will work?" eibon: yes. we can begin. pandora: *lying dormant in the orb* Gopher: *clasps his hands together, starts chanting* -runes glowing as the book of enoch opens, drawing the orb into it- Gopher: *continues chanting, sweating...shaking* -pandora orb sealed!- eibon: *sigh*...!! my child? are you alright? Gopher: *falls to his hands and knees, nods* "Y-Yes...Just a lot to get used to..." eibon:...come along, you need to eat something... -elsewhere- -pop pop!- Black Star: "Congratulations, buddy!" soul: *small smile* Patty: *claps* Kid: "Happy to have a new Death Scythe with us." liz: here here! soul: thanks guys, this means a lot, really. *awkward scratch of the back of his head* Kid: "We're proud of you." Black Star: "..._All_ of us." soul:....yeah. Patty: "Soul? We got this for you..." *holds up a large flat box* soul: ?? Patty: "Open it up!" soul: *opens it* *Inside is a new jacket, with a DWMA logo along one of its sleeves* soul: awesome. thanks you guys! Patty: "You're welcome!" Black Star: "It'll be great for work--as long as Kid doesn't try to put the logo onto the other sleeve..." Kid: "...I'm fine." *slight twitch* stocking: ^^; *pat pat* liz: ^^;.... wes? didnt you have something you wanted to say? Wes: "..." *scratches the back of his neck* "You did it. I knew you could..." soul:...thanks, bro. Wes: "I'm proud of you...You protected people." soul:.....*faint smile* Wes: *hug* soul: !!....*hug* Patty: *sniff* -elsewhere- Hiro: *rotates his shoulder* "Feel better already...Thanks for being my weapon out there." EF: any time, hiro. ^^ Hiro: "Sorry I got blood on your blade from...stabbing that guy." ^^; EF: it's fine. i guess that's what knives do....as weapons, anyway. Hiro: "Yeah...In my experience, knives are for helping with cooking or fixing stuff around the house...or assembling model kits..." EF: ah. Hiro: "Well...You hungry?" -elsewhere- Poe: "...We need to talk." rowena: is this about....you know? Poe: "If 'you know' is your use of magic..." rowena: ..... i take it you're upset? Poe: "...There are so many people in this city who can protect those who can't. Why do you want to put yourself at risk?" rowena:....i didnt want to just sit back and do nothing. to be fair, i guess it was spur of the moment and panic that motivated me... Poe: "Y-You can't just jump into something at the spur of the moment. It's like...it's like writing: it takes daily practice, a schedule, a drive, talent--" rowena:...*she nods* Poe: "...You're going to keep practicing?" rowena: perhaps. but i should probably recuperate from this first. Poe: "You had best. And see a doctor. Because you are not playing with those dark arts again until you are ready to..." rowena: *she nods* that's understandable......im sorry if i scared you, brother. Poe: "...Th-Thank you..." *sniff* "I just can't have you running into dangers you are not ready for..." rowena: *hug* i know. Poe: Y~Y *hug* -elsewhere- soul: *on the top of the DWMA stairs, looking out at the city* *A light breeze flutters along some flags hung at the front of the school* soul:....*he smiles* Spirit: "Yo, Death Scythe." soul: ....oh, hey spirit. Spirit: "Shouldn't you be out celebrating?" soul: well, the others did throw a party for me. *he's wearing the new jacket* Spirit: "Like the jacket. New uniform?" soul: it was a gift from the others. Spirit: "That was nice of them..." *pulls out an envelope* "Glad I found you. Got something for you, too." soul: ?? *examines it* *Inside is a DWMA Death Scythe ID card--and a photo of Maka and Soul* soul:.....thanks. *puts them into his wallet* Spirit: "...You're welcome. Got to keep looking to the future...without forgetting the past." soul:...*he nods* Spirit: "...She'd be proud of you." soul:....*closes his eyes and smiles* i know she is. Spirit: "..." *looks out at the city* soul:.....i hear you're going to france, soon. Spirit: *nods* "Taking care of something over there." soul: ah. Spirit: "Please keep my family safe while I'm gone, Soul." -elsewhere- Jacqueline: *packing* kim: are you ready? Jacqueline: "Just about...You packed a sweater?" kim: yep. Jacqueline: "...You can still back out." kim: *shakes her head* we're in this together, remember? Jacqueline: "...Okay." *closes her suitcase* "I'm as ready as I'll ever be." kim: *she nods* spirit said he'd drive us. Jacqueline: "That'll avoid a taxi ride...Got your ticket?" kim: right here. -elsewhere- Rin: "Hope dinner was good..." -knocks- Rin: "??? Who's there?" sayaka: heyooo, it's us! the party brigade! madoka: ^^; mami: mind if we come in? konekomaru: we brought movies and snacks. Rin: "Oh! Of course. Welcome! We were just finishing up..." shiemi: sorry for dropping by. momo sakura: *peek* Rin: "Not a problem. You can get things set up in the living room..." *whispers to Madoka* "I think Kyoka could use some company..." madoka: *she nods* sayaka: KYOUKO! COME ON OUT! WE BROUGHT THE BLUUUES BROTHEEEERS~! homura:....oh? renzou isnt here with us? konekomaru: no. he said he had plans tonight. Rin: "...Kyoko? You in?" kyouko: *walking into the living room* ugh, so noisy, im tired....oh, hey guys. *rubbing her eyes* sayaka: you werent looking too good the other day, so we decided to come over for movie night!....it's blu- kyouko: i know, the whole monestary heard you. Rin: ^^; "It's a good film...And they brought snacks." kyouko:...*faint smile* thanks guys. -elsewhere- Chuuya: "..." mito: *mreow* Chuuya: *pet pet* mito: ^w^ Chuuya: *picks up Mito, hugs her* mito: *nuzzles against his chin, purring* Chuuya: "Good Mito..." mito: *mew* Chuuya: *stroke, looks out the window* {Chuuya: "...What even...What?"} {rain: heeeelp. =~=; *she was caught in a net....in a rather risqué position*} {Chuuya: .\\\. "Hang on..." *grabs a pair of scissors* "Why is there even a net here?" *pulls up a chair, climbs on it* "Are you okay, Rain?"} {rain: .//////. y-yeah, i-i-im alright....im so sorry about that!} {Chuuya: ^\\\^; "Not a problem at all--" *cuts through the net--*} {-WHUD-} {rain: ah! *lands on her butt* oww....} {Chuuya: D: "S-Sorry!" *offers his hand*} {rain:...t-thanks. *takes it*} {Chuuya: *pulls her up* "How did this happen?"} {rain: it's this horrible ability of mine. TT_TT } {Chuuya: "But bad luck doesn't just make a net appear out of nowhere..." *kicks at the net*} {rain: i think im just cursed or something, ever since starting high school...} {Chuuya: "I mean, high school's rarely good for anyone...so I've heard."} {rain: *sigh* is it because i......*sigh* nevermind.} {Chuuya: "??? ...Well, you're here now, so that's got to be an improvement." *smiles*} {rain:....i-i guess... .///.; } {Chuuya: ^^ *steps forward--and trips on the net*} {rain: ah-!} {*CRASH*} {-squish~-} {rain: ..... o////////////o um.... } {Chuuya: *voice muffled*} {rain: O///////////////////O;; } {Chuuya: *tries to push up--staring at Rain* o\\\\\\o "I'M SO SORRY!"} {rain: i-i-i-its fine, im used to it. .///////////.;;; } {Chuuya: *off of her, still staring at her* "..."} {rain:...m-mr nakahara?} {Chuuya: "I-I got to go now!" *gets up, walking quickly away* .\\\\\\. } Chuuya: T\\\T sonia: papa? Chuuya: "!!!" *rubs his eyes* "Y-Yes, Sonia?" sonia: *hug* Chuuya: "..." *hug* sonia: .... Chuuya: *pats her back* "Thanks for that, kiddo." -a few days later- Gopher: ^w^ "I'll be rooting for you." kirika: thanks, but the finals havent started yet... mina: congrats on making it to the quarter finals, tokoyami! eijiro: you're gonna be going up against katsuki, and he's no slouch. Tokoyami: "Yes...I will give this fight all I have, and more." Bakugo: "..." mina: now come on, iida and ibara's match is up next! -elsewhere- tensei: *on patrol* squad A, report. Squad A: "We can't spot them. Lost track in your sector." tensei: damn. squad B? Squad B: "The target should be within 20 blocks of you." tensei: alright. *Something shadowy spotted...a scarf...in the alley* tensei: ?? *examines*... !!! you... ???: *holds his blade, ready to attack* tensei: *charges* -elsewhere- Izuku: *walking* -the tvs are now showing the next match, iida vs todoroki- Izuku: "!!!" *fast walking* -at the stadium- Todoroki: *ice wall* announcer: and todoroki is starting off with an ice wall attack! Iida: *braces himself...and leaps* ochako: woah! Todoroki: "!!!!" Iida: *sweep of his leg--* Todoroki: *ducks* tsuyu: ...oh, hey izuku. Izuku: "Hey! I just made it..." tsuyu: glad you're out of the hospital. ochako: the semi-finals just started. Izuku: ^\\\^ *smiles at Tsuyu* "Th-Thanks." *sits down* "How's the match looking?" Iida: *grabs Todoroki's head* Todoroki: "?!" Iida: *knocks Todoroki's head to the floor* ochako: *wince* Todoroki: *cough, his hand moving* Iida: *grabs Todoroki by his collar--and dashes to the boundary--* announcer: and he's going right for it! Iida: ("Almost there--") *sputter* Iida: "?!!!" momo: !!!! Todoroki: "I plugged up your muffler with ice...You forgot about my close-range attacks..." *The ice crawls up Iida, trapping him* midnight: iida is immobilized! Iida: *shivers* ("Brother...I'm sorry...") -elsewhere- -tensei's phone rings...- tensei: ...... *slumped to the floor, bleeding badly* *STOMP* -the phone has been silenced- ???: " 'Hero'? Pheh. Legacies...nepotism...greed...That is what you are. You're not hero..." *licks blood along his chin* "All you so-called ‘heroes’ pollute this society. A plague to be eradicated, so real heroes can emerge...Real heroes like All Might." *puts away his blade* "When my work is done, only he may kill me." -elsewhere- Iida: *shivering under a blanket* -phone ringing- Iida: *looks* ("Mother...") *answers* "Mother, hello. I am sorry I was unable to advance--" mrs iida: *sniffle* tenya, oh god, tenya...i-it's....it's tensei....he..he was....*crying* he was attacked by a villain! Iida: *he stops shivering* *he's frozen in place* "..." *everything around him seems to be far away and darker...* -elsewhere- Stain: *on a rooftop, observing his works...licks at his blade* "...You can see it. The work I have brought forward. The message I send...and there is one more to pass along--" *swings his blade back into the one behind him--* Kurogiri: *stabbed...and not affected* "Calm yourself...We have much in common. We seek the same goal." Stain: "..." *keeps his sword where it is* "...Continue." -elsewhere- Shigaraki: *watching video clips* "..." *scratches, blood staining his own fingers* -elsewhere- himiko: hush little baby, dont say a word~ fang: ^o^ Dabi: ._________. twice: holy shiiit! Ingenium was taken out! *shows it on his phone* Dabi: "?!!! One of ours?" twice: *shrug* wasnt me himiko: if the world treats you like a joke~ mama's gonna cut open their fucking throats~ fang: ^u^ twice: .____. that kid's gonna be really fucked up when he's older........just sayin’. Dabi: .________________. -elsewhere- Iida: *taps his phone, confirming ticket purchase* "..." clerk: enjoy your trip, sir. Iida: "Yes, thank you..." *turns...trying not to cry* -it's already over the news.- anchor: -in other news, the turbo hero ingenium was found- Iida: *looking down, avoiding looking up at the TVs in the station…he stops, and listens* anchor: -severely wounded after being attacked by a rogue villain. according to reports, the assailant is believed to be the infamous hero killer known as 'stain'. no further information- Iida: *his fist is shaking* -elsewhere- Izuku: "...I haven't had a chance to take notes on this one..." *looking at the news report* momo: *hands over her mouth in shock* !!!! Tokoyami: "It's awful." ochako: poor iida... Izuku: *nods* "I can't imagine what he is feeling..." -elsewhere- Shotaro: "Wow...That looks awful." chie: *holding toru close* Yohei: "...I remember dealing with that super before..." nea: shit, what's gonna happen to their family's company? Yohei: "Probably handled by someone in the immediate family?" nea: probably.... -elsewhere- Kunikida: "--and if you see this individual in this city, you are to treat them as dangerous." aya: *nods* Kunikida: "From all reports, he has been targeting heroes. And since you lack superpowers, a Quirk, an ability, a dokeshi ability, weapon abilities, or anything that would make you stand out--just don't stand out." -CHOP- kirako: TnT; Kunikida: *on the floor* Dazai: *eating popcorn, watching* "Ha!" -elsewhere- Aizawa: "More security...What a drag." midnight: no kidding. i've been asked to be on more patrols, so i got someone to stand in for me at the festival! Aizawa: "Really? Who's that?" midnight: ever hear of the sleepy sheep hero, 'whimsy dream'? Aizawa: "...I don't sleep well. Of course I have. But...was that the best choice?" midnight: if things get out of hand, she can neutralize any extremely rowdy students! Aizawa: "So, she'll neutralize Bakugo." -elsewhere- Kid: *vacuuming* julie: *helping* Kid: *picks up a cushion, hands gloves to Julie* "Now, pick up the loose change..." julie: ok! Kid: "And you'll get to put that money into your piggy bank..." julie: cool! Kid: ^^ "Maybe you can use the money for a Christmas gift for your family." julie: *shiny eyes* Kid: "What has your mother wanted?" julie: if i make a lot, i can get her a super-roo! Kid: "??? A super kangaroo?" julie: i think it's a big car. Kid: "...Oh! A Subaru?" julie: *she nods, smiling* Kid: "...Well, that can be pricey..." julie: im gonna do my best! -elsewhere- Employee: "Welcome back to work, Lana." lana: thanks. ^^ it's been pretty hectic. Employee: "After the attack, yeah, I can imagine. Your dad okay?" lana: *she nods* he's adjusting. Employee: "To the new house?" lana: *she nods* Employee: "But...isn't that place creepy?" lana: to some people, maybe. but i dont mind. Employee: "Huh...Well, if you're happy. Oh, and we got an increased number of guests due to the damage..." *thumbs at one of them* "That one is getting really annoying." -elsewhere- Stain: *arms crossed* -it appears to be an abandoned motel...- Stain: "The accommodations leave a lot to be desired..." Kurogiri: "We provide you with a base, not room service." Stain: *looks out the window* " 'We'?" Kurogiri: "Ones who recognize that, yes, these so-called heroes must be eliminated, so that real heroes may emerge." Stain: "...Nifty transportation Quirk you got. Should be useful." Kurogiri: "One hopes...Leave your list of items for us to retrieve." -elsewhere- Poe: *holding up an umbrella* T___T "Too bright..." karl: *chitter* *pap pap* Poe: *whimper whimper...puts sunglasses on himself and Karl, as he continues walking* "...Oh. Those are Rowena's classmates?" tsugumi: *chatting* Poe: *approaches, on his way to the grocery* "Hello, Rowena's classmates." *wave* tsugumi: hmm? um...hi? mio: is that a freaking raccoon? Poe: QWQ "H-His name is Karl?" mio: um....hi? karl: ^.^ Poe: "See? Karl likes you, Miss...Um...Sorry, I forgot your name, aside from the small girl I bashed with the door." mio: i'm mio, these are anya, meme, ao, and tsugumi. Anya: -_-; "We know each other." Meme: *waves* "Hello, Mr. Poe." -elsewhere- Ivan: <Has Master seemed...off?> katya: <i think it's the brat that's bothering him....what does he even need the kid for anyway?....GRAH I JUST WANNA GET STARTED SO I CAN KILL SOMETHING!> Ivan: "..." *hands her a doll made from marshmallows, toothpicks, and graham crackers* katya:.....<what the fresh fuck is this shit?> Ivan: <Desserts I'm making ahead of Christmas.> katya: .....<ok?> Ivan: *holds one up with a candy hat* <This is one to look like Master~> *holds up one with red strawberry jam spread over it* <And this is what I will do to that whore...> pushkin: <that's pretty morbid. i like it!> Ivan: <Yes!> *bites the head off the Zoey doll, shaking his head like a dog with a rag in its mouth* pushkin + katya: .____.;; *backing up slowly* yana: take a chill pill, gonch. Shousaku: "...I don't know what he is going to do with that doll that looks like your boss, and I don't want to know." katya: who let you out of your holding cell? yana: we got tabs on them, plus the boss said to let them roam a little bit. Shousaku: "..." *looks around* "Why does it smell like paint?" pushkin: ?? Ivan: -_- "That <prostitute> is painting a new room..." katya: *snerk* for the kid? Ivan: "Yes..." Shousaku: "...Adopted?" katya: you didnt notice the little kid wandering about? Shousau: "...I've learned to not ask questions." katya:....good boy. -elsewhere- Jacqueline: "..." airport staff: <thank you for your patronage, ma'am.> Jacqueline: <You're welcome.> kim: .... Spirit: "...So, how's work been, Kim?" kim: interesting, i guess. aoi looked pretty exhausted the other day. Spirit: "Your coworker?" kim: *she nods* Spirit: "They'll be able to handle things while you're away?" kim: i think so. Spirit: "How about you, Jacqueline?" Jacqueline: "...Edgar can handle things." Spirit: "...That's good, right?" Jacqueline: "If he keeps his raccoon on a leash." kim: so, do we take a cab or something? Jacqueline: *waves* cab: *pulls up* <where to?> Jaqueline: <13 Rue des Canettes.> cab: <alright.> Spirit: *helps load the luggage, opens the passenger door* Jacqueline: *sits in the back* -and soon, they were off- Jacqueline: "..." *holding a cloth, twisting it* kim: *holds her hand* Jacqueline: "..." *lets go of the cloth* <It's up ahead.> kim: ... Jacqueline: "..." *stares at the steps* kim:....*looks over at spirit* Spirit: "Shall we go in?" Jacqueline: "..." *starts walking* kim: *follows* Jacqueline: "..." *inhales, presses the doorbell* maid: <yes?> Jacqueline: <Hello. Is Mrs. Dupre in?> maid: <ah, miss jacqueline. do come in.> Jacqueline: <Thank you.> *walks forward* kim: *follows* -the estate is quite exquisite- Spirit: ._. *small whistle* -the maid staff whispers amongst themselves- Jacqueline: *keeps her head down* -they arrive to the study, where mr and mrs du pre await- mr du pre: ... Jacqueline: <Greetings, Mother, Father.> mr du pre: .............<it's been a while...> Jacqueline: <Yes, it has. I am sorry I could not arrive sooner.> mrs du pre: <and who are _they?_> Jacqueline: *gulps* <This is Mr. Albarn, one of my teachers.> mrs du pre:....*she nods* mr albarn. Spirit: *looking around* ("So much stuff...How much is that vase worth?") mrs du pre: *a-HEM* Spirit: "!!! Oh, hello, ma'am." ^^; kim: 7-7;;; Jacqueline: -\\\\- <And this is my....This is Kim.> kim:....hi. mrs du pre: oh? a friend? Jacqueline: "...Yes." kim: i'm her meister. mrs du pre:........i see. kim: *chilled by her harsh tone* Jacqueline: "...I have been training my weapon abilities, so I can be of use..." mrs du pre: as you ought to. have you been keeping up with your studies? Jacqueline: "And graduated. I mean, yes, ma'am." mrs du pre: and have you gotten into college? kim: ... Jacqueline: "...I..." mrs du pre: have you gotten into a good university? Jacqueline: "I have...been working at school since graduation. And the DWMA was a university, technically, after I finished the high school courses..." mrs du pre: have you been communicating with your suitors? kim: .... Jacqueline: "...It has been some time..." mrs du pre: you'll have to work on that. you're getting to that age where you will have to find a husband. kim: who are you to decide that for her? mrs du pre: ?! Jacqueline: "Kim..." kim: jackie has more than enough brains to know what she wants. mrs du pre: how, dare you! Jacqueline: "K-Kim, please--" kim: jackie isnt some helpless doll for you to boss around! she can handle herself! mrs du pre: how can you possibly know what my child wants? Jacqueline: "Because she is my partner!" kim: !!.... jackie. mrs du pre: !! Jacqueline: "I know my place, and it is in Death City! It is not with some suitor, some boy! It is back home--that is my place!" -SLAP- kim: !!!!! Jacqueline: *stunned...tears forming in her eyes* mrs du pre: ....how. dare you take that tone with me young lady... Spirit: "..." *oh fuck no face* mrs du pre: *grabs her by the wrist* come along. you need to be corrected. kim: HEY LET GO OF HER! Jacqueline: *not budging...her arm is limp* Spirit: "Let that child go!" kim: *jumps onto mrs du pre's back* Jacqueline: "!!!" mrs du pre: !!!! *pushing kim off* why you insufferable little brat! didnt your mother teach you ANY manners?! kim:....... Jacqueline: "Mother?" mrs du pre: *cold gaze at her* silence you. you speak only when spoken to. Jacqueline: "I SPEAK WHENEVER I GODDAMN FEEL LIKE IT, YOU BITCH!" mrs du pre: !!!!!! mr du pre: !!!!! kim:.....*smiles* Jacqueline: "Kim has been with me through all of this--through Death City, through fights, through weapons training! Where the hell were you two?! What did you ask of me?! Did you ask me what I wanted?! Congratulate me on controlling my weapon abilities?! For finding any goddamn piece of happiness in my life?!" *angry tears* mrs du pre: .....young lady, are you and this girl in a relationship? *cold glare* Jacqueline: "What if I was?!" mrs du pre:..............*shakes her head and walks away from her* Jacqueline: "Yes, walk away--just as you always have!" Spirit: "A parent who turns their back on their child is hardly a parent." mrs du pre: that _thing_ is not my child. Spirit: "A CHILD IS NOT A THING, YOU STUPID BRAT!" mrs du pre: that girl has no right to refer to me as her mother. i want her out of this house. Jacqueline: "...This never was my home anyway." mrs du pre:....whatever belongings of yours will be sent to my husband's sister's house. Jacqueline: "Fine. Goodbye." kim: ......*holds jackie's hand, glaring at mr and mrs du pre* Jacqueline: *small squeeze of Kim's hand, as she tries to hold herself together and walks* Spirit: "..." *cold glare at Mr. Du Pre* mr du pre:....*he doesnt say anything* -at the hotel- Jacqueline: "..." *rubs her cheek* kim: URG! im so MAD! how could they be so stupid?! Jacqueline: "They are who they are." kim: jackie, it's official. our moms fucking suck. Jacqueline: "..." *laughs, crying* kim:....*hug* Jacqueline: "..." *hug* kim:....*glances at spirit* Spirit: "...Jacqueline, maybe we should get you flying back sooner? Or...What was this about an aunt?" Jacqueline: "...I don't know...I don't want to keep you two here." kim: maybe we should meet this aunt of yours? Jacqueline: "...You sure?" kim: may as well not waste the trip to france, right?...s-sorry. Jacqueline: "O-Okay...I'll call her up." -elsewhere- Crona: "..." *sets down their glass* mami: how are you feeling? Crona: "...Still sad." mami: *she nods* it's ok. do you want to sleep in my bed tonight? Crona: "..." *nods* -\\\\- -elsewhere- Medusa: *under a blanket* neian: *asleep* Medusa: *shivers* *looks up through hole in the ceiling* -the light of the moon shines down- Medusa: *glares* ("Can't keep going on like this...Need something more permanent...") *holds Neian close* neian: zzzzz Medusa: *closes her eyes* -elsewhere- Alone: "Pheh." milia:.... Alone: *bangs pan against the door* "More food!" milia: where's nalsie?! >A< Guard: "In intensive care." milia: *worried* Alone: "...He's probably fine. Guy's been through worse." milia:.... Grimoire: "He's probably dead." milia: D8> Alone: "Dude!" Grimoire: *stares at Milia* "Better you grow up already." milia: *crying* Alone: *glares* "Just because _you're_ in a foul mood doesn't mean you got to treat the kid like that..." Grimoire: "..." *goes back to reading* milia: *whimper* *The door opens* ???: "...Huh. They _are_ here." milia: ?? Free: "Yo. Wolf." eruka: *her expression is one of total discomfort* Alone: -_-; "Oh. This outcast..." *sniffs* "...I smell her on you." Free: -_____-;;;; Alone: *smiles at Eruka* eruka: *uncomfortable frog noises* Free: "??? Jeez, they're even keeping a kid here?" milia: oh no! my spell wore off.... QAQ Free: " 'Spell'? Witch?" milia: *she nods* eruka: ...what's your name, kiddo? milia:....milia papillon. Free: "...Eruka..." eruka: ....your mom. she was mona papillon, right? milia:.....*teary eyed and nods* Free: "..." *looks at the Guard* guard:...you'll have to take it up with sid. Free: *nods* "We will..." -elsewhere- Kid: *collapses in bed* stocking: *sigh* so tired. Kid: "Mmm..." *kisses her cheek, lies down* "How's True Cross?" stocking: normal as any day there can be. Kid: *yawns* "I hope you're enjoying it..." *hugs* stocking: mm... =///= Kid: *nuzzles* "Love you..." stocking: i love you too <3 Kid: *smooch* stocking: u////u -elsewhere-