#i know i'm stating the obvious here but. ah well. i did say i was here to share the sadness

[iwritenarrativesandstuff]

This entire scene emotionally destroyed me but there's one part in particular that was like taking a knife to an already open wound.

So, Gon shuts down after the reveal that Kite was dead all along and his stunned and racing mind is disjointed and contradictory. Most of his statements fit into roughly three categories of desperate thoughts:

Vehement inability to process that Kite is dead. From the statement being repeated multiple times to the amount of "no"s everywhere on these pages.

Taking the blame for Kite's death, in a frankly horrifying show of self-hatred (especially given the context of what comes next).

Blaming Pitou and proclaiming that he "didn't do it" in an attempt to absolve the weight of his guilt.

Heartbreaking. But there's one thought here that's a bit different.

Throughout all of this, Gon has been adamant that Kite, and by extension the situation, can be "fixed" - after all, most every issue that's come up before on his adventures could be resolved nicely. But now, suddenly, it can't. Gon can't stand feeling powerless or helpless, and now he finds himself more helpless than he's ever been. And we get this.

"Somebody help me."

Gon is independent. Gon has a burning need to prove his worth through his own strength. Gon has a bad habit of equating "taking responsibility" with fixing things all by himself and rejecting help from others.

Gon has never pleaded for someone to save him before.

And it's just. Holy shit. Holy shit - he's a kid. He's just a kid. And in just a few pages, he's going to make a despair-fueled decision to throw away his life just to regain any semblance of power over a situation that was doomed to be unfixable from the start. He says, "Let it end. I don't care what happens to me now.", because this is the only way he can think of to make his pain and his guilt and Pitou all just stop, by losing himself to all of his power instead of his grief.

[suzukiblu]

Parasite WIP is so good and I desperately want more of it! I voted for it in the poll and I’m so sad it didn’t win

Friend, I appreciate you asking after it because it really is one of my fucked-up faves that I really need to work on more, so uh . . . have all 4500 words of the prose so far all together, hahaha. Yes, yes I DID reformat this whole thing into Tumblr-friendliness all for you. THAT IS HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE YOUR APPRECIATION, FRIEND. ( so definitely we are gonna need that read-more down there, lol. )

Clark wakes up. 

Clark didn't even know he wasn't awake. 

"Superman," Bruce says with absolute neutrality. He's wearing the cowl. Standing in rubble. Clark is . . . not standing in rubble. 

Laying in rubble. That's what Clark is doing. 

Bruce is looking down at him very, very carefully, and seems . . . reserved. 

Reserved for Bruce, even. 

"What happened?" Clark asks, trying not to concentrate on the little seed of dread that the sight of that reservation invokes in him. He can hear the heartbeats of other League members, here and there in the wreckage of the street around them. Hear civilians and city noise. Hear Lois and Jon, distantly, and Ma and Pa, even more distant. And . . . Kara–both of her–and . . . 

"We'll go with 'electrocution', but I think we can safely say just about anyone else would've been virtually incinerated," Bruce informs him, distracting Clark from his mental rundown of people he's currently worried about. "Or just exploded."

"Ah," Clark says with a grimace. Well, that explains why his head hurts so damn bad, he guesses.

At least it was him, then, and not any "anyone else"s. 

He pushes himself up. Looks around. He . . . isn't sure where they are, exactly, except that it's probably somewhere on Earth and within the continental United States, judging by the architecture and signs he's seeing and the accents and languages he's hearing. 

He has absolutely no idea how they got here, though. The last thing he remembers is . . . 

. . . he's not actually sure what the last thing he remembers is. 

Not a great sign, that.  

Bruce is watching him. Like he's . . . expecting something, almost. Clark would ask, but there's an odd feeling distracting him. Something's . . . off, somehow. 

Missing. 

Bruce's utility belt is a new design, he notes absently. J'onn is down the street a bit and his costume looks a little different too. And Diana . . . 

Diana is over across the way, and her hair is a couple inches longer than he remembers it being. 

Clark would assume he was mistaken, except for the eidetic memory and all. 

"Hm," Clark says. 

"Hm?" Bruce says. He still sounds faultlessly neutral. 

"Trying to figure out if I'm in the right reality. Things look a little off," Clark replies, tilting his head and narrowing his eyes in concentration. No unexpected sounds or scents. No particular feeling of disorientation that can't be accounted for by being apparently electrocuted. No additional pains past the dull pressure in his head or any immediately obvious peculiarities beyond the minor little scattered differences here and there in his teammates. 

But something is–

"I can't hear Kon," Clark realizes abruptly. He doesn't usually especially keep an ear out for the kid, at least not deliberately, but . . . 

Bruce . . . pauses. 

"You can't," he says, very carefully. It doesn't sound like a question. 

It sounds like something, though. 

"I can't," Clark confirms anyway, glancing around again. He still doesn't know where this is. "Where are we, exactly?" 

"What's the date, Kal?" Bruce asks, and Clark's heart sinks. 

He answers the question. 

Bruce's mouth thins. 

Hell, Clark thinks. 

"We're currently in Keystone City," Bruce says, very carefully expressionless. "We've been here for three days. The date you just provided me was a full fourteen months ago. And Kon-El has been MIA for roughly thirteen and a half of those months." 

Hell, Clark thinks, and doesn't let himself process anything past that. 

"We need to get a scan of your brain," Bruce says. "For starters." 

"For starters," Clark agrees tightly. 

Bruce tells Diana they're leaving, then abandons the rubble and takes Clark up to the Watchtower. Clark goes. He doesn't ask what electrocuted him or who's died in the past fourteen months or if there's anything immediately urgent that he should know. Bruce would've already told him, if there was. 

And he thinks he'd choke on the question if he tried, anyway. 

They go to the med bay. There's a total stranger standing in it who smiles at them when they step through the door. 

"Haven't seen you in here in quite a while, Superman," the stranger observes in amusement, tapping a pen against the clipboard in their hands. "You still haven't been in for that checkup I owe you, you know." 

"He doesn't know you," Bruce informs them evenly. The stranger blinks. 

"Sorry?" they say. 

"He was electrocuted," Bruce says. "Now he thinks it's fourteen months ago. We need a brain scan. Immediately." 

"Hell," the stranger says, their eyes widening in alarm. 

Clark gets the brain scan. 

He and Bruce wait in a convenient exam room for the results, which seem to be taking a while. Bruce seems a bit more guarded than usual, which means Clark is standing next to goddamn Fort Knox right now. He sighs to himself. 

"Suppose at this rate I should call and tell Lois and Jon I'll be late for dinner," he jokes wryly as he folds his arms, no real humor in the comment, and Bruce goes very, very still beside him. 

. . . hell. 

They're not dead. He knows they're not dead, he heard their heartbeats before they left for the watchtower, Bruce would've already told him if either of them were–

"They aren't expecting you," Bruce says with absolutely no intonation whatsoever in his voice. "You moved out eight months ago. The divorce is already finalized." 

"Ah," Clark says, very slowly. He doesn't let himself process, again. Not–just, not yet. "What happened?" 

"You left them," Bruce says, and Clark . . . blinks. 

"I left them?!" he demands incredulously. Leaving Lois is one thing, horrible and impossible a thought as it is, but– "Not just–I left them both?!"

"As you explained it to me, you were no longer interested in maintaining the . . . 'persona' of Clark Kent," Bruce replies carefully, looking just past him. "You said you couldn't stand the screaming anymore. That you appreciated us . . . humoring you for so long, but you couldn't just keep walking around making excuses and lying to everyone while people were suffering and dying just because you had to pretend to be human for a while. So yes. You left them. Haven't visited since Lois finally signed the divorce papers. Haven't spoken to your parents either. You've been . . . erratic. Since Kon-El's disappearance. When we couldn't find him . . . when we couldn't even find out what happened to him . . ." 

"Oh," Clark says, and his heart sinks again. 

He doesn't understand, though. Kon is–he cares about the kid, obviously. Cares very deeply about him. He's pretty sure he even loves him, at this point. But he's not . . . 

It feels terrible to think it, but Clark doesn't understand why Kon disappearing like that would affect him enough to stop being Clark. It's awful, and he still hasn't let himself actually think about it happening at all because he really can't process it right now, but that awful? Really? Awful enough to abandon being any semblance of a normal person? Abandon Lois and his parents entirely? 

Abandon Jon entirely? 

Apparently, yes. 

"Technically you're on unpaid sabbatical from the Planet," Bruce tells him. "We thought you might . . . reconsider, once you'd grieved properly, so Lois pulled some strings with Perry White. He thinks you're having an early mid-life crisis and your co-workers think you're off finding yourself in South America with a bad cell phone plan." 

"I guess I don't believe in satellite phones?" Clark says, trying for wry again. It doesn't work, but he tries all the same. 

"This is unfair of me, but I'm going to take advantage of your current mental state," Bruce says. He's looking at the wall, though there's nothing there to actually be looking at. Not even anything on the other side, at least not according to X-ray vision. "Try to remember how you feel right now, when your memories of the past year return. Try to remember who you are right now, when those memories return."

"Why?" Clark asks, watching him carefully as he does. The corners of Bruce's mouth tighten. Just barely, but undeniably. 

"You've been . . . gone, Clark," Bruce says slowly. "You won't even answer to 'Clark' anymore. You aren't the same man that I . . . that we all . . ." 

The stranger comes back before Bruce has to admit to too many personal feelings or Clark can figure out what to say to any of that, which might be a mercy but might also be–

The stranger looks . . . strange, Clark notices. Nauseated, almost. And definitely distressed. 

"I haven't done brain scans on Superman before," they say, their grip on their clipboard concerningly close to white-knuckled. "And my predecessor apparently hadn't done any in a while either. Last ones in the system are over two years old." 

"What's wrong?" Bruce says, narrowing his eyes. Honestly at this point Clark figures a kryptonite brain tumor would really just be the icing on the cake, and frankly would probably explain some of his apparent behavioral changes and current memory loss. That genuinely makes more sense than anything else, really, even with grief and guilt to contend with.

More sense than abandoning his own damn kid does, at least. 

Although a tumor's the worst-case scenario, obviously. And it can't be any worse than that, really, or any worse than anything he's apparently done to his family this past year, so at least he's braced for–

"There's an . . . organism," the stranger says, swallowing uncomfortably. "In your brain." 

"What?" Clark says. 

"A dead organism, now," the stranger clarifies. "But it looks like it's been there for a while. There are . . . roots. And . . . lesions, too." 

"An organism," Bruce repeats very, very slowly. "In Superman's brain." 

"Yes," the stranger says. 

"I don't . . ." Clark trails off. 

"We need more scans," Bruce says. 

"I ran it four times on two different machines," the stranger says. "It's organic. It's not giving off any recognizable life signs. It seems like it might've been . . . you mentioned electrocution, before?" 

"You think the electricity killed it," Bruce realizes. "And then Superman forgot fourteen months?" 

"I'm not sure Superman ever experienced those fourteen months to begin with," the stranger says tightly, gripping their clipboard even harder. 

Clark was in no way whatsoever braced for this. 

"Fuck," Bruce says. 

More scans happen after all. A lot more scans, a lot of specialists, and a lot of arguing. Everything's a bit of a blur, in a sense. Clark absorbs very little of it, and mostly leaves things to Bruce unless he's asked a direct question about his medical history. His judgment might be compromised right now, after all, whether the . . . organism is dead or not. 

The emergency OR gets prepped. The red sun lamps get set up inside it. 

"Should we contact Lois?" Bruce asks as Clark's shrugging into an ill-fitting hospital gown and preparing himself to possibly die in pursuit of getting a dead who-knows-what out of his brain before it can start to rot there and potentially kill him that way. "Or your parents?" 

"No," Clark says. "Just get this damn thing out of my head." 

If he doesn't survive the removal process . . . 

They don't know what's been going on. What he let happen to himself, somehow.

He isn't going to tell them he's back just to immediately take himself away again. 

He records something for Jon, just in case. It's not enough, but it's–something, he tells himself. It's something. 

It's all he can bring himself to do. 

He leaves the disk with the recording on it with Bruce and asks him to have Dick deliver it, if it's necessary. 

Things proceed from there, and Clark wakes up again a week later in a private room in the med bay, connected to half a dozen machines and needles and tubes and directly facing the sun. Diana is dozing in the chair next to his bed. Bruce is pacing at the foot of it. They're both in costume. Clark feels weak and groggy, but he can hear half a dozen other heartbeats lingering in the hall, so presumably they were expecting him to wake up around now. 

"Mm," he says. Diana snaps awake. Bruce stops mid-step. 

They both look at him. 

"The operation was a success," Bruce informs him. "Textbook. Or as textbook as removing a mind-controlling parasite of unknown origins from a Kryptonian brain can get for mostly-human surgeons, anyway." 

"Do you need anything?" Diana asks. "Would you like us to call your family yet?" 

Clark shakes his head, then closes his eyes and sleeps for another week. 

"Sleep", he supposes, counts as something that he needs right now. 

The next time he wakes up, he's alone in his room and disconnected from the machines and just feels . . . normal, really. Like nothing was ever wrong at all and he didn't just have major surgery that was, essentially, the equivalent of multiple traumatic brain injuries. His hair is already starting to grow back from where it was buzzed down for the surgery, and there's not even any bandages on his head. 

There's no noticeable scarring, Clark observes when he makes it to the little ensuite bathroom to take a look in the mirror. The surgeons told him there probably wouldn't be, given both the methods they'd been intending to use and the nature of his own physiology, but seeing the total lack of proof of what happened to him is just . . . strange, somehow. 

It feels almost like a cheat. Like it should be obvious, in some way. 

There was a parasite in his head. Something controlling him. Pretending to be him. Passing for him. It could've done anything it wanted. 

It did do things that Clark still has no idea about. 

So many things. 

He couldn't even fight it. Wasn't conscious or aware enough to, or just not strong enough to, or just . . . 

He couldn't even fight it. 

And he doesn't know what it did. 

The door opens. Diana walks in. 

"Would you like us to call your family now?" she asks. 

"Yes," Clark says roughly, curling his fingers around the sides of the sink in front of him. "Please." 

"Of course," Diana says with a terrible and merciless gentleness. 

Clark sits down on the lid of the toilet and just . . . cries. Just for a minute. 

Or twenty. 

Diana kneels in front of him and holds his hands in her own. 

Fourteen months, Clark thinks, all twisted up with grief and pain and so, so much regret. He missed so much. He wasn't there for Jon or Lois or his parents. He wasn't there for Bruce or Diana or the League, for either of Kara, for . . . 

For Kon. He wasn't there for Kon. 

Wasn't there for Kon when the kid needed him. 

Kon completely vanished, and who knows if the damn parasite even pretended to help look for him? If it did anything at all for him? Who knows if Clark could've found him, could've saved him, if he'd still been himself at the time? 

. . . who knows if the parasite isn't what made Kon disappear to begin with? 

It took fourteen months of Clark's life, and Kon . . . Kon disappeared two weeks into those fourteen months. 

If nothing else, the timing is a screaming red flag. 

Clark abandoned his son and might've murdered a kid who only ever looked up to him, a kid who he was never really able to fully understand but literally named, and he can't do anything to bring Kon back or to make up for the year that he wasn't there for the rest of his family. 

Their family. 

God, what has he done? What has Clark done, and did Kon die feeling afraid or shocked or terrified? Did he die feeling betrayed? Did he think it was Clark doing it, however it happened? 

Did he die thinking Clark wanted him to die? 

Clark doesn't even know what happened to his body. 

There won't be another resurrection.  

Clark chokes. Diana squeezes his hands. He grips hers like a lifeline and shudders through it. The grief is a terrible, ugly thing. It's one of the worst things Clark's ever felt. 

The guilt is worse. 

"Lois," he murmurs finally, feeling like the weakest man alive. "Could you call . . . Lois, please, and just . . . ask if she'll come. I'll explain it all to her, just–could you call her, please." 

"Yes," Diana says, squeezing his hands again. "Of course." 

"Thank you," Clark says. 

He pulls himself together, more or less, and Diana goes to make the call. She comes back a few minutes later and tells him Lois agreed, but needs to find a babysitter first. Clark in no way blames her for not bringing Jon along and frankly is surprised she's willing to come at all. 

He's not sure what he could even say to Jon right now. 

What can he? 

Diana makes sure he eats something, then leaves for monitor duty. Clark tries not to overthink things. Tries not to think too much at all. 

He spent fourteen months not thinking at all, though, all of it lost in one oblivious blink, so that doesn't work out all that well for him. 

An hour later, he hears the Zeta platform activate on the opposite side of the base, and hears Lois's heartbeat appear inside the watchtower. 

Clark exhales, very slowly. 

He waits. 

Lois comes to the med bay. She doesn't stop to talk to anyone on the way. Doesn't talk to anyone except that stranger Clark still doesn't actually know the name of, who tells her where to find him. 

And then a minute or a millennium later she's standing in the open doorway of his room, and Clark is looking at her. Her expression is neutral, and her hair is shorter than it was the last time he remembers seeing her–the last time he was the one actually seeing her. An inverse bob, not shoulder-length anymore. He recognizes the blazer and heels that she's wearing, but not the blouse or the pants. Not the earrings or the necklace, either. 

And there's no wedding ring to recognize either way. 

Clark wonders what happened to his. 

God, but she's still the most amazing woman he's ever seen, and he's still never once deserved a single part of her. Not even a fraction of a part. 

Especially not now. 

"Kal," she greets, tone just as neutral as her expression, and Clark aches. 

"Clark," he says, just a little too abrupt, and Lois–pauses. 

"Clark," she amends casually as she tucks her hands into the pockets of her blazer, and if he didn't know her quite so well he wouldn't have even heard the crack in her voice around his name, super-hearing or not. "Never seen your hair this short. I kinda miss the curl, not gonna lie. It has charm, you know? Very boy scout next door." 

"I had emergency brain surgery," Clark says. Lois pauses again. Tilts her head. He keeps talking. "Two weeks ago, now. Just woke up again fully today." 

"What?" she says, just staring at him. "You–what happened?" 

"It's . . . unclear, still," Clark replies slowly. "But as far as we can tell, roughly fourteen months back an unidentified alien parasite moved into my brain and . . . took me over, essentially. I don't actually–I don't remember any of that time. At all. Then two weeks ago I got electrocuted in Keystone and the parasite died. The surgery was to remove its body so my brain could heal from the damage it did without it rotting in there." 

Lois keeps staring at him. 

"Fourteen months," she echoes very, very carefully. 

"I'm so sorry," Clark says tightly. "Bruce told me I left you. Left you and Jon. That I stopped being . . . myself. I can't imagine how difficult that was, or how it must've felt." 

"I can't imagine how waking up and hearing that none of us even noticed you were gone felt," Lois says. 

"You never do pull a punch, do you," Clark says with a weak attempt at a smile. 

"I'm sorry," Lois says evenly. "I should've known." 

"No one did," Clark says, then . . . hesitates. "Or . . . we think no one did." 

"You think that's what happened to Kon," Lois says, because of course she's already done the math, and of course she's already had the thought herself. Obviously she would've. 

"The timing is . . . likely, at least," Clark says. "And really, if anyone was going to see my face and notice that a different person was wearing it . . ."

"You have a point," Lois murmurs. She steps into the room. Clark wants to hold her. He also wants to bury himself in the coldest, darkest place that he can find and never, ever let himself see the sun again. 

He doesn't deserve it anymore. 

"I'm so angry that I want to cry," Lois says, her voice very distant and her eyes locked on his. Clark can see her hands fisting in her pockets. "I'm so . . . god. I should've known. You never would've left Jon. Not like that." 

"Bruce made it sound like the parasite was . . . very convincing," Clark says. It convinced Bruce, who may just be the most paranoid mind on the planet, so . . .

"It was," Lois agrees, still without taking her eyes off his. "But I still should've known." 

Clark blinks a little too quickly. Lois tightens her jaw. Takes her hands out of her pockets and leaves them at her sides instead. Clark never thought he'd see them without her wedding ring again. 

"It's been–months, I know," he says, hating himself for thinking he even deserves to say this. "For you. But I still . . ." 

"I love you," Lois says. "Come home." 

There is no possible world in which he could tell her "no". 

Med bay makes him wait for another two hours of observation and runs some scans, but then they let him go. Lois waits with him the whole time. She doesn't call anyone or send any texts. Doesn't leave the room. Barely says a word. Hardly even takes her eyes off him, like she thinks if she blinks he's going to disappear. 

Clark can hardly keep her heartbeat out of his ears, so he doesn't blame her. 

He doesn't blame her at all. 

They go to Smallville. Bruce had said he'd send Dick to pick up Jon from the babysitter's and get him to the farm, and as much as Clark had wanted to go straight to him himself . . . 

Ma and Pa first, he reminds himself. This is going to be upsetting for Jon–most likely traumatic, once it all sinks in. And definitely disorienting. It'll be best if as many of the adults in his life as possible know what's going on in advance, so he can go to whoever he needs to go to; get whatever comfort they can prepare themselves to offer. 

Clark doesn't know how to do this. 

He doesn't . . . 

They don't take two steps onto the farm before a familiar blur is crashing into him head-on. 

"Oh," Clark manages, and Krypto barks excitedly and flies up to lick his face, tail wagging wildly as he jumps all over him. Like he's missed him. Like he's been waiting for him. 

Clark nearly cries again.

"Good boy, Krypto," he tells him, quiet and rough. "I missed you too, boy." 

He scratches Krypto's ears. Strokes his back. Krypto nearly bowls him over in delight. 

Clark buries his face in his neck and cries a bit after all. 

Lois watches. 

Waits. 

Clark spends . . . maybe a little bit too long crying on his dog, and then they all head up to the house. Ma and Pa are both standing on the porch; presumably they heard Krypto barking. They both look a little bit startled and a little bit confused and a lot more pained at the sight of him, and Clark swallows painfully and stops just before the porch steps. 

He looks at them, and he loves them so desperately. Everything they ever did for him, and everything they've ever been to him, and . . . 

"I'm sorry," he says. "I just . . . there was . . ."

God, the way this hurts. 

"It was mind control," he says. "The past fourteen months or so. I was . . . I wasn't. Wasn't here. Or . . . anywhere." 

"Oh," Ma says, and her eyes are instantly wet with tears. Pa blinks very quickly, his hand curling against the porch railing. 

"I'm so, so sorry," Clark repeats tightly, his own hands in useless fists. "But I'm–back now. I'm home." 

"Oh, Clark," Ma chokes, and then they both throw themselves at him. Clark's been hugged by people with strength far past superhuman, but it's never felt . . . 

No. It's never once felt the same way as when his parents do it. 

They cling to him. He clings back. Krypto barks again and swoops around the knot of them, wagging his tail hard enough to nearly knock Lois over with the force of wind it stirs up. Definitely some of the porch furniture gets displaced. 

Clark feels so much. 

They sit together on the porch, Krypto sprawled contentedly across Clark's lap and Lois on the steps beside him. Clark gives Ma and Pa what explanation he can–tells them everything he knows about Keystone and the electrocution and the watchtower and the surgery and waking up. They watch him just as intently as Lois does the entire time. 

He doesn't . . . he doesn't mention his suspicions about what might've happened to Kon. Not . . . not yet. 

He doesn't know how to. Not to Ma and Pa. Not after he brought the kid here and left him on their doorstep with no real direction and . . . 

Just–he'll tell them. He'll tell them soon. 

Just . . . not yet. 

It's not a very long talk, in the end. Ma and Pa take in everything he says and just take it all in stride, just like they always have. Baby in a spaceship? Kid with superpowers? Son who thinks he can save the whole damn world? 

Of course they take it in stride. 

Clark loves them too much to even define. Too much to even wrap his own head around. They're the best people he knows. The best people he's ever known. 

They don't even think there's anything for him to be sorry for. 

It's . . . painful, a little, when Clark realizes that. 

Or a lot. 

So, so damn painful. 

Clark hears the definitely-not-a-Batmobile coming, far down the road. Three heartbeats inside it. Dick, Damian, and . . . 

Jon. 

Obviously. 

Clark strokes Krypto's ears one last time, then gets up. No one asks him why, but he supposes the look on his face must be answer enough right now. 

He steps off the porch and goes to wait by the driveway. 

It's not that long a wait, but it feels like the better part of eternity.

[nogenderbee]

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ 𝕄𝕚𝕤𝕤𝕖𝕕 𝕚𝕥 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟 ₊˚ˑ༄

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @bl4cktourmaline request: yahoo~ bee! it's me again:33 I saw the requests are open? If it is and I'm not tripping then may I request for Lyney with an oblivious reader who is a big fan of his and they are like... mutual pining for each other but they aren't even aware of it that it's become annoyingly sweet lol

Words can't describe how I love this man

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Hey hey! You're not tripping don't worry I see our mental state is similar lol But omg help I love it!! Down for Lyney too won't lie-

But omg, I kinda wanna write part 2 of this!! If I'll still feel like doing this after my requests are all done and I don't forget, I'll def be continuing this!

Anyway tho... I hope you enjoy! I personally kinda like it so I really hope you do too ^^

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ platonic/fluff

At this point Lynette and Freminet were watching you two. Even if they were 2km afar, they could still see you two and could only sigh about the view.

Lyney gave you another rainbow rose. It was like... 24 day strike by now! He gave you one every day, and every single time in a different time. First time it magically appeared in his hand, yesterday he pulled it out from ear your ear and today he "found it" in your tea!! How's even that possible?!

"For you, mon cherie~"

"Awh, thank you! I actually got something for you as well!"

"Oh really? Now what could it be... maybe you got me a reward for my latest magic show?"

"Well... yeah you could think so! Though I actually mean it as a gift for being such an amazing person for me!"

He could only chuckle as he took small box from you. His cheeks flushed gently but somehow, it just didn't got through his scalp what you really meant...

"Well isn't that sweet! Now what could we... ah- that's my favorite cake! How did you know?"

"I just happened to remember it. It's the least I could do for all the gifts you gave me recently."

But maybe it wasn't just him who was being a bit blunt here. You were as well, he was giving you rainbow roses every day, flowers meaning he loves you and yet, you just couldn't notice that special meaning...

"Should we finally help them?"

"Let them be for a bit longer."

2 siblings were now considering just coming up to you two and hitting you in the head, maybe then you'd notice how you both have obvious feelings for each other!

They know their brother has a crush on you because after every meeting with you, he's kicking his feet like highschool girl with crush in his bed. And you? You admitted yourself to Lynette while asking for advice because you thought he hated you when in reality, he was a tomato and had to run away from emberassment.

But both eventually decided to stay back and watch. They don't want to take this special moment away from you... But maybe the can at least do some backstage work at helping you with confessions?

"You see... I got something just for you! I have very important snow this weekend and naturally, I reserved a seat in front row just for you!"

Lyney smiled as he hands you the ticket with small bow, his eyes never leaving yours but not in a creepy way, he just couldn't help but admire you a bit.

"Oh you didn't had to really! But I do appreciate it. I'll definitely show up, thank you!"

"No need to thank me! It'll be enough for me if you come and let me see your smile~"

"What?"

Finally realizing what he said, his cheeks became red and began stuttering even tho he's usually smooth with his words.

"I meant- naturally I'd want to make... my audience happy! That's... just natural... magician's instinct! Yeah."

"Oh that's understandable! Well knowing you, your abilities and charms, I'm sure it won't be hard at all."

But he wasn't any better. You were clearly trying to compliment him, but he thought it's just you saying it as audience and not as someone with a crush...

"Actually... let's maybe make a plan. We can start tomorrow."

Freminet nodded on his sister's statement and entered their hous, leaving the two of you be and prepared the great plan with simple goal: getting you two together!

﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌﹌

@bleachtheidiot - come get your charming magician~

[reallyromealone]

You known what think would be cute is that if if Baji had a omega boyfriend who he lived with and the gang didn’t know shit about it so when they come unexpectedly they are just meet Baji cuddle and omega with his fucking shirt that is clearly to big for him and he would just look up at the rest and says something along the lines of oh i didn’t known you were going to be here today or something after it would be chaos cause how their Baji get a cute ass omega

Bet bet

Toman thought they knew Baji.

They really did.

Toman got curious about Bajis apartment, one of the first of the higher ups to move out on his own, surprising everyone because well Baji is a mamas boy.

What they weren't expecting is to see Baji laying on the couch with a cute Omega laying on his chest in a shirt the was clearly Bajis by the way it hung off him and boxers watching a show.

"Oh hey, what are you guys doing here?" His voice so casual and chill as if Toman didn't just walk in on him with a damn fine Omega who stared at them hesitantly and who could blame him, like 12 people just busted into his apartment.

But Baji was casual so (name) didn't see them as a threat.

"Who is that" Chifuyu was the first to speak as Baji finally sat up, holding an arm on the small of (name)s back, scenting him with his wrist subtly "my mate" his words were simple and clear as if stating the obvious.

And that's when Bonten exploded.

"What the fuck man?! Why didn't you tell us!"

"Jesus fuck you can't just drop that out of nowhere!"

"Since when! How did a bitch ass like you pull him"

Baji looked annoyed as he snuggled his mate who looked at him annoyed "you didn't tell your friends about me? You told your mother but not your friends?" (Name) glared at the black haired man who still looked relaxed which was weird for Toman to see.

Usually Baji was very high energy and practically like a dog with how he acted.

"Bullshit, I talk about him all the time to you fuckers!" Ah there it was.

"When?! When do you talk about your MATE infront of us!"

"All the time! Yesterday I spoke about how him and I went to that pizza place!"

In Tomans defence, it sounded like Baji was talking about a friend.

"How long...?" Draken asked confused and a little dazed at this sudden influx of information "since second year"

"BITCH YOURE 23!" Smiley yelled out, frustration clear in his voice as Toman argued to Baji.

"I'm gonna go change" (name) whispered to his alpha, getting up much to Bajis reluctance, the black haired Alpha watching him walk away.

"Seriously how did you land that" Mikey said pointing in the direction of Baji and (name)s room, he couldn't even get an Omega let alone a bombshell like (name)!

"Some asshole wouldn't leave him alone and my mom taught me to respect omegas do I beat the dudes ass and from then on we began seeing each other" Baji said simply and Chifuyu looked hurt "I'm your best friend, you didn't share this vital information!"

"I did though!"

[dearshelby]

SOMEBODY ELSE | T.S

Summary: Tommy invades his ex-girlfriend's bedroom on her wedding day with an offer to make.

A/N: I wanted to write something with this premise for SO LONG, it's not half as good as I planned, but it's here lol

She kept her eyes down in the mirror when Tommy entered the bedroom, he shouldn't be allowed in there, none of the guests were allowed in the private areas of the house, it was obvious he bribed the guards to get his way.

His expensive cologne spread through the place as well as the smoke of his cigarette. A gray, well fitting suit covered his toned body, it was hard to not give him a peek, but she knew better, he no longer deserved the attention.

From her silence, raised his first strike, "You look ridiculous."

"That's not a very nice thing to say." she answered.

"You look ridiculous trying to play the excited bride."

"Why should I not be excited on my own wedding day?" she finally glanced at him.

"'Cause I know what you're like when you're in love and that's not it."

"Ah," she scoffed, "should I be reciting love poems, kicking my feet in the air and twirling curls on my hair? Do you think I'm still fifteen years old?"

Tommy sighed, running his eyes through the bedroom, he looked bothered by the view, he should be the one occupating that place, it should be his clothes on the wardrobe and his name on the wedding certificate.

"Why did you get in here, Thomas?" she asked.

Thomas, from all the people in the house, she was the only one to call him like that, everyone else contented themselves with "Tommy" or "Mr. Shelby", however, she claimed to enjoy the sound of it a long time ago.

"You invited me."

"My husband invited you."

"Oh?"

"He said it'd be better to keep good relations with the businessmen around, that unfortunately, included you."

"Unfortunately, yeah."

An awkward silence fell over, she went back to doing her makeup and Tommy sat down at the end of her bed.

"You love him?" Tommy asked and she gulped, the second strike was much stronger than the first.

"He loves me, and he takes care of me, he was never in jail or involved in anything illegal-"

"That's logical then?"

"No, he's always near, Thomas," she explained, "always, he never spends the night out or locks himself away, he's by my side, I have no doubt of that."

"You didn't answer the question, are you in love with him?"

"Don't." she scolded.

"Or you're still in love with me?"

She teared up and covered her face, how could he so fucking selfish? "Thomas, please, not now, not on my wedding day."

"There'll be no other day," he argued.

"Why are you here? Why today of all the days? You had so many opportunities," Tommy didn't answer, so she continued, "it's because you can't stand it, can you? You can't stand not getting what you want and you want everything."

He took a drag of his cigarette and considered his next words, "I told Arthur to wait outside with the car on."

"You're mad."

"And you're tempted."

"I'm not."

"You are," he insisted and she frowned, "because if you weren't you'd have told me to leave as soon I entered the room, you'd have finished your makeup and you'd be downstairs entertaining your fucking fancy guests, and yet you're here, fifteen minutes late." he finished checking his pocket watch.

"You're being mean, Thomas."

"Am I? I'm not the one fooling a man into thinking I'm in love with him," the last strike was almost strong enough to make the tears run down her face, "you know, love, I'm not the somebody else, he is."

"You've got the devil's tongue but that's not enough," she harshly stated, "you had your chance and you wasted it, I moved on."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, so you can get out of my bedroom, tell Arthur to turn the car off and fucking celebrate like everyone else."

"Right, then I wish you all the happiness in the world," Tommy nodded, looking disappointed, he stood up and slowly walked to the exit, "however, you're gonna regret this."

"Get out, Thomas." she hissed

"I hope we can share a dance later, love." he said at last and left the bedroom.

MASTERLIST

[sashi-ya]

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐒𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫? [a theory]

⬦ So, as many asked here is my theory! I've been thinking of this since i read Punk Hazard. Law has never been a pirate for me, nor a marine... so there had to be something in the middle and that is SWORD! Let's discuss the reasons! (Also please, be careful this theory is full of spoilers since I added the last pieces of info given in ch. 1080).

⬦ Disclaimer: Please, if you don't agree with any of the points stated we can discuss them but only if you do it respectfully and calmly. This is just my POV and take on the story. I might be wrong, or not. It doesn't matter, it's just a theory!. If you are gonna use this theory anywhere please ask me first. I'm tired of seeing my stuff on twitter gain endless likes for other to take the credit. Also, any other info you can share that you think I might have forgotter will be welcomed! ⬦ tagging: @thepoisonpoison ; @husband-in-law ; @akhlys-san ; @ruby-white-rabbit sorry for the delay! but here it is! :3

So! As I was waiting for the official release of ch. 1080 I didn’t write the theory sooner! I wanted to check if they had change something, especially the Rocky Port incident part! Apparently is all correct so here we go with my reasons for thinking Law is either a marine or a collaborator from SWORD!

Law was saved by a marine. This seems like a stupid and obvious point BUT is by far deeper than it seems; Cora lied to Law about being a marine because little Law was basically angry at them -but honestly, at everyone and everything in this world, too-. Now, we should recall properly who exactly was the real bastard that let the inhabitants of Flevance get sick and ultimately killed them: THE WORLD GOVERNMENT. Sure, the WG sent presumably marines to destroy the city; but… have you seen them? Cause I honestly we only saw people wearing the masks and suspiciously similar attires (not exactly the same) the guards of Punk Hazard wore (where do we see Law after the time skip? YES, PH. Remember there are no coincidences when it comes to ODA).

But, why did the WG sent those “marines” to destroy the city? Well, they couldn’t take the blame for exploiting the island for the amber lead KNOWING the people were getting sick because of it. But who cares about Flevance’s lives when such metal is used for… for… FOR WHAT, EXACTLY? Isn’t it toxic to touch? Then why the fuck do you need such metal? Ah… WEAPONS! But… who uses such weapons? For what?. All in all, who is the real bad guy here? the marines or the WG? Yes. Law is by far more intelligent than most of the OP characters, he can understand who to blame. And because of it there is another reason WHY Law would prefer being part of SWORD and it is because -as Kuzan says: Sword members are marines who give up their marine code and do not have to follow protocols nor -this is the most important one- they DO NOT respond to the WG. SWORD is the perfect alternative to both uphold the law while being against the fucking bastards at the same time. (refer to ch. 1080 during the mini flashback of Koby being in front of BB).

Also, Cora-san wasn’t probably part of sword (maybe it didn’t exist back then, this is my guess. In fact I believe it was formed right after Marineford) because he still used his marine code (01746). HOWEVER… DID HE GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THE PROTOCOLS? NOPE, HE DIDN’T CARE, HE WENT AND STOLE THE OPE OPE NO MI FOR LAW! Law has learnt a great example of real justice from a very young age.

2. The relationship with Koby and the Rocky Port Incident. What the actual fuck happened at the “Rocky Port”? we don’t know exactly, but Oda has given us 3 important pieces of information: 1. Law was the mastermind behind the RPI. 2. Koby became a marine hero after such incident. 3. Law became a Shichibukai after (do you believe in this? I don’t, exactly) giving 100 hearts from pirates to the marine. Who the fu- why? So, there is for sure a previous encounter -or a connection at least- in between Koby and Law. Koby, is with no doubt part of SWORD. Keep this in mind for later, we are gonna go back at this point but first let’s start back at Sabaody, please! Let’s go to point 3:

3. The relationship Law has with X-DRAKE (past and present) Who else connects with Koby? Yes, X-DRAKE!. Now, let’s go a little bit deeper (I know you, stop) about X-Drake and Law’s rs. If we go back in time to Vol. 51, chapter 498 “The Eleven Supernova” where we got introduced to them officially. First panel we see with Law:

So the first time we saw Law he is directly referring to Drake who -as many believe- he has left his spot at the Marine to become a Pirate. Interesting how Oda decided to introduce such important characters this way, right? Is not exactly that he is trying to portray a connection between them… 🤭

Good, good! Let’s go a little bit back in time now. Do you remember who Cora stole the Ope Ope no mi from? X-DRAKE’S DAD. Who at the time was the captain of a stupid ass pirate crew (Barrels pirates) that decided to sell the Ope Ope no mi to the Marine.

Uhum… yes. So, after the raid, both Cora and Doffy made a little bit of ruckus and ultimately the Donquixote family ended with Drake dad’s life. Little dino daddy (aka Drake) was able to scape just in time so he saved his life. AND Law’s life, too. Why? Because he was the kid Tsuru found and that was what the DQF heard through the radio! “a Kid had been found crying by the Marine” so, while Law was able to scape thanks to the sacrifice of Cora, he also got lucky that they found another kid. But, if it had been Law the one found by the marine… he would have been raised as one (as happened to Drake).

So, maybe at this point Drake didn’t know exactly who the other kid was, but, since he was raised by Sengoku and Tsuru* (*who now we know has a grandaughter that’s part of SWORD too) he probably learnt the real identity of Law back (or even before the introduction Oda give us at Sabaody).

UGH THERE IS A LOT, BUT WAIT WAIT, THERE IS MORE. And this is the main point: their interaction at Wano: WHEN DID LAW AND DRAKE SPOKE WHEN LAW WAS SENT TO JAIL TO TRADE HIS LIFE FOR BEPO, PEN AND SHACH’S LIFE WITH HAWKINS? Because BOTH fooled Hawkins into thinking Law was going to be in jail with no way of scaping. MANGA DOESN’T SHOW IT. ANIME EITHER. There is something previous hidden that has to be shown at some point! In Wano we have confirmation that Drake is no other than Koby’s superior in SWORD. Do I have to explain ANY FURTHER?

(also, I love Law but it was hella funny how XDrake to keep with the act hit the hell out of our poor doctor. We can say he is finally relieved of punching Law after what happened in the past)

4. Now, back to the Rocky Port Incident: IT HAPPENED AT DAMN HACHINOSU. This was only shown 3 days ago! While I was reading I passed the page and had to come back like WAIT… WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK? Cause LORD! Can you see the relationship? It’s crazy! For how long has Oda been cooking this? Isn’t a LOT of coincidences that Law didn’t know anything and was a simple pirate when he planned the “incident”??  which at this point -in my opinion- is no other than a lie they decided to show the world to undercover such growing Supernova! I strongly believe that Law had been contacted by either Drake or someone close to him to be part of SWORD and together they worked to bring the RPI alive. Now, we can either think 2 possibilities: 1. Law has already been at the New World (even before Luffy) because Hachinosu is there (and pretty close to Laugh Tale I might say) or 2. Because it is only stated as “the masterMIND of the RPI” he wasn’t there, but, he had planned it from somewhere else. I think both are interesting, both in any case had to be done with the help of others; aka SWORD or Marine. This has yet to be shown by Oda at some point for sure.

I’m sorry I can’t give more info about what exactly happened there because there isn’t any more than what I’ve already discussed.

5. PUNK HAZARD, Smoker and Aokiji.

Do you remember when Luffy was getting closer to PH that they received a call from marines asking for help? Do we have that clarify? Who the fuck called the Sunny? We don’t exactly know. And you won’t know until Law’s true nature is shown. What a coincidence… right? Law encountered Luffy and proposed an alliance right in the island where he was staying and to where Luffy was called in the middle of their route by random marines… 👀👀 INTERESTING, a shichibukai on an island that belong to the WG… Sure, he was there to start his plan to avenge Doffy, that’s clear. But I think there is more than we can already tell.

For me PH is no other than the first clear showing of the cooperation of 3 main forces in the universe of one piece (that sets precedent for future wars): MARINES (smoker), PIRATES (Luffy) AND… LAW’S SIDE: SOMETHING THAT’S IN BETWEEN: at that point he wasn’t a marine, but he was a pirate protected by the marine. Sounds familiar? Yes, pretty similar to SWORD. ➡ this is pure personal analysis of Oda’s writing style.

Please don’t forget Law telling Smoker about Green Bit! – this leads us to a new probable member of SWORD too! Smoker is a vice admiral who is kinda rebellious if you think about it! He wants to uphold the law and always be on the justice side… but is the WG always the “justice” side? Nope. (Smoker worked with Luffy twice)

The appearance of Kuzan – he was the one who saved Smoker from the sharp threads of Doffy’s attack. And Kuzan has been a repetitive character that’s -at least for me- appeared in very important moments of the story. Is not a coincidence that he appears at PH after Law tells Luffy to hurry the fuck up with the banquet.

And it’s not a coincidence that he has left the marine because of fighting against Akainu. WHY DID THEY FIGHT? Because IT’S CLEAR that both have different visions of justice. While Akainu believes justice is to be purely with the WG and hate pirates, Kuzan probably believes that justice is not about who you have on your side but to do the right thing. (Garp, KNOWN now as a member of SWORD did exactly that during God Valley)

This being said, let’s go for the next point:

6. Is Kuzan really a member of Kurohige’s crew? Is he a double agent?

Isn’t it quite sus that Kuzan is part of the BB crew and SOMEHOW Law encountered BB on the route he chose? (YES, LAW CHOSE THAT ROUTE. He used the lack of neurons of Kid and Luffy to make them pick the other two routes. Now, the fact that Kid encounter Shanks and it wasn’t Luffy is just for the sake of the plot, we know it Oda)  

My guess is that Aokiji is a double agent from SWORD acting like Cora with Doffy. BB is a stupid guy, he doesn’t even know shit about what sword is, so I strongly believe he doesn’t suspect anything. So, maybe, the plan was simple (sounds simpler than it’s done): Kuzan informed SWORD about BB setting sail with some of his generals from Hachinosu, leaving the island alone with a couple of them (Vasco shot, Shirui, Pizarro); Law will encounter BB and fight while Garp and part of Sword goes to rescue Koby at Hachinosu. (Don’t underestimate Law, so many people downgrade his powers when it’s not the case at all) – this is pure theory, of course.

7. DRESSROSA & SENGOKU. Besides the emotional panel of Sengoku teaching Law not to look for more reasons for love but just love, I am sure there has to be something else hidden. In any case, it is super important to address the way Law acts towards Sengoku (in manga, not so much in the anime); he is being absolutely respectful (and not “mean” like he is used to be with anyone) and I believe Law wanted to search for Sengoku for 2 reasons: one, the one we explicitly read: asking about the “D”. And, 2, to tell this man, who represented a paternal figure for Cora, about how and why Law’s saviour died. However… Why and how does Law know Sengoku was like a dad for Cora? HERE is the key. Who told Law such information? Law didn’t know exactly who was the man Cora spoke to through the den den mushi before going to find the ope ope no mi. (He only knew it was a marine, cause baby Law was pretty intelligent). Perhaps is a very VERY small detail, BUT, what if he knew because of Koby and SWORD? Wouldn’t be surprising, Law needs information and he gets it from somewhere we haven’t seen yet where.

8. Law’s character and backstory. This last point is more of a personal analysis about his personality and real intentions:

Law hates, despises chaos. He upholds the Law. (not a coincidence he is called this way)

Law never EVER shown desires to find the One Piece. Not even when he first set sail. In One Piece Novel: Law (canon) he states the purpose of his journey: avenge Cora-san. Law couldn’t stand staying at Mr. Wolff’s home without doing nothing to end with Doffy. When his trauma had been resolved (but not over) and he started trusting people again, he began learning more about surgery while gathering money and resources with Shachi, Penguin and Bepo at the city. Once he turned 15, Mr. Wolff gave him not only Kikoku, but also the Polar Tang…

The Polar Tang: NOT A PIRATE SHIP. HIS JOLLY ROGER HAS NO SKULL! Law is not a pirate like the rest, he is not ruled by piracy aesthetics.

His name has had already a lot of hints, let me show you: TRAFALGAR – Battle of Trafalgar: Britain vs Spain. SPAIN LOST – dressrosa/doffy lost. WATER LAW / WATERLOO – battle of Waterloo: last battle of NAPOLEON – Napoleon is Big Mom’s sword – who won against BM? Law (and Kid). WATER’S LAW – Who are the ones who uphold the law in the seas (waters)? Yes. Marines.

Bepo, Shach and Pen’s way of referring to Law: CAPTAIN! *use the marine sign* *all of them wear hats like marines* *all of them wear uniforms like marines*

Law’s “disgust towards pirates” in Wano, after stealing food for the people of Okobore town he says: “Pirates shouldn’t do such a good deed!” BUT LAW… YOU ARE A PIRATE, YOU ARE A DOCTOR, YOU HELP PEOPLE!

And, maybe, a lot more that we might have missed or aren’t still fully shown! I will add them here! :3

But all in all, I do believe he is in the middle; not a marine, not a pirate either. That’s why I think SWORD fits him best. We will see what Oda has in store for the next few years! I hope that it’s even more exciting than this theory!

[quinloki]

Here we go! :3 Also my writing style replaces reader for dolucha which means reader in japanese just so you are aware. It’s not super good but like I said I just wanted to share it with you guys

Now Dokucha sat in the counter of the kitchen watching as Thatch about grabbing different ingredients and mixtures from the shelves

“Thatch I swear it was an accident”

“You really think I'm gonna buy that? That you poisoned my tea on accident?” he hums looking at the label of one of the bottles he had grabbed

“Was Marco finding you running towards one of our junior boats also an accident?”

They flinch at this; somehow, the relaxed and nonchalant way he was talking made it much scarier than when he was visibly fuming

They slowly began to lower themselves from the counter

“Listen, I-

“If you leave that counter, I promise you, Darling, things will be much worse for you,” he said, glancing at them from the corner of his eye

Their eyes widen at his silent threat, and they are quick to climb up again

Thatch grabs the bottle, and picks begins to move it around; his movements were slow and deliberate, but it was obvious he was furious.

"Now, just what were you planning to do, hmm?" he asks calmly.

“Nothing! Like I said, it was an accident!”

"You just accidentally grabbed poison and mixed it with my tea?" he asks calmly, still stirring the vial. He didn't even glance at Dokucha.

"Is that what you want to go with?Last chance."

“It’s the truth.”

“Is that so?” He said, grabbing a syringe from one of the drawers and filling it with the liquid in the vial

“Let’s find out then,” he stated walking towards them and taking hold of their arm

“What is that?!” They exclaim, trying to pull their arm from his grip

Thatch chuckles, pulling on their wrist a little harder.

“Let’s find out what really happened,” he said, holding the needle to their arm.

“Please…” they began to beg, trying to squirm away but not really putting in a fight. They knew there was no coming out of this.

-Timeskip-

They tried to remember what had happened, they truly did, but the last thing they were able to recall was Thatch injecting them with the liquid; after that, everything was hazy and confusing.

They seemed to be back on their bed; they tried to get up, but somehow their body would not move

Thatch sat beside them, as if nothing had happened.

He hummed a tune and began writing in his journal. He glanced at them and gave a bright smile.

"Don’t try so hard; you won’t be able to," he said, closing the journal and walking next to the bed

“Move. I mean, you probably won’t be able to speak either, but that’s okay, right, Darling? Seeing as what was coming out of your mouth was just lies, we might as well make sure nothing comes out of it for a while.”

They stared at him with widened and watery eyes, tears beginning to fall from their cheeks; at least, they thought so; they could barely register what was going around them anymore.

“Oh, that’s right, I forgot the sodium thiopental can cause amnesia. Remember when I injected you with it before? It works as a truth serum, more or less; it makes you more suggestible. Or so Marco said,” he rambled, caressing their cheek

“It’s funny what people are willing to say when under it, see you told me all about how you got a particular type of poison and how you put it on my tea when I was not looking, funniest part is not once did you mention anything about accidents. “

No

They tried to open their mouth to try to tell him otherwise, to tell him it was an accident, but try as they may, no sound came out of them, and Thatch seem to have realized this as he threw them a dark smile their way

Thatch was almost giddy with his mischief.

“Aw, you should have listened to me from the start instead of playing coy,” he smirked, gently cupping their face

“You know, all of this could have been avoided if you had just come clean to me

But no, you just had to be stubborn. But that’s okay. We can improve that.

Ah, I almost forgot; the reason you can’t move right now is because I gave you a paralytic so that you can take some time and…think about your decisions; we wouldn’t want you to get distracted from your reflection by things such as moving and speaking.”

“Now, I’m going to grab some food and let you ‘think,’ okay?” He gives a small smile and starts to walk out of the room, glancing back at you once to make sure you couldn’t move and. Much to their horror, he switched off the lights and closed the door, leaving them to suffer in complete darkness

I love this

I LOVE it - the use of the word for reader as the placeholder name is an interesting take format wise, it feels like a name, but the name itself is just reader. To a native English speaker it has a solid feel.

I love that the conflict already happened. The tea was already tainted before we came into the story - we’re here to witness the aftermath. Short form stories are always hard for me because of that. But you bring this in really smooth.

The perspective is good too, there’s no “you” which is often the norm, but the use of “they” gives it a stepped back 3rd person vibe which works well with this given the later out of body feels of being drugged. I’m not saying one or the other is *better*, but intentional or not I like the choice here along with the rest of it.

And man, it’s so dark, but the weight of that darkness is all in the allusions. We don’t see the interrogation, but we can imagine the small terrifying details of it. Not being able to stop the truth from rolling off our tongues as we confess to our own undoing.

The punishment too, and the sense that there’s an established fear of darkness even if it isn’t wholly stated.

Thank you so much for writing this \o/ I’m glad to have played a part in inspiring it!!

[jjvr4yxc]

part 2 of

If you still don't know, they're in a variety show, every man will have time with you.

They won't notice. Part 2

Warnings: choking,name calling/pet names kind of ‘princess,slut,whore’, almost? Obvious sex?, unprotected sex. The reader and Wook barely know each other!

He kissed you.

The one and only Lee Dong-Wook kissed you.

Then he pulled away, making you look at him. Titling your head in confusion, “we need to cook first, honey.” he smirked.

Shit.

(time skip)

Here you are now, awkwardly eating the bibimbap Wook made. You didn't even dare to look at anyone's eyes and continue on eating, not until Beom talked, asking you if you're enjoying the food, making you glance up at him, nodding “yes, it's good” you smile making him grin.

Your sweet time got cut off when the rest of the boys coughed, “oh..” Beom said smirking.

“why are you so stiff? Loosen up!” Song Kang let out, making you look at him, “oh! I'm just nervous, haha...” you laughed awkwardly.

“whys that?” the familiar voice said, making you look at the one and only Wook.

“i don't know at all..” you said, not until you looked up to him, he's changing his posture... Then suddenly you felt a foot, running to your thighs.

“oh! Dong-Wook, did you turn off the cameras? You're the one who handles them right now.” Soohyun finally talked, making Wook look at him. Still not removing his foot on your folds.

Then he slowly rubs it.

Making you choke up your food.

“are you okay?” Beom asked making them turn their attention to you. You just nodded, making them smile.

(time skip)

You and the man were playing earlier.

“im going to sleep now, good night everyone.” you said, making them do the same.

“good night (name), sweet dreams!” Beom said, making you look at him, you smiled replying a quick 'you too' and quickly ran off the stairs. Unaware of a man watching the interaction, and then got after you.

“you think you can just do that?” Wook said, making you flinch, looking at him.

“what are you doing here?!”you almost scream out of shock.

“what do you mean what I'm doing here? We're gonna continue of course.” he stated the obvious.

Then he started to come closer, “uhmm-- mph!” then he kisses you, roughly putting his tongue inside your mouth, your brain wants to stop itself from kissing back, but your body moves on its own and starts moving in sync with him.

Wrapping your arms around his neck, he starts to choke you lightly, making you look into his eyes.

“ah, princess, you're so good for me..” he kissed your neck, down to your jaw, then at your cleavage.

Then suddenly you two are naked.

“why don't you suck me off?” he asked, making you look at him. Then you slowly nodded.

Getting on your knees, you looked up to him, slowly kissing his shaft, his tip. Then fully sucking him off.

Bobbing your head up and down you felt him groan, grabbing a fistful of your hair he started to face fuck you. Making you choke. (Actually don't know where the fuck this is going, I don't even know how to write a fucking smut.)

“ahh! Such a slut.. slut for me..” you heard him say sweet things about you, making you more motivated to make him cum.

Then he came, making you look up to him, spitting his come on his cock and starts to lick him. Making his eyes go wide.

Suddenly, you are flipped on your back, then without a warning he puts it in, making you moan, then getting choked.

“you know damn well there are other people here, stay quiet whore.” he spank your ass.

Then his movements became rough and faster, making it harder to not moan, and be loud.

“t-too much!” you cried out, making him go slow and movements become sloppy. (Is that ok?)

“cum in me.. inside or out?” he asked.

“inside please! I'm taking pills!” you cried out.

“good girl..” he breathes out.

You both came.

Y'all shut the fuck up, it's me literally experiencing mental breakdowns with my grammar 😡😡

[lkoh]

Summary: Maybe seeing a two doves really is good luck even though you don't see the real ones.

Character: Taesan x you

Warning: Just grammar and my writing again lmao. Lia from Itzy makes and appearance, it's not well written.

A/N: topiary is bushes that is cut into different shapes and designs ,tagger are graffiti artist

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

"Cute boy 3 o'clock" Lia said sipping her frappe.

You turned around as quickly as possible but couldn't find the cute boy, she slapped you in the arm throwing daggers at you.

"What was that for?" you winced "You know you slap pretty hard for a person with a small hand" you add rubbing your arm.

She roll her eyes "You want more!" she exclaimed holding her tiny fist your way, you just grin sheepishly, giggling"

"Well where is the cute guy?" you asked looking around not to be too obvious, which you obviously failed

"Don't you know where 3 o'clock is?" she scoffed "Also why did you turned around like that earlier, gosh" she sigh heavily, eye brows knitting together.

You just laugh at her reaction "I was afraid I would miss him, you know" you pop a candy in your mouth.

"Seriously like this I'm worried that you won't ever find a boyfriend, babygirl" she states dramatically putting her arm in your shoulder which makes you roll your eyes.

"I will get one if I want to ,I just don't want one right now" you shurgged, popping a gummy in your mouth, she look at you one eyebrow raised.

She took one gummy from your packet, her frappe already finsihed and tossed in the dustbin.

"You can't even flirt" you hushed her "Ah ah ah, it's not that I can't it's just I don't want to" you say just to tease her.

"Oh my god what is with you and not wanting to today, girl you don't flirt at all even your brother knows that" she flops in the bench both of you were sitting in.

You laughed at her reaction "Your so annoying you know that" she says " I know" you shrug and sit back.

You and Lia your bestfriend are sitting in the park drinking and eating, and we'll just enjoying your free time together. It's a sunny saturday perfect for a date so you two decided to meet up since it's been so long since your last bestie date.

"Remember when you weren't able to read a clock" Lia laugh thinking back to the past

"I was 13 Lia" you roll your eyes "Not every 13 teen were able to read a clock" you leaned your head against her shoulder.

" Well I could read it when I was 13 also you do know that we don't know eachother when we were 13 right?" she shakes her head "wait so-"

You shush her not wanting to hear more she humms and both of you stay silent for awhile. The silence was broken by Lia's phone ringing, you stopped leaning in her shoulder and open another pack of candy.

"Oh shit, it's Haechan" Lia says which make you graoned "You always have to ditch me because of your boyfriend" you whined

"You play games with Haechan and literally forget me the girlfriend, so you can't complain babygurl" she quickly takes the phone and skiddle off to somewhere in the park.

You sigh taking a look around the park, things have changed a bit since your last visit here. More trees, the bushes are cut neatly, more people come here since it's renovated before it was renovated you always felt a bit creep out by it but Lia loves the vibes it gave off.

Your favourite part in the park is the bushes that is cut like two doves in the middle of the park, it's so pretty and it looks lovely it kinda makes you at ease eveytime.

You decide to walk around when you get a text from Lia that she has to go due to an emergency and says that she'll treat you the next time you guys meet, you hold your phone hoping it won't slip breathing in the fresh air, enjoying the fresh environment.

You were standing near the two dove topiary just spectating the surroundings and humming a soft tune to yourself when you hear a voice saying "Wanna know what two doves indicate?"

You turned around to see a boy with black hair, a headphone in his neck with a soft sweatshirt and a pair of baggy jeans, your stunned actually almost forgetting how to speak.

You finally snap back to reality and give your best smile "Sure" he looks at you for awhile and turn back to the topiary , you does the same.

"Well, it's usually a sign of good luck in love and relationship department like if your single or anything it probably means love is gonna come your way." you look at him with surprised "That's sweet and nice" you reply.

It might also have you delulu

"I'm Taesan by the way" he hold out his hands for you to shake, you shake his hands and smile.

Your trying your best to give a pretty smile hoping it's pretty enough to enchant him (lmao).

"Welp I'm single" you laugh, he look at you weirdly eyebrow raised with a shocked expression.

The thing you just said finally process in your brain and you went to a panic mode.

And you thought your phone would've slipped

"What?" he laughed, gosh his laugh ,his smile, he look so handsome and cute when he smiles you could just put him in your pocket that is if you have one.

"What?" you asked back nervous acting nonchalant "I mean my name is Y/N" you try to laugh it off hoping that he won't bring it up at all and act like nothing happened.

You look around avoiding his eyes at all cost, he tilt his head and look at you amused.

"Your not asking or anything but I'm also single" he chuckles, your face flushed red.

How you wish you could just dig a hole right now.

"Oh right great!" you tuck your hair behind your ear something you always do when you feel embarassed or shy

Both of you stand there for a while, unable to deal with the awkward atmosphere you asked him if he want a candy and he agree so right now both of you are in the place where you and Lia sat earlier.

"This is so yummy" he says, feeling his cheeks with a candy.

"Your cheeks looks like it's about to pop" you giggle.

"What do you usually in particular?" you asked curiousity feeling you, trying to look chill.

"Well I skate from time to time, I'm a tagger I also sing kinda" he shrug, looking forward you look at him questioningly.

"Tagger?" you squint your eyes "Oh I'm a graffiti artist I can't exactly say I am one but yea, you know it's kinda like a hobby"you hum.

"That's cool so your like a street boy, huh?" he laughs lightly " I don't know, well let's hear about you?" he sit facing you his head on his elbow.

"Well there isn't much about me. I'm still in college, I have a dog named Mila. I like to sing but I'm not good at it" you snickered at your own answer "it's not interesting like yours"

He grins "I think it's interesting. I'm still in college too- do you come here everyday?"

"Which college? Used to but not anymore" he hums nodding his head

"The one near Linda's café" you make an ohh turning his way excitedly

"Me too. Me too, I go there" you exclaimed with a high pitch voice, he laughs and smiles "We'll see eachother again then"

Suddenly embarassed by how you replied, you face forward again and chuckle a bit awkwardly

Both of you pack your stuffs, getting ready to head off. Your bag already in your arm, both of you bid good bye but not even after four steps Taesan called you, you turned back wondering what's wrong.

"Yea?" You stop in your tracks full body facing him which he does the same. "I didn't get your number, even though we are in the same college there's a chance we might not meet" right.

Your reaction is probably bland but your screaming and tumbling inside.

You say your phone number which he typed on his phone " That's it" you smile he softly say yes and look at you with bright dazzling eyes.

"You'll probably forget to text me after you get back but-" he cut you off "I wouldn't! seriously I don't usually ask people for their number, you might be the first" he blush.

He says might be but it's still enough to make your cheeks go red and your heart pumping vigorously.

"I'll take your words" both of your grins and finally bid good bye.

You stay in the park for a while after he is gone processing what happened not too long ago then you finally head off feeling good and fluttery.

[sonic-gallery]

Another World Ogiri June 2023 [What are Tails and Marine doing...? ]

The delivery man who eats the food on the way and asks for refills is dangerous.

Two characters appear every month in surprising outfits and situations! Let's enjoy Ogiri together with illustrations that will make your imagination run wild!

This time, Tails, who plays the heroine on stage in a cute costume, and Marin, who plays the gorgeous and brave protagonist, appear! In contrast to Marin, who is playing her role and enlivening the play, Tails seems confused by this situation...?

What kind of lines or narration would you use?

You can style it based on the atmosphere and world view of the two of you in the game, or you can create a bold arrangement! In the example, Tails can't hide his confusion from Marine, who is bright-eyed and arrogant to the max... Such free glee jokes are also OK!

Please enjoy it and tweet with the tag "#Isekai Ogiri" on Twitter ♪

We will introduce the good ones in a reply from Sonic's official Twitter account.

We are looking forward to your fun Ogiri posts!

Act6: “The true princess!?”

A large stage in a theater shining in the spotlight. "Tails", the heroine of poor fortune, appears in a beautiful dress from the balcony of the set. In front of the audience, who were holding their breath, she uttered that famous line...

"Oh, Romeo, Romeo. Why are you...?"

...Romeo? Why am I singing? ? what is this music? ...Where is this? Tails, who had been doing his best until now, suddenly came to his senses and was in a state of panic...!

As if she had just noticed that many people were watching her, she started to wave her skirt around in a panic. Just then, a familiar voice came from downstairs.

"Ah, my beloved little fox, Juliet~. I can't help but think that I'm so handsome~♪"

Tails leans over from the balcony and is surprised to see the owner of the singing voice.

It was the mysterious figure of ``Marin'', a raccoon girl who once went on an adventure with Tails, wearing a sparkling old costume and singing with a dreamy expression on her face.

"Marin! Why are you here...? And that strange outfit...what the hell are you doing here?" (...Idiot! Tails! Who are you? (Tan? We're in the middle of a performance now! We did it yesterday too, right?)" "A performance? I'm sure we did it yesterday, but... what do you mean? What the heck is this memory of...!? And this dress... What is it!?”

Marin looked over at Tails, who was flustered with embarrassment, and spoke to him in a low voice.

"(Tails, did you skip a line? Oh no. It's about time for the audience to notice...!)" "That's right! We were in the middle of a performance...!"

Tails certainly has a strange memory of being on stage that he has never experienced before. But now that I'm in such turmoil, I can't even act. Tails bursts into tears and Marin tries to cheer him up.

"(...Alright! It's time to leave this to us! The show must go on, Tails!)" "Thank you. I can't believe the day will come when Marin's baseless self-confidence will look so reliable... ..”

"(You can always rely on us!)...I remember the days of exciting dreams with us, Juliet~♪" "Huh? Oh...Oh, Romeo~♪ I don't know if you did a great job, but it was fun~♪

...Thus, Marin's obvious words of help and Tails' subtle responses were surprisingly well-received by the audience, and they were able to survive the performance that day.

A few days later......

Tails, who had calmed down, researched the changed world on his own and was able to get a general understanding of the situation.

Tails tells Marin about this every day and tries to convince her to take some action, but Marin, who has memories of being the chairman of the theater troupe "Yashinomi Troupe", has no idea what he's saying. . On the contrary, Marin takes all of them as ideas for a play, and somehow ends up incorporating them into the content of the next play...

Tails was starting to get fed up with the days when his appeals were in vain. After the performance, Tails is sitting in the dressing room, feeling helpless as usual, when Marin enters the room in a good mood.

"Good job, Tails! Today's story was also brilliant! Thanks to Tails for always providing us with interesting stories!"

While saying this, he opened the refrigerator with a practiced movement, took out a cup containing a semi-gel-like liquid in a suspicious primary color, and handed it to Tails with a proud look on his face.

"...Let's drink the special drink that we made that will really energize you! Blue Material's rice koji mixed with palm fruit juice! It'll make you feel energetic!" " Ah, thank you...I'll refrain from doing so. ...I want to stay healthy. More importantly, it's about Eggman that I talked about yesterday..."

Tails tries to explain the situation to Hato and Marin today.

"Let's talk about the story right away? He's that guy who does something outrageous to conquer the world and behaves suspiciously, right?"

In her mind, "Eggman" has become an evil old gentleman who gets in the way of the main characters in the play. He appears in various scenes saying things like ``What a crazy name'', but this is also gaining popularity. Despite feeling like there was a misunderstanding, Tails continued talking undeterred.

"And you probably don't know this, but Silver..." "I'm telling you, that famous genius skater has psychic powers! Don't worry. I'll definitely use it on stage tomorrow! Skate with that! We're going to elope!'' ``...Haa''

Visual Kei vocalist, egg fortune teller, mysterious hero ``Vectorman''... No matter how much Tails thanks the situation, which has changed drastically from its original world, Marine treats it all as material for a play. is.

Looking at Tails, whose shoulders slumped as if this day would be no good, Marin sat down next to him with an overly compassionate expression on his face and spoke slowly to him.

"You know, Tails. I'm really going to buy Tails for thinking seriously about the material. I have a dream and a mission as the chairman of this ``Yashinomi Troupe.'' If I do my best and make everyone around the world smile, I'll use the money I earn to build a Marine Palace!"

Marin puts one foot on the sofa and raises her fist. It would have been a great speech if it wasn't for the second half, but Tails smiled bitterly, thinking that this regrettable feeling was also one of Marin's strengths.

"...I respect that spirit. But... everything I say is true and not a joke. It's also true that Marin is not a resident of this world. ? That's right! You live in the same world as Blaze! Don't you remember anything from this?" "What...! The same world as Blaze!?"

Marin's eyes widen and she shows a big reaction. A few seconds of silence reigns in the dressing room.

Finally, Tails regains the light in his eyes, thinking that he has finally understood the story...

"...I understand! In other words...it's finally time for me to become the Magical Princess!" "How did that happen?!"

Tails closes his eyes and feels helpless. Am I the only one who feels that something is wrong with the world? A great feeling of loneliness and despair attacked Tails.

"Uh, waaaaaaaaaaaa!"

I can not continue......! Thinking this, Tails starts running, ignoring the mess of his skirt, and rushes out of the dressing room.

"T-Tails, wait!"

Even though he was shouting that, he didn't chase after him...Marin smiled bitterly, thinking that he was in trouble every time, and took a bite of the drink he had failed to give to Tails...

"Wow, first of all! What is this!"

The taste was so bad that I cried out the loudest of the day.

"The curtain falls..."

``Yashinomi Troupe''.

A very popular theater troupe run by the star actor Tails and the ambitious chair Marin. Although their appearance and memories have changed, they still seem to have retained their original personalities...

...and that time. The door at the back door of the theater suddenly opened, and as I was looking inside, a figure ran out wearing a fluffy pink dress and wearing a haphazard form, colliding with a thud and knocking me over!

"I-I'm sorry!"

Saying that, that familiar figure lifted the hem of her skirt and tried to stand up... As soon as she looked at me, she froze for a few seconds... and said in a thin voice as if she could somehow squeeze it out. I said this to him.

"So...Sonic!? It's Sonic, right!? He's dressed like that, but he's Sonic, right!?" " It's been a long time, Tails! You've changed so much in a cute way...it really suits you. Isn't it?"

...And then Tails got tired and confused again. I started crying in the back alley of the theater, and it seemed like I was bullying a girl, which was a problem...!

It's amazing how Tails hasn't changed even after my transformation! As expected of Sonic, he said it with a tearful smile, but that was his line, wasn't it Tails?

After a while...

"So, this world has changed drastically due to some kind of 'disaster' caused by Eggman."

Tails regained his composure and began to organize the situation for Sonic.

"We were all trying to stop 'something' right up until the last moment, but we couldn't stop in time. Everyone was replaced by something with a different appearance and memory...Sonic was the only one who somehow escaped the change. ” “...You too, Tails?”

Tails is a little embarrassed and points above his head, humbly admitting that there was a time lag.

“Maybe it’s because of this that I was able to remember who I was before?” “What about that tiara that suits you?”

Although a little embarrassed by Sonic's mockery, Tails explains that before the incident, he had a yellow Chaos Emerald in his possession.

"This tiara is probably a transformed version of the Chaos Emerald. I think it exerted some sort of power to protect the memories I possessed..."

Sonic nods loudly.

"I see. If that's the case, this is mine too...?" "That's right! It's the Chaos Emerald! Sonic had one too! Maybe my reasoning is correct after all...! ”

Tails continues that there must be other friends like him who have regained their memories.

"Okay, I get it, Tails! First, find a friend who has the Chaos Emerald! Together, we'll solve the mystery of the anomaly! Then, we'll defeat Eggman and restore the world to normal! That's what we're doing, right?" "Yeah! Chaos I think I can tell Emerald with my energy detector!" "Great! Tails, you're the best after all! ...Eggman isn't having any luck, either? I can’t believe I still remember it!”

The two silently dodge the thumbs-up and start running. The ``resistance'' against this great disaster that has occurred in the world has now been launched by two of the best people.

to be continued......!

[layce2015]

Supernatural (Dean Winchester x Female!Reader)

Bloody Mary

Previous Chapter / First Chapter / Next Chapter

"Sam, wake up." I said to Sam, shaking his shoulder, after he fidgets in the passenger seat. I was in the backseat of the Impala since, some miles back, I found one of my dad's safe houses and dropped the bike there and started bumming rides off of Dean and Sam.

Sam wakes up, confused, then sits up, looks around and sees we were in front of a large building. "I take it I was having a nightmare." He said and I nodded. "Yeah, another one." I said, with worry.

"Hey, at least I got some sleep." Sam said, in a sarcastic manner; which makes Dean, who was in the driver's seat, sigh.

"You know, sooner or later we're gonna have to talk about this." Dean said.

"Are we here?" Sam said, ignoring Dean. "Yup. Welcome to Toledo, Ohio." I said as Sam picks up a newspaper with a man named Steven Shoemaker's obituary circled.

"So what do you guys think really happened to this guy?" Sam asked us. "That's what we're gonna find out." Dean said then he starts to get of the car. "Let's go." He said and the three of us get out of the car and head up to the building.

****

We head into room 144, which is marked the Morgue. Inside, there was two desks, the empty one has a nameplate that says Dr. D. Feiklowicz. The other one has the Morgue Technician. "Hey." The tech said to us. "Hey." Dean said to him.

"Can I help you?" The Technician asked us. "Yeah. We're the med students." I said, quickly. "Sorry?" The Technician asked, confused.

"Oh, Doctor Feiklowicz didn't tell you? We talked to him on the phone. We're from Ohio State. He's supposed to show us the Shoemaker corpse. It's for our paper." I said to the Technician. "Well, I'm sorry, he's at lunch." The Technician said.

"Oh well he said, uh—oh, well, you know, it doesn't matter. You don't mind just showing us the body, do you?" Dean asked him. "Sorry, I can't." said the Technician. "Doc will be back in an hour. You can wait for him if you want."

"An hour? Ooh. We gotta be heading back to Columbus by then." I said as I look over at the boys. "Yeah." Sam said as Dean nods but the Technician doesn't move or say anything.

"Uh, look, man, this paper's like half our grade, so if you don't mind helping us out—" Dean started to say but the Technician shakes his head. "Uh, look, man...no." he said.

Dean laughs a little then turns around to us. "I'm gonna hit him in his face I swear." He mumbles to us and I slapped his shoulder and Sam hits Dean on the arm. Sam steps in front of us and opens his wallet and pulls out some twenties. He lays a few of them, at least five, down on the Technician's desk. The guy picks up the money. "Follow me." He said and he gets up and leaves.

Dean grabs Sam when we tried to follow. "Dude, I earned that money." Dean grumbles at him and I rolled my eyes. "You won it in a poker game." I said to him and he looks at me. "Yeah." He said, like it was obvious. I shake my head roll my eyes at him then we follow the Technician.

"Now the newspaper said his daughter found him. She said his eyes were bleeding." Sam said as the Technician pulls back the sheet over Steven's face. "More than that. They practically liquefied." The Tech said.

"Any sign of a struggle? Maybe somebody did it to him?" Dean asked. "Nope. Besides the daughter, he was all alone." The Tech said.

"What's the official cause of death." I said, curiously. "Ah, Doc's not sure. He's thinking massive stroke, maybe an aneurysm? Something burst up in there, that's for sure." He said.

"What do you mean?" Sam asked. "Intense cerebral bleeding. This guy had more blood in his skull than anyone I've ever seen." The Technician said and we looked at him, confused and baffled.

"The eyes were mashed? What would cause something like that?" I asked him. "Capillaries can burst. See a lot of bloodshot eyes with stroke victims." The tech replied.

"Yeah? You ever see exploding eyeballs?" Dean asked him. "That's a first for me, but hey, I'm not the doctor." The tech said, shrugging.

"Hey, think we could take a look at that police report? You know for, uh...our paper." I said. "I'm not really supposed to show you that." The tech said and Sam, annoyed, pulls out his wallet.

****

Later, we walked down stairs and out of the hospital. "Might not be one of ours. Might just be some freak medical thing." Sam said. "How many times in Dad's long and varied career has it actually been a freak medical thing and not some sign of an awful supernatural death?" Dean asked.

"Uh, almost never." Sam said. "Exactly." Dean said and I shake my head. "All right, let's go talk to the daughter." I said to the boys and we head to the Impala.

****

Later, we walk into the funeral, where there was a picture of Steven Shoemaker on the desk. The attendees were all men in black suits and women in black dresses, except for me and the boys. "Feel like we're underdressed." Dean grumbles and we keep walking through the house towards the back.

"You must be Donna, right?" Dean said as we come up to this girl who was with a couple of girls. "Yeah." Donna said.

"Hi, uh—we're really sorry." Sam said to her. "Thank you." She said, appreciatevly. "I'm Sam, this is Dean and (y/n). We worked with your dad." Sam said and Donna looks over at the girl standing next to her then back to us.

"You did?" She asked us. "Yeah. This whole thing. I mean, a stroke." Sam said.

"I don't think she really wants to talk about this right now." Her friend growls at us. "It's okay. I'm okay." She said to her.

"Were there any symptoms? Dizziness? Migraines?" I asked her. "No." She said and then a girl, she looked preteen, turns around.

"That's because it wasn't a stroke." The girl said. "Lily, don't say that." Donna said to her. "What?" Sam and I asked her. "I'm sorry, she's just upset." Donna assured us but Lily wasn't having it.

"No, it happened because of me." She said.

"Sweetie, it didn't." Donna said and I give a concern look to the girl.

"Lily." I said, calmly, as I get down on eye level with Lily. "Why would you say something like that?" I asked her. "Right before he died, I said it." She replied.

"You said what?" I asked. "Bloody Mary, three times in the bathroom mirror. She took his eyes, that's what she does." She replied and my heart sunk as I heard this.

"That's not why Dad died. This isn't your fault." Donna said to her little sister. "I think your sister's right, Lily. There's no way it could have been Bloody Mary. Your dad didn't say it, did he?" Dean asked. "No, I don't think so." She replied, shaking her head.

****

We head up the stairs and towards the bathroom, Sam pushes the door open and we could see that there was still dried blood on the floor. "The Bloody Mary legend...Dad ever find any evidence that it was a real thing?" Sam asked Dean. "Not that I know of." Dean said as be walks into the bathroom. Sam then turns to me.

"What about your dad?" He asked me. "I don't think so. I remember he heard about the legend and he wanted to investigate it but...that was around the time he found out about his cancer." I replied then Sam stoops to the floor and touches the dried blood.

****

"I mean, everywhere else all over the country, kids will play Bloody Mary, and as far as we know, nobody dies from it." Sam said. "Yeah, well, maybe everywhere it's just a story, but here it's actually happening." Dean said. "The place where the legend began?" I asked and Dean shrugs and opens the medicine cabinet.

"But according to the legend, the person who says B—" Sam started to say but stops and looks at the medicine cabinet mirror, which now faces him, then he closes it. "The person who says you know what gets it. But here—"

"Shoemaker gets it instead, yeah." Dean and I said, in unison.

"Right." Sam said.

"Never heard anything like that before." Dean said and I shake my head. "Still, the guy did die right in front of the mirror, and the daughter's right. The way the legend goes, you know who scratches your eyes out." I said. "It's worth checking in to." Sam said.

*****

We leave the bathroom when Donna's friend comes up to us. "What are you doing up here?" She asked us. "We—we, had to go to the bathroom." Dean said as the girl looks between us.

"Who are you?" She asked, angrily.

"Like we said downstairs, we worked with Donna's dad." I said to her. "He was a day trader or something. He worked by himself." She said.

"No, I know, I meant—"

"And all those weird questions downstairs, what was that? So you tell me what's going on, or I start screaming." the girl said, interrupting me. "All right, all right. We think something happened to Donna's dad." Sam said. "Yeah, a stroke." The girl said.

"That's not a sign of a typical stroke. We think it might be something else." Sam said to her.

"Like what?" She asked, confused. "Honestly? We don't know yet. But we don't want it to happen to anyone else. That's the truth." I said to her. "So, if you're gonna scream, go right ahead." Dean said and the girl looks between us.

"Who are you, cops?" She asked and Sam looks over his shoulder at me and Dean. "Something like that." Dean said. "I'll tell you what. Here." Sam said and he reaches into his pocket, pulls out a paper and pen, and starts writing down his cell number.

"If you think of anything, you or your friends notice anything strange, out of the ordinary...just give us a call." He said and he hands her the paper as we walk down the hallway.

*****

"All right, say Bloody Mary really is haunting this town. There's gonna be some sort of proof—Like a local woman who died nasty." Dean said as we walk towards the library that night. "Yeah but a legend this widespread it's hard. I mean, there's like 50 versions of who she actually is. One story says she's a witch, another says she's a mutilated bride, there's a lot more." Sam said as we walk inside.

"All right so what are we supposed to be looking for?" I asked them. "Every version's got a few things in common. It's always a woman named Mary, and she always dies right in front of a mirror. So we've gotta search local newspapers—public records as far back as they go. See if we can find a Mary who fits the bill." Sam replies.

"Well that sounds annoying." Dean grumbles.

"No, it won't be so bad, as long as we..." he started to say but we look at the computers which all say Out of Order on them. 

"I take it back. This will be very annoying." Sam chuckles and I shake my head. "Well, what are we waiting for boys. Let's get to work." I said then I patted Dean's shoulder. "Don't let that pretty head of yours self-destruct." I teased him and he looks over at me.

"Hey!" He exclaims and I hear Sam chuckling and we start looking around the bookshelves and grab any book we could.

[askaceattorney]

Dear Anonymous,

Chief Mod Edgeworth: Hee-ho! Hee-ho! Hee-ho! Hee-ha! Hee-ha!

Co-Mod: Heeheeheehohohohohahahahahahaha!!! Is this a Luke Atmey impression contest or something?

Chief Mod Edgeworth: .....

have you never seen Persona 5 Strikers?

Co-Mod: Ah! No, I haven't. Thanks for the clarification.

Mod Zieks: What the hell is a persona, and why are they on strike?

Mod Gregson: Strikers is better than base Persona 5, I will not budge on this.

(Referenced Link)

Co-Mod: Looks interesting. A friend of mine got me into Power Rangers, which I found to be a lot more interesting than I expected for a kid's show, so I can imagine the same being true for this show. That being said, I probably won't have the time to watch it for a while, so that's all the feedback I can give for now.

(Referenced Letter)

Dear Miraz van Nohrr,

Chief Mod Edgeworth:

Have you tried commenting through your computer or safari? See if those work. You will find it right here:

Dear Dawsongfg,

Co-Mod: Congratulations! Meanwhile, I have a cat (or rather, my parents do) that likes to drool on me and everything I own. As much as I love cats, nothing in this world will ever convince me to own one. Not one that drools, anyway.

Mod Gregson: I've got two cats! One is approaching 15 years and is still healthy and playful, one is 6 years old and is a grumpy old lady who refuses to let the older cat befriend her. Mod Zieks: I do as well! We all have our own little gremlins in our life. Mine is also a cat, a little tortie named Charlie. I love her, and she is just the silliest little thing.

Dear Jeffrey,

Chief Mod Edgeworth: Congratulations on the new puppy.

Sorry about the loss of Dylan. I also lost my pet while she was getting spayed. I hope things go well for your new pet.

Co-Mod: Wait... You're saying that's not a real-life Scooby-Doo?

Just kidding. I'm glad he's been a help to you. My family went through a similar experience when our cat died by falling out of a tree during a storm. We missed having a cat in the house so much that we had to get a new one, so we did. Much like Dylan, she's not the same as our previous cat, but still a great source of joy for us.

Mod Gregson: I'm sorry for the loss of your puppy; I know that can be pretty tough. But I'm glad you've found a new friend and family member to help fill the void!

Mod Zieks: Congratulations on the puppy, and I'm sincerely sorry for your loss.

Dear Anonymous,

Chief Mod Edgeworth:

Who knows? Though, that would be weird in my opinion.

Mod Gregson: Am I the only one who finds this a lot funnier than it should be? Imagining Turnabout Trump or Turnabout Succession but the only change is "Kristopher Gavin" is cracking me up. Yes, this is my sense of humor.

Mod Zieks: Based, but not my kind of based. Then again, mixing dreams and ace attorney brought us 'Country Gavin' (@doctorsiren)

Dear Anonymous,

Chief Mod Edgeworth: Miles Edgeworth and Kazuma Asogi! What do you mean Mia or Klavier have better boobs?

Mod Gregson: Neither, I'm more of a legs gal!

Mod Zieks: It's a tie between Max Galactica from the circus cases and Miles Edgeworth.

Chief Mod Edgeworth: Uh-huh and you didn't send me a few previous anonymous letters under different names with the same fakemail.com or the oh so obvious Hotti letters with the same style of writing as you under different emails after sending this mod letter.

Mod Gregson: Oh, I have special words for you later. :)

Dear Miraz van Nohrr,

Chief Mod Edgeworth:

I've visited other states, but not countries. If I did, I'd likely go to Mexico, since my grandparents live at the border. Too bad I need a Passport.

Co-Mod: I visited Matamoros, Mexico once. From what I remember, it was just like being in the U.S., but with everyone speaking Spanish, everything being written in Spanish, and Mexican food tasting like Mexican food (not the Americanized version). Overall, it was pretty enjoyable.

Mod Gregson: I was born in Costa Rica, actually! Moved to the States when I was a young'un. I've gone back there a few times, and... I didn't really like it, but I apparently went to one of the worse parts of it, so maybe I can't judge? Mod Zieks: I've actually never gone out of my home state, and I'd like to change that someday. Preferably, moving from the States and going to the UK. Since their gender-affirming care is paid for by their universal healthcare, and their firearms laws aren't as loose.

- The Mods

[chidoroki]

182 Days of TPN - Day 181

Chapter 181: "Beyond Destiny"

I keep thinking how Alex mentioned last chapter that he can only call for help during the spring and of the one panel that showed the snow melting and flowers blooming by the time we reached the scene where he takes Emma to the city, which leads me to believe it's actually early 2050 instead of late 2049. I know I'm in the minority thinking that since this chapter clearly states it's been two years since Emma disappeared, but I personally don't believe they meant that timeskip literally.

Referencing the search she, Don & Ayshe went on is a nice callback, but with both situations having their parallels, why couldn't ya think of this idea sooner sweetie?? Ah well, at least this leads everyone in the right direction in the end. Regardless of any of that, I love Gilda's outfit here.

Sigh. This arc had so much potential to give so many more characters some spotlight and we get crumbs.

I am politely asking the world once more to please let my boy say "fuck." You can't tell me Ray hasn't been swearing like a sailor with how frustrating these last two years have been for him. Also, seeing Phil using the WM pen raises more questions, such as who's pen did that originally belong to? My first bet would've bene that it Yuugo's, as he's really the only one we've seen with a pen aside from Emma (who still has hers), but with how chaotic life at the shelter was moments before it blew up, I have my doubts he would've even thought to give the pen away to Ray or one of the other kids for safekeeping. It would've been a pretty big hint towards him and Lucas not returning as well so I can understand why such a scene was left out, if it happened at all. Anyways, with Norman on the other end of the conversation with Phil, it's obvious he somehow has a pen of his own but how he acquired such pen doesn't seem that surprising to me, since Norman was actually shown to have one in season two and I can easily believe it was another gift from Smee or another supporter. If not, Norman seems like the type who would be able to create another pen just like the original, which could result in the one Phil's group is using, if it isn't actually Yuugo's. Other that than, seeing how the pens are still fully functional (and assuming they're both originals from the demon world and not newly made), I'm going back to my own question I had last chapter about whether or not Emma and Alex have ever tried using the pen she has in her possession. Surely they could've figured something out about Emma's past if they just looked through it.. unless demon god thought that far ahead and deleted all information off said pen.

I know it's the same moment as the previous chapter where Phil's group gets close to Emma without realizing it but it still makes me so anxious! I'd absolutely be yelling at my screen had this encounter been animated.

Now they're teasing me on purpose. Just let them meet, damn it! AAhhh.. at least Ray's looking handsome, even though he's completely worn out.

Oh how very convenient for the necklace to somehow fall off her neck and be found right in front of where she eventually reunites with her family. This necklace also looks like the kind that you just slip on over your head, as there doesn't seem to be a visible clasp anywhere on the chain, so how it managed to go up and over her head without her noticing is some sorta demon witchcraft right there. Look at how that thing is glowing! It's sentient I tell ya. I do like how much Emma values the necklace though despite not having any memory as to why it's so special to her.

Speaking of keepsakes, I'm also very fond that Ray still uses his scarf. More importantly though, this panel is such a relief! I'm so relieved the reunion takes place rather quickly in the chapter so it gives the characters more time to figure out the situation and sort out their feelings. And I may be wrong about this, but it kinda looks like Emma is raising her eyebrow at the sight of all these people suddenly surrounding her with such surprised faces. Hold on tight honey, it's about to get even weirder for you.

And this first panel is darn heartbreaking, for her family and us readers. They probably dreamed of this moment for so long, to finally reunite with Emma and live together again, but they certaintly never imagined her to react like this. Safe to say that our girl was taken off guard by this encounter as well. Here Emma was, expecting a chill day out shipping with her adoptive father and now she's getting hugged outta nowhere by a bunch of strangers. Poor girl looks seriously stunlocked.

I am so incredibly proud of my boy for figuring out that this girl is indeed their Emma. I'm sure anyone could've looked at the necklace in her hands and made the assumption this was her, but the way Ray was able to piece everything together about what exactly happened to Emma and what the real reward was amazes me to no end. He looks so angry and full of regret in that second panel before he reveals the truth too, almost as if he's a bit hesitant to let the words out of his mouth, but he knows this is absolutely something everyone needs to hear and unfortunately for Ray, no one is better at delivering hard truths than him. Once he reveals to everyone the true price of the reward, he looks completely crushed and I seriously need to go and hug him pretty please! I'm certain Ray has been constantly thinking up many possibilities of what the reward could've been over the last two years, but this reveal has gotta be something he never expected. Or perhaps it was, considering he realized it so quickly, but I doubt he'd be happy to be correct in this moment anyway. I can't imagine what Emma must be feeling hearing all this crazy stuff either.

Okay but what if she just said no here instead? Would demon god actually changed His mind or am I being too hopeful? Emma's optimism might be rubbing off on me, but I just want her happy! I don't like that sad look in her eyes or the slight pause she takes before finally answering Him.

She's such a damn sweetheart, I'll literally never get over how big her heart is and how much she loves and cares for everyone, especially over herself. I can imagine the sad tone in her voice for the first couple speech bubbles, but then she'll lighten up as she rambles on about the better future that's on the horizon and will be so grateful she's able to grant such wonderful lives for everyone she holds dear.

It goes without saying but Emma's family doesn't take the news of her memory loss too well. While I am glad that a majority of them were present to hear about the real reward (given how important it was) and that everyone eventually celebrates Emma agreeing to live with them at the end of the chapter, a part of me wishes the initial group who found her was a bit smaller? All the attention is completely overwhelming her and I can't blame her for shoving them aside for freaking out so badly. If it was Ray, Norman, Phil and a couple others from GF who found her first, they could've broken the news to her gently (once Ray figured it out) and then fill in the rest of their family one by one, if Emma still decided to join them in the end.

Phil is so good at picking up on major details, whether it be GF's secret or Emma's anxiety. And then ya got Norman who is just totally relieved to see her again. I had forgot to mention this during ch179, but another reason losing Emma hit him so hard was because he had just reunited with her a couple weeks prior to their arrival in the human world. Norman spent all that time planning his escape in Lambda and ways that would allow him to reconnect with Emma, Ray, and the rest of their family and he finally had a moment of peace when they all arrived at the paradise hideout to feel that hole in his heart being full again. Then you had all that drama at the demon capital that pitted them against each other for a little bit until they reconciled and fought together during the GF raid. He had to be so happy once they finally obtained freedom and to live by each other's side without fear of being separated again, until they split up once more without any indication how long it would last or if a life without Emma was gonna be Norman's new normal. So of course he breaks out into happy tears here because all that matters to him is that she's real and in front of him again.

Hearing him tell her how thankful he is that she's healthy, eating well and injury free is a great parallel to his speech in ch30 right before he gets shipped out, only instead of saying their goodbyes at the end, they can introduce themselves and start all over. I gotta wonder what Alex thinks of all these kids suddenly surrounding his adoptive daughter, though I pretty positive he's chill with it since we do see him a bit later sitting back and watching all their happy faces.

Although it's a real convenient way to tie up loose ends about what's been happening with their family these past couple years, I'm still thankful we get a little insight about everyone's dreams and progress they've made. Naturally I wish could've seen so much more of everyone, but I'll take what we can get. Poor Emma has gotta be so confused on what Norman is talking about though.

This boy is trying is absolute hardest to not breakdown in front of her. It reminds me of how he comforted Emma the night after Conny's shipment despite him being just as frightened to learn the house's secret as she was.

Okay but props to our girl though for sticking around and at least hearing them out. If a bunch of strangers came up to me and started sharing their life stories with me, you can bet I'd make a move to run the first chance I get.

It's crazy how seeing a panel of our favorite girl cry such big tears can make me so happy but aaahh, I'm so thankful that the love she has for her family is powerful enough that it overrides her dumb amnesia. Demon god can be a bastard and take away her memories but he can't do shit about her strong feelings! Also, I always liked how her tears land on the necklace, considering it resembles the dragon's eye, it makes it look like as if it's crying as well.

It took me until now to remember that several pages of this chapter were redrawn since I remember that one fantasy scene of the boys finding her on that beach.. but no way in hell am I gonna go back and rework this to accommodate those changes. I've been writing this post out for far too long already. The sun is no longer up.

It's because of the inner monologue from the previous pages that leads me to believe it's also Emma who declares "screw destiny" here and I will literally never accept anything different because I love that phrase for her. That's the very reason I went nuts during s2ep10 when she shouts "I don't give a damn about that destiny!" at Peter. (Dub had her fire back with "Well I don't give a damn what you say!" if anyone was curious, which is equally good in my book.)

Favorite panel/moment:

Oh, there's.. so many. There would've been more but I did already chat about some favorite moments already, such as Ray's smart mind recognizing Emma and the real reward, along with her expressing how much she's always wanted to meet her family regardless of meeting everyone for the first time. As for the rest however, of course we're starting with Ray's lost family members assisting him with locating Emma. Seeing Conny, Yuugo and Isabella appear one last time was such a welcomed surprise and I could absolutely ramble about them more, but I should really keep the rest of this short considering how long this darn post is turning out to be. I'll place the original review here though for funsies. I will mention something I only thought of recently though, and that's how I think the "Over here, Ray" is actually in Emma's voice instead of Conny, Yuugo & Isabella's like I originally believed. While I do love the idea of Ray thinking fondly about all the people he failed to save, no one compares to Emma and that girl has probably been living rent free in his head the past two years. It would also makes sense as to why he would later comment about how hearing her voice could've been his imagination since he's thinking of her so frequently all the time, as we clearly see as he sprints off chasing that voice.

Eeehehe, Ayshe may not have been around for the reunion but her absence is definitely forgiven with this small panel! I would die for more content about these two and how their complicated acquaintanceship changed over the years, even if only barely. Norman still has to be on his guard around her and I love the idea of her lowkey threatening him often enough so he'll never feel relaxed. So glad all her dogs were able to cross over as well considering the new promise really only affected the cattle children. Rest in peace Vincent!

One of the most important reveals is my boy Chris FINALLY waking up!! It still really sucks how he was knocked out for almost half the story but oohhh I'm so incredible thrilled that he's okay. Poor guy has so much drama to catch up on though. I'm sure once he heard about Emma's disappearance he would've offered to help look for her, but since he wasn't shown anywhere else during the chapter, it makes me believe that his awakening was fairly recent and he's possibly still recovering. I'm fine if that's the case considering he gets to join in all the fun during the epilogue.

Everyone delighted beyond belief to hear that Emma missed them and her adorable face when they return the sentiment. Ah, Ray also looks fantastic. Love that smile on him as he's crying tears of pure joy.

Though I very much prefer the redrawn version of the final page where it includes more of the family joining in the celebration, having Emma accept their offer and wishing to live together will all of them definitely makes for a wholesome ending.

End of volume 20. But one day remains.

[natsuyuki-w]

Serenitea Shop | Sparkling Berry Juice

Kaveh x gn!reader

Modern AU

Serenitea shop >

You took a quick glance at the entrance, and when you saw the boy you were waiting for, placed a trembling hand to your chest as if that gesture would help curb your racing heartbeats. - Argh, I can't believe I'm going to do this... Do I look decent?" asked to your friend as you checked your reflection in the nearby window.

Hair soft and combed, but with obvious messy clumps from the bike ride. Clothes, well chosen and polished, but with the other hand wrinkling them out of nervousness. And finally, an accompanying shy smile. "Gorgeous" he could only think, but he would've not allowed himself to make such embarrassing comments at that exact moment. To avoid stammering, the blond boy nodded with conviction, not taking his eyes off you. Nervousness, jealousy, and embarrassment poured into that strong grip around his cup. The incoming gossip about your weekend had been one stab after another for Kaveh.

- There it goes...- You sighed heavily, turned around and gave your friend one last big smile. He hugged you tightly, and when he saw that gray hair out of the corner of his eye, he knew it was time to remove himself from the scene.

—-

You held your breath for a moment and then took the courage to answer the call - Hello? - There was a clear break in your voice. - It's me, Kaveh. Are you home now? - Street noises soundtracked his somewhat labored voice. A whole day had passed without hearing from you; you should have expected that he would provide. - Ah... yes. Sorry you didn't say goodbye before you left, you were in a bit of a hurry. - You chuckled about it, the knot in your throat getting more and more annoying. - I’m on my way to see you. - stated conclusively. - Ah... really... and how come? Don't you have anything else to do? Surely better than wasting your time with me. - And hopped a little sob. - I want to see you. We're friends, right? And we are because I like spending time with you. - He answered firmly again. - W-well,... But are you sure? V-it's all right you know. And then s-s I'm a little tired I don't want to bore you… -

- And you? - interrupted you - Do you want me to come, or would you rather be alone? - he asked. This time the tone was much calmer and accommodating compared to the previous answers. - I don't want to ... be alone. - - I’m coming - *Ding dong

The call cut off, and you heard your father greeting someone and calling your name from downstairs. - Kaveh is here! - With great effort, you managed to tell him to let him in without sounding completely distressed. You had been sick to your stomach all day, but the tears didn't seem to want to come out.

Light footsteps approached, and you saw him standing still in front of the front door. - May I? - he asked to be sure, and you answered with a nod of assent. - Go ahead and close it, thank you. - - He stepped in, and as he approached, his curious eyes wandered involuntarily, his architect's eye ever watchful.

You curled in on yourself even more and motioned for him to sit on your bed, and too immersed in your thoughts, you missed the gradual increase of saturation on his cheeks with each step he took toward you.

Before he could open his mouth, you began a casual conversation, "How was school?" "What did you have for lunch?" "Such a nice weather today..." And he decided to humor you for a while.

A good 10 minutes passed, and he was the one who interrupted you this time by laying a hand on your crossed arms clasped to your body. - You choose when you want to talk about it, but I suggest you do it. If not with me, call someone who makes you comfortable, but let it out. - And like the violent return of water in a dried-up river, you burst into a cascade of tears. From curling like a ball, you soon found yourself clinging to Kaveh in a natural search for comfort that your friend was willing to offer.

Crying and silent support had succeeded in brightening your mind clouded by too many emotions. You were ready to vent your embarrassment and confront your love's disappointment.

With more awareness of what was happening around you, you were struck by a deep sense of guilt. You had shamelessly crumpled the poor blond between tears and hugs as if he were a handkerchief.

You dragged him to the ground floor of the building, where the family café, Serenitea, was located, and hurried to prepare a snack to offer him. You approached the table where he was seated, and instead of joining in, you proposed: - What do you say we head to your house? I want to tell you everything but it's a little crowded here. - You looked at the clock - ... and also getting late; you still have to go to school tomorrow, right? - He nodded and proposed to stop by Vanarana. 

The large greenhouse was one of the most beautiful places to visit in Teyvat. It was not easy to find. One had to walk down narrow side streets, but once they reached the heart of that suburban neighborhood, the small square had been completely transformed and made into a huge covered garden, full of lush plants and colorful flowers. - There seems to be no one there tonight. - You commented. - Come on, let's sit down. - and pulled him along by tugging lightly on his arm. - Enjoy. - he smiled at you, but with an undertone of impatience after setting one of the metal and glass tables with your dinner. - Thank you Kaveh. - you suddenly extended your hand to take his. The contact was electric, and his cheeks tinged pink. - P-for what? You're the one who prepared - - Hahaha I'm not talking about the dinner. Thank you for everything. - you told him sincerely, your eyes still flushed and shiny but revitalized after the short laugh.

He squeezed your fingers lightly and smiled in turn. - Look,... I've been holding back insults from all afternoon about that soulless oak log... - and you burst out laughing again; the disappointment of the morning was easing, and so you began to explain without letting go of his hold.

- Um… I don't seem to have updated you much on Saturday night.... - - No, but if Cyno gossiped the truth,... I don't want to know the details. - He commented putting an even flustered pout than before. - I guess he told the true, so... -

You tried to summarize by dribbling out the most intimate details as much as possible. - I thought he was into it in short, but today he slapped me without remorse, telling me how he did it just to please me or something. - -S0,... he used you and then JUST... - he was furious, to say the least, but when you moved your hand to his cheek, he immediately blanched the anger. - It’s okay, at least now I know it would not work out. - and your smile widened even more - And from this situation, I just confirmed how lucky I am to have you Kaveh, and many friends to support me on these shitty days. - You giggled. Before you could see how red he had turned, he squeezed you tightly and murmured in your ear - Well, remember that, because I'm not going anywhere. -

Something in your brain clicked, and soon your cheeks were dyed like his.

[falseficatored-blog]

Jingyuan :: Vyn Richter (Parallels)

Ft. Aha & Yanqing

🎨 Credits: jiukuzi18797 & ueauwa

It was one of those rare days where Jing Yuan had free time to himself, he was at a total loss at what to do given that everyone seemed to be avoiding him(to not be tempted at bothering him or giving him more work). He liked the peace and solemn yet it reminded him even more of the loss or lack of his previous comrades.

He closed his eyes as he felt the gusts of wind that passed by his veranda and yet the wind was too strong for it to be just any wind "what is it aha?" He sighed at the obvious attempt at getting your attention "Well you seemed to be crying by yourself so I thought I'd give you a gift" his smug grin seemed to be heard through his words. "Thank you but that might as well be unnecessary if all you plan is to reshow me my past memories" venom was laced in his words as for him those memories did less help at easing the pain from the past. "Don't be so uptight, it's something different this time, you'll know it when you see him" Aha's laughter was joyful yet infuriating for him at the moment "let's see..." He tried to keep his calm, this day was a well deserved break for him after all even if maybe he didn't think he deserved it.

His day passed like that as he walked around the Xianzhou, there were surprisingly a lot of changes. It made him realize that time did pass by and time left no room for anyone for it to stop under the guise of pain or suffering.

His daw was about to end and his eyes dropped sleepily, knowing Aha's 'gift' would be coming for him in his dream.

A similar looking man to him sat by his side. The scenery was a wide green plains of grass spread out around you two as you say on a bench. "I presume this another form of amusement Aha has to let us two meet" Jingyuan muttered slightly exasperated by the scene in front of him, particularly the man in front of him.

"It seems you're awake now, I'm Vyn Richter, you are?" Vyn calmly replied. "I'm Jingyuan, I could say I'm probably another you in another world" for a few moments there was an awkward silence between the two. "Is that so? I'm more likely than sure I was brought here for you so do you have any questions for me?" Vyn questioned taking a glance at him before looking back in front of the plains in front of them. "What's your life like in your world..." Jingyuan slightly dragged his words revealing a rare side of vulnerability. "I'm a psychiatrist, though the words may not exist in your world it means I just help people figure out how their mental state is and possibly guide them out a negative one, you don't seem to be at your best either" he sharply remarked seeing right through him. "So what particular aspect of my life are you really curious about?" Jingyuan let out a chuckle to try and ease his nerves "I'd like you to talk about the people in your life"

"Well currently it's obvious based on my job but I have a lot of people relying on me and I carry the burden of their expectations, though the one person I want to help barely does fully rely on me, she sees me as someone reliable yet always tries to find a way to solve things herself... Currently though I'm trying to court her but a few other men obviously have their eyes set on her." His expressions changed quite dynamically from worry and softened before letting out a dark chuckle as he glared slightly.

"You must love her a lot then." Jingyuan sighed

"I do and I have no intentions to lose." Vyn said a couple of words but at that point Jingyuan couldn't hear anything as he figured.

'ah, time is up.'

He woke up feeling refreshed as Yanqing peeked through his room. "General Jingyuan wake up!" He wasn't alone either, he held responsibilities and carried expectations, accompanied by people who wanted to help him just as much.

[crazy56u]

Guess who has two thumbs and was effectively tricked into agreeing to work on his day off tonight?

Also, why the fuck is the title "Closure Encounters", I thought it was a typo at first...

No saga sell, we enter The X-Files and die like men, lets go.

"I'll go take a look", says the man about to be abducted by aliens...

Okay, legitimately, were those children real?

And why were there lawn gnomes?

Okay, given how "Star Light, Star Bright" actually did confirm aliens existed in the world of Quantum Leap, it's going to be interesting if this episode honors that.

"Look, maybe we can deal with the potential alien shit first, the relationship shit later?"

"Ziggy still doesn't know why you're here." Ziggy still doesn't know how to talk, Addison.

Project Sign flopped so Project Blue Book couldn't, checkmate, atheists.

Calling it: the police forced Carrie to take the blame.

And the car radio is being a real piece of shit right now.

"Pretty much remember everyone now." Meanwhile back at the Project, Tom starts to sweat and he doesn't know why.

"Can you take me through what happened?" "There was a car crash, and I wound up here." "Not what I meant."

They crossed into the Twilight Zone.

RULE OF THUMB: You cannot outrun a UFO, hitting the gas will only fuck you over.

My guess is that Melanie fell and hit her head, causing her coma.

"Like it or not, this is a criminal manner." "And I'm the criminal." Everyone's batting 1000 today.

Okay, calling it: the government is trying to cover up the UFO, so they moved the coma girl back into the car.

...or Russell Hunt did the coverup, honestly, either is likely at this stage. Not a good first impression.

"Say what you want, the law is on his side. Now if you excuse me, I have to be his lapdog."

"Okay, nine minutes of leap, one minute of Project, now you can't complain about us taking a break!"

I love the implication that it took Ben roughly eight hours to find a reflective surface.

"Could she really go to jail?" "Look, I don't wanna think about that right now, can I please just have a coffee?"

The atom bomb and yo-yos: Two horrors born out of World War II.

In this family, if you are a male, you either become the Sheriff, or you die. It's the 1940s, those are the rules.

So, is this a car chase scene, or...

Oh, how I so wish he just decided to floor it and play chicken- Okay, shut me the fuck up, then...

MORAL OF THE STORY: The sheriff has more stones than a random fuck with a hat.

"You're the one who called Project Sign." Honestly, did not expect that plot twist.

Addison, no need to state the obvious.

Okay, that's how you know the Sheriff is cool: He tampers with the crime scene to protect his granddaughter.

"I don't see why anyone would go out of their way to brush over their tracks." Yep, it's a coverup.

"Ben, I need to talk to you-" "Addison, if you are about to tell me there's no aliens, and Carrie is guilty, I am going to scream."

"Hey, this girl's in a coma, what do we do about it?" "Eh, just hang a cross over her head, it's the 1940s, that's good enough medical care."

"But it sounds so crazy..." "Honey, you're talking to a time traveler from 2022, possessing a man from the 1940s, investigating aliens."

My personal rule of thumb rears its head: Green is evil.

Ah, yes, that's smart, get Indiana Jones to help you beat up Agent Mulder in the middle of the street.

And now the Sheriff is packing.

So, basically, because Carrie crashed her car into Hunt's backyard, he has a fucking vendetta.

I will fucking laugh if Ben actually sees a UFO for real before he leaps out, and the Project is made to look like dummies.

"Addison, your ex-fiance is getting reckless, tell him to calm the fuck down." "Magic, I flushed my ring three years ago, I will do no such thing."

Calling it now, Hunt is in the middle of burning his helicopter in the middle of nowhere.

And back to the blue dimension.

"Grief is a strange thing." Well, according to Queen Elizabeth, and a shithead fanfic, grief is also the price we pay. [I will not be explaining the context to that latter bit.]

And the Imaging Chamber conked out, that's how you know it's aliens.

Also, soft confirmation that Janis isn't coming back for Season 2.

"SHIT, I ALWAYS WANTED TO SHOOT A UFO/HELICOPTER!"

And the cameraman snaps and mauls Raymond Lee.

[I don't know which is worse: The fact that Glade Pods had that guy make time stop by making love to his blanket, or the fact his name was Steve.]

And Ben wakes up either in the sheriff's house, or a fancy ass hotel.

Translation: Ben is openly suppressing his emotional problems.

Okay, so, did the cameraman inject Ben and Melanie with evil?

But when was the military ever exotic, Ben?

"You said you didn't believe in UFOs." "Well, I'm an open-minded man, and I hate Hunt more."

Okay, Ian, could you bottom-line what that drug was, I know you said Ben was right, but you just said gibberish to me.

Oh shit, a triangle.

Why does this 1940s neighborhood look like the 1980s?

And the sheriff is about to pull a Thelma and Louise.

"Ben, if the sheriff leaves, Hunt's going to send him to jail." "Yeah, I got that."

Is Ben going to get shot by the sheriff in broad daylight?

"Ben, you can't just walk into a military base, Ben why are you ignoring me?!"

"Look, I got a syringe of adrenaline, I'll be fine!"

Meanwhile, back at the Project, it's pointed out that Ben's plan is stupid.

This is the closest Ian has ever gotten to being in Independence Day.

And Ben chooses then and there to flip the fuck out over his relationship shit, like a sane man.

[Switching to WordPad.]

And Ben gets attacked by the Splinter Cell guy, and wakes up in Area 52, that's how you know this episode is sane.

Meanwhile, in MASH.

"DUMP THE BODY AND FLEE, MEN!"

"BEN, WAKE UP, YOU'RE SHIRTLESS!"

"Okay, we're in luck, my ghost was able to see everything, we have proof now!" "Son, did they fucking drug you with the hard shit this time?!"

And the climax takes place in an empty field.

Why does the Man in Black look like Kevin Costner?

This was the same mine they faked the Roswell Incident in.

Gamma blue 5, coincidentally enough, would later go on to be used in the invention of Monster Energy.

You know it's a good ending if the heroes are about to blackmail a new car out of the government.

"I don't know how best to thank you." "Just keep living your life, I guess, I dunno, the episode's almost over."

"Okay, I just trimmed my bonsai tree, now the migraine's kicking in."

Addison, he was just unconscious, it's not like they stabbed him in the jugular.

"Look, maybe I should just leave the show-" "Yeah, that ain't happening."

Is Tom the Poochie now? They basically just did a Poochie.

And while Magic talks to Phone Guy, Ben still hasn't leapt yet.

"All's well that ends well." There's three minutes left, Ben.

Annnnnnnnnd I am instantly suspicious of the waitress.

[Okay, am I wrong, or did it only get established it was 1949 right then and there?]

"Bye, Hannah." "Wait, no, Red vs. Blue taught me saying goodbye is bad!"

And Ben wakes up on the set of a heist movie.

[Next time on Quantum Leap: Ben discovers the horrors of Hollywood. On a completely unrelated note, the SAG-AFTRA strike is still ongoing.]

Truly, that was a closure encounter.