#i know its not the Correct Way to go but dang he went out with a blast

[nmoroder]

ah, i wish i could become your shadow

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Chapter 5 - The Forbidden Technique

One week after the glorious defeat of Rihito, Ohma finally received the fight money, so he wanted to ask Kisara and his new manager, Yamashita Kazuo, to a bar and have a celebratory feast. Not wanting to partake in illegal activities, the girl went on ahead to catch a solo room and waited patiently for the other two to arrive, ordering a cocktail and playing on her phone. Thankfully, they arrived pretty soon after, with the younger one reassuring his manager that 'the money was on its way' and to order at his heart's content - And just then, a knock was heard and Kaede entered through the sliding door. She took quite a thick bulk of money from her suitcase and handed it to Ohma directly.

"Now, don't spend it all in one place, alright?" Akiyama warned the fighter - Why was she concerned about Ohma's spending habits, Kisara wondered with amusement. "Okay, mum." it made the girl let out an exhale of amusement, how snarky he always is.

Before she left, however, Yamashita called after her, asking her to stay for a few drinks, only for his voice to gradually get meeker, seeing the woman's intimidating face. He was far too pure for this world. Ohma was much too busy with his endless amount of meat to munch on, while the other three would get drink after drink after drink. The girls weren't bothered in the least, while the old man had this relatively lecherous look on his face, and his eyes were wandering to unexplored places.

But then, he asked the blonde whether Mr. Nogi mentioned the reason why he appointed him, of all people, to be Ohma's manager. It was a rather interesting question, but apparently, she had no idea whatsoever. Despite having no answers, she had questions - Mainly, why did Ohma want to become a Kengan fighter. "Do I need a reason to fight?" he scoffed cockily, only for the secretary to start blurting numbers - Of fighters, of matches, statistics of each company and their miracle fighters, how many die or retire due to injuries, even saying how, despite getting compensation, it wasn't anywhere close to the career-ending wound they'd get...  "Either you're one hell of a daredevil, or you have some unshakeable purpose. Tokita, given your strength, it would be simple for you to rise to stardom in public MMA, there's no need for you to expose yourself to this dang--" Kaede tried to speak her concerns... Or whatever that was, with a straight face, only for the man in cause to prop his elbow on the table and lean his jaw on his palm, smirking cheekily. "Hey, woman. You seem pretty worried about me. Are you wet for me, or what?" although Kaede got offended, Kisara couldn't help but shake her head - It was typical Ohma to say things like this when it came to fighting and getting possibly underestimated or redirected on another path. "Good grief, I let you talk, and you just go on, and on, and on... Well, alright. I'll answer. I want to prove who's the strongest, that's all. Any other reason than that is just tacked later. They're all lies." he was so confident when he was speaking, it made the red head smile at him, equally confident. "Is that it? You know you might lose your life for it, right?" her face radiated boredom - But that's just how men are, when it came to fighting. They're all like that. She should know. "Not happening, 'cause I'm never gonna lose." that wasn't just blind arrogance, but 100% pure trust in himself. That's the same self-confidence that made Kisara learn how to see herself in another light, a brighter one, a better one. Although Ohma was engulfed in darkness, his intentions were as raw and pure as always. Nodding in understanding, Kaede expressed her understanding of his devotion to fighting, and even said she'll be watching him and see how far he'd come - With him correcting her, saying he'll make it to the top without a doubt - She received a notification on her tablet, saying his next kengan match is in two days. She showed them a picture of a middle-aged man called 'Medicine Man'. "I don't feel anything from this old man." Ohma drank from his water cup, a bored expression plaguing him. "He looks kinda like a creep, if you ask me." Kisara didn't bother hiding her disgust. "How naive. You'll end up burned if you think of Kaburagi as an average middle-aged man. You can never drop your guard. Kaburagi has a record of seven wins and nine losses... If you just look at the numbers, he's just a mid-level fighter, but what's truly terrifying about him is that every single fighter that's fought Kaburagi, whether they won or lost, had been... Incapacitated." she explained, scolding them for underestimating a fighter. "So, he's so weak, he needs to retort to cheating and maybe poison or something. If you think Ohma's going to lose to something as pathetic as that, you're wrong." the other girl rolled her eyes simply. "Well, it's getting late, I must go. Better prepare for the fight." Kaede was the first to get up and leave. "Ohma... Will you be okay? You haven't recovered from your injuries from the fight with Rihito..." Yamashita voiced his concerns as soon as they left the bar. "Those are nothing. Whether the match is in 2 days, or 12 days, it would make no difference. This pace is great. Don't worry, Yamashita Kazuo - I won't lose." Ohma's smirk was enough to erase all of the older man's worries. "Exactly. Kaburagi is a no one among the strong fighters of the Kengan association. If he can beat Ohma, then he doesn't deserve to become a Kengan fighter." Kisara laughed, teasing the man, only to get tripped by him. "Bite your tongue." he scoffed in annoyance at such an implication. "You do it~." Kisara winked at him playfully. "Well... If you think it's going to be okay, then I have faith in you. You're gonna win this too!" the old man got a bit fired up, even fist pumped the air.

Two days from then, Ohma's match was scheduled. As expected, during this time, he only trained his hardest, ate and slept - What an animal. At least he seemed in peak condition, Kisara remarked, as her mind wondered to whether or not she'd be seeing any of her friends that day. Last time, she noticed Wakatsuki, and apparently, Seki was there too, but she didn't notice him. Maybe this time Cos would be there?

Her thoughts were interrupted once her and Ohma met up with Yamashita and Kaede to go towards the secluded venue - The girl and the elderly man, once again, discussed about how much of a fearsome opponent Kaburagi was - The man in cause appeared in front of them, 'greeting' them, or something. Gosh, he's giving her the creeps even more, now that she sees him in real life. She gives him sleazy, greasy, pervert convict vibes. He came to salute Ohma and ask him to go easy on him. "Relax, I won't hurt you too b--" but as he prepared his reply, Kisara was fell into a crouching position, her hands slapped flat over her ears, as she let a small squeak of surprise and pain - She hated sudden, loud noises, especially grating ones like this one - It reminded her of those annoying summer mosquitos that buzz around your ear in the middle of the night. It was awful. Ohma and Kaede seemed to be affected by this too, unlike the old man. "Well, I must be off... See you at the match!" the Medicine man smiled widely and left with a wave of his hand. "Gah, that was awful... Awful..." the red head managed to get back to her feet, giving her partner a pitiful look. "I hate loud noises." "Says the girl who likes to go to the club every Friday night." he scoffed, rubbing his ears absent-mindedly. "That's loud music, not loud noise - Either way... Ohma, be careful, there are a ton of ways noise can be used in a fight. Whether he, or someone from the public, uses it, it's irrelevant, as long as it works." she gave him a warning. "I told you, didn't I? I'm getting nothing from that old guy. I'll be fine." this made the girl nod reluctantly and hurry him towards the Warehouse17, the venue, so she could bandage him up properly for the match. "I trust you. I don't doubt that you'll win, whether that guy cheats or not. I just can't stand that people resort to cheating in a fight where everything but weapons go, you get me? It's supposed to be the conquest of the strongest, not the conquest of cheating." she sighed, a bit bummed that she won't see a proper fight, but more, Ohma playing MMA-Sherlock or something. "Weren't you the one who said - It's your fault for getting tricked, not mine that I tricked you?" he smirked down at her, raising her chin up. "I did. But you know - I'm a hypocrite. I don't agree with it when it happens to the people I care about... Or me, for the matter. Anyone else, I don't care about." she shrugged simply, only to smile and hum lightly - She looked left and right, making sure nobody was around - And then she sprung up, stealing a quick kiss from the man, before turning around and leaving. "I'm gonna bet on you, darling, better win us dinner for the whole month~!" she laughed, waving lazily at him. "Keh. You little vixen. You know I hate bets." thus, Ohma walked back to the fighting area, so the ref could give him a quick pat-down.

The enemy's, however, lasted significantly longer. Taking precautions against the cheater, as they say. It took a while, but sooner rather than later, the match finally began. Although Kisara didn't find anyone at first glance, she didn't mind staying around Kaede, the old man, and Mr. CEO. She watched as Ohma was ready to throw the first punch of the match, only to get stopped by that insanity-driving noise again - Though he didn't react as before, a significant amount of people did... But Nogi and Yamashita didn't. In fact, no older person did, for some reason.

Still, Ohma received quite the blow to the face from this old fatass. Not only one, but two, in fact. It was Nogi who explained that this Aural Attack was really called The Mosquito, and it only worked on the younger people, based on the high-frequency that only the young ones can hear. It was no wonder, then. A subconscious aversion to that sound in his mind. How awful. And the way his eyes were so bloodshot... It must be some kind of poison that may be interfering... Impairing his vision... Two senses down, what's left? The feeling? That animalistic instinct?

Another punch, and even a high-kink were able to get in contact with Ohma, and everyone around was cheering for the old guy. Come on, Ohma, win that dinner already. Don't let a sleazy, greasy perv win so easily. Another kick to his back and even a headbutt. The younger one raised his hands up to his head, with his forearms in a defensive position - It looks like he had a plan. Maybe he was trying to get used to having both his vision and his hearing hindered and find a new way to pinpoint the exact location of the Medicine Man, through all the noise from the Mosquito and the chattering of the watchers.

That disgusting man, as well, was smirking creepily and picked at his wrist - Kisara couldn't see what it was, but it wasn't good. Yamashita was trying to yell out to Ohma, but his voice was too frail. Hers wasn't anymore. The three main rules of Kendo were to have posture, discipline - And a great shouting voice. She had none, at the beginning, but the more she practiced, the better she got. Although finding a way to raise her voice without losing it, being more on the quiet side, naturally  - It was the hardest part of kendo, but after Hatsumi SENpai, as he now likes her to call him, got her to the top of the mountains, he showed her the best way to get rid of all your anger and frustrations.

Yell at the top of your lungs. Shout. Scream. Cry. Wail. Curse.

All worked, as long as you did it, for as long as you had air - And then, even more.

So now...

Kisara stepped behind Kaburagi, who was behind Ohma, ready to strike his cervical spine and paralyse him - She took a deep breathe and shrieked out. "SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!" having such a loud, raw and desperate voice call out and echo throughout the warehouse was enough to stop the chattering for just the right amount of time, so that Ohma can single out the old man and parry his attack.

As the old man jumped high into the air and fell down, ready to hit Ohma's cervical vertebra, the man that was once in defense mode, swung quickly and did a roundkick, throwing his opponent far away. "This crowd was so damn noisy, so it was pretty tough to identify your sound. Way to make to make things easy for me." he was smirking cockily once again. "I went on the defensive to get you to come closer to me. As I was standing, not moving a muscle, I heard a 'sound' suddenly approach me - And that 'assembly of sounds'... Breathing, heartbeats, moving joints... Was you, Medicine man. Identification complete - No more sneaking around for you, you see?" Ohma turned around and faced Kisara from far away, almost as if he knew she was there. No, in fact, he was sure she was there. Damn, that scream was loud, but it sure made it easier for him to pick up Kaburagi's location with that brief silence of the warehouse. As a thanks, he smiled confidently  at her - And she couldn't help but grin with glee. She didn't even bother telling him that Kaburagi was attacking or throwing faints, because he easily blocked and beat him up, all that while his 'attention' was on her.

Trick after trick, after tooth, after shoe, after nails and needles - The old man tried everything, but it was futile, and with one last close punch from Ohma, whose speed was the same as his normal one, Kaburagi forfeited with a cowardly wail. Tokita Ohma was declared the winner, and he wiped the sweat from his forehead, lifting up the sticking seaweed hair from his face, so he could share a look with his partner. Just as before, she stepped in front of him and threw the towel on his head, drying him up. "I told you, didn't I? I never felt anything from that guy. You worry too much sometimes." he scoffed, putting his hand on the top of her head and ruffling up her already messy hair. "Yeah, I do. Got any complaints, Mr. Seaweed Hair? -... Gosh, never mind, I really need to wash that hair of yours, it's starting to look awful." the girl chuckled lightly, happy that the fight was over. "And... See what we can do about your eyes." "At least I know I gotta be careful next time. If it was my name you screamed, who knows what people would have thought I was doing to you." with this comment, he got nudged to the ribs. "Too bad I can't see what cute face your doing right now." "Lucky me." no matter how much she wanted to get mad or pretend she was flustered, that playful smile of his always made her laugh. "Let's go home. I earned enough money to buy you two months worth of food from all the expensive restaurants."

That night, it was peaceful and quiet - Ohma got the champion's treatment, with more food than he could eat for dinner, and a lot of spoiling in the bathroom. He could never understand what she was doing to him, but all those liquids she was using to massage him were able to relax him more than anything - In fact, his sleep was always the best after such a bath and a successful fight.

But the next morning, or probably, somewhere late into the afternoon, he was awoken by the sound of a phone slamming onto the ground. Ohma groaned and turned to the side, and by peering his eyes open just a bit, he saw the image of his partner, crouched to the ground, with a terrified expression on her face, clutching her phone dearly to her ear.

"Pro-Wrestler, you said? D-Don't tell me... Ohma's gonna be fighting Seki?" he could hear her speaking. Yes, sometimes he forgets that she's more familiar with the Kengan world than he is. Maybe she knows this 'Seki' guy, which means, he must be very strong. "But that's not okay at all! He's not a 3rd fight, he's a... A... 30th fight! Or a 300th fight! There's no way..." no way... What? Does she really believe he'd be beaten by some stupid wrestler? How annoying. Her worrying is pissing him off sometimes. "Yeah, I know, Kaede, I know. Fine, in four days, you've got it, I'll tell him. Gosh, I'll kill your boss someday for this. Bye, see you." and she hung up. "I know you're awake. I heard you." she got up, raking her fingers through her hair, as if exhausted and exasperated. Ohma merely reached out his arm to grab her wrist and pull her into his lap. "You think I'll lose, don't you?" he looked sternly at her. "No. It's not that I think you'll lose. It's that... I'm sure you'll get very injured after your fight with Seki, and you haven't even recovered your wounds after the last two. Remember what I said when you got angry at me for not telling you about Kengan before? There are super strong guys up there - And the last thing I want is for you to get thrown into this mess before you're ready, and have to fight the guy up there before you even know what kengan is. Sekibayashi Jun isn't THE #1, admittedly, but he's not a bottom of the barrel like those guys were. Nowhere close. 5 wins is shit. 10 wins is shit. Seki has about 50 wins and no loss. And you know what? Even that is shit, but he compensates for his TV job as a pro-wrestler in the SJPW. You can say he is, by far, the absolute strongest Pro-Wrestler in Japan, so you're against a master. But what about getting thrown against someone who has a pristine record of no less than 300 wins? What then? You have to fight up the ladder, evolve, get better, get stronger, get smarter. Only that way, can you reach your goal of being the strongest. That's why - I didn't want you to fight Seki so fast. He is strong and definitely in the top 10. You'll like that fight, but don't get complacent and arrogant. He's a fantastic actor." she cupped the man's face, making sure he pays attention to her when she's warning him. "Hmm... All I'm hearing is... 'Ohma, be careful! Don't damage that beautiful face, I can't kiss you if your lips are busted!' or something like that." he smirked, flicking her forehead after seeing her roll her eyes. "Admittedly, that too! But, come on, I'm not kidding. I, unlike Kaede and Yamashita, know what's going on around here. I know the fighters. I don't need their records to know who's on the top and who's not. Don't underestimate him." still, her words didn't get any reaction from him. In fact, he seemed to be mock-thinking. He was coming up with some kind of annoyingly witty comeback or something. "Well, you see, Hasashi Kisara - The way I see it, it is I who's on top. What do you see?" with a low chuckle, he rolled her with her back on the couch, towering over her, with that beautiful, washed, fluffy hair of his dangling and tickling at her face. "You. Only you. Forever you." with a tender smile, she reached out her arms and sneaked them around his torso, pulling him into a tight embrace. "Just be careful, please. You do the fighting, I do the worrying. That's how we function, remember?" "Dumbass bookworm." he chuckled, rolling to the side to hold her, kissing her forehead. "Stupid gym rat."

Still, the fighting day came by unnervingly fast, and now, Kisara was watching Ohma facing Sekibayashi, and that height and weight difference was making her want to tear her hair off. Thankfully, she managed to find both Wakatsuki and Cosmo somewhere in the crowd, and she brought them closer - She couldn't bare with Yamashita's awful worrying, she needed real fighters with whom to discuss the fight and find out realistic opinions.

After some words from Seki, typically of the Pro-Wrestler him, the fight began. "He's looking pretty arrogant." Wakatsuki pointed out, watching as the girl was frowning and nodding. "I already told him multiple times not to get fooled by Seki's acting. Now look at him, he thinks he has the upper hand because he got the first punch in -- Ah, ouch. That slam to the ground broke the cement, didn't it? My scoliosis is cringing." the girl sighed, crossing her arms to her chest and digging her fingers into her skin, a bad habit she got whenever she was anxious and could do nothing but watch. "You can't do more than that, Nee-san. After all, it's not you who's fighting -- But I'd really like to spare with you some day!" Cos chuckled cheerfully, making the girl relax a bit and nod. "Take it easy on me, okay? I'm not a pro, I just know how to defend myself." she replied softly, only to see Sekibayashi kick the over 80 kg Ohma like he was a soccer ball, across the venue. She's seen Seki do a few things that she thought could only happen in movies, but was proven otherwise - This was one of them. "Ohma's getting angry, that's not good. Seki's taunting is getting to him." she had to watch him get a few more kick, punches and flips on Seki, only for the bigger one to outright pick him up like he was a ragdoll and slam him into the concrete - The sound of flesh breaking the ground made Kisara cringe and instinctively step backwards - She couldn't look at how broken Ohma looked, but at the same time, she couldn't look away. Get up, stupid gym rat, get up! "Your friend doesn't look too good." Wakatsuki grunted, placing his hand on her shoulder for reassurance, feeling her flinching every time Sekibayashi would pick him up wrestling-style and throw or slam him around as if he was nothing more than a practice puppet. "Oh no, that's the backbreaker. He's done for." Cosmo shook his head in pity - He didn't care about this Ohma guy, fighting was fighting, and fighting meant risks - But even so, he didn't want to be mean in front of the person supporting him. "God damn that idiot... GET THE FUCK UP, YOU STUPID GYM RAT! IS THAT ALL YOU CAN DO?! WAKE UP AND SHOW US WHO'S ON TOP, DAMN IT! SHOW HIM YOU'RE NOT JUST BARKING!" the girl hollered, but was only heard by Sekibayashi - Probably. "Haha, man, you've got such a pretty princess cheering on you, and that's all you can do? How pitiful! Guess I can steal that pretty princess now!" even though Ohma was unconscious, The Great Seki's pro-wrestling show continued. "What was that sound?" Cosmo gasped in confusion, looking around for the source of the noise. "Look -" Wakatsuki pointed at the shocked Sekibayashi, whose fingers were all bent and twisted. Ohma was out of his grasp, and was pounding him repeatedly. "He looks different, and his fighting style is different. He got faster."  "... I've never seen him fight like this before." Kisara muttered, watching attentively at the change. "He's forcing his opponent backwards... Seki is almost double his weight. How can he do that..?" although she said that, Seki was finally beginning to step forward, despite the relentless barrage of hits from the brunet. "He's pretty awesome! He's putting out just as much power as Sekibayashi!" Cosmo seemed to get impressed, unlike his senpai, who was focused. "No, that's not power. It's Torque." as both of his younger companions looked at him in confusion, he began explaining.  "Isn't that like opening a bottle cap or turning a stirring wheel? The physics-force that makes objects rotate around their axis?" Kisara asked, remembering her lessons. "Textbook answer, yes. But you think the speed or power increased, don't you? It's actually his velocity. You know what 'Force' means, textbook-wise, don't you?" Wakatsuki asked, and while Cosmo smiled wryly, Kisara answered. "Force is Mass and Acceleration multiplied. Basic Physics. Are you trying to say that, with the same power, by amp-ing up his speed, that power will be felt multiplied?" she asked, watching the man non slightly. "If your mass remains constant, then naturally, your striking power will rise relative to your velocity. In addition, by increasing his speed, he can overwhelmingly increase the number of punches he throws, which results in an increase in 'Torque'." if she thought Ohma would be a great Physics teacher, Wakatsuki was a Physics master. "I want to laugh and ask you to be my teacher, but I'll do that after the match. You're going to ask what's this new-found source of power, don't you?" Kisara looked up at the man, and they seemed to have an almost telepathic connection. "I think it's his heart. The heart is the core of everything. His blood vessels are all suffering from ectasia, you can see them popping over his muscles - The heart pumps blood thanks to three structures, with the main one being the Sinoatrial Node - If Ohma's heart goes even beyond the rated of normal  tachycardia, for a prolonged amount of time, there will be no electric shock to keep the heart going, being the heart will fail. Once the Sinoatrial Node fails, the electric shocks will be created by the Atrio-Ventricular Nodule, which does about the same thing, but at a slower, weaker rate - If Ohma's heart keeps getting pushed at the same rate, this Nodule will fail, and with that, there's only the HIS fascicle and the Purkinje web that will keep it still functional - But they're incredibly weak, so they won't keep up with all this... Which means cardiac failure, and with that, the blood will stop going anywhere, which means all cells will die of anoxia... Well. Death. That's what it means." Kisara bit her lip hard, chewing on it anxiously. "Whoa, spoken like a true doctor!" Cosmo was pretty fascinated by the fancy words used. "I think you're right. In his first fight, he was methodical and tactical - Now he looks aggressive like a wild animal with no control." saying that, they watched Sekibayashi grab Ohma's head and deliver a head but, before jumping and double-hitting him in the torso. However, one more clash - And Ohma did something that made Seki fall to the ground with a great gasp. Something that ultimately broke two of his fingers. "Did he just...?!" Cosmo seemed to be looking very shocked. "Yeah. The son of a bitch cut off his 'supply'." Wakatsuki explained. "What - ? You mean he hit his windpipe and stopped his air intake?!" Kisara asked, matching Cosmo's surprise - But she didn't wait until either of them replied, for as soon as Ohma was declared the winner, she sprinted in front of her beaten and battered up partner, who still managed to show a weak smile at her and his cheering manager.

"I thought you'd be matchin' pops in his cheerin'." he teased the girl, watching as she carefully grabbed his injured hand and put his fingers in their rightful position, bandaging them tightly. "Cheer? Cheer for what?!" her jaw was set - She was worried, he realised, and didn't calm down. Admittedly, he did get beaten up worse than she has seen before. "Not only did you get beaten to a bloody pulp... But you didn't win." didn't win...? "At least, not in the way you'd wish for. Total annihilation." she corrected herself, keeping a tight grip on his fingers. "What do you...?" but before she could answer, chatter started going on around everyone's ranks. Kisara turned back to look at Wakatsuki, questioning him with her looks, and he answered with a nod at the old man that entered the venue, before giving a thumbs up -  "That's -- Chairman Katahara?!" she gasped - What the hell was he doing here?! And his two monster bodyguards were walking right behind him.  "That doesn't matter, does it? Politics don't interest me. What did you mean by not winning?!" he was a bit agitated by that remark - Simply, Kisara raised her arm and pointed towards Sekibayashi. It seems Ohma didn't sense that his opponent was already standing up straight, for he turned, his eyes widened. "Hahaha! I see you've got a keen eye for the show, just as always, little princess!" the wrestler laughed boastfully. "Now you see what I mean, Ohma?" she muttered, letting go of him. It would be improper to do anything but pay attention to this war of politics or words. "Well, he's quite something, I'll give him that. I never thought I'd actually lose... Well, you win. For today." he said that, though he barely has any damage on his body. "Hohoho... So he has THE Sekibayashi's stamp of approval - I suppose he must be the real deal. I suppose that settles it then, right, Shikano?" the chairman praised, yet his voice seemed to hold a mocking undertone. "Yes. I admit defeat, Mr. Nogi. As the losing party, Gandai Inc. will endorse Nogi Group's proposal... Of a resolution to hold a 'Contest for the Kengan Association Chairman's Seat'." Kisara, as well as many others, couldn't help but gasp - A Kengan Tournament?! That's insane!

The old man Katahara held an incredible pressure, but Nogi wasn't one to back down. That means... Whoever it is that will reach the top, will have to fight 'The Fang'... And now, Kisara was really scared. He was the #1 of all the fighters all over the world. If Wakatsuki was strong, The Fang was beyond any definition that the word 'Strong' can come up with. There are only two people that Kisara could see, possibly going equal with that guy, and those were Wakatsuki and Hatsumi. Other than that... No one comes to her mind.

She turned to look at her two friends - Wakatsuki seemed to be anxious to beat the one that defeated him, he was aching to be given that opportunity again... While Cosmo was blindingly excited. He may have 20 or so matches, and all won, but there no way a kid like him would even serve as a warmup for THE Fang.

"This is perfect." Ohma was grinning widely, radiating with a kind of darkness and anticipation that only someone with a strong desire to get revenge or something similar would have. "This is horrible." Kisara, on the other hand, knew that there will be one hell of a job, keeping Ohma alive during this tournament... One way or another.

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[fearsome-series]

BOOK ONE | BOOK TWO | [BOOK THREE]

Chapter One | [Two] | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight

TWO HUNGRY

“That went well,” Laura said sarcastically.

“No need to go back, eh? Ah, quite well, if they won’t have us we shan’t have them!” Gef said from her pocket.

“You wanted to go back.”

“Gef’s capable of change, is he not? Why, do you think the eighth wonder of the world is capable of speech but not personal growth?”

“Yeah?”

As they walked across the mall to the bus stop, neither noticed him. Not Laura, with her extra-special senses of smell and hearing; not Gef, the extra-special mongoose, though that was more expected. He was in an alleyway, seen only in flashes out of the corners of the eyes of passerby, on their way to the lake or their dorm or for dinner. People tethered to the real, with no time for a ghost of a thin man with a bow slung on his back; a ghost whose form remained in shadow even as he passed through the rays of the setting sun, a ghost who remained in shadow even as a streetlight flicked on overhead. People swerved to avoid him, without seeing the one they were avoiding; he, too, did not look at the live ones around him.

For he was hunting, and his prey would not be found here.

***

Laura collapsed on her bed - Gef scurried into some dark corner and sat (die die die di) there - and took out her phone

How was it? :o

It was Manuel.

-

Laura: How was what

Manuel: The thing

Manuel: The secret friends thing

Manuel: The secret friends thing I am not supposed to call by its name

Laura: You’re so secretive

Manuel: I do try and have good infosec

Laura: Infosec???

Manuel: I don’t know it’s something the CC tells me to have

Manuel: The Conspiracy Club

Laura: Oh of course

Manuel: Did you talk to Melissa

Laura: I’ll tell you tomorrow

Manuel: I know :p 

-

What does that :p mean? Laura checked her other texts.

-

Hi nerd

-

It was Emily.

-

Laura: Nerd?

Emily: Hi nerd

Laura: I’ve known you a week I’m not sure we’re at ‘can call me a nerd’ levels of friendship

Emily: Only a week?

Emily: Time always feels slower before and after a full moon

Emily: Akin to orbiting a black hole

Laura: What are you up to

Emily: Nothing

Emily: I’m throwing pencils at the ceiling cause I’m so bored

Emily: Maybe they’ll fall down and impale me

Laura: With the eraser end???

Emily: Stop questioning the physics of my edgy jokes

Emily: What are YOU up to

Laura: I went to a meeting

Emily: Vague

Laura: I went to a secret meeting

Emily: Did you think that sounded clearer

Laura: No

Emily: Who is this mysterious stranger

Laura: It’s me

Emily: Mario

Laura: I didn’t say it’s-a me

Laura: You nerd

Emily: So we are ‘can call me a nerd’ level friends?

Laura: I wanted to ask if you’re handling the

Laura: Big werewolf with nails in it thing well

Laura: Big werewolf whose JAW CAME OFF thing well

Emily: Yeah! 😀!

Laura: I don’t have to be nervous

Emily: It’s one guy and what’s he going to do? Bite us? With what jaw?

Laura: You haven’t

Laura: You haven’t lost anything like that have you

Emily: Limbs and body parts?

Emily: Nothing major

Emily: I’m tired have a nice night!

-

Laura sighed. She had another message - not a text, ‘cause Alice can’t use normal texts due to her parents looking at them, so she has another chat program they can’t see…she hoped.

-

Alice: I’m not handling the thing so well

Laura: Thank you

Laura: Cutting straight to the point

Laura: Did Emily tell you I was going to ask

Alice: Yeah

Alice: I don’t think it’s just a couple guys

Alice: We need to keep our eye out

Laura: Thank you

Laura: God we have so much to watch out for

Alice: Geeze, we do don’t we?

Laura: Did you correct my God

Alice: Dang, I didn’t

Laura: Your parents aren’t watching, you can say a cuss

Alice: Don’t mention them

Alice: Besides, I’m not not cussing because of them. I’m a lady

Laura: I’m a lady too and I cuss all the time

Alice: I’m not saying you aren’t a lady

Laura: Say a cuss

Alice: No

Laura: Which one is mild enough for you?

Laura: Crap?

Laura: Crap is pretty mild

Alice: Crud

Laura: Crap

Alice: Crud

Laura: Crap

Alice: CRUD

Laura: Geeze, sorry

Laura: But thank you for also being confused by things

Alice: You’re nervous about something, but we don’t know what that something is yet. We can all be nervous when we know that something

Laura: Okay. Good talk

Alice: Thank you

Laura: Happy almost one week of knowing me-versary

Alice: Happy that Laura

Laura: Happy that Alice!

-

Laura sighed and rolled over. She fell asleep and let herself stop being nervous. Tried, anyway.

***

“Hungry...hungry...hungry…”

A flurry of blood against teeth; of tearing and ripping and -

“Laura,” Heather said. “I accept that you need to eat meat now for your health, but could you at least wait until we’ve cooked it?”

“...oh.” Laura tried not to look at what she was now spitting out.

“Are you alright?” Heather asked.

“Yeah,” Laura took a seat at the kitchen table. “Where’s dad?”

“In the studio early. They’re doing an interview with some professor of…psychology, physics, some p-word science. Remote from the UK. He’ll be home early, but remember, I have interviews at the capitol this evening, then that awards event tonight at the Terrace.” She sat opposite her daughter. “How was your group?”

“Oh, it was good.” Laura didn’t know what else to say.

“Did you meet other werewolves?”

“No, that’s the pack, mom. This is the tunnels, which is like... cryptids and stuff.”

“Cryptids…?”

“Animals that aren’t real. Or...are, actually, but most people think they aren’t.”·

“Your group was full of animals?” Heather asked.

“Well, no. By cryptids, I mean, like...living things that aren’t real. But are. They can talk. Like, people who aren’t like humans.”

“Humans?”

“Like how I’m not…” Laura sensed how her mother wasn’t really at the ‘accepting your daughter isn’t human anymore’ phase of learning your daughter’s a werewolf. “They aren’t human, yeah. Don’t look like us. And sometimes they’re made of slime or have scales and stuff.”

“I see...so is this kind of behavior normal for werewolves?”

“Jess said the meat thing’s normal.” She hadn’t.

“What about carving your name on a desk?”

“Better than the other way,” Laura mumbled.

“What do you mean, the other way?” Heather asked.

“Of marking where you’ve been.”

“This isn’t a joke, Laura. Mister Booker was furious.”

“Yeah, but...he’d be more mad the other way.” Laura flashed a smug little smile and headed for the door.

“Laura, I’m…” Heather considered her words for a moment. “I’m not taking this in stride like your father did. It’s a lot to wrap my head around.”

“Worldview shattered, Laura a mystery, got it.”

“Laura.”

Laura sighed, turning back. “I’m telling you what it’s like, mom. I told dad what it’s like. I don’t…I don’t want to keep repeating myself.”

“You’re also spending so much time out with your friends.”

“With my pack,” Laura corrected.

“With your pack, yes…and I’m also interested in our new pet.”

“Gef isn’t a pet, mom,” Laura looked at Laika, who was looking up at her. “God. He’s really not my pet.”

“What is he, then?”

Laura shrugged. “A nightmare.”

“At least he’s not a picky eater.”

“Yeah, mom. At least he eats…” A gag bubbled up inside Laura’s throat. “Ugh.”

“Will you be in tonight?”

“No, I’m seeing Eliza again, remember?”

“Yes, of course…” Heather turned towards the window. “Let me get ready and take you to school…”

***

“I thought you wanted me to spend more time with other people,” Manuel said in Spanish to his father, Rodrigo, who leaned against the door to his room.

“Yes, yes, but I am quite curious who you’re spending all your time with all of a sudden…”

“With Laura and her friends.”

“I know you are very good friends with that girl Laura…”

“Very good friends, dad.”

“I only want to make sure you’re not doing anything unwise…”

“What unwise things would I be doing, dad?”

“I think that answers the question of if you’re doing them,” he laughed. Manuel hated it. His parents wanted him to be less isolated, right up until the moment he became less isolated, and then the questions started about if it was too much for him, if it was safe for him to be outgoing, what he was up to, out there…

It seemed so condescending, that his parents were worried, above everything else, that he was always at risk of something, of being hurt or taken advantage of, and…

He didn’t like it very much. At all.

Manuel went through his clothes. He considered a burgundy longsleeve shirt, and another in his big formless collection of shirts, and he picked one up…then dropped it and picked up a hoodie Laura got him, a black one with a skull on it. Manuel didn’t wear it very much since it seemed a bit Too Much for him, but he found himself slipping it on, and picking up his bag and going to the bus stop, skull on his chest.

***

There were a little over a dozen students in the programming lab, which had on its north wall a large window overlooking the library, and its west wall a long window looking into the adjacent classroom, which sometimes their programming class used for lectures, but which was also used by other classes most days of the week. Manuel sat by Emily, one of only three girls in the class; there were others in the introductory course, but not as many now, and Manuel didn’t quite know why; his eyes drifted over to the teacher’s little office in the corner, where Mr. Nunes was eagerly talking with Dylan, a loud boy in a flat black hat; when Manuel or Emily wanted help, he normally just tossed them a textbook and told them it’s in there somewhere.

“Mani,” Emily leaned in and whispered. “Mani.”

“Em?” Manuel whispered back.

“Nice skull.”

“Thank you…I don’t wear it very much, but I like it. That’s a nice…” Emily was wearing a blue t-shirt with purple splotches. “A nice shirt, also…why are you whispering?”

“I’m whispering so Dylan can’t hear us talking, you wanted to take me to see someone…?”

“Yes, the Conspiracy Club,” he said.

“The…who are the Conspiracy Club?”

“That is a very appropriate question to ask,” Manuel responded, “meet me by the far intersection, before the study room for Coyote Quad.”

“Which one is Coyote again?”

“It’s the one in the art hallway.”

“On the first floor?”

“Yes, ground level, past the…” Manuel paused. “Why is our school so big?”

“I don’t know. I think I know where you mean.”

***

Laura found Alice sitting with Emily at lunch.

“Hey Laur,” Alice said.

“Hiyaaaaa,” Steph said. Laura scanned the buttons on their jacket. Zeroed in on a button of a cartoon gryphon in flight.

“Gray Wings, right?” Laura asked.

“What about it?”

“Your button.”

“Yeah! It’s Caelin on her gryphon, you know, Caelin’s my favorite character, more than Brita, but I’m kinda worried about the season finale, ‘cause they’re building up to the Season of Swords, and I think that’s really really gonna be traumatic for Caelin, ‘cause she wants revenge on King Marvas, but what do you think is gonna happen?”

“Uh, I only watched a couple episodes,” Laura said. “I don’t really watch cartoons.”

Steph groaned. “Sorry. I have a lot of feelings about them, and…”

“Hey.” It was Sam, standing by the table, scratching her cheek.

“Hey there,” Alice said.

“I heard about the dog. You know, I saw that guy around my game yesterday. He had weird vibes.”

“Yeah, well, he’s gone now.”

“Thanks,” Sam said. “Thanks for that.”

“You don’t normally come by…” Alice started.

“I wanted to say thanks quick. But I’ve got to meet someone. Later,” she waved, and walked away.

“Wait.” Alice rose to her feet and started to follow. “Wait up.”

Steph pushed around their pretzel, looked at Laura. Started to talk, stopped… “Do you watch Birdzonia?”

“Is that also a cartoon?”

“Yeah.”

“Then no…” A scratching at her leg. “Really!?” She yelled at the floor. “Ugh, gotta go. Sorry.”

Laura scrambled off. Steph stared on as she ran, muttering a confounded “bye?”

***

Laura charged out into the courtyard, following the dark shape who had run off into the brush before school. The dark shape she was glad ran off into the brush before school. The shape that, in the corner of her eye, climbed a tree, tail brushing over leaves, a pair of freakish people-hands searching for a hold.

The mongoose slipped, tumbling from the tree and landing with a soft thud on her shoulder.

“What do you want, Gef?” She side-eyed him.

“No empathy! No concern! The breath - knocked out of me, it was!”

“Breathless, but shouting.”

Gef glared at her. “I come bearing gifts.”

“Ugh, not another rabbit, you freak!”

“No - better! A ghost! Come to the Tunnels after school. Now - vanished!”

Gef scurried back up the tree, and disappeared among its limbs.

***

Emily followed Manuel down the hallways to a maintenance door on the edge of the art wing.

“These people are your friends?” Emily asked.

“Yeah! They’re into the paranormal too.”

“Just as a hobby, right? Our school doesn’t have a secret clan of vampires, right?”

“Not that I know of…” Manuel said.

“Why are we at this door? We aren’t supposed to be here.” 

“Yeah! But that’s where they are.” Manuel said as he opened the door.

Inside the basement - inside a crowded maintenance area - were three people who looked like they’ve long called this place home. There was a tall girl in a white cardigan, a laptop propped on some pipes, typing with paw gloves and wearing matching cat ears. Emily also noticed a girl with short brown hair wearing a jacket; when she drew closer, she could make out her jacket’s buttons, including a UFO-abduction-in-progress, an alien in Pride colors, and George W Bush grinning in front of a 7/11. Her arms were crossed, her face was blank. And then she saw…

“Emily! Long time, no see!” It was Francine. Smiling with her round, freckled face and protruding front teeth, wearing a cheesy shirt with several horses on it - a relic from a shared horse camp in middle school

“Fran? We used to hang out all the time. I...I thought you transferred.”

“Nope! Wow, I thought you’d transferred!”

“You’ve spent the last year with...them?” Emily glanced at the girl with the buttons, who hadn’t blinked since they arrived; it was kind of creeping her out.

“Yep!” Francine beamed.

“Cool...as long as it’s fun…” Get a normal friend group, Francine! Like a bunch of part-time dogs.

“Where’s Sydney?” Manuel asked their leader.

“Dead to me,” she said dryly, turning to Emily. “I’m Molly. Hi.”

“Hi. Uh, Emily.”

“These are Juliet -”

“Hi!” the laptop girl waved.

“- and it appears you know Fran.”

“But what happened with Syd?” Manuel asked.

“She parroted Marcus Eastman’s ‘debunking’ of the most recent UAP leak.” Molly said.

“She thinks the UFO leaks are fake?” Manuel asked that question in such a way to imply that was the most absurd thing in the world.

“Yes.”

“But she doesn’t know the evidence and how overwhelming it is.” Manuel responded, and Emily stared on as he and Molly spoke their own arcane language, too confused to understand but holding out hope she still could. “The Navy and Air Force have so much video.”

“The only thing those imperialist dogs are good for.” Molly swayed to face Emily, her tone of voice unchanging. “What do you want?”

“Uh, Manuel brought me here. I, uh-”

Manuel saved her. “We were wondering if you had any information about a cult.”

“Which cult? UFO, rapture, spiritualist, Mormon?”

“They’re a cult of…” Emily wondered how to describe werewolves without describing werewolves. “They’re kind of a roving band of Norse LARPers, associated with…wolves and the appearance of a black dog.”

“Do you know anything about strange events in Chicago? Not the Lake Michigan Mothman, I mean, some kind of strange organization?” Manuel asked.

“An agency that doesn’t officially exist has an office in the Loop,” Molly explained matter-of-factly. “We don’t know the precise location or what that facility is there for. Nothing heavy, since that’s reserved for the facilities in Dulce and Montauk.”

“Dulce?” Emily asked.

Molly glanced at Manuel. “She doesn’t even know about Dulce Base?”

“I’m not a member of Conspiracy Club, sorry.”

“We’re not the Conspiracy Club.” A note of frustration crept into her monotone.”Our name is the Project for the New UnAmerican Century.”

“Right…” Emily glanced at Manuel, who looked down towards the floor.

Molly stared into Emily’s eyes. “Emily, who did 9/11?”

Deer. In. The. Headlights. “What!?”

“Who did 9/11?” Molly repeated, as if that explained everything.

“Uh...Bin Laden?”

“I see. JFK?”

“I...don’t...know? The guy they…Lee Harvey Oswald.”

“Good. Who cares about him?” Molly moved in closer. “Are you aware of what the US did to Mossadegh? Allende? Patrice Lumumba?”

“...no?”

“Alright.” Molly didn’t say anything. Okaaaaay. Emily walked over to Francine, who sat crisscross - and Emily just knew Fran would still say “applesauce” after “crisscross” - on the bare metal floor.

“Fran, what do you do in this group?”

“Hang out. Have a good time.”

“...ah.”

“I’ve found your cult.” Juliet said. 

“Oooooh! Did you find secret data on the Deep Web?” Manuel asked.

“No, it’s on Twitter.”

“Oh.” Manuel whispered to Emily. “Sometimes she finds secret data on the deep web.”

“We needed to come down here to Google it?”

Juliet shot a glare over the top of her glasses. “DuckDuckGo.”

“None of us use insecure, centralized social media,” Molly said. “I’m on Mastodon. Zetareticulis@harsh.realm.”

“Interesting…”

“What does their Twitter say?” Manuel asked.

“An activist in Milwaukee posted an image of someone they believe is named Michael Rhodes Mason.” Juliet pointed at a photo of a bald man, wearing a dark jacket over a white tracksuit with gold stripes. “Former member of a militia group in the Pacific Northwest. Every member died three years ago, and it was thought that included him until he emerged from a van last night.”

“That’s what that other boy was wearing,” Emily said, but as she did, Juliet switched over to another photo and…there he was. That boy who commanded the dog. “That’s him. That’s who we saw the other day.”

“There’s no record of his name. That’s the cult’s uniform, I take it?” Emily nodded; Juliet panned over to a third photo, of Michael and the boy, Devin, entering the van and closing the door behind them - and through the closing door, you could see the blurry face of a black ‘dog’. “They didn’t see how many were in the van, unfortunately. I take it that dog is their symbol?”

“Yes,” Emily said. “It’s confirmation that their cult is real, at least…you couldn’t find anything about the boy, though?” Emily didn’t say his name, in case that was too much information…somehow.

“Sorry, ‘potentially fashy teenage white boy with TikTok hair’ doesn’t exactly narrow our suspect list down.”

“We should go. It’s almost time for class and I think there’s a lab in Chemistry that I need to get ready for…” Manuel said.

“Do you want an A?” Molly asked, face on her laptop.

“Um…no.”

“Okay.” None of them looked up as they went back up the stairs.

***

Alice found Sam on a basketball court over by the football field, a tall, reedy white guy whose face was freckled with a little failed beard sitting on a low stone ledge watching her; Alice recognized him as Sam’s boyfriend Glen, who she’d seen around but never spoken to.

“Hi,” Alice said, stepping onto the court.

Sam picked up the ball and smiled a little. “Hi…?”

Alice considered what to say next. “Hi.”

“Did you come out here to tell me something?”

“No…yeah. You don’t spend much time with the pack.”

Sam gestured for Alice to come closer; Alice did, and Sam spoke to her quietly. “I have my own pack.”

“The North Side one?”

Sam stared at her. “It’s a metaphor. I don’t see why I have to define my whole identity around something that only happens three nights a month.”

“Well…” Alice started blushing in embarrassment before she finished her sentence. “Why do you check the groupchat if you don’t want to be in the pack?”

Sam laughed, and tried to stop herself from laughing. “It’s not that I don’t like you guys. But I have my own life, and you’ve got yours.”

Alice turned around to leave, then turned back. “Okay…bye…”

“Bye,” Sam said.

As Alice left, she decided not to leave right away, but to hide around the corner, crouching by a wall.

“Who was that loser?” Glen asked.

“Man, don’t call her that,” Sam said.

“She’s from that group of yours?”

“Yeah. She is.”

“I’m gonna call her a loser.”

“Don’t!”

“Is she bothering you?”

“No,” she laughed. “Don’t worry so damn much.”

Alice slunk off back into the building.

***

“Will you be home after school?”

Manuel looked at the text from his father on his way to the bus; yes, that was the plan, but after the conversation earlier, Manuel was beginning to look around for different plans. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to crawl around in a ditch with a werewolf, but he wasn’t sure he wanted to sit at home while someone else crawled around in a ditch with a werewolf either…

“Mani!” Laura called from around the corner; she rushed over, stumbling up the little incline at the edge of the school before the sidewalk. “Hey. Uh, are you busy tonight?”

“...no, I’m not,” Manuel said.

“Okay, good, ‘cause I wanted to invite you somewhere.”

“Somewhere…where?” Manuel looked at the mongoose poking his head out of her pocket.

“Somewhere you know very well he’s-!” Gef cried, before he saw a pack of people passing close by; he whispered the rest. “He’s not supposed to be.”

“I talked with Shajoberg last night when we were -”

“Sjöberg is pronounced Shober,” Gef scolded.

“Why?” Gef had no answer, and Laura continued. “Like I was telling Jeff, I talked with the doctor there about bringing you, and this other doctor, Wood, said my case was already enough of a security disaster that it can’t make it worse to bring in another outsider, so. It’s pretty clear I can bring you along.”

“This is the tunnels?”

“Yeah.”

“Um…the place you say, and I believe you, that you met the Chupacabra.”

“Yeah.”

“I…think I might want to go there, too, and meet the chupacabra. The Species chupacabra. The…Puerto Rican chupacabra.”

“They also have a hodag.”

“Yes, I think I’ll go along with you…” Manuel wrung his hands a bit. “If nothing else comes up…”

“My mom’s on her way, she’s gonna drop us off.”

“Jessie told her about…”

“About my dogwalking, yeah. I don’t think she’s taking it as well as my dad, though.”

Manuel texted his dad “sorry, hanging out w/Laura” and shoved his phone in his backpack.

[eirikaanemo]

Venti's crush is a sister in the Church of Favonius. That's the entire prompt. Okay, she may have overheard Venti when he asked for the Holy Lyre and maaaaybe she gave it to him (in the name of freedom!), but she probably wouldn't be a sister after that.

Venti x GN!Reader

1.7k Words

Warnings: Eviction? Kinda?

Notes: So, halfway through I remembered "Sister" is a gendered term, so I switched it to "Disciple". Hopefully that still works!

Part 2: His Fight

His Lyre

He first caught your attention while he was doing a street performance. You were walking down the street, minding your own business, when you heard a melody so beautiful that you swore it had to be Barbatos himself. Following your curiosity, you found him performing a ballad for a group of children. His clear tenor painted looks of wonder on their faces as he regaled them with tales of Vanessa and the revolution of freedom.

You couldn’t help but stop to watch as well. He had captivated you as much as he had the children and you didn’t regret a thing. After Vanessa’s tale he sang of the fall of the storm god, the rise of Barbatos, the shaping of the lands, and the rise of Mondstadt. Every song seemed almost more amazing than the last.

It was getting close to evening by the time you were able to free yourself from his spell. Or rather, he stopped casting it. His last few notes rang out and faded into the darkness. You almost didn’t dare to breathe in fear of breaking the serene silence that overtook the scene. Then his eyes opened.

This was your first real chance to get a good look at them as he was usually facing just slightly away from you. Everyone else had gone home, so as he scanned the area, his eyes fell on you. And suddenly all you could see was his eyes. They’re beautiful, you thought to yourself, a hint of blush warming your cheeks.

His braids swayed a bit as he tilted his head curiously and a smile flashed across his lips. “It’s not often I see a Disciple here, tell me, did you like what there was to hear?”

“I did,” you confirmed. “I’m very impressed! It was almost like I was listening to Barbatos himself!”

He looked stunned for a moment, then an odd look crossed his face before he quickly covered it up with a broad smile. “Thanks! I appreciate the sentiment! That’s really quite the compliment.”

You were able to spend the next little while chatting before you had to go, but similar scenes occurred fairly often as time went on. About the tenth time or so he decided that you were friends, which you had no objection to. Though there was always a small twinge in your heart whenever he called you that for some reason.

Along with becoming friends, you started to notice some things. His songs are… very detailed in a way that makes them line up with records that rarely see the light of day. While you do your best to share Barbatos’ gospel of freedom with everyone, some records are just too fragile to be available to the general public. So the Disciples, like you, memorize them and tell them to the worshipers who come to the Cathedral.

However, either on purpose or by accident, most of the time Disciples will mix up little details or paraphrase things or skip over sections in a way that can confuse the story some. But Venti’s songs match every detail shown in the records, and more. You had checked multiple times and it always came out the same way. He was one hundred percent correct, in every song he played.

Then there was his hair. You’d never seen anyone with their hair being tinted at the ends like that. And you couldn’t find the hair dye he used either. And oh boy had you looked. You wanted teal in your hair too dang it! And when you finally asked him where he got it he laughed and said it was natural. How is that fair?

And then there are the times where he just didn’t act quite human. Like forgetting to eat all day without realizing it. Or referring to other people as “humans”, as if he, himself, isn’t human. Or how he only ever wears one outfit. Or the way anemo energy seems to flow through him instead of around him. You wouldn’t even have noticed that last one if it wasn’t for the fact that you are hypersensitive to it due to how you use your anemo vision. From all of that, and more, you can just tell that something isn’t quite what it seems about him.

So when you’re cleaning the cathedral in the back and hear him out himself as Barbatos to Sister Gotelinde something just clicked. Oh, of course he was Barbatos. What else could he possibly be? Too much added up for it to not make sense! Unfortunately by the time you were done reeling from shock Sister Gotelinde had sent him right out the door.

You had caught enough of the conversation, though, that you knew that Venti- no, Barbatos had need of his lyre. So you came up with a plan. This was going to get you in so, so much trouble. But this is what needed to be done. You need to get him his lyre.

It was surprisingly easy to swipe the lyre from its pedestal and avoid the other inhabitants of the Cathedral by taking back passageways. You had almost made it out, you were so close when you suddenly ran into someone.

Holding a hand to the point of impact starting to swell on your forehead, you squint over towards the other group. When your brain registers that you just ran into Venti you gasp and scramble to your feet, still holding the holy lyre to your chest. “Oh my goodness, I’m so, so sorry Venti,” you apologize. “Or, uh, would you prefer I call you Barbatos?”

Your friend blinks once, then twice, dumbstruck by the situation. “Venti is fine,” he scrambles to assure you after a few moments. “How did you know?”

“You weren’t exactly the quietest when speaking with Sister Gotelinde, Venti. And I was cleaning just out of sight. It made a lot more sense than some other explanations for your weird behavior that I’d come up with.” You admit sheepishly. “And I believe this is yours.”

His face lit up as you held the holy lyre out towards him. “The Lyre de Himmel! Thank you so much! See that, Traveler? We didn’t even have to steal it! I promise to do my best to take care of it.” You quirk an eyebrow as the Traveler finishes shaking off the effects of running into you.

“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that, and you better.” you tell him pointedly, causing him to giggle nervously. “Besides, the two of you need to go! I… didn’t exactly tell anyone about this. Good luck with Dvalin, Venti, Traveler. May Barbatos be with you!” You called out the last part out of habit.

Moments later you felt a hand clap onto your shoulder. “Dear,” Sister Gotelinde drawled slightly. “Please tell me you didn’t hand our sacred treasure over to that alcoholic bard.” You’re silent for a moment before years of being at the Cathedral won over your common sense. “You know I can’t do that, Sister.”

She sighs from her position behind you and her hand tightens on your shoulder. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how much trouble you’re in, especially if it doesn’t come back in one piece.” You gulp.

“Yes, Sister Gotelinde.” You murmur.

“Good, now get back to cleaning.” She instructs you curtly.

Nodding, you turn and walk past her towards where you were cleaning. She continued on, likely going to report the situation to Sister Barbara. You really hope that Venti keeps his promise.

While you try your best to put the situation out of your mind, your thoughts keep drifting back to it the whole next day. The nightmare you’d had that night hadn’t helped either. It had been a morbid scene, a broken lyre on the ground with an equally broken Venti as a triumphant Stormterror screeched over their still forms. You’d woken up sweaty.

Logically you knew that Barbatos- no, Venti wouldn’t fall to Stormterror. But the scene still wouldn’t go away. And neither did the awkward feeling that accompanied your usual duties as a disciple. Some of your regular duties were suddenly almost… laughable? You now knew that Barbatos didn’t care about a good chunk of what you did in the Cathedral that some considered absolutely essential.

Your attitude didn’t help your position though, not with everyone now knowing what you did and watching you closely. The day is long and you feel trapped every second of it. Then Venti returns victorious with a broken lyre and everything crumbles around you. You’re kicked out, banned for life, right after him, with a suitcase of your stuff chucked out after you. Even though he ‘fixed it’.

Part of you wants to just lay there and regret your life choices; but you can’t help but smile when Venti reaches a hand out to lift you up, laughing about the irony of the situation. A small smile manages to reach your face as Jean starts chuckling too.

“Don’t worry too much, I know you’ve done a great good for Mondstadt.” She reassures you. “I know you have a vision, an anemo vision at that.” She gives Venti a pointed look. “How would you like to become a knight?”

Your smile grows into something a little more natural. “I’d like that, thank you Jean.”

“It’s no problem, really the least I could do. I’m sorry it had to end like this. Now, come to my office when you have a moment so we can formalize it. But for now I need to go and formally close the Stormterror case.” With a sigh she walked past you towards the knights headquarters and the inevitable paperwork which awaits her.

“I’m sorry that you got kicked out,” Venti apologizes once Jean’s out of sight. “All you did was help and you got in trouble for it.”

“It’s alright, Venti,” you try to claim. “It was kind of awkward knowing that you are Barbatos anyway.”

“Still,” he pressed. “You put everything on the line for me and I really appreciate it. I’m really sorry I didn’t follow through. I’ll have to make it up to you. And I know just where to start.”

His kiss to your cheek was quick but sent a warmth blooming across your face, contrasting with the coolness of his lips.

“Of course,” you mumble, embarrassed. “It was your lyre anyway.”

“It was,” he agreed. “But you believed me. And that really does mean a lot to me. Thank you, really.”

[randomnatshig]

Okay but like… there’s not enough villain!Natsuo stories with Natshig (in general but also) where people actually recognize Natsuo as being a significant threat and that’s just a gosh dang shame.

Like. The dude is dating the LEADER of the LOV, who can legit kill you with a touch of his hand. Assuming the relationship is like 99.9% of the shippers make it out to be, people should be less worried about pissing off Shigaraki and more worried about staying on Natsuo’s good side.

Because if the relationship is like it is in almost every piece of content with these two, Shigaraki would kill someone for Natsuo. He would NOT kill someone for Natsuo. He would probably level whole cities to make Natsuo happy.

Shigaraki is the leader of the LOV, no doubt. He’s the face of the League, he’s (credited as, and actually is a lot of the time) the brains behind everything they do, he’s the one with the deadly dangerous quirk. But Natsuo has him wrapped around his little finger.

A quick example of this (TW now for a mention of su*cide and a depiction of death):

He had thought he was doing everything right, this whole villain gig. He had a cool villain name, Thanatos, for the Greek personification of death. He had rallied a small group to his cause, 4 or 5 people he trusted, not enough to put his life completely in their hands, but enough to watch his back without stabbing him in it. He had gotten his group fame, or rather, infamy, not so much that they showed up on any top priority hit-list put out by the government, but rather just so much that they were known enough for their name to be whispered in fear.

He had even gotten them protection from the much-more infamous League of Villains, having gone through Giran to speak with their leader, Shigaraki Tomura. The group had to promise credit of large-scale attacks to the League, and stay out of the way of their plans. Thanatos had decided that would work out better for his group in the long run anyways. This way, they stayed out of national news as much as possible, meaning less heroes would be on manhunts for their capture.

He was very careful to never upstage or upset Shigaraki, or any notable member of the League for that matter, and he always made sure his own people did the same. It was a sort of slow, patient waltz, he led, always dancing just out of reach of the spotlight, close enough to feel it’s heat but never enough to be illuminated in its bright, blinding beam.

He never expected the music of his waltz to end with the shrill sound of the record being scratched by the needle of the phonograph.

Thanatos wasn’t sure how he ended up in this position… until he saw him, that is. A tall, dare-he-say buff man with grey eyes and pure white hair. Someone he would have mistaken for a college jock, maybe some volleyball player whose head was so far up his own ass he couldn’t see anything besides himself.

He definitely would not have assumed the man to be a villain.

“Now then, Thanatos,” Shigaraki rasped, saying Thanatos’ name with such sarcasm you could probably feel it through the ground. “You may recognize Natsuo here.”

Natsuo. That was the man’s name. Thanatos paled as he recalled his only prior encounter with the man standing in front of him, scowling down at him.

He had been in a coffee shop, at the front of the line, speaking with a friend of his about how Endeavor could possibly be a hero, with how horrible he was at it. Thanatos may have hinted that Endeavor’s eldest son, now deceased, had offed himself on purpose to get away from him. As soon as he grabbed his drink, and turned to leave, he collided with someone.

Natsuo, whose glare was becoming more and more intense by the second.

His drink went all over Natsuo, and rather than apologize, he had snapped at the white-haired man to watch where he was going, then bitched and complained about the price of his drink until Natsuo, however begrudgingly, offered to buy him a fresh one. Well, okay, maybe offered wasn’t the correct word. Thanatos had been raising such a fuss over his ruined coffee that it was either Natsuo buy him a new one or be escorted out and banned for a week.

He realized now how awful his actions had been, but was it really enough to warrant his death, at Shigaraki’s hands no less?

Speaking of Shigaraki’s hands, one was placed on his arm now, all 5 fingers touching his skin ever so slightly. It was the worst pain Thanatos had ever felt, a searing, burning feeling as his arm turned to dust and faded out of existence. He knew now that it wouldn’t be long before the decaying spread to his whole body.

“Would you like to know exactly what I feel warrants this?” Natsuo asked.

“I’m… sorry,” Thanatos choked out over his own pain, “about the drink.”

“This isn’t about the drink,” Natsuo snapped. “That was just the cherry on top of your little hell cake. Why I really feel you deserve this is because of what you said about my brother.”

“B-brother?”

“Yes, my brother.” Natsuo’s gaze had turned so cold it made Thanatos wonder if he had an ice quirk. “Todoroki Touya.”

Thanatos certainly felt ice run through his veins at the mention of the number 2 hero’s dead son. That made Natsuo Endeavor’s son as well. What was he doing with the villains? With Shigaraki?

The crumbling of his body had reached his shoulders now, and was spreading down his torso. He had hoped he would become numb to the pain, though it did not seem to be happening. The more he turned to dust, the more he felt he would rather jump into the sun itself. He was sure that would be a less painful way to go.

He looked at Shigaraki, gasping out one final word before his vocal cords were destroyed completely: “Why?”

“Why am I doing this?” Shigaraki chuckled, low and horrifying. “Because you fucked with Natsuo. Maybe we’ll use your ashes as a cautionary tale to anyone else who feels like treating him like shit.”

The last thing Thanatos saw as he faded out of existence was Shigaraki placing his hand on Natsuo’s cheek, cupping the slightly taller man’s face like a precious jewel, and drawing him in for a kiss.

[music-of-dragons]

AGOT Dany IV

● The chapter opens with the Khalasar approaching Vaes Dothrak with Drogo, Dany, Jorah, and Viserys at the head of the column. Dany still cares about her brother enough to beg Drogo to allow him back at the head with them so that he's in a place of honor once again. By now he is known as "Khal Raggat" the cart king.

● Dany fears for her brother's safety in the Khalasar, every time he insults them in the common tongue she nervously glances at the Dothraki around them to make sure they do not understand. ~"They are my people now," Dany said. "You shouldn't call them savages, brother."~ To which Viserys replies that the dragon speaks as he likes.

○ This is yet another case of humility vs superiority in Dany and Viserys's characters and how differently they approach a new lifestyle and people. Dany assimilates, Viserys sticks out, and that makes him bitter. 

● ~"It is not right to make him wait." Dany did not know why she was defending her brother, yet she was.~

○Dany cuts Viserys SO much slack it's ridiculous. Even when not in his presence she's defending him. 

● ~"Yet Vaes Dothrak is large enough to house every man of every Khalasar, should all the Khals return to the Mother at once. The crones have prophesied that one day that will come to pass, and so Vaes Dothrak must be ready to embrace all its children."~ 

○ This prophecy was not mentioned for no reason, that day shall come to pass within the story. When the ghost grass (Others) closes in, the Stallion who Mounts the World (Azor Ahai) shall bring all the children (humanity) together to defeat the evil and survive. 

● ~Ser Jorah had explained that it was forbidden to carry a blade in Vaes Dothrak, or to shed a free man's blood. Even warring Khalasars put aside their feuds and shared meat and mead together when they were in sight of the Mother of Mountains.~

○ These lines explain just how important the laws of Vaes Dothrak are to the Dothraki. Khal Drogo himself was not exempt, and an outsider breaking the laws would be even worse. 

● ~"I will give my brother his gifts tonight… he should look a king in the sacred city…"~ Dany then tells Irri to purchase fruit and meat, no horse, so that she may sup with her brother. 

○ Dany desires a good relationship with Viserys, she recognizes him as her king and wants to make him feel more comfortable among the Dothraki by gifting him clothes meant for riding and fit for a Khal. 

○ GRRM uses pomegranate symbolism in Dany's story. The first moment being as Jhiqui is preparing the food for Dany and Viserys before he arrives. Pomegranates are one of the fruits specifically listed. In Greek Mythology, pomegranates were used to trap Persephone in the Underworld, and ever since this myth became widespread pomegranates have been used to symbolize a trap/negative outcomes in literature. What Dany is expecting to be a good night with her brother, will quickly sour. Big thank you to @rainhadaenerys for pointing this symbolism out in another meta, I would have never noticed it or started analyzing fruit symbolism in this story if I hadn't read it!

● All Dany wants out of her supper with Viserys is forgiveness for shaming him in the grass, she thinks to herself that he is her king and they are both blood of the dragon. Viserys comes raging into her tent since Doreah misspoke Dany's request as a command. She shows him the gifts that she had made for him and he asks her what all of it is. ~"New raiment. I had it made for you." Dany smiled shyly. He looked at her and sneered.~ 

○ She's so dang optimistic and gives him so many chances it hurts to read, poor Dany, but alas. Her hopes of forgiveness are about to be crushed.

● After he quips that Dany would want to braid his hair next and she tells him that he has no right to a braid, he is angry but does not immediately strike her. She is hurt by his insults against her gifts and the Dothraki. He grabs her arm roughly to dig his fingers in, and Dany feels like a scared child once more, until she grabs the medallion belt and strikes him across the face. She stands up for herself once again and tells Viserys that it is HE who forgets himself then sends him away with an empty threat. He says she will regret this day when he comes into his kingdom. 

○ Dany truly cares about her brother, but she is learning that no matter what, her attempts to build a better relationship with him will be ruined by his temper and sense of superiority. Her desire to have a positive relationship with her brother is not worth her suffering.

● ~Drops of blood had spattered the beautiful sandsilk cloak. Dany clutched the soft cloth to her cheek and sat cross legged on her sleeping mats.~ She tells her servants that they may have all the food she had prepared for her and Viserys. She has a dragon egg brought to her for comfort, the green and bronze. Dany thinks to herself that she feels stronger and braver when holding the eggs, as if she were drawing strength from the stone dragons locked inside.

○ THIS IS SO SAD 😞 Dany just wants a loving family and all she has is Viserys. No matter what she does he is consumed by anger and bitterness and takes it out on her since he feels like he owns her. I love that she gave her handmaids the food she had prepared, Dany loves to give gifts to people she cares about and I see this as her being generous and kind despite her situation. Dany is indeed drawing strength from the dragon eggs, just as the dragons are gaining strength from her as well. This is all apart of the subconscious magic Dany is taking part in to hatch them.

● Dany feels her child move within her, ~as if he were reaching out, brother to brother, blood to blood. "You are the dragon," Dany whispered to him, "the true dragon. I know it. I know it." And she smiled, and went to sleep dreaming of home." 

○ Rhaego reaching out to Rhaegal is so bittersweet. They would have been great together, but instead Rhaego's life will be exchanged for Rhaegal's in a tragic turn of events later on. 

○ This entire chapter shows a lot of Dany's characterization. She craves love and home and thinks that she can get that from her brother, but all she gets from him is pain and sadness. Time after time Dany is shown to love Viserys and respect him despite the weak, cruel man he is. She finally draws a line at physically harming her, especially since she is now pregnant and protective of her unborn child. Viserys realizes that she can no longer be controlled by fear or pain so he leaves her presence, telling her that she would regret this day when he came into his kingdom. At that point, Viserys had decided to go his own way and leave Dany out of it, and she is very obviously hurt by this. She finds comfort in her pregnancy and her dragon eggs. Dany also showcases her willingness to assimilate and learn to survive in this chapter. She has adapted to the Dothraki culture and continues to learn all she can about it. She embraces their livelihood as her own and considers it a gift that she tries to share with her brother. She wants him to be happy as she is, but that does not work. 

Thank y'all so much for reading, I really appreciate it 🥰 Art by Mark S. Miller, the ASOIAF graphic novel cover artist! Corrected from Tommy Patterson, should have researched better my bad.

[latte-fairytaekwoon]

𝑫𝒂𝒅! 𝑨𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒛: 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝑾𝒐𝒏'𝒕 𝑺𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝑪𝒓𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈

❥𝓚𝓲𝓶 𝓗𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓳𝓸𝓸𝓷𝓰

"What is it? You wanna come out of confinement?"

Hongjoong picked up his baby son and held him for a few seconds.

"I know. You must be bored to death in that thing."

Hongjoong was surprised when he started crying even harder than before. He gently rocked the boy in his arms.

"Are you hungry? Want me to get your bottle?"

Hongjoong quickly dashed into the kitchen and grabbed the bottle. He tried feeding it to him, but the baby swatted the bottle away with such force, it ended up spilling all over the floor. Hongjoong groaned in frustration as he tried to calm the crying baby down.

"Y/N.......please get here already..." He whined, a small pout on his face.

Sighing he went back inside the living room and put the baby back in his play pen, which of course made him whine and wriggle more. Hongjoong went over to the piano on the corner. It was the last idea he had so he began playing a soft lullaby on the piano. As soon as the baby heard the first notes, his crying ceased and instead he made low guttural sounds as he began calming down from his crying fit.

Hongjoong kept playing 2 more songs until he looked over and saw that his son was already fast asleep. He finished the last song and walked over to see his son sleeping like a little angel, a fond smile on his face.

"Who would have thought you loved music just like me?"

❥𝓟𝓪𝓻𝓴 𝓢𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓱𝔀𝓪

You were whining at this point.

"Sweetheart please! Just eat the food."

Your baby daughter once again refused to open her mouth as you placed the spoonful of puree in front of her. With a loud squeal she slapped it out of your hand, tossing the spoon and the mushy content onto the table in front of you both. You let out a groan as your hands clutched your head, feeling like you were about to break down like her at any minute.

As if on cue, Seonghwa came in and immediately rushed over to the kitchen when he heard your daughter's crying.

"What's wrong?" He asked as he scanned her all over.

"I don't know! She won't eat her food and I'm just tired at this point!" You didn't mean to come off so angry, but you were beyond frustrated.

Seonghwa understood and simply helped you up. He gave your nose a tender kiss and hugged you briefly.

"Here. Let me try."

He took the space you previously occupied and looked at your daughter. He smiled at her and began doing cutesy signs at her, varying from hearts to bunny ears. Once he began using his aegyo voice, the baby began calming down, now only sniffling softly. Seeing an opportunity, Seonghwa picked up the spoon and scooping up more puree, he successfully managed to get her to start eating.

"Seriously?!" You were indignated but Seonghwa chuckled.

"I told you she would be daddy's girl."

❥𝓙𝓮𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓨𝓾𝓷𝓱𝓸

Although his son was crying on the top of his lungs for several minutes now, Yunho still had a smile plastered on his face.

"There there. Calm down kiddo. Mommy will be here soon."

That answer didn't seem to satisfy the infant, who only began crying harder, making Yunho pout.

"Well dang, do you really miss her that much?"

Taking a peek out the window and seeing that it was not cloudy, Yunho picked up the baby bag and grabbed his keys. Making sure to lock the door, he carried his son all the way into the car and strapped him into the baby seat in the back. As soon as Yunho started the car, the baby stopped screaming, although he kept spilling out tears. Once they were further on in the road, he stopped crying and his eyes struggled to keep open. Yunho looked at him from the rearview mirror and chuckled.

"Maybe that documentary I watched was correct. Babies do fall asleep in car rides."

Yunho decided to turn on the radio for a little while, which only helped to make the baby fully fall asleep in no time. Even after he had parked in front of the office building, the baby still stayed asleep. When you came out, Yunho immediately got out of the car and opened the back door.

"Did you get here early?" You asked.

Yunho sighed softly before getting the sleeping baby out.

"Well if I didn't, he would have continued crying his eyes out from missing you too much."

He carefully handed you the baby, who squirmed around before opening his eyes. The instant he saw you, his eyes lit up and he stretched his arms out to touch your face, making you giggle at how adorable your baby was.

"Mommy missed you too." You kissed his tiny nose.

Yunho frowned.

"I missed you too. Where's my kiss?"

❥𝓚𝓪𝓷𝓰 𝓨𝓮𝓸𝓼𝓪𝓷𝓰

You were both woken up when your baby daughter started crying.

"Yeosang." You called out.

"Mmmm?" He mumbled.

"It's your turn." You said.

He merely let out an inaudible groan.

"I took care of her yesterday. It's your turn."

Realizing he was right, you got up and went over to the adjoining room to yours. Picking up your daughter, first you made sure her diaper didn't need changing. Then you held her up to your chest, thinking she was hungry. But it was none of them since she kept crying and crying. You gently rocked her in your arms, even singing a soft lullaby to her, but she just began wailing even harder.

"Yeosang!" You cried out.

Huffing softly, he sat up and made his way to the nursery with slow, tired steps.

"Ok give me her. Let's see what's wrong."

He cooed at her softly and as soon as the little girl was in her father's arms and heard his voice, she immediately stopped crying.

"That was easy." He smiled proudly.

He tried setting her back down on her crib, but just as soon as she felt his hands off her, her crying resumed, this time harder than before.

"Ok! That's not going to work."

Picking her up again, once more she stopped crying and instead nestled herself in Yeosang's embrace. You both looked at each other in disbelief. Yeosang couldn't help but snort.

"She loves me better than you."

Not in the mood or headspace for his jokes, you lifted your hand up to hit him but immediately put it down.

"Let's just go back to sleep."

You both crawled back into bed, Yeosang being a little more careful as he adjusted himself so the baby could properly sleep in his arms.

"This better not become a daily thing." You said as you closed your eyes.

Not missing the opportunity even in his exhausted state, Yeosang teased:

"If you don't like it, you could always sleep on the couch."

❥𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓲 𝓢𝓪𝓷

San waved the rattle in front of the crying baby's face.

"Look! It makes noise! Don't you wanna play with it?"

The baby only smacked it with his hand, making San step back.

"Well damn son, a simple no would have sufficed."

Not about to give up, he picked up a cat headband and placed it on his hand before shamelessly doing aegyo in front of his son.

"Would you please stop crying for your dad? It makes him sad to see you cry."

When the baby continued crying, San began to whine loudly.

"What's wrong?! Speak to me! What do you want?! What will it take for you to stop crying?!"

Unable to take anymore noise, Byeol woke up and sauntered over to where all the commotion was. Her tiny paw latched onto San's pant leg as she began meowing at him.

"Not now Byeol. I'll feed you once I calm him down."

San was busy making funny faces to hopefully get his son to laugh that he didn't realize Byeol had climbed into a play pen until she jumped right next to the crying baby.

"Whoah! What the- Byeol! Get out of there immediately!"

The feline however ignored him and began rubbing her body against the baby, her soft purring and silky fur proving in aiding to help the baby calm down. The baby wrapped its tiny arms around her neck and Byeol didn't mind when he began cuddling her like one of his plushies, instead placing a paw on his tiny hand to keep him from squeezing too hard. San was stunned though as he watched them slowly drift off to sleep in each other's arms.

"You mean a cat knows how to take better care of my own son than me?"

❥𝓢𝓸𝓷𝓰 𝓜𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓲

Mingi was on the verge of breaking down.

"I've fed you, I've changed your diaper and even made a fool of myself by doing aegyo, what more do you want from me?!"

Mingi poked his bottom lip out as he held his crying daughter up, trying to figure out what was wrong with him. He then gasped.

"Oh my god! What if you're sick?!"

Mingi quickly rushed over to the bathroom to look for the thermometer. He let out a scream when he couldn't find it that only served to agitate the baby more, causing her to start crying harder.

You quickly ran towards the sound of the crying once you came back from work.

"What did you do?!" You yelled causing Mingi to whimper.

"I swear I did nothing! She just won't stop crying! I didn't mean to break our baby!"

You sighed and quickly took the baby from him. Noticing how the baby kept shaking her head and her hands were flying in all directions, you guessed something was bothering her. You took a chance and opted for taking off the beanie she was wearing. Once your daughter felt the beanie taken off, she stopped screaming, although now she just sniffed slightly.

"Oh my poor baby. Was your hat too tight on that not so tiny head of yours?"

Mingi was stunned that a stupid article of clothing was the whole reason for the ordeal to drag on. You gently placed kisses on the top of your daughter's head, trying to soothe her pain. Then you turned your attention to Mingi who had a look of disappointment and sadness in his eyes.

"Hey come on now. It's a learning process. She is our first child after all." You reminded him.

Mingi nodded and accepted when you handed the baby over to him so you could go get changed and wash up. Mingi began making funny faces at his daughter, who immediately began squealing and giggling at him.

"That's what I like to see. A happy babygirl who loves her daddy so much."

❥𝓙𝓾𝓷𝓰 𝓦𝓸𝓸𝔂𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓰

Wooyoung grunted as he once again went back to the living room to go attend to his son who was in his baby blue jumperoo.

"Ok what now?" Wooyoung asked the crying infant.

Contrary to what most people expected, Wooyoung's son definitely cried a lot, but he never screamed or full on wailed. He mostly just whimpered or let out tiny sobs whenever he was upset. Wooyoung sighed.

"Buddy, I know you can't actually talk, but I need you to help me out here."

Wooyoung spun and shook some of the toys surrounding the jumperoo in an effort to make his son stop crying, but it didn't work. The little boy just kept looking up at his father with teary eyes and pouty lips.

"Don't give me those sad eyes, please! What is it you want?"

Wooyoung leaned his face in, looking straight in his son's eyes. Stretching his arms out, the baby began making grabby hands towards Wooyoung's face.

"Ohh....I get it now."

Wooyoung immediately picked up the baby and held him. Placing a kiss on his head, he went back to the kitchen to check on the food. Although he had trouble maneuvering himself while holding a baby, he nonetheless managed to make sure the food didn't burn or turn out gross.

"No, unfortunately you can't eat some of my delicious food yet." Wooyoung said when his son pointed to the pot on the stove.

Wooyoung decided to have a tiny conversation with his son as he finished cooking, of course the baby didn't reply or made any sign that he was actually listening to him. The only sound he made was a tiny squeak when he saw you come in, making Wooyoung turn to see you.

"Welcome home Mrs. Jung. Care to join us this evening for supper?"

❥𝓒𝓱𝓸𝓲 𝓙𝓸𝓷𝓰𝓱𝓸

Jongho came in the house, surprised to see that you were still awake.

"Baby? What are you doing up?"

When you turned to him and he saw the weeping baby in your hands, he let out a soft 'oh.'

"How long has she been crying?" He asked.

"10 minutes. I don't know what to do. She's fed, changed and she simply won't go to bed."

Noticing how you looked exhausted, Jongho took the girl from your care.

"Go to bed honey. I'll take care of her."

Jongho gently rocked her in his arms, shushing her slightly before opting for a new method. He began singing a lullaby to her, his sweet honey voice helping her relax and cease her crying. Slowly, her eyes began to shut and open before eventually drifting off to sleep. Carefully, Jongho placed her inside her crib, tucking her under her pink blanket. He chuckled before poking her nose.

"Good night my little princess."

He went inside your room and noticed that you too were fast asleep. Going over to your side, he kissed your forehead.

"And good night my beautiful queen."

Gifs not mine. Credit goes to their respective owners.

[osakaso5]

IDOLiSH7 6th Anniversary Special Story: Full of Heart...

Chapter 4: Unreasonable Demands

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6

Tamaki Yotsuba: I'm glad you can get your photo now, So-chan. But are you sure you can make it to the North Pacific?

Sogo Osaka: I think so... He did say he could make a stop at the nearest yacht harbor.

Sogo Osaka: What about your photo? You mentioned that Re:vale could help...

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yeah. I just messaged them, and they said they were gonna come pick us up.

Sogo Osaka: Pick us up?

[Toot toot!]

Tamaki Yotsuba: Ah! That's Momorin's car!

Momo: Tamaki! Sogo!

Yuki: Good evening.

Sogo Osaka: I'm sorry you had to come all this way! Tamaki-kun didn't tell me you were coming for us until just now...

Momo: It's fine! Hop on!

Tamaki Yotsuba: Where are we going?

Yuki: Back in time.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Heh. If I could time travel, there's a ton of stuff I'd wanna do.

Yuki: Same here.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I bet you would too, So-chan.

Sogo Osaka: Sure.

Momo: I've got a ton of stuff I'd change, too. But sorry, we're not actually going back in time. We're going to Yuki's place!

Tamaki Yotsuba: That's fine. There's a bunch of stuff I wanna do there, too.

Yuki: Like what?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Playing the guitar. Teach me.

Yuki: Okay.

Sogo Osaka: You could've asked me, too... Though I'm sure Yuki-san has better foundations and technique...

Tamaki Yotsuba: I don't wanna learn from you. You'd get on my case about being bad. Yukirin seems way nicer.

Yuki: I'm a lot scarier than you think.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Huh..? Oh, right. No way am I gonna learn from you. I'll just ask Ban-chan.

Yuki: Ban's not any better, you know. He'll click his tongue and call you an amateur.

Tamaki Yotsuba: If he did that, I'd start crying...

Sogo Osaka: I would, too...

Momo: I'd cry so much, my tear ducts would never recover...

[Toot toot!]

Momo: Ah! We can talk later! Hurry up and get in the car!

Sogo Osaka: ...Thank you!

Momo: Off we go! 

- - - -

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yaaay! Long time no see, Yukirin's place.

Sogo Osaka: Tamaki-kun, you could at least thank Yuki-san for his hospitality.

Yuki: It's fine... Hey. Tamaki-kun, wait, at least put some slippers on before you walk in.

Tamaki Yotsuba: It's fine.

Yuki: It's not fine. Put them on.

Sogo Osaka: I'm sorry about him! I'll make him wear them! Tamaki-kun, come back here. You can't just run into people's homes like that.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I was so excited that I had to floor it.

Momo: I guess you'll need to install traffic lights at your entrance hall, Yuki.

Yuki: I'll paint a little crosswalk on the floor while I'm at it.

Sogo Osaka: Thank you, and I'm very sorry for the trouble...

Yuki: I was joking. I guess you can be a bit soft on Tamaki-kun, too.

Sogo Osaka: Oh, that was a joke?

Momo: So, what's up?

Momo: You needed help finding a childhood photo for Welcome to Kids' Room, right?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yeah...

Tamaki Yotsuba: Y'know the apartments I used to live at? There was this guy there who had a camera.

Momo: A guy with a camera?

Tamaki Yotsuba: I forget his name, but I think he lived in our neighborhood. He took a family photo of us.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I wanna meet him, so I can ask if he could reprint the picture we put in Mom's casket...

Tamaki Yotsuba: And for that, I need you guys to make some shady deals.

Re:vale: Shady deals..?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yeah.

Re:vale: Shady deals!?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yeah. I need the help of some underground type guys for this. Can't Re:vale make that happen?

Yuki: You want us...

Momo: To make shady deals...

Sogo Osaka: Re:vale... Please. If it's at all possible, then I'd like you to help him, too.

Momo: Now even Sogo's asking... No, hold on just a minute!

Momo: I'm not sure where you got the idea that we make ANY kind of shady deals to begin with. Yuki, do you know what they're talking about?

Yuki: I have no idea. You?

Momo: Nope... I feel like shady deals are the one thing we can't help with...

Tamaki Yotsuba: No way... I was sure you guys would have some leads.

Yuki: What kind of a deal were you planning?

Momo: I think we'll be more helpful than any of the "underground type guys" you had in mind.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I need someone to hack into every surveillance camera in the world, to find out where that dude is now.

Sogo Osaka: Every surveillance camera in the world..?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Even though most people don't realize it, there's shady organizations that control the world from the shadows!

Tamaki Yotsuba: Or at least that's what it said in this "Scary Truths of the World" book that Isumin had.

Yuki: You mean you read it in some book about the occult? And you went ahead and assumed we were associated with these shady organizations?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yeah... Re:vale kinda gives me that sort of vibe sometimes...

Momo: I never knew people saw us that way. Heh, not bad.

Yuki: So basically, you want to know where that camera guy is now? Good thing I happen to know a private detective.

Sogo Osaka: You know a private detective? Did you meet him while studying for a role?

Yuki: No... I met him while looking for your manager...

Tamaki Yotsuba: Oh, Ban-chan!

Yuki: Yep.

Momo: But if that private detective couldn't find Ban-san, how useful could he possibly be?

Yuki: Probably not very useful, no.

Momo: But you still kept him on your payroll?

Yuki: Well, Ban taught me not to keep replacing our bandmates, and you taught me to hold people dear...

Momo: Oh, Yuki! You're such a good boy!!! You're a gentleman and a hottie rolled into one!  

Yuki: I sure am. I'll even forgive you for our earlier argument.

Tamaki Yotsuba: You guys had a fight?

Momo: We butted heads over our Welcome to Kids' Room photos, that's all.

Sogo Osaka: But why would you fight over your childhood pictures..?

Momo: Well... 

- - - -

Rinto Okazaki: Then it's settled. This will be your picture for the show, Momo-kun, and this will be yours, Yuki-kun.

Yuki: Wow..! You look adorable, Momo! A little round-cheeked boy with a tan, playing soccer. It's so cute.

Momo: ...Holy crap... A listless pretty boy, playing the guitar...

Yuki: I like this photo. I feel like it'd be a great source of energy whenever I'm tired from work.

Yuki: I know we talked using each other's selfies as lock screen backgrounds,   but I think these childhood photos would work better.

Rinto Okazaki: Great idea! I happen to have these picture lockets, would you like some?

Yuki: A locket? If I put Momo's picture in that, it'd be like he's my son.

Yuki: That could be kind of funny. Should we try it?

Momo: No way...

Yuki: What!?

Momo: I can't take this photo! As both your fan and your partner, I think this picture's bad news!

Yuki: How is it bad news!? Are you saying I'm not cute in it!?

Rinto Okazaki: I think you're positively adorable!

Momo: You're wearing SHORTS! Since when do you wear shorts!? There's no way we can show this on TV!

Yuki: And why not? Even I was once an innocent kid, like Iori-kun and Tamaki-kun.

Rinto Okazaki: I think you're still plenty innocent, Yuki-kun!

Yuki: That's it. I'm making a copy of this picture, and putting it inside your locket.

Momo: Oh, no you don't! I'm not wearing that, you hear me!?

Yuki: But you said we should use each other's pictures as lock screens!

Momo: I didn't say anything about our childhood pictures! I'm gonna lose my mind if I have to walk around with a picture like this dangling from my neck!

Momo: And how did you just so happen to have two lockets lying around!?

Rinto Okazaki: The president got them for you.

Yuki: He wants us to have each other's pictures?

Rinto Okazaki: No, he actually wanted you to have a childhood photo of himself and I.

Momo: Wait, I wanna see that!

Rinto Okazaki: Here it is.

Momo: Wow! You went to a studio for this one!

Momo: Okarin, is the one sitting on the chair you? Does that mean our prez is the one standing up?

Rinto Okazaki: That's correct.

Yuki: You and Rintaro look really alike. The suits look chic, so it's actually kind of cool.

Yuki: Was this taken for a special occasion?

Rinto Okazaki: Our neighborhood cameraman needed something to display on his shop window, so he took a picture of us.

Rinto Okazaki: We received the lockets as thanks.

Rinto Okazaki: He thought that if we brothers kept a picture with us, we'd always be able to find each other, no matter how far apart we end up.

Yuki: Huh. So it's a novelty gift. If you can call it that, anyway.

Rinto Okazaki: This was 20 years ago. Come to think of it, there was a picture of the cameraman's two sons on the window, too.

Rinto Okazaki: Though even our parents said they'd only ever seen the older brother.

Yuki: I see. Maybe something happened to the younger one, then. Poor thing...

Rinto Okazaki: Perhaps...

Rinto Okazaki: The older son's business failed, too, and eventually, the camera shop closed its doors for good.

Rinto Okazaki: My brother remembered the cameraman thanks to this picture. That was probably why he wanted you to have some, too.

Momo: So we could keep each other's pictures close by?

Rinto Okazaki: No. Like I said, it's our picture he wants you to put in the lockets.

Yuki: I think Rintaro's a little too in love with himself.

Rinto Okazaki: I'm sorry about him...

Momo: Ahaha! Still I think it could be funny to walk around with your picture hanging from our necks! Right, Yuki?

Momo: It would really show off our loyalty to Okazaki Productions, don't you think!?

Yuki: ......... Do you really hate the idea of having my picture that much..?

Momo: Uh, no...

Yuki: I see how it is. You refuse to keep my picture in a locket, but the Okazakis are fine?

Momo: I didn't mean it like that...

Rinto Okazaki: Ah, how unusual. Normally, it's Momo-kun doing these sort of interrogations.

Yuki: I can keep your photo in a locket, you know. I could even make you lunch for your practice match, Momose-kun.

Momo: Dang! I'm starting to feel jealous over my picture self..!

Yuki: I hope you'll grow up into an idol and be happy with me.

Momo: I don't think I can talk to your picture that easily... Or that casually...

Momo: Then again, wouldn't it be a little pervy if I started calling this picture of my partner "Master Yuki", or something..!?

Rinto Okazaki: I don't see the problem. Re:vale's already got an eccentric image, after all.

Yuki: I feel bad for my unwanted younger self. Give him back to me. I'll raise him with little Momose here.

Momo: I told you, that's not it! I'd never neglect little Yukito-san..!

Rinto Okazaki: There you go, starting some bizarre family roleplay. Allow me and my brother's picture to join in! 

- - - -

Momo: And that's how we started arguing.

Sogo Osaka: That sounds rough...

Yuki: Here's Momo's picture, by the way.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Wow! Momorin was so cute! Used to be super tan, too! With shiny white teeth!

Sogo Osaka: You really did put it in the locket.

Momo: Wanna see Okarin and his brother?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Okarin was adorbs, too! And I've never seen his brother! He's cute!

Yuki: Not anymore, he's not.

Sogo Osaka: So you did use Okazaki-san's picture for the locket.

Momo: I thought it'd be funny, and a good way to advertise our agency... Yuki's is too real for me to walk around wearing it. Do you get what I'm saying, Yuki?

Yuki: Not at all. I still feel bad for little me.

Momo: Don't you get grumpy on me again!

Yuki: ...In any case, I can introduce you to a useless private detective.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I'd rather you introduce me to a useful one. Does your detective pal know any better detectives?

Momo: Good point. If he's in the business, he's gotta know who his biggest rivals are!

Yuki: I'll try asking him.

[Dial tone]

Yuki: Hello, it's Yuki from Re:vale. Do you know any good detectives, other than you? Like, the king of private detecting or something...

Yuki: What..? There's a detective so great, he's only spoken of in legends..?

Tamaki Yotsuba: ........! A legendary detective..!!!

Sogo Osaka: He sounds like someone who could help! That's great, Tamaki-kun!

Yuki: I have a job for that detective. Get in touch with him for me. I need to find somebody. Yeah. I'm counting on you.

[Beep]

Momo: He's going to introduce us to a legendary detective!?

Yuki: He's willing to try, at least. I'll get in touch as soon as I hear from him again, Tamaki-kun.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Okay! Thanks!

Yuki: But... If it's too hard for you to get a hold of that picture, you can quit if you want, you know.

Momo: You guys must have better things to do, anyway. It's not like Ban-san or Maneko-chan are forcing you to do this, right?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yeah, but...

Tamaki Yotsuba: I wanna have something like this pic of Momorin playing soccer, or Yukirin playing the guitar.

Re:vale: .........

Momo: Right. I hope you find your picture, Tamaki. We'll help in any way we can.

Yuki: If you run into trouble, call us.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Ehehe... Okay! 

- - - -

Sogo Osaka: .........

Sogo Osaka: They even drove us back to the dorm.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Yukirin's cooking was so yummy, and Momorin played with me a lot. Re:vale's super nice!

Sogo Osaka: It's because you're such a good kid.

Tamaki Yotsuba: .........

Sogo Osaka: You're so honest and kind, there's not a single person who wouldn't want you to live a happy life.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Haha... That's the opposite of what I used to hear, though.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Like when something I had broke, or something didn't make it to me in time, or something I'd been excited for didn't work out.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Apparently it was all a punishment, 'cause I'm such a bad, nasty kid.

Sogo Osaka: ........

Tamaki Yotsuba: I'd get mad and yell, "That's not true!", but still. Sometimes when I'm having a bad day, I remember that stuff.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I fall down, or something I like breaks, or I get caught in a rainstorm... And I wonder if I'm being punished.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I mean, I'm not THAT good of a kid. I don't work hard, I'm kinda rude. Plus I'm dumb.

Tamaki Yotsuba: ...If I was smarter, maybe I would've gotten a copy of that photo before it went into Mom's casket.

Tamaki Yotsuba: I don't have any pictures 'cause I'm an idiot who can't take proper care of anything.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Meanwhile, you're good at keeping things clean, and you do everything right.

Sogo Osaka: ...You're not an idiot, and the photo thing wasn't your fault.

Sogo Osaka: I can't believe anyone would say things like that to a child. Of course you're not being punished.

Tamaki Yotsuba: .........

Sogo Osaka: I can guarantee that you're not, so don't worry.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Ahaha! So-chan, you're acting kinda cool all of a sudden.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Thanks. 

To be continued...

[xoxopandapanda]

InuKag Week 2021: Day 1

@inukag-week

Day 1: Battle Couple

It was a long and difficult day to say the least. The baby wouldn’t go down for anything, quickly becoming irate and angry at any attempt his parents made to help him settle down. Inuyasha’s shoulders and arms were of no comfort, and he didn’t want to nurse from Kagome. He cried and cried.

Soon his parents cried with him.

Inuyasha held it together for a while, taking the babe from Kagome when she started to choke up at his rejection of her breast. “Here,” his voice was soft, barely audible over the screaming child in Kagome’s arms. “Give him to me. You get some shut eye while we go out for a walk.”

Kagome had shaken her head at first but didn’t stop Inuyasha when he lifted the bundle out of her arms and tucked it into the crook of his neck. “I’m serious,” he told his wife sternly, “get some rest.”

Kagome felt the burn of tears down her face and saw through the waterworks Inuyasha’s shoulders fall slightly. But he turned on his heel and quickly left the hut they occupied, true to his word of taking the baby out for a walk. Kagome dropped her head into her hands, not bothering to even tidy or cover herself up before falling over to cry.

She felt like such a failure, of a mother and wife.

Kagome had gone nearly two days without a few hours rest, and exhaustion quickly crept on her. She was too tired and far too upset herself to remember that Inuyasha needed far less rest than her and could handle a fussy baby for a while. Once she was rested, she would probably blame baby brain for forgetting such a vital part of her husband’s characteristics, but that was for a rested Kagome to worry about.

Sleep came to her quickly, albeit restless sleep. She kept waking and searching for the other occupants of her home, before remembering they were out on a walk. She moved in and out of awareness, not having slept alone in what felt like eons, but realistically was only two years. Her bed felt cold and the room too quiet without her boys in it.

Sunlight finally peaked through the crevices of the walls. Inuyasha had promised her that he would fill in the gaps that the aging wood had created. But that was before the early labor and dramatic entrance of their first-born son just a few short months ago. Kagome half thought to remind him of the task, but then thought she couldn’t risk his attention been separated from her and the baby.

She wasn’t ready to be solely responsible yet.

Sure, reasonably she knew she could do it. It would probably just take him a few hours to gather the straw and mud to bulk up the walls, and with his speed and strength the longest part of it would be waiting for it to dry before adding more. He could help her out during those times, but the thought of even a moment where he wasn’t beside her with his full attention on their baby was too much to imagine.

Kagome started to choke up realizing she had left him to her own worst fear last night – solo parenting.

She rubbed her eyes, and the voice in the back of her head told her “Inuyasha is his father. He is just as capable of taking care of him for a few hours, if not more so.”

She threw that thought to the wind and continued to berate herself for leaving him alone with a very upset and very inconsolable baby for an entire night.

Kagome forced herself to sit up, stiff from having slept in the position she fell over in, rearranging her clothes. She winced at the soreness of her breasts and was sure to loosely cover herself.

“He should be hungry,” she said aloud to no one in particular. ‘Hopefully’ went unspoken.

As she dusted herself off and walked to the bucket of water in the corner to get a drink, Inuyasha’s head ducked in the room, eyes scanning for her.

When he saw her, he gave her a sheepish look. Kagome panicked for a moment – did he leave the baby with Sango and Miroku? What would they think of them as parents if they just dropped the kid off when he got fussy?

Her thoughts were interrupted when he stepped into the room, a whimpering lump on his chest alerting her to the baby’s presence.

Later she would realize her panicked thoughts were more of a manifestation of her own desire to ask her friends for help but wouldn’t out of an irrational fear of judgement. That was another thing she was going to have to work out.

“Sorry to wake you, but he’s suckling on me.”

Kagome blinked, her brain still foggy and slow. Oh. Inuyasha meant the baby was hungry.

She went to grab the baby from her husband, but then thought better of it. Wouldn’t be good to drop the kid in her exhaustion trying to get herself sorted to feed him.

She put down the ladle she was drinking from and sat back down on their futon, crumpled and unmade from the events of the night before. The smell of it made her speak. “We got to air this out today.”

“Once he’s fed, I’ll bring it out.” Inuyasha stepped up into the main room and crouched beside his wife, waiting for her to be ready for the baby – who was still whimpering, but had at least dried himself out of tears.

Kagome adjusted her clothes before holding her arms out for her son – her perfect, fussy, big, loud, demanding son. He quickly latched and took off suckling, eager to fill his stomach and rehydrate after the waterworks of the last few hours.

Kagome felt Inuyasha settled behind her, his arms coming around to hold up their son with her, so her arms didn’t have to hold up the weight. Sighing loudly, she leaned back into him, her head resting against his shoulder and his chin nuzzling into her opposite shoulder. Kagome closed her eyes and started to drift of.

Okay, maybe she did drift off.

Next thing she knew Inuyasha had switched their baby on her breasts and was rubbing his wet nose into her cheek. “Hey,” his voice in her ear was a nice change from the screaming of the night before, “I need you to lay down. I’ve got to burp the brat.”

Kagome nodded, slumping over on his arm, until he removed it and let her flop onto the futon. She could hear the shuffling of his feet walking and bouncing the baby up and down to help him release excess gas. The wet blech told her that more than likely the fire rat robe was going to need to be washed.

Groggily she called out, “He did drink pretty dang fast.”

“Yeah,” came the reply, “let’s just hope he kept enough down to keep him calm for a little bit.”

“Maybe he’ll go into a food coma, and we can rest to.”

Inuyasha snorted. “If there’s a god out there, then let’s pray it happens.”

Kagome knew she should help her husband. He was probably having to juggle a baby while getting out of his clothes and then having to clean both of them up. She knew she should just get up and even if it was to wipe off their son, at least do something. But she couldn’t even manage to open her eyes to watch what she was sure was quite the scene playing out in her house.

She could say she was surprised when she was lifted up and put onto some blankets, but she wouldn’t because she didn’t have it in her to even register what was going on. Managing just a little bit of strength, Kagome saw her son on his back next to her, his chest going up and down and a very light snore coming from his mouth that also caused his ears to twitch in rhythm. He was naked which Kagome knew was probably a bad idea but couldn’t even find it in her to care.

If he soiled the blankets, he soiled the blankets. They washed.

Besides, it wasn’t like she was exactly clean herself.

Rolling to her side, she gently tucked an arm under her head and the other coming down softly to rest on his chest. The movement of his breath quickly lulled his mother into a far more peaceful rest than before.

The sun had well slid its way across the sky by the time Kagome woke up. Inuyasha was sitting in the genkan, a shallow dish of water before him and the boy in his lap. The baby seemed very fascinated by the light dancing across the surface and was enchanted by the experience.

Kagome could tell that her husband was just as enchanted by watching their son experience the world for the first time.

“Some partner I am.” Her voice was rough and gravely from dehydration. Inuyasha’s ears moved before his head. He looked over his shoulder at her, bemusement in his eyes.

“Didn’t know I married a bear demon.”

Kagome rolled her eyes at his quip. Gods help her if her son developed his father’s sense of humor. “I’m sorry for leaving you to all the work. I’m not a very good wife, am I?”

Inuyasha’s eyes narrowed, whether in confusion or annoyance, she couldn’t tell. She was too far gone in her emotions to care. “What kind of mother am I, even? I just leave my boy alone and don’t comfort him?”

Inuyasha cut her off before she could continue down her path of self-deprecation. “No one could comfort him last night. Miroku told me that babies get that way sometimes, so we’ve just got to stick together and make sure he knows we’ll be there for him.”

Ah. He had gone to see Miroku and Sango last night. Kagome felt a sting of bitterness in her chest, worrying about judgement for no reason.

“But,” Inuyasha looked back at his son, stroking the top of his head and lifting his fine sliver baby hair, “we aren’t going to win the battle unless we rely on each other and have each other’s backs.”

Kagome nearly stopped him, wanting to know what battle before she realized Miroku had probably use an analogy to get through to his half-demon friend.

Inuyasha continued. “You had my back with Naraku, and when I got injured. I had your back when you had to fight off Hobo and the entrance examples. It’s no different now.”

Kagome opened her mouth to correct him like she had thousands of times before about Hojo’s name, but her heart had other plans. “You’re right,” she spoke softly, her eyes beginning to close again now that she was comforted. “We’ve got each other’s backs. Thanks for having mine last night.”

If she had kept her eyes open for a few more moments she would have seen the color light up across her husband’s face before he turned to look back down at their boy, who was now touching the water to refract light differently, although he didn’t understand the science of his actions.

If she had stayed awake for a second longer, she would have heard her husband say, “I’ll always have your back.”

[rosequartzwriting]

Stephen, Peter, and Morgan

Pairing: Doctor Strange X Fem!Reader

Description: You and Stephen often watch Peter and Morgan, cuteness ensues in the New York Sanctum! And you leave him with them for a few hours, how does he handle?

Warnings: Non

Word Count: 2.4k

A/N: Originally posted to Quotev / One of my favourite things to add to my Stephen X Reader pieces is to throw Morgan and Peter into the mix!

Masterlist | Fic Reading Recs | Ao3 | Quotev | Coffee

Silence fell through the hallway, even though you swear you heard a scrambling and an echo of a quiet giggle. Crossing your arms, and with a smirk, you continued your way through. You crept past relics and bookshelves, old paintings and large windows, your feet making zero noise against the floorboards thanks to a little spell you cast.

Today, the Sanctum was not a place of study, or a training ground, but a playground for hide and seek.

You made a left turn and entered your favourite open room, the one that had that beautiful window with the symbol of the New York sanctum. Keeping your ears open, you walked between a set of shelves. You ran your hand across the spines of the books as you passed. There were no signs of the little rascal anywhere. Until you looked a little closer, and saw a little detail that you might have easily missed if you were not paying attention enough.

A little shadow. It was peaking out from behind one of the nooks between cabinets against the wall, thanks to the perfectly placed window right behind.

You smiled, and kept taking soundless steps around the room. You had her, now you just had to catch her. You had a few options, but you decided to use your magic to give yourself a small advantage. Using a quick, short ranged teleportation spell, you popped out of nowhere right in front of her.

"BOO!"

The little girl let out a playful scream and jumped out of her hiding place and ran. You tried to grab her but she was too fast. She ran down the nearby stairs and into a new hallway, and you got an idea to capture her. You raised your hand and conjured up a portal with your sling ring. Morgan did not notice, and she ran through the portal and right back to you thanks to the loop you made. You scooped her up while she laughed.

While Pepper is away on a Stark business trip, Morgan needed someone to watch over her. Pepper said she didn’t fully trust Peter to watch her alone, you cannot leave those two alone for even a second without the eruption of chaos. So you volunteered and agreed to letting them both stay a few nights in the Sanctum.

Stephen did not agree with the idea at first. Too many precious breakable relics, he said. Possible dimensional threats could happen when they are here, he said. He also likes his peace and quiet, and you knew that the combination of Morgan and Peter would result in some loudness echoing down the halls. But you managed to convince him, you knowing Morgan since she was very small and having bonded with Peter more since the snap was reversed.

Everything would end up fine, and it would be fun. You would not let anything go wrong.

You finally let her go and she looked up at you with a scrunched up nose, "That's not fair, you cheated!"

"I did not!" You crossed your arms around your chest.

"Yes you did! You used magic." She copied your arm movement with mockery.

"It's not cheating because I didn't use it to FIND you, but to catch you instead." You explained.

"It's still cheating, and I can't do magic so its not fair." She mumbled.

"Maybe one day I can teach you some magic,"

"REALLY!" Her eyes lit up like lights on a Christmas Tree.

"When you're older." You said instantly, and she pouted.

"Where's Peter?" She said it in her cute voice, where sometimes her Rs turned into Ws, so it sounded like 'Petew'.

"We need to find him now." You grabbed her hand and lead her to a new hallway. "Come on, Maguna." That nickname is what Tony used to call her, and now only you and Peter call her that.

"OH PETER!"

"SHHhhhhh! You're gonna give us away!" You hushed her as you both went to look for the webslinger, she giggled.

The two of you made your way to the foyer, eyes darting everywhere in search of Peter. Instead of a spider, you found Stephen in the little seating area next to the fireplace off to the side, nose deep in a book as always. Morgan dashed down the staircase and right up to him with a smile. "Mister Strange, have you seen Peter around."

She and Peter are the only ones who call Stephen 'Mister Strange', and not be corrected to 'Doctor'.

Stephen looked up from the pages of his book and smiled at her, "Sorry Morgan I haven't."

She grumbled, "He's too good at hiding!"

"Well he is a spider," Stephen said closing his book and setting it on the coffee table. "so he can hide in places that you can't. He's a sticky one."

With that, Stephen pointed upwards with a shaky hand. Morgan followed her gaze up. Sure enough there was Peter hanging all the way up from the top of the tall ceiling on a web string.

"I see you Peter!!!" Morgan shouted, pointing at him.

"Dang it Mister Strange! Why did you give me away?" Peter yelled back, beginning to descend from the ceiling.

"Did you two break anything?" Stephen said jokingly, but you knew he was being slightly serious.

"No!" Morgan exclaimed, "I'm careful."

"Peter is more likely to break something than Morgan is," You pointed out, holding back a smile while descending the stairs to join everyone.

"Hey!" Peter said in defence, and you stifled a laugh.

"Alright you two, I'm getting a little tired of hide and seek. How about we do something else?" You suggested.

"OH! We can watch a movie, I got lots of good ones on my laptop." Peter said.

"Can we build a fort for the movie?" Morgan asked with puppy dog eyes.

"Sure we can. There's some extra blankets in the library so it might be best to do it there." You said.

"Sweet! Morgan lets go!!!" Peter bent down so he could let her climb onto his back, and the two run up the stairs to go make their fort.

"No running!" Stephen called after them, and you saw that he was trying to hold back a smile.

You laughed at the sight. Even though those two were a handful, non stop energy and somehow constantly hungry, you loved their company.

"Are they behaving?" Stephen asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Of course they are." You replied, "I wouldn't let them in here if I didn't trust them."

"It's not just that, but what if something comes up? What if there is an attack?"

"There won't be, and even if there is I'll protect them. It's what I promised Pepper." You said, then you looked down. "It's what I promised Tony." Your heart ached a little, you missed Tony. Surprisingly, you saw a lot of him in Morgan's developing personality. You were sure that when she grew up, she's be just like her dad.

"Alright." Stephen nodded. He stood up from the couch and made his way over to you to place a kiss on your forehead. "I trust you of course to watch over them, and the Sanctum. Cause if they break anything I'm gonna have to reconsider their stay here." You laughed a little at that.

"Hey, guys." Peter called out to you from the banister at the top of the stairs, "There's a beeping sound up here."

You raised your eyebrows in thought, and you instantly dashed up the stairs with Stephen following close behind. You followed Peter back into the room with the window, now a sunset displayed beyond the glass.

“What’s that noise?” Morgan asked. She pointed out the sound and saw a flashing blue light coming from the side of the room.

“There’s a call coming in.” You said, walking up to the device that rested on the table. Natasha gave this to you, it connected to the communication channel that let you talk with everyone else, you used it to check in on everyone across the universe back when Thanos won.

You accepted the call, and a glowing blue projection appeared.

“(L/N), do you copy?”

“Yes Rocket, I hear you. What’s up?”

The Gaurdians were now projected into the Sanctum. Quill, Rocket, Nebula, Groot, Mantis and Drax. You were close with Rocket and Nebula from those five years, and you battled alongside everyone before.

“We could use some help." Peter Quill said, "We responded to a distress signal, and we found a planet that's in complete chaos. There's like chucks coming out if it an everything. Anyways, the attackers look like they're using magic."

"What do you mean?" Stephen placed himself next to you so he was now in the projection on their ship and they could see him.

"There's these guys with powers that resemble what you can do. The sparkly stuff. We thought it was best to call you in. Things keep coming out of portals and this planet is about to erupt into war if we don't stop them. Maybe even collapse in on itself." Rocket explained.

You tilted your head in confusion, "I thought humans from earth were the only people in this dimension to use our type of magic."

Stephen's eyebrows furrowed in thought, "I don't know, maybe they had human influence. Does Kamar Taj know about this?"

"Whatever it is, we need some assistance." Nebula said. When you first met her, you never though a sentence like that would even come out of her mouth, her asking for help.

"Its too large scale for us to handle alone. Thor is unavailable right now and you guys are our best bet." Quill explained.

“We would come check it out, but we’re a little occupied at the moment-“ Stephen was going to go on but was quickly interrupted.

Parker poked his head in front of you and into the view of the projector, “HI GUYS! HI PETER!!!”

“Hey Peter,” Quill laughed. “You two babysitting?”

“Yeah.” You replied, Morgan now in front of you to say hi as well.

"Aww, a child." Mantis cooed, smiling at Morgan and waved to her.

"You are watching Stark's children." Drax said.

"Oh um Mr. Stark isn't my dad." Peter Parker pointed out.

"Yeah, but if you need help we can send in some sorcerers from another Sanctum. Maybe we can give London a call." You suggested.

"But we rather have you two," Rocket said, "I can't stand those other sorcerers, they're too serious, Plus you're the best their is."

"Maybe I should go," Stephen said.

"I'll go, you watch the kids." You said, and before he could protest, you switched your civilian clothes for your robes with a quick spell (Morgan looking up at you in awe). "Guardians, I'll be right there. I'm gonna stop in Kamar Taj first to see if they have picked up anything on this. Be on your ship in a few."

"Sounds good, thanks (L/N)." Rocket said, and with that he ended the call.

"When will you be back?" Morgan tugged at your robes.

"Soon, I won't be long." You smiled at her.

Before you left, you gave hugs to Peter and Morgan, and a kiss on the cheek to Stephen. You held up your sling ring and opened a portal to Kamar Taj.

"Be careful." Stephen called. "and take the cloak."

The cloak of levitation flew into the room and right up to you. You caught the collar in your hand and slung it over your shoulders in a swift motion.

"I will." You replied and jumped through to your unexpected adventure.

“Mister Strange? Can you teach us how to do that?” Peter asked.

“No.”

“Aw...”

~~~

You stepped through your slingring portal, and heaved a heavy sigh. That was a crazy term of events, and working with any of the guardians was an experience in itself, let alone them all together. It turned out that the attackers of that planet were using the same kinda of sorcery you used. You helped stop the invasion, and passed on the information to the other sanctum masters.

Making your way through the Sanctum, dusting off your robes and rubbing your face off of dirt, you went to find Stephen and the kids to let them know you were back. Soon you heard voices, and followed the trail towards the kitchen. You heard laughter, and wondered what was going on. The voices started to get more clear.

"How long do we have to wait?"

"Twelve minutes."

"In the meantime we can clean up this mess we made. (Y/N) might freak out if she sees the kitchen looking like this."

"Peter made most of the mess!"

"I did not!"

"But you're the one who spilled the flour everywhere!"

"And you were trying to eat the chocolate chips!"

"Just help me clean up you two."

You slowly peered through the doorway, careful not to be seen, and saw the three of them surrounded by baking supplies and covered in flour. They all looked so happy, even Stephen looked like he was enjoying himself. There was laughter in his voice as he helped the kids tidy the place up.

"Hey uncle Stephen, where are the cloths?"

"In that cupboard, Morgan."

You're heart melted.

"Looks like you guys are having fun." You finally decided to stop watching them without their knowledge.

"What? We wanted cookies." Stephen said innocently.

"You're back!" Morgan cheered.

"How did it go?" Peter asked.

"Went well! I stopped a planet from blowing up and stopped some alien sorcerers, so I say it was a success." You answered, walking up to the counter and surveying the mess they have created.

"You're all dirty." Morgan looked up at you. Dirt covered your face and your robes, a few cuts on your skin, and hair untidy in its french braid. "Are you hurt?"

"No I'm okay." You reassured her.

The little girl scurried over to grab a cloth and came back. She gestured for you to lower to her height, so you knelled down and she wiped your cheeks and forehead.

"There!" She said, "All clean, and there's cookies in the oven for your after mission snack!"

You smiled, and got up to stand beside Stephen, "They give you any trouble while I was gone?"

"Not at all." He replied, still gathering some of the dirty dishes.

"Never knew you were good with kids, uncle Stephen." You laughed.

He shrugged with a smile, "Me either."

[shackermanwrites]

Lifetime

Summary: When everything's falling apart in your life, and you don't know what to do anymore, maybe asking the universe for something isn't a bad idea after all. In which Sol Reader finds herself in another reality after begging the universe for something. Everything is going well not until she was put into Levi's squad.

Pairing: Levi Ackerman x Fem!Reader

Warnings & Content: Angst, Slow Burn, Alternate Universe, War, Politics, Sad, Fluff and Smut, Angst and Fluff and Smut, Reality Shifting.

A/N:  This is a y/n story, but I will still put a name since I am more comfortable with that. Also, for those who don't know what reality shifting is, it is basically moving your subconscious to another reality, and that's where I got the inspiration to write this. There are also no titans in the story except for the 9 titan shifters. The story will revolve around the war between Paradis and Marley.

Lifetime Masterlist

Chapter 1 -> Chapter 2

The sound of chirping birds and a peal of faint laughter from the other room are the first thing you had noticed as soon as you woke up from sleeping. You can’t recognize whether it's already morning or noon because of the sunlight beaming through the grass yet being danced by the wind.

You were taken aback by the beautiful scenery in front of you as you sat on the bed and stared at the large window beside your bed, yet soon realized that you don’t know where you are.

You started to look around to observe your surroundings; there are two teacups and a small saucer that contains crumbs of bread sitting on top of the bed stand beside your bed, which explains the faint smell of tea and woods that smells refreshing to your nose.

The room is quite spacious and clean considering seeing a bunch of toys scattered on the floor; who lives here, you thought to yourself. You slowly got up from the bed despite feeling nervous, you can’t recall this room, but you feel like this is not the first time that you have seen this room, let alone the feeling of being inside that house is somewhat familiar to you.

You carefully tiptoed as you went out; you don’t know what is happening, nor where you are right now, yet you did not find yourself panicking.

“Careful with that and don’t make a mess, okay?”

You followed the voice that seems to be coming from the kitchen, the voice was followed by a giggle that appears to be from a child. As soon as you reached the end of the hall, you slowly peek to see that your guts were right, the voices you heard were from the kitchen.

A table with four chairs and a child sitting on one of it back facing you is the only thing you manage to see so you decided to peek even more and there your eye saw a black-haired man that seems to be cooking as he slowly stirs the pot in front of him, you assume that he did not notice your presence.

Yet the child did; the moment you turn your gaze back to the child’s back, she was already looking at you with a slight smile painted on her face and a lovingly look that she had given you.

“How was your nap? You fell asleep while reading earlier in the living room, you must have liked the tea I made earlier” You looked at the man that has stopped chopping potatoes to look at you.

You locked eyes with him and you noticed the similar eye color of the child, you suddenly felt the urge to run into his arms and cry. You wanted to feel his embrace. You felt home as soon as you saw him, almost like you completely forgotten that you don’t know where you are, but somehow you felt safe, especially around him.

“yeah, my sleep was okay” you gave him a soft smile to lighten up the mood

As you were about to walk over to him, your vision is suddenly getting blurry, and everything was spinning, and your vision goes black.

-

“Hey, wake up, Sol” you felt a hand on your shoulder trying to shake you from your deep slumber.

You slowly open your eyes and crap was the only word you could think of when you realized that you fell asleep in class, not just any class but one of your major subjects this semester.

You look around and see your professor shuffling a bunch of cards that have your class names on it, ah random recitation again if your hunch is correct which made you groan in annoyance.

You aren’t the type of student to burn yourself out just to ace your subjects, but you are managing to pass them, and luckily for you, your grades are much higher than what you are expecting, although you are still not sure if it just because you’re still in your second year in college.

Initially, you were supposed to take up a course related to arts because ever since you find art, specifically drawing and painting, it is your safe place. You love to draw and paint ever since you were a child. Still, you had to bury those and convince yourself that doing all of that was just a hobby, so instead, you took a course related to medicine.

Going back to your senses, you immediately smiled at your friend beside you, that’s now scanning through her notes. You’ve been friends with Petra since the first day of freshman year since the two of you met in an embarrassing way. Both of you were wearing the same necklace that day, so people assumed that the two of you were dating. After that incident, she always sat next to you in class and eventually became friends with her up until now.

“so, since none of you failed the exams, the project that is due after Christmas break will be moved at the end of the semester” the room was quickly filled with cheers and chatters after hearing the announcement of your professor.

“so? You have plans this Christmas break?” you looked at Petra while she stuffs her notebooks inside her bag with a smile on her face, you can’t deny the fact that she is indeed beautiful.

“Yeah, I might go back to Germany tomorrow morning since Christmas is in five days, so” you scratch the project on your to-do list in front of your bag before putting it inside your bag.

Petra gave you a brief look before smiling at you for a second “yeah, I think you should, it’s been two years since you were home, right? Hey besides, I’m right around the corner here, so if you decided to come back early, let me know.”

“Yeah, I will, anyway. Aren’t you late for your job?”

“oh, dang it, I am, I got to go first, sol. My manager will kill me.”

You can’t help but giggle at her reaction when she realized that she’s late. “sure, take care and call me tomorrow.”

You could only watch as she leaves the room in a rush. You let out a sigh and grab your bag to leave the room. Your parents are the reason why you choose to pursue medicine instead of arts, the moment they knew what you want to do for the rest of your life. You immediately saw how disappointed they are, so instead, you took a course you think they can be proud of.

Medicine isn’t that bad, especially being trained and learning how to be a medical technologist, It's fun to learn, and you are adapting and finding yourself enjoying as you engage more and more. Yet, deep inside of you knows that you’re just pushing your doubts and negative thoughts aside, and that includes your passion.

The dorm isn’t that far from your university; it will only take a maximum of 4 minutes when walking. You removed your coat and shoes and decided to slump down on your bed. You don’t have the energy to take a shower considering that you just did two hours ago; you’re still okay, you thought.

You honestly can’t stop thinking about what Petra said earlier, home. It must be nice to feel that you're home.

Your parents are acceptable it is just that they don’t care about what you feel and think, maybe its because you’re their first child and they are still learning when they had you, but the way they treat your little sister says otherwise. Although, you love your sister you can’t deny the fact that you sometimes feel jealous, you just want to be a daughter and a person to your parents, you mentally slap yourself.

It would be best if you weren’t thinking like that.

You let out a loud groan while staring at the ceiling.

“I should probably pack my bag now if I’m leaving early,” you mumbled to yourself.

You quickly got up from the bed and grabbed your suitcase under your bed, and you don’t know how long you will stay but just in case.

You filled it up with your clothes and toiletries neatly. You can be organized if you’re in the mood, and that is something Petra can’t do; the girl is just messy and unorganized, which is why you’re glad that you’re there for her.

“that should do it, I did a great job.”

Once again, you slump down on the bed, face buried on the pillow, you’re tired physically and mentally drained, once again you thought about home, this is why you don’t like it when you’re doing nothing, it leads you to overthink.

You closed your eyes and thought about the things you want in life, which slowly leads to imagining them and making up scenarios as if that is already happening. “I just want to go home, home is where I want, this is bullshit but universe please I just want to be home, no matter what the cost is, no matter what the cost” you beg in your head, you grew up not being heard but deep inside of you clings on a hope that the universe might listen to you.

You stayed like this for almost half an hour; even though you are flinching, you didn’t move an inch. You had to convince yourself that you're probably just tired. Your eyes are getting heavier every minute, and you were about to fall asleep when you noticed that something’s not right, you felt dizzy and cold, yet you decided to push those thoughts and drifted to sleep.

Little did you know, the universe is always listening.

[limitless-shadows]

Picking up gofushi crumbs from the manga pt. 3

Disclaimer: Beware of anime/manga/fanbook/light novel spoilers. This is just me commenting on the manga with the lenses of a gofushi fan. So... it’s just my opinion.

This section runs from chapter 26 to 79.

About character developments, gofushi first meeting, “Oh, nothing <3″, and others.

[Chapter 26]

Bless Yuuji’s imagination creating gofushi material LOL

[Chapter 32]

Megumi’s disappointed and nonchalant face when others connect “that moron” to Gojou www :surprisedpikachu: it’s even more funny when it’s Megumi who says that.

[Chapter 33]

Megumi being sharp at noticing changes in Yuuji. If he’s that keen, would he have sensed anything different on Gojou after Getou’s death?

[Chapter 45]

“You really can tell even with that guy’s drawing” Dang it, now I have to add great artist to my list of type standards.

Well, Gojou can do almost anything as stated in the fanbook, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that he can communicate well with art as a medium. Ack, is that why Nobara said he had high standards.

I like how fast Megumi is able to dial Gojou’s number here www

[Chapter 55]

If Megumi never tells them anything, what do they think about the gofushi dynamic? Domestic feeling? lolol

Especially Yuuji, who can be perceptive (when he noticed that Junpei was being bothered by his teacher).

[Chapter 56]

Knowing Gojou’s schedule again.

[Chapter 58]

Aaah it implies that Megumi doesn’t usually ask Gojou to train him :(

"Is it that annoying? To ask me?"

...either doesnt want to ask him because he is annoying and/or because he doesn’t want to feel more indebted to him ;-;

I like the face that Gojou makes here haha like: eeeeh~ why is that? what’s wrong that you don’t want to ask me

Did Gojou realize Megumi’s self sacrificing tendencies from just the bunt? or did that already confirm previous suspicions? I liked the anime adaptation of it~

Of course Gojou would be so angry at that that his finger flick made Megumi's forehead bleed. Megumi who isn't growing up in the correct way to be strong enough as was asked from Gojou during their first meeting:

“You better get strong, don’t get left behind.”

And also Megumi throwing away his life in such a manner after Gojou protects him so much ;-; Gojou knows Megumi has plenty of potential but isn’t tapping on it effectively. Disappointment.

Then follows it up by asking him to be selfish so he can grow up strong (it's ok to ask your sensei for training! ;-;). Megumi freeing himself from the chains that bind him to a lesser self valuing is such an amazing character development.

Adding to it is that this flashback was used as the base for Megumi’s change aaaah

I also wanted to add that Ep23 was released 1-2 days before this post and it was such a great adaptation of this chapter with the sunset, the shadows and if that wasnt enough gofushi food, they went with the jujusanpo and and violinteacherhomewreckersformationbgaaah

what is formation a??? or c??? the gofushi interpretation of megumi’s gomeeeeeeeen?andsorrythatepisodewastoogoodImenjoyingthenewgofushiviolinarts

[Chapter 59]

A suspicious dude with white hair who is tactless.

Yaaay way to go with first impressions :D It's funny how Gojou hasn't changed and is still disrespectful in his speech XD

[Chapter 79]

Gojou guessing that Megumi already manifested his cursed technique...

While the fanbook said that he wanted to recruit a talented person, I also fancy believing that Gojou didn’t want Megumi to grow up under a harsh Zen’in training.

Ah. I like how Gojou kneeled down to talk to him about his father’s death. Imagine a 190+ cm tall stranger coming to you, a 6 year old, and telling you from that high up that he killed your father lololol

At this height, Gojou is near Megumi’s stature or at least close to seeing him eye to eye. That pose is also less threatening and even seems childish in Gojou manner lolol but that’s sometimes how Gojou approaches serious things: in a joking way.

Gojou has such a similar reaction where he doesn't say what he is thinking directly, but masks it. In the chapter where Todou says that they should continue with the exchange event, he questions Todou’s age XD and here he asks if he really is a first grader.

That right panel tho... what was going through his mind in that moment? Surprise? Pity? This kid is not normal.

Akutami-sensei Q&A mentioned that the one to tell Megumi about his father was going to be Gojou... and I wonder how it’s going to go? also, Gojou getting out of the box? aaa-

I wonder how it must have felt for Megumi... when the suspicious dude with white hair actually did take care of things. The fanbook with the following Q&A for Fushiguro:

Q: How did he become so insightful?

A: Maybe it's because he has negative thinking and doesn't just trust people.

Source: JJK Official Fanbook (fan translation)

Oof, his own upbringing made him like that. Especially with how he regards himself...

When it says that he “doesn’t just trust people”, Megumi then probably didn’t expect much from Gojou after their first meeting and is surprised when Gojou comes back :(

His father and mother leaving him, but Gojou coming back... although the situation doesn’t get better when later on Tsumiki goes into a coma and Gojou is sealed...

He will take care of things after a hehe~  ;-; 

---

Oh, yeah and:

Q: Has he known Maki and Mai even before entering the school?

A: Yes. When Gojo was working on Megumi and the Zenin clan issue, he took him to the Zenin house, so I think that's when they first met.

source: JJK Official Fanbook (fan translation) (same as above)

Seems like the Zen’in house is in Kyoto? Because of Maki and Mai’s birthplace not to mention Naoya’s kansai dialect. So... did they go on a trip to Kyoto? :D

---

Then, Gojou counting on shotagumi to work extra hard.... so he can be strong ;-; and maybe become part of his nakama group to change Jujutsu's society huhuhu

On the topic about being granted a choice, I only came to realize it after reading this excellent work, Close Your Eyes (To See) it’s a lovely soulmate fanfic, please consider reading it if you haven’t ^^. Megumi usually goes on about unfairness randomly granted on people, so to be given a choice about going to the Zen’ins or not is quite big. Particularly when it comes to how the Zen’ins would have treated Tsumiki, a non sorcerer. It’s too good.

The look when he says that ;-; counting on Megumi to get strong enough to rival Gojou? Then Gojou wouldn’t be the only one going against the conservative higher ups.

When Gojou closes his eyes, it seems to convey regret/resolution where he sets in motion his plan to reform the Jujutsu society so that no more sorcerers go stray or overwhelmed by duties following a rigid doctrine ;-; as if preventing them becoming like Getou. And thats so aaah because while I knew what Gojou's wish was, I didn't know the why behind it, and that would be a great reason. Megumi has been with Gojou since the start (or near the beginning of it), so it’s even more beautiful.

That transition from closed to eyes to the present where the 1st year trio wakes him up. Was he recalling all those events during the nap?

I- I just love Megumi's pouty face here. But it's still not that angry looking, more like, he is used to it (as always). Then my gofushi brain telling me that there is a hint of concern in Megumi's look- its almost affectionate. Could it be concern because he is worried about how much sleep he gets.

About Gojou’s sleep:

Q: How many hours does he sleep?

A: Seems like only for a short while.

source: JJK Official Fanbook (fan translation)

And Megumi being aware of his tendency to eat sweet things:

“When he’s busy, Gojou-sensei tend to eat more sweets like these, after all…”

source: JJK First Light Novel - Chapter 1 (fan translation)

aaaaaaaaaaah

Gojou lifting his blindfold to look at Megumi with his left eye because Megumi is on his left side.

Wait... it’s the same left eye from the second opening of the first season.... is that a hint.

The legendary “Oh, nothing <3″ with the heart~

Is he being fond of Megumi because of dreaming about their first encounter or because Megumi did get strong, or, or, both of those. aaaah what if it was from recalling everything that happened in the 9 years they've known each other? Calm down! Probably because he got strong comrades now! ;-; i-it’s not just because of Megumi! ...but I like how he has his body turned to Megumi only...

It's a "Megumi has been with him all this time (9 years) while he is trying to achieve his dream and he became this strong"

They... they just look so good together ;-; my gofushi feelings... Chapter 79 is special grade.

[Part 4]

[im-in-love-with-pizza-bites]

HomeTown Part 2

Sebastian Stan x F!Reader

Summary: You and Sebastian go visit your family for Christmas and share a big announcement but Sebastian has an announcement of his own.

Warnings: Fluff?

Part 1

You followed behind Sebastian in the airport as he dragged you to the end of the gate like you had done a little under a month ago. It was the day after new year's and you were back in your hometown. You spent Christmas day and new year's with his mom but still wanted to have a Christmas celebration with your family. "Babe!! Slow down!" You wined as he walked faster. You found this amusing. In the week you had stayed before he got close with your oldest niece and your oldest two nephews, converting both boys to team cap. Jon said he'd bring them when he came to pick you up because he found this just as sweet as you did.

"But. I want to see them!" He pouted causing you to laugh.

"I know but they ain't going no where." You said walking beside him. "See they are right there." You pointed at the three teenagers running over to you their dad/uncle standing filming the reunion.

"Auntie y/n! Seb!" They said giving Sebastian a gig before you.

"You stole my niece and nephews!" You pout at Sebastian who just laughed.

"Don't worry Auntie y/n your still our favorite." Samantha reassured. You smiled shaking you head.

"Hey! When will I get a dang hug!" Jon shouted from where he was standing a pout evident on his face. Your ran ahead of your boyfriend and the kids to give your brother a hug.

"Happy New Year Bro." You said laughing as you pulled out to go to luggage claim.

"Happy New Year Sis." He smiled at you wrapping an arm around you while his kids and nephew began to talk Sebastian's ear off about what happened since they last saw him. "So Colleen said your might have big news come on tell your favorite brother!" He said.

"Goddammit Colleen." You mumbled. "We don't have big news." You lied as you made it to the luggage claim. Sebastian pulled both bags off passing yours to you.

"Oh.." Jon said.

You guys made it to the car and began the drive to town. "Sebastian how's filming falcon and the winter soldier?" Jon asked keeping his eyes on the road.

"It's going good!" He said. You leaned on his shoulder.

"Any spoilers you can tell us?" Grayson asked looking back from the front seat where he sat.

"You have to wait till the show comes out." Sebastian said.

"Come on, please?" Samantha begged.

"No."

Samantha rolled her eyes leaning back in her seat pouting.

"Why do you want to know spoilers anyway?" Jon asked the three teens.

"So we can sell that information to the people at our school. We're already popular because our aunt is Y/n L/n but being able to tell them things about Falcon and the Winter soldier would bump up our street cred." Jaxon said proudly.

"Your using us for street cred?" You asked.

"Yeah!" Grayson told you sitting back in his seat properly

"They can't use me for street cred I'm not officially part of the family." Sebastian smirked at you.

"A photo of them bombarding you with questions went viral." Jon reminded him.

"Oh yeah." Sebastian said laughing a bit.

"Did you guys bring presents?" Samantha asked.

"Yes but you have to wait till tomorrow." You said giving her a pointed look.

"Please?" The three teens said giving you puppy dog eyes.

"Yeah come on why can we give them the presents today?" Sebastian asked. He knew why.

"You know why babe." You rolled your eyes. You had a big surprise for your family, and your nieces and nephews were gonna help you pull off telling the adults. But of course you got them normal presents as well.

"You guys hiding something?" Jon asked you raising an eyebrow at you through the rearview mirror.

"No." You laughed as Jon pulled into your parents drive way. You saw your nieces and nephews playing with different toys they had probably gotten for Christmas. "Let's see if they prefer you over me as well." You joked to Sebastian as you got out. Your nieces and nephews walk toward the pair of you besides Griffin and Oliver.

"Auntie y/n!" Griffin exclaimed hugging your leg, Oliver hugging the other while your slightly older nieces and nephews just walked over normally and gave you hugs.

"See im their favorite." You referred to your youngest nephews as you picked them both up setting them on opposite hips you stuck your tongue out at Sebastian smirking.

"Good job Dragoste."

"What does that mean?" Griffin asked him.

"It means love." Sebastian said.

"Dragoste! Cool!" Griffin giggled smiling at him.

"Why do say dragster and not love?" Oliver asked him as you guy went to the trunk of the car.

"Because if I just called your aunt love. It wouldn't be as special." Sebastian smiled at them before he pulled the suitcases out of the car because your hands were occupied.

"Cool! Dragoste I like it!" Oliver declared. You shook your head a loving smile on your face.

"Why don't you two of play?" You asked them setting them back down on the ground. They nodded running off to where Benji was playing with a remote control monster truck. "I can't believe we're gonna have one of those in nine months." You whispered placing a kiss to your boyfriends lips.

"Can't we tell them today?" Sebastian asked you. That's right you're pregnant! You guys already told his mom and step dad on Christmas. You had found out on Christmas Eve.

"No we can't." You said taking your bag from him and going to the porch where Colleen was excitedly standing on the porch waiting to know if you were pregnant.

"Are you having a baby?" She asked you smiling wide.

"No." You faked being sad to hope she'd not bring it up any more.

"Oh.. Sorry." She frowned hugging you.

"It's all good." You assured trying to hide the amusement on your face. Sebastian on the other hand didn't even try he just smiled.

"Don't worry it took me and Jon a little to get pregnant." She said pulling out of the hug.

"When you did get pregnant you had twins. I don't think we're ready for twins." You joked as the three of you began to walk inside.

"I think we could handle two." Sebastian spoke up. You rolled your eyes smiling.

"You could get your own Jax and Sam." Colleen said.

"Colleen... I used to baby sit them you do remember all the trouble they caused? Especially if you threw Grayson in the mix I don't think I'm ready for that." You said before you entered the living room deciding to pause the conversation since the rest of your family was waiting there.

"Hey mom!" You hugged her, "wassup dad." You said after you pulled out of the hug with your mom hugging him next. You mom brought Sebastian into a hug while you hugged your dad. After you hugged your parent you ran over and jumped on your three brother who you had yet to greet. "Hi!" You smiled at them sweetly before they pushed you on the floor.

"You okay dragoste?" Sebastian asked helping you up giving your brothers a playful glare.

"I've had worse. Now where the baby?" You asked Justin.

"You haven't even let us say hi yet and your already asking about Nora." Justin said rolling his eyes.

"Justin she's done this every year since she was eighteen why are you surprised.

"She's in the playpen in your room cause it was the quietest place to put her." Liz answered walking into the living room, Oliver on her hip eating fruit snacks.

"Okay!" You and Sebastian said the same time before you guys made your way up stairs hearing your family laugh.

"We're gonna have one of these soon." Sebastian said when the two of you made it to your room looking in the play pen where a peacefully looking baby slept.

"Yea..."

---

It was the next morning, you sat in the living room presents under the tree that your mom kept up just for this late Christmas celebration. You brothers and their families weren't here just yet so you and Sebastian were talking with your mom and dad.

"Jax and Sammy have been telling us all about your roll with marvel." Your dad told him smiling.

"Really?"

"They are big fans of your character Barney." Your mom said. You began cackling.

"Barney barnes." You teased him.

"I-its bucky... Barnes." Sebastian corrected politely.

"Where's the presents!" You hear Griffin exclaim dashing into the living room, Levi and Jasper close behind him. Grayson walking in grumbling about how it was to early.

"They're under the tree. Find the ones with your names it your each have two." You directed them, the younger three boys of the four all dashed to the tree looking at each of the presents even though Griffin couldn't read.

"Grayson help Griffin find his." Mike said before he came and sat down in between you and Sebastian pushing you two apart. "Hi, did you guys get me any presents?" He asked as his wife walked in smiling at her sons.

"Yeah go join them finding them." Sebastian said. Griffin moved to the coffee table with his two presents.

"Okay one of those is from me one of those is from Seb."

Griffin smiled wide ripping open the present Sebastian picked out for him. It was a kid's remote control car.

"Cool!" Griffin exclaimed. Levi was the next to settle down with his presents he opened the one you picked out, finding a new football since Levi played Football. (american)

"Cool! Thanks!"

Griffin ripped open the one you picked out, revealing a Tigger stuffed animal. Jasper and Grayson sat down next to their younger brothers before griffin ran over to his mom begging her to open the car. Jasper opened his first present getting a nerf gun from Sebastian.

"Awesome! Thank you Seb!" Jasper said a big smile on his face.

"Told you he'd love it." Sebastian said to you.

"I said his parents wouldn't not that he wouldn't." You rolled your eyes at him.

Grayson opened his first present the one from Sebastian to see a empty box. "Uh... Thank you?" Grayson said looking at him confused.

"Did you really wrap a empty box! I thought you were joking!" You said reaching over Mike to smack Sebastian.

"Sorry!" Sebastian laughed. "Don't worry your actual present should be near the back of the tree." He told your nephew who was frowning.

Levi wrapped the present from Sebastian open it also revealed a nerf gun. "Dude! Cool! Come on Jasp! Nerf gun battle!"

"Wait I have one more." Jasper said unwrapping the present from you, it was the next book in the series he was reading. "Thank you!" He said before running off with Levi their nerf guns in tow toward the Mitch to probably get scissors to open it with.

Mike got up from his seat to "help Grayson find his present" he actually went to find his own presents. Grayson went back to where his other present was sat with his actual present from Sebastian. He opened it again revealing a nerf gun. Sebastian was setting up a nerf war for all your older nieces and nephews which is why Griffin didn't get one.

"Oh cool! Thank you!" Grayson said before opening the one from you, which was a x-men comic book he wanted. "This was the one I wanted! Thanks Auntie Y/n!" He said getting up to hug you. You smiled hugging him as mike sat back down next to you his two presents in his hands. These were both from you because Sebastian didn't know what to get your brothers.

Grayson found himself a seat next to your mom and dad opening his comic. You watched as your brother opened his present to get a gag gift, it was a tradition you and your siblings each had to give each other the most random or useless thing you could find at the dollar store since this started when you were 6 and only had a dollar.

"Wings? Really?" You nodded before Kristina passed you a box.

"Ooh my gag gift!" You said ripping it opened to reveal a good job cone. "Oh thanks." You laughed. Sebastian looked at it confused.

"What's the point of these gifts?" Sebastian asked.

"There is none it's a tradition, Y/n started when she was five. There's only two rules no one can help you pick the present out and it has to come from Dollar tree." Kristina explained.

"To avoid inappropriate gifts being opened while the kids are around." Mike added.

"Okay if I had known what was in that box I wouldn't have opened it!" You said.

"Matt put don't open around the kids! GAG gift!!" Mike said.

"Yeah in tiny ass letters!" You said. Sebastian looked at you guys confused.

"Whatever." Mike said opening the next gift. "Thank you." He said giving you a really look holding up the T-Shirt that said "I have a badass baby sister yes she got me this shirt."

"You're most welcome!" You said smiling at him. Kristina rolled her eyes at you two going to grab her own presents you got her.

----

Soon the rest of your brothers and their families were there, the older kids were having a nerf gun battle outside with Sebastian since he obviously bought himself a nerf gun too. The younger kids were inside playing with the other toys they had got. Your brothers were wearing the matching fairy wings you got them as their gag gift. While their wives and you were talking. You had Nora on your lap.

Sebastian walked in a nerf bullet stuck to the center of his forehead. "Babe you have something on your forehead." You said laughing.

"They teamed up on me." He grumbled pulling it off before taking a seat next to you and stealing Nora from your lap. "Can we do it now?" He whispered to you.

"Yeah go wrangle the big kids." You said taking Nora. "If you excuse us we have a surprise that the kids are going to help us pull off.. So get your butts outside to wait for us." You said to the adults in the room. They rolled their eyes walking out with Sebastian.

"Okay kiddies! Come on!" You said the little kids looked at you. "I'll give you guys lollipops." The kids jumped up running up the stairs. "Slow down! Your parents will kill me if you fall down the stairs." You said.

Once up stairs you got upstairs you got Griffin, Oliver, and Nora in their shirts while Leo got into his on his own. Sebastian and the older kids barreled into the bedroom after.

"What are we doing?" Samantha asked.

"You guys are going to have a new cousin! And if you get these shirts on you'll help us tell your parents and Granny and pap." Sebastian explained.

"Cool!!" Hazel squealed. Your nieces and nephews celebrated a bit and gave you hugs before you sent them each to a different room upstairs to change while Sebastian watched the ones already you got into your shirt that said right over the belly where your baby was: GrandBaby #14. Your nieces and nephews had shirts that say Grandbaby #1-13. You made it t your room and everyone was ready.

"Okay line up in number order. Griff stand right next to Sebastian when we get out side. Oliver stand next to Griff and so forth." You explained. Sebastian would be holding Nora and standing next to you.

You all made it outside and still in line.

"What?" Your dad asked.

"Read the shirts!" Violet exclaimed.

"Grandbaby... 14?!" Colleen looked at your shirt squealing.

"No way!" Elizabeth said.

"What? 14 kids? There's only 13.." Justin said not getting it.

"Your pregnant?" Your mom asked you.

"Yep!" You and Sebastian said at the same time.

"You told my kids before you told me? I thought I was your favorite?" Justin said mocking offense.

"Your a blabbermouth if we told you everyone would've known." You said as your mom come over hugging you then hugging Sebastian as the kids ran off to play. Your family finished giving you both hugs. Sebastian handed Nora over to Mike before he reached in his pocket. You were looking away at Hazel and Violet.

"Y/n look." Kristina said. You looked at Sebastian gasping as you saw he was on one knee.

"Y/n.. Will you marry me?" He asked. You stared hands over your mouth in disbelief. "Your scaring me." He whispered.

"Yes! Yes! I'll marry you!" You exclaimed tackling him into a hug. Your mom and dad smiled softly at you two while your brothers, tried to be supportive but your their baby sister they won't see you anyway. Your nieces and nephews didn't even notice. You stayed on the ground hugging for what seemed like forever before you pulled apart and he put the ring on your finger. "I love it!" You kissed him before a chorus of "Ew!" Was heard alerting you and Sebastian of your nieces and nephews.

"We're getting married!" Sebastian said smiling, the kids gasped hugging the two of you. their parents laughing took a photo of it.

"Can I be the ring bearer?" Leo asked smiling.

"I want to be the flower girl!" Hazel said as they all pulled away from the hug to let you two stand up. All four of your sister inlaws quickly pulled into a hug squealing, Justin was quick to give Sebastian a hug and welcome him to the family slowly followed by Micheal and your dad, Matthew and Jon stood by your mom who was waiting to hug you. The two men stared at Sebastian with the same look they had when you started dating or when your prom date came to pick you up.

"Dad? Why are you staring at Sebastian like that?" Luna asked Matt.

"This again you two?" Your mom asked them as the hug from your sister in laws was pulled out of and the three men gave who had hugged Sebastian each gave you one followed by you mom while your other two brothers kept glaring at Sebastian.

"Did I do something wrong?" Sebastian asked.

"They're being babies." You said walking over to them sighing. "It's not gonna work this time. He isn't a jerk like him." You said quietly to them, only the two men know what your talking about and that's how you've always wanted it. Now if your wondering what that is. It's about an ex who those two are the only ones who even know about him. It had been getting serious but you ended up getting in a fight and he tried to manipulate by proposing to you (this happened just before you moved out so you were 18) while those two were walking by and ended up "talking" to the guy.

*like who?" Justin asked.

"No one." Jon said hugging you before going over to Sebastian. "Welcome to the family man!" He said. Matt begrudgingly walked over to Sebastian.

"I like you and all but just because your my sister's fiancee I will still kick you ass... In a nerf gun war." Matt changed demeanors as the older kids took that as sign to get their nerf guns from the yard and begin the war again. "Welcome to the family Seabass."

"Ow! Come on!" Sebastian ran off as they began shooting at him.

"Watch the face! I want my fiancee to have both eyes at my wedding!" You exclaimed laughing.

"Glad you care!" Sebastian whined running around with the toddlers while the teens and pre-teens tried to shoot him.

"Don't shoots the little kids or your all grounded!" Matt warned as you leaned your head on your moms shoulder sighing.

What a late Christmas you had. A baby and your getting married.

A/n: I'm a tiny bit in love with this large family... Probably since I want a extended family like this but whatever Merry Christmas if you celebrate Christmas which since you read a Christmas themed story you probably do if not happy holidays!

[hxney-lemcn]

Hey uhh this is actually my first time requesting stuff omg I'm so nervous I hope your day is great uhm is it alright if I request Book!Millard x reader but Its in the part where Lily is there. Like Millard and the Reader are in a relationship but The reader feels like Lily is a much better match for Millard so she tries to Just Ignore him but In the end Millard confronts her. (I hope I'm not disturbing you I'm rlly sorry I am disturbing you)

Summery: Reader notices that Millard is getting close to Lilly and becomes jealous.

tw: None

a/n: Never be afraid to request! I love getting them, in no way are you disturbing me! I hope this is up to your expectations! Okay so I haven’t read that book so sorry if I don’t get Lilly’s character exactly correct (I did some research tho).

wc: 0.8k

Master List 

I sat down as I felt myself frown. I loved him, I truly did, yet he seemed to like Lilly much more than me. She flirted with him and he never tried to stop her. Everyone was thinking it. Millard and Lilly were a perfect match. The only thing in the way was the fact that Millard and I were an item. 

The fact that Millard and I’s relationship was becoming more distant was a stab to the heart. I should let him go and be happy with Lilly but it was so hard. I loved him with every fiber of my being but the thought of him not feeling the same made me want to stay in bed all day and mope. 

I let out a sigh as I held my head in my hand, propping my elbow up on my thigh. The sound of footsteps entered the room and I looked over seeing Enoch. I know he’s a big grumpy old man but I decided I need to ask someone for advice and I was too lazy and sad to leave my seat.

“Could I ask you a question Enoch?” I asked looking into his dull blue eyes that slowly looked at me. 

“You just did,” He blandly responds. I gave him the best glare I could muster at the moment and he let out an irritated sigh. “What?” 

“What would you do in my position?” I asked out. He raised an eyebrow and I rolled my eyes. “Millard and I...”

“I wouldn’t be in that situation,” Enoch scoffed out.

“I know you wouldn’t but try and have some sympathy,” I snarked back crossing my arms. I knew it wasn’t a good decision asking Enoch but dang was he pissing me off. 

He rolled his eyes, “I don’t know, ignore him or something, maybe then he’ll get the picture.” I watched as Enoch’s slightly shorter figure walked off. Maybe if I ignored Millard he would just end it since I don’t have the heart to. Maybe for once Enoch had a point. 

~~~~

I was getting something to eat when Millard came in as well. 

“Hello love,” Millard greeted and I felt my stomach drop and cheeks redden. This was going to be hard but it will be for the best in the end. Hearing him call me love though hurt, I can tell he likes Lilly more yet he still was calling me that. 

Ignoring his presence I finished my food and left without a word. I felt bad but I kept telling myself this is the best for him. 

~~~~

Millard went and talked to Bronwyn. (Y/n) has been ignoring him for awhile now and if anyone would know why it would be her. 

“Bronwyn, do you know why (y/n)’s been ignoring me?” Millard asked. 

“Oh dear,” She muttered to herself knowing exactly what was going on. 

“What?” Millard asked confused. “What’s going on?”

“It might be better if you ask her yourself,” Bronwyn said, sympathetically patting his shoulder. Millard nodded with determination standing up. He wasn’t going to let the love of his life suffer alone. 

~~~~

I laid down feeling the overwhelming sadness of heartbreak before anything even happened. Yet I wasn’t allowed to wallow in peace since someone decided to disturb me. I opened my eyes and saw nothing, which only meant that Millard was here. I closed my eyes once again, not wanting to talk to him. 

“(Y/n), we need to talk,” He said sternly. Here it is, here is what I’ve been waiting for yet I still wasn’t prepared to hear it. I felt myself sigh and opened my eyes once again. I could tell that he sat by me and he continued, “Why have you been ignoring me? Did I do something wrong?” I didn’t expect that. I looked to where I believed he was and shook my head with a frown.

“No,” I mumbled out. “You didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Then what’s going on,” Millard pressed. Not liking confrontation I went to stand up and leave but he stopped me before I could. “Please tell me,” He pleaded out. 

I couldn’t stay silent any longer as I felt tears start to fall down my face, “I...I’m sorry.”

“Hey,” Millard said softly hugging me gently. “It’s okay, it’s alright.”

“No,” I exclaimed. “I shouldn’t have pushed you away like that, I was just scared.”

“About what?” He asked, starting to play with my hair gently. 

“I can tell how much you and Lilly get along,” I started. “She’s so much prettier, and you two get along so much.”

Millard let out a laugh and I felt my heart break. Why was he laughing? Was I right? The entire time? I looked up to where his face would be with wide, teary eyes. 

“I don’t like her like that,” Millard spoke out softly, holding my face in one of his hands. “She’s just a friend. No one could out match you for my love (y/n).” I felt my breath hitch and my cheeks heat up. I felt embarrassed that I made this such a big deal. I should’ve just talked to Millard about it. I’m never listening to Enoch again. Of course Millard wouldn’t play with my feelings like that. He’s too sweet too. 

“I’m sorry Millard,” I whispered. “I just love you so much and the thought of losing you hurt so much.” 

“I understand,” He replied. “Now how about we go out and do something?”

A smile formed on my face as I nodded happily, “I’d love to!”

[thewritewolf]

Adventure to the Heart Chapter 13: Family

First | Previous | Next | Last

@adrinetteapril

Enjoy!

Read on Ao3

“That… can’t be right.” Nino stared at the game mat with disbelieving eyes before glancing at Alya and Max. “Right?”

“Wake up and smell the well-perfumed treachery, babe!” Alya threw her arms over her head. “I knew those nobles were trouble and the proof is right here in front of us!”

“I mean, yeah… but come on, just cuz there’s a stockpile of their swag in the bandit den doesn’t mean they’re in cahoots with ‘em, right?”

“While admittedly there is a non-zero chance that you are correct,” Max said, pushing his glasses up his nose, “a variety of other circumstantial evidence has been accruing against them for some time.”

“Okay,” Adrien said, rubbing his temples. “What are the odds we can actually bring them to justice with this stuff?”

Max frowned. “That may very well be a matter for the dice to decide. As I mentioned, the bulk of our evidence is circumstantial and our strongest smoking gun, if you’ll excuse the turn of phrase, is this pile of trade goods found in the brigand stronghold.”

“Which they can just say was stolen from them.” Alya slumped in her chair. “They really thought this out, huh?” Alya narrowed her eyes at Marinette, but a smirk was playing at her lips. “Or at least, someone thought this out.”

“Well, you guys will have plenty of time to figure it out,” Marinette said looking pointedly at the clock. “A week, as a matter of fact. Next session you can decide what you’re going to do about all this.”

“Shoot, already time to leave?” Alya glanced at her phone and sharply sucked in a breath. “Dang, yeah its almost time for dinner.” She looked over to Nino. “Are you still planning on coming over?”

Adrien went along with them as they made their way downstairs, talking about their plans - some in the game, but most just about dinner. As they got to the door, Adrien was checking his phone but there was no text from the Gorilla just yet - not even his usual one word text of ‘Here’. Anxiety was building as the other three left out the front door one by one.

Marinette gave him an odd look when he hesitated at the door. “Is something wrong?”

“Well,” Adrien rubbed the back of his neck, “its just that my ride isn’t here yet and, well…”

“Oh, that’s okay!” Marinette said it with a grin, but Adrien could see the hint of panic lurking just behind her eyes. He understood the feeling - after a long day, sometimes all you wanted to do was collapse in your room and decompress. “You can hang out here for a little while if you want!”

“That’s the thing. It might be an hour or two since the Gorilla is watching his Spanish soap operas right now.”

“...What?”

Adrien shrugged. “Its the one thing that he always makes time for. Even my father can’t reach him when they are on.”

“I… see.” Marinette furrowed her brow. “Well you could… um… you could have dinner with me?” Her eyes flew open wide. “I mean! You could eat here! With my family and food and very tasty and-”

“You mean it?” Adrien asked, wide eyed. “I don’t think I’ve ever gotten to eat at someone’s house before. Well,” he quickly amended, “except for at Chloe’s but that’s basically just going to a restaurant anyway. Room service,” he added, when she shot him a confused look.”

“I promise, the food we have here is served with love,” Marinette said with a smile. A smile which quickly vanished in panic. “Not that I love you or anything! Well I do but like a friend I love, you know? Friendly love, that’s me!”

Adrien laughed - he couldn’t help it. “Thanks, Marinette. If it isn’t too much to ask, then yeah I’d be happy to have dinner with you and your family.”

Marinette relaxed a little and turned around - no doubt to go talk to her parents about it - when he added, with a playful smile:

“And for what its worth - I love you too!”

-------------------------

Later that night, after having an amazing dinner with a warm family, Adrien stepped into the cavernous entry room of his home. To his immense surprise, someone was waiting for him there.

“You’ll be going to New York for next week,” Gabriel said as a matter of fact. “Arrangements will be made with your school during that time, but your presence will be vital for establishing our brand in America.”

Warm food and bright laughter seemed like a distant memory as a cold pit opened up in his stomach.

“But father-”

Gabriel held up his hand and closed his eyes. “No arguments.”

He walked away, leaving Adrien to drag his feet back to his room. Missing out on a week with his friends was bad enough, but this would be the first session that he had ever missed. They had become his favorite part of the week, a time when he could be someone else and goof around with friends.

Was this part of his father’s plan? Was he going to try to take this away from him too?

The only thing Adrien knew for sure was that if he fought this here and now, it would only give his father an excuse to take it away from him. For now, he’d have to go along with it.

And hope that this wouldn’t be the beginning of the end for his dungeons and dragons adventure.

[fictionalmenmistress]

Shadow From The Window (Leonardo)

Imagine your scared of the dark and alone, but your sexy hero-in-the-half-shell comes to sleep at your side, after a long partol. Exausted, he forgets how easy you startle, and comforts you.

(SFW but blushy, leaning Fem!Reader/ but also gender-neutral, Bayverse Leo, no swearing, FLUFF, a lil spooky at the start but all sweet and completely handle-able. Its safe 💙)

(So, this is my first official post here and I'm so excited! First of all, HI EVERYONE! I'm so happy to have found my peoples and to be here uwu, I love you all. Hopefully, this brings you comfort to rest before bed, or in the middle of the night. Want me to do one for all the boys? Lemme know!💙)

I am writing this at 2-3 am, after imagining this scenario to comfort myself, settling down to rest. The thought of Leo hiding in the dark, makes the dark a lot less scary. (Tho I decided to write it instead of resting lol) LETS GET IT!

Its 3 am in your studio apartment.

You've been living in New York city for a while now, but its always been a hassle to fall asleep in your own place. That's been the hardest adjustment after leaving home... how scary it can be on your own. Truth be told, you're 'scared of the dark'. Not nescessarily scared of the darkness itself, but the shadows in the corner of the room... the random noises and things that go bump in the night... the mere thought in the back of your mind that something, as ridiculous as it sounds to others, will come and get you once your guard is down.

There you lied, stiff as a board on your back. The covers, pulled up to your neck, as you breathed in and out as silently as you could. Why did you still feel like you had to hide from monsters or bad guys in your own home? "Dang it, y/n..." you sighed, wiping the nervous cold sweat from your forehead, overheating internally from the anxiety.

"WHY... why did I have to watch that horror movie with Donnie?" You thought, internally shouting at yourself. "He said its not scary, that its 'too absurd to be plausible, and thus won't trigger a reaction of fear'. So much for a slow and steady introduction to the genre!"

You should have known when Raph said "Nope, I'm out." Donnie sat there the whole time, laughing at the movie at the scariest and most ill-timed moments... and you recall just glaring at him, teeth chattering, whispering to yourself:

"Yeah, he's cracked alright."

Just because something isn't scientifically proven, doesn't mean it can't happen... or hasn't happened, right?

"Ugh..." you groaned, curling your lips into a gremace, scared your groan was too loud amongst the unsettling silence. "I can't sleep with the lights on again..."

Glancing toward your phone, you noticed a blue light illuminate the screen, informing you that you got a new text. But that blue light... it instantly made you think of the blue-loving turtle you so dearly loved. The light of your life.

'Leo would protect me.'

Ah, that comforting reminder that you would feel so safe in your boyfriend's arms... if only he were here with you.

But... he wasn't. He was probably out on patrol, far away, and unable to come any time soon, even if he could.

"That's it." You said, taking and deep breath and mustering up all of your courage, throwing the covers off and dashing to the light switch.

*flick!* And... everything in the room was normal. It was comforting, but you scolded yourself for not accepting that everything was already secure, and nothing was lurking in the dark.

Everything was still, as you closed your curtains and lied back down in bed.

"Light on it is." You sighed, before the light suddenly flickered by itself.

"Oh crap-" you muttered, taking a gulp, as the power went out. "OH CRAP, ITS JUST LIKE THE MOVIE-"

Now, you felt screwed. You lied as still as possible, for what felt like forever, refusing to close your eyes. Dang it... DANG it!

Grabbing your phone light, you quickly tip-toed to the bathroom, trying to pee as fast as you could, so you could get back to your warm bed where it feels semi-safe.

As soon as you opened the bathroom door, you noticed your curtains flowing and twirling in the night wind. Street sounds from the never-sleeping city below echoed faintly through your widely-opened window.

"My window... is open?" You thought in horrified shock, examining your surroundings in the dark carefully.

You froze in your tracks, as your phone light turned itself off.

BATTERY TOO LOW TO USE FLASHLIGHT, PLEASE CHARGE.

A chill went down your spine, as you stood there in the center of everything, slowly backing to a corner, where you planned to crouch in the fetal position, so you could see all angles of the room for the rest of the night.

You took another step back, and another, before you bumped into a large mass, standing behind you.

'Not the wall...' your brain registered, feeling the heat of whomever or whatever this tall thing was, radiating against your back.

"Hello, beautiful~" A deep voice chuckled, startling you.

Jolting around, you saw a dark, tall shadow, looming before you.

The fear disoriented you, quickly rushing adrenaline through your body, as your fight or flight reacted. You quickly let out a shriek, chucking your dying phone at the shadow and darting quickly toward the window.

The shadow caught the phone instantly, with lightning fast reflex, as a large hand suddenly wrapped around your wrist, gently yet firmly pulling you back into the room before you crawled out onto the fire escape.

"WHOA, hey hey! Y/N easy! Its okay." A gentle, farmiliar voice assured, gently pulling you around to face him. "Its just me!"

"L-let go!" You whimpered, still not realizing who it was. "P-please..."

"Hey, its me..." he softly whispered, as your breath began to steady, blinking a couple of times as his identity fully set in. "Shh, sh sh sh." He lulled.

"L-Leo?" You squeaked in disbelief.

The figure slowly leaned into the moonlight, casting over you from the open window, revealing his GORGEOUS, icy blue eyes. Those intense-yet-soft eyes... that you knew and loved more than anyone else's. That comforting, strong, lovingly soft gaze, that instantly reassured you that you were safe.

"Your aim is getting better," he softly chuckled, smirking with his adorable grin. Leo slowly slid your phone before you, onto the moonlit sheets, barely revealing his outstretched, chiseled, manly hands. "I'm so sorry I scared you, love. I didn't mean to... I would never on purpose..."

Leo's voice sounded composed, but also ashamed and regretful, as he became more serious to apologise. He always spoke so softly to you...

"Leo, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to, I-" you desparately assured, bursting into tears. "I-"

"Hey hey, I should have knocked, or called. I'm sorry I scared you, sweetheart. I thought I would suprise you in a good way, not startle you." He murmured, reaching his large hands out to gently grasp you, holding you in his arms.

"Oh... I'm so happy to see you!" You sighed, falling against him.

"Donnie felt bad about that scary movie, he told me about how scared you were and begged me to check on you." He whispered, with that composed, reassuring voice.

"Oh Leo... you really came." You whispered, sniffling back your tears.

"Of course, my love... I came straight here after patrol. I would have come sooner, but Raph was getting his shell handed to him by this big..." he hesitated, biting his lip.

"Leo?" You asked, wondering why he stopped.

"-You know what? It doesn't matter." He gently corrected, changing the subject.

"What? What was it?" You innocently asked, curling up against his warm, sculpted chest.

You could feel Leo's skin grow warmer with a blush, as he slowly and sweetly welcomed your embrace, holding you close.

"I'll tell you during daylight. Just... sweetie, I'll never let anything bad happen to you, as long as I live. You're safe, whether I'm near or far. Okay, sweetheart?" Leo promised with his deep innocent voice, planting a soft kiss against your forehead.

Suddenly, you heard a generator power on through your front door, and the power flicked back on.

You could at last see him. See his muscled arms around you, and the tails of his worn out blue mask resting against his chest, along side you. His plastron... rising and falling as he took in slow breaths.

Leo was so careful holding you in his arms... like you were this precious, tiny thing, that he adored with his entire existance.

"Hey, you... you there?" He muttered, growing increasingly bashful in his tension.

"I'm here." You gently assured with a smile, before pulling away to examine his handsome face.

Leonardo. Sexy, handsome, justly-confident, fierce leader. This fearless, giant turtle mutant, who was unlike anyone else in the world. His jaw clenched from sudden bashful nervousness, as his gaze shyed away from your eyes. Your stare always overwhelmed him... it was such an intimate thing to meet his eyes.

Leo cleared his throat, as he slowly reached out to your face, ever-so-carefully wiping away a tear from your cheek, watching intently and focusing as he did so.

Over cautiously gentle so he wouldn't risk hurting you with his strength.

"There we go..." he softly whispered in satisfaction, sighing with a relieved smirk.

"Can you..." you began, with every ounce of security and confidence you could muster. "Can you... stay? With me, all of tonight?"

You felt your cheeks blush intensely, blooming red, as Leo bit on his bottom lip. His eyes widened, as he fully realized your question.

"Y-yeah, o-of course I can..." Leo answered, all of a sudden a thousand times more innocent and adorable, intensely flattered and touched that you wanted him to stay at your side. "Uh... I'll... uh-" he began, moving back from kneeling on your bed before you, aimlessly pacing into your tiny kitchen.

Leo usually was so bold and certain, organized and authoritative, when he was on the move.

You recalled how you had seen first-hand how he can lay out the strategy of attack for the boys. He could be flipping into action, or running through the rooftops as he did it, with perfect coordination in his speech and movements. But with you and only you, Leo wasn't able to get the words out when he was this nervous or bashful.

He had a tendancy to overthink things.

Leo wandered into the cupboard, beginning to steep some tea on the stove as his tongue caught up with his brain.

"Do you want... tea?" He gently asked, clearing his throat.

Such husband material...

"Ah, sure." You grinned, sweetly answering.

You realized how safe and secure you felt now, with him in the studio. You weren't alone anymore.

Leo didn't say much while he prepared the tea. He hyper-focused to distract himself from the nervousness of staying at your place, ALONE with you for the night. He paced around without speaking... doing little thoughtful things, like closing the window and locking it for you, shutting the closet and bathroom door, and picking out the perfect cups for the two of you, from your DC glass cup collection.

(Leo liked the Nightwing one since it was blue, and he always gave you the batgirl one, because you loved purple. He loved it when you would geek out and tell him how those heroes were the perfect couple... it reminded him of the both of you, and hoped that you gushed about him like that when he wasn't around.)

Leo brought the cups over, moving carefully with his eyes on the glass, gently placing one in your hand, and his own at your bedside.

"I"ll sleep right here, beside you." He thought out loud, examining the hardwood floor panels.

"Ah, Leo, you're not sleeping on the ground." You ordered, taking a long drink from your cup.

"Its no trouble," he assured, unlatching and taking off his belt and sword straps, placing them on your countertop. Leo sat down across from your bed, and began taking off his customized traditional ninja footwear, so all that remained were his pants and mask.

Why did this make you blush and get so flustered, the way he lifted those muscular arms over his head? Its not like he's taking anything revealing off...

"Modest like Leo... modest like Leo..." you whispered under your breath, recomposing your wandering thoughts.

He slowly walked up to you, lying you back and pulling your covers over you. Leo gently placed his hand against your cheek, staring deep into your eyes, as a soft smile rested over his lips.

He slowly nuzzled his nose beside yours, cherishing every small movement, before planting a soft kiss on your forehead. Then, he pulled away.

You felt your arms involuntarily reach out to him, taking his face into your hands. You both stared innocently into one another's eyes, before you made a bold move, planting your lips against his. You gently kissed Leo's lips, and he kissed you back, in the most respectful, admirable, and sentimental way possible.

Kissing Leo always felt so intimate and special... even as soft and innocent as it was. Leo made the tiny gestures special to you again.

"Leo, would you please... hold me?" You whispered, tightly closing your eyes and resting your forehead against his. "Please, sleep with me tonight."

"S-sleep with-" he panicked, turning vibrant red. For the first time that night, he realized that you were wearing blue pj's... and you looked gorgeous in them. Suddenly his heart began to pound through his chest, as his posture stiffened. "Sleep... together? Like... m-make love together?"

"Ah not like that!" You bashfully assured, unable to hide your shy grin. "Just... sleep together, at least for tonight."

He took a deep breath in, that sounded shaky, like the remenants of your kiss and closeness gave him the chills. The thought of you being together in the most close and intimate form made him overwhelmed, causing him to slightly tremble. Leo invoulintarily giggled, pecking a kiss against your nose, before he pulled his mask off.

"Alright." He grinned, suddenly much more eager and confident, leaning close to you as he set his mask on your night stand, switching off the light switch with a mere stretch.

Suddenly, it was dark again. But, a peaceful dark.

"Will you, Leo?" You muttered.

"Yes." He whispered, so softly and so intimately, gazing bravely into your eyes. "Yes, Y/N."

You beamed with joy, resituating to the side of your bed, curling up and watching Leo with an adorable, excited expression. Leo broke out a nervous, adorable chuckle, as he hesitantly sat down on your bed, realizing how massive he was on the size of it. He downed his tea like a shot, (wanting to finish it as fast as possible, so he could do this soft and intimate thing with you) and clearing his throat. Blushing, he slowly lied down on his back, slowly turning to his side that faced you, and hesitantly placing his hand over your shoulder, unsure of what was too much touch.

You giggled, sliding his hand on your waist, so you could sit up and pull the covers over him. "O-oh..." Leo murmured, stiffening up from his shyness.

This was very overwhelming to him, since he really liked taking things slow and was inexperienced to everything involving romance before you. But... you loved that. It was like everything was new to you again too. It endeared you beyond belief.

You lied on your side, examining his face one last time, as he examined yours, trailing your fingertip across his sharp jawline.

"I really love you..." he whispered, meaning every word.

"I really love you too, Leo." You softly agreed, as you continued to smile.

You and Leo talked quietly for a bit, sweet whispers between soulmates, as you scratched his shell and caressed his shoulders to help relieve his stress and tension. He would slowly drift off more and more, talking less and less, gifting you with tiny, soft, slow kisses, all over your face instead.

You both drifted off to sleep, and slept wonderfully side by side, as safe and sweet as can be, just the two of you.

And, as you found out in the morning, Leo was a total, clingy cuddler in his sleep. Throughout the night, he had nuzzled closer and closer, wrapping his arms around you and cradling you, until you were cozy against his body, sharing the same warmth.

💙 Sweet dreams.💙