#like bro shaking myself like a coconut

[mebiselfandi]

Talking about the important things, the things that matter, feels so overtly derisive and deeply embarrassing. Like can’t you just understand what’s wrong by looking at me? No? Okay. Take a guess cause I don’t know either(I do but let’s ignore that)

[1kook]

skirt chasers

jjk x (f) reader

summary “Baggy clothes are in, but you wouldn’t know that, Miss I Draw Inspiration From Catholic School Girls.” tags f2l, triple texting king kook, ncampus crush kook who is also the weird gamer boy, the skirt aspect is forgotten towards the end tbh, dumbassery is a disease and we are all affected by it, confessions SO CORNY it could be a 2005 teen romcom warnings smut in the form of: unprotected sex, use of mirrors, mostly heavy petting as foreplay I’m sorry, mentions of Jk’s furry ways as a gag kinda, like an unnecessary amount of swearing  wc 7.8k 

to make a long story short, i saw this nsfw gif and wrote this entire fic between 2 am and 6 am anyway i actually really like how this turned out!! lmk when u think

Part of the ideology behind the pleated skirt was in hopes that buying a new wardrobe would somehow help you rebrand your image around campus. Truthfully, it was kinda too late for that now; you’d been here going on three years, your friends and anyone with eyes could see that the style of clothing you leaned towards favored comfort over fashion. However, someone—it might’ve been Taehyung—had gone on a drunken spiel the other night concerning the importance of presenting oneself via fashion. It wasn’t aimed at you, but it certainly left you wondering. 

Which is how you find yourself shivering to the bone now, lingering around the west quad as you wait for Jungkook to come out of an anatomy lab. He’s at that point in the semester where grades mean nothing and everything to him at the same time, so Namjoon’s commissioned you and your other pals to take turns babysitting him once a week to make sure he gets at least some assignments done. 

You don’t know where any of you would be without Kim Namjoon.

Anyway, your legs are fucking cold and if this is what it takes to be known as the fashionably cute girl around campus, you’d rather choke. The imaginary sound of your bones rattling is cut off when Jungkook throws the door nearest you open, his big dopey smile engulfing his face the moment he sees you. He barely acknowledges the gaggle of students that follow after him, all calling out a chorus of goodbyes to him, because unlike you Jungkook was the cute, campus boy crush with his suave looks and comfortable fashion. God, if only you could pull off sweats and mustard-stained Venom shirts like him.

“Lets go,” you yawn, hands stuffed deep into the pockets of your long cardigan. Jungkook jogs over, slinging an arm around your shoulders and nearly knocking you into the emergency telephone you’d been brooding by. “You smell sterile again.”Jungkook grins. 

“That’s because I was touching dead people again,” he informs you, too giddy for someone who’d probably fingered the fuck out of a gallbladder twenty minutes ago. 

“Ew,” you whine, the sudden urge to shove Jungkook and his dead people germs away from you. He cackles in your face, and you wonder again how he single handedly enthralls half the campus population with a laugh like a seagull. 

You’ve barely moved ten feet when Jungkook finally notices your vibrating body, and it’s only because you’re nearly convulsing with shivers at this point. “Woah, what are those,” he exclaims, eyes pointedly eyeing your legs. 

You know your bare legs are a rare sight when Jungkook has to resolve to overused memes to refer to them. 

“They’re my legs, and they’re fucking freezing,” you calmly reply. 

Jungkook seems shocked for only a moment longer, and you almost think he’s gotten over it when he suddenly snorts and scares the shit out of you in the middle of the crosswalk. “Why the fuck are you wearing a skirt in this weather, you dinglehead?” 

You shove him, and he stumbles over the curb, but you get the feeling he’d do that without you pushing him. Jungkook was clumsier than Namjoon on his bad days. “I’m trying to be fashionable, you hater,” you huff, not even bothering to say thank you when he pulls open the coffee shop door for you. “I shouldn’t have to explain myself to someone who doesn’t even wear the right size shirt.” 

Like always, he’s one step ahead of you and hands the cashier his card before you can even reach for your wallet. Next time. “Baggy clothes are in, but you wouldn’t know that, Miss I Draw Inspiration From Catholic School Girls.” 

“For your information I bought this from H&M,” you retort, though you can’t hide the flush that warms your cheeks at his comment. “Also, what's the point of working out your hotbod if you’re just gonna hide it under shirts long enough to be a mini-dress, huh? Riddle me that, Jeon.” 

You flinch when your bare thigh touches the cold seat of the booth, something Jungkook doesn’t miss. “Your skirt is mad short,” he points out, and you kick his shins. 

You’ve already got a Google Doc open on your laptop from last night when you and Jimin had been going ham on a psych essay, but you also have a Fashion Nova cart on another window that’s just begging for you to check out. 

“Short skirts are just a concept made by men with lingering eyes to demean and belittle women who don’t submit to their every want and need.” 

“Oh my god,” he groans, and you watch him muffle a laugh into his palm as he gets his own work out. “Do you think I’m gonna pull the meninist card out on you and call you a slut or something?” 

You fake gasp, eyes wide and shocked as you give him your best disappointed face. “Jeon, how could you? I expected better from you.”  

This time he does laugh, a dorky sound unlike his witch cackle from earlier, and you finally let a smile slip. Jungkook was funny, too sweet and kind hearted for his own good. A little dumb, but most cute guys were. He’s one of those guys who thinks girls are nice to him out of their own free will, and not because they’re trying to bag the campus hottie. 

“Seriously,” he says once he’s pulled his fat anatomical reference book out, stuffed to the brim with worn scientific essays he’d printed out, and pictures he’d taken at every single one of his visits to the cadaver lab. His voice is earnest and genuine when he speaks again. “You can wear whatever you want, I was just curious about the skirt ‘cause you normally wear things past the knee and elbow.” 

When he puts it like that you kinda sound surprisingly conservative. 

You shrug, tapping away at your computer as if the sight of you in anything other than what he said isn’t really weird. “Just thought I’d try something new. Why, does it look too weird?” Your voice suddenly feels meek, and you’re not sure if your cheeks are warm from the chill outside or from something else. 

Jungkook shakes his head, coconut hair bouncing from side to side. “Nah, you look cute,” he says, and then, as if an afterthought, adds, “weirdly sexy, too. Like you belong in a Brazzers video?” 

“What the fuck, Jungkook,” you groan, sinking your head into your palms. 

“What! You asked for my opinion and I gave you it,” he defends, too casual for someone spewing their unwarranted porn knowledge at you. You urge him to do his homework, drink his coffee, anything besides embarrass you further. 

He does, but you don’t miss the goofy way he glances under the table one more time. 

The pleated skirt makes it’s return three weeks later, this time accompanied by her best friend, the sheer pantyhose. 

“Oh, who’s this sexy schoolgirl?” Taehyung exclaims the moment you step into the diner. Your cheeks flush red when the family beside you send you and your friends a disapproving look. 

“That’s what I said!” Jungkook says as he gets up to let you slide into the booth. He has this incessant need to be sitting at the end of the booth just in case nature calls in the middle of dinner and he can’t usher the rest of you out fast enough. 

(It almost happened once, and the sight of Jungkook shoving Hoseok flat on his ass had been too funny to forget.) 

“Wait a minute, is that why you stopped using EOS and started using the Dove shaving cream?” Chaeyoung interrogates from across you. “So you could show off your sexy model legs?” 

“No, Dove is just cheaper,” you reply, trying to sound as aloof as possible but if anyone at this table knew you like the back of their hand, it was definitely Chaeyoung. “Why can’t you guys let me live my best life?” 

Taehyung scoffs. “Who the fuck are you?” 

“Who the fuck are you?” You snap back, but your level of sass can never seem to match his. 

“We all know your ‘best life’ would be spent in those fuzzy Cookie Monster pajama pants and one of Kook’s big ass shirts,” he points out, and you hide behind your menu much to everyone’s amusement. 

You whine, “why can’t you all just be supportive besties and tell me I look cute?” 

“You look gorgeous, babe,” Chaeyoung assures you, gesturing for you to pass her the sugar for her coffee. “It’s just weird seeing your legs out. Almost weirder than if you randomly pulled your tits out right now.” 

Behind her, you can see the same mom from the family glaring at you guys. You lower your head in shame. 

“For the record, I’m team skirt, but I wouldn’t be opposed to the other,” Jungkook adds after being silent for so long. Taehyung fist bumps him as you slap your hand over your eyes. At this rate you’d rather just put a paper bag over your head. 

“We’re sitting on the same side of the table, so you’re supposed to be on my side!” You groan, and Jungkook shrugs mid-milkshake sip. 

“I am!” He splutters once he’s gulped down the thick substance. “I just said I was team skirt, did I not?” His scandalized pout twists into the same sneaky little smile he has whenever Taehyung has convinced him and Jimin to do something stupid. “But I’m also a man, and therefore, a skirt chaser,” he winks. 

From the other side of the table Taehyung’s eyes twinkle. “Bro, your mind,” he says in awe. He reaches over to shake Jungkook’s hand as if he’s just presented the table with some riveting discovery in the medical field, and the fucker has the nerve to look smug about it too. 

“You guys are so stupid,” Chaeyoung whispers right before the server sets her pancakes down. 

“Hey, have you seen Joon’s book? He said he might’ve left it—oh, Jesus, fuck sorry,” Jungkook says before whirling around to face the wall. 

You turn from your bent over position by your bed where you’d been rummaging around for a book you coulda sworn you stuffed there last week. Jungkook’s blazing cheeks don’t register with you until you realize your favorite skirt is draping over your rear, giving him a clear view of your dorky star-printed panties. 

“Kook,” you stammer, quickly jumping to your feet and brushing your hands over your skirt. “H-How’d you get in?” You ask for lack of greeting. 

“Um, uh,�� Jungkook stutters, eyes laser focused on some point on your wall. “Chaeyoung let me in.” 

“Oh,” you say, and then silence falls over the two of you. 

Holy shit this was awkward. 

Despite being friends for going on three years, you don’t ever remember there being any stale moments between you and Jungkook. You were the type of friends that just clicked, never having gone through that awkward phase before. But you’d also never seen each other in any state less than presentable. (Being drunk at parties did NOT count, and even then, you’ve always been pretty collected.) 

To know that he’s seen your ass, covered or not, tilted your Golden Friendship with Jungkook scale extremely off center. Your fingers twiddle at your sides, not really sure if you should mention what just happened or… what?

He coughs, and you snap back to reality. “Um,” he drawls, still not looking at you but at the socks you’d thrown off the second you got home. “Sorry about that,” he apologizes, voice soft and earnest in that Jungkook™ way that made all the girls swoon. “I should’ve knocked before coming in all rude.” He finally gathers the balls to look you in the eye, and the dude looks like a kicked puppy. 

“No,” you wave him off, hands fluttering in front of you because standing like some Macy’s holiday mannequin certainly isn’t making this situation any easier. “It’s okay, the skirt—y’know this wouldn’t happen if I just wore pants,” you say, tacking on a self-deprecating laugh. It’s your turn to look away in shame. 

Jungkook jumps at your words. “The skirt’s cute!” He basically shouts and you flinch at the sudden increase in his tone. Then you’re both left looking at each other wide-eyed again as he scrambles to assure you it isn’t your fault. “I like it, and it makes your legs look really nice, so don’t-“ he stutters, as if realizing the meaning in his words, “don’t stop wearing it...” he trails off, cheeks rosy. Your mind goes blank. 

“R-Really?” You stutter, surprised at his compliment. It’s not like Jungkook never complimented you—dude couldn’t go fifteen minutes without telling his friends how much he loved them—but for some reason it feels different now. 

“Yeah,” he assures you. “Makes you look nice, and um. Pretty.” 

“Jeon Jungkook telling me I look pretty? Someone call TigerBeat magazine,” you joke, trying to ease the tension somehow. Your chuckle sounds awfully robotic to your ears, but it makes Jungkook crack a smile and that’s all that matters. 

“Shut up. You know I’m not friends with ugly people.” 

“Wooow,” you laugh, real this time. “How noble of you,” you retort, and he gives you his best snobby expression possible. 

“Ya, you’re welcome,” he teases, and then suddenly remembers what he came for in the first place. “Give me Joon’s planner, I know you’re holding it hostage.” 

You roll your eyes, and point over to the notebook on your desk that’s absolutely overflowing with sticky notes and bookmarks. “As if I’d want his nerd diary ruining the good vibes in here.” 

“These good vibes smell a lot like Bath and Body Works perfumes, you cheapskate,” Jungkook says as he snatches the book off the surface. He’s at the door again, narrowing you with another faux uppity look when he adds, “this is a Victoria’s Secret Bombshell household.” 

“Bombshe—you don’t even live here!” You huff in laughter, ushering him down the hall to the front door. He’s half a foot out the door when he suddenly whirls around, making you take a step back in surprise. 

“The stars are cute, but I prefer hearts.” 

He slams the door shut behind him so fast, that you almost don’t catch the smirk tacked on at the end. 

You were many things, but a liar was not one of them. You couldn’t lie to your parents when you were younger and wanted to sneak out, to your teacher when she asked where your homework was, or to your friends when they asked you who you liked. You couldn’t even lie to yourself. 

You’ll admit it, there was a time your eyes had lingered a little longer on Jungkook. When you would spend moments tracing the slope of his jawline, and memorizing the twinkle in his eyes. He was devastatingly handsome, and you would be blind not to see it. 

But that was before you became close friends—before game nights at Hoseok’s became a regular staple in your schedule, before your little makeshift picnics in the quad, before you all became Park Jimin’s dedicated fan club (it’s a rotating unit consisting of whoever’s able to go to Jimin’s showcases). 

Those fantasies of kissing Jungkook and going on dates were stuffed to the back as you became pals. As you’ve mentioned a million times now, Jungkook was the campus dream boy. He was hardly the skirt chaser he made himself out to be, too sweet and romantic for his own good. Besides, there was no need to be when the skirts flocked to him. 

He’d had flings, and even girlfriends, in the time you’ve known him, but he rarely mentioned them to his friends. And even though you pushed that teensy crush aside, you still wondered how Jungkook acted with girls he was interested in, if it was the same he treated you and Chaeyoung, or special on an intimate level a platonic friendship could never be. 

It’s the middle of the night when you first get a glimpse. 

[1:21 am] jk wyd 

[1:21 am] you sleeping , u? 

[1:22 am] jk same anyway I finally beat world 8 in super Mario bros

[1:25 am] you omg the 1 w dry bowser?? [1:26 am] you wait u said u wouldn’t play w/o me :/

[1:27 am] jk u suck at Luigi and u know it 

[1:30 am] you fuck u  [1:31 am] you ok but seriously what do u want I have a test tmrw morning and am pretending to be asleep 

[1:32 am] jk damn ok can’t I just talk to my friend about my successes  [1:33 am] jk but if u must know 

[1:33 am] you I must 

There’s a lull in messages for a while, and you decide you should finally actually go to sleep, dabbing some spot ointment onto your skin before hopping in bed. You turned off the overhead light long ago, so the only light illuminating you now is the lamp by your bedside. You tap your phone once again right as Jungkook sends another message. 

[1:40 am] jk you looked really pretty today

Oh. Your entire body pauses for a moment to process the sudden message, cheeks slowly heating up. You roll your lips in to stop the squeal that threatens to rip itself out of your throat, scrambling for something to type. But it’s the first time he’s randomly thrown something like this on you, and your brain feels like that episode of Spongebob when everything’s on fire. 

Before you can send the jumbled letters you’d convinced yourself was acceptable, your phone vibrates with another alert. 

[1:42 am] jk I know its weird to say that but I gotta make sure someone told u at least once today 

Your heart flutters at the explanation, and you have to slap a hand over your face to get rid of the goody smile that overtakes your features. This time, you’re a little less thrown off and quickly tap out a reply before he can say anything else. 

[13:43 am] you thanks kook :) was it the red skirt lol 

You’d been experimenting with different skirts lately, quickly growing bored of the black pleated skirt you’d originally worn. Your latest trip to the mall had you coming home with a variety of colors and styles, like the dark red denim one you’d worn today. 

[1:45 am] jk no!!!! [1:45 am] jk maybe… [1:46 am] jk ok yes you looked gorgeous 

The tiny letters blink back at you, and you set your phone down for a second to smile stupidly at your dark ceiling. You only let yourself wildly kick your legs around for five seconds because Chaeyoung was asleep next door. 

[1:47 am] you haha well I’ll make sure to wear it again for u :)

It’s only after you’ve sent the message that the last two words have you stuffing your face into your pillow to hide your embarrassment. Girl, what the fuck!!!

Oh my god, he could’ve just been friendly and polite this whole time. Jimin had said the skirt looked cute on you as well, and you hadn’t responded like this. All it took was a few compliments from Jungkook to have you dopily acting like a clown for his affections.

Before you can scold yourself anymore, your phone vibrates and you have to sit up to retrieve it from where you’d tossed it across the bed. 

[1:50 am] jk for me? I’m honored :)  [1:51 am] jk anyway get some rest before ur exam!!! [1:51 am] jk night cutie

You squeal, and Chaeyoung kicks your shared wall. 

You liked to clown Seokjin for being the president of his fraternity. He was already a stereotypical frat boy, so it wasn’t that hard anyway; he came from money, was ridiculously gorgeous, and played on your school’s soccer team. However, behind that facade he liked to put up, he, too, was infected by the dumbass disease.

“Wait, are those your legs?” He says the moment you step into his frat party. Normally, he wasn’t prone to the same stupid questions that regularly plagued Taehyung and Jungkook (sometimes Namjoon, but everyone had their weak moments), so you deduce that he probably had some alcohol in his system to openly be asking you such a question. 

“Yes, now give me whatever’s in that cup,” you brush off, not bothering to stick around to watch him not-so-subtly grope Chaeyoung as she enters behind you. You trust him enough to hand you a drink that hasn’t been roofied, but you’re also aware that Jin drinks like he’s trying to die three times over. One sip has your face scrunching up at the sour bitterness of it all. 

There’s a loud cackle of a laugh that you’d recognize anywhere, and you turn to find Jungkook leaning against the staircase banister looking like a wet dream. “Someone lost on their way to Weenie Hut Jr?” he sneers, cheeks a nice rosy color. You flick his forehead. 

You don’t bother gracing him with a reply, instead shuffling over so you’re stood side by side observing the party before you. Yoongi’s here, which is an even weirder sight than your legs being out, so you wonder why no one is talking about that. But then you see the way he’s trailing after Seokjin’s cat, Jalapeño, and realize he’s only here to make sure no one hurts her (she’s more important than anyone else here). You honor his service with another sip of Jin’s whatever the fuck mix. 

“Wow, getting braver every day, huh?” Jungkook teases after giving you a very intense once over. He’s referring to the skirt you’re wearing, a little black circle skirt that flows around you like the first one you’d worn a couple months ago. Call it a tribute to the one that started it all. You’ve definitely experimented with lengths a little more, the one you’re wearing now brushing just barely below your ass. Appropriate for the frat party, but definitely not for your theology elective. 

You hum, stepping aside as a couple makes their way up the stairs. You’re tempted to go tattle on them to Seokjin, but decide against it when you feel Jungkook’s fingers brush against your thigh. 

He grins at the surprised little gasp you let out. “Pretty,” he chuckles, deep and seductive in a way you’ve never seen before. You were used to giggly Jungkook, and Jungkook who laughs like the stepmom from Cinderella, but you’d never seen this one before, the Jungkook who looked and laughed like he was straight out of a Calvin Klein campaign. 

You giggle like a teenager at his compliment, unsure of what else to do so you settle on chugging Jin’s death drink. You only get a good three gulps in before Jungkook’s tugging the plastic cup away from you and setting it down on the nearest flat surface. “Don’t get all drunk on me now,” he jokes, eyes the teensiest bit glassy. He doesn’t look drunk, and he’s certainly not acting drunk. He might be a little tipsy, you think, because a completely sober Jungkook would never have the balls to tug you closer by the waist like this one does.  

Your hands fall flat on his chest, warm beneath the material of his shirt. Not one of his super baggy ones today, but still a bit loose where it could hug his build. “What happened to the little red one? You said you’d wear it for me…” he questions, lips playfully pushing out into a pout. 

You struggle to meet his gaze, focusing on the mole beneath his lip instead. “I, um, haven’t got around to washing it,” you stutter, absentmindedly shifting your weight from side to side. 

“Really?” Jungkook presses, sounding like he doesn’t believe you at all. After a moment in which he ducks down to catch your gaze, he seems to accept. “That’s fine. This one’s cuter anyway.” 

His words are emphasized by his fingers, tracing along the edge of your skirt while purposefully making sure to graze your skin. You shiver, unconsciously arching your chest into him. It’s only afterwards that you realize when Jungkook smirks in triumph. “Easy access too,” he murmurs, and your heart leaps in your chest. 

“Jeon,” you whisper, hyper aware of all the people in this house right now. You’re standing at a point where everyone walks by, and the idea of Jungkook groping you in front of these people, some of which are friends, seems horrifying. “People can see.” 

Jungkook’s Cheshire smile grows even wider, and you muffle a yelp when his hand slips beneath your skirt to grope your ass. “Since when were you shy?” He says, voice soft and lilting over the hum of whatever music is playing now. “Weren’t shy when you had your ass in the air that one day in your room.” 

Your cheeks burn at the memory, but your core surges with a newfound heat at his wandering hands and teasing words. “Remember?” 

You nod, tucking your head against his neck in a last ditch effort to hide your embarrassment. From here, your senses are bombarded with Jungkook and only Jungkook. 

You feel him let out a long sigh. “Been thinking about you since,” he admits. “Nah, even before that. When you wore my shirt that one day after our balloon fight in the west quad.” 

Your heart thunders at his sudden confession. The balloon fight in question had been a little over a year ago, a rallying effort from your friend group to cheer Taehyung up after an exam. After soaking each other to the bone with water guns and balloons, Jungkook had let you wear one of his stupidly big shirts home. So you’d ditched your usual jeans and shirt, wearing his shirt like a dress all the way home. 

The fact Jungkook’s been thinking about you since then makes the butterflies in your stomach flutter. 

“Every time you wear these little skirts, I think of that day. You, in my clothes, looking so soft and warm. Fuck, baby, you don’t know what you do to me.” 

You glance around, and your soul almost leaves your body when you make direct eye contact with Yoongi holding Jalapeño across the room. He gives you that Yoongi look, the whatever you’re doing is weird but I won’t say anything because I don’t care look, and that’s your signal to stumble your way upstairs before Seokjin can see you two and scold you. 

You’re not sure who’s room you end up, just that it has one and a half bunk beds in it, so you don’t hesitate to push Jungkook down onto the half. He plops down like a little cherub, all sweet smiles until you see the way his pants strain at the crotch. Of fuck, this is happening, you think as you climb onto his lap. 

His lips envelope yours the second you’re in his arms. You’re not usually one to give into those John Green cliches, but everything about being in Jungkook’s embrace feels so right. Like you belong there, or whatever. 

He’s a good ass kisser, but you shouldn’t be surprised. Jungkook was good at everything he did—such was a known fact. But he still kisses you like he’s trying to prove something, like he wants you to melt into him, and he succeeds. His mouth moves against yours, tongue sneaking it’s way past your lips until it’s inside yours, and you’re swapping spit. His breath hot, but you imagine yours is as well because just making out with Jungkook has your body temperature hotter than the inside of a sauna. 

“Jungkook,” you groan when he pulls away, desperate to feel his mouth on yours again. He smiles, lips slick and cherried as he drops his hands to your waist. 

“‘M right here,” he assures you, pressing a few pecks to your mouth before trailing his lips down your neck, deliciously licking and kissing every inch. You let out a choked moan, and you can feel his smile press against your skin. “Cute,” he croons. 

“More,” you beg, fingers curling themselves into his hair. It’s gonna way longer these last few months, the front pieces almost brushing the tip of his nose. He looks sexy as fuck. 

“At least let me stretch you out first,” he teases, face too cute for someone about to fuck your brains out. You huff in annoyance, snatching his hand away from its path to your panties. 

“No,” you whine, and then shuffle forward to grind your center onto him. Jungkook groans, jaw tight as he watches you. “Just fuck me, Jungkook.” 

His eyes roll back at a particular roll of your hips. “I-It’ll hurt, though,” he tries to reason, but his hands are already hiking up the back of your skirt. 

“Make it hurt,” you mumble, so caught up in the moment that your eyes bulge out when he suddenly lifts you to your feet. “What’s wrong?” You huff in dismay, lower lip trembling at the thought of him changing his mind. He lets out an airy chuckle. 

“Turn around for me, doll,” he softly demands, and not a single inch of you feels the need to go against him. 

You’re met with the sight of your own expression, staring back at you from the closet’s mirrored sliding doors. It’s a little dark in the room, most of the light coming from a desk lamp on the other side of the room that had been on when you first broke in with Jungkook. 

“So pretty,” Jungkook praises from behind you, and you watch in the glass as two firm hands snake around your waist, slowly easing you back into his lap. In the seconds you were distracted by yourself, he’d unbuckled the front of his jeans, the cotton fabric of his boxers brushing against your ass. “Gonna fuck yourself on my cock, baby?” 

You nod, unsure of what to do with your hands. You needn’t worry any longer, your body naturally guiding you through the motions, until one hand grabs his thigh and the other grapples for the bedside drawer next to you. His fingers trace around your waist, hiking your skirt up to—only to reveal a pair of white undies with red hearts. Jungkook’s chuckle against your ear makes you clench your legs together. “Fuck, it’s like you knew this would happen,” he murmurs, and you can’t take your eyes off the mirror as you watch his fingers trace over your covered mound. “Did you?” He asks, breath fanning over your ear. 

“N-no,” you gasp, hips jumping when he presses a lone finger to where your clit would be had your girly panties not obstructed the way. You’re embarrassingly wet just from kissing Jungkook, and his playful fingers only worsen your state. “Please hurry, Kook,” you plead, grinding back against his engorged cock. 

“You sure?” He checks, and your bobble head nods have him muffling more laughter into your shoulder. “If you say so, baby.” 

He lifts you up just the slightest bit to tug his cock out of its confines, and this is the only instance where you wish you weren’t looking at the mirror. His fingers dance along your skin again, tugging your panties to the side. 

Screw it, just do it, you say to yourself before sinking down on his cock in one go. “Oh fuck,” you cry, head lolling back to rest against his shoulder at the sudden intrusion. 

“Holy shit,” he sighs into your hair, one hand circling to the front of your waist, while the other creeps upwards to rub at where he knows your nipple is. If he were to pull your shirt and bra away, he’d see how rock hard your nipples were right now. “Relax for me, doll, I promise it’ll feel better if you relax.” 

You nod, eyes squeezed shut as your body slowly assimilated to the feeling of being stuffed full. God, he felt good inside you. Fit every crevice of you pussy like he was made for you. “Jungkook,” you moan, and he hums in response. “You feel so f-fuckin good,” you babble, swiveling your hips much to both your pleasures. “Can feel you everywhere.” 

He presses a kiss to your scalp. “Can you move for me, baby?” He questions, dropping his hands to your waist before slowly pushing you up so you’re not flopped against him like a rag doll. “Wanna see you bounce on my cock. You can do that for me, can’t you?” 

You nod eagerly, desperate to show Jungkook how good you ride dick. You muster up the strength to sit up, one hand right around his thigh again, but this time the other one clamps down over his hand on your waist. “Good girl,” Jungkook praises, giving your hips a tight squeeze. 

It’s like you thrive off Jungkook’s compliments, because soon enough you’re riding him like your life depends on it. 

It’s a rhythm of pushing yourself over and over, thighs tense from the effort it takes to pull yourself away from his cock until only his tip breaches you, before dropping back down. You can’t entirely take the credit, because Jungkook’s arms are there, lifting you up before pushing you back down. Truthfully, he’s probably still doing most of the work in fucking you with the way you see his arms flexing in the mirror. 

“Lemme hear you, doll,” Jungkook huffs, and you don’t hesitate to moan for him. It feels overwhelmingly good, his hands tight on your waist as they move you up and down, the material of your skirt bunched up between his fingers. What you’d give to feel them inside you some day, a day in which you’re not dying to feel his cock inside of you. “That’s it,” he grunts, and doesn’t even complain when your legs begin slowing down. 

He picks up the slack for you, thrusting his hips up into you like you’re just some toy for him to use and discard. But the soft praises slipping past his lips assure you you are anything but. “F-fuck,” you whine, forcing yourself above and beyond as you begin to feel that familiar coil of heat grow tighter in your abdomen. “Your cock’s s-so f-fucking big!” You cry, and one look at the mirror let’s you know you look as stupid and fucked-out as you sound. 

“Really?” Jungkook smirks, drilling into you like his life depends on it. There’s an embarrassingly growing stain on the front of your panties that you catch sight of in the mirror, and part of you wants to clench your legs shut so he doesn’t see. But it seems to do it for Jungkook, and he starts rambling about that next. “Look at you. Fuck. You’re ruining your cute little panties. Absolutely fucking soaking them with hot wet you are. I get you that wet, doll?” 

You squeal at a particular thrust of his hips, feeling his cock so deep in you that your eyes momentarily go cross eyed. “Yes, yes!” You agree, bouncing yourself with a renewed vigor. 

The answers please Jungkook, and he rolls forward until he’s pressing his tip faintly against your cervix, and your body damn near leaves your soul. “O-oh fuck!” You scream, body turning into jelly as your orgasm has you spurting hot cum into your panties and over his cock. 

“Pretty even when you come,” Jungkook huffs, hips rocking up into yours for a few more minutes until he eventually comes when you roll your hips backwards. “Holy fucking shit,” he moans, finally releasing your skirt from the death grip he had on it. 

You watch it flutter back into place around you, and you almost look like two platonic friends sitting together, but then Jungkook shifts inside you and your body convulses from the oversensitivity. 

“Wait, you and Jeon finally fucked?!” Chaeyoung exclaims halfway through breakfast, which she had so lovingly prepared at three in the afternoon. “When? Is that why you made us get waxed last week?” 

“No!” You flush, shoving another forkful of burnt scrambled eggs into your mouth. “We waxed our coochies before that, but I didn’t know we were gonna fuck.” 

Chaeyoung blinks. She’s stupid pretty even with avacado spread on her cheek. “So do you have like a seventh sense on when to get your kitty trimmed?” 

“What? No,” You scoff. “Seventh? What’s my sixth?”

“Knowing the exact moment Taehyung’s gonna throw up at a party.”

You accept. “Anyway, we just… I don’t know. It was at Seokjin’s third birthday bash last weekend.” She nods like she remembers anything besides sucking face with him all night. “We were talking and then suddenly we were upstairs and...” you trail off, glancing at your fake collection of succulents lining the kitchen window. 

“Was he good?” She interrogates. 

You flop back onto your chair dramatically. “Chae. He was so good,” you whine, and she slaps your arm in enthusiasm. “He made me ride him facing a mirror,” you spill. 

Chaeyoung squeals. “Bitch!! Here I was thinking Jeon Jungkook was the poster boy of vanilla sex,” she pauses. “I mean, still pretty vanilla compared to the time Seokjin stuck it in my—“ 

You gag and she rolls her eyes. “Have you been talking since?” 

This is the part where things get awkward, and Chaeyoung immediately senses as much. “Oh, honey,” she frowns, eyes furrowed in worry. 

“He walked me home,” you mumble, toying with the tablecloth ends. “Kissed me on the doorstep and all, but besides a few texts, I haven’t seen him around,” you lamely finish. It’s been a week. 

“Ugh, men are trash,” she spits, turning in her seat to play with your hair. “I swear if I see him on campus I’ll rock his shit. My older brother used to practice WWE moves on me, I could easily smash him through a table.”

“WWE wrestling is staged, Chae,” you point out. Chaeyoung was about ten thousand times more experienced when it came to men and their behaviors. She’s been played but also has played, so her reaction to you telling her about Jungkook is all you need to hear. 

In all the scenarios you’ve ever had about Jungkook, him randomly ghosting you had never even been a possibility. The Jungkook from your imaginary universes either just dumped you, or awkwardly friendzoned you. But completely disappearing on you? Now that was some John Greene shit. 

You’ve gone long periods of time without seeing him, like your freshman year you saw him one time in March. But even then he’d made sure to keep in contact with you, randomly blowing up your phone with Cup Pong and 8Ball requests. 

He sent you two texts this whole week, and both of them had been to cancel your homework sessions. 

You almost couldn’t believe you were living this life. The men are trash, love isn’t real, heartbreak can possibly cause death life. Forget John Green, your life had taken an unexpected Shakespearean turn. 

“Oh,” you say the moment you step into Taehyung and Jungkook’s apartment, surprised at the fact Jungkook is there despite the fact he, y’know, lives there. In retrospect, you should have seen this coming when Tae had asked you over to help him decorate a poster for Jin’s next game. He’s never been to a single soccer match in his life. “Is Tae here?” You ask, looking every part the stupid bitch. 

Jungkook’s cheeks had flushed the moment he opened the door. “No…” he answers, glances at the shoe rack behind the door as if to make sure. “Were you supposed to meet him?” Well no shit. 

“Uhh, yeah,” you say, and it’s even more awkward than the time he saw your star undies. Granted, now he’s become very familiar with your underwear and what’s hidden beneath it. You would think such an encounter would bring you two closer. “I’ll just come back another time.” 

“Do you wanna come in?” He blurts out before you can even turn away. You flinch at the sudden intensity of his voice, and then both of you are left staring at each other like cringey high schoolers. “I cut some cucumber slices with lime and that one spice you like.” 

“Taíjn?” You confirm, and he nods. “I mean...sure, if it’s not a bother.” 

Usually when you and Jungkook hung out at his place, you’d throw your bag across the room and flop onto the ugly armchair the moment you stepped in. Now, you’re awkwardly hovering by the armrest of the sofa, like this is your first time here. 

Jungkook disappears into the kitchen to, you assume, get the cucumber slices. He comes back empty handed, and with a heavy heart. “I lied. There’s no Tajín,” he confesses, and you rush to tell him it’s okay but he beats you to it. “There’s no cucumber slices either. I just needed to get you inside to talk to you.” 

“You act like I needed to be lured in, Jungkook,” you say, forcing a tight smile on your face. Jungkook visibly deflates at your tone. 

“No, this isn’t right,” he huffs, dramatically throwing himself onto the couch. You jump at the loud groan he releases from his position, which is face stuffed into the cushion. 

“You...okay?” You tentatively ask, clutching your bag even closer to your side. Jungkook shakes his head no against the couch. “Should I call Namjoon over?” 

He sits up so fast you worry he’ll get whiplash. “I have a confession to make,” he informs you, doe eyes wide and serious. 

Your brain processes for a minute before slowly responding. “Okay…”

At your response he jumps to his feet. “This may come as a shock, but I’m not a womanizer.” 

You blink. 

“When have you ever been a womanizer, Jeon?!” You nearly exclaim when you mull over his absurd proclamation. “Are there people who actually think that?” 

“I think that people think that,” he stresses to you, running a hand through his hair. “Look. I don’t mean to brag, but I’m really nice and cool, and sometimes people think that means I’m flirting with them.” Valid point. “But I’m not, because frankly I’m terrible at shooting my shot.”

The fact he’s actually admitted it out loud leaves him devastated, and you have to stop yourself from rolling your eyes. Finally, something Jeon Jungkook isn’t good at. 

“What lead you to that conclusion?” You carefully press on. 

“Because,” he sighs, dropping back down onto the couch, except this time he’s sitting like a normal person. You sit beside him, close enough to the edge that you can just spring yourself out the door if need be. 

“There’s this girl I like,” your heart pangs, even though the logical side of you can more or less guess where this is going. You’re stupid, but not that stupid. “She’s amazing, like everything about her makes me like her. God, she’s so cool, like everyone wants to be her friend, even though she sucks at Super Smash Bros., and burns her ear on a straightener at least once a month. But she’s funny and sweet, and makes me wanna join a clown troupe just to hear her laugh. And she looks gorgeous in skirts, and the way she rides dic—“ 

“Alright, that’s enough of that,” you interrupt, glancing at the coffee table decorated with Jungkook’s anatomy books, because you don’t want to look at the big dopey grin on his face as he talks about you and your dick riding abilities. 

Jungkook grins, this much you can tell from your peripheral, before it drops into a frown. “Whole point is, she’s cool as fuck. And I… I think I might love her,” he admits, and you whip around to face him. His cheeks are as red as Taehyung’s current hair dye, which is to say they’re as red as a fire truck. You get th feeling you're mirroring his expression. 

The silence following his confession seems to drag on an eternity, but truthfully, you and Jungkook both have the patience of a soccer mom of three, so he jumps to fill the spaces between you. “And like, I just wanna kiss her and hold her and watch her eat and cuddle her to sleep and hold her hand and buy her gifts, and I think I would die for her?—”

“Okay chill, Romeo,” you scramble to cut off that train of thought. Jungkook’s looking at you like you were the creative director behind Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker and the trailer released two minutes ago. It’s a weird reference but coming from Jungkook, it means a lot. 

You don’t know what to say, but Jungkook beats you to it anyway. “There’s this girl I like,” he repeats, and your heart does nearly implode on itself when he reaches over to clutch your hand in his. Your hands are sweaty and fidgety from his confession, but so are Jungkook’s. “How do I tell her I like her?” 

You gulp, before reaching over to smack at his bicep much to both your surprise. “Jeon Jungkook! How’re you gonna give me the best fucking of my life and then ghost me for a week, because you’re too much of a pussy to tell me you like me!” You almost want to cry, and you almost do when he wraps you in his arms with a delighted, warm laugh rumbling through his whole body. “You suck,” you huff, and sniffle once, and only once. 

“Thank fuck,” he sighs in relief. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you friendzoned me.” 

“The friendzone—“

“—is a made up concept created by men who feel like they’re entitled to women and their feelings, I know,” he huffs and you laugh. You push yourself away from his chest to meet his gaze, stretching up to capture his lips in a sweet kiss that quickly turns naughty when you feel the flex of muscles beneath your hands. 

“Ugh, you beefcake.” 

“I wish,” he snorts, tugging you back into his chest as he flops down onto the couch. You snuggle into him, the position all too comfortable in your skirt. The only reason you’re reminded of it is because Jungkook traces his fingers along the edge of the material. “You asked me why I workout out but hide in big clothes, and the truth is its so I can beat up any meninist douchebag that tries to slander my girl in her thot skirts.” 

You sputter. “My thot skirts—you asshole! All my skirts are of appropriate length,” you defend, pinching his side and winning a giggle for your efforts. “That doesn’t even explain the baggy clothes part either.” 

“Shh, your thot skirt is tempting me.” 

“He made you dress up as a what now?!” Chaeyoung exclaims, fork clattering loudly against her plate as everyone in the diner turns to look at you two. You try desperately to quiet her, but the damage is done and even the server whose long since become familiar with your antics looks disgusted. 

“Oh my god,” Chaeyoung sighs, her concern on everything but this public humiliation. “I knew it. I told you he got along too well with Jalapeño, remember?” 

[ NOW WITH A DRABBLE WOW!!! ]

[cutegirlmayra]

*Slurps on ice coffee* ey yo Mayra what's cracking? I need some good ole fashioned protective Sonic of Amy I̶'̶m̶ ̶b̶a̶s̶i̶c̶ ̶b̶u̶t̶ ̶I̶ ̶l̶o̶v̶e̶ ̶i̶t̶ . Maybe something like the press or newspaper attack Amy's character which upset her and Sonic defends or tries to comfort her? That'd be great thanks *Puts on shades and skateboards away*

What up, homie? How’s the skate? Don’t get home to late, my man, you know how these streets be at night. OUR TOWN. That’s what’s up! -slaps hand into yours and does a bro-hold-

You can see my response and thinking for this on the Pajama Blogs! (x) Timecode: 28:12

Referencing my fanfiction: Trying to ‘Tap’ into Love

PROMPT REQUESTS ARE ON SHUTDOWN, DO NOT SEND ANY TO ME, please and thank you ;3c

Prompt:

It was a pretty late night. I hadn’t seen Amy so upset before.

Usually, in the past, it wasn’t uncommon for Amy to come rushing to me--arms flung out and moving like a speed train with tears that sprawled into sparkling stars against the sky.

I always, usually, kinda-sorta, caught her and just let her cry it out with an awkward smile to my face.

But this time... Amy wanted to be alone.

That was weird. I first heard about it from Tails, who said that she had been reading some articles about the team and how they’ve said some pretty critiquing things about her... I’ve never really dealt with anything like that.

Joking, completely, I’ve totally had my fair share. But what about Amy? I always figured... well, she came off as pretty independently confident all on her own. I didn’t think she cared that much about what everyone thought of her.

So I was a bit concerned by Tails’s words, but I thought nothing of it. Waved it off as a momentary sadness for her, after all, this was Amy! She could bounce back from anything.

If it was really serious, I figured she would have come charging after me like before.

The stars weren’t here tonight... odd.

Sorry, where was I? Oh, yeah. The second time I heard anything a little more alarming was from Knuckles. Apparently, Amy had come to seek some solace from the unconditionally loving Chao--now this had been a solid day and half since I’ve heard about the incident of her wanting to be alone after reading some bad commentary on her--and she would shake the chao away from clinging to her.

He said he didn’t get it, cause she used to love to cuddle them and they all were really hurt by her wanting to keep her distance and just pat their heads.

Now, if anything were to set me and Knuckles off, it was that.

His face was so strained as he talked to me about it, I’ve never seen Knuckles trying to hold back so much worry and anger before. He said he tried to go over and give her a piece of his mind, but when she turned around, her eyes were vacant of anything but tears.

“It looked like she thought she had done something wrong before she even did it.” He stated, “I didn’t have the heart to continue yelling at her, so I just shooed her away, telling her to pick on someone else if she was feeling that crummy.”

“Harsh, Knuckles. Harsh.” I joked, but there was a low-key truth to what I said. “Tails said something about harsh comments on some articles she likes to read about us.” The old alter of the Master Emerald’s shrine was as stony and gravely as ever. The little pieces of chipped pebbles always grinded and dug themselves under my fur and into my skin every time I sat there, but Knuckles acted like nothing ever phased his tough skin.

I was acting kinda tough, too... to be real honest with you.

Knuckles huffed, grumbling as he picked up some berry juice he had squashed into a half-coconut  bowl and passed one over to me. “Doesn’t excuse telling a kid they can’t hold ya.” He was right... but then again...

“Maybe she just didn’t want the sympathy.” It was hard to look at it from a girl’s point of view, I didn’t quite understand what would tip her over the edge like that. Maybe they said she wasn’t pretty enough..? Ehh..?

“Girls really care about how others view them, you know?” I took a sip. It did in fact taste good, and I leaned back to let the slight acidy feel tingle against my throat as its favorable burst went down the ol’pipe. “Ahh~ That’s the spot!”

“...I don’t think you should be acting so carefree about this, Sonic.”

His sudden tone made me stop enjoying the berry sensation and look back to him, a little surprised but not by much. Knuckles always chose the direct route in any conversation, it’s what made him so easy and frustrating to talk to.

I smiled and closed my eyes, putting a foot down a step to stretch it out and sighed.

“...Yeah. I know.”

“If you know, then why don’t you do something about it!?” Knuckles, always ready to pull his voice out and speak up when he sees something he doesn’t like. “The very fact that she’s a girl means you should do somethin’ about it! Girls aren’t meant to mope about, they gotta be treated decently! Ain’t that half your job?!” ...Still, it made me like him like that. He was a good guy, and had the real makings of a hero--at least, to my standards--and a good friend at that!

“Half, huh?” I took another sip. Did everyone think me and Amy were something more..? After all these years, I hadn’t the slightest clue. Seems everyone else held a standard in their mind about it though...

“I’m serious! Aren’t you planning to do something about it?”

“Am I?” I smirked, not liking to be asked direct questions about myself. I took the coconut drink down and set it to the side, getting up and stretching my arm out in a few simple gestures. Spreading it across my chest and pulling it with my other hand, then twisting my torso right and down as I put the other arm back and used the one I’d momentarily stretched to reach sky high with it. “Boy, that feels good!”

“Grr... Sonic... if you’re making fun of this, I’ll-!” Before getting Knuckles too wound up, seeing him lift his fists again, I flicked myself in my usual--Sonic Charm~

I winked and wiggled my pointer finger, turning one leg to be slightly bent as I was about to speed off anyway.

I had heard what I wanted too, now time to do some more digging before investigating it right at it’s source.

“Don’t worry so much, Knuckles! Like I’d ever leave Amy to her own assumptions.” I still wasn’t sure what she was struggling with... but wanting to be alone and not have anyone clinging to her in affection?

Didn’t sound like Amy Rose to me.

While heading to dart off the island, I stopped by the chao and asked them what their story was.

Squatting down, I think I mustered up enough of my expertise in games to figure out their charaded play. It seems the chao could tell something was off from Amy’s usual, cheery nature. To try and help, they tried to swarm her as she usually did with endless hugs, but she delicately plucked each one off at a time and set them back down.

All she wanted was to sit, looking sadly between her arms and legs--I’m guessing the chao were trying to do the fetal upright position but their budgy bodies just can’t do it.--and pat their heads.

It made them uncomfortable to not be able to love on her, I assumed, and they continued to show me great concern as they held my arms in different places and showed me their adorable eyes.

“I get it, don’t worry, Amy’s gonna be just fine.” I smiled the best I could, but hearing... well, seeing their side of the story really... heh, opened my eyes?

Puns. Always a defense mechanism when you don’t intend to use them that way.

Something had me wanting to wait before I saw Amy again, though. Usually, that wasn’t like me, but I wanted a bigger picture.

I sped over to Cream’s and Vanilla’s, where I thought more insight might be had.

Tails had already called them, doing his own work to try and collect the pieces before directly asking Amy. We all knew Amy could be a bit... Nah, I won’t say it. But we wanted a better idea before we approached her about it.

Just safer that way...

I rubbed my head, remembering how easily one could fall into that hammer’s swing if they didn’t word things a bit more carefully, as Cream and Vanilla recounted Amy’s strange melancholy behavior, and how she wanted to seem less-

“Feminine?” That threw me for a loop, and trust me, I’ve had my fair share of running through loops.

“Well, not quite.” Vanilla was sitting on her lovely coach with Cream and Cheese sitting adjacent but slightly on her lap. She looked down at Cream who held her chin up a moment, wanting to be polite as she addressed me.

I did my best to hold a steady and kind eye-contact, but I could tell she was struggling to admit what she heard and saw.

“Miss Amy kept asking me strange questions. Like... Was she too much on something. I didn’t understand and she kept insisting I shouldn’t coddle her or lie to her. I didn’t know how to take that... I would never lie to Miss Amy! I just... didn’t understand what she wanted from me.”

It pained me to see that Amy had hurt someone from her own insecurities.

That was everything Amy stood against, and that’s when I knew this was getting out of hand.

I had let her be for a day just to see if she would either work it out on her own or come crying to me... but she hadn’t done either.

She was now hurting those close to her... and so it was time to intervene.

“Thank you for telling me that, Cream.” I purposefully spoke as tenderly as I could, “I’m sure that was hard for you. I’m very grateful you told me what happened.”

She buried herself into her mother’s chest, still hurt, and that drove a powerful fire through me.

That does it, Amy.

You don’t hurt people when you’re injured.

You come to someone stronger to help heal you if you can’t do it yourself.

At the time, I was really upset. Amy must have been polarized by the media.

They call her too traditional? Is that why she wanted to be more ‘tough’ like? Too protected? Too appeased?

Feminine... did she feel like a damsel in distress instead of our trusted friend?

I was trying to keep my head leveled, but I ended up closing my eyes during my run and letting the night’s air beat against me to try and cool myself off before finding her.

She wasn’t home, I checked the windows. No lights.

Unless she was sitting the dark, Amy always had a reading light on. She only turned every light off in her house when she was going to bed, so she could see the stars and feel like we were watching them together, no matter if we were far apart or not.

I looked to see she hadn’t any dirty dishes in the sink, and while peeking through the window, I noticed her drapes were down as well. That means she hadn’t been cooking or baking, and that she hadn’t opened the windows and pulled the drapes to let the smells carry, hoping I’d catch wind of it and invite myself in for a dinner with her.

I sped over to the city, thinking maybe she went on one of those ‘journey walks’ where she just window shops but ends up buying too many bags and waiting for me to bolt by and help her with them. She liked to think and experience things outside the home too... but I didn’t see her struggling with shopping bags anywhere.

She wasn’t watching Twinkle Park’s lights from her favorite outdoor restaurant, or purposefully losing her hat in hope’s I’d somehow see it and return it to her. She wasn’t sitting on her favorite spot with her favorite outdoor umbrella with her typical strawberry and vanilla shake and pretending she was too cold to finish it, bundling up and hoping I’d make a move and pull her closer or something.

She wasn’t in the fields where she’d pick flowers with Cream, or stare up at the clouds and reminisce about old times and stories we used to tell each other, or have her head on a bed of flowers so butterflies would come and sit on her still face as she dreamed of a future with me in it. Waiting for me to zip by and have the butterflies spread out and fly through my backdraft as the air around where I just blazed through would slowly return to a even, equilibrium.

She wasn’t anywhere I usually found her at.

I came up to my last spot I could think of. Why was this so hard? Amy could find me in a heartbeat... which... I couldn’t quite feel right now because it was fluttering dangerously like my shaky breaths.

I kept a strong look on my face, simply because I was worried my fear at not finding her would leak through and make her feel bad about being too well hidden.

I didn’t want her to feel bad... I didn’t want her to be alone for this long.

It had been the dark of the second day... I just wanted to see her. Make sure she was okay...

That anger that once fueled me was now popping in sparks of concern that made me walk around the rolling hills of Green Hill zone.

If she wasn’t here... looking for me... then I truly didn’t know where she was.

Eggman... would have been my next guess.

That, or Amy was replaced by a robot of his and was terrorizing the living daylights out of her friends!

... It was concerning. I wouldn’t worry. I couldn’t worry... Amy wasn’t a little girl anymore and hateful, spiting comments were to be expected when you live in the spotlight.

But I was just wanting to know where she was... how she was... It was starting to drive me crazy.

“Where are you... Amy?” I looked up to the sky, blank and black, and I didn’t like the omen it sent me. Like chills down my fur, the wind finally got to me. I felt the cold... empty world for the first time... realizing Amy was out in it without me.

Was she without her coat? Was she silently re-reading those awful articles?

‘Amy... Amy... Hear me... You’re not alone.’ My thoughts channeled through to my feet and I kept searching, darting here to there, scouting out east and west, north to south was like zig-zagging till every blade swayed left and right to make sure she wasn’t hiding somewhere in it’s darkened shade...

A crescent moon... not a full one. She liked the full moon.

‘Amy...’

As I ran through a rather flattened terrain of another zone, I watched to the side of me how the treelined slimmed down and the edge of the world rose up on a hill... that soon became a mountain.

Blocking my view... of any light the night could have brought to her.

She only liked the dark when she was about to sleep... it’d be too dark to really see her way home, soon.

I had confidence she knew her way home, that the world wasn’t that dangerous... but I wondered if her mind could be.

‘Amy...’ I bit down my teeth, charging forward in a streak of blue.

“AMMMMYYY!!!!”

----

As though hearing something in the distance, I raised my head and looked back over my shoulder.

Something kept telling me Sonic was looking for me... but I wondered if that was true this time.

I turned my solemn head with a sigh back to the last shred of light from the fading sun... I felt like... if I got any closer, I would feel it’s warmth envelop me completely... and I’d disappear from this world.

All these awful words in my head would cease, all this terrible feeling of not being enough, or too much, or just dull and unwanted... I wanted it all to go away.

I had cried and thought so much, self-reflected to the point of not even knowing where I was or how far I had traveled off too.

Tails said I was acting too sensitive to words that random people that didn’t even know me had said. Knuckles yelled at me when I tried to change my behavior so I wasn’t what those people had written about. Cream even got tongue-tied trying to voice her own thoughts about me... and ended up just saying something to ‘feed my ego’ as they put it.

No... Cream wouldn’t do that. Tails wouldn’t try and be so dismissive of me like they said they all are. Knuckles... Okay, Knuckles is loud and yells a lot, but he meant well..!

She groaned and let herself flop back to lay against the cold grass, still holding her arms around herself as she was getting terribly cold in her heartache.

Knuckles just didn’t like how the chao were reacting to my new behavior... it’s understandable they would have been apprehensive to me trying to love them a little less directly... But practicing my new, refined self on them didn’t seem to have any good effects...

Maybe I’m overthinking... but I just want someone to tell me... I’m alright.

She put her arms over her eyes, refusing to look up at such a dark and ugly sky tonight.

“I just-” she sniffed, feeling the hot tears break through her already stained, sticky cheeks full of her earlier dried tears again. “I just want someone to tell me I’m perfect the way I am..!”

A sound arrowed itself into a bow along the plain of where Amy was, a sound that soared through her like a sonicboom that cracked through to her heart and made her sit up, looking as though with outrageous hope towards the last lowering light of the sun’s touch...

The grassy hill behind her seemed to have made a sound like something was moving quickly across it’s tundra... like something was refusing to let her sit in the quietness to let her thoughts overwhelm and consume her.

Her thoughts could hear someone calling her name...

“Sonic..?”

She lightly whispered his name out.

Then, as though pushing her lips back to not bother him, but wanting more than anything to jump into his arms-!

“SOOONIICCC!!!”

-----

He zoomed back to the sound, his eyes raising as though elated to finally get a trace of her.

And those tears that sparkled and lit up the entire night sky with stars...

And those arms that reached out for him, as though stretching on for eternity... a never-ending yearning he always accepted, granted a little half-heartedly, but never refused.

That scene was forever imprinted on him... and he wasn’t letting Amy leave his sights till she was her usual, teasingly flirty and emotionally unbreakable, spirited and youthful self again!

[calypsoff]

Thirteen.

Staring off into the thin air, I am in stuck in the third meeting this week about my album rollout, which is great, and I am used to it but I have been meaning to see Chris now that he has moved to Texas, I promised him I would and then something comes up. Chris moved pretty quickly, he went back to Virginia and then up and left, he let his parents sell the apartment and he got the money for it, but I miss him so much. We are in April and we saw each other in February, I am annoyed. I have been in Barbados for most part but then I had to come to California, the album is done but we are trying to get the rollout of it done perfectly. I am annoyed because I like to live up to my promises and I am not, I keep saying this week, and then the week after. It’s a mess, I want us to work so much but how can I leave a man without sex and without me for all this time. It’s too long, it does worry me so much because it’s been so long “so Rihanna, what we are proposing on the dates from the forth May, seven days, seven countries, seven shows. Inclusive for fans to tour with you but also see these private shows, just fans. This is all fan based” shaking my head “I am busy on that day” I think the fuck not, that is Chris’ birthday and I will not miss his birthday for anything “album rollout is during then Rihanna what do you mean you are busy?” Jay Brown is being dead ass “it’s my boyfriend’ birthday. I need to spend time with him” Jay Brown chuckled “right, so you held off recording because of that and now this, ok fine. We can move it, sixth May?” shaking my head “start off on the tenth May, I need time to gather myself. It gives me time, gives us time. I just want him to remain a secret” they need to accept that also “give us time?” Jay Brown repeated “yes, I have not seen him for months now, well weeks or whatever. I have been here day and night doing this with you, this is my last meeting, and I am going Texas, so Tenth May or nothing!” I didn’t mean to shout but I got annoyed, the room fell awfully silent “Tenth May it is” I need to calm my ass down, but I am frustrated, I just want to see Chris so badly.

Getting into the SUV, shuffling down so Jen can get in “I wasn’t expecting the little outburst” Jen sat next to me, I sighed out “I know. Because I heard that date and I am like it’s his birthday. I cannot do that to him, imagine me being overseas and I miss his first birthday with me, he did so much for me, and I want to repay that. I feel the strain in this relationship already and it’s really upsetting me. Chris is so hard headed, I want him with me, but he won’t. I should be happy he came to New York that time, but he is stuck on being his own boss. He just moved to Texas, I promised him a week ago I would come to see it, but I haven’t, I have cancelled twice so when he said that I just switched, my bad but yeah. I just want to see him because I got to be back here to film my first single off the album” clasping my hands together “I get it, so you’re going there for how long?” she asked “just for the night, I will be back. The jet is waiting, I am dropping you off first” she cooed out “right, I get it. I don’t think Jay Brown was ready for that, but I did over hear him speak on you being in this relationship. He is shocked you both are together; they are intrigued about him to be honest because he is very much a secret. But don’t feel like it’s being strained?” shaking my head “Jen, he has moved to Texas going on a month now and I haven’t been there, it’s bad and we have had our little arguments here and there and he’s like oh you’re too busy for me, and then it’s like having phone sex sometimes just doesn’t work because I am like I want to be there. Yes I can jump on a jet and just go there but then I can’t settle because I have to be back. Maybe it’s my fault because I rushed to do another album, but I want to get out of this contract” I need to relax “it’s ok, you have a good time and see him. It will get easier for you both, I am sure of it. If you both can get through this then you will get through anything” Jen is right, let me calm down.

“Thank you for dropping me off now go and be with your man, you miss him a lot I can tell” she can tell, I am yearning for him. I have been so needy with him since my birthday ended, I just wanted to see him but he became busy with moving his things around also but he just left Virginia so quick without a care, I am so happy he did because I know he is safe “thanks Jen, I will see you soon. I will only be there for a few days, maybe two but I need to get the music video shot so I can spend time with him for his birthday. I want him to meet everyone, get in the circle. For his birthday I am taking him to a Lakers game, he likes Lakers and always has and I think that gift he will adore so much. So that is one of his surprises, but before that I want him to come to LA, before his birthday. I want him to just meet you guys, just spend time with me but I have to talk him into it, he very much likes to be a man’s man and he should do everything, but I want to spoil him to death, like spoil him a lot so I got courtside seats, which means?” Jen let out an oh “that means going public” nodding my head “which means we go public so I need to speak to him when I get to Texas and we can discuss but I don’t think he will have an issue. So that is why I want you all to see him first, like properly get to know him. So that is his gift, one of them anyways. And then Jay talking about tour, no nigga, I am busy getting dick during then” Jen and I cackled “well I am excited to meet him, and I think he will adore that gift. I will sort him out, he needs to let you spoil him. Because if he gives, maybe you both won’t have this split. He is stubborn, I can tell already. His ass could come to Cali” rolling my eyes “he is cheeky, he said oh well where do you want me to live? You don’t even have a home. I am like you are cheeky, but he is right. He went to Texas because it is cheaper, so there you are. That is Chris, but I adore him and I can’t wait to jump on him” Jen cooed out “take care baby, have fun” hugging Jen close, I cannot wait for them to meet him, they will love him.

I am very much tired, but I am glad to be on the jet going to Texas. Let me check on Chris, I did say I am coming today but you never know with him, he doesn’t believe me. Placing my phone against my ear, Rich asked if he should come and I declined. I should be ok, it’s gated, and we won’t go anywhere so it’s fine “coconut head” he answered “hey poppa” Chris snorted laughing “you like calling me that, why? I mean I know why but still” if he knows why then why ask “because you my poppa, my hard headed baby. But I am on the jet coming to you, this time I am coming” the phone line went silent “TJ! You need to get the women out of the house now” I swear I am going to kill him “code 5!?” TJ shouted in the background, I swear these boys are annoying “I am coming there, and I will sort you niggas out, I swear” I hate them “yeah bro, she is coming so get the girls out” I hate him “don’t piss me off, because you won’t like it” Chris chuckled “I am done, but you see how my niggas ride for me? We got a code 5 on you, but you really coming? Man, I ain’t shaved, my pubes are grown, why didn’t you tell before” I rolled my eyes “you didn’t believe me when I mentioned it remember?” he let out an oh “I am excited to see you” I miss his face “also that house plant better be alive when I get there, I got that gift to make your home a little more like I would be there” Chris snorted laughing “uh yeah, we call the plant code 5 too” all of them niggas at that house are annoying “I can’t wait to sort you out! I will see you soon” he gets on my nerves “call me when you get close to the place, I will wait outside the gates for you and get you in ok?” I feel all giddy now, he will be there waiting for me.

I be doing all this myself now, I get everything sorted with getting the SUV and everything like that, I don’t need anyone to do this for me because if I rely on them I would never be here “he should be at the gate” I said to my driver, I hope he is here “there, he is there” I clapped my hands, the driver stopped and put the window down “Christopher” I feel so emotional, it has been so long and it was never meant to be this long. Watching Chris walk towards the back as he opened the door, I am literally jumping off the seat right now “did you tell him to say my government?” he climbed into the SUV “oh my god” I lunged at him, wrapping my arms around his neck “I missed you so much” this is it, the water works have started. Chris snaked his arm around me “I missed you too” he grabbed my legs and picked me to sit me on his lap “you look so good, you got the red lipstick on too” he would notice that, moving my head back “and you kept your hair long, for me. I don’t care, you can look however you want, I missed so much” pecking his lips “you let me down several times” wiping his lips with my thumb, I don’t want to cover it with lipstick now.

Chris lifted the hood up on his jacket “it’s a little busy here so, let’s keep you like this” it smells like him so I don’t mind it “hopefully nobody has a Rihanna foot fetish, they we doomed. Thank you, I will take this” Chris took my carry on suitcase, Chris held onto my hand and honestly my heart skipped a beat, I just missed him looking after me. His presence around me so much, it’s nothing like facetiming. I needed him here with me, holding me like this “welcome to Houston, me and Beyonce are best friends now” he is annoying, walking into the building with him. I can’t even look up because Chris told me not too, he said it’s bust “y’all hear that? Rihanna is releasing a new album, apparently but we don’t support Rihanna here, it’s all about Beyonce” I would kick him if I could “you funny, I rate Rihanna” some guy said, Chris let go of my hand as we stopped walking. Looking up at him, we are getting the elevator “Rihanna sucks” he grinned “dick” I am just going to side eye him, I will get him back. Putting my head down as the elevator opened and people left, it is kind of busy here and I thought it was quiet.

I am so glad that I can take this hood off “you suck, I hate you” unzipping his jacket “well that is my chance to annoy you. You look so beautiful, wait. Hold your face there” looking up at him, he picked at my face “this is what happens when you cry” he blew the eyelash away “does my makeup look bad, I couldn’t help it. I have missed you like crazy and I feel bad because I didn’t come here quick enough” he shushed me “it’s cool, you’re here now so shall we. Barry and TJ are here, on their best behaviour they promise, so come in. This is the little walk way, the first door on the left is TJ’ room, I will take you to the couch you will be sleeping on” he know damn well I won’t be “come” following behind Chris, it looks nice already. Bigger than the old one, very vibrant “code 5 here?” TJ said “she is” Chris looked at me smiling as I walked into the very big open planned living area, I have seen it on facetime but it’s bigger in person. TJ’ mouth hung open as the game they were playing paused “hi” I said smiling, Barry got up from the couch “welcome to the place” he made his way to me “I get it, you see me as Rihanna” Barry laughed “uh yeah, it’s a little weird to split the Robyn from school, but it’s good seeing you” he hugged me, they will get used to it “don’t mind TJ, he has some crush on you” Barry stepped to the side “Rihanna is in my living room, you look bomb” I chuckled “you’re not being loud now huh” he shyed away, he is shy “that is cute” Barry and Chris busted out laughing “I think we need Rihanna here forever, wow” he is so quiet now.

I am most intrigued to see his bedroom, I swear if that is a mess I will be angry “so we are entering where all the sex happens, you are the third woman to enter this room” he is winking at me like I won’t kick him, walking into his bedroom “oh ok, I see you Chris” I am amazed how clean this bedroom is “oh this wall” I pointed “yeah, I am still doing it. I am doing graffiti one wall and keeping the rest white, anime characters I like and then Lakers, we got to add that in. But we getting there, got the mirror here and I been waiting on you. I got this longer mirror for when you come, you can do your thing, your makeup or whatever. I got a little spot for your clothes” he opened the door “here, it’s a closet. I got the desk with the Macbook, the box here is mock ups of the clothing brand we are doing currently, so yeah. It’s not that busy because my mind is busy so I wanted my room to be minimal. It’s busy without it being busy, if you know. This bed, it’s bomb. Brand new, I spend most of my lonely nights here because my girlfriend is too busy for me” Chris walked into me, wrapping his arms around me “I have missed you, the hugs. The love, I am only here for one night” I didn’t add that before “maybe two max” hopefully that makes it better “deadass!?” he moved back “so after all these weeks I get a few days, how does this progress? Man I ain’t had sex in so long, I ain’t had you here. I ain’t going to argue” he putting his hands up, he is not happy at all.

[beeceit]

Gotta Love the Block Button

Warnings: Discussion of RemRom, described graphic violence, referenced incest, reference of fandom drama, intrusive thoughts about incest, let me know if I need more

This is a vent fic where I project my intrusive thoughts and anger onto Remus. None of the violent thoughts that Remus expresses are things he truly wants to do, he’s just expressing his anger in the way he knows how. Gonna spare you the trouble of reading if you’re pro-remrom, this will piss you off. I don’t approve of sending hate to anybody or anything like that, but I am very much an anti-shipper and that’s how I’m writing Remus and Roman here

"Remus? It's been three days. Please, can you let me in? "

The door stayed shut.

"Remus, I swear to god. Let me in or I'm letting myself in."

Roman heard a small click.

Pushing open the door, Roman thanked every star that he actually listened to him this time. 

"Re? Where are you?"

Roman spotted a lump on the bed shaking violently.

"Oh, Remus. Come on ou-"

"Don't you dare take a step closer!"

Roman recoiled, hearing his brother's broken growl.

"Remus, look at me, please."

"Don't wanna."

Roman sighed and sat on the floor, clearing the ground below him with his foot. (What even was that? )

"Do you wanna borrow my phone? Scroll through Tumblr while you calm down?"

"Oh, trust me, that's the last thing I want."

"You know I have the unsympathetic tags blocked, Ree. There's a lot of fanders that really love you, now."

"It's not that, Ro. There's fans who love me and you. Like, together."

"Romantically?"

Remus made a face and nodded.

"Well… obviously I'm not a fan, but we can't change them. Do they tag things properly?"

"Mostly. Some of them don't tag incest cuz they don't think we're brothers."

"That's… odd. But again, we can't change them."

"I wanna hit them. I wanna punch em. I wanna tear their entrails out and make a necklace out of them! I wanna make them scream until their throats bleed! I wanna-"

"Remus! Remus, breathe, please."

Roman moved to sit on the bed and held his arms out. Remus started moving closer, then pulled back as though it burned.

"Ree, talk to me. What's this really all about? Why haven't you just blocked them and walked away?"

"I can't stop thinking about it. I know they're intrusive thoughts. I know they aren't really me, but I can't stop thinking about it! I don't wanna touch you like that, Ro! I don't wanna- wanna kiss, wanna fu- I don't!  I-"

Remus started rocking, digging his nails into his arms. 

"Remus, Remus, hey. Hey, look at me."

He whimpered and looked up.

"They're just thoughts, Ree. They're unpleasant thoughts, but they're just thoughts. You're not going to act on them. Come here, lil bro."

Remus hesitated, but slowly moved closer, falling into Roman's arms and melting into the hug.

"We're the same age, Ro."

"It made you smile, though."

"Shut up, nerd."

Roman chuckled and let him go, wiping the tears from his eyes. 

"Why don't you go get some food? Cuddle up with Dee? I'll borrow your phone and block everybody for you."

Remus sniffled and smiled. 

"Thank you, Ro."

"Of course, Remus. I love you, bro."

"I love you, too, Ro. Like a brother."

"Like a brother. Go on, Patt got some new deodorant for you. It's Schmidt lime and coconut."

"Ooo, you know I love the natural stuff."

Remus hopped up and skipped out of the room, feeling a thousand pound weight release from his shoulders. 

Thank god for the block function.

[squidgiepdx]

NurseyDex fic: Lighting Up The Skies

Filled this prompt over on CommentFic: For the comment_fic prompt: Any, any, autumn storms.

Also found over at AO3 at this link.  I hope people like it!  I’m really in over my head with these two...  

The first big storm of the school year was spectacular, producing lightning every few seconds. And even if Will couldn't see the storm raging outside, the light spilled in through the window and caused tall shadows to loom heavily across the room. Will loved storms. Not when he was out on a boat, mind you, because time out on the water in a storm was dangerous. He'd known just how dangerous it could be the first time he helped pull fellow fishers from the angry sea.

But from the safety of being inside? The only reason he hadn't dragged their bunk beds next to the window was because of an unhappy Nursey who was adamant about leaving them where they were.

There was a blinding flash of light that had to have landed somewhere nearby (Will secretly hoped it was the LAX bros house), followed by a shockingly loud roll of thunder that shook the windows. "Unplug, Nurse," he ordered as he pulled his laptop's power cable from the wall.

Another roll of thunder rattled the window, but he didn't hear Nursey stir below him. "Nurse?" he called down.

When there wasn't a response, Will leaned over the side, expecting to find Nursey on his laptop or phone, with his fancy noise-canceling headphones fitted snug over his hears. But what he found instead was Nurse, laying quite stiffly, not moving except when the thunder announced itself through the window.

"Nurse?"

Another bout of lightning and Will watched a grimace plaster on Nursey's face, followed by a shake when the thunder rolled through.

"Nurse?" he said again, except this time a little quieter as he climbed down. Nursey seemed to be in a bit of distress, and Will didn't want to add to it. "Hey," he said as he kneeled next to his roommate. "Nurse? You okay?"

"I fucking hate-" Nursey started, then shuddered just a bit as thunder seemed to roll through the entire room. "Hate this," he finally said.

Will thought back to years previous. They'd been caught in storms at the Haus many times in the past, and Nurse had handled it. Seemed apathetic, even. "What's going on that this bugs you?" he asked as he put a hand around Nursey's bicep. "Wasn't a problem in the past."

Green eyes focused on Will and seemed to almost bore right through him. "Yeah, well, I was either in the dorms by myself with a bottle of Xanax, or here with - you know - Shitty or Lardo or Rans and Holster. So I was medicated." When Will shook his head, Nursey added, "You know - the people who used to smoke weed?"

It all seemed to fit then. Everyone who smoked had graduated. Will rarely partook, so he hadn't noticed.

"You got any Xanax?" he asked.

"No," Nursey replied. "Didn't get it refilled before the semester started."

"Nurse," Will said. After squinting through another bolt of lightning and then a subsequent lengthy roll of thunder, he asked, "You want to call in a refill, and I can get it?" Even though it was late, there had to be a 24-hour pharmacy nearby.

Nursey shook his head. "Too late for that," he said, his voice quiet, defeated.

Will sighed, then let go of Nursey's bicep. "Scooch," he said, then stood up, grabbed his pillow, and then clicked off the lights. When he returned to Nursey's side and found he hadn't moved, he physically pushed him. "Scooch," he said again, and pushed Nursey until he was closer to the wall, then put down his pillow and raised the comforter to climb under.

"Dex? Wh- What are you doing?" Nursey asked. He winced as the lightning outside announced another ruckus of thunder.

"Being a nice guy," Will said.

Once he was situated under the covers, Will put an arm around Nursey's shoulder and pulled him close. Nurse ended up laying halfway on top of Will. It was a welcomed weight, even if Will was slightly uncomfortable. At least he was wearing sweatpants and hadn't kicked them off yet like he usually did before going to bed. But the thin t-shirt he wore did nothing to prevent Nursey's five o'clock shadow from scratching through the material.

They sat quietly as the storm raged outside. Nursey finally dragged one of his legs over Will's and pulled himself closer with a free hand that landed at Will's waist.

The thing was, it wasn't awkward. For all their arguing and bickering that they'd done over the first couple of years, that all seemed to have slipped away at the start of their junior year, replaced with an almost Ransom and Holster level of communication.

And then he felt Nurse against him. Not fully hard, but there was something there. If Nurse moved his knee any further across his thigh, Will would be found out as well.

So when the time stretched between them, Will took a deep breath and decided that maybe this was something else they were on the same page. He leaned down gently and first inhaled the light coconut scent of Nursey's hair, then dropped a chaste kiss on the crown of his head. "Go to sleep, Nursey," he said, then squeezed Nursey's shoulder.

Nursey was no longer shaking. Will felt it first, then saw, as Nursey raised his head. He knew he was blushing to the tips of his years, but the darkness kept that secret.

Before he could say anything, Nurse closed his eyes and closed the distance between them. His lips were smooth and tasted a bit like the vanilla chapstick that Nursey always had. And when Nursey's tongue darted out, Will tasted the toothpaste that they shared. The harsh mint flavor of the fancy mouthwash Nursey always bought. The slightly wooden taste of the pencil Nursey always chewed as he wrote.

Nursey pulled away, and Will couldn't help but chase him, stealing one last kiss before Nursey put his head back onto Will's chest and held onto him tightly. "Thank you," he whispered and then relaxed into Will's body.

And though he was hard for the rest of the night, it was the best night's sleep Will had since coming to Samwell.

[beerecordings]

A Shadow Overcast

Part 19 of My Brother’s Keeper (Part 1 l Previous l Next)

This chapter is dedicated to a dear fren. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE. hap birth my dear <333

ALSO @starlightxnightmare I have been waiting for MONTHS to tell you this but you noticed this discrepancy like FIVE CHAPTERS AGO OR SOMETHING LOL i saw your tags and i was like DAMN I’M TRANSPARENT. you asked the exact question that Chase asks in this chapter. love you you genius. enjoy.

My taglist is a separate post. You can ask to be added or removed. I am trying to make sure if it is up to date so seriously please tell me if you want to be taken off! and actually if you wouldn’t mind I would love to hear that you still want to be on the list if you are right now. I don’t know that everyone is still reading anymore and I don’t want to be bugging you!

Anyway. Chapter.

Marvin’s house is full of nightmares, and the magician himself is not there to enchant his brothers to safer sleep. Together, the four of them are shadowed and haunted, fighting and falling, losing grips to cling to with every day that passes.

Jameson Jackson has always dreamed vividly.

He is not the only one.

Blood and the silver gleam of a knife become chemicals at the nape of the brain stem, and Henrik dreams.

He's been taken out of his little prison cell. His handcuffs were removed, the blood was wiped from his cheeks, and careful hands made swaddling of white bandages around his torn flesh and tired ribs. The bone of his left wrist protrudes from his skin, broken in a single motion by Anti's hands not two days before, but it, like everything else in the world, has ceased to hurt him.

Warm is the darkness, gone the cold light.

“Isn't this easier?” asks Anti, not angry, or cold, or even condescending. His voice has the same tone as the night sky, when the stars have escaped from the light and stand singing in the shadow of infinity. “Don't you want to stay with me?”

Henrik is entranced.

Henrik is lost, is found, is lying, exhausted, on Anti's chest, his bruised eyes closed and his mouth, blue as heliotrope, still and silent. He manages a slow nod. Tears leave dark wet patches on Anti's soft black shirt. The demon strokes his hair.

“Yeah, this is better,” Anti hums, burrowing closer to him under the covers of the bed and letting his chin rest on top of Henrik's head.

The doctor's flayed hands reach out to wrap around him, clutching at his sides, at his back, at his thin sharp spine, at his warmth. He is dazed, exhausted, collapsing, in love; he is consumed and adoring, and yes, Anti is right – this is better, this is easier, so much better, so much easier! The warmth is becoming heat and he is shaking, panting, weeping, ill, and for a second something bright and painful explodes through his awareness and he whimpers, but Anti is here to soothe it away with the same hands that have tortured him, tortured him, tortured him –

He wakes up.

Tears cling to his dark eyelashes. The moon has slid in beneath the blinds of his window, coating his blue blankets in recycled sunlight. There's something very warm wrapped around his waist.

Check that. Someone.

Jameson shivers in his sleep, clinging tight to Henrik's shirt and breathing low and slow against his shoulder. For a second, Henrik is repulsed so strongly that he gags, but his disgust is not directed at his little brother.

So fucking pathetic, his brain tells itself. So fucking pathetic. Still craving Anti?

He'd been in recovery, before Anti took him again. He'd been doing alright. He'd forgotten it was possible to hate himself this much – to hate himself so much it makes his chest burn and his heart stutter and his fingers curl up with a desperation that he can't even express in words.

He's sobbing, sobbing like his heart is broken, but he'll be damned if he wakes up his little brother, his little brother who trusts him and only him, his little brother who comes to him weeping and curls up in his arms like he isn't afraid or disgusted by him, who loves him in the simplest and most pure way, a way he doesn't deserve; no, he won't wake Jameson up. He won't wake Jameson up. He'll get up and have something to calm him down, and then he'll come back to bed before the cold wakes jumpy JJ up.

Inch by inch, wiping furiously at the tears in his eyes, Henrik slips out of his bed and limps to his drawer, pulling out his medicine.

“Two tablets before sleep,” prescribes the bottle helpfully. “Do not take more than six tablets in twenty-four hours.”

Henrik pours two pills into his hand and pops them both in his mouth together, swallowing them dry and pausing to breathe afterwards. He turns, for a moment, to glance at his friend. The moon colors an old cut at the bottom of Jameson's throat white and makes his dark bruises, still stagnant after a week of recovery, seem to glow through the cold night light.

How am I supposed to convince the little one that Anti is dangerous when I can't even convince myself? How am I supposed to keep him with me when Anti has that kind of power to offer and I have nothing? How long will he be here with me before Anti steals us both away again? If only he had never been taken. If only I had never been taken. If only I had never been created. God, God! Do I have to live through this shame again?

Death feels close and tastes like a sleeping tablet.

He takes a third pill.

Crawling back into bed, Jameson shifts and curls, digging his chin into his shoulder, and Henrik, breathing in the sweet coconut smell his little brother has adopted, goes back to sleep.

Marvin's house is the only place in the world he and his family are safe. It is no longer a comforting thought. He is tired.

Henrik von Schneeplestein has long been haunted.

He is not the only one.

“Where are you?” whispers Jackie, clutching at the torn remnants of a red cape. “Where are you? Please come home.”

The wind whips loud around him, striking blows against his flesh and tearing at his hair. He grits his teeth against the cutting air and steps forward, forward, farther along the beam of the crane.

Brighton is beautiful 100 meters in the air.

“Where are you?” he screams. “Where, where, where? Don't tell me you're gone, I can't take it! Please, please, come home!”

His boots slip against the metal of the beam, but he gasps and sways and steadies again, inching closer, closer to the edge.

He can't fly.

His body is so fucking shattered, he's so fucking weak, and his little brother will not be there to catch him, will not douse him in blue light and grab his hand, laughing as they rise together, twins and friends and brothers, hallowed by the moon while Jackie fills up with his own homemade sunshine, a hero, a star –

“Focus!” shouts Marvin, and Jackie lets out a scream as he finds his brother all too suddenly before him, his long hair blown wildly about by the wind. He hovers above him like a specter, glorious and beautiful and angrier than Jackie's ever seen him, teeth gritted. “Focus, Astrifer!”

“On what?” he demands, bewildered and terrified, retreating away from this ghost in the air before him, but Marvin follows without hesitation, setting his feet down on the beam of the crane and reaching out a white hand.

“I love you!” he cries. “But I need you to stop crying out! I need you to watch over them!”

“What are you talking about?” gasps Jackie. The wind drags tears from his eyes. “Where are you, please, tell me you're alive, come home, I can't bear this – ”

“Bear it,” says Marvin.

A dream of Marvin, anyway. Jackie's Marvin was never so cold.

“Bear it, protect them. There is all of time and no time at all.”

His hand points back towards the body of the crane. Panting like his heart will give out, Jackie turns his eyes away from Marvin and back towards the darkness.

“S-Seán?” he stammers, catching sight of a silhouette in the darkness.

And there, holding his creator over the edge of a crane tall enough to build skyscrapers, sits Jameson Jackson, staring back at him, one eye blue and one eyes black.

“Enemy or brother?” cries Marvin, over the howling of the wind, terrible and oppressive and endless, a constant, constant, constant enemy cutting close on every side.

“I don't know!” shouts Jackie. “I'm scared!”

“Choose,” answers Marvin. “It is Anti who taught you fear and you must be courageous again, or what you have left will not be yours for much longer.”

Jackie screams, falling to his knees, clinging to the beam beneath his feet. Somewhere far away, he thinks he can hear Chase and Henrik crying out in answer, but in the darkness he can catch no glimpse of them.

“Go back to them,” says Marvin, stepping away.

“Wait,” cries Jackie. “Wait, please.”

“Please, stop begging for me.”

“Why can't I go with you?” he howls. “Why won't you come home?”

Marvin calls an answer, but Jackie is no longer listening. He staggers back to his feet and turns away from Seán and Jameson, moving towards the end of the beam again, trembling and elated, terrified and desperate.

“I want to go with you,” he shouts, and he sees Marvin's mouth move in the shape of his name, and then he has reached the end of the crane and his foot reaches out over nothingness and still he is stepping towards him.

The fire alarm erupts into shrieking and Jackie comes awake screaming and covered in tears, shaking with fever and bleeding from the mouth. Falling, he had bitten his tongue hard enough for the blood to come.

He scrambles out of bed, covering his ears against the crying of the fire alarm, and groans as his chest and back light up with fire. Pausing, he tumbles against the bulletin boards on his wall, strings and pushpins holding together theories and clues, only to find himself staring at his missing persons board, not yet up to date, where Marvin and Jameson's screenshot faces smile back at him from the days when they were both healthy and whole and his.

And he is just the coward who could not save them, coated in a hundred scars and deserving of every one of them, crying so hard he cannot breathe, while his brothers are fighting fire in the next room over.

“You're drunk.”

“Shhh,” pleads Chase, as if Jameson's signing were a shout. “Shhh, I'm not, I'm not, don't say that – ”

“I can tell from the way you move.” Jameson ducks away from his soothing hands, vaguely irritated. “And you would never burn the sausage sober.”

The fire alarm has shut up, but only because they took the batteries out. The whole room is full of smoke. The sausage is very burned. Chase is drunk.

“Cut me some slack, Jamie, I've been having bad dreams and I just needed a break from them. Lately I feel like – ”

“Are you drunk?”

Chase startles to see Henrik appeared halfway down the staircase, glaring across the room.

“N-no,” he answers, grinning flimsily. “Just, uh. Fucked up the sausage. Sorry for setting off the alarm.”

“Jamie,” says Henrik, frowning at him. “Is he drunk?”

Jameson glances between the two of them, considering. Survival is a game and even small decisions like this should be carefully weighed out.

He doesn't want to stress Schneep out, he decides. It's upsetting for the whole house, himself included.

“Don't think so,” he tells Henrik, relaxing against the kitchen counter and grinning. “Just a klutz.”

Henrik stares down at them for a long moment.

“I'm going back to bed,” he grumbles, retreating back up the stairs.

“Thanks, Jay,”  sighs Chase, only feeling a little guilty. Better than getting caught, right?

“Why do you get drunk?”

“Shit, I don't know, cause I'm a fucking moron?” He sighs deep and rubs at his face, opening the door to air out some of the smoke he's created. “It helps me sleep, I guess. Been having bad dreams. And I just – I don't know, kind of anxious lately. You and Schneep are back but... no one else.”

Jameson blinks. Maybe he's just talking about Jack being asleep, but some part of him understands that that's not who he means.

A sixth brother.

Anti only ever spoke about him when he was in what Jameson considered a gentle mood. While the mask might be discussed over a good beating or a pool of blood, the cat was a bedtime horror story, a being whispered of when Anti's arms were around his stomach, his warnings more genuine than his affection.

“Why do they call him a magician?” asked Jameson once, his mouth trembling. “What can he do?”

“Everything,” Anti answered in a whisper. “I don't know the full extent of it.”

“I don't know” was no common phrase in their house.

“I don't know enough to be sure. And so you must assume, my little heart, that the answer is 'everything.'”

Anti leaned in close and kissed his cheek, and when he drew away, there was no one in the world who would have said the softness in his gaze was false.

“Be careful,” murmured Anti, touching his cheek. “If he ever finds a way past me, he will kill you, Dapper. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Anti.”

He buried his face in his brother's shoulder, stroking the hair at the back of his neck, trying to offer comfort.

“I understand.”

“Good boy.”

“C-H?” he asks now, turning up his gaze, still not sure what to name his brother. “I want to ask you something.”

“Okay, shoot.”

“Where's the cat?”

Down the hall, there is an empty room that still smells of incense and flowers.

“Oh!” Chase grins, turning to him with bright eyes. “You saw him wandering around, huh?”

So he is here! Jameson has been wondering all week where he lives, why he isn't with the others, what happened to him. He sits up straight in his seat, calculating quickly about the danger he might be in. Chase wouldn't let him get hurt, right? Anti warned him about Jackie, too, but Chase and Henrik have kept him safe so far.

“You want to meet him?”

“Is he... friendly?”

“Yeah, super friendly! That one is, anyway. Come on, let's go try to find him.”

“What – outside?”

“Yeah, he spends most of his time outside.”

Jameson's eyes widen. “You'll come outside with me?”

Chase laughs. “I swear you're like a dog when it comes to going on walks. You're a wild man, Jays. Yeah, let's go outside! Fresh air'll probably do my dumb ass some good.”

Jameson's face splits in a wide grin. For a second, he is little different from the man in the video last Halloween, bright and delighted, energetic and expressive, and it makes Chase laugh aloud, instantly cheered. Bolstered by his delight, Jameson jumps down from the kitchen stool and darts to the back door, yanking it open, finding it unlocked, and leaping into the snow.

“Dude!” Chase protests, but he's only laughing harder. “Shoes, you complete pantaloon! Shit, and a coat – can you wait two goddamn seconds?”

Jameson grins and steps down from a wood porch as Chase runs off to get him something to wear. Beneath the slushy spring-touched snow he can feel soft dead grass, and the air cuts like something cleaner and more beautiful than even the blade of a fresh knife across his skin and through his downy hair. Breathing in deep, he propels himself forward and leaps, cartwheeling across the white landscape, picking up snow and tossing it in the air, freed as Anti used to free him.

Days when he was allowed outside were his favorite days. They lived far from civilization – the closest highway was some miles away, not that he knew which direction – and what had once been farmland had become mires of old wheat fields and copses of heavy peaceful trees. The cold rarely stopped him, but then again there were days where he had feared it, like the day the door to the house had accidentally locked and he was stuck outside for hours, weeping as he froze, knocking and pounding for Anti to come save him, his fingers turning white, and then red, and then purple...

He still loved going outside, though. He just never thought anybody would want to come with him. He's not really worth spending time around.

“Here you go,” Chase says, coming up beside him and taking his hands in his own, shoving a pair of soft mittens over his fingers. Jameson blinks up at him, warmed.

“And the coat,” Chase adds, helping him stick his arms into it. Jameson pulls it tight around him and drags the fabric up to his nose, shivering and sighing contentedly into the warmth.

“Here, put my boots on too. We'll have to get you some clothes of your own soon! Maybe next week we can go, if Schneep's feeling safe about it.”

“New clothes for me?”

“Yeah, of course. And anything else you need. I think we could start making that spare room your room, you know? We'll get some decorations or books or something.”

Jameson stares up at him, tugging the second boot onto his foot.

“Everything okay?” asks Chase, frowning. He's wrapped up in a coat and a beanie, wet snow soaking into his sneakers.

Jameson swallows hard, a tsunami of guilt and shame, love and gratitude, uncertainty and caution welling up in his throat.

He wants to keep you, says something in the back of his head. He doesn't plan to throw you out at all. And you're just planning to leave.

Well, answers a darker, angrier part of him, the part of him that wants to tell Chase to fuck off and to run away into the forest and finds his way back to – to what? What's waiting for him? Anti told me the same, that he meant to keep me. That's why we're here. People lie, Jameson.

Chase slings an arm around him and JJ jumps. “Sorry,” Chase chuckles. “I'll warn you next time. Is this okay?”

Jameson reaches up to touch the hand set on his shoulder, turning his head to look into Chase's eyes. The weight of Chase's arm is the best kind of heaviness. He isn't afraid to touch him at all, and only a week ago Jameson had him at gunpoint, glaring down at him with hatred in his eyes.

He always loved Anti, but he would never have called him “good.” Even in his earliest days, he was cognizant of the reality that there was a great cruelty in his brother, and he saw very little goodness in Anti, in the house, in the world around him.

He thinks Chase is probably what goodness looks like.

“Yes,” he knocks. “It's okay.”

For a second, Chase smiles at him so soft that Jameson thinks he's probably what happiness looks like too.

“Sweet!” he says, squeezing his shoulder. “Let's go find that cat, man!”

Chase shoots Henrik a text to tell him they'll be out for a while and they set off into the forest, Jameson still hugged under his brother's arm. Chase can tell he's enjoying himself from the brightness of his eyes and the energy of his step as he wanders beside him, his gaze following the swift brown birds through the sky and the dripping of water from the the dark branches of the trees.

And Athanasius doesn't make himself hard to find. They've only been walking for about twenty minutes when he appears.

“Meow!” he greets them, sprinting up to Chase's side, pressing his head up against his calves, yowling noisily. He's a loud-mouthed cat and always has been. Chase always loved that. He laughs and scoops the little grey cat into his arms, scratching enthusiastically at his ears.

“Hey there, good boy,” he grins, pushing their foreheads together. “How you living, buddy? Ate the last of my fish yesterday, you know. I'll get you more, don't worry.”

He turns around with the cat in his arms, expecting a smile or maybe some tentative attempts to pet him from his little brother, but Jameson just looks confused.

Bewildered, really.

“Um, you good?” he asks, laughing uncertainly.

Jameson stares at Athanasius. “That's... the cat?”

“Yeah?” frowns Chase, double-checking the sign for cat in his head. “Oh! Maybe you were expecting Queenie, huh? You've seen her around, have you? This is Athanasius. Don't ask me why Marvin named him that. He told me once, but it was something about immortality and magic and names he found funny – anyway, this is the cat.”

Jameson bursts into laughter.

“What?” stammers Chase, taking his turn at complete confusion. “What's so funny? Jameson?”

“Holy shit,” says Jameson. He never takes the time to sign curse words, but this – holy fuck. “Anti used to tell me all these stories about how dangerous he is and what a threat and a monster and then you tell me we're going to meet him and you turn around holding – ”

He doubles in on himself, his chest shaking hard. Chase can't help but join him in laughter, setting Athanasius down. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“The cat,” Jameson repeats, as if it's obvious, and very funny to boot. “The cat – what was that name you just said? I didn't know his name, the three of you don't talk about him. The magician.”

Chase stills, staring. Athanasius sits down beside him, his head tilted up at Jameson. In the trees, the birds have fallen into respectful silence.

Like a vigil.

“Marvin?” whispers Chase.

His voice breaks down the middle of the word. Jameson stops laughing.

“Yes,” he says softly. “That name. Are you okay?”

“I,” says Chase.

Marvin. Marvin. Marvin.

“I'm fine,” he whispers.

Anti used to tell him stories.

Used to tell him he was dangerous.

Used to call him a threat.

“Anti warned you about him?”

Chase can taste his heart in his mouth. It is difficult to breathe. A euphoria is beginning in his chest.

“Anti warned you about Marvin?”

Jameson stares at him. Looks down at his hands.

Knocks “yes,” gently.

“Yes, he warned me.”

Chase wonders that the whole forest does not sing. His heart does.

“Alive!” he screams, so loudly even Athanasius goes scrambling away from him, and then he takes off at a sprint back the way they came, towards Jackie and Henrik and the house their brother gave him, their Marvin, the cat, the magician. “Alive, alive, alive!”

He's been wondering so long.

“Jackie!” he cries, bursting into the house through the back door, panting hard. Is he really so out of shape? Fuck it, it doesn't matter. Nothing matters but this. He darts down the hallway, showing up in Jackie's open doorway looking like a wild thing, bright-eyed with tears.

He’s been wondering where his big brother is for so, so long.

“What the hell?” demands Jackie weakly, trying to sit up straight in his chair. “Chase, chill.”

He couldn't go back to sleep after the fire alarm. He's just been sitting here, thinking.

Are you really gone? reads a sticky note on one of his bulletin boards, stuck next to a polaroid of Marvin's face, smiling as he holds up a shut-eyed silver kitten, healthy and safe, happy, unharmed...

“Jackie.” Chase draws his attention back. “Jackie, Marvin's alive.”

He feels so many things at once he feels nothing at all.

“Chase,” he whispers, turning away again.

“I mean it! Jameson said so!”

“Jameson – no, he didn't. Or if he did... Look – just – come on, man, don't do this to me, I'm exhausted.”

“He told me Anti warned him about Marvin. That he told him he was dangerous. He wanted to meet him! Look, Jackie, I know how long we've searched. I know how long you tried to find him. And I know it doesn't look good, with all that blood that was on the floor where he was – and his broken mask – and the hand Anti cut off – and I know it's weird that Jameson and Schneep have never seen Marvin in captivity with them, like it seems like Anti would have kept them all together or at least nearby, but – ”

Jackie buries his face in his hands, trying to breathe. He can't handle this right now. He can't handle this ever.

“But Jameson said so and why would he lie?”

“I can think of a lot of reasons, actually,” gripes out Jackie. “Upsetting us, for one. Or Anti told him to. What if he's trying to lead us out of the house? Bet he'll tell you a location next. 'You can find Marvin here!' And then we all get caught by Anti.”

“You don't mean that.”

“Pretty sure I do. Let's not do this now, Chase.”

“Jackie, listen!” Chase moves to his side, gripping the back of his chair and spinning him around so that they stand side by side, but his brother still fails to meet his eyes. “Jameson asked me where he was. He doesn't think Marvin's dead. Don't you think Anti would have told him if he had killed Marv? Why would Anti warn him about him if he was gone? I bet he would be crowing it from the rooftops if he had managed to kill our Marvin. He would have told Jameson.”

“Chase,” says Jackie, just quietly, his nails digging into the end of his arm rests. “Jameson also didn't know that Jack was in a coma. I heard Henrik explaining it to him two days ago.”

“He knew Jack was in hospital. And asleep. I think that counts.”

“Didn't know my name or Marvin's, never once used the word coma – and there's a sign for it, one he knows, I checked – doesn't even know that Anti's had two attempts on Jack's life. Or that I've been fucking crippled since the day Anti beat me. How's that for something Anti should have been crowing from the rooftops?”

Chase pauses and licks his lips, rocking back on his heels. “Okay, fine,” he concedes. “That's weird, but it still doesn't make sense for Anti to not have told... well, yeah, I would think he would have told him that Jack was in a coma and Marvin was dead, but...”

Jackie runs his hands over his face. “Anti didn't tell the little man much, okay? It doesn't mean anything. I'm sorry, I wish it did – trust me, I fucking wish it meant anything. But it just... doesn't.”

There's a lump somewhere low in Chase's throat. “Why are you so determined to say it isn't true? Don't you want Marvin to be alive? You've given up on him.”

Jackie's on his feet so fast Chase nearly tumbles backwards, but his brother grabs him by the collar of his shirt and yanks him close, so Chase can't miss the fury in his eyes. The lights are brighter than they were a moment ago. For a second, Chase stares right back at Jackie, his mouth drawn in a snarl, but then his will breaks and tears spark in his blue eyes.

Jackie softens, regret replacing rage. He lets Chase go and sinks back down, slowly, into his chair. He curls in on himself, his chest aching and his heart beating too fast. He looks old. He looks small. The lights have gone dark again and everything is still.

“Chaser,” Jackie croaks. “Will you please go get Henrik? Anti told me something and I think it's time you both heard.”

“What?”

“Please go get Henrik.”

“Where's Marvin?”

“Go get Henrik. Go get Henrik.”

Chase obeys. Henrik comes. And Jackie, in a voice as small as a star-speck and as shaky as a knife-wound, tells them what Anti said.

Jameson has heard screaming many times – screams of anger, of pain, of fury, of fear. Screams of grief, as he finds out that day, are the most horrible of them all.

[uas-fics]

Title: The Messy Room Stressor

Summary: Token thought he would have his Saturday all to himself, until he is recruited by Tweek to help Tweek pick up his room, anyway.

Rating: G

Ships: Gen

Other: For @tweekweek day one Relaxation.

Read on Ao3

—-

A Saturday where Token made it to ten AM without a call from his friends usually meant the day was his for the taking and he could do whatever he wanted. He could play video games, catch up on a new show, read the growing pile of books his dad keeps bringing home for him, go to the zoo — the possibilities were endless!

As Token started to narrow his choices down in his head, a knock came from the door. He frowned. Were Mom and Dad expecting anyone? They hadn't told him. The guard wouldn't let just anyone past the gate, either. 

Shrugging, Token jumped off the couch. The knocking grew frantic as he neared the door. 

"I'm coming. I'm coming,” he muttered. "Hello?" 

Tweek nearly jumped out of his shoes. "Token! I need you!" He grabbed Token by the wrist. "Come on, come on!"

Token dug his bare heels into the carpet, but even that didn't stop Tweek from dragging him down the front walk towards the gate.

"Tweek, dude, stop!" His hand shot out to grab a low hanging tree branch and yanked them both to a stop. "What's wrong?"

Tweek danced nervously from foot to foot, chewing on his lower lip and wringing his hands in his shirt. His hair went out in more chaotic directions than usual and a third of his buttons were messed up.

Tweek hadn't been this stressed out since well before he and Craig started dating.

"I need help, and it can only be you." He pulled at the bandaid across the top of his hand. 

"What do you need help with?" Token asked.

"My room," Tweek squawked. "I need help organizing it. I tried to do it by myself and I can't. You don't need to help me pick up, just, like, sit with me in there and don't let me stop cleaning until it's done. Please, Token?"

Token folded his arms and tilted his head. "That sounds like something anyone can do. Why do you need me?"

"Everyone else is too distracting! Clyde ends up talking about something fun and I stop wanting to clean to play and Jimmy makes me laugh too much and Craig..." Tweek shook his head. "It has to be you. You’re the most mature and responsible. Please, Token? I'll give you a free hot chocolate—and a muffin—at Tweak Bro's next time you come in."

Token hummed in thought, stroking his chin. He could make hot chocolate any time he wanted at home, and using much higher quality ingredients than Tweak Bro's could afford, but Tweek was his friend. It wouldn’t be right to leave him hanging like that.  Besides, what else did he have to do today anyway?

"Alright, I'll help, but first," He lifted up his foot and wiggled his bare toes, "can I get some socks on?"

---

Token did not try to hide his cringe at the state of Tweek's room. 

It wasn't just a mess. It was chaos.

 It looked like a tornado came through and took everything from the drawers and threw it around. Shirts and pants hung off the back of his desk chair. A tower of coffee cups sat on the windowsill. Toys were piled in heaps along the walls and corners. The only clean path led from the door to the bed and to the birdcage in the corner.

Tweek's bird, Polly, flapped around, contributing loose feathers and birdseed to the mess.

"Polly is more stressed about the mess than I am," Tweek laughed. He puttered out when Token didn't join in. "Um, you can sit on the bed while I work. Don't let me stop, ok?"

Token nodded and carefully picked his way to the bed. When he sat, something moved. Gasping, Token jumped to his feet and spun around. With a shaking hand, he lifted up the mattress. A little man with a beard and cone-shaped hat popped out from between the mattress and box spring.

He panted, holding his chest. "Thank God! Freedom!" He cried out in a squeaky voice. "I thought I was lost forever in this room. Thanks, kid." He waved at Token.

The little man  walked along the bed frame to the head of the bed then jumped down. As he fell, he threw a powder up from his hand and shrunk even smaller before disappearing behind the nightstand.

Mouth hanging open, Token turned to Tweek to make sure he hadn't imagined that, but Tweek had his back to him near the desk. He started setting papers and lego bricks on his desktop, muttering to himself.

Shaking his head, Token carefully crawled onto the bed. This time, nothing moved. Not trusting that Tweek didn't have a real-life monster under his bed, he pulled his feet up. Tweek would probably wash his bedding when he was done, so it didn't matter if he put his shoes on the blanket.

After watching Tweek clear a pile from his floor, Token asked, "Hey, Tweek? Want me to play some music?" He held up his phone. "I'll let you pick."

Tweek twisted around. "No, no, not a good idea. It'll be distracting! I might start to sing and dance and I won't finish. Sorry. I think I have some headphones on my windowsill. You can use them if you want."

Token nodded and rolled over to his hands and knees to crawl across the bed to the window. Tangled up in the cord for the blinds was a pair of headphones. They were missing an earpiece and a bare patch in the plastic exposed the wires.

Better than nothing, he supposed. When he reached over to untangle the headphones, a rancid smell hit his nose. He recoiled with a gag. 

Polly flapped loudly around his cage at Token's reaction. 

Token craned his neck to look at the source of the smell. White and green mold grew on the coffee left in the top cup of the highest tower. 

Inside the top cup of the second-highest tower, the contents had all evaporated, leaving a thick, brown sludge caked to the inside. In the final towers, top cup was something black that Token couldn't identify. 

When he went to pick up the cup for a better look, a swarm of tiny gnats burst out. Despite his best efforts, some of the gnats went up his nose and in his mouth. Token coughed but ended up swallowing some of them anyway.

He shuddered, feeling disgusted, before taking a look inside the cup. 

Now that the infestation had gone, Token's best guess at the contents were old ravioli. The mini kind of ravioli from a can, like Craig's mom, made sometimes when he went for a sleepover. But Craig's mom never served it in a coffee cup. Did Tweek run out of clean bowls? 

Token's stomach twisted. Once Tweek's room was spick and span, he was going to make him sign a blood oath to never ever bring ravioli into his room again.

"Tweek, when was the last time you took these cups out?" Token asked, setting the ravioli cup down. The moment he did, the gnats returned to congregate on the old pasta.

 Tweek's head snapped up. He scrambled to his feet.

"Shit! Cups! Cups! I forgot. I was going to take those out yesterday." Tweek nearly tripped as he raced to the bed. "Hand them to me. Mom's been looking for them all week. We're out of clean cups and have to drink out of paper cups from the shop."

"Ooooo-kay, then," He muttered, carefully grabbing the top and bottom cups of the tallest tower. He passed off the tower to Tweek before reaching for the next one.

"I'll help." He offered.

"No! It's my room. I have to clean it all myself." Tweek spun around. He took two steps, then tripped. The cups, luckily, landed in a pile of stuffed animals and didn’t break. The moldy coffee and assorted sludges spilled on the fake fur.

Tweek put his hands to his hair and let out a scream of frustration. "Nooo! This isn't fair! Why can't I do this?"

Token scooted to the edge of the bed then slipped off to his knees. He moved over and set a hand on Tweek's shoulder.

"Are you doing alright, man?" Token asked. Tweek turned towards him with his lip quivering.

"No, I'm not." He swallowed a sob. "I'm stressed as all hell and I know it's because I let my room get this bad when I shouldn’t have. It's all my fault and everything is terrible, and I hate it!"

Token looked around the room again. His eyes lingered at the spot Tweek was working before he called him over. The pile wasn't in anyway organized, just relocated from the floor to the desk. 

"It's not that bad," Token lied. "If you let me help, I'm sure we can fix it."

"It's my fault. I need to do it myself." Tweek sniffled, wiping his nose on his sleeve. 

"Why?" Token dropped his hand to his lap. 

"Because...you know!" Tweek waved his hands out. "Just because!"

"That's a dumb reason." Token gathered the coffee cups and stacked them into two towers. "You have friends so when you mess up you can get help from them, Tweek." 

Tweek tried to argue, but Token held up his hand to cover his mouth. 

"I'm helping you clean your room," he told him sternly, falling into his Mom Friend voice. "No ifs, no buts, no coconuts, got it?"  

He didn't particularly care to be seen as the ‘Mom Friend,’ but he had to admit it had its advantages in times like this. Tweek wouldn't argue with him now.

Tweek sighed against his palm but nodded anyway. Token bobbed his head back and handed Tweek half the cups.  

"Alright, I think we should get all these cups out of your room first, then take your stuffed animals down to wash. After that, we'll make a game plan for the rest of the room." He smiled. "Sound good to you?"

Hopefully, he sounded knowledgeable enough that Tweek wouldn't worry. In reality, Token didn’t know more than the bare minimum how to clean his own room. His family had a cleaning lady who showed up once a week to pick up the slack, after all. He never bothered to learn more, but Token was sure he could handle it.

Tweek carefully stood, holding the cups tightly to his chest. He took a breath then returned Token's smile.

"That sounds great. Thanks, Token."

---

Once he had a plan, Tweek barely needed Token's help at all. After taking all the window cups, along with a plate Token accidentally kicked from under a half-empty bag of birdseed, down to the sink, the two gathered up the soiled stuffed animals and took them to the washing machine where Token learned that, apparently, stuffed animals should be washed in pillowcases. 

Token laughed and tried to play it off that he was testing Tweek about washing machine practices, but he was pretty sure Tweek didn’t believe him.

When they returned to Tweek's room, Token took a pad of paper and a pen from the pile on his desk. The pen was a Red Racer themed pen with multiple kinds of colored ink, which Token thought might have actually been Craig's, but didn't point it out. Nichole took his jackets and pens all the time too. It just came with the territory of dating. Everything belongs to each other.

With Tweek's help, he made a list of everything they needed to pick up. Then they went to picking everything from that category up in the room. All the clothes first, then the dishes and so on. 

All the clothes were agreed to be dirty. Tweek and Token took four trips to take them all down to the washer. By that time, the stuffed animals were finished so Tweek could start a new load. 

His room already looked much cleaner with the clothes picked up, so it was easy to find all the dishes and take them to the sink. The toys they piled on to Tweek's bed and started putting every toy where it needed to go, in the closet or on the shelves or toy chest.

Then they repeated the process with everything else on the floor.

While working at organizing the toys, Tweek had fully taken over cleaning duties, so Token sat in the desk chair and watched. He could practically see the waves of stress fall off of his friend as he organized his room. 

"Hey, Tweek," Token asked, leaning back in the chair, "Can I ask you a question?"

Tweek stood on his tiptoes to throw an action figure to the top shelf of his closet. Falling to the flats of his feet he replied, "Sure. What?"

"Why didn't you get Craig to help you? He's the most organized of all of us. His room is the cleanest, and he likes to pick up messes — because he's a weirdo like that." Token idly drew a circle on the pad of paper in red ink. He clicked the pen to green and drew another circle inside the first.

Tweek sighed as he picked up a board game. "It's because, um, I don't like how Craig cleans."

"What?" Token dropped the pen. He stared at Tweek in confusion.

Tweek shook his head. "He tried to make my room like his, and I don't like it. My legos and blocks stay in the box by my desk so I can grab them easily when I'm playing, not under my bed. I keep my favorite books inside my nightstand's drawer so I can read them before going to sleep. Craig has all his books on his bookshelf near the door. He has all his underwear in the bottom drawer with his socks. The gnomes took all my underpants, so I don't even have any to wear anymore! How Craig keeps his room drives me bonkers."

Tweek shoved the board game under his bed with the others. "That's why my room got so bad this time. I had to take everything out to find what I needed since nothing was where I keep it."

"So this was Craig's fault." Token chuckled, picking the pen back up.

"Kinda?" Tweek picked up a rope with colorful wooden beads and a little silver bell on it. As he walked to Polly's cage he went on, "Don't tell him though. He'll get moody if he thinks I'm mad at him."

Polly squawked excitedly as Tweek hung the toy up in the cage. The bird instantly landed next to the toy to ring the bell.

"I won't," Token promised. He jumped to feet then picked up some lego men attached to a long flat brick. He held them up before asking, "These go in the box by your desk, right?"

---

Tweek fell back on his naked bed. The sheets and bedding, the last bit of laundry he and Token washed, were still in the dryer. Token folded the last shirt and set it in the top drawer of Tweek's dresser.

Once he shut it, the room was done--save for the bed, of course.

Token looked around with his hands on his hips and nodded. "We make a good team, Tweek."

Tweek pushed himself up on his elbows. "We do. Thank you again, Token. I'm feeling so much better now without all the clutter stressing me out."

Token flopped down beside him. "No problem, dude. This was kind of fun, actually." He quickly added, "Don't make a habit of it, though."

Tweek laughed and nodded. He rolled over to look at the alarm clock on his nightstand raised his head. 

"Do you wanna have a sleepover?" He asked. "Mom and Dad should be home by now, so we can go ask."

Token hummed and looked out the window. There was plenty of light for him to run home and pick up his PJs and a change of clothes.

He jumped to his feet then spun around with a grin. "Of course, but on one condition."

Tweek scooted off the bed as he asked, "What?"

"You promise me on your life, that you'll never bring ravioli into your room again."

---

AN: Cleaning up and opening up my living space actually really helps when my anxiety is through the roof. Less clutter, less to worry about. There is probably a scientific reason behind it somewhere.

[ravenclawshavemorefun]

Monstre Aux Yeux Verts 《a miraculous ladybug fanfiction》 chapter 3

Adrian jumps out of the tree as Nino comes near. "Come on, we're gonna lose them!"

"I can't go, bro, Alya's getting suspicious." Nino stuffed his disguise in his bag, "I've got to meet her and study for our test tomorrow."

"Well, what am i supposed to do?" Adrian paced unable to stand still.

"I don't think there's anything you can do, Adrian."

"There's gotta be something..." Adrian ran his hands through his hair.

"You could just tell her." Nino suggests with a shrug.

Adrian stares at him for a while. "Don't be ridiculous, Nino, that would never work."

"Maybe we can talk to Alya about it, she's really good with this kind of stuff." Nino suggests innocently.

"No! Alya can't know! She'll start investigating and find out I've been spying on Marinette and tell her and then she'll hate me and never talk to me again and-"

Nino interrupts him, "dude, you need to chill. Just go home, tomorrow we'll come up with a new plan. I gotta go, I'll talk to you then." Nino clapps him on the shoulder and takes off.

"Are we going home now? We're out of camembert." Plagg asks poping out of hiding. Adrian gets an idea.

"Not yet, Plagg. Claws out!"

"Whaaaa-" Plagg gets sucked into the transformation.

Leaping rooftop to rooftop Chat Noir catches up to Marinette and Luka quickly. They were just turning the corner to the bakery. Chat Noir lands quietly on Marinette's rooftop patio.

"Hey, since I'm here, maybe i should get my costume for the next gig?" Luka suggests.

"Yeah, i need to make sure it fits right." Marinette agrees. They disappear through the bakery door. Adrian smiles to himself, there's no way Marinette's father will allow an older boy up to his only daughter's bedroom.

He has a very satisfying daydream of Mr. Dupain taking one look at Luka and literally kicking him out on the street yelling "you're not good enough for my beautiful Marinette! The only boy i will ever except marrying my daughter is Adrian Agrest!" Adrian chuckles to himself. He's still chuckling when he hears voices floating up through the trap door leading to the patio. Chat gets closer to listen in.

"Here it is!" Marinette's voice is clear as a bell. "Try it on."

There are the rustling of fabric and the sounds of zippers and they feel like sharp pokes to Chat's ears. "Wow, Mari! This looks amazing!" Luka's voice is too dull to hear without putting his ear directly on the trap door. "You're so talented!"

Chat could just imagine her blushing with pride. "Oh, it's nothing!" She says modestly.

"No, it's great, don't down play your talents. I bet Jagged Stone doesn't even have a jacket this rock and roll!"

"Thanks, Luka!"

"I'd also be willing to bet that you'll be one of the top fashion designers one day. That's your dream, isn't it?"

"Well, i don't know about being a top designer, but i do want to be a designer, yes."

"Will you remember me when you're rich and famous?" Luka jokes.

Marinette laughs, "Of course, silly!"

"Good! I hope so! But the first step to being a rich and famous fashion designer is passing your test tomorrow. I should go so you can get some rest." Their voices get softer as they walk downstairs.

"Thank you so much for the help!" Marinette's voice gets too soft to hear. Chat gets back over to the railing to see below, a short time later they walk out to the sidewalk. Luka takes both her hands in his, they're talking too softly to hear. Luka leans in and kisses Marinette's cheek. Chat wishes he still had a hand full of acorns, or better yet a coconut; that would do some damage! It would be tough to explain but it would be worth it.

The two of them parted ways and chat decided it was time to go home. He had to come up with a plan.

"What are you doing?" Plagg asks several hours later, annoyed that he was still awake.

"Research." Adrian grumbles looking down to write something in his notebook.

Plagg flies closer to the computer screen, "Really? 'How to get the girl'? You should just send her a basket of camembert and a note saying 'i hope it's not too cheesy how much i love you.'"

"Gross, Plagg, you're the only one i know who eats that stinky stuff." Adrian says, taking a break to look at Plagg with disgust.

"It would make me fall in love with you." Plagg shruggs.

"This article suggests doing something out of the norm to show her how much i care." Adrian looks at his notes, "it says 'actions speak louder than words' and that i should 'put in thought and effort into gifts and actions'."

"That makes sense." Plagg says absently, losing interest in the conversation fast.

"Let's see. What can i give her that no one else can?" Adrian thinks for a few moments, "she's smart, funny, shy, she loves animals... oh! I could give her a kitten!" Plagg just shakes his head. "You're right, anyone can give her a kitten. Let's see she wants to be a fashion designer... what if i take her to a fashion shoot? She loved it the last time!... but i took her as a friend, i want to show her she means more to me than that... i got it! What if i can find a designer that would agree to give her an internship over the summer?! That would be perfect! Don't you think, Plagg?" Plagg was already snoring. Adrian yawned and got ready for bed. "Tomorrow then. Goodnight, Plagg."

The next day at breakfast, Adrian brought up his internship idea to his father cautiously. "Have you ever given anyone an internship, father?"

"No. Why?" He answered, directly to the point as usual.

"I was just thinking about my friend, Marinette, and how much you've liked her designs in the past and i just thought... her dream is to be a fashion designer like you and it would be a win-win having a little help in the summer and she gets a little experience in the field..."

"Did she talk you into this? Adrian, I've warned you about people pretending to be your friend to get favors-"

Adrian interrupts him, " no, dad! She's only mentioned her dream in passing. She'd never do something like that!"

Mr. Agrest scrutinizes his son for any sign of dishonesty. "I do have a lot of events coming in the summer months. It would be useful to have another set of hands. I suppose i can take this girl under my wing." Mr. Agrest's mouth twitches ever so slightly, almost a smirk than it was gone.

"Really, father?! That would be perfect!" Adrian can't contain his excitement.

"Is there a certain reason you suggested this?" Mr. Agrest asks pushing away his plate.

Adrian looks away a little embarrassed, "well, kinda... not really... she's just always doing things for us all and i just want to do something nice for her for a change."

Mr. Agrest eyes his son for a few moments before responding, "alright, Adrian. I will have Natalie call her with the offer."

"I was hoping i could tell her myself."

"Are you sure you're not interested in this girl?"

Adrian isn't sure why he feels he shouldn't tell his father the truth and decides to just tell him, "uh... yeah, kind of." Adrian blushes.

His father takes a moment to answer. "Alright then."

"You're not going to tell her that though, are you?"

"No." He stands, "I have work to do. Have a productive day at school today, Adrian."

On the way to school Adrian bounces in his seat, excited to tell Marinette what he did for her. He daydreams about telling her and she being so excited, kicks Luka to the curb. A little rain cloud hangs over him while Marinette, dressed in white and himself in a tux, kiss in a church nearby. The car stops and he freezes at the sight of Marinette and Alya standing on the steps talking and laughing. How should he tell her? Why didn't he figure it out on the ride to school?

The door opens, Nino stands there leaning on it, "are you coming in or are you gonna stay out here all day?"

Adrian takes a deep breath and reminds himself to 'stay cool'. Nino leads him up the steps towards the girls. They smile at him and Nino. Adrian opens his mouth but nothing comes out. He can't seem to get his voice to work right. As always, Nino saves the day, "hey, ladies, ready for the test today?"

They all turn to walk into school talking about the upcoming test.

Back at the Agrest house Mr. Agrest is giving Natalie a list of tasks to take care of and tells her about the request his son made at breakfast. "I need you to call Ms. Dupain-Chang to offer the internship before Adrian can."

"Didn't he request to tell her himself? Is this another attempt to akumatize him?"

"Can you imagine a better assistant in getting the miraculous? My son is disciplined, practiced in fencing, he is persistent and he always achieves what he sets out to do. I'm convinced he is the one that will get me the miraculous."

"How will you get him upset enough to akumatize him?" Natalie asks, "that has always been a problem in the past."

"Yes, curse his eternal positivity. However, he admitted that he likes this Marinette and there is always heartbreak with a first love. We must just do what we can to hasten it along."

"Yes, sir."

Marinette's phone rings as the group is about to head to class. "Oh, i better answer this, it looks important. I'll catch up with you guys." Nino and Alya start walking but Adrian fumbles in his locker and mumbles an excuse to wait for her.

She returns a few moments later blushing with pride and excitement. Adrian's presence startles her and she jumps and falls over spilling the contents of her backpack. Chloe and Sabrina walks past her laughing and taunting her for her clumsiness. Adrian bends down to assist Marinette with gathering her things. "Don't listen to her, i think she's just an unhappy person and she feels better making everyone else unhappy too."

"I noticed." Marinette scoffed uneasily.

Adrian chuckled, "so was the phone call good news? You seem pretty happy."

"What? Oh! Oh yeah! It was really good news!" Adrian hopes it wasn't Luka calling to confess his love for her. "It was your father's secretary, she asked if i was interested in doing an internship this summer! Isn't that fantastic?!" Adrian froze, his father agreed to let him tell her! Why did he do this? Adrian hoped it was just a miscommunication and that his father didn't steal his thunder on purpose. Adrian must have been focused on his thoughts for a while because when he heard Marinette say his name he had a feeling it wasn't the first time she had said it. "Adrian? Are you okay?"

"What? Oh! Oh yeah. No. I'm fine. I just..." how should he tell her he had made it happen for her? "See, i wanted to talk to you about that, the internship, i mean."

"Did your father already tell you about it?" Marinette asks throwing her bag in her locker and grabbing a couple of her school books.

"Well, kind of." Adrian wasn't sure how he wanted to say it but decides to just wing it and hope for the best. "We were talking at breakfast and i mentioned you and your work and i suggested giving you the internship." Marinette's face went pink but she was smiling so he must be doing okay. "I just know it's your dream to be a fashion designer and i thought i could help you out with that, i guess." Adrian felt his face get a little warm and he turned away to hide it. "We should get to class before we're late."

"Oh! Yeah, you're right!" They start walking towards the classroom, "did you really do that for me, Adrian?"

Adrian smiled at her, "of course i did, but you're super talented, Marinette, you deserve it."

She blushes and tears of happiness form in her eyes, "thank you!"

"What are friends for?" The phrase escaped Adrian's mouth before he realized what was happening, "i mean-" Marinette opened the classroom door and waited for him to finish his thought. He couldn't say it in front of everyone! "I mean... can we talk about it after class?"

"Sure, buddy." Marinette goes red and dashes to her seat. Adrian follows feeling like an idiot.

The school day seems to take FOREVER to end even though it was only a half-day and they would get out before lunch. It finally came time for the test everyone was so worried about. It isn't too difficult, but he's annoyed to realize the songs Marinette and Nino were humming were the songs Luka taught Marinette yesterday.

After school, Marinette and Adrian waits for everyone else to leave the classroom. Adrian turns around in his seat and Marinette looks nervous. Adrian opens his mouth but isn't sure what to say. "So about what i said before we walked into class this morning..."

"You mean about being my friend?" Marinette asks a little confused.

"Yeah, i didn't mean it." Adrian says hurriedly trying to keep himself from backing out.

Marinette looks a little shocked and upset. "Oh..."

Adrian realizes what he just said, "no! I mean-! You ARE my friend, but i mean- ughh... this is a disaster!"

Marinette looks very confused now. "Uh, okay..."

The door opens, "oh there you are, Mari!" Luka smiles at them, "hey, Adrian. How'd the test go?"

"Oh! I think i did really well, thanks, Luka."

"Great! You ready to go?" Luka holds the door open for her.

"Uh, yeah, just a second." Luka nods and waits outside.

Marinette turns to Adrian, "listen, i think i know what you're trying to say."

"You do?"

"Yeah, you did this wonderful thing for me but you don't want me to get the wrong idea as to why you did it." Adrian's mouth goes dry. "I understand. You're a really great friend, Adrian, and i know that's the only reason you did it. You're the best." Marinette kisses him on the cheek and walks out the door. Adrian can't believe he's screwed this up so badly.

[thehonorablekingerik-blog]

Obsession

Chapter 2: You Make Me Wanna... (Part 1 of 2)

Beep, beep, beep; Erik’s fitbit watch alarm went off as he finished the cool-down of his morning workout routine.  He was running on the treadmill, finishing off his morning workout with 10 mins of cardio. Pressing a button on the side of his watch, he turned the alarm off. He then pressed a button on the treadmill, slowing his pace into a walk until the treadmill slowed down and shut of, coming to a complete stop.

His black under-armor shirt was drenched in sweat. He checked his phone for the time.

“7:45a.m.” he said idly looking around the gym located on the bottom floor of his apartment complex. Not many people were working out this Monday morning. Erik nodded his head in greeting as he noticed a familiar apartment tenant entering the gym.

“Time to get ready for work.”

He said to himself before exiting the gym, heading up to his apartment for a quick shower.

Erik walked into the office suite of the technology company, Arcadia Tech. A new tech firm originally based out in California that recently open an office in New York. Erik used to work at the California office before making the move to New York where he reunited with some old friends, Kevin and Brandon. He took a sip from the small box of coconut water as he smoothed out the front of his crisp white Ralph Lauren long-sleeved polo. He reached his hand in the right pocket of his black fitted slacks pulling out his phone.

The text message notice read;

New Message: Courtney.

He placed his phone back into his pocket as he made it to his office. Sitting his coconut water on his desk, it wasn’t 10 seconds until his boy Kevin knocked on the side of the door frame entering his office.

“Mornin’, E.” Kevin said standing at the door the Erik’s office.

“Mornin’.”

“How was your weekend? Me and B ain’t see you since Friday when we was all at Club Indigo.”

“I just been Chillin’. I needed some time to myself.” Erik said as he pops open the laptop on his desk.

Erik was telling Kevin the truth, after a week of work and a night at the club; he did like to take as much time to have to himself before starting another work week. So he spent the rest of the weekend after his trysts with Courtney and Laila playing a few video games on his PS4 and watching a few movies on Netflix.

Kevin took a seat opposite of Erik’s desk. “How was ya night with ol’girl? What was her name?” Kevin asked looking at nothing in particular trying to remember the name.

“Laila.” Kevin said looking at Erik. Erik typed on his laptop’s keyboard signing into his laptop. His phone vibrated again in his pocket. He reached for it again.

Erik let out a loud, “Ha.” In response to Kevin’s question before looking at his phone again.

Two New Messages: Courtney.

Erik looked at his phone annoyed at how many times Courtney was texting him. She’d been texting him all weekend. He hadn’t seen or talked to her since Friday night and didn’t plan on seeing or speaking to her for a while.

“What’s going on?” Kevin asked seeing his friends annoyed expression.

“That chick Courtney keeps blowin’ my phone up.” Erik said as he placed his phone on his desk, finally looking at Kevin.

Both men let out a chuckle, thinking about Erik’s triumphs and problems with women.

“Damn, she still on ya’ dick?” Kevin asks, still chuckling.

“Yeah. I saw her Friday night at the club; had to break her off a little sumthin’ sumthin.”

Kevin looked at Erik a bit surprised before saying, “So that’s what you was doin’ while me and B was chattin’ up Stacy and her friends?”

Erik nodded looking at his laptop again, signing into his email.

He clicked an unread message from Human Resources.

“Monday, April 16, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. there will be a mandatory staff meeting, introducing a new team member to the great staff of Arcadia Tech. I hope to see you all there!”

 Sincerely,

 Danielle Robinson

Chief Happiness Officer

 Erik checked his phone for the time – it read, 9:10 a.m.

“We got a meeting at 9:30 today?” Erik asked looking at Kevin.

Kevin checked his watch.

“Yeah, did you get the email?” Kevin says standing up from the chair.

“I just read it. You headin’ to the meeting room now?”

“In a minute, Imma grab a cup of coffee from the break room before headin’ there. You want me to grab you a cup?” Kevin says making his way to Erik’s office door.

“Nah, I’m good bro.” Erik says standing up from his chair at his desk stretching quickly.

“See you in 20.” Kevin says walking out of Erik’s office into the main floor of Arcadia Tech’s office.

Erik sat at the oval conference table waiting for Danielle, the “Chief Happiness Officer” to begin the meeting. The meeting was on the top floor of Arcadia Tech’s 7 floor headquarters. The windows of this room looked out to the beautiful Manhattan skyline. Erik looked at his watch, 9:40am it read. Erik slouched in his seat a little, a bit bored at the thought of a staff meeting. He looked around to see all 12 seats filling up quickly as more staff members made it into the office.

Kevin walked up taking a seat next to Erik at the conference table. Both men watched as Danielle walked to the head of the table, clearing her throat to get everyone’s attention.

“Thank you everyone for making it to the meeting.” Danielle says looking around the table at everyone. Erik eyed the empty seat next to Danielle on the other-side of the table. Kevin leaned over to Erik before saying, “Where’s the new recruit? I wanna see what we workin’ wit’ here?”

Erik let out a light chuckle, looking around the room before saying, “I know right.” He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket yet again. He grabbed it out of his pocket, looking at the screen,

Missed call Courtney.

Erik made another annoyed face before going to Courtney’s contact page and hitting block.

“This meeting today is to introduce Arcadia Tech’s new Behavioral Health consultant.” Danielle said looking at everyone at the table.

“As you all know, the Spring season is the start of the busy season for the tech industry.” Danielle says looking at everyone; her eyes stopping at Erik who was still looking at his phone.

Kevin elbowed Erik to get his attention. Erik looked over at Kevin as Kevin nods his head in Danielle’s direction. Erik looks at Danielle before putting his phone back in his pocket.

“With the busy seasons comes a rise in stress and we don’t need that in the office. So, to be proactive and to help ease any tension, I took it upon myself to suggest we hire a few Behavioral Health consultants.” Danielle clears her throat before adding, “Each team will have one consultant assigned to them.”

Only Danielle noticed a woman dressed in a simple black pencil dress quietly enter the room.

Danielle continued, “I would like to introduce one of our new Behavioral Health consultants, Ms. Samara Edmonds.” Danielle finishes holding her hand out in a welcoming gesture looking at the woman who just entered the room. Everyone turned to look at the woman in black as she walked to the seat next to Danielle. Erik took special notice of her figure, watching her ass giggle in her fitted black pencil dress, it stopped right above her knees. Her legs were dressed in sheer back-seamed stockings. The sound of her modest 3-inch black velvet chunky heels clicked on the bamboo floor of the conference room.

Erik’s eyes did not leave Samara’s figure as she stood next to Danielle. Samara glanced around the table at all eleven of her new colleagues, smiling. Kevin leaned over to Erik, whispering,

“I say goddamn, goddamn.”

Erik didn’t even notice that Kevin said anything. His eyes were set on Ms. Samara Edmonds. He heard a high-pitched ringing in his ear, his face grew hot and that familiar twitch in his groin began to rise.

Samara began to speak, “I’m happy to be here and can’t wait to begin working with all of you.” Samara quickly glanced at everyone, when her eyes landed on Erik – it knocked him out of his trance. Samara looked at Danielle who began to speak again.

“Ms. Edmonds is in charge of Erik’s tech team.” Danielle says gesturing her hand to Erik, who sat next her on the opposite side of the table. Samara’s freshly silk pressed natural hair swayed a little as she turned her head to look at Erik.

Erik swallow hard before standing, his eyes locked with Samara. He reached his hand out toward Samara.

Samara grabs Erik’s hand in a firm handshake.

“Nice and Soft.” Is what Erik thought as he felt her hand. Erik continued to stand even after shaking Samara’s hand.

Samara stopped looking at him and began looking at Danielle who began to speak again.

“Erik here is the Lead IT Project Manager for group D. You, Samara will be the behavioral consultant for all 30 of his team members.”

Samara smiles slightly nodding her head as Danielle continues.

“I’m sure you and Erik will get along well.” Danielle says looking at Samara and then Erik. Samara looks at Erik again, smiling slightly. Erik slightly smirks.

“Please have a seat Samara, I’ll begin to brief you on the culture here at Arcadia Tech.” Danielle finally takes a seat, followed by Samara and finally Erik. Erik’s eyes never leave Samara’s. Kevin takes notice of this before laughing to himself, knowing all too well where this was going.

Back at Erik’s office he went right away to looking up Samara Edmonds’ profile on Facebook. It didn’t take long for him to find it.

“Private.”

Was all he said before he heard a knock. He looks up to see his boy Kevin leaning on the door frame of his office.

“Did you see that girl, Samara. You talkin’ bout sexy my guy!”

Erik and Kevin both laugh, Erik is still focused on Samara’s Facebook profile taking in her profile picture; a professional candid side profile shot of her face. Erik contemplated should he send her a request.

“I don’t wanna seem thirsty.” He thought as Kevin spoke up stirring him away from his thought.

“It’s lunch time, you tryna hit the café up with me?”

Erik let out a sigh before saying, Yeah, yeah. I’m down.”

Kevin spoke again, “Imma ask the new girl, Samara if she wants to come.”

Erik looked at Kevin immediately with an eyebrow raised before saying,

“Word?”

Kevin nodded looking out of Erik’s office door and into the main floor. “Her office is right across from mine.”

Erik got up from his desk moving next to Kevin at the door, looking out at the main floor.

“Word.” Is all he says looking at Samara’s office.

On the first floor of the Arcadia Tech was where the café was located, many of the employees filled this area around lunch time. Kevin, Erik, Samara as well as three other colleagues gathered at a table eating and conversing.

Erik sat directly across from Samara, while Kevin sat to the right of Erik and their colleague Joe sat to his left. Samara sat in the middle across from Erik with colleagues Lauren and Kim sitting at each side. Samara focused on her Caesar Kale salad. Erik studied her for a bit. Her dark silk-pressed hair framed her face as she looked at her salad. Erik’s staring didn’t go unnoticed by his colleagues.

Lauren spoke up asking Samara a question, “Hey Samara, where are you from?” The other five colleagues sitting at the table with her stopped conversing awaiting her answer. Samara looked over at Lauren before answering,

“New Orleans, born and raised.” She says with a slight smile.

Kevin says, “Oh we got us a New Orleans girl, ohh-wee.” Joe, Lauren, Kim as well as Samara let out a laugh.

Samara still doesn’t make eye contact with Erik. Joe speaks up, “Damn Erik, you goin’ burn a hole into Samara’s head the way you keep staring at her.”

Samara briefly looks at Eric who doesn’t waver his eye contact. He smiles at her.

Kim says with a slight laugh, “Uh-Oh, Samara you might wanna stay away from Eric.” 

Erik looks over at Kim sucking his teeth before saying, “Why?”

Samara looks over at Kim asking the same thing, “Why?”

Kim takes a sip of her water before saying, “He has a bunch of women after him.”

Erik speaks up saying, “I think I’ve seen you somewhere.” Samara’s eyes fall on him again.

He notices that she has Hazel eyes.

Samara says, “I don’t think so.”

Kevin leans into the table before saying, “I would like to get to know you, Samara.” Everyone at the table begins to laugh except for Erik and Samara.

Samara looks at her salad before taking another bite.

“Yeah, I’ve seen you last Friday, at Club Indigo. You had a red dress on.”Erik says.

Kim and Lauren both laugh before Kim says, “Damn Erik, you stalking her or something.”

Erik looks at Kim annoyed.

Samara says, “I don’t remember seeing you.” Briefly looking at Erik.

Joe looks over at Samara before his eye fall to her left hand. “Y’all Samara is married. End Game.” Erik looks at her finger and notices a dainty gold wedding ring.

Kevin says, “That ain’t ever stop Erik.”

Samara looks at Erik with a slight smile before saying, “Oh really now?”

Kevin looks at Erik while Lauren and Kim let out “Ohhhh.”

Erik licks his lips at Samara before saying, “I ain’t eva had a girl from New Orleans before.”

Samara looks at him intrigued, Kim rolls her eyes while the others laugh.

“I’m tryna do something with you later.” Erik says placing his hand over the hand Samara had resting on the table. His finger lightly grazes her wedding ring.

Lauren says, “Well I’ll be damned.” And Kim adds, “Erik you just goin’ hit on the behavioral consultant like that? What if she reports you to HR?”

Erik looks at Samara as he leans slightly over the table looking more fully into her face. His eyes go from her lips to her eyes and back to her lips before speaking.

“Why would she, I ain’t doin’ nothin’.” 

Samara smiles coyly at Erik before saying, “He hasn’t given me a reason too, yet.” Everyone at the table looks at Erik and laughs. Erik reclines back into his seat, removing his hand from Samara’s. He moves his gaze from hers and looks around the café briefly.

“I would like to get to know you, Erik.” Samara says. Erik looks at her surprised. Kevin, Lauren and the rest of the table companions look surprised as well.

Erik smiles before saying, “Just let me know when you ready.”

________________________________________

Chapter 1

@killmoncoochie

[perfectirishgifts]

Easy Cocktail Recipes: 16 Festive Drinks To Enjoy All Winter

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/easy-cocktail-recipes-16-festive-drinks-to-enjoy-all-winter-2/

Easy Cocktail Recipes: 16 Festive Drinks To Enjoy All Winter

When the weather outside is frightful, I like to drink something delightful. Some days call for a warm cocktail that will keep me cozy all night. On nights I’m feeling homesick, I may want a rum-based concoction that reminds me of my tropical upbringing in the Philippines.

This being the (objectively awful) year that it is, I needed all the help and inspiration I could get. Here, fifteen spirits professionals shared their winter drinking strategies—and of course, favorite cocktail recipes. And there’s something for every palate—from a Cognac-based old fashioned to ginger highball and beyond.

Easy-to-Make Cocktail Recipes for the Winter

THE HARPER CAROL

“I love American whiskey—so this cocktail was a no-brainer. The Harper Carol is a cold season variation on a ‘Junglebird.’ Kentucky meets tiki, contrasting this base spirit with Italian red bitter liqueur. Then, a cinnamon-date syrup deepens the beverage with notes of soft spices and dried fruit. Pineapple and fresh lemon juice add a sharp tropical acidity to the drink. This libation is a wonderful aperitif sour, best indulged during the holidays. Please enjoy responsibly.” —Adrian Alvarez, bar captain at Cecconi’s, New York City  

Ingredients:

1 oz. I.W. Harper whiskey

0.50 oz. Italian red bitters

0.75 oz. pineapple juice

0.75 oz. lemon juice

0.25 oz. cinnamon-date syrup

Method: Combine all ingredients in a shaker tin, shake, double strain into a coupe. Garnish with dehydrated lemon wheel and grated nutmeg.

10 GENERATIONS OLD FASHIONED

“There’s nothing I enjoy more on a cool fall day than an Old Fashioned, which transports me to the vineyards of Cognac during grape harvest. With its high proof and fully round profile, Ferrand 10 Générations acts as the perfect replacement for bourbon in this cocktail—a welcom twist on the classic cocktail.” —Nico de Soto, beverage consultant and owner of Danico (Paris) and Mace (New York City)

Ingredients:

2 oz. Ferrand 10 Générations Cognac

0.25 oz. simple syrup

Orange twist, for garnish

Method: Stir all ingredients with ice in mixing glass. Strain and pour over large clear ice cube in double old-fashioned glass. Express the orange peel and place into glass.

BOURBON ‘N’ BERRIES 

“We had a significant amount of bourbon in our liquor room when we reopened. Obviously, we wanted to find creative ways to use our inventory since reopening was so costly after the quarantine closure. I wanted something that was approachable, crushable, refreshing, and pretty. I used a whiskey buck as a template, which is basically whiskey and ginger. I amplified that with fresh raspberries, fresh lemon, cracked pepper, and a bit of spiciness from the ginger beer. And I wanted to name it something that was simple and straightforward that really tells it like it is. We’re not looking for any ambiguity these days. Do you like bourbon? Do you like berries? If the answer is yes, you will definitely like this drink.” —Naren Young, bar director at The Fat Radish Popup at The Orchard Townhouse, New York City

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Woodford Reserve bourbon

0.25 oz. Frangelico

0.50 oz. raspberry purée

0.50 oz. lemon juice

0.50 oz. simple syrup

3 dashes saline solution

Barspoon of raspberry vinegar 

10 grinds of black pepper in shaker

Method: Shake ingredients and pour on highball glass. Garnish with lemon wheel and 3 skewered raspberries.

HAI TEA

“Tea calms me down. And 2020 has been a year where I had to practice a lot of flexibility and roll with the punches—and drinking tea has helped keep me centered and focused. So yes, as you can imagine, I drank a lot of tea these past six months. I also spent time thinking about tea and how so many different cultures and people use tea to bring balance into their lives. For example, the English and Japanese have a high appreciation for tea—along with the peace and tranquility both can bring. Gin has typically been associated with England but Roku breaks the mold and celebrates Japanese botanicals like sencha tea, yuzu peel, and sakura. The Hai Tea is a nod to the English tradition of high tea, where one unwinds after a long workday with a cup of tea, while highlighting Roku’s Japanese flavor profile. After this long year, I think we all deserve to enjoy to unwind and have a Hai Tea with the hope it can bring peace and tranquility for just a moment in our new normal.” —Amanda Carto, bar manager at Nickel City, Austin, TX

Ingredients:

1 part Roku gin

0.50 part Giffard Carribbean Pineapple liqueur

1 barspoon honey

1 dash Scrappy’s Cardamom Bitters

1.50 parts hot ginger green tea (Tazo green ginger tea recommended)

Dried pineapple (optional)

Method: Add all ingredients to a heat-safe teacup. Stir 3 to 4 seconds with a small spoon to incorporate ingredients. Drink is intended to be served warm. Garnish with dried pineapple, if desired.

AUTUMN EQUINOX

“My inspiration for this pairing was familiar because of my love for Latin culture and the multiple layers of flavor, sight, and sound. Tanqueray London Dry pairs perfectly with the cocktail’s delicate balance of citrus and herbaceous notes.” —Danny Louie, bartender and founder at Gāmsāān Cocktail Co.

Ingredients:

1.50 oz. Tanqueray London Dry Gin

0.75 oz. almond syrup

0.75 oz. lime juice

0.25 oz. passionfruit juice

Method: Build all ingredients in a shaker and shake. Fine strain into a punch glass. Garnish with grated nutmeg.

FIRE ESCAPE

“I’ve found myself avoiding crowds during this period of uncertainty, while still perpetually seeking the sun. From the beginning of quarantine to the recent fall equinox, I’ve enjoyed most of my moments of imbibition on the steps of my classically Chicago wooden fire escape. I will absolutely be enjoying this seasonal sipper on my fire escape to capture all the cherished, yet rare bursts of vitamin D that the skies will allow.” —Brittany Simons, cocktail consultant and former head bartender at Bad Hunter

Ingredients:

1.25 parts Suntory Whisky Toki

0.75 part Basque cider

0.50 part Contratto Bianco Vermouth

0.50 part apricot simple syrup

0.25 part Bragg organic apple cider vinegar

Method: Gently stir all ingredients on a lemon twist, strain, pour into chilled Nick and Nora glass. Garnish with a manicured lemon twist.

JAMAICAN GOLD

“Those who know me best know that my two favorite classic cocktails are the daiquiri and the sidecar. With the Jamaican Gold I wanted to build a bridge between the two. And I knew Plantation Xaymaca, with its traditional Jamaican esters and Cognac influence, would be the perfect composer to lead the symphony. The flavors from the sour apple liqueur always remind me of my first visit to the apple orchards in northern California during harvest. The marriage between the rum and the apple liqueur influence thoughts of homemade apple pie. Lemon juice adds the perfect balance and brightness; while cinnamon syrup provides subtle warming spice. The perfect cocktail for chilly winter nights.” —Benjamin Jeffers, bartender at ABV, San Francisco

Ingredients:

1.50 oz. Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry Rum

0.75 oz. Leopold Bros. Sour Apple Liqueur

0.75 oz. Lemon Juice

0.25 oz. Cinnamon Simple Syrup**

**Cinnamon Simple Syrup: Bring 250 ml. water to boil and add 15 grams toasted cinnamon. Steep for 10 minutes, strain out cinnamon, and combine equal parts sugar and hot cinnamon tea until dissolved into a syrup. Cool and store in the refrigerator. 

Method: Shake with ice, strain, serve up in coupe.

JOHNNIE WALKER GINGER HIGHBALL

“Scotch and ginger is a delicious and refreshing highball that allows some simple twists to elevate it to new heights. Johnnie Walker Black Label has loads of fall fruit flavors, coming from the selection of Speyside malts in the blend. The ginger ale pairs perfectly with the Scotch and the lime garnish freshens up the finish and aroma.” —Aidan Bowie, mixologist

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Johnnie Walker Black Label

4.5 oz. Fever-Tree ginger ale

Method: Combine ingredients in a highball glass over ice and stir. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.

CÎROC CRANBERRY MARTINI

“When creating the Cîroc cranberry martini, the first thing that sparked inspiration was the ripe and crisp notes from the white grape in the vodka. Keeping winter in mind, we felt that the presence of cranberry (more specifically, cranberry bitters) would balance these notes while imbuing a palate ideal for the season. The dryness of the Fino Sherry adds additional luxuriousness to the drink and results in a cocktail that should warm up even the coldest night.” —Matt Landes, founder at Cocktail Academy

Ingredients:

1.50 oz. Cîroc White Grape vodka

0.75 oz. Fino Sherry

3 dashes cranberry bitters

Method: Add all ingredients to a mixing glass. Fill with ice and stir 20 to 25 times. Strain into a chilled coupe. Garnish with 3 cranberries on a cocktail pick.

SINGLETON & SPICE

“This is a perfect cocktail for the season. This hot toddy variation is one of my favorites. The honey, hot water, and lemon combination is a great remedy that’s long been known—and pairs with the Singleton 12, which brings spice and smoky notes to the mix. Garnish is important as well—to finish the recipe for more complexity and layers.” —Eric Ribeiro, mixologist and bar manager

Ingredients:

1.50 oz. The Singleton of Glendullan 12 Year whisky

4 oz. hot water

0.50 oz. honey

0.25 oz. lemon juice

**add cinnamon and apple slice for a flavor twist

Method: Add all ingredients in a mug glass and garnish with a lemon wheel spiked with 4 cloves and a cinnamon stick.

FIGGY PUDDING

“We wish you a merry Christmas and here is some Figgy Pudding. This cocktail is inspired by the flavors of a Christmas pud with fig- and date-infused whiskey and OM Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Liqueur. It’s topped with a coconut-lychee whipped cream too. Have a wonderful Christmas!” —Claire Mallett, bartender at Catch One, Los Angeles

Ingredients:

2 oz. fig- and date-infused Jack Daniel’s apple whiskey**

0.75 oz. OM Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt Liqueur

0.50 oz. Becherovka

0.50 oz. Frangelico

Coconut-Lychee whipped cream**

**Infused Whiskey: Add 2 figs (sliced) and 6 dates to a mason jar of Jack Daniel’s Apple. Leave for 7 days. Remove the fruit and the whiskey is ready to use.

**Coconut-Lychee Whipped Cream: Add 2 oz. of OM Coconut and Lychee Liqueur to whipping cream and whisk.

Method: Pour ingredients into mixing glass with ice and stir. Pour the mixture into your glass and top with coconut-lychee whipped cream.

TOKI HOT RINGO

“I don’t know about you but I need all the squishy and comforting feelings this winter. This warm cocktail filled with local bright apples and baking spices brings back memories of going to orchards with my family, witnessing the leaves change, and taking a bite of the first apple I picked off a tree. It urges you to relax and sit by a crackling fire to enjoy the subtle vanilla and ginger notes of the Suntory Toki paired with fresh cider and local honey. Get yourself some apple cider donuts and you will be wrapped up in heaven.” —Meredith Barry, beverage development consultant at Niche Food Group

Ingredients (Serves Two):

4 parts Suntory Whisky Toki

1 part local honey

4 parts fresh-pressed apple cider

1 cinnamon stick

1 clove

Small pinch of salt (optional)

Fresh sliced Fuji apple, candied ginger, and honeysuckle flowers (for garnish)

Method: Rough chop cinnamon stick. Place cinnamon pieces and clove in a saucepan and toast until fragrant on medium­­–high heat. Add cider and salt. Lower heat to medium. Bring cider up to desired temperature. (Do not boil.) Take mixture off heat, then add honey and Suntory Toki. Stir until honey is dissolved. Remove pieces of spices. Pour into a teacup or mug. Garnish with fresh apple slices and candied ginger.

PUNCHING 2020 (FOR A PAIR OR A POD)

“The drink is a semi-modern reiteration of what probably would have been drunk at a New Year’s Eve celebration in the 1920s with the Fitzgerald. The ideal way to enjoy it would be in the once-omnipresent communal punch bowl with fresh raspberries and orange slices floating around. But since we’re still living through this pandemic and safety is a must, it’s as easy to shake a single serving. The citruses and the raspberry syrup are complementary to the aromatic Pomp & Whimsy flavor profile—with a little kick from the absinthe and a touch of complexity from the cognac-based triple sec.” —Giuseppe Santochirico, libations curator for Halftone Spirits at Finback Brooklyn, New York City

Ingredients (Single Serving): 

2 dashes absinthe

0.25 oz. Benedectine

0.50 oz. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao

0.50 oz. lime juice

0.50 oz. lemon juice

0.75 oz. raspberry syrup

2 oz. Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur

4 oz. Champagne (or dry sparkling wine)

Ingredients (6 Servings):

12 dashes absinthe

2 oz. Benedectine

3 oz. Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao

3 oz. lime juice

3 oz. lemon juice

4.5 oz. raspberry syrup

12 oz. Pomp and Whimsy Gin Liqueur

1 750 ml. bottle of Champagne (or dry sparkling wine)

Method (Single): Pour all the ingredients in the shaker but the sparkling wine, shake, top with wine in the shaker, serve over ice in a small wine glass or a cocktail glass. Garnish with fresh raspberries and orange slices.

Method (Batched): Pour all the ingredient in a large punch bowl, add ice and stir to adequately mixing the punch. Garnish with fresh raspberries and orange slices.

JILO OLD FASHIONED 

“The Jilo Old Fashioned is perfect for any occasion but it especially soothes the soul on a cold day. Let the robust and toasted notes of corn (unlike you have ever had) warm your body—while the light hint of chamomile, honey, and cocoa rounds everything out with a long finish. This gives you a small taste of Mexico in the comfort of your own home!” —Cesar Sandoval, national ambassador at Abasolo 

Ingredients:

2 oz. Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky

0.50 parts Nixta Licor de Elote

3 dashes Angostura bitters

Lemon and orange twists, for garnish

Method: Add Abasolo, Nixta, and bitters to a mixing glass, then add ice and stir until cold and diluted. Zest citrus over rocks glass and add fresh ice. Strain drink into glass, roll zest into attractive curls and lay garnish atop the ice.

2020 TRAINWRECK  

“Twenty–twenty was a weary trainwreck of a year, but this tropical tepache tipple is refreshingly balanced.”  

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. rum  

2 oz. Big Easy Pineapple Tepache   

0.75 oz. ginger syrup, such as The Ginger People organic ginger syrup 

0.5 oz. fresh lemon juice (Natalie’s brand preferred)

2 dashes bitters, such as Angostura  

Pineapple leaf, for garnish  

Sparkling water, such as Topo Chico, to top 

Method: Combine rum, ginger syrup, lemon juice, and bitters in a shaker tin filled with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice cubes into a cocktail glass. Top with tepache and sparkling water and garnish.

FESTIVE FIZZ 

“This cocktail really brings out the different flavors of the holidays with the cranberry, pomegranate, and rosemary. The fruity, citrus notes that you get from the fresh juices complements the fresh agave and oak notes from the Patrón Reposado, which makes for a truly refreshing cocktail. It also doesn’t hurt that the cocktail is a beautiful red color making it perfect for any holiday celebration.” —Stephen Halpin, manager of mixology and trade at Patrón Tequila

Ingredients:

1.5 oz. Patrón Reposado tequila

0.75 oz.rosemary simple syrup

0.75 oz. lemon juice

1 oz. pomegranate juice

1 oz. cranberry juice

2 oz. club soda

Method: Combine all ingredients except soda water in a shaker with ice. Shake to chill and combine. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice, top with club soda and garnish with a rosemary sprig.

More from Dining in Perfectirishgifts

[simpcitybaby]

Remaining Unpredictable

Requested by: @zlorac Prompt: A: Is that a threat or are you flirting with me? B: Both. Neither. A mixture of the two. I like to stay unpredictable.

Carlos De Vil x Reader (Gaston’s Daughter)

A/N: I’m sorry if this sucks omg, I was trying to make this different from all of the other Carlos x Reader imagines out there. I also didn’t proofread so there’s that but I hope you guys enjoy!

(Y/N)’s POV

Why did I agree to come here again? Oh right, to save King Ben because the other VKs lost him. I can’t necessarily blame the others 100% because King Ben can be a little ditzy and naive at times, he believes that there is good in everyone. He’s not wrong about the last part, if you dig deep enough then you’re guaranteed to find good. The people on the Isle of The Lost aren’t all bad, the parents made some bad decisions but the kids shouldn’t have to pay for it. I was the 5th person that was invited to the school with the core four, the interesting part was that I’m the daughter of Gaston.

Back on the Isle I didn’t have many friends, I liked to keep to myself. There was the Core Four and then the pirate crew which my brother had joined. They wanted to take us VKs in small doses so when they chose me, I had to leave Gil behind. Gaston was the Beast’s worst enemy so they chose me, thinking that I’d be more open to becoming an Auradon girl. I had a mission of my own just like the others, I was supposed to get the wand and put the Beast away in the process. The others wanted to get the barrier down. Somewhere along the way we all became friends, our little tight knit friend group was like a safe haven. If there was one thing about the villain kids, it’s that we’re very good at keeping secrets. Mal, Jay, and Evie had been keeping a secret about me and I was dying to find out. Carlos was as oblivious as I was.

Speaking of Carlos, the boy made me crazy. He was so sweet that it made me sick. He was the toothache that the dentist had to take care of when you ate too much candy. He was the sunshine on a cloudy day, he was like a fireplace when it was cold. My life changed ever since we came to Auradon, Carlos started growing on me. I’m not too sure how it happened but he made me feel these unknown feelings. It was hard to breath around him and I wanted to throw up. I just figured that maybe he was repulsing me, maybe getting rid of him would make me feel better, these feelings would subside. I hated when he was with Jane, she was everything that he could’ve ever hoped for. She was beautiful, smart, shy, and helpful. I was loud, ambitious, sassy, sarcastic, and caring when it came to my close friends and family, this included Carlos.

Carlos’s POV

“Are you going to help us or not?” Jay was exasperated with the fact that (Y/N) hadn’t responded yet. “Of course, you need another person who knows the Isle and who can fight.” (Y/N) ran a hand through her hair, (H/C) strands poking out from the spaces in between her fingers. She was lovely even when she was angry. “I’m coming too!” The three of us turned towards the voice and were met with Lonnie, the daughter of Mulan and Shang. She eventually convinced Jay and I with the help of (Y/N).

We made it to the Isle in matter of minutes and then ran to Mal’s hideout. “(Y/N)! What are you doing here?” Mal hugged our friend before (Y/N) said, “I’m here to help. I can take on Harry if you need me to because we all know that my brother won’t be a challenge.” Gil was a really nice guy and he was a good fighter but he was a bit dopey at times. I walked closer to (Y/N) and said, “I’ll cover you.” I was met with a sigh and an eye roll before she disappeared into the direction of the docks. I honestly couldn’t understand why she was so cold towards me. I’ve been nothing but nice to her, she makes me want to grab her and profess my love. The girl is absolutely gorgeous with her alluring eyes and lustrous hair. She was sassy and sarcastic, if I could compare the two of us to a legendary Disney couple it’d be Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. She was headstrong but always went out of her way to help people which I admired. Her hair had a coconut smell to it and her smile outdid the sun. “Carlos, we have to get going!” Evie dragged me out of the hideout and towards the docks where we’d be met with the infamous pirate crew.

(Y/N)’s POV

“Hey, hey, hey, hey! (Y/N)!” Carlos was running at an alarming speed towards the end of the docks to where I was. Before he was able to put on his breaks, he ran straight into me causing us to make a ruckus. “If you weren’t so cute, I would’ve punched you in the face 20 times by now for messing up the plan.” I grabbed the collar of his jacket and pulled him behind a bunch of barrels as we hid from the pirate crew. We hadn’t gone into the circular entrance to the ship yet and we were supposed to sneak in so we had to lay low. “Did ye hear that, Gil? I coulda sworn I heard intruders.” The one and only Harry Hook was talking to my brother and looking for Carlos and I, since we had made a scene. “Hey, (Y/N). Was what you said earlier a threat or were you flirting with me?” Carlos had an intense look on his face as he stared you down, waiting for an answer. “Both. Neither. A mixture of the two. I like to stay unpredictable.” His eyebrows scrunched up as he looked down at the ground before whispering under his breath, “I could’ve sworn that she didn’t like me.” A kick to the barrel that the two of us were hiding behind caused me to place my hand over Carlos’s mouth. Gil peeked behind the barrel to find Carlos and I in a somewhat compromising position since it was a tight space and we were trying to hide. “(Y/N)? What are you doing back on the Isle? I should tell dad, he’d love to see you!” I quickly took my left hand and covered his mouth while my right was over Carlos’s, “I know that you’re helping Uma but we really need King Ben back. You most definitely cannot tell dad that I’m back because he’d look for me and make me stay here since I didn’t get the wand 6 months ago.” Gil nodded in response before looking behind him, checking to see if Harry was gone. “Please help us? You could come back with me to Auradon! We could be the brother-sister duo that we were before and you’ll love it there. Dreams surely do come true.” Gil smiled goofily while removing my hand, “I didn’t know that my baby sister was such a dreamer. I’m only going to help you because you’re family and because Uma hasn’t been treating me nicely lately.” So we formulated a plan and all Carlos could do was watch.

Carlos’s POV

So does she like me or not? I need answers and I’m not leaving the Isle until I get them. Everyone thought that I was a pushover and a sweetheart but not today, I was going to be as stubborn as (Y/N) was. She extracted her hand from my face before leading me to the pirate ship where we met the rest of the core four. “Where were you guys? We should’ve gotten started already. Who knows what they’ve done with Ben!” Mal whined at us before marching through the entrance and then began arguing with Uma.

(Y/N) and Gil made eye contact with each other and then let their captivating eyes travel towards my being. The plan was that once Uma got the fake wand, (Y/N) would take on Harry while Gil cut King Ben out of the ropes and got him to the limo. I was supposed to watch (Y/N)’s back and throw the smoke bombs when I needed to. Next thing you know, swords are clanging against each other, people are being thrown in the water, and (Y/N) has Harry pinned on the ground. “It’s not that easy to defeat me, Lass.” Harry got up and went to knock (Y/N)’s feet from under her but I ran in between, grabbing his hook while he was distracted. “Here boy!” I yelled in Harry’s direction, causing him to stare at me with a horror stricken face before begging me not the throw it. “Fetch.” The silver hook was submerged into the water, sending Captain Hook’s son in after it.

“Why would you do something so stupid!?” All I could hear was (Y/N) yelling at me for putting myself in danger but if I didn’t then she would’ve gotten hurt. “I could’ve handled it!” She swung her sword at a female pirate, defeating her as I said, “The point is that you shouldn’t have to do everything yourself!” “I could never let you get hurt because of me! I can fight my own battles, Carlos!” I blew up, “All of you guys really need to stop treating me like I’m a lost puppy! I can protect any of you when it comes down to it. I’m not incapable of fighting and doing different kinds of things just because I’m a pushover!”

Lonnie had sent the last pirate over board while everyone else stared at me with an astonished look on their faces. (Y/N) came over and grabbed me by the arm, whispering, “We’ll talk about this later okay?” “Why later hm (Y/N)? Why can’t we talk right here and right now?” I was over everyone treating me like a little kid. If I wanted to protect (Y/N) then I should be able to do that. I love her and I don’t want her getting hurt. Her eyes began to glass over when she ran towards Gil, pulling him back through the circular entrance towards the limo. “Cmon bro. We’ve gotta go.” Jay pulled me off of the boat and into the limo.

“Get in the car, (Y/N).” I couldn’t see her but I was sure that she was shaking her head no. “I’m not going back with you guys.” “Do I have to physically pull you into the limo?” Jay asked as she hummed in disagreement “I’m not leaving my brother again.” Ben smiled and extended an invitation right then and there to Gil. “Awe man, really? Thank you so much!” He got in and sat next to Evie and (Y/N) trailed in behind him, making no eye contact with me whatsoever. I felt bad, I didn’t mean to blow up back there but I did. I should’ve just waited until we were off the ship.

Before I could fully succumb to my self wallowing, we were back at Auradon Prep. Everyone slowly trailed out of the car but I pulled (Y/N) back before she could leave back to her room. “I didn’t mean to cause a scene like that back there. You just mean a lot to me and I didn’t want you to get thrown overboard or hurt badly or anything. I just wanted to protect you because the truth is that you’re my entire world and more. I’d personally talk to Hades and see if he could help me get you back if I ever lost you. Will you plea-”

Birthday cake. That’s what her lips tasted like. They were soft and molded into mine perfectly. She let me know that I was forgiven through the kiss as she deepened it. I tangled my fingers in her hair while she cupped my face. Her thumbs traced my features while I pulled her closer.

“Hey sis, I was wondering if you could- oh sorry for interrupting I’m just gonna-” Her lips left mine cold as she pulled away, breaking the firework filled kiss. “Um, I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” She rubbed the back of her neck before I pulled her into my warm embrace. She dug her face in the crook of my neck and made me smile. “I hope that you know that you’re mine now.” I smiled down at her when she said, “okay.” She left my embrace once again as she went to go help Gil with whatever it was that he needed help with. “You owe me $5!” Evie said as she held out her hand towards Mal. The purple haired girl huffed before slamming a $5 in Evie’s hand. They had been watching from the sidelines but I was too caught up with (Y/N) to even notice, I’m assuming that the secret was a bet about the two of us getting together. I laughed at my two friends and let a huge smile takeover my face. (Y/N) was finally mine and I had no intention of losing her.

~And just like that they lived happily ever after~

[miss-floral-thief]

i’m...not fond of coconut water 

[muse-fanfic]

Chapter 15:

"Nothing, but a tear that's all for breakfast, Watching you pretend you're unaffected, You're pulling out connection, Expecting me to let you go, But I won't..."

Three weeks…five days. It’s been three weeks and five excruciating long days since he stormed out of my room. No phone calls. No texts. No Javier. I have ran out of tears completely and my cries no longer make a sound. I’m a walking train wreck. Nothing occupies my mind besides him. He has taken up every ounce of space that I have. My attempts to connect with him have all failed miserably. He refuses to even discuss business with me. Rakim has now taken over our partnership completely. Everything revolves around him and it twists my stomach in the most sickening way. I cannot focus at work or my mind drifts to the multiple love making scenes that have taken place here. Home is a no, no, his scent suffocates me. Hell, I can’t even go to my favorite restaurant without having to fight off all thoughts of Javier and it’s driving me insane. How could he do this? How could he walk out so easily? How could he leave? I needed him. When did I become this damn dependent? Vulnerability staring back at me and laughing me in my face every time I stare into the mirror. I hated this, I hated him. No, I don’t. I want to, I so desperately need to hate him, but I can’t. My love for that sick twisted man is too strong.

I just needed to hear his voice. Hear my name roll off of his lips. Feel his touch. I am surely going insane and where is he? "It'll be worth it," he said. To hell with that. My sanity is not worth this and yet again that's a lie. I'd give my peace of mind to have him back and that's what scares me shitless. How can he have this much power? Is he even thinking about me?

My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone ringing indicating that I was receiving a call. Unwillingly, I answered the call knowing that I am unable to continue on ignoring Blair’s attempts to reach me or she would surely call in the swat time.

“Hello,”

“Avery, Avery fucking Paige,” she bellowed.

I chuckled at her dramatics, “yes?”

“Avery Paige do not do that. Do not act as if you haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth.”

“You’re being dramatic. It has only been a week since the last time I’ve spoken to you.”

“Correction, haven’t spoken to anyone Avery. You’ve been in a funk for about three weeks now. You’ve barely managed to show your face. What’s up with you? This isn’t the Avery I know.”

“What do you want for me?” I asked already exhausted with the direction of this conversation.

She sighed deeply, I know that I am trying her patience.

“You have an art gallery viewing event tonight and you cannot miss this one.”

“Blair–”

“No, you’re damn near about to run your business into the ground. Get your ass up, put on your business face and pick up the damn pieces.”

I sighed quietly as a tear silently rolled down my face, she’s right.

“Okay.”

“I love you Avery. I’m doing this because I love you.”

“I know.”

“EJ will be over in about 30 minutes to take you dress shopping.”

I agreed and after that, the line ended. I looked at myself in my vanity mirror and cringed. My hair was in shambles. My skin looked dry. My eyes told nothing but pain. A walking train-wreck. Deciding to finally end the pity party, I hopped up from my bed and started towards the adjoining bathroom.

Without hesitation, I turned on the shower head and stripped out of my little to nothing clothing. I connected my phone to the Bluetooth radio and allowed the voice of Aretha Franklin to flow through the speakers while I hopped into the shower singing disgustingly off key to ‘I Apologize’.

Oh, believe me I do.

If I could just see him right now I would apologize until I was purple in the face. It’s clear that I walked into sensitive territory and because of that, I’ve pushed him away. How foolish of me to even think that he was seeing someone else? He loved me like no one did. Like no one else could.

I allowed the water to cascade around me completely being sure to wash my hair as well while the music continued to play easing my mind even if just for this moment. Once I deemed myself thoroughly clean, I stepped out and reached for my towel that was folded neatly on the shelf beside the shower. The cool gush of air caused me to shiver slightly as I made my way into my room.

“About damn time with your toned deaf ass,” EJ blurts out.

I crack a genuine smile before rolling my eyes at his nonsense.

“I’ve missed you too EJ,”

“Oh I know and if you ever think about pulling some shit like this again I’m dragging you down those stairs,” he lightly threatens while pointing towards the door for emphasis.

“Ok, ok,” I hold my hands up in defense before sauntering over to my dresser.

It was silent briefly as I grabbed a pair of simple boy short underwear and covered my entire body in coconut oil.

“No word from him?” He asks quietly I’m sure was an attempt not to trigger my emotions.

“Nope,”

Again, silence.

I slipped on my favorite grey joggers, a white v-neck and my grey hurraches. Throwing my hair into a bun, I deemed myself presentable.

“Ready,” I stated grabbing my keys and wallet.

He nods in acceptance and takes my hand. Leading us over to his car, I smiled lightly as the sun shined down on us. In this moment, I’m grateful that he and Bee didn’t allow me to sulk all day. This day was just too beautiful to waste. Climbing into his car, I waited patiently as he revved up the engine and backed out of my drive way.

“So, where to?”

“Don’t worry ya pretty little head just know that you’re going to fine as hell tonight,”

I chuckled and decided to say nothing back. I closed my eyes as the wind danced along my skin and the voice of Tory Lanez graced my ears. Today is going to be a good day. I’ll make sure of it.

Javier

“Do you remember what it felt like?”

“What?”

“Losing her, do you remember what it felt like?”

“I can imagine…like death.”

Sitting on the floor in basement I rubbed my hands roughly down my face as I inhaled the smoke once more. This, this has been my past time for the last few weeks. I wake up, I smoke until I can’t anymore, I paint, I sulk. This agonizing pain that I promised myself that I would never experience again is back. However, this is different. This pain taps into every part of me. No, I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.

I glanced up and groaned in annoyance at the many painted faces of her. I couldn’t get her out of my head. Everywhere I turned, everything I did, she was in my thoughts. I couldn’t shake her. I couldn’t rid of her sweet scent or her heart tugging laughter. I couldn’t rid of her.

Hearing the door creek I stood to my feet with my count still in my hand as I watched my brother come closer to me with each step he took.

“So, we’re still doing this?” He questioned with dissatisfaction laced in each word.

I said nothing.

“Bro c'mon we still doing this?” His voice heightened this time.

“I don’t need this shit,” I grunted before attempting to push pass him only to have him push me back.

“No, no we not doing this Javier. Get ya’ shit together bro.”

A dark chuckle escapes my lips as I listen to his words.

“You can go.”

“That’s fine, I’ll leave, but the doc staying.”

I scrunched my face in confusion until he called for her to come downstairs. Anger pulses through my veins as her face came into view.

“Hello Javier, I as well as your family are all very concerned about you,”

“Fuck you and your concern,” I spat before taking another hit from my blunt to calm my nerves.

My brother was about to speak on my disrespect until she silenced him.

“I got it from here,” she told him and he nodded before heading upstairs.

Ignoring my glare, she walked around me and sat on the love seat behind me.

“Please, Javier take a seat,” she begged genuinely peaking my interest.

“What do you want?”

“To listen.”

“To?”

“You’re going downhill again Javier,” she stated quietly causing my body to tense up.

Unwillingly, I take a seat across from her never removing my eyes from hers.

“You’re feeling this pain again?”

I nod.

“You’re scared?”

Again, I nod.

“You’re hurting?”

“More than you know.”

“Have you tried to contact her?”

I chuckled, “hell no”

“Why not?”

“To tell her the man that she fell in love with is fucking looney? Huh, to tell her that mentally and emotionally I’m fucked up? Or maybe you’d like me to tell her that I suffer from not only borderline personality disorder and depression, but I was diagnosed with psychosis at the age of 20 which by the way, I still do not agree with. How would like me to tell her that doc? Would you like me to shoot her a text?” I yell before standing to my feet.

“This is bullshit,”

“Javier she loves you,”

“She loves the idea of me!”

She remains silent.

“She loves who she thinks I am. She doesn’t know me doc. She doesn’t know this dark part of me. I don’t want her to hate me.”

“Like how she did?” She questions leaning forward.

Closing my eyes tightly I sit back down as I try to shake my thoughts that we’re trying to creep into my mind.

“Don’t run from those thoughts Javier, embrace them.”

“Embrace that I’m a murderer?” I snap.

“Y-you’re not a murderer Javier. Your mind wasn’t in the right place.”

“Yeah that’s an excuse for killing my ex girlfriend right?”

Again, silence.

“Ya’ know, Avery thinks that she committed suicide,” I laugh darkly. “I’ve already lied to her.”

“Javier–”

“Them damn voices and that pain, now that’s one hell of a mixture. I can still hear her screaming my name for me to stop,” I say as tears rolled down my eyes. “I loved her so much and she just stopped loving me. Just out of the blue she didn’t love me anymore. I was disgusting in her eyes. I was her fall back plan when she was my everything. I wanted to give her the world,”

“You couldn’t do that Javier if you couldn’t even give it to yourself.”

“I love Avery.”

“I know.”

“More than I love myself.”

“I know.”

“More than I loved her,”

She sat back with wide eyes, “more than her?”

I nodded, “scary isn’t it? Now you see why I’ve distanced myself.”

“I understand now Javier, but still, give her a chance.”

“To run?”

“The only one running right now is you.”

[bad-draft-stuff]

fate goes (to a scary place)

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... ?? *he sits up and looks around. how'd he get back to his room? Better find out* Bedi?? Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, you've awoken. Arsé-kun: Merlin: What just happened?? Sheepy: Bedi: I'm not sure. Sheepy: Bedi: One moment, I was fine. The next moment, I felt...exhausted. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It wasn't just me, then... Sheepy: Bedi: Everyone else suffered it as well. Sheepy: Bedi: I heard fighting, but my top priority was keeping an eye on you. What became of the fighting, I haven't a clue. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's not a good sign. Sheepy: Bedi: No, of course not. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We'd better find out. Sheepy: Bedi: Can you stand? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Probabl- *he stands and promptly fails standing up school. aaaand you fail* Sheepy: Bedi: Here, you're still wobbly. Let me help you. *he picks up Merlin* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh! That works too! Sheepy: Bedi: *he goes to investigate, Merlin in arms* Arsé-kun: Vlad: -- And I lost track of events from there. I'll take blame for failure. *he bows his head* Sheepy: Bedi: What's going on? Sheepy: Kintaro: ........ Arsé-kun: Mephisto: A dumpster fire! In the middle of a railroad! A trainwreck, on fire! I'd like to be on fire instead of dealing with this! Sheepy: Kintaro: Ain't nothin's golden 'bout hurtin' kids........ Arsé-kun: Mephisto: M-hm... Ya making it hard for me to be the clown for our benefits. Sit down, shut up, and consider the coconut! Arsé-kun: Merlin: This tells me everything and nothing at all! Sheepy: Kintaro: I'll send him to hell. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: That's my job!! Arsé-kun: Vlad: ..... Satoru was taken. Sheepy: Bedi: What?! Sheepy: Bedi: I see, I see, so that's what I heard and what I felt.. Sheepy: Bedi: Do we know who kidnapped him? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Yes. Yes, we do. Sheepy: Bedi: Whom? Arsé-kun: Hyde: The guy who lived here. Fuckin'... Asshole mcfuck. Not the sad shit. Sheepy: Bedi: Masato? Arsé-kun: Hyde: Yes and the other guy. He's the sad shit. The other one! Sheepy: Bedi: I see. Sheepy: Bedi: Tristan can find anyone in the world using his harp. Arsé-kun: Sakura: *she (finally) enters, probably having been held back* Then do it! Why are we just standing here?! Sheepy: Bedi: I cannot go to retrieve him, nor is this lowly knight capable of it. Sheepy: Bedi: As much as we would all love to rush in and deal with it, there's a few things to figure out before hand. Sheepy: Bedi: Who must stay, who must go, and who has the capabilities of getting the rescue party there. Sheepy: Bedi: I've already decided that I'm of the first party. Hate me as you wish, but my top priority is Merlin, who did not recover like everyone else did. Sheepy: Kintaro: I'm going to kill him... Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Taro, buddy! Getting a little hasty here, aren't we? Sheepy: Kintaro: It ain't hastiness. Chief's the brains and I'm the muscle. It's my job to crush evil for him. And makin' kids cry - that's as evil as they come. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You were certainly sounding a bit evil there! That's also my job! You handle the golden justice! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he clutches his fists* Make your decisions. Now. Sheepy: Tristan: I'm stay- Arsé-kun: Sakura: Absolutely not! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he picks up Tristan by the collar* Sheepy: Kintaro: Anyone else coming? Sheepy: *Kintaro's arms are oddly red. It's probably nothing.* Arsé-kun: *Nothing, like that giant cigarette smoke cloud we call Moriarty. Anyway* Sheepy: Ozy:....Hmm. Arsé-kun: Sakura: There you are. You're coming along, too. Sheepy: Ozy: What? Sheepy: Ozy: Truly, you're troublesome... Fine, fine! I, Ozymandias, will escort you! Arsé-kun: Sakura: Thank you. Sheepy: Ozy: Hahahaha! I look forward to the entertainment your trip holds! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: If Kintaro's going, I'm going to! Sheepy: Eiji: I-I'm sorry...I..I really want to h-...help, but I... Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... I don't feel that great, either. Sheepy: Bedi: I will take care of both of you. Don't worry. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Thanks, babe. Sheepy: Bedi: It's my pleasure. Sheepy: Kintaro: *he looks to Vlad and then Moriarty* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he raises his hand, then puts it back down* Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... It's the middle of the day. Count me out, unfortunately. Sheepy: Guin: Did you want to go, Lance? Arsé-kun: Lance: mmmmmmmmhm. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Then you both, too. Sheepy: Tristan: *snore* Arsé-kun: Sakura: ..... Don't tell me we have to wait! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he shakes Tristan* Arsé-kun: *Lance grabs and lightly tugs Tristan's hair* Sheepy: Tristan: ...Fine, fine. Sheepy: *Tristan takes out the Failnaught* Sheepy: Tristan: He's not in this house. Carry me northward, my steed. Sheepy: Bedi: Sir Tristan. If you don't cooperate I won't be pleased. Sheepy: Bedi: I'll be very, very disappointed... Sheepy: Tristan: Follow me. Sheepy: *Tristan heads out.* Arsé-kun: *And Tris is quickly followed by those who agreed to go* Arsé-kun: *More importantly, lets check on Satoru* Sheepy: *Satoru is curled up in a ball. Nobody can see you if you're in a fetal position.* Arsé-kun: *This is incorrect, and Satoru is prompted with some sort of catalyst yet again. You gotta try again, bud, or they'll go for your circuits* Sheepy: Satoru: I-I don't know what this is... Sheepy: Satoru: Dad said not to accept anything weird from strangers... Arsé-kun: *The catalyst is put next to Satoru.* Sheepy: Satoru: *he hesitantly picks it up* Sheepy: Satoru: What do you want me to do with this...? Sheepy: Satoru: It's just a book... I don't want to read it... Arsé-kun: Grunt #28: We've told you already. That's your catalyst. Give it a shot. Sheepy: Satoru: But I don't even know who I'm calling...! Arsé-kun: Grunt #57: The original Avenger. None of us have enough Circuits to handle it. You, however, do. Sheepy: Satoru: Ah! Captain America! Arsé-kun: Grunt #57: ... Not quite. Sheepy: Satoru: Not Captain America? Sheepy: Satoru: That's too bad. Arsé-kun: Grunt #25: The Avenger class, not the movie. Sheepy: Satoru: ...Okay, fine. Sheepy: *Satoru gets to work, understanding that there's no way out.* Arsé-kun: *The assortment of grunts give him space to do so. And chalk, and whatever else he'll need. Hint #40958 that these people are not smart.* Sheepy: Satoru: I can have anything I need to summon him? Sheepy: Satoru: Then, I need my family here. Arsé-kun: Masanori: *he moves to the front and pulls up a seat* Go on. Sheepy: Satoru: You aren't my family. Arsé-kun: *Someone yells. That someone is probably dead now. Carry on* Sheepy: Satoru: *he realizes that he isn't going to see his family until he summons Avenger. And so, he tries.* Arsé-kun: *It doesn't seem like anything happened... But there's a black thing there now.* Sheepy: Satoru: What's that? Arsé-kun: *There's chattering among the grunts. Masanori seems interested as well.* Arsé-kun: *A moments pause, and the thing moves. It's certainly shaped like a person, but completely pitch black.. Except for the eyes that are staring at Satoru* Arsé-kun: Avenger: Heya! The weakest Heroic Spirit Avenger, has answered your summons! Arsé-kun: *And at least half the grunts groan. Masanori no longer seems interested* Sheepy: Satoru: You're only the weakest if you say you're the weakest! I believe in you!! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Kiddo, that has gotta be the nicest thing anyone has ever said ta me. You okay in the head? Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Sheepy: Satoru: I might've hit my head. That guy was rough to me. *he points to Masanori* Sheepy: Satoru: And he kidnapped me and hurt my family. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Was 'e? And he's a plain ol' guy? Sheepy: Satoru: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he smirks* That's great. I can't do jack to other Heroic Spirits, but to people? Hoooo boy! Lemme dye the tiles crimson for you! Give me the word, Master! Sheepy: Satoru: But if you kill him I won't be able to get home. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Call someone else to you! Let them be your guide t' safety while I commit seppiku via combat! Sheepy: Satoru: Call? Sheepy: Satoru: ... I didn't know I could do that... Arsé-kun: *Masanori decides now is the best time to escape. Move it, gruntos, there he goes* Sheepy: *Satoru focuses very hard and summons Kintaro!* Sheepy: Satoru: Oh! Big bro Kintaro is here!- Sheepy: Kintaro: I'll crush each and every one of you, you monsters! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he whips out his axe. any grunts who want to live should run. Like number #58 or whatever. #28? the two who had personalities and a life* Arsé-kun: *oh, they'll probably get out. #57 and #28 have already exited the scene anyway* Arsé-kun: *anyway, Kintaro is free to splatter blood everywhere* Sheepy: *Which he does!* Sheepy: *Satoru is covering his eyes. Scary.* Arsé-kun: *Avenger just cheers Kintaro on. Glorified cheerleader* Sheepy: *Eventually, Kintaro finishes and turns to the two.* Arsé-kun: Avenger: Coooongratulations! You've probably scarred a child for life! Sheepy: Kintaro:...Eh? Sheepy: Kintaro: What's up with Chief? You didn't scare him, did you? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Oh, sure, blame me! Look at yourself n' then back to me! Sheepy: Kintaro: Speak clearly, I'm dumb. Arsé-kun: Avenger: You've got way more blood on your hands. Sheepy: Kintaro: ... Arsé-kun: Avenger: Don't look so sad! They deserved their fates! Sheepy: Satoru: But... Sheepy: Satoru: They're dead... Arsé-kun: Avenger: Eh. Shit happens Arsé-kun: *Meanwhile, Saku is shoving Tris' face into Golden Bear's fur.* Sheepy: Golden Bear: *grunting* Arsé-kun: Saku: Is it any clearer NOW?? Sheepy: Tristan: *muffled noises* Arsé-kun: Saku: *she pulls him back up* Repeat that? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, if only it were King Arthur who was ordering me around. Sheepy: Tristan: She would simply ground me as opposed to pulling me around by the hair.... Arsé-kun: Saku: *she lets go of Tristan's hair* Sheepy: Tristan: Certainly, it would be a much better fate than this. Sheepy: Tristan: A bear can smell fear up to forty miles away, or something. Sheepy: Tristan: So why must I force myself to track them? Arsé-kun: Saku: Because you already said you would, and because I want my child back! Sheepy: Tristan: Let us say a gun was put to your head and you were told to do something you did not wish to do. Sheepy: Tristan: Would you be sincere in agreeing to it? Arsé-kun: Andersen: The moral of the story here is not to threaten others into doing things. I'll a-b-c my way out of this situation now. Sheepy: Guin: Tristan. We need your help. Sheepy: Tristan: *he grumbles something and lifts up his harp* ... ...This way. Why do we have to walk? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Taro's said Golden Bear can be anything.. So do we really gotta? Sheepy: Guin: It would be a good idea if we picked up the pace. Sheepy: Guin: Kintaro may be sweet but he's essentially a berserker who's gotten a moment of clarity... I guess that's a way to describe it.... Sheepy: Guin: He could accidentally hurt Satoru is my concern. Sheepy: Golden Bear: *sniff* Sheepy: Tristan: Bear, become a car. Sheepy: *Golden Bear becomes a car.* Sheepy: Tristan: Excellent. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: That worked too! Sheepy: *Tristan sits in the driver's seat* Sheepy: Guin:....... Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Fear. Sheepy: Guin: *lance i dont like this* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Shotgun! *and he swings into the other front seat* Sheepy: Tristan: Get in. Sheepy: Guin: Tristan, you're blind. Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Arsé-kun: Saku: I don't feel safe. Sheepy: Tristan: I'm excellent at driving. Sheepy: Ozy:... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I'll... Backseat drive.. If I have to.. Sheepy: Guin: Yes, good idea. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Hurry up, get in! Who cares who drives? It's not me and I don't have any rider stuff! Sheepy: *Guin gets in with Lance. Ozy hesitantly joins them* Arsé-kun: *And Saku gets in, even more cautiously* Sheepy: *They get going! Either Tristan is a good driver or the bear is doing everything and is taking Tristan's directions.* Arsé-kun: *It's still very uncomfortable for everyone in the back seats* Sheepy: *Somehow everyone survives the trip* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Ah. Sheepy: Tristan:... ... ... *snore* Sheepy: Guin:...Let's make sure never to let him drive a real car. Sheepy: Tristan:... ... kay, who lied to you saying that you look good in a mullet ... *mumbling* Sheepy: Guin: *she gets out of the car and pulls Tristan out of the front seat.* Sheepy: Ozy: *he stumbles out of the car and gags* Sheepy: Ozy: H..ha! Hahaha! -Hrk. ... Gh. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You good, Pharaoh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Or does a big, strong man need to carry you? Sheepy: Ozy: I can carry myself. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Good to know! Sheepy: Ozy: We're going now! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Fine! Sheepy: *Ozy, visibly flustered, storms in* Sheepy: *Guin, Tristan in arms, follows.* Arsé-kun: *Mephisto laughs and follows. Shut ur mouth* Arsé-kun: *Lance waits for Saku to go, then follows himself* Sheepy: *When they enter, they're greeted by bodies. Many bodies. Some are quesionably alive. Kintaro is trying to cheer up a crying Satoru. Considering the blood on his hands and shirt, it's not working too well.* Arsé-kun: Avenger: Look on the bright side, will ya? Can't hurtcha if they're dying! Sheepy: Satoru: But now he's going to go to jail! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Self-defense via berserker! Just blame me for it n' it'll be peachy! Sheepy: Satoru: But you didn't do anything. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Shhh, shhh! It's my job to be blamed for evil acts! Sheepy: Satoru: But... Arsé-kun: Avenger: Wait! We've got company! *he stands up and holds his arms out* You who approach! Friend or foe? Best be friend, or be slain by everyone's favorite convenient villain! Sheepy: Ozy: It depends if you're going to prevent him from going home. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Do not pick a third option! It is one or the other! Sheepy: Guin: Friend. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Mmmm? We'll see how well that holds up. *he moves aside* Sheepy: Guin: Satoru, we're here. Sheepy: *Satoru doesn't seem to care too much. Dead bodies...* Arsé-kun: Saku: *she seems just as uncomfortable, honestly* Satoru! Lets get you out of here. Sheepy: *Those are the magic words. He shakily joins Saku* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he lowers himself down to Satoru's level and pats his head* :) ? Sheepy: Kintaro: W-woah! You're giving me a scary look, Guin...! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Don't give him the heated glare. T'was my doing, after all! This carnage would not have been possible without my supporting actions! Sheepy: Satoru: But you did nothing. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I-I did too..! Sheepy: Satoru: ? Arsé-kun: Avenger: I was... Moral support! Sheepy: Satoru: I see. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he grumbles and looks to Kintaro* Sheepy: Kintaro: S-sorry, I just can't stand seein' kids scared... Sheepy: Kintaro: It ain't golden at all. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he nods. seems he agrees with you.* Sheepy: Ozy: So, who are you, child? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Me? Sheepy: Ozy: Yes. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I'm able to share that knowledge so freely? Call me Avenger until we're inna more private place. Sheepy: Ozy: ....? Arsé-kun: Avenger: ... That not ringin' any alarm bells? Sheesh. Sheepy: Ozy: No. Sheepy: Ozy: Better question, where is your home? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Mine? Whatever doghouse the little Master dumps me in, of course. Sheepy: Ozy: You've lost me. Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he stoops down to pick up his now-bloodied scripture* Human scum were tryin' to summon a Divine Spirit. Tried to get the little guy to do it. Got me instead! I hope no one expects combat from me! Sheepy: Guin:...I wonder why? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Didn't hear the whys or hows. I just came to the call. Arsé-kun: Avenger: 'less you mean that last bit? 'Cuz I'm the weakest heroic spirit. Really shouldn't expect anythin' from me. Sheepy: Guin: No, why they kidnapped him for that purpose exclusively. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Like I said, missed that bit. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Avenger: That guy knows, I'd wager. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Don't worry if you don't know who I mean. I do, and I ain't forgettin. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Lets... just go.. Sheepy: Guin: Yes, good idea. Sheepy: Tristan: *mumbling* Arsé-kun: Lance: . .... ..... I'll drive. Sheepy: Guin: Okay. Sheepy: *And so, the group gets home.* Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Lancelot, I had the silliest dream. I was driving a bear car. Arsé-kun: Lance: This car? Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Arsé-kun: Lance: You did drive it. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Sheepy: Tristan: Oh. Sheepy: Tristan: I'll tell Sir Lancelot about this when I awaken - Arsé-kun: Lance: *he tugs Tris' hair* Sheepy: Tristan: ?! Sheepy: Tristan: So I'm not dreaming... Arsé-kun: Lance: That's right. Good evening. *and the helmet goes back on* Sheepy: Tristan: Good evening. Arsé-kun: *Avenger has his face pressed against the window. Productive* Sheepy: Tristan: The wind on my face and the breeze in my hair reminds me of my fateful meeting with my dearest. Sheepy: Ozy: *he's fidgeting uncomfortably* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ... Soooo! Sheepy: Tristan: But perhaps both of us woild have been better off not meeting one another. I say this, and yet, I cannot bear the thought of losing these memories. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: SOOOO ANYWAY! Sheepy: Satoru: Masanori still thinks we're family. Sheepy: Satoru: And he also got away. Sheepy: Satoru: So he's still a threat, technically. Arsé-kun: Avenger: That his name? I won't forget it. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh Arsé-kun: Mephisto: .. So, what's green, has four legs, and would kill you if it jumped out of a tree? Sheepy: Satoru: A table with a temper. Sheepy: Kintaro: A bear. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Shoot! Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You both had valid answers! Sheepy: Satoru: But what is it? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: A pool table. Sheepy: Satoru: Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Okay, okay, better one! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: An Irishman walks out of a bar. He's sober. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Kintaro sometimes goes to bars. Sheepy: Satoru: So does Cu. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: But do they come back sober? Anyway, while that's happening, a man is building a house with bricks, see? Sheepy: Satoru: Sober..Sober... Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Not drunk. Sheepy: Satoru: Ummm.... Sheepy: Satoru: No. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Exactly. Anyhoo! Man, house, bricks. He orders a hundred bricks, but turns out, he only needs ninety-nine! Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: So, he throws the last brick into the air. Really hard. So hard it's gone from view. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: That's good. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: But more importantly, how do you put an elephant in the fridge? Sheepy: Satoru: You don't, because elephants live outside, not in the fridge. Sheepy: Satoru: They're happy outside. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Open the door, put the elephant in, and close the door. With that in mind, how do you put a giraffe in the fridge? Sheepy: Satoru: You don't, because giraffes live outside. There's no trees in the fridge, and a giraffe's height compared to a tree is all it has to make itself feel good about itself. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Open the door, take the elephant out, put the giraffe in,, and close the door. Sheepy: Satoru: So without trees, giraffes will slowly succumb to the dread of their lack of purpose in life. Finally they'll come to believe that their only skill is to be tall, and they'll fall into a deep depression. Sheepy: Satoru: Giraffes can't do math and they can't read. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Did you lose your sense of humor? Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: I'm telling jokes here! Sheepy: Satoru: I didn't notice. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Now that you know, I'll go on! Sheepy: Satoru: You're still telling jokes? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: I'm not done yet! There's two more to the set! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Have fun. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Will do! So there's gonna be a meeting of all the animals on a plane. Every one has to show up, and everyone does! Except one. Who? Sheepy: Satoru: The first inclination is to say the pilot, but planes technically don't require a pilot anymore. Their courses are set within the computer, and the pilot's only real job is to keep everyone in line and deal with any problems that arise. Sheepy: Satoru: So it really wouldn't be a problem if he left his seat because the computer is doing his job for him anyway. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: The giraffe, because it's still in the fridge! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. That's too bad. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: One more joke and I'll shut up! The giraffe gets let out, and everyone gets on the plane, okay? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: A doglady brought her kid, who just keeps yapping. This annoys the rhino, who's smoking. "Tell your kid to shut it!" He says. She turns and tells him to put out the cigarette. They fight over this for a bit, ending with her throwing the rhino's cigarette out a window. For the best, I'd suppose, 'cuz smokes on planes are pretty bad. He leans out to try and catch it, and comes back with something- But not his cigarette. What'd he catch? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Other than a cold! Arsé-kun: *Mephisto waits a moment* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: The brick! *he seems proud of himself* I'll be here all week, unfortunately! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he huffs* Tough crowd. Arsé-kun: *He did his best, but not really. Those were bad jokes, but he expected more reactions than blank stares. Feels bad man* Sheepy: Satoru: *He sleepily rubs his eyes. he must stay awake.* Arsé-kun: *and now, a timeskip. so they can get Home* Sheepy: Bedi: -Lancelot! Tristan! Arsé-kun: Lance: ...? Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin! Merlin's....! Arsé-kun: Lance: What did he do this time..? Sheepy: Bedi: He's sick! I think! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: No wonder he looked nearly as pale as me! Sheepy: Bedi: That's not the point! The point is that I don't know what to do! Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Yelling.. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm sorry. I- I lost my composure. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he puts a hand on Bedi's shoulder. everything is okay* ... Where.. Is he? Sheepy: Bedi: Follow me. Arsé-kun: *bedi is followed* Sheepy: *Bedi brings everyone to Merlin.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he looks downright miserable. even his whiskers are wilting a bit* Sheepy: Bedi: I - uh - I brought them, in case they could help. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... *he glances over* ... *and shakes his head* Sheepy: Bedi: Then what can I do? I don't know what's wrong with you. I don't know how to help. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Mana. *his voice sounds dry, and he coughs after speaking* Sheepy: Tristan: How can we give you mana? Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... ..... It's Me. .. What do you.. think? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, I'll call the funeral house. Arsé-kun: Merlin: .. n' don't order flowers. Sheepy: *Tristan receives a punch to the back of the head. By Airgetlam.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: 'Ey! Sheepy: Bedi: *he huffs, but turns his attention to Merlin* I don't have much to offer, but I could try to help. Sheepy: Tristan: ... ... ... Arsé-kun: Merlin: You did. ... How many times? .. I've already forgotten. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, but.... Arsé-kun: Merlin: .. Don't want to drain you dry. *he coughs again* Or.. anyone else. Sheepy: Bedi: But you need it. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... 'm not feeling up to it. Sheepy: Bedi: ... Sheepy: Bedi: You're really that bad off? Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... m-hm. Sheepy: Bedi: I was hoping maybe it was a situation where they could help, but-... I can call Dr. Roman, would that help? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... *he shrugs* Sheepy: Bedi: Here-just-sit tight, I'll call him. I'm sorry, Lancelot, I didn't think this through. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah...my head...my head... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he lightly smacks Bedi upside the head, and gestures to Tristan* Sheepy: Bedi: *He gives Lancelot a frustrated expression* Arsé-kun: Lance: You did this. Sheepy: Tristan: No... no... it's okay.... Sheepy: Tristan: My life isn't worth anything anyway... Sheepy: Tristan: If I happen to die from this, nobody would even care. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he makes a frustrated growl* Sheepy: Bedi: *Unfortunately for both of them, Bedi only cares about one thing right now: saving Merlin. He gives Lance a nasty look and goes to call Dr. Roman* Sheepy: Tristan: My best friend hates me now... Sheepy: Tristan: ...Perhaps. If I had not said those things back then, our downfall would have never happened. But would we be happier? Would he hate me now...? Sheepy: Tristan: My head feels heavy...and I think I'm bleeding. Sheepy: Tristan: Although... if I had not said those things... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Shhhut up. Sheepy: Tristan: The only ones who would be servants would be Sir Lancelot and King Arthur. Perhaps Sir Gawain as well. Sheepy: Tristan: So then... Sir Bedivere would have never hooked up with Merlin... and thus he would've never punched me in the head. Sheepy: Tristan: In conclusion, my pessimism is why we are all here today. Sheepy: Tristan: You're welcome. Sheepy: Tristan: *mumbling* Sheepy: Bedi: -I called him. Sheepy: Tristan: Although technically our mothers and the timing of their hook-ups with our fathers are why we exist. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Blame me. Sheepy: Tristan: Since the timing is important. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. mmmmmhm. Sheepy: Bedi: What's he going on about now...? There's nothing to blame you for, Merlin. Sheepy: Tristan: Although, I suppose Queen Guinevere's father forcing her into a marriage she didn't want could contribute to it... Sheepy: Tristan: Especially with King Arthur. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Wouldn't've happened if I didn't. Sheepy: Bedi: Is this really the time to be discussing this? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Why not..? Sheepy: Bedi: Because you're sick? Arsé-kun: Merlin: n' Tristan is bleeding out. Lancelot's frustrated *cough, cough, wheeze* n' yur bein' a shit. Sheepy: Bedi:... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Who's this guy? Where's the Bedi that doesn't hit people? Sheepy: Bedi:..... Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, the temperature in the room dropped. Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... ... Bedivere, do leave. Take them with you. Sheepy: Bedi: Look- I called Dr. Roman. If leaving is what you want from me, that's fine. I'll come back when you need me. Sheepy: *Bedi picks up Tristan and looks to Lancelot. are you coming?* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he pulls the blanket up and rolls over. Discussion Over* Arsé-kun: *Lance is absolutely following* Sheepy: *Bedi leaves and drops Tristan off on the nearest sofa* Arsé-kun: *Lance stares. Pressing X to disapprove* Sheepy: Tristan: I want my best friend baaaaack~ Sheepy: Tristan: He's gooooneee.... Sheepy: Tristan: And soon Lancelot will leave me too... Arsé-kun: *Lance responds by sitting down on the floor* Sheepy: Tristan: And then I'll be all alone.... *There's tears streaming down his face, but he's still got that relaxed expression he usually has...* Sheepy: Tristan: What will I do then...? Sheepy: Tristan: Lancelot, please don't leave me all alone. Arsé-kun: Lance: mmm not. Sheepy: Tristan: That's what Bedivere said. Sheepy: Tristan: And Bedivere never broke his promises. Ever. Sheepy: Tristan: But... he did this time. Sheepy: Tristan: ....So, what can I believe? Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Not me. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, so you'll leave too.. Arsé-kun: Lance: Non. Sheepy: Tristan: But...you just said... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... How much control do you think I have over myself..? Sheepy: Tristan: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he raises his arm.. And punches the floor. That definitely left a mark* Not enough! Sheepy: Tristan: Ah... that's what happened to my skull. Arsé-kun: Lance: Oui. Sheepy: Tristan: It still hurts. Arsé-kun: Lance: Why wouldn't it? Sheepy: Tristan: Because my best friend hit me... Sheepy: Tristan: And my emotions hurt more.... Sheepy: Tristan: *Sob* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he sighs and stays put* Sheepy: Cu: ...Why is he bleeding on the sofa? Sheepy: Tristan: My best friend punched me. Sheepy: Cu: That doesn't sound like a good friend. *He plops down next to Lance* Did you do this? *He gestures to the hole* Sheepy: Tristan: That's what Bedivere did to my skull... Sheepy: Cu: Again, that really doesn't sound like friend material. Social stuff isn't my forte, but get your bleeding to stop and then we'll discuss your bad friend. And you, did you put a hole in the floor? Sheepy: Tristan: I don't want pity...I just want him to come back... my heart yearns for my good friend, the one who supported me no matter what, the forgiving friend, the one who stayed with me through the worst of times... Sheepy: Tristan: It calls for the friend who understood me despite our differences, was kind no matter the situation, who showed more love and compassion than any knight to make up the difference of strength... Where has he gone? I feel lost without the one who gave me the encouraging words I needed, the one who warmed my cold, lonely heart despite me accidentally hurting his brother, the understanding one who never gave up on anyone. Sheepy: Cu: I'm not asking you. Arsé-kun: Lance: ....... I sure did. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Lost temper for a moment. Sheepy: Cu: Well, just be ready for when that obnoxious red archer decides to drag you into repairs. Sheepy: Cu: Anyway, I can hear his crying from over there, so what can I do to make him stop crying? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he shrugs* Sheepy: Cu: Well, will someone explain what's going on so I can deal with it? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Wizard's sick. *he huffs* Bedivere's panicking. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Bedivere overreacted, hit Tristan. Arsé-kun: Lance: And Merlin kicked us out. For the best.. I suppose. Sheepy: Cu: Well, here's the plan. Sheepy: Cu: This guy isn't going to stop crying until this Bedivere apologizes, right? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I doubt even that will stop it. Sheepy: Cu: Really? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... He'd cry out of happiness afterwards. Sheepy: Cu: But at least that has an end. Sheepy: Cu: This obviously doesn't. Sheepy: Cu: A hit to the head won't kill the man, since he's a servant. It might rattle his brains and stain the sofa, but otherwise it's nothing to be concerned about. Sheepy: Cu: All the same, it can potentially be used to exploit Bedivere's empathy. Sheepy: Cu: So we could maybe manipulate him with a "look at what you did" scenario...? Sheepy: Cu: Although... Sheepy: Cu: If he inflicted it, he's not going to feelbad until much later. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. M-hm. I did that already. It didn't work. Sheepy: Cu: Which is another few hours of me hearing this guy cry, which is unacceptable. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Ten more minutes will be unacceptable. Sheepy: Cu: Exactly! Sheepy: Tristan: *sob* Everyone hates me... Arsé-kun: Mozart: No one said that. I'd have certainly heard if it was said. Sheepy: Tristan: It wasn't said, it was acted upon.. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Why would I like you crying? That means something bad and shitty has happened- Which it has, I heard. Sheepy: Tristan: Bedivere punched me. Sheepy: Tristan: He's my best friend. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He does seem to be in sour spirits. Sheepy: Tristan: He's only punched me one other time. Sheepy: Tristan: The last time he punched me.. Sheepy: Tristan:... Sheepy: Tristan:...Perhaps...he knows something I don't? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah! If only I had a heart! Sir Lancelot could give me a quick death! Arsé-kun: Lance: Could, but won't. Sheepy: Tristan: Even if I requested it? Arsé-kun: Lance: I refuse. Sheepy: Tristan: Even if I gave you pocket lint in return? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he sighs* Even then. Sheepy: Tristan: You're certainly cruel, Sir Lancelot. The day may come where you have no choice. Arsé-kun: Lance: And that's either due to my own faults, or.. Something else. Sheepy: Tristan:... Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Bedivere did it for me. Sheepy: Tristan: So...why won't you? Arsé-kun: Lance: Do you want a real answer to that? Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Sheepy: Cu: *He goes off to find Bedi meanwhile* Arsé-kun: Lance: Because I've already killed enough people. Sheepy: Tristan: I'm not a person. I'm something less than that. Arsé-kun: Mozart: :< Sheepy: Cu: *He gently shoves Bedi (?) into the room.* Go on. Apologize for what you did. Sheepy: Bedi?: Eh?! Arsé-kun: Mozart: That's not Bedivere. Sheepy: Cu: It looks like him. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Sounds different. Sheepy: Cu: But it's the same face and everything. *He tugs on Lucan's cheek* Then who are you? Sheepy: Lucan: You work with me! I have two arms! Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Lucan. Sheepy: Lucan: Yes? Arsé-kun: Lance: Good to see you. *he picks his helmet up. Hello* Sheepy: Lucan: *He looks to Tristan, opens his mouth, and closes it.* Sheepy: Tristan: I understand now.... Arsé-kun: Lance: No, it wasn't him, Tristan. Sheepy: Tristan: He sent you to gaze upon my cracked skull, to laugh as I bleed out. Sheepy: Tristan: He's getting vengeance. Sheepy: Lucan: Actually, I was just going for a jog. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I hear something above us. Sheepy: Tristan: It's death.... Arsé-kun: Mozart: No, that's a regular. Sheepy: Lucan: That's probably Bedi. Sheepy: Lucan: When he gets upset he goes to high places to relax since nobody will see him there. Sheepy: Lucan: He also said something along the lines of high places making everything seem small, so his problems come to seem small too. Sheepy: Tristan: Bedivere punched me... Sheepy: Lucan: Knowing Bedi, I'm sure it was completely justified. Sheepy: Lucan: So am I still needed or can I go? Arsé-kun: Lance: You can go, certainly. Sheepy: *Lucan heads out* Arsé-kun: Lance: Give it another shot, Cu. Maybe this time go upwards. Sheepy: Cu: Fine. Sheepy: *Cu leaves again to get Bedi* Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'm predicting he falls off the roof first. Sheepy: *There's a faint scream from Cu. You predicted right.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: I hate that I was correct. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I can't believe Lancer is dead again. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He was a good man, a loyal man, and the goodest boy. Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he's not sure if he's doing this right, but he trucks on anyways* Arsé-kun: Mozart: He may not have always come when he was called, but he never left a hand unshook and guarded his master with his life. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He did some other things, too. It's too bad that gravity was his downfall this week. Sheepy: Cu: -I'LL KILL YOU! Sheepy: Cu: *He leaps in, a very confused Bedi under his arm* Sheepy: Cu: I'M NO DOG! Sheepy: Bedi: ...What's going on? *He sounds exhausted...* Sheepy: Cu: You! *He drops Bedi* Need to apologize to the red-head over there so he stops crying! Sheepy: Bedi: ...Um. Tristan- Sheepy: Tristan: Do you hate me? Sheepy: Bedi: No! No, no! That's not what's going on at all! I, uh- I can't really justify punching you, and it was terrible of me to do so. I'm sorry. I know an apology won't make it up, so let me do something for you later. Oh. I could cook for you- Sheepy: Tristan: Please don't. Sheepy: Tristan: But- *sob* Sheepy: Bedi: *he rushes to Tristan's side* What is it? Sheepy: Tristan: My best friend! Doesn't hate me! *He embraces Bedi* Joy fills my very soul! Bedivere...! Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I'm sorry, Cu, I had to make sure you were alive somehow. *he smiles a little* I also wanted to see if that was as fun as it seemed. Sheepy: Cu: If you want to see if it's fun, I can shove you off the roof. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Please don't. I don't come with Guts. Sheepy: Cu: Then what are you full of, fluff? Sheepy: Bedi: You can let go now... Sheepy: Tristan: *sob* Arsé-kun: Mozart: Not that kind of guts! Sheepy: Cu: Ah, that. Sheepy: Cu: -And you! Stop crying already! It's resolved! Sheepy: Tristan: *sob* Sheepy: Bedi:...Is that what you got me for? Tristan just cries until he feels tired and can't cry anymore. Sheepy: Bedi: And the moment he's up to crying again, chances are he'll start up again. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Bedivere. Sheepy: Bedi: I've already apologized. Arsé-kun: Lance: Not that. Arsé-kun: Lance: Is it just me, or do we seem to be getting... ah.. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. Irritable.. When around Merlin? Sheepy: Bedi:..... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I'm just saying! Sheepy: Bedi: *He smiles* I don't know what you're talking about. *He's definitely hiding something...* Arsé-kun: Lance: Don't make me punt you. Sheepy: Bedi:... Sheepy: Bedi: It's probably got to do with him being half-incubus. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... I suppose that's a point. *he gestures to the hole he made* But it caused this. Arsé-kun: Lance: I lost my temper. Sheepy: Bedi: No, he's probably taking mana from you. Sheepy: Bedi: Your Master gives you mana. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... ... *he considers this* Sheepy: Bedi: Ours does not. I was getting mine from Merlin. Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin is running out. So am I. Arsé-kun: Mozart: And on top of this was earlier today. I'd like to suggest to that adding to our dour atmosphere. Sheepy: Bedi: So potentially his body is trying to keep Merlin alive. Sheepy: Bedi: Whether he likes the method or not. Sheepy: Bedi:...Of course. Sheepy: Bedi: When a servant runs out of mana, it's.. Arsé-kun: Lance: Awful. I've been through that experience. Sheepy: Bedi:... It can't kill them, right? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he frowns. there's your answer, along with a hesitant grunt* Sheepy: Bedi:... Sheepy: Bedi: I- I think I'll go sit down. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he pats the floor next to him, where the hole Isn't* Sheepy: *Bedi sits next to Lance* Sheepy: *Bedi eventually leans towards Lance. Bedi why* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he puts an arm on Bedi's shoulders* Sheepy: Tristan: *he wants attention too* Arsé-kun: Lance: *this is Fine* Sheepy: Lobo: *he trots in, head raised high (and an unfortunate Dr. Roman dangling from Lobo's mouth by the collar of his coat) and tail wagging. He drops Dr. Roman in front of Lancelot and proceeds to scratch himself with his back leg.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Thank you, Lobo. Sheepy: Lobo: *yawn* Sheepy: Lobo: *he sniffs at Dr. Roman. Is he still alive?* Arsé-kun: Roman: .. *he's alive, but rather shook. Give him a moment* Arsé-kun: Roman: Is that how I'm going to be greeted every time, Lobo..?? Sheepy: Lobo: *he nudges Roman with his snout* Sheepy: Lobo: *His tail is still wagging...* Arsé-kun: Roman: Th-thanks.. Sheepy: Lobo: *boof* Arsé-kun: Roman: *he pats Lobo* Sheepy: Tristan: Merlin needed you. Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Bedivere needed you too, as much as he was not bringing it up, but Merlin needs you more. Arsé-kun: Lance: Hold on just a moment. Merlin can wait another minute. Arsé-kun: Lance: Are you still bleeding, or did it finally stop? Sheepy: Tristan: My blood is no matter - whether it is being spilled or not pales in comparison to my friend's problems. Sheepy: Tristan: But yes. I am. Arsé-kun: Roman: Let me see. Sheepy: Tristan: *He blankly "stares" in Roman's direction* Arsé-kun: *and Romani approaches Tristan instead* Sheepy: *Tristan is okay with this.* Arsé-kun: *Roman busts out the Heals. Was it magic? Was it machinery? idk idc what matters is that the wound has been Healed. tris' hair remains Untouched* Sheepy: Tristan: Now, go forth, hero, go and rescue the court jester. Arsé-kun: Lance: what Sheepy: Tristan: ... Sheepy: Tristan: Go forth. Rescue the court jester. *He points to Merlin's room* Arsé-kun: Lance: Ah. Arsé-kun: Roman: I should ask first, but how sick is he? Bedivere wasn't very clear about it. Retching sick, fainting sick, can't update his show for a month sick, dying sick, what is it? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Bedivere mentioned something about Merlin having no mana. Sheepy: Tristan: He also mentioned that he was getting mana from Merlin and not his Master. Arsé-kun: Roman: Eh? That's a whole different brand of sick! So it's the last one! Arsé-kun: Roman: Is it even safe to go in there? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, it made Sir Bedivere punch me with his Airgetlam. Sheepy: Tristan: Hence the bleeding. Arsé-kun: Roman: So it's not? Sheepy: Tristan: Would you let him die just because you're a coward? Arsé-kun: Roman: !! Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm a coward but I'm not about to let that happen..! *away he goes, tossing all precaution to the wind. good going, tristan* Sheepy: Tristan: Goodbye, rest in peace. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... If something happens, whose job is it to clean up? Sheepy: Tristan: Not mine. It's yours. Arsé-kun: Lance: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... If you two wish to do something other than stay put, you may. I'm keeping an ear out for any happenings, and I believe a movie is being put on downstairs. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Arsé-kun: Lance: Uh. Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Lancelot. What do you plan to do? Arsé-kun: Lance: To be honest? I'm not quite sure. Sheepy: Tristan: I never have good ideas. Arsé-kun: Lance: You've got more ideas than I. Do share. Sheepy: Tristan: Let's go off into the sunset and achieve our dreams upon Lobo's back. Sheepy: Lobo: *he flops over* Arsé-kun: Lance: Poetic. But Lobo doesn't seem to approve. Sheepy: Tristan: That's too bad. Sheepy: Tristan: Let's watch what they're watching downstairs. Sheepy: Bedi: *mumbling* Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, genius idea. Arsé-kun: Lance: ???????? Sheepy: Tristan: Your input has shattered my view of the world. Sheepy: Tristan: I haven't a clue what he said. Sheepy: Tristan: But I'm sure it's groundbreaking. Arsé-kun: Lance: Neither do I. Lets put him to bed and then join them, yes. Sheepy: Tristan: Excellent idea. Arsé-kun: Lance: You'll have to get off of me, then. Sheepy: Tristan:... *he hesitantly shifts off of Lance* Arsé-kun: *This allows Lance to pick up Bedivere and stand up* Sheepy: Bedi: *he doesn't stir. he's still sleeptalking occasionally. maybe about past events?* Arsé-kun: *It's not worth worrying about, Lance decides. He opts to ignore it and drops Bedi off* Sheepy: Tristan: *The moment Lance drops Bedi off, he leaps into Lance's arms* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he sighs and catches Tristan* Sir Tristan, with all due respect, why are you this way? Sheepy: Tristan: My body is cold but your friendship is warm. Sheepy: Tristan: Together we're like a depressed ice cream sundae. Arsé-kun: Lance: That's the nicest thing you've said all day. Sheepy: Tristan: Thank you. Sheepy: Tristan: I understand now, why my instincts brought me here. I assumed it was because of her house, but I believe now it was the strength of our bond calling to me. Arsé-kun: Lance: Perhaps so. Sheepy: Tristan: Now, let us join the party. We two will stand together even in the most socially awkward scenarios. Sheepy: Cu: -You should've gone WallE, Kiddo! You should've gone WallE! Sheepy: Satoru: She looks nice. I like her. Sheepy: Cu: She's killing people!! Sheepy: Tristan: Hm? Arsé-kun: Lance: Sounds lovely. Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: Hmm.. Maybe I should've chosen WallE... Sheepy: Cu: Yes, yes! Let's watch that! Now! Arsé-kun: Andersen: I suppose I can find a well written synopsis about this instead. Sheepy: Satoru: We can keep watching if you want. Sheepy: Cu: No, no! Sheepy: Cu: Let's watch WallE! Or Monster's Inc! Or literally any of the other pixar movies you asked me to buy you and then you never watched them! Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Satoru: Toy Story 4. Sheepy: Cu: First of all, we haven't watched the first three, and second of all, that won't even be out for another year at least. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay, let's keep watching this then. Sheepy: Cu: *groan* Arsé-kun: Andersen: Hey, what the hell? Is that a jawbone? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Hm. Maybe it's good that I got this movie. Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Minako would enjoy it. Somehow. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Would, if we could keep track of what was happening. Sheepy: Satoru: It's confusing. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Very Sheepy: Cu: I hate it... Arsé-kun: Andersen: You can leave anytime. It's not like Satoru doesn't have supervision. Sheepy: *Cu dashes out.* Arsé-kun: Andersen: It's like you'd expect the murder machine of Ireland to have a tolerance. Sheepy: Satoru: He doesn't like them because it gives him nightmares. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Hm. Arsé-kun: Andersen: .. Lets just finish this. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he looks to Tris* I don't get the appeal of these kinds of things. Sheepy: Tristan: I don't either. Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Lance is here. Arsé-kun: Lance: Yes, I am. Sheepy: Satoru: That's good. Thank you for helping me earlier. Arsé-kun: Lance: You're very welcome. Sakura was... Very persuasive about us coming along. Sheepy: Satoru: I thanked her already. Sheepy: Satoru: But I'll make sure to thank her for that too. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he nods and glances to the tv. shits going Down* oh Sheepy: Satoru: It's okay. It can't hurt you. Arsé-kun: Lance: Good to know. I still remember the bogart from months ago. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know what you're talking about... Sheepy: Ozy: *he pops up from behind the couch* Hm? It's still going on? Sheepy: *One of the sphinx kittens mewls. Seems like he was playing with his kittens instead of watching the movie.* Arsé-kun: Andersen: I think it's almost over. ... I think. Sheepy: Ozy: *he slides down the back of the couch again* Arsé-kun: *and then the dvd glitches out and starts the movie over.* Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, something doesn't feel right. Arsé-kun: Andersen: I thought that was part of the movie for a moment. Sheepy: Tristan: Is it? Arsé-kun: Andersen: No. The clock on the player reset. Sheepy: Tristan: Is that normal? Arsé-kun: Andersen: No. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: That's too bad. Let's watch... Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Satoru: Uhhmmm... Arsé-kun: Andersen: Not that again. Someone take the dvd out. I can't reach. Sheepy: *Satoru goes and takes the DVD out* Sheepy: Ozy: *he pokes his head over the back of the sofa again* Arsé-kun: Andersen: What have I not seen yet... *he looks over the stack of DVDs. Wall-E is on top, and it forces him to GET UP to look at it* Sheepy: Satoru: I can't reach WallE and Cu is gone Arsé-kun: Andersen: I've got it. Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Satoru: Ozy- Sheepy: Ozy: No. Arsé-kun: Andersen: *he whistles* C'mere, dog! Sheepy: Cu: -THIS IS THE LAST TIME ANYONE IS GOING TO CALL ME A DOG! Sheepy: Cu: *he busts into the room, gae bolg in hand* GIVE ME YOUR FROZEN, ROTTING HEART YOU LIL BRAT! Arsé-kun: Andersen: But you still came. Good boy. We're putting the pixar flick on. Sheepy: Satoru: *he gently pats Cu* Good dog. Sheepy: Cu: Kiddo, I'm no dog! Sheepy: Satoru: But I called for a pet dog and you came. Arsé-kun: Andersen: And sure, take my heart. I'll just end up like heartless over here. Then again, nothing would change. Sheepy: Satoru: And then I called again and Lobo came. Sheepy: Tristan: Me? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Yes, you. Sheepy: Cu: *he storms over and grabs WallE* This? Sheepy: Tristan:... Arsé-kun: Andersen: Yes. Sheepy: Tristan: It's cold... not having a heart. Sheepy: Cu: *he hands WallE to Andersen* Sheepy: Satoru: Watch WallE with us. Sheepy: Cu: I just started something... Arsé-kun: Andersen: I already intended to. And that's a shame. Sheepy: Cu: ...Alright, fine. Move over, mopey. Sheepy: Tristan: *he moves an inch* Sheepy: Cu: *he plops down onto Tristan's leg* Sheepy: Tristan: Why. Arsé-kun: Andersen: You deserved that. Sheepy: Tristan: I was comfortable... Sheepy: Tristan: But I understand. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he kinda just rolls his eyes* Sheepy: Tristan: My feelings hold no worth. Sheepy: Tristan: I am just a piece of furniture. Arsé-kun: Lance: You stop that Sheepy: Tristan: That's how I'm being treated, so it must be accurate. Arsé-kun: *and eventually, they get settled and the movie goes On* Sheepy: Satoru: *He's interested in the movie* Arsé-kun: *Thankfully for everyone else, it's not scary.* Sheepy: *Always a bonus!* Sheepy: Tristan:....*his head droops some* Sheepy: *Ozy and one of the kittens are watching too!* Sheepy: Cu: *And he has relaxed.* Arsé-kun: *Andersen has Shut up, and Lancelot has also calmed down a fair bit* Arsé-kun: *and now, skipping the movie because we're not sitting here for over an hour* Sheepy: Satoru: I liked it. Arsé-kun: *Andersen has covered his face with his sleeves* Sheepy: Satoru: Do you need to sneeze? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Nooo.. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Andersen: That was... *he sniffs* Surprisingly well done.. Sheepy: Satoru: Are you crying? It's okay. Arsé-kun: Andersen: N-no! I-I'd never! Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Well, if you want to cry, that's okay. Crying is good for you. Sheepy: Cu: Aren't you glad you chose a pixar movie, kiddo? Sheepy: Satoru: I like the cockroach. Arsé-kun: Lance: If my opinion's of any value, I think this was preferable. Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Arsé-kun: *Lancelot has been Validated. Feels good man* Sheepy: Satoru: I liked the robot. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Which one? Sheepy: Satoru: WallE. Sheepy: Tristan: WallE is a robot? Sheepy: Satoru: Yes. Sheepy: Tristan: What's a robot? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Now he asks..! Sheepy: Tristan: Well? Arsé-kun: Andersen: A machine! A robot is a machine! Sheepy: Tristan: Is it? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Yes! Sheepy: Tristan: Well. Sheepy: Tristan: Machines aren't alive, so how are robots? Arsé-kun: Andersen: It's.. Questionable. Arsé-kun: *We now return to our regular program. Thank you for your patience* Arsé-kun: *Merlin snaps awake and quickly sits up in bed. Where is he? How long has it been? What's going on? He has no immediate answers for any of these questions. His attention is, instead, placed on how sore he feels. He must have been lying down for a long time.* Arsé-kun: *He takes his time getting up- his legs feel as heavy as stone, while his eyes haven't yet adjusted to the dim light. Even shifting his weight causes his body to ache, as if reminding him of his age. He groans and slowly stands up, only to fall a moment later onto the hard wood floor.* Arsé-kun: *He pauses and feels the floor with both hands. It doesn't feel right to him. Nowhere in the house was this specific kind of flooring, with so much magic inside that it was nearly sparking at the touch. The only place he'd ever seen that in was...* Arsé-kun: *"This better not be Avalon," Merlin growls to himself, getting back on his feet. He raises his hands, clearing his throat as he does. He hopes this doesn't work. "Avalon, online!" he yells, clapping his hands twice, "Start this party up!" To his object horror, countless screens turn on around him, various colors giving the room a kaleidoscopic appearance. He sinks back to his knees as a mechanical voice begins to drone about multiple statuses and updates. He doesn't need to listen- Merlin knows that if his conscious is here, then the projection of himself must have died...* Sheepy: Bedi: -What do you mean he's "dead"?! He's not! This must be another one of his pranks! He's pulled this sort of thing in the past! Arsé-kun: Roman: Are you a doctor?! Oh, you know better? Educate me, oh mighty smiter! Sheepy: Bedi: I don't care what your status is! I refuse to believe you! Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin would not just up and die on me! He just wouldn't! Sheepy: Bedi: And! If my only worth is to kill your enemies, I think I'd know when someone was dead! Arsé-kun: Roman: Then go ahead and check. *he manages to rein in his temper, but he's still fuming* Teach me something that God hasn't by now. Sheepy: Bedi: F-fine, I will. Sheepy: Bedi: *He enters Merlin's room* Sheepy: Bedi:.... Sheepy: Bedi: *...and he exits.* Sheepy: *And he plops onto the floor near Merlin's room* Arsé-kun: Roman: ... *he joins Bedi, taking out his phone and glancing elsewhere* Sheepy: Bedi:....I suppose I always knew it had to end up this way. Arsé-kun: Roman: mmmm-hm. Death isn't really something you look forward to. *he's.. typing. is this more important, Romani?* Sheepy: Bedi: He was good to leave me one way or another. ... ... Sheepy: Bedi: *he buries his face in his hands.* Sheepy: Bedi: So why does it hurt so much...? Arsé-kun: Roman: Because it's hard to part with loved ones. Look on the bright side, uh.. ... .... Uhm. Sheepy: Bedi: I thought I was mentally prepared for it- b-but the last thing he told me was to leave his room. I'd lost my temper with Sir Tristan and I'd disappointed him... In my last moments with him, I disappointed him. Sheepy: Bedi: *he laughs bitterly* King Arthur...now Merlin...that's just how my last meetings with my loved ones will be. Sheepy: Bedi: There's no bright side to this.... Arsé-kun: Roman: Ouch. That's pretty heavy stuff you've just dumped right there. *"Please help me, internet idols, I'm never prepared for this." He may have said that last bit out loud. Maybe* Sheepy: Bedi:.... Arsé-kun: Roman: .... I said that out loud, didn't I? Arsé-kun: Roman: Bright side! You're not a bigger disappointment like me! Sheepy: Bedi:.... Sheepy: Bedi: *sob* Sheepy: Bedi: What if he died hating me? Arsé-kun: Roman: Why would he? Does Merlin hate anyone? Sheepy: Bedi: ...I don't know. Arsé-kun: Roman: ... Yeah, me neither. Arsé-kun: *Then, both Roman and Bedi's phones buzz. Notification!* Sheepy: Bedi: Ugh, what is it? Sheepy: *Bedi checks.* Arsé-kun: *It's a message from F0V, MagiMari's automated update bot. A new video will be going online shortly!* Sheepy: Bedi: Now is not the time! Arsé-kun: Roman: Talk about bad timing. Arsé-kun: *Both phones buzz again. Another message?* Sheepy: Bedi: *he checks, visibly irritated* Arsé-kun: F0V: [text] You have been selected to receive a private video that will not be going on air! This video has been marked as Urgent, so please make some time to watch! Sheepy: Bedi: ...... Sheepy: Bedi: Of course, Merlin's silly pranks start happening now. Arsé-kun: Roman: I've never seen this notification before. I'll check it anyway, just in case. Sheepy: Bedi: I don't check it, ever. I'm a part of the development process, so I never need to. Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm not, as much as I'd like to be! *and now, we wait for the video to LOAD* Sheepy: *Bedi also checks.* Arsé-kun: *The video loads far faster for Bedi. Probably because he has the wifi. The video immediately opens to Merlin looking worried as he adjusts the camera. He's not even in costume. Didn't even Try* Sheepy: Bedi: ...? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: ... Oh, screw it. It doesn't need a billion anything. *he lets go of the camera and leans towards it* Problem! I'm recording from Avalon! *he pauses, to let that sink in* And I don't wanna be here! I can't communicate any other way! Bedi, babe, I'll be back as soon as I can! And Doc, there's no way Bedi's gonna watch this on his own. You're gonna see it first, so bug him, aye? *another pause, as he twirls his hair* My projection died. That mana cutoff seems to have cut me off from Avalon, and doing that forced me back here. Sheepy: Bedi: !? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: You get to throw me in the trash! .. Well, the dead one. It'll just burst into flowers anyway, so who cares? Uh.. Uhhhhhh.. Right, getting back, I'm.. Not too sure how to manage this? I'll work on it! Just.. 'S all fine, not dead, absolutely gonna record a few while I'm here. Sheepy: Bedi: But it's not fine! Arsé-kun: *Bedi doesn't get a reply. It's a prerecorded video, silly* Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: .... I get the feeling I'd be getting yelled at by about now! About being more focused on work than anything, probably. Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Iiii've already missed the prime time for beast-style magics, so I really do gotta wait a while. Doc, don't ask, I am not explaining my secrets. Fight me on it later! Speaking of, I'm absolutely doing that shark skit and no one can stop me! *he's trying to grin and seem fine, but his body language says otherwise* It's not like I'll be lonely or.. Anything.. Sheepy: Bedi:...? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Bedi, pal, bud. Don't do anything dumb? At least, not without me? Like, do who you want if you want, but nothing outrageous till I'm back! N' Doc, don't tell Chaldea. No one needs to know! It's just a... Momentary hiccup! Sheepy: Bedi:.... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: If anyone asks, I just got a bad cold and needed a bit of time off! A really bad one! Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Wait. Uh, no. The house can know I'm having. Projection problems? I don't think the Servant bond is broken at least! At least let Eiji know I can't make it to work! Sheepy: Bedi: And what am I supposed to do without you? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Because my bed is full of dead flowers, and I'm too busy goofing off in a tower! Little Merlin things! Sheepy: Bedi:.... I don't understand, what happened? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: I'll post more like this if anything comes up! Don't worry too much, sit back, and Doc, you really need to get laid. I'm just saying! Sheepy: Bedi: And what am I going to do... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: If I come back and find anyone dead, I'll throw a fit! That includes you, Bedi, don't join me here! Just wait! Believe in my loyalty for once! Sheepy: Bedi: *he grimaces* Loyalty... Sheepy: Bedi: I can't believe in something so flaky... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: I'll make Cu look like Lu Bu in terms of it! Swear on it, or the faerie prince can have my head! Sheepy: Bedi: He probably already does... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: ... Literally! Cut my head off at the neck and.. I don't know what he'd do with it. It's not like I've seen the guy recently. He probably got weirder. Still not doing him, by the way, creeps me out! Sheepy: Bedi: I...uh, oh, I misheard it as heart... Arsé-kun: Roman: *he glances at Bedi* Is that what he said? Sheepy: Bedi: I.... Sheepy: Bedi: That's! Not what's important right now! Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Oh, derailed that train, but no train accidents! No deaths here! I'll be right bac- F0V, cancel, cancel, do not put up that brb title card! See what I have to deal with?? I swear, this one's almost as awful as the real one! Sheepy: Bedi: Fou is only awful to you because you can't take this sort of stuff seriously! Sheepy: Bedi: *He inhales sharply, trying to regain his composure* Sheepy: Bedi: So I just need to wait until Merlin is back. Did you have any jobs for him? I'll stand in his place. Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Tiny little murdering machine! Hey, it could be worse! I could be Kay with Fou in the room! ... Oh, shit, my battery, I'm ending here, I need to charge this thing, so bad! How did I not consider this? Signing off, the disappointing idol! P.S! No, I'm not mad at you, Bedi! So shut it! *he reaches for the camera. Video ends* Arsé-kun: Roman: He generally just checks energy levels and acts like he knows what he's talking about. His job is a more important, more active version of goofing off in the office. Sheepy: Bedi:.. Sheepy: Bedi: I need something to do. Sheepy: Bedi: Eiji usually tells Merlin what he wants me to do. Sheepy: Bedi: It's not because I'm scary or that we don't get along, it's just that he can't pronounce my name to this day and it stresses him out. Sheepy: Bedi: And stress amplifies pain, of course, so I don't want to add any unnecessary stress onto him. Arsé-kun: Roman: I could pop downstairs and ask for you. I may as well check up on him while I'm at it. Sheepy: Bedi: Go ahead. Sheepy: Bedi:...Fine. Arsé-kun: *and Bedi gets Kindly Escorted.* Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow is here. Sheepy: Eiji: ... ! Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow, do you want to know what I did yesterday? Arsé-kun: Roman: Sure? Sheepy: Satoru: I got kidnapped. Sheepy: Satoru: Isn't that exciting? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: He's a kid and he napped :) Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he pouts. One day, Satoru will understand a joke* Sheepy: Satoru: No, Masato broke into our house and stole me away. he also made everyone very tired. Sheepy: Satoru: And then I watched WallE with my big brother and Andersen so it's okay. Arsé-kun: Andersen: There are some things you don't need to share. Like all of that. Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: None of that happened because Andersen said so. Arsé-kun: Andersen: That's not what I said. It's too late to take back. Sheepy: Eiji:...Um...D-doctor... ... Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Roman: Yes? Sheepy: Eiji: Wh-what did you come for...? Sheepy: Eiji: I...uh...didn't prepare f-for guests. S...sorry.. Arsé-kun: Roman: I swung by because Merlin was apparently ill. It got me out of Chaldea, so I can't complain. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: So it's just you? Arsé-kun: Roman: Yes? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: One guy. Single person. A solo mon! The man, the myth, the legend! Arsé-kun: *And Mephisto flits away, suppressing a giggle. No explanations given.* Arsé-kun: Roman: ? ?? All right, then. Let me start from the top, now. Arsé-kun: *and so the situation is explained* Sheepy: Eiji: So... um..m...M...Merlin will be back soon? Sheepy: Eiji: Th-that's good. Sheepy: Satoru: It's okay, Uncle Bedi. Sheepy: Satoru: He'll be back soon, and I'm sure he's working extra hard just for you. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Well, now I can't make this depressing. Back to work for me, then. *he takes out his book, right there, and starts frantically writing. Seems he has an Idea* Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not a pig. Sheepy: Satoru: I think I'm human. Arsé-kun: Mozart: You are. Don't worry too much about it. Sheepy: Satoru: I thought maybe I could be a dog. Sheepy: Satoru: Like Big Bro Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: I thought maybe I could be a dog. Sheepy: Satoru: Like Big Bro Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: But if you're sure I'm human, I'll believe you. Sheepy: Eiji: Um...th-the only dog is...L...Lobo. Sheepy: Satoru: *stare* Sheepy: Eiji:...I-I'm sorry!! Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: Roman: .. Hey, while we're at it- Arsé-kun: Liz: -I dunno, Protopup seems like a dog too! Sheepy: Satoru:...... Sheepy: Satoru: The most important part of nicknames is knowing to whom it refers to! Sheepy: Satoru: The more complicated terms you add onto it, the more their identity is lost. Arsé-kun: Liz: I had his name right in there! Arsé-kun: Liz: Proto Lancer! Younger Chulainn! The one that actually barks! Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Setanta. Arsé-kun: Liz: Yes, him. Sheepy: Satoru: I like him. Sheepy: Satoru: He's my little big brother. Sheepy: Satoru: Cu is my big big brother. Kintaro is my biggest brother. Sheepy: Satoru: Not eldest. Just largest. Sheepy: Eiji: D...doctor. Wh-what is it? Arsé-kun: Roman: Would it be all right with you if I did an impromptu checkup on you while I'm here real quick? Sheepy: Eiji: *he slowly nods* Sheepy: Satoru: That sounds fun. Sheepy: Eiji: Um... Sheepy: Bedivere: I'll leave you two to that. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I agree with that sentiment. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-thanks.... Arsé-kun: *And so, Mozart waits for Bedi to exit before following.* Arsé-kun: *Liz does Not, plopping next to Andersen to read over his shoulder* Sheepy: *And Eiji joins Dr. Roman* Arsé-kun: *Romani starts the check up as soon as he gets Eiji to sit down* Sheepy: *Eiji is silent. He's visibly pained, but doesn't comment.* Arsé-kun: Roman: Sorry, sorry! I'll be more careful! Sheepy: Eiji: D-don't worry about it. Arsé-kun: Roman: It shouldn't be that sensitive, though..! Could it be deteriorating from underuse?? Or arthritis? ... Or maybe I'm just overthinking it. Sheepy: Eiji: ........I...uh...I d-don't know. Arsé-kun: Roman: That's my job to know! Sheepy: Eiji: ..Oh...right. Sheepy: Eiji: I uh......could try using it more, b-but...well, uh, you know, it's- it's painful. Arsé-kun: Roman: Right, of course.. Sheepy: Eiji: I... I can handle you looking into it, if you wanted. Sheepy: Eiji: R-Really, anything th...that'll reduce the, uh, pa-pain would make me hap-...happy. Arsé-kun: Roman: Then I'll get onto it immediately. Sheepy: *With that, Eiji looks to the ground silently.* Arsé-kun: *Eiji gets a headpat and a heatpad* Sheepy: Eiji:?? Sheepy: Eiji: Th...thanks... Arsé-kun: Roman: Anytime. According to my records *(which he just pulled up a couple of seconds ago)* We haven't tried any heat-based solutions. Sheepy: Eiji:...Um, I'll try it. Sheepy: Eiji: B...but... Sheepy: Eiji: When do I...um Sheepy: Eiji: Use it....? Arsé-kun: Roman: When it hurts- But not directly after activity! The i--- I recommend about fifteen minutes of use when needed. Sheepy: *You've lost him, Roman.* Sheepy: Eiji: I...uh... Sheepy: Eiji: ...No...okay... Arsé-kun: Roman: If you're doing a thing, don't use the heatpad directly after. Wait a bit, then use it. Sheepy: Eiji: ..OK Sheepy: Eiji: I will. Sheepy: Eiji:...Is th-there anything else? Sheepy: Eiji: If not... uh... S-Satoru mentioned a while back th...that he too, uhm... ... well, "met my fate"... ... he's okay, right? Arsé-kun: Roman: At a first glance, yes. I haven't done any detailed checks yet. Sheepy: Eiji: He... uh... acts oddly, so I'm worried th-that may be associated... I guess. Sheepy: Eiji: B...because what if he acts like thhat because he - he ...'ss in pain? Arsé-kun: Roman: Satoru? In any pain, buddy? Sheepy: Satoru: *he gives Roman a blank, wordless stare* Arsé-kun: Roman: *he stares back?* Sheepy: Satoru: What "pain"? Sheepy: Satoru: Physical? Psychological? Emotional? Arsé-kun: Roman: Any of them. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like this question. Sheepy: Satoru: Let's talk about something else. Arsé-kun: Roman: That's fair, but I'm asking as a doctor. Sheepy: Satoru: *he breaks eye contact* Sheepy: Satoru: I stubbed my toe earlier, but otherwise I'm okay. Arsé-kun: *Local child is a bad liar. No one is fooled* Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Satoru: 'M not in pain, because if I was... I'd be a worthless brat. And I don't wanna be... Sheepy: Satoru:....So I'm not in pain. Sheepy: Satoru: So stop asking. Arsé-kun: Roman: That doesn't seem right. Pain's a natural thing. Sheepy: Satoru: No! Arsé-kun: Roman: No? Sheepy: Satoru: Pain is something that justifies adults punishing you! Sheepy: Satoru: So. I! Am not! In pain. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm fine. Arsé-kun: Roman: No?? Who told you that?! Sheepy: Satoru: .... Sheepy: Satoru: I don't want to talk about this. Sheepy: Satoru: Let's talk about something else. Sheepy: Satoru: I want to talk about the bug I found earlier. Arsé-kun: Roman: Oh? Was it big? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Sheepy: Satoru: It was so big. Sheepy: Satoru: It was a beetle. Sheepy: Satoru: And when I poked it it screamed so I left it alone. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm trying to find a replacement for Choo Choo. Arsé-kun: Roman: Choo choo? What was it, a long one? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. He was a centipede. Sheepy: Satoru: He was so fast. Sheepy: Satoru: But Big Bro Cu stepped on him and killed him. Arsé-kun: Roman: That's a shame. Sheepy: Satoru: I miss him. Sheepy: Satoru: Choo Choo was always there for me. Arsé-kun: *Avenger entered at some point, and has been relatively unnoticed despite not having presence concealment. He opts to approach, smiling* Sheepy: Satoru: Hi. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I come bearing gifts relevant to whatever's happening. Sheepy: Satoru: We're mourning Choo Choo. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Would this be a fitting replacement? *he uncups his hands. He found a centipede. Or a millipede. Hard to tell at the moment* Sheepy: Satoru: ! Sheepy: Satoru: It's Choo Choo Sr.!! Sheepy: Eiji:...uh... Sheepy: Eiji: Who...are you? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Call me Avenger for now, old man. Sheepy: Eiji: Um... Sheepy: Eiji: I-I'm not th...that old... Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he looks Eiji over* Y'know? You're right. You're nowhere near as old as that guy. *he gestures to Roman with his free hand* Sheepy: Eiji: Ah...? Sheepy: Eiji: He's...younger than me I think... Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm.. I'm only in my thirties? Sheepy: Eiji: Y-yes. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-that's not...p-poisonous, right? Sheepy: Satoru: I like him! He's my friend now. Sheepy: Cu: *he picks up Satoru in one arm and takes out the Gae Bolg in another* No, that thing is NOT getting loose in the house! Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Cu: Are you TRYING to get the kid killed? Sheepy: Satoru: He's my friend. Sheepy: Cu: No, no he is not. Sheepy: Cu: Kiddo, it's time we talk about acceptable household bugs. Sheepy: Satoru: Like? Sheepy: Cu: None of them. Sheepy: Eiji: B-beetles are fine. Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: *he gives Eiji a blank stare* Sheepy: Eiji: I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!! Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: *and now, an awkward silence, brought to you by Awkwardness* Arsé-kun: Avenger: ... Whoops, I lost the bug. Arsé-kun: *Romani wisely decides to Not Get Involved in this one* Sheepy: Cu: Are you kidding me!? Sheepy: Satoru: That's okay. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Oh, well. Didja know they're edible? Sheepy: Cu: Yes, now go and find it! Arsé-kun: Avenger: You're not my boss! Arsé-kun: Avenger: I don't have to do anything you tell me to do! You're not my dad! Sheepy: Cu: You've existed for very little time and you're already whiny and annoying! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Thank you very much! It doesn't take much work t'sound like you do! Sheepy: Cu: Shut up you brat! Sheepy: Satoru: *this is his life now.* Arsé-kun: *Avenger makes a face at Cu. There's a proper name for the eyelid-pull, tongue out face but I don't know what it Is* Sheepy: Cu: Oh, you! Sheepy: *Cu lifts his Gae Bolg* Sheepy: Cu: YOU'VE GOT THREE SECONDS TO GET YOUR STUPID FACE OUT OF MY SIGHT! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Gotcha! *he turns to the wall. waits for the punchline to kick in, and quickly exits stage right* Found the bug! Sheepy: Cu: Good! Now drop it outside! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Better idea! *he pops his head back in* You don't like smug goldy, right? Sheepy: Cu: Of course not. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I'm gonna go put it in his room. He screams, we win. He kills it, we still win. Can't go wrong on this one. Sheepy: Cu: Make sure it doesn't get anywhere else, and I'll accept it. Sheepy: *Gil is playing vidya and talking. Seems like he's streaming.* Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he slinks in and puts the centipede on the sofa, and it's definitely in frame on stream. Slinks back out* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: *he noticed* Ah, Gil.. Sheepy: Gil: Hm? Arsé-kun: Enkidu: There's a bug climbing onto you. Sheepy: Gil: !? Sheepy: *Gil throws the centipede off, a disgusted expression forming on his face* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: I would have gotten it..! *he gets up to rescue it* Sheepy: Gil: How did that thing get in here? Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Check the recording? I'll hold onto it so that can't happen again. .. Oh, it's a she. Sheepy: Gil: That's disgusting. Sheepy: Gil: People are posting clips - looks like a kid, so it was probably the Cursed Child again. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Too tall. Sheepy: Gil: No clue, then. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: We can worry more once we finish up. Sheepy: *Gil goes back to streaming.* Arsé-kun: *And Enkidu keeps a close eye on ms. Choo Choo II* Sheepy: Gil: -Did you want me for something, Enkidu? *he pauses the game.* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: No, I'm just watching. Sheepy: Gil: Me, or that centipede? Arsé-kun: Enkidu: You. .. Shall I release this little lady back into the wild? Sheepy: *Graffias sees a wiggly thing! He and Alkaiid curiously approach Choo Choo Sr* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: No, kittens, you cannot have her. Sheepy: *And Diadem sleepily looks over. He doesn't appear to care too much because he places his head down again.* Sheepy: Gil: Do whatever you want with it. Sheepy: *Graffias and Alkaiid pause and then approach once more* Sheepy: *And Graffias changes to a stalking position. Alkaiid looks to her brother and follows his example, looking back to Choo Choo Sr.* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Do you wish for them to chase this bug around your room, scattering her parts among it? Sheepy: Gil: I meant you, not the cats. Sheepy: Gil: They eat everything they haven't tried eating before. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: That's fair. I will release her. *he gets up and lets her go outside the window. Be free* Sheepy: *The two active kittens chase after Enkidu, mewling* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Oh, am I prey once again? *he closes the window and bends down to them* Meoow~ Sheepy: *Graffias looks to the window. Where did the bug go?* Arsé-kun: *The bug is GONE. What a shame* Sheepy: Graffais: *he turns his attention to Enkidu, and bumps his [Enkidu's] leg with his head. Alkaiid follows his example.* Sheepy: Gil: No, the bug wasn't Lancelot's replacement and no the bug didn't have a name. -- Sheepy: Gil: And if it did, its name wouldn't be Sir Legsalot the Quick. Sheepy: Gil: It's not dead, it's just outside. I'm not bringing it inside and making it Lancelot's replacement. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Knowing this household, it was probably Choo Choo the second. *he pets the kittens* Sheepy: Gil: Probably. Sheepy: Gil: Okay. the neighbor's kid loves bugs and keeps talking about some centipede he found before we moved in and he named it Choo Choo. Choo Choo is dead now. No, Sir Legsalot the Quick isn't Choo Choo. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: I get the distinct feeling chat isn't going to let Sir Legsalot die for a while. Sheepy: Gil: Sir Legsalot isn't going to be our new mascot! Arsé-kun: Enkidu: I agree. It's unfitting. Sheepy: Gil: I haven't thought of a mascot. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: How about a nice golden... Lion? Have I made that suggestion yet? Sheepy: Gil: It doesn't fit Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: They both roar, but that's where the similarities end.. Sheepy: Gil: Lions are beautiful, which doesn't fit Lancelot. Sheepy: *Graffias and Alkaiid have grown bored of listening to this rather quickly and instead have opted to playfight.* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Lions also do nothing while their pack does all the work, unlike you. Sheepy: Gil: They protect the pack. Sheepy: Gil: And these three are kind of like lions. Sheepy: Gil: Yes, I know it's a pride of lions. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: .... I said pack instead of pride. Days of working in a zoo, wasted. Sheepy: Gil: Although I suppose Diadem is most like a housecat... Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Make the mascot a solid gold cat, then. Unless you'd prefer a canine? Sheepy: Gil: I'll decide on it later. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Can't let chat decide that one again. Sheepy: Gil: I won't, probably. Sheepy: Gil: Diadem my controller cord isn't food. Arsé-kun: *Enkidu picks up Diadem and returns to his seat* Sheepy: *Diadem lets out a soft, whiny mew* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: You're always tired, Diadem. Sheepy: Diadem: *mmeewww* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he enters scene, making sure not to trip on anything* Sorry I'm late. Sheepy: Gil: According to chat you've been replaced by Sir Legsalot the Quick. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he makes this surprised snorting noise* Pardon?? Sheepy: Gil: It's a centipede you missed earlier. Some kid dumped it on the couch. Arsé-kun: Lance: Ah. *he goes around the sofa to see the tv screen without blocking Gil* Everything still on track? Arsé-kun: Lance: It seems like it.. *he looks to the laptop screen* Catch me up, chat. Arsé-kun: *Within minutes, Lance is howling with laughter. The screencap of Gil throwing the bug has been sent at least four times, one dramatically zooming on his face. Is good* Sheepy: *Gil is amused.* Arsé-kun: *background Avenger is Not. Mission failed by all accounts. Maybe except for one. He slinks off to tell Cu that Choo Choo II has been released outside* Sheepy: Cu: Good. Arsé-kun: Avenger: And gold's face is going to end up being a reaction image on the internet. It'll be back for revenge in a couple of years. Sheepy: Satoru: Why is the Wizrad still dead? Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow. Arsé-kun: Roman: .. Huh? Sheepy: Satoru: Why don't dead people ever wake up from their nap? Sheepy: Satoru: Don't they get bored of sleeping? Arsé-kun: Roman: Am I really the person to be asking?? Sheepy: Satoru: ... Sheepy: Satoru: Well, you're a doctor and doctors know everything. Sheepy: Satoru:....So. Of course you'd know that. Arsé-kun: Roman: Well, uh. How can I explain this..? Arsé-kun: Roman: ... You know how you sleep when you're tired? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Arsé-kun: Roman: The brain and heart also get really tired after a while, and they stop to sleep. Thing is, they don't heal from doing this. Sheepy: Satoru:....Okay. Arsé-kun: Roman: And without those, everything else shuts down. ... From there, people usually don't get back up. Usually. Sheepy: Satoru: *he looks off into space, mulling this over* Sheepy: Satoru:...So then. Sheepy: Satoru: That's what's happening to Masato? Arsé-kun: Roman: Huh?? Sheepy: Satoru: He looked exhausted all the time. Sheepy: Satoru: And he had dark rings under his eyes. Arsé-kun: Roman: That could also just be advanced sadness. Sheepy: Satoru: Sometimes he wouldn't leave his room all day and when he did he was... Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: So then he's sad all the time? Arsé-kun: Roman: Sounds like it, yeah. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: That's fine. Sheepy: Satoru: So then. Does Eiji have advanced sadness? Arsé-kun: Roman: Yeah. The medical term doesn't even cover it in my opinion. He's not depressed. He's hyper-depressed and somehow still functioning. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't get it. Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Roman: It's called Depression. But he's more than just depressed. It's almost, like, as bad as possible. I'm not a psychologist, it's something like that-- Why? How should I know? Sheepy: Satoru: Because you're a doctor and you know everything. Arsé-kun: Roman: Different doctors for different things. Sheepy: Satoru: But... Sheepy: Satoru:...You're... Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Sheepy: Eiji: Uh, d-don't worry about me. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not. Sheepy: Eiji:...Oh.... Arsé-kun: Roman: Because I don't know enough to be a fancy brain doctor. And too late. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-there's nothing a...anyone can do about it. Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm not so sure about that. Sheepy: Eiji: I...uh.. Sheepy: Eiji:...Don't want surgery. Arsé-kun: Roman: There's probably a way to fix it. I know there are specialized doctors for this sort of thing. Sheepy: Eiji:.. Sheepy: Eiji: I'd..rather not get disappointed by keeping my hopes up... Arsé-kun: Roman: I understand that. Sheepy: Eiji:...But it's worth the try I suppose... Sheepy: Satoru: ? Arsé-kun: Roman: I'll put a note here then.. See what kind of input I can get on it. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-thanks. Sheepy: Satoru:..??? Arsé-kun: Roman: Quite welcome. Is there.. Anyone else I should check in with before I head out? Sheepy: Satoru: Where's the Wizrad? Arsé-kun: Roman: In his tower. He said he'd be back soon. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *with that, roman heads Out* Sheepy: Satoru: ... Bye. Sheepy: Satoru: *he turns his gaze towards the ground.* Arsé-kun: *and now, another convenient timeskip* Sheepy: Carmilla: Got any threes? Sheepy: Rider: ......*he begins shifting unnaturally...* Sheepy: Carmilla: Okay, not you, not you! Arsé-kun: Vlad: You stop that, Rider, before I impale you with the chair. Sheepy: Rider: .............. Sheepy: *Rider pauses and looks to Vlad. One of his arms is already partially out. It slowly slides back in, making a very uncomfortable noise as it goes.* Sheepy: Rider: "Why have you been picking on Lobo all game?" Sheepy: Carmila: ...Because I can see his cards? Arsé-kun: Liz: It makes it that much easier for us! Sheepy: Lobo: *He doesn't seem to care too much. Actually, he's sniffing at one of his cards. Lobo. Do not eat that. LOBO.* Sheepy: Rider: "...And that's the 3 you asked for." Arsé-kun: Vlad: What a shame. Sheepy: *Lobo apparently didn't like his meal that much, because he nudges the cards away from him and stands up.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: That wasn't food, Lobo. I don't know what you expected. Sheepy: Lobo: *He nudges Vlad with his snout. he wants better food.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Didn't you just eat an hour ago? Sheepy: Lobo: *he stares* Sheepy: *And then turns his attention to the outside.* Arsé-kun: *from aforementioned outside is a soft 'pomf' like someone landed in the snow after jumping off the roof. Normally one wouldn't be able to identify this sound easily, but considering it's a house of weirdos, it's kind of expected.* Sheepy: *Lobo starts barking loudly.* Sheepy: *And Rider quicky rushes to his side and starts trying to quiet him.* Arsé-kun: *Mozart is going to be up all night at this rate. What a shame.* Sheepy: *Lobo rushes to the window, wagging his tail and snarling* Arsé-kun: Liz: Who is it, Lobo? Is someone there? *she joins him at the window* Sheepy: Lobo: *he snarls once more and then follows it up with a loud bark* Sheepy: Rider: *He pats Lobo's face. Lobo stop* Arsé-kun: Liz: What're you barking at, silly? Is anyone there? Sheepy: Rider: *he walks through the wall and outside to check.* Arsé-kun: *snow, snow, white, white, flower* Sheepy: *Rider goes to investigate the flower.* Arsé-kun: *It's marking Merlin's grave- I mean. No. Wait. He's right there. No guarantees he's alive though* Sheepy: Rider: *he slowly takes off a glove* Sheepy: *Rider then sticks his hand in Merlin's shirt, tightly clutching his spine area in order to shock him awake. His hands are freezing like icicles...* Arsé-kun: *Merlin squeaks and shifts. Not a whine. a Squeak. What a man* Sheepy: *Rider removes his hand. There's a crunching, sliding, and squelching noise. ...Something wet, cold, and slimy replaces Rider's hand where it initially was...* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Aiyiyi! That's awful, stop that! Sheepy: *It slowly slides across Merlin's spine and up to his neck to leave his shirt...* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm up, I'm up! No need to torture me! Sheepy: Rider: .... Sheepy: *The extra "arm" retreats back into Rider's body, and he puts on his glove again* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he pushes himself up and wipes the snow off his face* Couldn't you be a bit more gentle?? Sheepy: Rider: "I am a monster. This is what I do." Arsé-kun: Merlin: I could argue that, but maybe lets not. Sheepy: Rider: .... Sheepy: Rider: *he points to the door* Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's a fantastic idea. Arsé-kun: *Merlin gets up and shakes off the snow. Or tries* Sheepy: *Rider doesn't move.* Arsé-kun: *Merlin grabs his shirt collar and starts the long trek to INSIDE THE HOUSE* Sheepy: *Rider doesn't react...* Arsé-kun: *Rider could probably get inside far faster, but he Isn't. Eventually, Merlin gets INSIDE. THANK GOD. IT ONLY TOOK TEN YEARS* Sheepy: Lobo: *He sticks his snout in Merlin's face and begins sniffing him.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh! It's just me, Lobo! Sheepy: Lobo: *He yawns, losing interest in Merlin.* Sheepy: Rider: *He points towards Merlin's room* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yeah? Sheepy: Rider:... Sheepy: Rider: "Aren't you tired?" Arsé-kun: Merlin: .. Well, yeah. But what'd I miss, anything? Sheepy: Rider:.... Sheepy: Rider: "Satoru wanted to talk to you and that knight was mopey." Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which knight? Sheepy: Rider: "The one-armed one." Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ah. Sheepy: Rider: "I paid little attention, so maybe you want to ask someone else in the morning." Arsé-kun: *and the vampires are being Petty. try again later* Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Guess I'll wait, then. Sheepy: Rider: "Yes." Sheepy: Rider: "Go sleep." Arsé-kun: *With that, Merlin drags himself to his room. adios* Sheepy: *Bedi is fast asleep and mumbling in his sleep. Hope you didn't want a pillow, Merlin, because it's Bedi's now.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he doesn't mind. he just drops next to Bedi* Sheepy: *Bedi mumbles something along the lines of, "you can't teach bears to fly, kay" ... "rocket-propelled bears are also illegal"* Arsé-kun: Merlin: You tell him, Bedi. *he remembers he's damp from lying in the snow. magic solves everything, even continuity.* Sheepy: *So basically, Bedi is having a rare pleasant (?) dream. Not a nightmare. Like he usually does.* Arsé-kun: *Thank goodness* Sheepy: *Rip continuity also.* Arsé-kun: *nah it's fine and alive. also he just dried off* Sheepy: *Bedi continues occasionally mumbling, the fact that it's occasional means that any potential plot transitions of the dream are lost, and instead the sudden change from kay's bear experimentations to the subsequent merlin-enforced war against rabbits (and possibly bears)* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he just pats Bedi's head* Sheepy: *Bedi quiets down. Hopefully that was your intended result, because you can sleep now without Bedi's sleeptalking keeping you awake.* Arsé-kun: *that was the intended result, yes* Arsé-kun: *and so, Merlin curls up next to the boyfriend. He'll probably be holding on by morning. .. Which he absolutely is.* Sheepy: *At least Merlin gets sleep, which is good.* Sheepy: *Presumably he does.* Arsé-kun: *he does* Sheepy: *Good.* Sheepy: *Morning comes.* Arsé-kun: *shit i hope it did* Sheepy: *Bedi awakens, initially surprised by Merlin's presence. Merlin is back!! He can hardly contain his excitement! but he does his best because he doesn't want to wake Merlin.* Arsé-kun: *He is successful. It might be a bit hard to get up with Merlin's arms wrapped around him though* Sheepy: *Guess he'll die* Sheepy: *By that I mean Bedi waits for Merlin to wake up.* Arsé-kun: *then it's gonna be a while. better find something to do Bedi* Sheepy: *Bedi doesn't have much to do. He decides to mull over the recent events.* Arsé-kun: *Most of which was Things Going Wrong. Start your morning off right, and don't depress yourself immediately!* Sheepy: *Well, he might come up with an answer if he thinks about it.* Arsé-kun: *an answer to what? Life? The universe? Everything going wrong? Peeing in pools?* Sheepy: *Why the recent events happened and what actions they may take next.* Sheepy: *He decides to ask Eiji if he can go to Chaldea and question the ex-prisoners later.* Arsé-kun: *This is a good decision* Sheepy: *He continues to wait for Merlin.* Arsé-kun: *Good morning, Merlin!* Arsé-kun: Merlin: ....mmm, 's it early..? Wh' day is it..? Sheepy: Bedi: Don't worry, it's not too early, and you've been back for less than a day. How are you feeling? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Hungry, mostly. Sheepy: Bedi: then we should probably go eat. Arsé-kun: Merlin: m-hm! Sheepy: *The two go to the kitchen!* Sheepy: Satoru: I've decided that I'll be 12 soon. Sheepy: Cu: ...What? Sheepy: Satoru: I'm going to be 12 soon. Sheepy: Cu: No, no you aren't. Sheepy: Satoru: People age when they want to so I'm going to be 12 soon. Sheepy: Cu: That's- That's not how it works. Sheepy: Cu: You'll be 12 when it's twelve years since you've been born. Your birthday. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't have a birthday. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Yes, you do. I've told you this before. Sheepy: Satoru: ? Sheepy: Satoru: No. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm am alien. Aliens don't have birthdays. Arsé-kun: Sakura: .... Satoru, I gave birth to you. I would know that you have a birthday. And I do know when it is. Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Cu said not to blindly believe everything people say to me because Big Bro Kintaro's told me incorrect things in the past. Sheepy: Satoru: So. Sheepy: Satoru: Since I can't remember that, I can't believe you blindly. I need evidence. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lighten up, kiddo. I think your mom would know that sorta thing! Where's the food at? Sheepy: *Satoru mimics Merlin's way of saying 'Where's the food at', except instead of 'food', he says 'evidence'...* Arsé-kun: Sakura: Would you like me to dig out a birth certificate once I'm done cooking? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: That's evidence, I suppose. Sheepy: Cu: You can't change your birthday. Sheepy: Satoru: It's October 30 Sheepy: Cu: I just said- that would mean you won't be 12 for a while now! Arsé-kun: Sakura: It's March first. Sheepy: Satoru: Nuh-uh, it's still ... ?: Gawain, Goetia, the Black Shadow, Shirou, Artoria, Nightingale, Sheepy: Satoru: ... Sheepy: Satoru:...? Arsé-kun: Sakura: Your birthday. Is march first. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know what month it is. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like that birthday. Arsé-kun: Sakura: I can't help that. That's the day you were born, regardless if you like it or not. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he's staring at Food. good priorities* Sheepy: Satoru: You helped me, so I'll keep talking to you. Sheepy: Satoru: But... ... *he goes to say something, but Bedi interrupts. Local knight can read the mood.* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, Sakura, I'll be going to Chaldea later to speak with the ex-prisoners. I believe that the two incidents are related. Sheepy: Bedi: I've yet to ask Master, but he's not here, so I believe I'll take my actions into my own hands. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Bring others with you. No more going solo, for any reason. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, of course. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, I've got an idea. Satoru. Sheepy: Satoru: No. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Shut down. Sheepy: Bedi: But I've heard rumors of a centipede man. Sheepy: Satoru:?! Sheepy: Satoru: Where??? Sheepy: Bedi: Chaldea. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. I want to go. Arsé-kun: Mori: *he lowers his paper a bit* I suppose I'll volunteer to come along. Sheepy: Cu: You couldn't possibly be talking about...No. Nevermind. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mori: Go on, Cu. Sheepy: Cu: *groan* Sheepy: Cu: It's nothing, really. Arsé-kun: Mori: You're only making me wish to know more. Share with the class. Sheepy: Cu: If this so called centipede man bears a resemblance to me, he's a killer who cares about nothing. Sheepy: Satoru: But you do that too. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Ah. Do you mean the man that Setanta bore resemblance to a couple of months ago? Sheepy: Cu: I kill- fight for the fun of the challenge, see? He kills for the sake of killing. Sheepy: Satoru: Wow. Sheepy: Cu: I don't know, I didn't see him. Sheepy: Cu: And so! My kil- fighting is perfectly justifiable because I don't pick on the weak and instead go for challenging foes, while his is not because he murders weaklings and strong people alike and feels nothing but annoyance that they wasted his time! Sheepy: Satoru: Wow. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps it'd be safer if we inquired with someone who had encountered them before we make any rash decisions. Sheepy: Satoru: He's a centipede and centipedes are good. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): Ah, I hope she's making waffles. Sheepy: Tristan (French Toast): But, wouldn't french toast be better? Sheepy: Tristan (Pancakes): I enjoy pancakes the most. Sheepy: Bedi: Why are there three?! Arsé-kun: Mori: One is Yan, without a doubt. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): It'd be better if there were none of me. Sheepy: Tristan (French Toast): It'd be better off if I were never born. Sheepy: Tristan (Pancakes): Finally, someone who agrees. Arsé-kun: Mori: *he sighs and picks his paper back up* Yan Qing, no one invited you inside. Sherlock, get out. Tristan, shut up. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): It's too bad the only one who understands me is myself. Perhaps, this is evidence that my existence adds nothing... Sheepy: Tristan (Pancakes): Aw, old man! You never even gave me my reward! Arsé-kun: Mori: I was thinking you were Yan. You never came back for it. Sheepy: Tristan (French Toast): Too bad, I was hoping to go on for longer. Arsé-kun: Mori: Shut up, Sherlock. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): Hm? Where did my friends go? Sheepy: *Pancakes and French Toast remove their disguises. It's Yan Qing and Sherlock!* Arsé-kun: *Sherlock gets the paper thrown at him* Sheepy: Sherlock: Ow. What was that for? Arsé-kun: Mori: Being a disturbance. Sheepy: Sherlock: You always are a disturbance. Sheepy: Sherlock: It's why the kid is the way he is. Arsé-kun: Mori: Shut up. That wasn't my fault. Sheepy: Yan: Wow! Wow!!! Arsé-kun: Sakura: Pancakes are ready!~ Sheepy: Yan:!!! Sheepy: Yan: Pancakes! Pancakes! Sheepy: Tristan: Aw... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Me first! I call first dibs! Sheepy: Yan: What!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I died yesterday! What did you do? Sheepy: Yan: Actual work. Arsé-kun: *and then, neither of them get the first set of pancakes. Satoru does, followed by Bedi. Good Boys* Sheepy: Satoru:...Uhm. Thank you. Sheepy: *Satoru seems a bit flustered...* Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. Sheepy: Yan: Hey, hey, why did the pretty boy get it? I'm prettier. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Quite welcome. *she goes on to serve everyone else- Which is probably difficult, because the allure of food is Powerful* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hm... I disagree. Bedi's prettier. Sheepy: Yan:?! Sheepy: Yan: Well. Sheepy: Yan: That's fine, because my goals are beautiful women. Sheepy: Yan: They all flock around me until I speak. Arsé-kun: Mori: Lets move on. Arsé-kun: Mori: Assassin. Describe for us the ex-prisoners. Sheepy: Yan: Spiny lancer, caster lancer, sick Shinsengumi - so Okita Souji, angry man with Okita Souji - so Toshizou Hijikata, and a senile man. Arsé-kun: Mori: A bit more detail than that, please. Sheepy: Yan: The caster lancer wants to get into lady's pants, the spiny lancer seemed to act irritable to make him seem scary, senile guy was senile, ehh.. Sheepy: Yan: Go look in a history book for the other two? Arsé-kun: Mori: But none should actually present a threat if one encountered them? Sheepy: Yan: Well. Probably not, unless you threatened them. Arsé-kun: Mori: Noted. Sheepy: Yan: So go ahead. Arsé-kun: Mori: Will do. Sheepy: Yan: Have fun. Arsé-kun: Mori: I'll consider that one. Sheepy: Yan: Great. Arsé-kun: Mori: Will it be just us going? Sheepy: Bedi: Unless others want to go, yes. Arsé-kun: Mori: Lets not make the group too large. We don't need to become a visible target. Sheepy: Bedi: That's fine. Sheepy: Bedi: Are you sure you don't want to come, Merlin? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ...hmm? I could. Sheepy: Bedi: It'd make me happy to be able to monitor your health in case any residual effects set in. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Y'know, you can just say "I care about you" and be done with it. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah? But.... Sheepy: Bedi: Would you know my exact thoughts through those four words? Sheepy: Bedi: If I don't give you my exact thoughts, I'm not being fully honest wih you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Were we together for a thousand years for me not to know what you mean? Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, good point. Arsé-kun: Merlin: But you're totally right. Sheepy: Bedi: So you're coming as well? Sheepy: Satoru: *he looks over to Merlin silently* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I suppose so Sheepy: Satoru: *stare* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes? Sheepy: Satoru: Um. I know I mentioned this to you a while back, but I need to learn how to defend myself. Umm.....before it was because I didn't want my family to get hurt, but now it's more than that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... So you did. If we're not exhausted by the time we come home, I'll finally start on that. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Thanks. Sheepy: Cu: There's a huge difference between fighting and defending yourself, just remember that. Sheepy: Cu: A capable fighter fights until his foe is dead. Sheepy: Cu: Defending yourself is fighting purely to create a moment of opportunity for your escape. No amount of magic or physical strength is going to help you there if you don't have the brains nor agility to run at the right time. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not fast and I'm not strong. Sheepy: Cu: Go ahead and teach him magic or whatever you teach, but really, you create heroes, not people with a sense of self awareness. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ouch. Sheepy: Cu: My point is that teaching him brute strength alone isn't gonna get him anywhere, and I'm no teacher. Arsé-kun: Merlin: But you had one hell of a teacher, so I can't say you're wrong. Sheepy: Cu: I'd kill the kid trying to teach him because at his age, I was already taking on enemies twice my size. Sheepy: Cu: I can't relate to his situation at all. Sheepy: Cu: That old hag gives me shivers down my spine every time I think about her. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Okay, better plan. Collaborative teaching. Sheepy: Cu: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I know some stuff, you know other stuff, together, we know more stuff. Sheepy: Cu: Wow, you really don't use your ears sometimes. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You misunderstand. Some of what you know would still be valuable info. Not all of it, of course, because you've got an unfair advantage. Sheepy: Cu: "If I train the kid I'll kill him", quote, me. Sheepy: Cu: I don't know if you heard earlier but I said a fighter doesn't stop fighting until his foe's dead. Sheepy: Cu: It's just my nature. Sheepy: Satoru: Is that what happened to Connla? Sheepy: Cu:.... Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... Arsé-kun: *Congratulations, now it's awkward!* Sheepy: Cu: Kiddo, you've barely touched your food. Eat it before I feed it to Lobo. Sheepy: Satoru:?! Sheepy: Yan: Merlin can teach people? What? Sheepy: Yan: How to get away with having the world's worst bedhead? Sheepy: Yan: The kid's hairstyle already looks like it's based on, ehh, what's his name, Dancelot or whatever? So he's getting there. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I can certainly teach that if I wanted to. Sheepy: Yan: Eh, eh? Sheepy: Yan: Like? Sheepy: Yan: Since you're technically aligned with me and you're only interesting due to your mystery, I never looked into you too much. Sheepy: Yan: Aha, but Old Man, I know everything about Old Man. Sheepy: Yan: Everything. Arsé-kun: Mori: -_-' Sheepy: Yan: Aren't you glad we're on the same team, Old Man? *His grin is almost shark-like in nature...* Sheepy: Yan: Oh, oh, oh! Old Man! Old Man! Arsé-kun: Mori: What? Sheepy: Yan: Where's the other old man? Arsé-kun: Mori: Hell if I know. Sheepy: Yan: You didn't even ask me who I meant. Sheepy: Yan: I mean the Caster. I liked him. Sheepy: Yan: Ah, you're no fun! Sheepy: Yan: No fun at all! Sheepy: Yan: No wonder you didn't have a wife~ Arsé-kun: Mori: But you don't know how many children I've had, hmm? Sheepy: Yan: And nor do you~ Sheepy: Satoru: Grandpa had kids? Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps. Perhaps not. I'll surely tell you, but not him. Sheepy: Satoru: So am I related to you? Arsé-kun: Mori: You know? I don't know. I doubt it, but a check wouldn't hurt. Sheepy: Satoru:!? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Yan: He's on Twitter. Sheepy: Yan: I follow him, but I don't post much because my Twitter isn't for entertainment. Arsé-kun: Andersen: We're talking about Shitspeare, so I am going to intrude on this discussion. Sheepy: Yan: Yup yup, I like him. Arsé-kun: Andersen: As do I, except for when he waits until the absolute last moment to propose a draft, throwing everyone's deadlines out of whack. Sheepy: Yan: Don't rush genius~ Sheepy: Yan: My experience is that he was all shadowy and evil or whatever and then there were ghosts and two Old Mans. Sheepy: Yan: Thanks to the Grail, of course! Sheepy: Yan: But he was still fun. Sheepy: Yan: My impression of you is that you'd be boring as a villain. Arsé-kun: Andersen: And you're just trying to be as irritating as possible. Sheepy: Yan: Ah? Arsé-kun: Andersen: You seem to be amusing others, so perhaps keep that up. Sheepy: Yan: Sure. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Either way. I do agree with your statement of I being a poor villain. Entirely correct. Sheepy: Yan: Good! Arsé-kun: Andersen: Maybe I'd do better without the overbearing nun... I should try again one day. Sheepy: Yan: Well, just hope you're on my side when you do. Sheepy: Yan: I'm on the side that fits my interests. Arsé-kun: Andersen: I'll consider it. Sheepy: Yan: Good. Sheepy: *And so the group finally ends up at Chaldea* Arsé-kun: Mori: *whoop di do.* Sheepy: Satoru: I’ve been lied to. Sheepy: Satoru: There’s no centipedes. Arsé-kun: Mori: We've only just arrived. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Then let’s find him. Sheepy: Bedi: Try wandering around and you may find the centipede. Sheepy: Bedi: In fact! Maybe if you ask the friendly faces around here, they'll help you find him. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhm...uhhmmm... ... Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like people. Sheepy: Bedi: But you like Dr. Marshmallow. Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow isn't a person, he's my friend Sheepy: Satoru: Let's go find the centipede. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm going to do what I came here to do. Have fun. Arsé-kun: Mori: Bedivere, wait a moment. We're searching for the same person. Sheepy: Bedi: I suppose so. Sheepy: *They hunt for aCu! Satoru doesn't stray from Mori's side* Arsé-kun: *Satoru can't even if he tried- Mori brought the child leash.* Sheepy: *That won't stop Satoru from trying once he sees aCu.* Arsé-kun: *He might even make progress if he manages to ruin Mori's back and/or hip* Sheepy: Bedi: -Hm? Sheepy: *Bedi slowly turns and looks behind them.* Sheepy: CasCu: I was wondering when you'd notice us! Sheepy: Satoru:! Arsé-kun: *Acu is standing behind Cascu, looking around in nonchalance. Cares given: Absolutely none. Maybe one because Cascu's being social again, and Acu might have to clean up his remains. Again.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he quietly wraps the leash around his wrist and waits for the inevitable* Arsé-kun: *And Merlin has already managed to vanish into thin air. His one job was to not do that* Sheepy: Satoru: *he attempts to rush over to the two. HELLO!!* Sheepy: CasCu: You are here tooo~ give me a moment. Question us about the incident? Sheepy: Bedi:?! Sheepy: CasCu: Well, you see, there's nothing illegal going on. That's that. Sheepy: Bedi:...I think you and I are thinking of two very different incidents... Arsé-kun: Mori: I'm rather curious to know what it is you refer to currently. Sheepy: CasCu: Ah? Sheepy: CasCu: Long story short, someone accused my machines of being rigged, which they aren't. The cops looked into them and everything and found no evidence, but they're basing their claims on how they haven't won past that early win despite throwing their life's fortune at the slot machine. Sheepy: CasCu: But they made a big fuss out of it and now people are assuming that just because I have a staff instead of a lance, I'm suddenly dishonest and rigging it! Sheepy: Satoru: I've heard of that before. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps I'll stop by when I have free time. That is not what we intended to ask you about, though. Sheepy: Satoru: They're called money machines. They eat money and spit out a life of despair, alcoholism, poverty, and depression. Sheepy: Satoru: And sometimes they like to gather all in one place and get people drunk so the people will feed them more. Sheepy: Satoru: They're called money machines. They eat money and spit out a life of despair, alcoholism, poverty, and depression. Sheepy: Satoru: And sometimes they like to gather all in one place and get people drunk so the people will feed them more. Sheepy: CasCu: You almost make it sound like they're living things, kiddo. Anyway, what is it? Arsé-kun: Mori: Saber here wanted to inquire about the whole Mainyu cult incident. Sheepy: CasCu: Ooh, that. Arsé-kun: *Acu makes a distasteful noise. Helpful* Sheepy: Bedi: What can you tell us about them? Like...what are their plans and why were you summoned? Sheepy: *Satoru imitates aCu.* Sheepy: CasCu: They wanted to summon the real Angra. Arsé-kun: Mori: You refer to the deity? Sheepy: CasCu: And they summoned us to try to get closer to their goal through experimentation, I guess. Arsé-kun: Acu: Not that it worked. Sheepy: Satoru: *he has stopped listening. aCu more important.* Sheepy: Bedi: I see. Sheepy: Bedi: Do you know of any future moves they may make? Sheepy: Bedi: They went after my Master's son. Arsé-kun: *Acu glances down at Satoru. What is this, a Master for Ants?* Sheepy: Satoru: *he is awe-struck by aCu.* Sheepy: Satoru: Are you a centipede? Arsé-kun: Acu: .... Sure. Sheepy: Satoru: That's really cool! I love centipedes! Sheepy: Satoru: You look like my big brother. Arsé-kun: *Acu's expression doesn't change.* Arsé-kun: Acu: ok. Sheepy: Satoru: Except he's shorter than you and has a lance. He works two jobs and gets angry at loud noises. Sheepy: Satoru: He and Lobo don't get along too well. Arsé-kun: *Acu's face still doesn't change. At least, until the loud noise bit. That gets a raised eyebrow. That's it* Sheepy: Satoru: When he hears loud noises he just yells at the source until they stop. Arsé-kun: Acu: .. This one does that, too. *and he smacks the back of Cascu's head. What would normally be a semi-affectionate gesture, but not at all that. heck the you cascu* Sheepy: CasCu: Ow! Arsé-kun: Acu: Stop barking so loud when you hear noises. Don't make me get you a muzzle. Sheepy: CasCu: How about you stop hitting me whenever you want?! Sheepy: Satoru: That's what he sounds like. Arsé-kun: Acu: Not a surprise at all. Sheepy: CasCu: What's that supposed to mean!? Sheepy: CasCu: You keep comparing me to a dog, but with your sense of morals and motives, you're no different than some beast. Arsé-kun: Acu: The difference is that I don't care. Sheepy: CasCu: And you! Got the Gae Bolg! Sheepy: CasCu: And I was stuck with some stick! Arsé-kun: Acu: Do you want it? Sheepy: CasCu: Yes, but I can't have it. Arsé-kun: Acu: You can have it square up your ass. Sheepy: Satoru: *this isn't bothering him at all* Arsé-kun: Mori: And thus, Cu behaves in the regular manner. Perhaps we should back off. Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? That's how he says he likes you. Arsé-kun: Acu: Oh, no. A suntan. What ever will I do. Stop barking at me. Sheepy: CasCu: Oi, maybe I'll just shove your head in a pot of cold water and see which happens first - you drown or you stop being some maddened boar! Sheepy: CasCu: Wouldn't that be a science experiment! Arsé-kun: Acu: You would die of strangulation first. Sheepy: Satoru: See? They're bonding. Arsé-kun: *Acu whips his tail around to lightly smack Cascu's back.* Sheepy: CasCu: Don't do that. Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Cu is friends with a red guy. They punch each other and stab each other. After that they drink together. Is that what you're doing? Sheepy: CasCu: I do no such thing! ... Eh, wait, you mean the better me. Arsé-kun: Mori: I wouldn't say better. This entire discussion has been more civil than he is in two hours. Sheepy: CasCu: He's got the Gae Bolg, he's got morals, and he isn't filled with embarrassing memories of the past. Arsé-kun: Mori: He lives with Setanta. Say that again. Sheepy: CasCu: He's not a symbol of those embarrassing memories. Sheepy: CasCu: Setanta is. Arsé-kun: Mori: Yes, but he has to tolerate seeing this behavior. Sheepy: CasCu: That's not my point. Sheepy: CasCu: My point is that I don't have the Gae Bolg, Alter doesn't have morals, and Setanta is an embarrassment. Sheepy: CasCu: And since Lancer me has the Gae Bolg, has morals, and isn't an embarrassment, he's the best of us three. Sheepy: CasCu: But mentally, of all of us, I'm closest to Lancer me. So I'm #2, Alter is #3, and Setanta is an embarrassment. Sheepy: Satoru: Embarrassment is my favorite number. Arsé-kun: *Mori suppresses a laugh* Sheepy: Satoru: And, I like Centipede Cu more. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Stop saying words. Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Sheepy: Satoru: Do you want another name? Arsé-kun: Acu: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: What do you want to be? Arsé-kun: Acu: Alter Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: Alter Cu. Arsé-kun: Acu: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: What do I call the other Cu? Arsé-kun: Acu: Ask him, not me. Sheepy: CasCu: Hmm~ I get to choose my name? Sheepy: CasCu: Aniki. Sheepy: Satoru:.. Sheepy: Satoru: Nice to meet you, Stick Cu. Sheepy: CasCu:?! Sheepy: CasCu: Just call me, errr... Sheepy: CasCu: Cu Chulainn. Sheepy: Satoru: There's already a Cu Chulainn. Sheepy: CasCu: Caster Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *And Merlin finally returns, with questionable equipment and a lizard on his head* Arsé-kun: Merlin: What'd I miss? Progress made? Anyone wanna see a skink I'm borrowing from the doctor? Arsé-kun: Merlin: His name is Lenny. Sheepy: Satoru: *he stays with aCu.* Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, you need to stop running off. Sheepy: Bedi: You wouldn't want me to get a child leash for you like Satoru has, would you? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhmmm.... Sheepy: Satoru: I want to see him. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Here he comes! *he moves in closer and crouches. You may see the lizard. behold, Lenny* Sheepy: Satoru: He's small. Arsé-kun: Merlin: He sure is. Sheepy: Satoru: Is he your friend? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I don't see why not? He's the only one that lets me do this. Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: The other skinks don't like me much. Sheepy: Bedi: I thought you meant people... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nah. People are fine. Sheepy: Bedi: They'd kill you if they copied Lenny. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ehh?? Sheepy: Bedi: He's sitting on your head. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh. Yeah. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Here's an idea. Bedivere, perhaps you and Merlin will have more success with further questioning. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, good idea...and Merlin can return Lenny. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Already? Sheepy: Bedi: After we talk to the others. Arsé-kun: Merlin: d'aww. Sheepy: Bedi: You get to keep him for a while. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hooray! Sheepy: Bedi: Okay, let's go talk to the others. Arsé-kun: *and so, Merlin and Bedi exit scene right* Sheepy: Satoru: ...What do we do? Arsé-kun: Mori: I suppose we could take a look around meanwhile. Sheepy: CasCu: Hey, maybe you could tell me a bit about the servants you know, eh...what's your class. Sheepy: CasCu: You don't look like a caster, you're definitely not a berserker, and I don't see a weapon. Arsé-kun: Mori: Archer. I am an archer. Sheepy: Cascu: Ooooh, archer, I see. Sheepy: Cascu: I'm neutral on archers. I'd like to try out being a Saber one day, but...Archer... Not sure how I feel about it. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's interesting. Not always what's expected of it. Sheepy: CasCu: Obviously, I'm a Caster. Arsé-kun: Mori: Yes, but I would not be surprised if you still responded to 'Lancer'. Sheepy: CasCu: Eh, I'm not Caster Lancer, just Caster. Sheepy: CasCu: And the kid? Sheepy: CasCu: Are you babysitting for your Master? Arsé-kun: Mori: I am, yes. Arsé-kun: Mori: He cannot babysit himself, after all. Sheepy: CasCu:...Oh, of course, he wouldn't make you babysit if he could do it himself...Wait. Arsé-kun: *Acu yawns like a dog and lies down on the floor in the bg. Real productive!* Arsé-kun: Mori: You caught on quickly. Well done. Sheepy: CasCu: What purpose does a little kid have for a servant? Arsé-kun: Mori: Protection. Sheepy: CasCu: From what?? Sheepy: Satoru: *he seems focused on aCu* Arsé-kun: Mori: I cannot freely share that information. Sheepy: CasCu: Fine, I guess. Sheepy: CasCu: So tell me more, what servants do you know? Arsé-kun: Mori: Hmm.. About seven berserkers, four assassins, seven sabers, six lancers, six casters, six archers, four riders.. three avengers, a ruler, and a partridge in a pear tree. Sheepy: CasCu:...Three avengers? Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps. Sheepy: CasCu: Hmm, poor you. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's not that bad. One needs walks. The other two are surprisingly non-disruptive. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo is my pet wolf. Arsé-kun: *and subtlety has exited the building* Sheepy: CasCu: Kiddo, I'd recommend being careful about namedropping your servants... Sheepy: Satoru: But Mozart brags about himself and doesn't seem to mind people knowing his name. Sheepy: ?: Did you say...Mozart? Arsé-kun: Mori: *he frowns* And what business of yours is it? Sheepy: ?: .... Sheepy: ?: He is...an acquaintance of mine. Sheepy: ?: Who is he to you? Arsé-kun: Mori: A dear family member. Sheepy: ?: No, that's not right. Arsé-kun: Mori: That's a shame. Sheepy: ?:I need to see him again. Arsé-kun: Mori: That cannot be immediately done, but I'm sure it can be arranged. Sheepy: ?: Then this isn't his Master? Arsé-kun: Mori: Maybe, maybe not. Sheepy: ?: You stated that he is your Master. You stated thay Mozart is your family. He mentioned Mozart bragging often. Arsé-kun: Mori: But that does not mean Mozart has the same master. Perhaps he is under one related to my Master. Perhaps I am lying. It is not your business. Sheepy: ?: It is. Sheepy: ?: I must see Mozart. Arsé-kun: Mori: And who are you to be prying so deeply? Sheepy: ?: ....... Sheepy: ?: Amadeus Alter. Arsé-kun: *Mori squints* Arsé-kun: Mori: ... I will ask him the next time I see him. Permission given, I will allow it. Sheepy: Amadeus: Good. Sheepy: Amadeus: I'll be waiting. Arsé-kun: Mori: Wonderful. *and he turns his attention back to CasCu* Arsé-kun: Mori: Is this normal behavior? *he gestures to Acu, who's still on the floor. acu plz* Sheepy: CasCu:...Oh, that? Sheepy: CasCu: Depends on your definition of normal... Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Absolutely decimated, with no consideration to the original meaning of the word. Sheepy: CasCu: Then sure. Arsé-kun: Mori: Please get your Alter off of the floor. He may be trampled on, tripped on, or he may melt into a puddle. Sheepy: CasCu: Oi, get off the floor! Arsé-kun: Acu: .... nah. Sheepy: Satoru: You should go to bed. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Yeah. .. Have to get up. ... Nah. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Can't be bothered. Sheepy: Satoru: Why not? Sheepy: Satoru: Bed would be more comfortable, right? Sheepy: CasCu: Don't even bother, Kiddo. Sheepy: CasCu: *He lifts aCu up* Sheepy: *..And then puts aCu on his feet, holding him up so he can't lie down again.* Arsé-kun: Acu: ..... :< Sheepy: CasCu: What? Arsé-kun: *Acu is unimpressed. How Dare You* Sheepy: CasCu: You either stand or you go to bed. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Fine. Come get me if something happens, like murder. Sheepy: CasCu: Fine. Arsé-kun: *and he lumbers out of the area. he probably gives up like halfway there and takes over a row of chairs. Good enough.* Sheepy: *...Eventually, Bedi and Merlin return.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Helloooo! Sheepy: Satoru: Hi. Sheepy: Bedi: How did it go? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Bedi: We've finished our business. Did you want to go home, Archer? Arsé-kun: Mori: I would like to, yes. I've got no further business here. Sheepy: Bedi: Good, let's get going then. Sheepy: *The group heads home.* Sheepy: *Lobo is digging a hole in the front yard. Tristan is fast asleep near Lobo. ... Lobo swipes Tristan into the hole and starts burying him...* Arsé-kun: Mori: Lobo, no! Sheepy: Lobo: ? Sheepy: Lobo: *Boof* Sheepy: Bedi:...Is Tristan dead? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... No? Sheepy: *Bedi approaches the hole, only for Lobo to block him and snarl loudly.* Arsé-kun: Mori: Lobo! *he moves in, mostly to pull Bedi back* Knock it off! Sheepy: Lobo: *He backs off, his tail lowering some* ... Sheepy: Lobo: *...He rolls over.* Arsé-kun: Mori: .. Thank you for the respect. *he lets go off the child leash, and considers getting Tris out Himself* Sheepy: Lobo: *He sees the leash and stands, picking it up* Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: Merlin: He's gonna take you for a walk! Sheepy: Satoru: But his walks usually end in someone dying...the person he's walking very specifically... Sheepy: Lobo: *He walks toward the house and looks down at Satoru* Sheepy: *Satoru hesitantly follows Lobo.* Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo? Do you know where Uncle Mozzy is? Sheepy: Lobo: *He sniffs at Satoru, completely ignoring his question.* Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo? Do you know where Uncle Mozzy is? Sheepy: Lobo: *He sniffs at Satoru, completely ignoring his question.* Arsé-kun: *Mori opts to sliiide into the hole, and grabs Tristan's shirt collar. So far, so good.* Sheepy: Bedi: Are you sure you don't need help? Arsé-kun: Mori: *he starts trudging back up, and.. ends up sliding back down* I never stated that I didn't. Sheepy: Bedi:..Oh no. Sheepy: Bedi: Are you stuck? Arsé-kun: Mori: It seems like it. Sheepy: Bedi: *He leaves and returns with Sherlock* Arsé-kun: *Moriarty does not look impressed.* Sheepy: Bedi: Huh? Sheepy: Sherlock: Good afternoon, Professor Moriarty. Arsé-kun: Mori: Good afternoon, detective. Do assist me in getting this man out of this hole. Sheepy: Sherlock: No problem. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He helps pull Tristan out.* Sheepy: *...And then sits by the side of the hole in his generic thinking pose...* Sheepy: Sherlock: Happy to be of help, Professor. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Well, I suppose you did what I had asked. I cannot complain. Sheepy: Sherlock: Aha, I did. Sheepy: Sherlock: You're catching on, good. Sheepy: Sherlock: What will you do next, Professor? Arsé-kun: Mori: Why wouldn't I? *he grumbles and starts the trek back up* What would you think? Sheepy: Sherlock: Ah, take the prideful route... Arsé-kun: Mori: I don't know if I need the assistance just yet. Sheepy: Sherlock: I'll be here. Waiting. Sheepy: Sherlock:...As a supporting friend, for you to succeed in your endeavors. Arsé-kun: Mori: How uplifting. Sheepy: Sherlock: After all, if you and I were in the opposite situations, I'm sure you'd laugh at me and leave me to die, but I'm sure that there'd be the tiniest fraction of your heart telling you to pull me out... Arsé-kun: Mori: Certainly, my spirit has been raised- *the dirt crumbles under his weight, and he falls back down into the hole* ?! Sheepy: Sherlock: Professor? Are you alright? Arsé-kun: Mori: ... *he sits back up. he seems a bit rattled* ... Unfortunately for you, I'm still here this time. Sheepy: Sherlock: Whyever would I wish for your death? Sheepy: Sherlock: You're a source of entertainment. Arsé-kun: Mori: I'm glad to know I only exist for that purpose to you. Sheepy: Sherlock: I never said that purpose alone, Professor. Sheepy: Sherlock: Make sure to exhaust all possibilities before coming to a single solution. Arsé-kun: Mori: I was going to ask for assistance, but it seems that wouldn't be entertaining. Sheepy: Sherlock: Professor, that's a bit childish. Sheepy: Sherlock: I never said that. Sheepy: *He's smiling...until Tristan in a half asleep state shoves him in, tells Gawain to stop talking directly next to him as he tries to sleep, and then conks out again...* Arsé-kun: *Moriarty stays right where he is. Karma's a bitch, ain't it?* Sheepy: Sherlock:.... Sheepy: *Sherlock seems a bit stunned...* Sheepy: Sherlock: ..Hmm. Arsé-kun: Mori: Welcome to the hole, detective. Sheepy: Sherlock: Thank you. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He puts his hands to his face once more, sitting cross-legged* Arsé-kun: Mori: Quite welcome. Arsé-kun: Mori: This seems to be a predicament that we can't brute force our way out of. Sheepy: Sherlock: Yes, we must think of a way to get you out. Arsé-kun: Mori: What, are you going to take up residence in this hole? Sheepy: Sherlock: It's not that. Sheepy: Sherlock: I could easily leave. Arsé-kun: Mori: Then go ahead. Sheepy: Sherlock: No. Sheepy: Sherlock: As I said, the goal is to get you out. Sheepy: Sherlock: Not for me to jump out and then laugh at you from a distance. Arsé-kun: Mori: What a surprise. Sheepy: Sherlock: What is? Arsé-kun: Mori: That you haven't already done that. Sheepy: Sherlock:...Professor. Sheepy: Sherlock: I may be Sherlock Holmes, but I'm not necessarily the one who would easily leave a companion. Arsé-kun: Mori: So, what? Are you going to just sit here? Sheepy: Sherlock: I'm thinking. Arsé-kun: Mori: Is that what's burning? We'll need something to burn at this rate. Sheepy: *The magnifying glasses on his back are shifting slightly and consistently, a soft whirring noise accompanying them. Seems like it's helping him think.* Sheepy: Sherlock:....Oh, yes. Sheepy: Sherlock: I theoretically could get out myself, but that doesn't get you anywhere... Arsé-kun: Mori: Just get a goddamn rope, Holmes. Sheepy: Sherlock:...Right. Sheepy: *Sherlock gets up* Arsé-kun: Mori: I'll be... Right here. Waiting. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He gets out via jumping and then goes to get a rope.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *while he HOPES Sherlock will keep his word, he's not really.. Expecting it?* Sheepy: *Sherlock returns a few minutes later with a rope. Expectations, shattered!* Arsé-kun: Mori: Oh! Sheepy: Sherlock: What is it, Professor? Arsé-kun: Mori: You came back. Sheepy: Sherlock: I sure did. *He drops the other end of the rope so Mori can grab it* Arsé-kun: *and Mori does so.* Sheepy: Sherlock: Do you need help getting in? Arsé-kun: Mori: I'd rather be out of the hole. Sheepy: Sherlock: Of course. Sheepy: Sherlock: I'll hold this end. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... I just now understood what you meant. The help would be nice, yes. *and he starts his way up for the umpteenth time* Sheepy: *The magnifying glass limbs are still twitching some... Perhaps he's still a little messed up from falling and it's bringing him comfort? Who knows.* Sheepy: Sherlock: Alright. Arsé-kun: *and Moriarty is able to get out this time! Hooray!* Sheepy: Sherlock: Here, let me help you inside. Arsé-kun: Mori: Please do. Sheepy: *Sherlock helps Moriarty inside* Sheepy: Sherlock: Do you need anything else? Arsé-kun: Mori: No, that should be all. Thank you. Sheepy: *Lobo is sitting next to the sofa, watching (a half asleep) Satoru, who's on the sofa. The sphinx kitten twins are chasing Lobo's tail. The third one is fast asleep next to Lobo.* Sheepy: Sherlock: You're welcome. Let me know if you need anything. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps I will, detective. Perhaps I will. Sheepy: Lobo: *He catches sight of Moriarty and stares, his tail lifting some.* Arsé-kun: Mori: I hope you are proud of yourself, Lobo. *he hides his limp to the best of his ability, trudging to the sofa* I managed to get trapped in that hole of yours. Sheepy: Lobo: *Is that a good thing? He's wagging his tail now.* Arsé-kun: *He doesn't look happy, Lobo. What does that tell you?* Sheepy: Lobo:? Sheepy: Lobo: *He stands and licks Moriarty. This is an apology so everything is better.* Arsé-kun: *Mori reaches up and pats Lobo* Sheepy: Lobo: *He is pleased!* Sheepy: Satoru: *He groggily looks over* ...? Grandpa? Are you okay? Arsé-kun: Mori: Yes. Just a bit tired. Sheepy: Satoru:...OK. That's good. Arsé-kun: Mori: m-hm. Arsé-kun: *and so, Mori decides he can rest for a little bit. He knows better- He knows he'll end up napping for a few hours, and he does it anyway.* Arsé-kun: *On the more unfortunate side, he wakes up two hours later with sore muscles and everything hurts.* Sheepy: *Lobo has since left, and Satoru apparently copied Mori's example despite Guin not liking it when he [Satoru] sleeps on the sofa. Lobo apparently contributed one of his dog toys to Satoru before leaving.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *hoo boy. This is going to be an Evening.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he'd try to get up, but this Satoru is on him. It's like having a cat on you. You'e now stuck forever.* Sheepy: Rider:... Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Please help. Sheepy: Rider: *He picks up Lobo's dog toy.* Arsé-kun: Mori: Rider. Sheepy: Rider: .... Arsé-kun: Mori: Please. Sheepy: *Rider shifts Satoru* Arsé-kun: Mori: Thank you. Arsé-kun: *and so, Mori forces himself up. What's going on now? Something's always going on* Sheepy: *You haven't told Mozart what he needs to know yet.* Arsé-kun: *Ah, yes, that. Upstairs he goes, then.* Arsé-kun: *is anyone around? is anything happening? it cannot just be moriarty and mozart up here.* Arsé-kun: *... Apparently, it is! What a shame.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he heads straight to Mozart. No interruptions. No breaks. No stopping because his permanent servant arthritis is acting up.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he stops playing his keyboard, having heard Mori's uneven approach.* Can I help you, old man? Arsé-kun: Mori: Certainly. I was given a message to pass on. *at Mozart's insistence, he continues* The man claimed to be your Alter. He expressed desire to meet you? Sheepy: *Lobo lifts his head and looks over at Mori. Apparently he was listening to Mozart's music before he [Mozart] stopped.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: An alter? Of moi? I didn't know such a being existed. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I see no reason why to not meet the man. We could make wonderful music together~ Arsé-kun: Mozart: I should find myself a willing musician to duet with me and visit this concert hall. :) Arsé-kun: *Moriarty stares. He understood that perfectly, but BOY is he not in the mood for it* Arsé-kun: *and so, Mozart gets kicked out of his own room to find himself a partner to visit Chaldea with* Sheepy: *Lobo watches this silently...* Sheepy: Eiji: ... Umm... Sheepy: Satoru: *he scooches away from Eiji* Sheepy: Eiji: Oh... Arsé-kun: Mozart: Good afternoon! Sheepy: Eiji: Oh, uhm, g-good afternoon. Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Mozzy, a guy wanted to see you. He was wearing red and black clothes. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I've just been informed of this. Would anyone wish to come with me to meet him? Sheepy: Satoru: Ummm...he was scary. Sheepy: Satoru: He said he was you but he put off an air that...uhm...no... maybe I'm just imagining it... Sheepy: Satoru: Nevermind. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No, no. I'd like to hear it. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhhh... Sheepy: Satoru: I couldn't see his face. He called you Mozart but himself Amadeus Alter. Sheepy: Satoru:..And something about him made my core feel cold. Sheepy: Satoru: But...uh...there's no reason for him to lie... Arsé-kun: Mozart: That's right, isn't it? I'll keep that in mind. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Good luck. Sheepy: Eiji: L-let me get... ... ... and then I'll come with you. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I understand. Thank you for volunteering! Sheepy: *Eiji leaves for a bit, returning with Bedi* Arsé-kun: Mozart: And a good afternoon to you as well! Sheepy: Bedi: Good afternoon, Mozart. Arsé-kun: Mozart: You don't mind going to Chaldea a second time, do you? Sheepy: Bedi: No, I don't. Are you ready? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Quite so. Sheepy: *They head to Chaldea once more.* Sheepy: *It's not too difficult to find Amadeus Alter. Upon arriving, the sound of Per la Ricuperata Salute di Ofelia can be heard. And then an incorrect note. A pause. It starts over from the beginning. An incorrect note in an earlier part. A pause. It starts over from the beginning. ... A pause. It starts over from the beginning.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he stops and listens. He's not going to interrupt-- That's rude.* Sheepy: *A try or two later, there's a loud cry of frustration and then silence. The voice is familiar.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he responds with the elegance of a mature adult, the simplest of replies-- The loudest fart noise he can produce without a tuba. Only the truest of Mozarts can communicate in such a manner.* Sheepy: Amadeus: Mozart... Mozart! *He seems...pleased...?* Sheepy: *...Amadeus's voice definitely isn't Mozart's...* Arsé-kun: Mozart: How could I forget your lovely voice? Salieri, you beautiful man, you gigantic pile of shit! Sheepy: Salieri: It's been so long... *...As Satoru said, there's something not quite right...* Sheepy: Salieri:...*He gasps of pain briefly, and pauses* ...Except. Sheepy: Salieri: I am not Salieri. Sheepy: Salieri: *pained gasp* Mozart...Mooozaaaart... I, Death, will kill you once more...Nothing will remain of you after I am done! Not your songs! Not the memory of you! Nothing! Sheepy: Bedi: *he unsheathes his sword and moves partially in front of Mozart* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... ... How dare you. *he pats Bedi's shoulder. This isn't to you, Bedi. You're fine* You think that's at all possible? I could shit myself and it would remain in the public records for decades! Sheepy: Salieri: ... Sheepy: Salieri: I cannot simply erase your records...because erasing you...would erase me. Sheepy: Salieri: But I will kill you after tarnishing you! Arsé-kun: Mozart: What a load of crap! Allow me to take a big, steaming dump on your opinion! ... It sucks! Sheepy: Salieri: *he points his blade towards Mozart* I am the death god who stole your life! I am Salieri! ... No! I am Death! Salieri is dead! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Make up your minds! We've got all evening! Sheepy: *...Salieri lifts his sword.* Arsé-kun: *Mozart lifts up his hands, in a similar, composer style.* Sheepy: *There's a clicking noise behind Mozart, followed up by a cry from Salieri. "Kill, KILL!"* Arsé-kun: *Mozart whirls around, whipping a bit of magic as he does. What is it? What's behind him?* Sheepy: *Four reaper minions with rifles.* Arsé-kun: *Well, that's not good.* Sheepy: *They open fire!* Sheepy: *...Bedi shoves Mozart out of the way!* Arsé-kun: *Mozart is still hit by a bullet or two, and he cries out on the way down* Sheepy: *There's laughter from Salieri, followed up by wheezing.* Sheepy: *...There's a few holes in Salieri, too...* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... ... *he shakes his head and forces himself back to his feet* How'd that go for you..? Sheepy: Salieri: Mozart...Mozart....I'll kill you.... like you killed m...No...no...like... Sheepy: Salieri:... ... Sheepy: Salieri: *he lifts his hands* Arsé-kun: *As does Mozart.* Sheepy: *And begins playing an air piano. There is actual piano music coming out of this. HOW* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I'd be more impressed if I didn't know this was an assault! Sheepy: Salieri: No...No! Sheepy: Salieri: *he pauses playing, his minions pausing in their movements. Bedi strikes them with his sword. Salieri doesn't care.* Sheepy: Salieri: You can't be impressed! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Who lied to you? Sheepy: Salieri: I make no music, just sound! Nothing compares to yours! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Oh, lick my ass, will you?? Sheepy: Salieri: Mozart! MOZART! I'll kill you! Arsé-kun: Mozart: At least take me on a first date before destroying my ass! Sheepy: *Salieri begins furiously playing the air piano. He keeps hitting the wrong notes. His new minions are confused and all looking to him, unsure of how to take these orders...* Sheepy: *It devolves into him, once more, trying to play Per la Ricuperata Salite di Ofelia. A wrong note. A sob. The minions look to one another and slowly lift their spears towards Salieri, unsure of how to take these orders.* Arsé-kun: *Mozart moves in without interruption, lifts up his leg, and slams it down where the keyboard would be. Eat shit.* Sheepy: *Salieri collapses to the floor. The minions, along with his mystic code, fade, leaving Salieri in his usual suit.* Sheepy: Salieri:.... Sheepy: Salieri: *Wheeze* Mozart.... I... ... I don't want to... ... *He clutches his head in silence, the only sound from him being his quickened, unsteady breathing and the occasional sob.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he keeps his guard up, slowly lowering himself down to check on Salieri* I know. Sheepy: Salieri:...Kill me. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Who do you think I am, an executioner? Give me your hands. Sheepy: *Salieri does so hesitantly* Sheepy: Salieri: I'll kill you one day...if you don't kill me now. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'd rather it be by you than.. Whatever actually did. Sheepy: Salieri:...No. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No? Sheepy: Salieri: I am, because that's what's been decided. Arsé-kun: *Mozart squints, frowning deeply* Sheepy: Salieri: Because of them, I cannot hear my own music... just its inadequacy compared to yours... Sheepy: Salieri:...*He laughs, followed by a sob.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Salieri. I have a keyboard that does nothing but farting sounds. If you say I'm better again, I'll call you Arschgeige from now on! Sheepy: Salieri:... Sheepy: Salieri: It's not something I can't control. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Then lets do something else. You can call me Arsch. Sheepy: Salieri:.... Sheepy: Salieri: You really should kill me. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'm not Sanson! Do I look armed to you?? Sheepy: Salieri:...No... Arsé-kun: Mozart: Then shhhhhhut up. Sheepy: Salieri:.... Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'm not going to kill you. Sheepy: Salieri:...Just because you don't have a weapon...? Sheepy: Salieri:...Take my sword and kill me with it. It is the embodiment of humanity's beliefs that I killed you. Sheepy: Salieri: Simply, it is the weapon they believed I killed you with. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... *he casts the sword a glare, and kicks it away. Sure, this messes up his balance and he falls over, but mission accomplished* Sheepy: Salieri:... Arsé-kun: Mozart: ....... Arsé-kun: *And, of Course, this is Chaldea, not some random alleyway, so of Course someone is going to be sent to check why two men are bleeding on the floor. Unfortunately for everyone, it's the vampire.* Sheepy: Bedi: Good afternoon. Do you think you could help them? Sheepy: Haku: Tepes, no, you're like a shark. Arsé-kun: Tepes: I got us here, didn't I, dear? Sheepy: Haku: Yes, you did. Sheepy: Haku: Can you explain what happened, one of you? Arsé-kun: *Mozart is remarkably quiet. He is Not Happy* Sheepy: Bedi: Mozart was attacked by the man in the suit. Sheepy: Bedi: I ended up getting shot due to bodyblocking some bullets, but I believe one or two hit Mozart. Sheepy: Bedi:...Furthermore, the man in the suit accidentally hit himself as well. Sheepy: Bedi: Based on my understanding of the situation, he was not in control of his actions at the time. Sheepy: Bedi: Do not concern yourself with me. Focus on Mozart and the man in the suit instead. Arsé-kun: *and Mozart points to Salieri. No, HIM first* Sheepy: *Salieri has no response to this. he's breathing heavily...* Arsé-kun: Tepes: ... *he sniffs* .. The one in the suit is far worse off. Sheepy: Bedi: This isn't my area of expertise. Arsé-kun: Tepes: If it was, you would have dealt with it by now. Sheepy: Bedi: *He nods* Sheepy: *There's a small groan from Eiji...* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he shifts to look over to Eiji* ? Sheepy: *He's lying face-down on the floor. So basically something that Satoru has done a thousand times. Except there's the occasional groan accompanied by this. No blood, so he wasn't hit by any of the bullets.* Arsé-kun: Tepes: ... .. Dearie? He's on you. Suits' on me. *he goes to lift up Salieri, only to be met with objection from Mozart* Y'know, you could stand to lose a bit more blood. I can help. Arsé-kun: *Mozart lets the fuck go and shuts the fuck up* Sheepy: Haku: You mean like I'm supposed to pick him up? Arsé-kun: Tepes: No, no. Get off and check on him, please. Sheepy: *Haku slips off of Tepes's back and goes to check on Eiji.* Arsé-kun: *Tepes does an about face and slips out of the scene with Salieri. Oh. Bye?* Sheepy: Haku: Oh, bye. Sheepy: Haku: *She pokes at Eiji* Hi, are you dead? Sheepy: Eiji: *groan* Sheepy: Bedi: Please stop tormenting him... Sheepy: Bedi: *He smiles* It'd be better if you did nothing and left, because all you're doing is making things worse. Sheepy: Haku: ...Well, that's certainly a cruel way to put it. Arsé-kun: Mozart: *GUESS I'LL DIE.* Arsé-kun: Acu: Do any of you know how to shut up?? *oh. didn't even notice him there, still laying across multiple chairs like it's his city now. he's been there... The entire time? Doing nothing to help.* Sheepy: Haku: Yup, but I don't use that ability of mine ever because it's too powerful. Sheepy: Haku: Anyway, you over there, with the blond hair, are you okay? Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... I'm certainly alive. Sheepy: Bedi: *His smile grows* We know how to shut up as well as you know how to help. Sheepy: Bedi: We are capable of it, but we do not do it. Sheepy: Haku: So I'm guessing it's not just a case of you hurting physically? Sheepy: Haku: What's up? It's my job to listen to people's concerns, as much as I may seem like I'm a nasty person. Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... .... For starters, I just witnessed my friend nearly kill us both. Sheepy: Haku: ...Right. Sheepy: Haku: He's an Avenger class. Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... That's somehow worse. Arsé-kun: *Acu loudly growls. Shut the fuck upppp, he is Trying to SLEEP here. And he was here first!* Sheepy: Bedi: *He doesn't appear at all concerned about Acu's growling.* Sheepy: *..Instead, he defensively steps to block Acu's view of Eiji, grinning a pleasant grin as he does...* Arsé-kun: Acu: ..... Are you an idiot, or do you have a death wish? Sheepy: Bedi: All I know is that you are being aggressive, and it is my duty to protect Master Eiji. Arsé-kun: Acu: I just want you to shut the hell up. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, and we will when everything is resolved. Sheepy: Bedi: All you're doing is dragging it out longer. Arsé-kun: Acu: For the love of an irish whore. Get done or something. Sheepy: Bedi: Okay, sure. Sheepy: *Bedi strolls over to aCu, picks him up with the Airgetlam, and then picks up one of the chairs.* Sheepy: *...He then proceeds to walk a few feet away, put the chair down, and then aCu on it.* Sheepy: Bedi: You're now further away. Aren't you happy about that? Arsé-kun: Acu: *he's.. more confused than bothered. what the hell just happened. the fucking NERVE of this guy.* Sheepy: Bedi: After all, you seemed like you had a problem with being there, so I thought I may as well help. Arsé-kun: Acu: .... .... I, uh. I guess so. Sheepy: Bedi: That's good. Sheepy: Bedi: Did you need anything else before I return to Master Eiji? Arsé-kun: Acu: ... No? heepy: Bedi: That's fine. Arsé-kun: *and so, Acu has been Shut Up by Bedi, and his strong ass arm. Great. NOW DO WHAT U NEED TO, BEDI* Arsé-kun: *AND NOW, THIS IS BORING. WHAT'S HAPPENING AT HOME?* Sheepy: *Satoru has decided that right now Uncle Lance should be the target of his attention. What're you up to, Lance?* Arsé-kun: *Lance is... Channeling his natural aggression into video games. Is it being recorded? I don't know. The gameplay might.* Arsé-kun: *It's very possible the footage gets posted somewhere, but Lancelot is not the editor or poster. No patience for that sort of thing.* Sheepy: Satoru: *he sits down next to Lance. He'd sit on Lance but he doesn't have access.* Arsé-kun: *do it anyway!* Sheepy: *Satoru tries to.* Arsé-kun: *Lance gets distracted and dies. Ingame, of course. Not literally. He grumbles and moves his arms for Satoru* Sheepy: *Satoru sits on Lance's lap. Hello!* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Hello to you, too. Sheepy: Satoru: Hello! Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Is today Get Close to Unclelot day? Sheepy: Satoru: Is that a bad day? Arsé-kun: Lance: Were it, I'd shoo you away. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. 'm just recording anyway. It's fine. Sheepy: Satoru: Recording? Arsé-kun: Lance: mhm. Just the screen. Nothing else. Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Why not? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhmmm... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... It gives me something to do. Sheepy: Satoru: Ooohh... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I can't.. Pick fights for fun. I'm too destructive. Sheepy: Satoru: Is that why harp guy is on the floor behind the sofa? Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Is he? Sheepy: Satoru: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he glances over the back. LETS GUESS. TRIS IS SNOOZING AS USUAL* Sheepy: *He sure is. Face down on the floor.* Arsé-kun: *This is Uninteresting to Lance, since it's the norm.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he sighs and looks back to the screen. he's dead again. NOT BIG SUR PRISE* Sheepy: Satoru: I like watching Kintaro play... uhhhmmm... Sheepy: Satoru: Animal Leaf. Sheepy: Satoru: All of his friends in it are bears. Sheepy: Satoru: And a chicken. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: Do you play Animal Leaf? Arsé-kun: Lance: .. Non. It's too.. ... I don't want to say boring. Sheepy: Satoru: It's okay to be bored by something. Everyone has their own tastes. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't play video games. I'm bad at them. I just watch others. Sheepy: Satoru: Dad is good at them. Arsé-kun: Lance: ...? Sheepy: Satoru: Video games. Arsé-kun: Lance: Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: Auntie Guin doesn't play them...uhhmm...Big Bro Cu gets really competitive and ends up yelling a lot. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo thinks they're food. Arsé-kun: Lance: Well, of course. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo thinks everything is food. Sheepy: Satoru: Grandpa likes puzzle games. Especially top hat guy. Sheepy: Tristan: I like the sweet embrace of death. Arsé-kun: Lance: Then get up here and play Bloodborne with me. I've died at least twenty times in the last three hours. Sheepy: Tristan:.... Arsé-kun: Lance: .... I know what you meant. Ignored it. Give me moral support. Sheepy: Tristan: Don't die. Live on. Arsé-kun: Lance: Thanks. Sheepy: Tristan: Don't be like me. Sheepy: Tristan: Be strong. Endure. Sheepy: Tristan:...Is that everything? Arsé-kun: Lance: I think so. Sheepy: Tristan: Then. Good night. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh, umm... Arsé-kun: Lance: ?? Sheepy: Satoru: How did you become strong? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Training, mostly. Sheepy: Satoru: So strength comes from training? That's all? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he grumbles* It helps. Sheepy: Satoru:...Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. Ah. Give me a couple of minutes for this boss. Arsé-kun: *cue Lance trying his best against what looks like a big white wolf. He wins this time.* Sheepy: Satoru: It's a puppy. Sheepy: Satoru: Like Lobo. Arsé-kun: Lance: I suppose so. Sheepy: Satoru: Why did you kill it? Arsé-kun: Lance: Because she was going to kill people. Sheepy: Satoru: But why? Arsé-kun: Lance: Because she got... Corrupted and sick. .... It's just a game. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Maybe I'll find something you can.. Actually play once I'm done. Sheepy: Satoru: You don't have to. I just wanted to spend time with you. Arsé-kun: Lance: *TOUCHING* Arsé-kun: *in the distance, a loud door slam. welcome back mozart.* Sheepy: Satoru: *He didn't like that noise.* Arsé-kun: *Neither did Lance, who jumped and almost broke his controller* Arsé-kun: Lance: ■■! Sheepy: Satoru: Wh-who, uh, do you think that is? Arsé-kun: Lance: ▂▂▃▂on't know. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like it... Arsé-kun: *Lancelot grumbles. Give him a few minutes to formulate words* Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Cu: DONT SLAM DOORS OR ILL SLAM YOU INTO THE DOOR! Arsé-kun: Mozart: SHOVE A WATER BOTTLE UP YOUR ASS AND FART ME A SONATA, YOU ABSOLUTE WASTE OF SPERM! Sheepy: Cu: WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?! ILL SHOVE THIS SPEAR SO FAR DOWN YOUR THROAT YOULL BE A- *lobo barking* -KA BOB! Sheepy: Cu: HOW ABOUT YOU BECOME AN ASTRONAUT, BECAUSE YOU SURE DO LOVE TAKING UP SPACE! HERE! I CAN EVEN THROW YOU UP THERE! Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'M ALREADY SHIT, TELL ME SOMETHING I DIDN'T KNOW! GET A MUZZLE! Sheepy: Cu: GET A GOOD ADDITUDE! YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO ALL MUSICIANS! Arsé-kun: *Mozart's reply, after a minute of silence, is the loudest sousaphone B sharp he can muster.* Sheepy: Cu: YOU ARE SO ANNOYING! Sheepy: Cu: ALL YOU DO IS CREATE NOISE POLLUTION AND AIR POLLUTION! Arsé-kun: Vlad: WHO IS SCREAMING?! WHO DARE WAKE US?? YOU'RE GOING TO BE DINNER! Sheepy: Satoru: Oh, Big Bro Cu is happy to see him. Sheepy: Satoru: So is Dad. Arsé-kun: Lance: Ssseems that way. Sheepy: Cu: YOU SHUT UP TOO! GO BACK TO SLEEP! THIS IS BETWEEN ME AND THE FARTIST! Arsé-kun: Andersen: Fartist. I must add this to my lexicon immediately. Thank you for your genius with the English language. Sheepy: Cu: You're welcome. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *that. happened. He opts to try and edge out. Nothing to see here!* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, Merlin. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *MISSION FAILED.* Yes..? Sheepy: Bedi: I wasn't able to prevent a fight from breaking out Arsé-kun: Merlin: ..... I see that. Who did this to you? Sheepy: Bedi: Mozart's friend. He shot me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ...... *he looks.. Displeased.* Sheepy: Bedi: Don't worry, though. Mozart and his friend have received medical assistance. Sheepy: Bedi: Both should be fine. Sheepy: Bedi: Master Eiji is uninjured. He took a nap. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ............ You, though. Also, did something happen that I am not aware of? Sheepy: Bedi: What about me? ...Ah. Sheepy: Bedi: He attacked us because he wasn't quite himself. Sheepy: Bedi: He ended up shooting himself as well. I took most of the damage for Mozart but I failed to protect him completely. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ......... *he looks even more sour but doesn't complain. Here's the heals, free of charge* Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. ... What's wrong? Sheepy: Bedi: Is it that I let Master Eiji fall asleep during a fight? ... Sorry, I should've paid better attention.. Arsé-kun: Merlin: No, not that. Just tell me when you're hurting for once! Sheepy: Bedi: *He frowns* Sheepy: Bedi: My injuries come from my mistakes. I don't want to bother you purely because I made a mistake. Arsé-kun: *in the distance is a bass drum impacting on some poor sod, and the door slamming again. nice* Sheepy: Bedi: ...More importantly, Mozart is understandably upset, and....ah...I wouldn't say we two are Master Eij's only servants anymore...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's what it was?? Sheepy: Bedi: I guess you could say he's fostering two for Satoru. ...Personally, I'd rather we two be the only ones... Arsé-kun: Merlin: It lets us have more time alone, though~ Sheepy: Bedi:...It does? Wouldn't it be less because we now have more servants attached to Master Eiji? Sheepy: Bedi: Now we're no longer alone... Arsé-kun: *Merlin wiggles his eyebrows.* Sheepy: Bedi:...! ...Oh. I understand. Sheepy: Bedi: But... what if we're needed? I wouldn't say either of them have any experience being a servant. Sheepy: Bedi: Especially not of one as different as Master Eiji... Arsé-kun: Merlin: I think we'll figure something out. Sheepy: Bedi:...Both are Cu, so you know. Sheepy: Cu: What?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... This is now a hound only household. Of Cus, bitches, and everyone else. Sheepy: Cu: I'M NOT A DOG! Arsé-kun: Proto: WHY ARE WE YELLING? Sheepy: Cu: Backtrack! What mes?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... I think I know. Sheepy: Cu: There's normal me, sure, and then Setanta! Sheepy: Cu: ...Wait, is one... Sheepy: Cu:...That guy isn't getting close to the kid AT ALL! Sheepy: Bedi: Caster Lancer and All Bark and No Bite Lancer. Sheepy: Cu: Caster...? What makes me capable of being a caster.... Arsé-kun: Proto: Rune magic? Teacher taught us, after all.. Sheepy: Cu: I sealed that away though because it's useless to me. Arsé-kun: Proto: It's haaard. Sheepy: CasCu: His face is like...a little chick plastered onto a weirdly kinda like me body. I was him once? Sheepy: Cu: Oh my gosh you look like a middle aged treehugging hippie. Arsé-kun: Proto: You look like.. Big bro, but older! Sheepy: CasCu: Big bro? That's what everyone calls me. Arsé-kun: Proto: I can't call you both that! Sheepy: CasCu: Hmm~ Too bad. Arsé-kun: *In the background, Acu gives up a foot past the door and lays down on the floor. I am a fucking poet. I am the next Willy Shakes.* Sheepy: CasCu: Call me Aniki, then. It's Big Bro but like we're the yakuza. Arsé-kun: Proto: That works! Sheepy: CasCu: Eh? Really? I mean... of course you'd agree! Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Shut up, you sound desperate. Sheepy: CasCu: And you sound like you wish for the sweet embrace of- Sheepy: Cu: *He smacks aCu with a broom* Out, out! Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Make me, you little yappy dog. Sheepy: Cu: Nobody wants you here! Go back to Queen Mebd, you nasty Queen Mebd fanboy! Arsé-kun: Acu: Ew. Sheepy: Cu: Ew? Arsé-kun: Acu: Ew. She makes Fergus look like... ... A nerdy virgin bitch. Sheepy: Cu: Are you not even loyal? Arsé-kun: Acu: To that thing? Sheepy: Cu:...Well, yes Arsé-kun: Acu: I was made to be a king, not a whipped husband. Sheepy: Cu: ...*He raises an eyebrow* King? Sheepy: Cu: We already have three of those. Arsé-kun: Acu: Long story. Don't care. Sheepy: Cu: Wait. Four. Sheepy: Cu: None of them will give up their title. You'll have to fight them for it. Arsé-kun: Acu: Can't be bothered. I'll fight them if they'll give me a good challenge. Sheepy: Cu: Like, where is he - Lobo! Sheepy: *Lobo arrives.* Sheepy: Cu: This is one of 'em. Sheepy: Lobo: *He approaches aCu and starts sniffing at him* Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Get your nose away from my ass. Sheepy: Lobo: *He picks up aCu in his mouth* Sheepy: Cu: Lobo. Down. Sheepy: Cu: Lobo. Sheepy: Cu: No. Arsé-kun: Proto: Don't shake, Lobo! Sheepy: Lobo: *He looks to Proto, and then to Cu. His tail is wagging...* Arsé-kun: Acu: .... Down, before I cut holes in your jaw. Sheepy: Lobo: *He starts rapidly shaking aCu* Sheepy: Cu: Lobo NO!! Sheepy: CasCu: Wow. Sheepy: Cu: VLAD! GET YOUR ALPHA BUTT UP HERE! Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he ascends from the basement* Lobo! Not a toy! Down! Sheepy: Lobo: *He stops shaking aCu and trots towards Vlad. He drops aCu in front of Vlad and sits.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Good Lobo. Have any of you taken him o-u-t yet? Sheepy: Cu: No, because it's not my job Arsé-kun: Proto: Not yet..! Sheepy: Lobo: *He can't spell, so he's just expectantly watching Vlad.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... I'll do it, then. Sheepy: Lobo: ? Sheepy: Cu: Good, he actually listens to you. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Get me the leash, Lobo. And of course he does. Sheepy: *Lobo excitedly gies to get it.* Sheepy: Cu: Why??? Sheepy: Cu: You're not a dog. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Perhaps. Sheepy: Cu: Perhaps? Maybe you are a dog, then?! You don't look it! Sheepy: *Lobo returns with the leash.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: I'll show you when I wish to. Now is not the time. Sheepy: Lobo: *boof* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Yes, yes, Lobo. We can go now. Sheepy: Lobo: *He's excited!* Arsé-kun: *and so, Vlad takes Lobo for a "walk".* Arsé-kun: *And Acu, once again, stays where he is. This is a nice floor.* Sheepy: CasCu: What was with that dog? Arsé-kun: Proto: Lobo's a wolf king. He decided it's his territory. Sheepy: CasCu: Wolf..King...? Sheepy: CasCu: Wolves don't have royalty. Sheepy: Cu: Don't question it. Really. Don't. Question his position as the ruler over all of us other than Vlad and Moriarty and he'll use you as a chew toy. Sheepy: Cu: Rule #2. Don't get too close to the kid right off the bat. He'll tear you to shreds. Sheepy: Cu: This is difficult because the kid has no sense of patience in terms of bonding and if he decides he likes you he'll cling to you. Sheepy: Cu: Rule #3. Feeding Lobo part of your dinner unless you're Kintaro won't put you in his good graces. He'll just expect it and then get mad and shake you around when he doesn't get it. Sheepy: Cu: He gets his own dinner and doesn't need yours. Sheepy: CasCu: Sure, sure, but what should I know about in terms of the ladies? Sheepy: Cu: Don't bother. The only good one is Guinevere and she's already taken. Sheepy: CasCu: That soon? Sheepy: Cu: She was taken thousands of years ago, sorry bud. Sheepy: CasCu: By whom? Sheepy: Cu: Lancelot. Sheepy: CasCu: The name rings a bell. Sheepy: Cu: There's Liz who is loud and annoying, Carmilla who is loud and annoying, and the kid's mom who's obviously married. Sheepy: CasCu: Another one I missed out on? Sheepy: Cu: She's married to your current Master. Sheepy: CasCu: Ugghhh... Sheepy: Cu: Sorry, bud. I said obviously because I assumed you knew. Arsé-kun: Proto: .. Wait, that's not all of the girls! Arsé-kun: Proto: I mean, yeah, you only skipped two, but.. Arsé-kun: Proto: I don't think my Master would appreciate being approached that way? Arsé-kun: Proto: And the other's a snake! Sheepy: Cu: That's why I skipped them. Arsé-kun: Proto: ... Does Mud count as a dude or a lady? Sheepy: Cu: Mud? Sheepy: Cu: No clue. Arsé-kun: Proto: They're out, too, you'll be impaled for trying probably. Sheepy: CasCu: Eh. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... He'll get impaled anyway. Sheepy: CasCu: What!? Arsé-kun: Acu: It happens to all of us. Arsé-kun: Acu: That, and you never shut up. Sheepy: CasCu: I do! Arsé-kun: Acu: And neither does he. Shut up. Sheepy: CasCu: You shut up! Sheepy: Bedi: Master Eiji needs sleep. You are being loud. Sheepy: Bedi: Furthermore, you're probably bothering Mozart, who's already down. ...So. It's best that you quiet down. Arsé-kun: Proto: Huh? What happened? Sheepy: Bedi: I mentioned it earlier, but his friend attacked both him and me. Sheepy: Bedi: He's understandably upset about his friend's actions. Arsé-kun: Proto: And that's why you smell like used bullets and blood? Sheepy: Bedi: Do I...? Sorry. Arsé-kun: Merlin: All right, you manly men have fun doing whatever you're doing! I'm stealing this, thank you! *he picks up Bedi* Sheepy: Bedi: ?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *aaand he exits with Bedi* You gotta clean up..! Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, of course, sorry. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And are we going to take two hours? Sheepy: Bedi: Of course not. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are we going to turn the bathroom into a local sauna? Sheepy: Bedi: Ah...uh...no. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Great! Sheepy: Bedi: I'll have it at the usual temperature. Arsé-kun: Merlin: So rivaling the sun in heat? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Bedi, you could pour an entire pot of scalding hot coffee on yourself and you wouldn't be bothered by it! Sheepy: Bedi:...Ah. Sheepy: Bedi: I understand your point... Arsé-kun: Merlin: But I guess we're doing it anyway. Sheepy: Bedi: No, no, I'll put it down a little. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Three degrees? Sheepy: Bedi: That many? Arsé-kun: Merlin: What? Sheepy: Bedi: I was thinking one or two. Arsé-kun: Merlin: One? One?? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... And what's this? Are you all going to break Mozart's door down? Sheepy: Satoru: Merlin. I'm sad. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Is it because the door's shut? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Sheepy: Satoru: He slammed a door and I don't like that noise. It's scary. So he must be upset. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Sounds it! Shall I give it a try? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ay-yo, musicman, open the door! *he kicks it* Stop having it be closed! Satoru's out here! Sheepy: Satoru: Did you hurt your foot kicking the door? Arsé-kun: Merlin: That absolutely hurt. Sheepy: Satoru: That's not good. Feel better soon. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And we aren't gonna ram it down.. Sheepy: Bedi: We could try leaving him alone. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And what, be played depressing songs all night? Sheepy: Bedi: Well...I mean... Sheepy: Bedi:...I guess. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Someone already has that job! His name is Tristan! Sheepy: Satoru: I want to see Uncle Mozzy. Sheepy: Bedi: Tristan is always sad, though... Arsé-kun: Herc: ▃▃▅▃▂▃ ?? Sheepy: Satoru: It's Fluffy. Hello! Do you want to see Uncle Mozzy too? Arsé-kun: Herc: ▂▃▂▃▂▂? Sheepy: Satoru: He's sad and locked the door. Unless you know a way in, we'll have to wait until he unlocks it. Arsé-kun: *Herc takes the doorknob and turns it. It breaks instantly and the door is easily opened* Arsé-kun: Herc: ▅. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh! It was unlocked this entire time. Thank you, Fluffy. Sheepy: *Herc receives a hug before Satoru enters the room to see Mozart.* Sheepy: Bedi: Oh no... Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm not fixing that. Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Mozzy? Sheepy: Bedi: The poor door... Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... What? Sheepy: Satoru: Are you upset? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: Can I help make you feel better? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Sure. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Well. If you have something you want to vent about, I'm here. Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... You recall the movie made about me, yes? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. The one you didn't want me to watch. Arsé-kun: Mozart: It's wildly incorrect Arsé-kun: Mozart: No, no! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Not that! Just... The part about how I died and who did it. Sheepy: Satoru: Ooooh. Sheepy: Satoru: Did someone say the movie was accurate? Is that why you're upset? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... You know how Dracula caused Vlad to be a vampire? Sheepy: Satoru: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Mozart: A dear friend has been turned into a homicidal man that he never was. Sheepy: Satoru: ... Maybe there’s some way to reach out to him? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Oh, we tried. He barely has control over his own body at this point.. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhhmmm... Maybe Dr. Marshmallow can help. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I don't think he can magically change someone's class.. Sheepy: Satoru: Class? Sheepy: Satoru: So he’s... uhhh... Arsé-kun: Mozart: He's an Avenger. Certainly behaves like a Berserker. Sheepy: Satoru: ?! So then he knows Hulk? And Captain America? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... No, no. Like Lobo and Rider. Sheepy: Satoru: ... Oh. Sheepy: *Satoru seems a bit embarrassed...* Sheepy: Satoru: But then that means he hates humanity. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Yes. That is part of the problem. Sheepy: Satoru: But the movie didn’t say that he hated humanity. Sheepy: Satoru: So I don’t get why he’s suddenly an Avenger if he didn’t hate humanity in the first place. Arsé-kun: Mozart: It said he hated me. ... *he sighs* That leads to the second problem. Sheepy: Satoru: “It”? Second problem? Arsé-kun: Mozart: It doesn't matter what is true or not for Servants. What's believed by the people affects us. People believed, partially due to the film, that he outright hated me. Sheepy: Satoru: Ooohhh... Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Which makes it hard to approach without being shot. Sheepy: Satoru: ... That’s bad. So then why is he calling himself Alter Amadeus? His outfit even looks like yours. Sheepy: Satoru: But you appeared in that outfit and considering he’s had no interaction with you before today, he couldn’t have known what it looked like. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I am not sure. Perhaps due to us having been connected in the past. Sheepy: Satoru: Because that outfit is a lot like thr one you wore in the movie. Sheepy: Satoru: ? Sheepy: Satoru: *...he parrots a few...* Sheepy: Satoru: What do they mean? Arsé-kun: Mozart: They mean Guinevere is going to kill me if you repeat any of it. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Do you want her to kill you? Arsé-kun: Mozart: No. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Your secret is safe then. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Thank you. Sheepy: Satoru: And just because he hates you on the outside doesn't mean he hates you on the inside. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He doesn't hate me on the inside. I know this as fact. That's part of why it's so... ... Messed up. Sheepy: Satoru: Well, maybe you can help bring that side out. Sheepy: Satoru: Why is he acting like he hates you? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ..... I'll be simple. Masato was also another person? So is my friend. Sheepy: Satoru:....So it's like that. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: The only solution to that problem was to send him away. But he came back. He's not going to stay away forever. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No. Masanori came back. Masato did not. But, you're right. Sheepy: Satoru: But still, maybe Dr. Marshmallow can help with that. Doctors can do anything. Sheepy: Satoru: Grandpa is a doctor and he can do anything, so all doctors can do anything. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Ok. Sheepy: Satoru: If you give up before you've even started, you're only stealing away any chances you may find to help your friend. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... You'd be right, but I'm really not feeling it. Sheepy: Satoru: Even if you don't think Dr. Marshmallow can help, there's always a chance. Not taking the chance at all is the same thing as it being guaranteed that it doesn't help. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. That's fine. Don't push yourself. Sheepy: Satoru: But as long as you believe really hard, eventually it'll work out. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... All right, Aristotle, thank you for the philosophy lesson. Sheepy: Satoru: Where? Arsé-kun: Mozart: You. Sheepy: Satoru: No, I'm Satoru. Sheepy: Satoru: Satoru... ... Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'd like to order a "I was being figurative" with a side of "Hi Satoru, I'm Uncle Farts." Sheepy: Satoru: Sometimes Big Bro Cu refers to you as Mofart. Sheepy: Satoru: And I haven't decided on whose family name to adopt yet. Sheepy: Satoru: Moriarty doesn't work well with my name. That's unfortunate. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Why not just take your mothers'..? *he's trying not to smile. MOFART.* Sheepy: Satoru: But Carmilla doesn't have a last name. Unless you mean...uh... Sheepy: Satoru:...I'm not comfortable with that. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm grateful for what she's done but she still scares me somewhat. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Kintaro's? Sheepy: Satoru: The alliteration is weird. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Is it? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Hm.. Sheepy: Satoru: Are you feeling better? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... A bit, yes. Sheepy: Satoru: That's good. Sheepy: Satoru: Just try to relax so you can feel better. Arsé-kun: *and now, a short timeskip. just to the next day, nothing massive. no cu are dead somehow. Mozart's still unhappy* Sheepy: Holmes: -- *Meanwhile, he's thoughtfully chewing on the end of his pipe. He pauses. He slowly takes the pipe out of his mouth.* ...Sometimes. Arsé-kun: Mori: Sometimes you don't talk until I've at least had coffee. Those are good days. Sheepy: Holmes: I question the reality of my existence. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's too early for this. Sheepy: Holmes: Did I really exist? Am I just made up? I know what I believe, but did humanity imprint that on to me? Arsé-kun: Mori: Can I calculate how long you'll prattle on for? Sheepy: Holmes: Go ahead. Arsé-kun: Mori: Too damn long. Sheepy: Holmes: Hmm. ... So you don't think about that ever? Sheepy: Holmes: Everything about you is technically born from the beliefs that came about upon reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's a good 50-50. It's still one or the other for you. Sheepy: Holmes: You have a lackadaisical approach. Arsé-kun: Mori: No. It's too early for this. Sheepy: Holmes: I was hoping for an interesting conversation. Sheepy: Holmes: In some ways I believe you changed more than me. Arsé-kun: Mori: Highly likely. Sheepy: Holmes:...Such as. The Moriarty I knew back then would not be content with this lifestyle. The Moriarty I know now, is. Sheepy: Holmes: Perhaps you've changed due to being a servant... or. What's important to you has changed. Character development. Sheepy: Holmes: Or- Sheepy: Lobo: *he sticks his snout in Holmes's face, teeth bared.* Arsé-kun: Mori: Heel, Lobo. *he goes to lightly push on Lobo's nose. booooop* Sheepy: Lobo: *His ears perk up. What does this mean? Why is his nose being booped?* Arsé-kun: Mori: You can wait. Sheepy: Lobo: *He huffs* Arsé-kun: Mori: And I am not going to deny your claim if that's what you truly believe. Sheepy: Holmes: ...Hm. Sheepy: Lobo: *he sniffs at Holmes's coffee* Arsé-kun: Mori: ... And while I'm on this train of thought- The second-closest museum has awful security. I'm just saying. Sheepy: Holmes: So that's where you intend to strike next? Well, I won't stop you. Arsé-kun: Mori: Is it, though? Sheepy: Holmes: Who knows. Arsé-kun: Mori: Not you. Certainly me. Sheepy: Holmes: Of course. Sheepy: Holmes: It'd be dull if I could tell what your next actions would be. Arsé-kun: Mori: Wouldn't it? Sheepy: Holmes: Yes.

[badlydrawnstuff]

fate goes (to a scary place)

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... ?? *he sits up and looks around. how'd he get back to his room? Better find out* Bedi?? Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, you've awoken. Arsé-kun: Merlin: What just happened?? Sheepy: Bedi: I'm not sure. Sheepy: Bedi: One moment, I was fine. The next moment, I felt...exhausted. Arsé-kun: Merlin: It wasn't just me, then... Sheepy: Bedi: Everyone else suffered it as well. Sheepy: Bedi: I heard fighting, but my top priority was keeping an eye on you. What became of the fighting, I haven't a clue. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's not a good sign. Sheepy: Bedi: No, of course not. Arsé-kun: Merlin: We'd better find out. Sheepy: Bedi: Can you stand? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Probabl- *he stands and promptly fails standing up school. aaaand you fail* Sheepy: Bedi: Here, you're still wobbly. Let me help you. *he picks up Merlin* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh! That works too! Sheepy: Bedi: *he goes to investigate, Merlin in arms* Arsé-kun: Vlad: -- And I lost track of events from there. I'll take blame for failure. *he bows his head* Sheepy: Bedi: What's going on? Sheepy: Kintaro: ........ Arsé-kun: Mephisto: A dumpster fire! In the middle of a railroad! A trainwreck, on fire! I'd like to be on fire instead of dealing with this! Sheepy: Kintaro: Ain't nothin's golden 'bout hurtin' kids........ Arsé-kun: Mephisto: M-hm... Ya making it hard for me to be the clown for our benefits. Sit down, shut up, and consider the coconut! Arsé-kun: Merlin: This tells me everything and nothing at all! Sheepy: Kintaro: I'll send him to hell. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: That's my job!! Arsé-kun: Vlad: ..... Satoru was taken. Sheepy: Bedi: What?! Sheepy: Bedi: I see, I see, so that's what I heard and what I felt.. Sheepy: Bedi: Do we know who kidnapped him? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Yes. Yes, we do. Sheepy: Bedi: Whom? Arsé-kun: Hyde: The guy who lived here. Fuckin'... Asshole mcfuck. Not the sad shit. Sheepy: Bedi: Masato? Arsé-kun: Hyde: Yes and the other guy. He's the sad shit. The other one! Sheepy: Bedi: I see. Sheepy: Bedi: Tristan can find anyone in the world using his harp. Arsé-kun: Sakura: *she (finally) enters, probably having been held back* Then do it! Why are we just standing here?! Sheepy: Bedi: I cannot go to retrieve him, nor is this lowly knight capable of it. Sheepy: Bedi: As much as we would all love to rush in and deal with it, there's a few things to figure out before hand. Sheepy: Bedi: Who must stay, who must go, and who has the capabilities of getting the rescue party there. Sheepy: Bedi: I've already decided that I'm of the first party. Hate me as you wish, but my top priority is Merlin, who did not recover like everyone else did. Sheepy: Kintaro: I'm going to kill him... Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Taro, buddy! Getting a little hasty here, aren't we? Sheepy: Kintaro: It ain't hastiness. Chief's the brains and I'm the muscle. It's my job to crush evil for him. And makin' kids cry - that's as evil as they come. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You were certainly sounding a bit evil there! That's also my job! You handle the golden justice! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he clutches his fists* Make your decisions. Now. Sheepy: Tristan: I'm stay- Arsé-kun: Sakura: Absolutely not! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he picks up Tristan by the collar* Sheepy: Kintaro: Anyone else coming? Sheepy: *Kintaro's arms are oddly red. It's probably nothing.* Arsé-kun: *Nothing, like that giant cigarette smoke cloud we call Moriarty. Anyway* Sheepy: Ozy:....Hmm. Arsé-kun: Sakura: There you are. You're coming along, too. Sheepy: Ozy: What? Sheepy: Ozy: Truly, you're troublesome... Fine, fine! I, Ozymandias, will escort you! Arsé-kun: Sakura: Thank you. Sheepy: Ozy: Hahahaha! I look forward to the entertainment your trip holds! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: If Kintaro's going, I'm going to! Sheepy: Eiji: I-I'm sorry...I..I really want to h-...help, but I... Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... I don't feel that great, either. Sheepy: Bedi: I will take care of both of you. Don't worry. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Thanks, babe. Sheepy: Bedi: It's my pleasure. Sheepy: Kintaro: *he looks to Vlad and then Moriarty* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he raises his hand, then puts it back down* Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... It's the middle of the day. Count me out, unfortunately. Sheepy: Guin: Did you want to go, Lance? Arsé-kun: Lance: mmmmmmmmhm. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Then you both, too. Sheepy: Tristan: *snore* Arsé-kun: Sakura: ..... Don't tell me we have to wait! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he shakes Tristan* Arsé-kun: *Lance grabs and lightly tugs Tristan's hair* Sheepy: Tristan: ...Fine, fine. Sheepy: *Tristan takes out the Failnaught* Sheepy: Tristan: He's not in this house. Carry me northward, my steed. Sheepy: Bedi: Sir Tristan. If you don't cooperate I won't be pleased. Sheepy: Bedi: I'll be very, very disappointed... Sheepy: Tristan: Follow me. Sheepy: *Tristan heads out.* Arsé-kun: *And Tris is quickly followed by those who agreed to go* Arsé-kun: *More importantly, lets check on Satoru* Sheepy: *Satoru is curled up in a ball. Nobody can see you if you're in a fetal position.* Arsé-kun: *This is incorrect, and Satoru is prompted with some sort of catalyst yet again. You gotta try again, bud, or they'll go for your circuits* Sheepy: Satoru: I-I don't know what this is... Sheepy: Satoru: Dad said not to accept anything weird from strangers... Arsé-kun: *The catalyst is put next to Satoru.* Sheepy: Satoru: *he hesitantly picks it up* Sheepy: Satoru: What do you want me to do with this...? Sheepy: Satoru: It's just a book... I don't want to read it... Arsé-kun: Grunt #28: We've told you already. That's your catalyst. Give it a shot. Sheepy: Satoru: But I don't even know who I'm calling...! Arsé-kun: Grunt #57: The original Avenger. None of us have enough Circuits to handle it. You, however, do. Sheepy: Satoru: Ah! Captain America! Arsé-kun: Grunt #57: ... Not quite. Sheepy: Satoru: Not Captain America? Sheepy: Satoru: That's too bad. Arsé-kun: Grunt #25: The Avenger class, not the movie. Sheepy: Satoru: ...Okay, fine. Sheepy: *Satoru gets to work, understanding that there's no way out.* Arsé-kun: *The assortment of grunts give him space to do so. And chalk, and whatever else he'll need. Hint #40958 that these people are not smart.* Sheepy: Satoru: I can have anything I need to summon him? Sheepy: Satoru: Then, I need my family here. Arsé-kun: Masanori: *he moves to the front and pulls up a seat* Go on. Sheepy: Satoru: You aren't my family. Arsé-kun: *Someone yells. That someone is probably dead now. Carry on* Sheepy: Satoru: *he realizes that he isn't going to see his family until he summons Avenger. And so, he tries.* Arsé-kun: *It doesn't seem like anything happened... But there's a black thing there now.* Sheepy: Satoru: What's that? Arsé-kun: *There's chattering among the grunts. Masanori seems interested as well.* Arsé-kun: *A moments pause, and the thing moves. It's certainly shaped like a person, but completely pitch black.. Except for the eyes that are staring at Satoru* Arsé-kun: Avenger: Heya! The weakest Heroic Spirit Avenger, has answered your summons! Arsé-kun: *And at least half the grunts groan. Masanori no longer seems interested* Sheepy: Satoru: You're only the weakest if you say you're the weakest! I believe in you!! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Kiddo, that has gotta be the nicest thing anyone has ever said ta me. You okay in the head? Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Sheepy: Satoru: I might've hit my head. That guy was rough to me. *he points to Masanori* Sheepy: Satoru: And he kidnapped me and hurt my family. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Was 'e? And he's a plain ol' guy? Sheepy: Satoru: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he smirks* That's great. I can't do jack to other Heroic Spirits, but to people? Hoooo boy! Lemme dye the tiles crimson for you! Give me the word, Master! Sheepy: Satoru: But if you kill him I won't be able to get home. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Call someone else to you! Let them be your guide t' safety while I commit seppiku via combat! Sheepy: Satoru: Call? Sheepy: Satoru: ... I didn't know I could do that... Arsé-kun: *Masanori decides now is the best time to escape. Move it, gruntos, there he goes* Sheepy: *Satoru focuses very hard and summons Kintaro!* Sheepy: Satoru: Oh! Big bro Kintaro is here!- Sheepy: Kintaro: I'll crush each and every one of you, you monsters! Sheepy: Kintaro: *he whips out his axe. any grunts who want to live should run. Like number #58 or whatever. #28? the two who had personalities and a life* Arsé-kun: *oh, they'll probably get out. #57 and #28 have already exited the scene anyway* Arsé-kun: *anyway, Kintaro is free to splatter blood everywhere* Sheepy: *Which he does!* Sheepy: *Satoru is covering his eyes. Scary.* Arsé-kun: *Avenger just cheers Kintaro on. Glorified cheerleader* Sheepy: *Eventually, Kintaro finishes and turns to the two.* Arsé-kun: Avenger: Coooongratulations! You've probably scarred a child for life! Sheepy: Kintaro:...Eh? Sheepy: Kintaro: What's up with Chief? You didn't scare him, did you? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Oh, sure, blame me! Look at yourself n' then back to me! Sheepy: Kintaro: Speak clearly, I'm dumb. Arsé-kun: Avenger: You've got way more blood on your hands. Sheepy: Kintaro: ... Arsé-kun: Avenger: Don't look so sad! They deserved their fates! Sheepy: Satoru: But... Sheepy: Satoru: They're dead... Arsé-kun: Avenger: Eh. Shit happens Arsé-kun: *Meanwhile, Saku is shoving Tris' face into Golden Bear's fur.* Sheepy: Golden Bear: *grunting* Arsé-kun: Saku: Is it any clearer NOW?? Sheepy: Tristan: *muffled noises* Arsé-kun: Saku: *she pulls him back up* Repeat that? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, if only it were King Arthur who was ordering me around. Sheepy: Tristan: She would simply ground me as opposed to pulling me around by the hair.... Arsé-kun: Saku: *she lets go of Tristan's hair* Sheepy: Tristan: Certainly, it would be a much better fate than this. Sheepy: Tristan: A bear can smell fear up to forty miles away, or something. Sheepy: Tristan: So why must I force myself to track them? Arsé-kun: Saku: Because you already said you would, and because I want my child back! Sheepy: Tristan: Let us say a gun was put to your head and you were told to do something you did not wish to do. Sheepy: Tristan: Would you be sincere in agreeing to it? Arsé-kun: Andersen: The moral of the story here is not to threaten others into doing things. I'll a-b-c my way out of this situation now. Sheepy: Guin: Tristan. We need your help. Sheepy: Tristan: *he grumbles something and lifts up his harp* ... ...This way. Why do we have to walk? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Taro's said Golden Bear can be anything.. So do we really gotta? Sheepy: Guin: It would be a good idea if we picked up the pace. Sheepy: Guin: Kintaro may be sweet but he's essentially a berserker who's gotten a moment of clarity... I guess that's a way to describe it.... Sheepy: Guin: He could accidentally hurt Satoru is my concern. Sheepy: Golden Bear: *sniff* Sheepy: Tristan: Bear, become a car. Sheepy: *Golden Bear becomes a car.* Sheepy: Tristan: Excellent. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: That worked too! Sheepy: *Tristan sits in the driver's seat* Sheepy: Guin:....... Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Fear. Sheepy: Guin: *lance i dont like this* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Shotgun! *and he swings into the other front seat* Sheepy: Tristan: Get in. Sheepy: Guin: Tristan, you're blind. Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Arsé-kun: Saku: I don't feel safe. Sheepy: Tristan: I'm excellent at driving. Sheepy: Ozy:... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I'll... Backseat drive.. If I have to.. Sheepy: Guin: Yes, good idea. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Hurry up, get in! Who cares who drives? It's not me and I don't have any rider stuff! Sheepy: *Guin gets in with Lance. Ozy hesitantly joins them* Arsé-kun: *And Saku gets in, even more cautiously* Sheepy: *They get going! Either Tristan is a good driver or the bear is doing everything and is taking Tristan's directions.* Arsé-kun: *It's still very uncomfortable for everyone in the back seats* Sheepy: *Somehow everyone survives the trip* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Ah. Sheepy: Tristan:... ... ... *snore* Sheepy: Guin:...Let's make sure never to let him drive a real car. Sheepy: Tristan:... ... kay, who lied to you saying that you look good in a mullet ... *mumbling* Sheepy: Guin: *she gets out of the car and pulls Tristan out of the front seat.* Sheepy: Ozy: *he stumbles out of the car and gags* Sheepy: Ozy: H..ha! Hahaha! -Hrk. ... Gh. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You good, Pharaoh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Or does a big, strong man need to carry you? Sheepy: Ozy: I can carry myself. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Good to know! Sheepy: Ozy: We're going now! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Fine! Sheepy: *Ozy, visibly flustered, storms in* Sheepy: *Guin, Tristan in arms, follows.* Arsé-kun: *Mephisto laughs and follows. Shut ur mouth* Arsé-kun: *Lance waits for Saku to go, then follows himself* Sheepy: *When they enter, they're greeted by bodies. Many bodies. Some are quesionably alive. Kintaro is trying to cheer up a crying Satoru. Considering the blood on his hands and shirt, it's not working too well.* Arsé-kun: Avenger: Look on the bright side, will ya? Can't hurtcha if they're dying! Sheepy: Satoru: But now he's going to go to jail! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Self-defense via berserker! Just blame me for it n' it'll be peachy! Sheepy: Satoru: But you didn't do anything. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Shhh, shhh! It's my job to be blamed for evil acts! Sheepy: Satoru: But... Arsé-kun: Avenger: Wait! We've got company! *he stands up and holds his arms out* You who approach! Friend or foe? Best be friend, or be slain by everyone's favorite convenient villain! Sheepy: Ozy: It depends if you're going to prevent him from going home. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Do not pick a third option! It is one or the other! Sheepy: Guin: Friend. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Mmmm? We'll see how well that holds up. *he moves aside* Sheepy: Guin: Satoru, we're here. Sheepy: *Satoru doesn't seem to care too much. Dead bodies...* Arsé-kun: Saku: *she seems just as uncomfortable, honestly* Satoru! Lets get you out of here. Sheepy: *Those are the magic words. He shakily joins Saku* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he lowers himself down to Satoru's level and pats his head* :) ? Sheepy: Kintaro: W-woah! You're giving me a scary look, Guin...! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Don't give him the heated glare. T'was my doing, after all! This carnage would not have been possible without my supporting actions! Sheepy: Satoru: But you did nothing. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I-I did too..! Sheepy: Satoru: ? Arsé-kun: Avenger: I was... Moral support! Sheepy: Satoru: I see. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he grumbles and looks to Kintaro* Sheepy: Kintaro: S-sorry, I just can't stand seein' kids scared... Sheepy: Kintaro: It ain't golden at all. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he nods. seems he agrees with you.* Sheepy: Ozy: So, who are you, child? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Me? Sheepy: Ozy: Yes. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I'm able to share that knowledge so freely? Call me Avenger until we're inna more private place. Sheepy: Ozy: ....? Arsé-kun: Avenger: ... That not ringin' any alarm bells? Sheesh. Sheepy: Ozy: No. Sheepy: Ozy: Better question, where is your home? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Mine? Whatever doghouse the little Master dumps me in, of course. Sheepy: Ozy: You've lost me. Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he stoops down to pick up his now-bloodied scripture* Human scum were tryin' to summon a Divine Spirit. Tried to get the little guy to do it. Got me instead! I hope no one expects combat from me! Sheepy: Guin:...I wonder why? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Didn't hear the whys or hows. I just came to the call. Arsé-kun: Avenger: 'less you mean that last bit? 'Cuz I'm the weakest heroic spirit. Really shouldn't expect anythin' from me. Sheepy: Guin: No, why they kidnapped him for that purpose exclusively. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Like I said, missed that bit. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Avenger: That guy knows, I'd wager. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Don't worry if you don't know who I mean. I do, and I ain't forgettin. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Lets... just go.. Sheepy: Guin: Yes, good idea. Sheepy: Tristan: *mumbling* Arsé-kun: Lance: . .... ..... I'll drive. Sheepy: Guin: Okay. Sheepy: *And so, the group gets home.* Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Lancelot, I had the silliest dream. I was driving a bear car. Arsé-kun: Lance: This car? Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Arsé-kun: Lance: You did drive it. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Sheepy: Tristan: Oh. Sheepy: Tristan: I'll tell Sir Lancelot about this when I awaken - Arsé-kun: Lance: *he tugs Tris' hair* Sheepy: Tristan: ?! Sheepy: Tristan: So I'm not dreaming... Arsé-kun: Lance: That's right. Good evening. *and the helmet goes back on* Sheepy: Tristan: Good evening. Arsé-kun: *Avenger has his face pressed against the window. Productive* Sheepy: Tristan: The wind on my face and the breeze in my hair reminds me of my fateful meeting with my dearest. Sheepy: Ozy: *he's fidgeting uncomfortably* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ... Soooo! Sheepy: Tristan: But perhaps both of us woild have been better off not meeting one another. I say this, and yet, I cannot bear the thought of losing these memories. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: SOOOO ANYWAY! Sheepy: Satoru: Masanori still thinks we're family. Sheepy: Satoru: And he also got away. Sheepy: Satoru: So he's still a threat, technically. Arsé-kun: Avenger: That his name? I won't forget it. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh Arsé-kun: Mephisto: .. So, what's green, has four legs, and would kill you if it jumped out of a tree? Sheepy: Satoru: A table with a temper. Sheepy: Kintaro: A bear. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Shoot! Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You both had valid answers! Sheepy: Satoru: But what is it? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: A pool table. Sheepy: Satoru: Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Okay, okay, better one! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: An Irishman walks out of a bar. He's sober. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Kintaro sometimes goes to bars. Sheepy: Satoru: So does Cu. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: But do they come back sober? Anyway, while that's happening, a man is building a house with bricks, see? Sheepy: Satoru: Sober..Sober... Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Not drunk. Sheepy: Satoru: Ummm.... Sheepy: Satoru: No. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Exactly. Anyhoo! Man, house, bricks. He orders a hundred bricks, but turns out, he only needs ninety-nine! Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: So, he throws the last brick into the air. Really hard. So hard it's gone from view. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: That's good. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: But more importantly, how do you put an elephant in the fridge? Sheepy: Satoru: You don't, because elephants live outside, not in the fridge. Sheepy: Satoru: They're happy outside. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Open the door, put the elephant in, and close the door. With that in mind, how do you put a giraffe in the fridge? Sheepy: Satoru: You don't, because giraffes live outside. There's no trees in the fridge, and a giraffe's height compared to a tree is all it has to make itself feel good about itself. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Open the door, take the elephant out, put the giraffe in,, and close the door. Sheepy: Satoru: So without trees, giraffes will slowly succumb to the dread of their lack of purpose in life. Finally they'll come to believe that their only skill is to be tall, and they'll fall into a deep depression. Sheepy: Satoru: Giraffes can't do math and they can't read. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Did you lose your sense of humor? Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: I'm telling jokes here! Sheepy: Satoru: I didn't notice. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Now that you know, I'll go on! Sheepy: Satoru: You're still telling jokes? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: I'm not done yet! There's two more to the set! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Have fun. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Will do! So there's gonna be a meeting of all the animals on a plane. Every one has to show up, and everyone does! Except one. Who? Sheepy: Satoru: The first inclination is to say the pilot, but planes technically don't require a pilot anymore. Their courses are set within the computer, and the pilot's only real job is to keep everyone in line and deal with any problems that arise. Sheepy: Satoru: So it really wouldn't be a problem if he left his seat because the computer is doing his job for him anyway. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: The giraffe, because it's still in the fridge! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. That's too bad. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: One more joke and I'll shut up! The giraffe gets let out, and everyone gets on the plane, okay? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: A doglady brought her kid, who just keeps yapping. This annoys the rhino, who's smoking. "Tell your kid to shut it!" He says. She turns and tells him to put out the cigarette. They fight over this for a bit, ending with her throwing the rhino's cigarette out a window. For the best, I'd suppose, 'cuz smokes on planes are pretty bad. He leans out to try and catch it, and comes back with something- But not his cigarette. What'd he catch? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Other than a cold! Arsé-kun: *Mephisto waits a moment* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: The brick! *he seems proud of himself* I'll be here all week, unfortunately! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he huffs* Tough crowd. Arsé-kun: *He did his best, but not really. Those were bad jokes, but he expected more reactions than blank stares. Feels bad man* Sheepy: Satoru: *He sleepily rubs his eyes. he must stay awake.* Arsé-kun: *and now, a timeskip. so they can get Home* Sheepy: Bedi: -Lancelot! Tristan! Arsé-kun: Lance: ...? Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin! Merlin's....! Arsé-kun: Lance: What did he do this time..? Sheepy: Bedi: He's sick! I think! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: No wonder he looked nearly as pale as me! Sheepy: Bedi: That's not the point! The point is that I don't know what to do! Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Yelling.. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm sorry. I- I lost my composure. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he puts a hand on Bedi's shoulder. everything is okay* ... Where.. Is he? Sheepy: Bedi: Follow me. Arsé-kun: *bedi is followed* Sheepy: *Bedi brings everyone to Merlin.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he looks downright miserable. even his whiskers are wilting a bit* Sheepy: Bedi: I - uh - I brought them, in case they could help. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... *he glances over* ... *and shakes his head* Sheepy: Bedi: Then what can I do? I don't know what's wrong with you. I don't know how to help. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Mana. *his voice sounds dry, and he coughs after speaking* Sheepy: Tristan: How can we give you mana? Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... ..... It's Me. .. What do you.. think? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, I'll call the funeral house. Arsé-kun: Merlin: .. n' don't order flowers. Sheepy: *Tristan receives a punch to the back of the head. By Airgetlam.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: 'Ey! Sheepy: Bedi: *he huffs, but turns his attention to Merlin* I don't have much to offer, but I could try to help. Sheepy: Tristan: ... ... ... Arsé-kun: Merlin: You did. ... How many times? .. I've already forgotten. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, but.... Arsé-kun: Merlin: .. Don't want to drain you dry. *he coughs again* Or.. anyone else. Sheepy: Bedi: But you need it. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... 'm not feeling up to it. Sheepy: Bedi: ... Sheepy: Bedi: You're really that bad off? Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... m-hm. Sheepy: Bedi: I was hoping maybe it was a situation where they could help, but-... I can call Dr. Roman, would that help? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... *he shrugs* Sheepy: Bedi: Here-just-sit tight, I'll call him. I'm sorry, Lancelot, I didn't think this through. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah...my head...my head... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he lightly smacks Bedi upside the head, and gestures to Tristan* Sheepy: Bedi: *He gives Lancelot a frustrated expression* Arsé-kun: Lance: You did this. Sheepy: Tristan: No... no... it's okay.... Sheepy: Tristan: My life isn't worth anything anyway... Sheepy: Tristan: If I happen to die from this, nobody would even care. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he makes a frustrated growl* Sheepy: Bedi: *Unfortunately for both of them, Bedi only cares about one thing right now: saving Merlin. He gives Lance a nasty look and goes to call Dr. Roman* Sheepy: Tristan: My best friend hates me now... Sheepy: Tristan: ...Perhaps. If I had not said those things back then, our downfall would have never happened. But would we be happier? Would he hate me now...? Sheepy: Tristan: My head feels heavy...and I think I'm bleeding. Sheepy: Tristan: Although... if I had not said those things... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Shhhut up. Sheepy: Tristan: The only ones who would be servants would be Sir Lancelot and King Arthur. Perhaps Sir Gawain as well. Sheepy: Tristan: So then... Sir Bedivere would have never hooked up with Merlin... and thus he would've never punched me in the head. Sheepy: Tristan: In conclusion, my pessimism is why we are all here today. Sheepy: Tristan: You're welcome. Sheepy: Tristan: *mumbling* Sheepy: Bedi: -I called him. Sheepy: Tristan: Although technically our mothers and the timing of their hook-ups with our fathers are why we exist. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Blame me. Sheepy: Tristan: Since the timing is important. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. mmmmmhm. Sheepy: Bedi: What's he going on about now...? There's nothing to blame you for, Merlin. Sheepy: Tristan: Although, I suppose Queen Guinevere's father forcing her into a marriage she didn't want could contribute to it... Sheepy: Tristan: Especially with King Arthur. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Wouldn't've happened if I didn't. Sheepy: Bedi: Is this really the time to be discussing this? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Why not..? Sheepy: Bedi: Because you're sick? Arsé-kun: Merlin: n' Tristan is bleeding out. Lancelot's frustrated *cough, cough, wheeze* n' yur bein' a shit. Sheepy: Bedi:... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Who's this guy? Where's the Bedi that doesn't hit people? Sheepy: Bedi:..... Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, the temperature in the room dropped. Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... ... Bedivere, do leave. Take them with you. Sheepy: Bedi: Look- I called Dr. Roman. If leaving is what you want from me, that's fine. I'll come back when you need me. Sheepy: *Bedi picks up Tristan and looks to Lancelot. are you coming?* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he pulls the blanket up and rolls over. Discussion Over* Arsé-kun: *Lance is absolutely following* Sheepy: *Bedi leaves and drops Tristan off on the nearest sofa* Arsé-kun: *Lance stares. Pressing X to disapprove* Sheepy: Tristan: I want my best friend baaaaack~ Sheepy: Tristan: He's gooooneee.... Sheepy: Tristan: And soon Lancelot will leave me too... Arsé-kun: *Lance responds by sitting down on the floor* Sheepy: Tristan: And then I'll be all alone.... *There's tears streaming down his face, but he's still got that relaxed expression he usually has...* Sheepy: Tristan: What will I do then...? Sheepy: Tristan: Lancelot, please don't leave me all alone. Arsé-kun: Lance: mmm not. Sheepy: Tristan: That's what Bedivere said. Sheepy: Tristan: And Bedivere never broke his promises. Ever. Sheepy: Tristan: But... he did this time. Sheepy: Tristan: ....So, what can I believe? Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Not me. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, so you'll leave too.. Arsé-kun: Lance: Non. Sheepy: Tristan: But...you just said... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... How much control do you think I have over myself..? Sheepy: Tristan: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he raises his arm.. And punches the floor. That definitely left a mark* Not enough! Sheepy: Tristan: Ah... that's what happened to my skull. Arsé-kun: Lance: Oui. Sheepy: Tristan: It still hurts. Arsé-kun: Lance: Why wouldn't it? Sheepy: Tristan: Because my best friend hit me... Sheepy: Tristan: And my emotions hurt more.... Sheepy: Tristan: *Sob* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he sighs and stays put* Sheepy: Cu: ...Why is he bleeding on the sofa? Sheepy: Tristan: My best friend punched me. Sheepy: Cu: That doesn't sound like a good friend. *He plops down next to Lance* Did you do this? *He gestures to the hole* Sheepy: Tristan: That's what Bedivere did to my skull... Sheepy: Cu: Again, that really doesn't sound like friend material. Social stuff isn't my forte, but get your bleeding to stop and then we'll discuss your bad friend. And you, did you put a hole in the floor? Sheepy: Tristan: I don't want pity...I just want him to come back... my heart yearns for my good friend, the one who supported me no matter what, the forgiving friend, the one who stayed with me through the worst of times... Sheepy: Tristan: It calls for the friend who understood me despite our differences, was kind no matter the situation, who showed more love and compassion than any knight to make up the difference of strength... Where has he gone? I feel lost without the one who gave me the encouraging words I needed, the one who warmed my cold, lonely heart despite me accidentally hurting his brother, the understanding one who never gave up on anyone. Sheepy: Cu: I'm not asking you. Arsé-kun: Lance: ....... I sure did. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Lost temper for a moment. Sheepy: Cu: Well, just be ready for when that obnoxious red archer decides to drag you into repairs. Sheepy: Cu: Anyway, I can hear his crying from over there, so what can I do to make him stop crying? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he shrugs* Sheepy: Cu: Well, will someone explain what's going on so I can deal with it? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Wizard's sick. *he huffs* Bedivere's panicking. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Bedivere overreacted, hit Tristan. Arsé-kun: Lance: And Merlin kicked us out. For the best.. I suppose. Sheepy: Cu: Well, here's the plan. Sheepy: Cu: This guy isn't going to stop crying until this Bedivere apologizes, right? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I doubt even that will stop it. Sheepy: Cu: Really? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... He'd cry out of happiness afterwards. Sheepy: Cu: But at least that has an end. Sheepy: Cu: This obviously doesn't. Sheepy: Cu: A hit to the head won't kill the man, since he's a servant. It might rattle his brains and stain the sofa, but otherwise it's nothing to be concerned about. Sheepy: Cu: All the same, it can potentially be used to exploit Bedivere's empathy. Sheepy: Cu: So we could maybe manipulate him with a "look at what you did" scenario...? Sheepy: Cu: Although... Sheepy: Cu: If he inflicted it, he's not going to feelbad until much later. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. M-hm. I did that already. It didn't work. Sheepy: Cu: Which is another few hours of me hearing this guy cry, which is unacceptable. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Ten more minutes will be unacceptable. Sheepy: Cu: Exactly! Sheepy: Tristan: *sob* Everyone hates me... Arsé-kun: Mozart: No one said that. I'd have certainly heard if it was said. Sheepy: Tristan: It wasn't said, it was acted upon.. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Why would I like you crying? That means something bad and shitty has happened- Which it has, I heard. Sheepy: Tristan: Bedivere punched me. Sheepy: Tristan: He's my best friend. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He does seem to be in sour spirits. Sheepy: Tristan: He's only punched me one other time. Sheepy: Tristan: The last time he punched me.. Sheepy: Tristan:... Sheepy: Tristan:...Perhaps...he knows something I don't? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah! If only I had a heart! Sir Lancelot could give me a quick death! Arsé-kun: Lance: Could, but won't. Sheepy: Tristan: Even if I requested it? Arsé-kun: Lance: I refuse. Sheepy: Tristan: Even if I gave you pocket lint in return? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he sighs* Even then. Sheepy: Tristan: You're certainly cruel, Sir Lancelot. The day may come where you have no choice. Arsé-kun: Lance: And that's either due to my own faults, or.. Something else. Sheepy: Tristan:... Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Bedivere did it for me. Sheepy: Tristan: So...why won't you? Arsé-kun: Lance: Do you want a real answer to that? Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Sheepy: Cu: *He goes off to find Bedi meanwhile* Arsé-kun: Lance: Because I've already killed enough people. Sheepy: Tristan: I'm not a person. I'm something less than that. Arsé-kun: Mozart: :< Sheepy: Cu: *He gently shoves Bedi (?) into the room.* Go on. Apologize for what you did. Sheepy: Bedi?: Eh?! Arsé-kun: Mozart: That's not Bedivere. Sheepy: Cu: It looks like him. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Sounds different. Sheepy: Cu: But it's the same face and everything. *He tugs on Lucan's cheek* Then who are you? Sheepy: Lucan: You work with me! I have two arms! Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Lucan. Sheepy: Lucan: Yes? Arsé-kun: Lance: Good to see you. *he picks his helmet up. Hello* Sheepy: Lucan: *He looks to Tristan, opens his mouth, and closes it.* Sheepy: Tristan: I understand now.... Arsé-kun: Lance: No, it wasn't him, Tristan. Sheepy: Tristan: He sent you to gaze upon my cracked skull, to laugh as I bleed out. Sheepy: Tristan: He's getting vengeance. Sheepy: Lucan: Actually, I was just going for a jog. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I hear something above us. Sheepy: Tristan: It's death.... Arsé-kun: Mozart: No, that's a regular. Sheepy: Lucan: That's probably Bedi. Sheepy: Lucan: When he gets upset he goes to high places to relax since nobody will see him there. Sheepy: Lucan: He also said something along the lines of high places making everything seem small, so his problems come to seem small too. Sheepy: Tristan: Bedivere punched me... Sheepy: Lucan: Knowing Bedi, I'm sure it was completely justified. Sheepy: Lucan: So am I still needed or can I go? Arsé-kun: Lance: You can go, certainly. Sheepy: *Lucan heads out* Arsé-kun: Lance: Give it another shot, Cu. Maybe this time go upwards. Sheepy: Cu: Fine. Sheepy: *Cu leaves again to get Bedi* Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'm predicting he falls off the roof first. Sheepy: *There's a faint scream from Cu. You predicted right.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: I hate that I was correct. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I can't believe Lancer is dead again. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He was a good man, a loyal man, and the goodest boy. Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he's not sure if he's doing this right, but he trucks on anyways* Arsé-kun: Mozart: He may not have always come when he was called, but he never left a hand unshook and guarded his master with his life. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He did some other things, too. It's too bad that gravity was his downfall this week. Sheepy: Cu: -I'LL KILL YOU! Sheepy: Cu: *He leaps in, a very confused Bedi under his arm* Sheepy: Cu: I'M NO DOG! Sheepy: Bedi: ...What's going on? *He sounds exhausted...* Sheepy: Cu: You! *He drops Bedi* Need to apologize to the red-head over there so he stops crying! Sheepy: Bedi: ...Um. Tristan- Sheepy: Tristan: Do you hate me? Sheepy: Bedi: No! No, no! That's not what's going on at all! I, uh- I can't really justify punching you, and it was terrible of me to do so. I'm sorry. I know an apology won't make it up, so let me do something for you later. Oh. I could cook for you- Sheepy: Tristan: Please don't. Sheepy: Tristan: But- *sob* Sheepy: Bedi: *he rushes to Tristan's side* What is it? Sheepy: Tristan: My best friend! Doesn't hate me! *He embraces Bedi* Joy fills my very soul! Bedivere...! Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I'm sorry, Cu, I had to make sure you were alive somehow. *he smiles a little* I also wanted to see if that was as fun as it seemed. Sheepy: Cu: If you want to see if it's fun, I can shove you off the roof. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Please don't. I don't come with Guts. Sheepy: Cu: Then what are you full of, fluff? Sheepy: Bedi: You can let go now... Sheepy: Tristan: *sob* Arsé-kun: Mozart: Not that kind of guts! Sheepy: Cu: Ah, that. Sheepy: Cu: -And you! Stop crying already! It's resolved! Sheepy: Tristan: *sob* Sheepy: Bedi:...Is that what you got me for? Tristan just cries until he feels tired and can't cry anymore. Sheepy: Bedi: And the moment he's up to crying again, chances are he'll start up again. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Bedivere. Sheepy: Bedi: I've already apologized. Arsé-kun: Lance: Not that. Arsé-kun: Lance: Is it just me, or do we seem to be getting... ah.. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. Irritable.. When around Merlin? Sheepy: Bedi:..... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I'm just saying! Sheepy: Bedi: *He smiles* I don't know what you're talking about. *He's definitely hiding something...* Arsé-kun: Lance: Don't make me punt you. Sheepy: Bedi:... Sheepy: Bedi: It's probably got to do with him being half-incubus. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... I suppose that's a point. *he gestures to the hole he made* But it caused this. Arsé-kun: Lance: I lost my temper. Sheepy: Bedi: No, he's probably taking mana from you. Sheepy: Bedi: Your Master gives you mana. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... ... *he considers this* Sheepy: Bedi: Ours does not. I was getting mine from Merlin. Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin is running out. So am I. Arsé-kun: Mozart: And on top of this was earlier today. I'd like to suggest to that adding to our dour atmosphere. Sheepy: Bedi: So potentially his body is trying to keep Merlin alive. Sheepy: Bedi: Whether he likes the method or not. Sheepy: Bedi:...Of course. Sheepy: Bedi: When a servant runs out of mana, it's.. Arsé-kun: Lance: Awful. I've been through that experience. Sheepy: Bedi:... It can't kill them, right? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he frowns. there's your answer, along with a hesitant grunt* Sheepy: Bedi:... Sheepy: Bedi: I- I think I'll go sit down. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he pats the floor next to him, where the hole Isn't* Sheepy: *Bedi sits next to Lance* Sheepy: *Bedi eventually leans towards Lance. Bedi why* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he puts an arm on Bedi's shoulders* Sheepy: Tristan: *he wants attention too* Arsé-kun: Lance: *this is Fine* Sheepy: Lobo: *he trots in, head raised high (and an unfortunate Dr. Roman dangling from Lobo's mouth by the collar of his coat) and tail wagging. He drops Dr. Roman in front of Lancelot and proceeds to scratch himself with his back leg.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Thank you, Lobo. Sheepy: Lobo: *yawn* Sheepy: Lobo: *he sniffs at Dr. Roman. Is he still alive?* Arsé-kun: Roman: .. *he's alive, but rather shook. Give him a moment* Arsé-kun: Roman: Is that how I'm going to be greeted every time, Lobo..?? Sheepy: Lobo: *he nudges Roman with his snout* Sheepy: Lobo: *His tail is still wagging...* Arsé-kun: Roman: Th-thanks.. Sheepy: Lobo: *boof* Arsé-kun: Roman: *he pats Lobo* Sheepy: Tristan: Merlin needed you. Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Bedivere needed you too, as much as he was not bringing it up, but Merlin needs you more. Arsé-kun: Lance: Hold on just a moment. Merlin can wait another minute. Arsé-kun: Lance: Are you still bleeding, or did it finally stop? Sheepy: Tristan: My blood is no matter - whether it is being spilled or not pales in comparison to my friend's problems. Sheepy: Tristan: But yes. I am. Arsé-kun: Roman: Let me see. Sheepy: Tristan: *He blankly "stares" in Roman's direction* Arsé-kun: *and Romani approaches Tristan instead* Sheepy: *Tristan is okay with this.* Arsé-kun: *Roman busts out the Heals. Was it magic? Was it machinery? idk idc what matters is that the wound has been Healed. tris' hair remains Untouched* Sheepy: Tristan: Now, go forth, hero, go and rescue the court jester. Arsé-kun: Lance: what Sheepy: Tristan: ... Sheepy: Tristan: Go forth. Rescue the court jester. *He points to Merlin's room* Arsé-kun: Lance: Ah. Arsé-kun: Roman: I should ask first, but how sick is he? Bedivere wasn't very clear about it. Retching sick, fainting sick, can't update his show for a month sick, dying sick, what is it? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Bedivere mentioned something about Merlin having no mana. Sheepy: Tristan: He also mentioned that he was getting mana from Merlin and not his Master. Arsé-kun: Roman: Eh? That's a whole different brand of sick! So it's the last one! Arsé-kun: Roman: Is it even safe to go in there? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, it made Sir Bedivere punch me with his Airgetlam. Sheepy: Tristan: Hence the bleeding. Arsé-kun: Roman: So it's not? Sheepy: Tristan: Would you let him die just because you're a coward? Arsé-kun: Roman: !! Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm a coward but I'm not about to let that happen..! *away he goes, tossing all precaution to the wind. good going, tristan* Sheepy: Tristan: Goodbye, rest in peace. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... If something happens, whose job is it to clean up? Sheepy: Tristan: Not mine. It's yours. Arsé-kun: Lance: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... If you two wish to do something other than stay put, you may. I'm keeping an ear out for any happenings, and I believe a movie is being put on downstairs. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Arsé-kun: Lance: Uh. Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Lancelot. What do you plan to do? Arsé-kun: Lance: To be honest? I'm not quite sure. Sheepy: Tristan: I never have good ideas. Arsé-kun: Lance: You've got more ideas than I. Do share. Sheepy: Tristan: Let's go off into the sunset and achieve our dreams upon Lobo's back. Sheepy: Lobo: *he flops over* Arsé-kun: Lance: Poetic. But Lobo doesn't seem to approve. Sheepy: Tristan: That's too bad. Sheepy: Tristan: Let's watch what they're watching downstairs. Sheepy: Bedi: *mumbling* Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, genius idea. Arsé-kun: Lance: ???????? Sheepy: Tristan: Your input has shattered my view of the world. Sheepy: Tristan: I haven't a clue what he said. Sheepy: Tristan: But I'm sure it's groundbreaking. Arsé-kun: Lance: Neither do I. Lets put him to bed and then join them, yes. Sheepy: Tristan: Excellent idea. Arsé-kun: Lance: You'll have to get off of me, then. Sheepy: Tristan:... *he hesitantly shifts off of Lance* Arsé-kun: *This allows Lance to pick up Bedivere and stand up* Sheepy: Bedi: *he doesn't stir. he's still sleeptalking occasionally. maybe about past events?* Arsé-kun: *It's not worth worrying about, Lance decides. He opts to ignore it and drops Bedi off* Sheepy: Tristan: *The moment Lance drops Bedi off, he leaps into Lance's arms* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he sighs and catches Tristan* Sir Tristan, with all due respect, why are you this way? Sheepy: Tristan: My body is cold but your friendship is warm. Sheepy: Tristan: Together we're like a depressed ice cream sundae. Arsé-kun: Lance: That's the nicest thing you've said all day. Sheepy: Tristan: Thank you. Sheepy: Tristan: I understand now, why my instincts brought me here. I assumed it was because of her house, but I believe now it was the strength of our bond calling to me. Arsé-kun: Lance: Perhaps so. Sheepy: Tristan: Now, let us join the party. We two will stand together even in the most socially awkward scenarios. Sheepy: Cu: -You should've gone WallE, Kiddo! You should've gone WallE! Sheepy: Satoru: She looks nice. I like her. Sheepy: Cu: She's killing people!! Sheepy: Tristan: Hm? Arsé-kun: Lance: Sounds lovely. Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: Hmm.. Maybe I should've chosen WallE... Sheepy: Cu: Yes, yes! Let's watch that! Now! Arsé-kun: Andersen: I suppose I can find a well written synopsis about this instead. Sheepy: Satoru: We can keep watching if you want. Sheepy: Cu: No, no! Sheepy: Cu: Let's watch WallE! Or Monster's Inc! Or literally any of the other pixar movies you asked me to buy you and then you never watched them! Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Satoru: Toy Story 4. Sheepy: Cu: First of all, we haven't watched the first three, and second of all, that won't even be out for another year at least. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay, let's keep watching this then. Sheepy: Cu: *groan* Arsé-kun: Andersen: Hey, what the hell? Is that a jawbone? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Hm. Maybe it's good that I got this movie. Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Minako would enjoy it. Somehow. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Would, if we could keep track of what was happening. Sheepy: Satoru: It's confusing. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Very Sheepy: Cu: I hate it... Arsé-kun: Andersen: You can leave anytime. It's not like Satoru doesn't have supervision. Sheepy: *Cu dashes out.* Arsé-kun: Andersen: It's like you'd expect the murder machine of Ireland to have a tolerance. Sheepy: Satoru: He doesn't like them because it gives him nightmares. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Hm. Arsé-kun: Andersen: .. Lets just finish this. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he looks to Tris* I don't get the appeal of these kinds of things. Sheepy: Tristan: I don't either. Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Lance is here. Arsé-kun: Lance: Yes, I am. Sheepy: Satoru: That's good. Thank you for helping me earlier. Arsé-kun: Lance: You're very welcome. Sakura was... Very persuasive about us coming along. Sheepy: Satoru: I thanked her already. Sheepy: Satoru: But I'll make sure to thank her for that too. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he nods and glances to the tv. shits going Down* oh Sheepy: Satoru: It's okay. It can't hurt you. Arsé-kun: Lance: Good to know. I still remember the bogart from months ago. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know what you're talking about... Sheepy: Ozy: *he pops up from behind the couch* Hm? It's still going on? Sheepy: *One of the sphinx kittens mewls. Seems like he was playing with his kittens instead of watching the movie.* Arsé-kun: Andersen: I think it's almost over. ... I think. Sheepy: Ozy: *he slides down the back of the couch again* Arsé-kun: *and then the dvd glitches out and starts the movie over.* Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, something doesn't feel right. Arsé-kun: Andersen: I thought that was part of the movie for a moment. Sheepy: Tristan: Is it? Arsé-kun: Andersen: No. The clock on the player reset. Sheepy: Tristan: Is that normal? Arsé-kun: Andersen: No. Sheepy: Tristan: Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: That's too bad. Let's watch... Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Satoru: Uhhmmm... Arsé-kun: Andersen: Not that again. Someone take the dvd out. I can't reach. Sheepy: *Satoru goes and takes the DVD out* Sheepy: Ozy: *he pokes his head over the back of the sofa again* Arsé-kun: Andersen: What have I not seen yet... *he looks over the stack of DVDs. Wall-E is on top, and it forces him to GET UP to look at it* Sheepy: Satoru: I can't reach WallE and Cu is gone Arsé-kun: Andersen: I've got it. Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Satoru: Ozy- Sheepy: Ozy: No. Arsé-kun: Andersen: *he whistles* C'mere, dog! Sheepy: Cu: -THIS IS THE LAST TIME ANYONE IS GOING TO CALL ME A DOG! Sheepy: Cu: *he busts into the room, gae bolg in hand* GIVE ME YOUR FROZEN, ROTTING HEART YOU LIL BRAT! Arsé-kun: Andersen: But you still came. Good boy. We're putting the pixar flick on. Sheepy: Satoru: *he gently pats Cu* Good dog. Sheepy: Cu: Kiddo, I'm no dog! Sheepy: Satoru: But I called for a pet dog and you came. Arsé-kun: Andersen: And sure, take my heart. I'll just end up like heartless over here. Then again, nothing would change. Sheepy: Satoru: And then I called again and Lobo came. Sheepy: Tristan: Me? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Yes, you. Sheepy: Cu: *he storms over and grabs WallE* This? Sheepy: Tristan:... Arsé-kun: Andersen: Yes. Sheepy: Tristan: It's cold... not having a heart. Sheepy: Cu: *he hands WallE to Andersen* Sheepy: Satoru: Watch WallE with us. Sheepy: Cu: I just started something... Arsé-kun: Andersen: I already intended to. And that's a shame. Sheepy: Cu: ...Alright, fine. Move over, mopey. Sheepy: Tristan: *he moves an inch* Sheepy: Cu: *he plops down onto Tristan's leg* Sheepy: Tristan: Why. Arsé-kun: Andersen: You deserved that. Sheepy: Tristan: I was comfortable... Sheepy: Tristan: But I understand. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he kinda just rolls his eyes* Sheepy: Tristan: My feelings hold no worth. Sheepy: Tristan: I am just a piece of furniture. Arsé-kun: Lance: You stop that Sheepy: Tristan: That's how I'm being treated, so it must be accurate. Arsé-kun: *and eventually, they get settled and the movie goes On* Sheepy: Satoru: *He's interested in the movie* Arsé-kun: *Thankfully for everyone else, it's not scary.* Sheepy: *Always a bonus!* Sheepy: Tristan:....*his head droops some* Sheepy: *Ozy and one of the kittens are watching too!* Sheepy: Cu: *And he has relaxed.* Arsé-kun: *Andersen has Shut up, and Lancelot has also calmed down a fair bit* Arsé-kun: *and now, skipping the movie because we're not sitting here for over an hour* Sheepy: Satoru: I liked it. Arsé-kun: *Andersen has covered his face with his sleeves* Sheepy: Satoru: Do you need to sneeze? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Nooo.. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Andersen: That was... *he sniffs* Surprisingly well done.. Sheepy: Satoru: Are you crying? It's okay. Arsé-kun: Andersen: N-no! I-I'd never! Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Well, if you want to cry, that's okay. Crying is good for you. Sheepy: Cu: Aren't you glad you chose a pixar movie, kiddo? Sheepy: Satoru: I like the cockroach. Arsé-kun: Lance: If my opinion's of any value, I think this was preferable. Sheepy: Tristan: Yes. Arsé-kun: *Lancelot has been Validated. Feels good man* Sheepy: Satoru: I liked the robot. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Which one? Sheepy: Satoru: WallE. Sheepy: Tristan: WallE is a robot? Sheepy: Satoru: Yes. Sheepy: Tristan: What's a robot? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Now he asks..! Sheepy: Tristan: Well? Arsé-kun: Andersen: A machine! A robot is a machine! Sheepy: Tristan: Is it? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Yes! Sheepy: Tristan: Well. Sheepy: Tristan: Machines aren't alive, so how are robots? Arsé-kun: Andersen: It's.. Questionable. Arsé-kun: *We now return to our regular program. Thank you for your patience* Arsé-kun: *Merlin snaps awake and quickly sits up in bed. Where is he? How long has it been? What's going on? He has no immediate answers for any of these questions. His attention is, instead, placed on how sore he feels. He must have been lying down for a long time.* Arsé-kun: *He takes his time getting up- his legs feel as heavy as stone, while his eyes haven't yet adjusted to the dim light. Even shifting his weight causes his body to ache, as if reminding him of his age. He groans and slowly stands up, only to fall a moment later onto the hard wood floor.* Arsé-kun: *He pauses and feels the floor with both hands. It doesn't feel right to him. Nowhere in the house was this specific kind of flooring, with so much magic inside that it was nearly sparking at the touch. The only place he'd ever seen that in was...* Arsé-kun: *"This better not be Avalon," Merlin growls to himself, getting back on his feet. He raises his hands, clearing his throat as he does. He hopes this doesn't work. "Avalon, online!" he yells, clapping his hands twice, "Start this party up!" To his object horror, countless screens turn on around him, various colors giving the room a kaleidoscopic appearance. He sinks back to his knees as a mechanical voice begins to drone about multiple statuses and updates. He doesn't need to listen- Merlin knows that if his conscious is here, then the projection of himself must have died...* Sheepy: Bedi: -What do you mean he's "dead"?! He's not! This must be another one of his pranks! He's pulled this sort of thing in the past! Arsé-kun: Roman: Are you a doctor?! Oh, you know better? Educate me, oh mighty smiter! Sheepy: Bedi: I don't care what your status is! I refuse to believe you! Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin would not just up and die on me! He just wouldn't! Sheepy: Bedi: And! If my only worth is to kill your enemies, I think I'd know when someone was dead! Arsé-kun: Roman: Then go ahead and check. *he manages to rein in his temper, but he's still fuming* Teach me something that God hasn't by now. Sheepy: Bedi: F-fine, I will. Sheepy: Bedi: *He enters Merlin's room* Sheepy: Bedi:.... Sheepy: Bedi: *...and he exits.* Sheepy: *And he plops onto the floor near Merlin's room* Arsé-kun: Roman: ... *he joins Bedi, taking out his phone and glancing elsewhere* Sheepy: Bedi:....I suppose I always knew it had to end up this way. Arsé-kun: Roman: mmmm-hm. Death isn't really something you look forward to. *he's.. typing. is this more important, Romani?* Sheepy: Bedi: He was good to leave me one way or another. ... ... Sheepy: Bedi: *he buries his face in his hands.* Sheepy: Bedi: So why does it hurt so much...? Arsé-kun: Roman: Because it's hard to part with loved ones. Look on the bright side, uh.. ... .... Uhm. Sheepy: Bedi: I thought I was mentally prepared for it- b-but the last thing he told me was to leave his room. I'd lost my temper with Sir Tristan and I'd disappointed him... In my last moments with him, I disappointed him. Sheepy: Bedi: *he laughs bitterly* King Arthur...now Merlin...that's just how my last meetings with my loved ones will be. Sheepy: Bedi: There's no bright side to this.... Arsé-kun: Roman: Ouch. That's pretty heavy stuff you've just dumped right there. *"Please help me, internet idols, I'm never prepared for this." He may have said that last bit out loud. Maybe* Sheepy: Bedi:.... Arsé-kun: Roman: .... I said that out loud, didn't I? Arsé-kun: Roman: Bright side! You're not a bigger disappointment like me! Sheepy: Bedi:.... Sheepy: Bedi: *sob* Sheepy: Bedi: What if he died hating me? Arsé-kun: Roman: Why would he? Does Merlin hate anyone? Sheepy: Bedi: ...I don't know. Arsé-kun: Roman: ... Yeah, me neither. Arsé-kun: *Then, both Roman and Bedi's phones buzz. Notification!* Sheepy: Bedi: Ugh, what is it? Sheepy: *Bedi checks.* Arsé-kun: *It's a message from F0V, MagiMari's automated update bot. A new video will be going online shortly!* Sheepy: Bedi: Now is not the time! Arsé-kun: Roman: Talk about bad timing. Arsé-kun: *Both phones buzz again. Another message?* Sheepy: Bedi: *he checks, visibly irritated* Arsé-kun: F0V: [text] You have been selected to receive a private video that will not be going on air! This video has been marked as Urgent, so please make some time to watch! Sheepy: Bedi: ...... Sheepy: Bedi: Of course, Merlin's silly pranks start happening now. Arsé-kun: Roman: I've never seen this notification before. I'll check it anyway, just in case. Sheepy: Bedi: I don't check it, ever. I'm a part of the development process, so I never need to. Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm not, as much as I'd like to be! *and now, we wait for the video to LOAD* Sheepy: *Bedi also checks.* Arsé-kun: *The video loads far faster for Bedi. Probably because he has the wifi. The video immediately opens to Merlin looking worried as he adjusts the camera. He's not even in costume. Didn't even Try* Sheepy: Bedi: ...? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: ... Oh, screw it. It doesn't need a billion anything. *he lets go of the camera and leans towards it* Problem! I'm recording from Avalon! *he pauses, to let that sink in* And I don't wanna be here! I can't communicate any other way! Bedi, babe, I'll be back as soon as I can! And Doc, there's no way Bedi's gonna watch this on his own. You're gonna see it first, so bug him, aye? *another pause, as he twirls his hair* My projection died. That mana cutoff seems to have cut me off from Avalon, and doing that forced me back here. Sheepy: Bedi: !? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: You get to throw me in the trash! .. Well, the dead one. It'll just burst into flowers anyway, so who cares? Uh.. Uhhhhhh.. Right, getting back, I'm.. Not too sure how to manage this? I'll work on it! Just.. 'S all fine, not dead, absolutely gonna record a few while I'm here. Sheepy: Bedi: But it's not fine! Arsé-kun: *Bedi doesn't get a reply. It's a prerecorded video, silly* Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: .... I get the feeling I'd be getting yelled at by about now! About being more focused on work than anything, probably. Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Iiii've already missed the prime time for beast-style magics, so I really do gotta wait a while. Doc, don't ask, I am not explaining my secrets. Fight me on it later! Speaking of, I'm absolutely doing that shark skit and no one can stop me! *he's trying to grin and seem fine, but his body language says otherwise* It's not like I'll be lonely or.. Anything.. Sheepy: Bedi:...? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Bedi, pal, bud. Don't do anything dumb? At least, not without me? Like, do who you want if you want, but nothing outrageous till I'm back! N' Doc, don't tell Chaldea. No one needs to know! It's just a... Momentary hiccup! Sheepy: Bedi:.... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: If anyone asks, I just got a bad cold and needed a bit of time off! A really bad one! Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Wait. Uh, no. The house can know I'm having. Projection problems? I don't think the Servant bond is broken at least! At least let Eiji know I can't make it to work! Sheepy: Bedi: And what am I supposed to do without you? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Because my bed is full of dead flowers, and I'm too busy goofing off in a tower! Little Merlin things! Sheepy: Bedi:.... I don't understand, what happened? Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: I'll post more like this if anything comes up! Don't worry too much, sit back, and Doc, you really need to get laid. I'm just saying! Sheepy: Bedi: And what am I going to do... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: If I come back and find anyone dead, I'll throw a fit! That includes you, Bedi, don't join me here! Just wait! Believe in my loyalty for once! Sheepy: Bedi: *he grimaces* Loyalty... Sheepy: Bedi: I can't believe in something so flaky... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: I'll make Cu look like Lu Bu in terms of it! Swear on it, or the faerie prince can have my head! Sheepy: Bedi: He probably already does... Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: ... Literally! Cut my head off at the neck and.. I don't know what he'd do with it. It's not like I've seen the guy recently. He probably got weirder. Still not doing him, by the way, creeps me out! Sheepy: Bedi: I...uh, oh, I misheard it as heart... Arsé-kun: Roman: *he glances at Bedi* Is that what he said? Sheepy: Bedi: I.... Sheepy: Bedi: That's! Not what's important right now! Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Oh, derailed that train, but no train accidents! No deaths here! I'll be right bac- F0V, cancel, cancel, do not put up that brb title card! See what I have to deal with?? I swear, this one's almost as awful as the real one! Sheepy: Bedi: Fou is only awful to you because you can't take this sort of stuff seriously! Sheepy: Bedi: *He inhales sharply, trying to regain his composure* Sheepy: Bedi: So I just need to wait until Merlin is back. Did you have any jobs for him? I'll stand in his place. Arsé-kun: Video Merlin: Tiny little murdering machine! Hey, it could be worse! I could be Kay with Fou in the room! ... Oh, shit, my battery, I'm ending here, I need to charge this thing, so bad! How did I not consider this? Signing off, the disappointing idol! P.S! No, I'm not mad at you, Bedi! So shut it! *he reaches for the camera. Video ends* Arsé-kun: Roman: He generally just checks energy levels and acts like he knows what he's talking about. His job is a more important, more active version of goofing off in the office. Sheepy: Bedi:.. Sheepy: Bedi: I need something to do. Sheepy: Bedi: Eiji usually tells Merlin what he wants me to do. Sheepy: Bedi: It's not because I'm scary or that we don't get along, it's just that he can't pronounce my name to this day and it stresses him out. Sheepy: Bedi: And stress amplifies pain, of course, so I don't want to add any unnecessary stress onto him. Arsé-kun: Roman: I could pop downstairs and ask for you. I may as well check up on him while I'm at it. Sheepy: Bedi: Go ahead. Sheepy: Bedi:...Fine. Arsé-kun: *and Bedi gets Kindly Escorted.* Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow is here. Sheepy: Eiji: ... ! Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow, do you want to know what I did yesterday? Arsé-kun: Roman: Sure? Sheepy: Satoru: I got kidnapped. Sheepy: Satoru: Isn't that exciting? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: He's a kid and he napped :) Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he pouts. One day, Satoru will understand a joke* Sheepy: Satoru: No, Masato broke into our house and stole me away. he also made everyone very tired. Sheepy: Satoru: And then I watched WallE with my big brother and Andersen so it's okay. Arsé-kun: Andersen: There are some things you don't need to share. Like all of that. Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: None of that happened because Andersen said so. Arsé-kun: Andersen: That's not what I said. It's too late to take back. Sheepy: Eiji:...Um...D-doctor... ... Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Roman: Yes? Sheepy: Eiji: Wh-what did you come for...? Sheepy: Eiji: I...uh...didn't prepare f-for guests. S...sorry.. Arsé-kun: Roman: I swung by because Merlin was apparently ill. It got me out of Chaldea, so I can't complain. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: So it's just you? Arsé-kun: Roman: Yes? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: One guy. Single person. A solo mon! The man, the myth, the legend! Arsé-kun: *And Mephisto flits away, suppressing a giggle. No explanations given.* Arsé-kun: Roman: ? ?? All right, then. Let me start from the top, now. Arsé-kun: *and so the situation is explained* Sheepy: Eiji: So... um..m...M...Merlin will be back soon? Sheepy: Eiji: Th-that's good. Sheepy: Satoru: It's okay, Uncle Bedi. Sheepy: Satoru: He'll be back soon, and I'm sure he's working extra hard just for you. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Well, now I can't make this depressing. Back to work for me, then. *he takes out his book, right there, and starts frantically writing. Seems he has an Idea* Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not a pig. Sheepy: Satoru: I think I'm human. Arsé-kun: Mozart: You are. Don't worry too much about it. Sheepy: Satoru: I thought maybe I could be a dog. Sheepy: Satoru: Like Big Bro Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: I thought maybe I could be a dog. Sheepy: Satoru: Like Big Bro Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: But if you're sure I'm human, I'll believe you. Sheepy: Eiji: Um...th-the only dog is...L...Lobo. Sheepy: Satoru: *stare* Sheepy: Eiji:...I-I'm sorry!! Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: Roman: .. Hey, while we're at it- Arsé-kun: Liz: -I dunno, Protopup seems like a dog too! Sheepy: Satoru:...... Sheepy: Satoru: The most important part of nicknames is knowing to whom it refers to! Sheepy: Satoru: The more complicated terms you add onto it, the more their identity is lost. Arsé-kun: Liz: I had his name right in there! Arsé-kun: Liz: Proto Lancer! Younger Chulainn! The one that actually barks! Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Setanta. Arsé-kun: Liz: Yes, him. Sheepy: Satoru: I like him. Sheepy: Satoru: He's my little big brother. Sheepy: Satoru: Cu is my big big brother. Kintaro is my biggest brother. Sheepy: Satoru: Not eldest. Just largest. Sheepy: Eiji: D...doctor. Wh-what is it? Arsé-kun: Roman: Would it be all right with you if I did an impromptu checkup on you while I'm here real quick? Sheepy: Eiji: *he slowly nods* Sheepy: Satoru: That sounds fun. Sheepy: Eiji: Um... Sheepy: Bedivere: I'll leave you two to that. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I agree with that sentiment. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-thanks.... Arsé-kun: *And so, Mozart waits for Bedi to exit before following.* Arsé-kun: *Liz does Not, plopping next to Andersen to read over his shoulder* Sheepy: *And Eiji joins Dr. Roman* Arsé-kun: *Romani starts the check up as soon as he gets Eiji to sit down* Sheepy: *Eiji is silent. He's visibly pained, but doesn't comment.* Arsé-kun: Roman: Sorry, sorry! I'll be more careful! Sheepy: Eiji: D-don't worry about it. Arsé-kun: Roman: It shouldn't be that sensitive, though..! Could it be deteriorating from underuse?? Or arthritis? ... Or maybe I'm just overthinking it. Sheepy: Eiji: ........I...uh...I d-don't know. Arsé-kun: Roman: That's my job to know! Sheepy: Eiji: ..Oh...right. Sheepy: Eiji: I uh......could try using it more, b-but...well, uh, you know, it's- it's painful. Arsé-kun: Roman: Right, of course.. Sheepy: Eiji: I... I can handle you looking into it, if you wanted. Sheepy: Eiji: R-Really, anything th...that'll reduce the, uh, pa-pain would make me hap-...happy. Arsé-kun: Roman: Then I'll get onto it immediately. Sheepy: *With that, Eiji looks to the ground silently.* Arsé-kun: *Eiji gets a headpat and a heatpad* Sheepy: Eiji:?? Sheepy: Eiji: Th...thanks... Arsé-kun: Roman: Anytime. According to my records *(which he just pulled up a couple of seconds ago)* We haven't tried any heat-based solutions. Sheepy: Eiji:...Um, I'll try it. Sheepy: Eiji: B...but... Sheepy: Eiji: When do I...um Sheepy: Eiji: Use it....? Arsé-kun: Roman: When it hurts- But not directly after activity! The i--- I recommend about fifteen minutes of use when needed. Sheepy: *You've lost him, Roman.* Sheepy: Eiji: I...uh... Sheepy: Eiji: ...No...okay... Arsé-kun: Roman: If you're doing a thing, don't use the heatpad directly after. Wait a bit, then use it. Sheepy: Eiji: ..OK Sheepy: Eiji: I will. Sheepy: Eiji:...Is th-there anything else? Sheepy: Eiji: If not... uh... S-Satoru mentioned a while back th...that he too, uhm... ... well, "met my fate"... ... he's okay, right? Arsé-kun: Roman: At a first glance, yes. I haven't done any detailed checks yet. Sheepy: Eiji: He... uh... acts oddly, so I'm worried th-that may be associated... I guess. Sheepy: Eiji: B...because what if he acts like thhat because he - he ...'ss in pain? Arsé-kun: Roman: Satoru? In any pain, buddy? Sheepy: Satoru: *he gives Roman a blank, wordless stare* Arsé-kun: Roman: *he stares back?* Sheepy: Satoru: What "pain"? Sheepy: Satoru: Physical? Psychological? Emotional? Arsé-kun: Roman: Any of them. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like this question. Sheepy: Satoru: Let's talk about something else. Arsé-kun: Roman: That's fair, but I'm asking as a doctor. Sheepy: Satoru: *he breaks eye contact* Sheepy: Satoru: I stubbed my toe earlier, but otherwise I'm okay. Arsé-kun: *Local child is a bad liar. No one is fooled* Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Satoru: 'M not in pain, because if I was... I'd be a worthless brat. And I don't wanna be... Sheepy: Satoru:....So I'm not in pain. Sheepy: Satoru: So stop asking. Arsé-kun: Roman: That doesn't seem right. Pain's a natural thing. Sheepy: Satoru: No! Arsé-kun: Roman: No? Sheepy: Satoru: Pain is something that justifies adults punishing you! Sheepy: Satoru: So. I! Am not! In pain. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm fine. Arsé-kun: Roman: No?? Who told you that?! Sheepy: Satoru: .... Sheepy: Satoru: I don't want to talk about this. Sheepy: Satoru: Let's talk about something else. Sheepy: Satoru: I want to talk about the bug I found earlier. Arsé-kun: Roman: Oh? Was it big? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Sheepy: Satoru: It was so big. Sheepy: Satoru: It was a beetle. Sheepy: Satoru: And when I poked it it screamed so I left it alone. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm trying to find a replacement for Choo Choo. Arsé-kun: Roman: Choo choo? What was it, a long one? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. He was a centipede. Sheepy: Satoru: He was so fast. Sheepy: Satoru: But Big Bro Cu stepped on him and killed him. Arsé-kun: Roman: That's a shame. Sheepy: Satoru: I miss him. Sheepy: Satoru: Choo Choo was always there for me. Arsé-kun: *Avenger entered at some point, and has been relatively unnoticed despite not having presence concealment. He opts to approach, smiling* Sheepy: Satoru: Hi. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I come bearing gifts relevant to whatever's happening. Sheepy: Satoru: We're mourning Choo Choo. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Would this be a fitting replacement? *he uncups his hands. He found a centipede. Or a millipede. Hard to tell at the moment* Sheepy: Satoru: ! Sheepy: Satoru: It's Choo Choo Sr.!! Sheepy: Eiji:...uh... Sheepy: Eiji: Who...are you? Arsé-kun: Avenger: Call me Avenger for now, old man. Sheepy: Eiji: Um... Sheepy: Eiji: I-I'm not th...that old... Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he looks Eiji over* Y'know? You're right. You're nowhere near as old as that guy. *he gestures to Roman with his free hand* Sheepy: Eiji: Ah...? Sheepy: Eiji: He's...younger than me I think... Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm.. I'm only in my thirties? Sheepy: Eiji: Y-yes. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-that's not...p-poisonous, right? Sheepy: Satoru: I like him! He's my friend now. Sheepy: Cu: *he picks up Satoru in one arm and takes out the Gae Bolg in another* No, that thing is NOT getting loose in the house! Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Cu: Are you TRYING to get the kid killed? Sheepy: Satoru: He's my friend. Sheepy: Cu: No, no he is not. Sheepy: Cu: Kiddo, it's time we talk about acceptable household bugs. Sheepy: Satoru: Like? Sheepy: Cu: None of them. Sheepy: Eiji: B-beetles are fine. Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: *he gives Eiji a blank stare* Sheepy: Eiji: I-I'm sorry! I'm sorry!! Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: *and now, an awkward silence, brought to you by Awkwardness* Arsé-kun: Avenger: ... Whoops, I lost the bug. Arsé-kun: *Romani wisely decides to Not Get Involved in this one* Sheepy: Cu: Are you kidding me!? Sheepy: Satoru: That's okay. Arsé-kun: Avenger: Oh, well. Didja know they're edible? Sheepy: Cu: Yes, now go and find it! Arsé-kun: Avenger: You're not my boss! Arsé-kun: Avenger: I don't have to do anything you tell me to do! You're not my dad! Sheepy: Cu: You've existed for very little time and you're already whiny and annoying! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Thank you very much! It doesn't take much work t'sound like you do! Sheepy: Cu: Shut up you brat! Sheepy: Satoru: *this is his life now.* Arsé-kun: *Avenger makes a face at Cu. There's a proper name for the eyelid-pull, tongue out face but I don't know what it Is* Sheepy: Cu: Oh, you! Sheepy: *Cu lifts his Gae Bolg* Sheepy: Cu: YOU'VE GOT THREE SECONDS TO GET YOUR STUPID FACE OUT OF MY SIGHT! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Gotcha! *he turns to the wall. waits for the punchline to kick in, and quickly exits stage right* Found the bug! Sheepy: Cu: Good! Now drop it outside! Arsé-kun: Avenger: Better idea! *he pops his head back in* You don't like smug goldy, right? Sheepy: Cu: Of course not. Arsé-kun: Avenger: I'm gonna go put it in his room. He screams, we win. He kills it, we still win. Can't go wrong on this one. Sheepy: Cu: Make sure it doesn't get anywhere else, and I'll accept it. Sheepy: *Gil is playing vidya and talking. Seems like he's streaming.* Arsé-kun: Avenger: *he slinks in and puts the centipede on the sofa, and it's definitely in frame on stream. Slinks back out* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: *he noticed* Ah, Gil.. Sheepy: Gil: Hm? Arsé-kun: Enkidu: There's a bug climbing onto you. Sheepy: Gil: !? Sheepy: *Gil throws the centipede off, a disgusted expression forming on his face* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: I would have gotten it..! *he gets up to rescue it* Sheepy: Gil: How did that thing get in here? Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Check the recording? I'll hold onto it so that can't happen again. .. Oh, it's a she. Sheepy: Gil: That's disgusting. Sheepy: Gil: People are posting clips - looks like a kid, so it was probably the Cursed Child again. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Too tall. Sheepy: Gil: No clue, then. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: We can worry more once we finish up. Sheepy: *Gil goes back to streaming.* Arsé-kun: *And Enkidu keeps a close eye on ms. Choo Choo II* Sheepy: Gil: -Did you want me for something, Enkidu? *he pauses the game.* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: No, I'm just watching. Sheepy: Gil: Me, or that centipede? Arsé-kun: Enkidu: You. .. Shall I release this little lady back into the wild? Sheepy: *Graffias sees a wiggly thing! He and Alkaiid curiously approach Choo Choo Sr* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: No, kittens, you cannot have her. Sheepy: *And Diadem sleepily looks over. He doesn't appear to care too much because he places his head down again.* Sheepy: Gil: Do whatever you want with it. Sheepy: *Graffias and Alkaiid pause and then approach once more* Sheepy: *And Graffias changes to a stalking position. Alkaiid looks to her brother and follows his example, looking back to Choo Choo Sr.* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Do you wish for them to chase this bug around your room, scattering her parts among it? Sheepy: Gil: I meant you, not the cats. Sheepy: Gil: They eat everything they haven't tried eating before. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: That's fair. I will release her. *he gets up and lets her go outside the window. Be free* Sheepy: *The two active kittens chase after Enkidu, mewling* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Oh, am I prey once again? *he closes the window and bends down to them* Meoow~ Sheepy: *Graffias looks to the window. Where did the bug go?* Arsé-kun: *The bug is GONE. What a shame* Sheepy: Graffais: *he turns his attention to Enkidu, and bumps his [Enkidu's] leg with his head. Alkaiid follows his example.* Sheepy: Gil: No, the bug wasn't Lancelot's replacement and no the bug didn't have a name. -- Sheepy: Gil: And if it did, its name wouldn't be Sir Legsalot the Quick. Sheepy: Gil: It's not dead, it's just outside. I'm not bringing it inside and making it Lancelot's replacement. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Knowing this household, it was probably Choo Choo the second. *he pets the kittens* Sheepy: Gil: Probably. Sheepy: Gil: Okay. the neighbor's kid loves bugs and keeps talking about some centipede he found before we moved in and he named it Choo Choo. Choo Choo is dead now. No, Sir Legsalot the Quick isn't Choo Choo. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: I get the distinct feeling chat isn't going to let Sir Legsalot die for a while. Sheepy: Gil: Sir Legsalot isn't going to be our new mascot! Arsé-kun: Enkidu: I agree. It's unfitting. Sheepy: Gil: I haven't thought of a mascot. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: How about a nice golden... Lion? Have I made that suggestion yet? Sheepy: Gil: It doesn't fit Lancelot. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: They both roar, but that's where the similarities end.. Sheepy: Gil: Lions are beautiful, which doesn't fit Lancelot. Sheepy: *Graffias and Alkaiid have grown bored of listening to this rather quickly and instead have opted to playfight.* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Lions also do nothing while their pack does all the work, unlike you. Sheepy: Gil: They protect the pack. Sheepy: Gil: And these three are kind of like lions. Sheepy: Gil: Yes, I know it's a pride of lions. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: .... I said pack instead of pride. Days of working in a zoo, wasted. Sheepy: Gil: Although I suppose Diadem is most like a housecat... Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Make the mascot a solid gold cat, then. Unless you'd prefer a canine? Sheepy: Gil: I'll decide on it later. Arsé-kun: Enkidu: Can't let chat decide that one again. Sheepy: Gil: I won't, probably. Sheepy: Gil: Diadem my controller cord isn't food. Arsé-kun: *Enkidu picks up Diadem and returns to his seat* Sheepy: *Diadem lets out a soft, whiny mew* Arsé-kun: Enkidu: You're always tired, Diadem. Sheepy: Diadem: *mmeewww* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he enters scene, making sure not to trip on anything* Sorry I'm late. Sheepy: Gil: According to chat you've been replaced by Sir Legsalot the Quick. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he makes this surprised snorting noise* Pardon?? Sheepy: Gil: It's a centipede you missed earlier. Some kid dumped it on the couch. Arsé-kun: Lance: Ah. *he goes around the sofa to see the tv screen without blocking Gil* Everything still on track? Arsé-kun: Lance: It seems like it.. *he looks to the laptop screen* Catch me up, chat. Arsé-kun: *Within minutes, Lance is howling with laughter. The screencap of Gil throwing the bug has been sent at least four times, one dramatically zooming on his face. Is good* Sheepy: *Gil is amused.* Arsé-kun: *background Avenger is Not. Mission failed by all accounts. Maybe except for one. He slinks off to tell Cu that Choo Choo II has been released outside* Sheepy: Cu: Good. Arsé-kun: Avenger: And gold's face is going to end up being a reaction image on the internet. It'll be back for revenge in a couple of years. Sheepy: Satoru: Why is the Wizrad still dead? Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow. Arsé-kun: Roman: .. Huh? Sheepy: Satoru: Why don't dead people ever wake up from their nap? Sheepy: Satoru: Don't they get bored of sleeping? Arsé-kun: Roman: Am I really the person to be asking?? Sheepy: Satoru: ... Sheepy: Satoru: Well, you're a doctor and doctors know everything. Sheepy: Satoru:....So. Of course you'd know that. Arsé-kun: Roman: Well, uh. How can I explain this..? Arsé-kun: Roman: ... You know how you sleep when you're tired? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Arsé-kun: Roman: The brain and heart also get really tired after a while, and they stop to sleep. Thing is, they don't heal from doing this. Sheepy: Satoru:....Okay. Arsé-kun: Roman: And without those, everything else shuts down. ... From there, people usually don't get back up. Usually. Sheepy: Satoru: *he looks off into space, mulling this over* Sheepy: Satoru:...So then. Sheepy: Satoru: That's what's happening to Masato? Arsé-kun: Roman: Huh?? Sheepy: Satoru: He looked exhausted all the time. Sheepy: Satoru: And he had dark rings under his eyes. Arsé-kun: Roman: That could also just be advanced sadness. Sheepy: Satoru: Sometimes he wouldn't leave his room all day and when he did he was... Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: So then he's sad all the time? Arsé-kun: Roman: Sounds like it, yeah. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: That's fine. Sheepy: Satoru: So then. Does Eiji have advanced sadness? Arsé-kun: Roman: Yeah. The medical term doesn't even cover it in my opinion. He's not depressed. He's hyper-depressed and somehow still functioning. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't get it. Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Roman: It's called Depression. But he's more than just depressed. It's almost, like, as bad as possible. I'm not a psychologist, it's something like that-- Why? How should I know? Sheepy: Satoru: Because you're a doctor and you know everything. Arsé-kun: Roman: Different doctors for different things. Sheepy: Satoru: But... Sheepy: Satoru:...You're... Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Sheepy: Eiji: Uh, d-don't worry about me. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not. Sheepy: Eiji:...Oh.... Arsé-kun: Roman: Because I don't know enough to be a fancy brain doctor. And too late. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-there's nothing a...anyone can do about it. Arsé-kun: Roman: I'm not so sure about that. Sheepy: Eiji: I...uh.. Sheepy: Eiji:...Don't want surgery. Arsé-kun: Roman: There's probably a way to fix it. I know there are specialized doctors for this sort of thing. Sheepy: Eiji:.. Sheepy: Eiji: I'd..rather not get disappointed by keeping my hopes up... Arsé-kun: Roman: I understand that. Sheepy: Eiji:...But it's worth the try I suppose... Sheepy: Satoru: ? Arsé-kun: Roman: I'll put a note here then.. See what kind of input I can get on it. Sheepy: Eiji: Th-thanks. Sheepy: Satoru:..??? Arsé-kun: Roman: Quite welcome. Is there.. Anyone else I should check in with before I head out? Sheepy: Satoru: Where's the Wizrad? Arsé-kun: Roman: In his tower. He said he'd be back soon. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *with that, roman heads Out* Sheepy: Satoru: ... Bye. Sheepy: Satoru: *he turns his gaze towards the ground.* Arsé-kun: *and now, another convenient timeskip* Sheepy: Carmilla: Got any threes? Sheepy: Rider: ......*he begins shifting unnaturally...* Sheepy: Carmilla: Okay, not you, not you! Arsé-kun: Vlad: You stop that, Rider, before I impale you with the chair. Sheepy: Rider: .............. Sheepy: *Rider pauses and looks to Vlad. One of his arms is already partially out. It slowly slides back in, making a very uncomfortable noise as it goes.* Sheepy: Rider: "Why have you been picking on Lobo all game?" Sheepy: Carmila: ...Because I can see his cards? Arsé-kun: Liz: It makes it that much easier for us! Sheepy: Lobo: *He doesn't seem to care too much. Actually, he's sniffing at one of his cards. Lobo. Do not eat that. LOBO.* Sheepy: Rider: "...And that's the 3 you asked for." Arsé-kun: Vlad: What a shame. Sheepy: *Lobo apparently didn't like his meal that much, because he nudges the cards away from him and stands up.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: That wasn't food, Lobo. I don't know what you expected. Sheepy: Lobo: *He nudges Vlad with his snout. he wants better food.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Didn't you just eat an hour ago? Sheepy: Lobo: *he stares* Sheepy: *And then turns his attention to the outside.* Arsé-kun: *from aforementioned outside is a soft 'pomf' like someone landed in the snow after jumping off the roof. Normally one wouldn't be able to identify this sound easily, but considering it's a house of weirdos, it's kind of expected.* Sheepy: *Lobo starts barking loudly.* Sheepy: *And Rider quicky rushes to his side and starts trying to quiet him.* Arsé-kun: *Mozart is going to be up all night at this rate. What a shame.* Sheepy: *Lobo rushes to the window, wagging his tail and snarling* Arsé-kun: Liz: Who is it, Lobo? Is someone there? *she joins him at the window* Sheepy: Lobo: *he snarls once more and then follows it up with a loud bark* Sheepy: Rider: *He pats Lobo's face. Lobo stop* Arsé-kun: Liz: What're you barking at, silly? Is anyone there? Sheepy: Rider: *he walks through the wall and outside to check.* Arsé-kun: *snow, snow, white, white, flower* Sheepy: *Rider goes to investigate the flower.* Arsé-kun: *It's marking Merlin's grave- I mean. No. Wait. He's right there. No guarantees he's alive though* Sheepy: Rider: *he slowly takes off a glove* Sheepy: *Rider then sticks his hand in Merlin's shirt, tightly clutching his spine area in order to shock him awake. His hands are freezing like icicles...* Arsé-kun: *Merlin squeaks and shifts. Not a whine. a Squeak. What a man* Sheepy: *Rider removes his hand. There's a crunching, sliding, and squelching noise. ...Something wet, cold, and slimy replaces Rider's hand where it initially was...* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Aiyiyi! That's awful, stop that! Sheepy: *It slowly slides across Merlin's spine and up to his neck to leave his shirt...* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm up, I'm up! No need to torture me! Sheepy: Rider: .... Sheepy: *The extra "arm" retreats back into Rider's body, and he puts on his glove again* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he pushes himself up and wipes the snow off his face* Couldn't you be a bit more gentle?? Sheepy: Rider: "I am a monster. This is what I do." Arsé-kun: Merlin: I could argue that, but maybe lets not. Sheepy: Rider: .... Sheepy: Rider: *he points to the door* Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's a fantastic idea. Arsé-kun: *Merlin gets up and shakes off the snow. Or tries* Sheepy: *Rider doesn't move.* Arsé-kun: *Merlin grabs his shirt collar and starts the long trek to INSIDE THE HOUSE* Sheepy: *Rider doesn't react...* Arsé-kun: *Rider could probably get inside far faster, but he Isn't. Eventually, Merlin gets INSIDE. THANK GOD. IT ONLY TOOK TEN YEARS* Sheepy: Lobo: *He sticks his snout in Merlin's face and begins sniffing him.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh! It's just me, Lobo! Sheepy: Lobo: *He yawns, losing interest in Merlin.* Sheepy: Rider: *He points towards Merlin's room* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yeah? Sheepy: Rider:... Sheepy: Rider: "Aren't you tired?" Arsé-kun: Merlin: .. Well, yeah. But what'd I miss, anything? Sheepy: Rider:.... Sheepy: Rider: "Satoru wanted to talk to you and that knight was mopey." Arsé-kun: Merlin: Which knight? Sheepy: Rider: "The one-armed one." Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ah. Sheepy: Rider: "I paid little attention, so maybe you want to ask someone else in the morning." Arsé-kun: *and the vampires are being Petty. try again later* Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Guess I'll wait, then. Sheepy: Rider: "Yes." Sheepy: Rider: "Go sleep." Arsé-kun: *With that, Merlin drags himself to his room. adios* Sheepy: *Bedi is fast asleep and mumbling in his sleep. Hope you didn't want a pillow, Merlin, because it's Bedi's now.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he doesn't mind. he just drops next to Bedi* Sheepy: *Bedi mumbles something along the lines of, "you can't teach bears to fly, kay" ... "rocket-propelled bears are also illegal"* Arsé-kun: Merlin: You tell him, Bedi. *he remembers he's damp from lying in the snow. magic solves everything, even continuity.* Sheepy: *So basically, Bedi is having a rare pleasant (?) dream. Not a nightmare. Like he usually does.* Arsé-kun: *Thank goodness* Sheepy: *Rip continuity also.* Arsé-kun: *nah it's fine and alive. also he just dried off* Sheepy: *Bedi continues occasionally mumbling, the fact that it's occasional means that any potential plot transitions of the dream are lost, and instead the sudden change from kay's bear experimentations to the subsequent merlin-enforced war against rabbits (and possibly bears)* Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he just pats Bedi's head* Sheepy: *Bedi quiets down. Hopefully that was your intended result, because you can sleep now without Bedi's sleeptalking keeping you awake.* Arsé-kun: *that was the intended result, yes* Arsé-kun: *and so, Merlin curls up next to the boyfriend. He'll probably be holding on by morning. .. Which he absolutely is.* Sheepy: *At least Merlin gets sleep, which is good.* Sheepy: *Presumably he does.* Arsé-kun: *he does* Sheepy: *Good.* Sheepy: *Morning comes.* Arsé-kun: *shit i hope it did* Sheepy: *Bedi awakens, initially surprised by Merlin's presence. Merlin is back!! He can hardly contain his excitement! but he does his best because he doesn't want to wake Merlin.* Arsé-kun: *He is successful. It might be a bit hard to get up with Merlin's arms wrapped around him though* Sheepy: *Guess he'll die* Sheepy: *By that I mean Bedi waits for Merlin to wake up.* Arsé-kun: *then it's gonna be a while. better find something to do Bedi* Sheepy: *Bedi doesn't have much to do. He decides to mull over the recent events.* Arsé-kun: *Most of which was Things Going Wrong. Start your morning off right, and don't depress yourself immediately!* Sheepy: *Well, he might come up with an answer if he thinks about it.* Arsé-kun: *an answer to what? Life? The universe? Everything going wrong? Peeing in pools?* Sheepy: *Why the recent events happened and what actions they may take next.* Sheepy: *He decides to ask Eiji if he can go to Chaldea and question the ex-prisoners later.* Arsé-kun: *This is a good decision* Sheepy: *He continues to wait for Merlin.* Arsé-kun: *Good morning, Merlin!* Arsé-kun: Merlin: ....mmm, 's it early..? Wh' day is it..? Sheepy: Bedi: Don't worry, it's not too early, and you've been back for less than a day. How are you feeling? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... Hungry, mostly. Sheepy: Bedi: then we should probably go eat. Arsé-kun: Merlin: m-hm! Sheepy: *The two go to the kitchen!* Sheepy: Satoru: I've decided that I'll be 12 soon. Sheepy: Cu: ...What? Sheepy: Satoru: I'm going to be 12 soon. Sheepy: Cu: No, no you aren't. Sheepy: Satoru: People age when they want to so I'm going to be 12 soon. Sheepy: Cu: That's- That's not how it works. Sheepy: Cu: You'll be 12 when it's twelve years since you've been born. Your birthday. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't have a birthday. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Yes, you do. I've told you this before. Sheepy: Satoru: ? Sheepy: Satoru: No. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm am alien. Aliens don't have birthdays. Arsé-kun: Sakura: .... Satoru, I gave birth to you. I would know that you have a birthday. And I do know when it is. Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Cu said not to blindly believe everything people say to me because Big Bro Kintaro's told me incorrect things in the past. Sheepy: Satoru: So. Sheepy: Satoru: Since I can't remember that, I can't believe you blindly. I need evidence. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Lighten up, kiddo. I think your mom would know that sorta thing! Where's the food at? Sheepy: *Satoru mimics Merlin's way of saying 'Where's the food at', except instead of 'food', he says 'evidence'...* Arsé-kun: Sakura: Would you like me to dig out a birth certificate once I'm done cooking? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: That's evidence, I suppose. Sheepy: Cu: You can't change your birthday. Sheepy: Satoru: It's October 30 Sheepy: Cu: I just said- that would mean you won't be 12 for a while now! Arsé-kun: Sakura: It's March first. Sheepy: Satoru: Nuh-uh, it's still ... ?: Gawain, Goetia, the Black Shadow, Shirou, Artoria, Nightingale, Sheepy: Satoru: ... Sheepy: Satoru:...? Arsé-kun: Sakura: Your birthday. Is march first. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know what month it is. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like that birthday. Arsé-kun: Sakura: I can't help that. That's the day you were born, regardless if you like it or not. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he's staring at Food. good priorities* Sheepy: Satoru: You helped me, so I'll keep talking to you. Sheepy: Satoru: But... ... *he goes to say something, but Bedi interrupts. Local knight can read the mood.* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, Sakura, I'll be going to Chaldea later to speak with the ex-prisoners. I believe that the two incidents are related. Sheepy: Bedi: I've yet to ask Master, but he's not here, so I believe I'll take my actions into my own hands. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Bring others with you. No more going solo, for any reason. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, of course. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, I've got an idea. Satoru. Sheepy: Satoru: No. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Shut down. Sheepy: Bedi: But I've heard rumors of a centipede man. Sheepy: Satoru:?! Sheepy: Satoru: Where??? Sheepy: Bedi: Chaldea. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. I want to go. Arsé-kun: Mori: *he lowers his paper a bit* I suppose I'll volunteer to come along. Sheepy: Cu: You couldn't possibly be talking about...No. Nevermind. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mori: Go on, Cu. Sheepy: Cu: *groan* Sheepy: Cu: It's nothing, really. Arsé-kun: Mori: You're only making me wish to know more. Share with the class. Sheepy: Cu: If this so called centipede man bears a resemblance to me, he's a killer who cares about nothing. Sheepy: Satoru: But you do that too. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Ah. Do you mean the man that Setanta bore resemblance to a couple of months ago? Sheepy: Cu: I kill- fight for the fun of the challenge, see? He kills for the sake of killing. Sheepy: Satoru: Wow. Sheepy: Cu: I don't know, I didn't see him. Sheepy: Cu: And so! My kil- fighting is perfectly justifiable because I don't pick on the weak and instead go for challenging foes, while his is not because he murders weaklings and strong people alike and feels nothing but annoyance that they wasted his time! Sheepy: Satoru: Wow. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps it'd be safer if we inquired with someone who had encountered them before we make any rash decisions. Sheepy: Satoru: He's a centipede and centipedes are good. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): Ah, I hope she's making waffles. Sheepy: Tristan (French Toast): But, wouldn't french toast be better? Sheepy: Tristan (Pancakes): I enjoy pancakes the most. Sheepy: Bedi: Why are there three?! Arsé-kun: Mori: One is Yan, without a doubt. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): It'd be better if there were none of me. Sheepy: Tristan (French Toast): It'd be better off if I were never born. Sheepy: Tristan (Pancakes): Finally, someone who agrees. Arsé-kun: Mori: *he sighs and picks his paper back up* Yan Qing, no one invited you inside. Sherlock, get out. Tristan, shut up. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): It's too bad the only one who understands me is myself. Perhaps, this is evidence that my existence adds nothing... Sheepy: Tristan (Pancakes): Aw, old man! You never even gave me my reward! Arsé-kun: Mori: I was thinking you were Yan. You never came back for it. Sheepy: Tristan (French Toast): Too bad, I was hoping to go on for longer. Arsé-kun: Mori: Shut up, Sherlock. Sheepy: Tristan (Waffles): Hm? Where did my friends go? Sheepy: *Pancakes and French Toast remove their disguises. It's Yan Qing and Sherlock!* Arsé-kun: *Sherlock gets the paper thrown at him* Sheepy: Sherlock: Ow. What was that for? Arsé-kun: Mori: Being a disturbance. Sheepy: Sherlock: You always are a disturbance. Sheepy: Sherlock: It's why the kid is the way he is. Arsé-kun: Mori: Shut up. That wasn't my fault. Sheepy: Yan: Wow! Wow!!! Arsé-kun: Sakura: Pancakes are ready!~ Sheepy: Yan:!!! Sheepy: Yan: Pancakes! Pancakes! Sheepy: Tristan: Aw... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Me first! I call first dibs! Sheepy: Yan: What!! Arsé-kun: Merlin: I died yesterday! What did you do? Sheepy: Yan: Actual work. Arsé-kun: *and then, neither of them get the first set of pancakes. Satoru does, followed by Bedi. Good Boys* Sheepy: Satoru:...Uhm. Thank you. Sheepy: *Satoru seems a bit flustered...* Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. Sheepy: Yan: Hey, hey, why did the pretty boy get it? I'm prettier. Arsé-kun: Sakura: Quite welcome. *she goes on to serve everyone else- Which is probably difficult, because the allure of food is Powerful* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hm... I disagree. Bedi's prettier. Sheepy: Yan:?! Sheepy: Yan: Well. Sheepy: Yan: That's fine, because my goals are beautiful women. Sheepy: Yan: They all flock around me until I speak. Arsé-kun: Mori: Lets move on. Arsé-kun: Mori: Assassin. Describe for us the ex-prisoners. Sheepy: Yan: Spiny lancer, caster lancer, sick Shinsengumi - so Okita Souji, angry man with Okita Souji - so Toshizou Hijikata, and a senile man. Arsé-kun: Mori: A bit more detail than that, please. Sheepy: Yan: The caster lancer wants to get into lady's pants, the spiny lancer seemed to act irritable to make him seem scary, senile guy was senile, ehh.. Sheepy: Yan: Go look in a history book for the other two? Arsé-kun: Mori: But none should actually present a threat if one encountered them? Sheepy: Yan: Well. Probably not, unless you threatened them. Arsé-kun: Mori: Noted. Sheepy: Yan: So go ahead. Arsé-kun: Mori: Will do. Sheepy: Yan: Have fun. Arsé-kun: Mori: I'll consider that one. Sheepy: Yan: Great. Arsé-kun: Mori: Will it be just us going? Sheepy: Bedi: Unless others want to go, yes. Arsé-kun: Mori: Lets not make the group too large. We don't need to become a visible target. Sheepy: Bedi: That's fine. Sheepy: Bedi: Are you sure you don't want to come, Merlin? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ...hmm? I could. Sheepy: Bedi: It'd make me happy to be able to monitor your health in case any residual effects set in. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Y'know, you can just say "I care about you" and be done with it. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah? But.... Sheepy: Bedi: Would you know my exact thoughts through those four words? Sheepy: Bedi: If I don't give you my exact thoughts, I'm not being fully honest wih you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Were we together for a thousand years for me not to know what you mean? Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, good point. Arsé-kun: Merlin: But you're totally right. Sheepy: Bedi: So you're coming as well? Sheepy: Satoru: *he looks over to Merlin silently* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I suppose so Sheepy: Satoru: *stare* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yes? Sheepy: Satoru: Um. I know I mentioned this to you a while back, but I need to learn how to defend myself. Umm.....before it was because I didn't want my family to get hurt, but now it's more than that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... So you did. If we're not exhausted by the time we come home, I'll finally start on that. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Thanks. Sheepy: Cu: There's a huge difference between fighting and defending yourself, just remember that. Sheepy: Cu: A capable fighter fights until his foe is dead. Sheepy: Cu: Defending yourself is fighting purely to create a moment of opportunity for your escape. No amount of magic or physical strength is going to help you there if you don't have the brains nor agility to run at the right time. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not fast and I'm not strong. Sheepy: Cu: Go ahead and teach him magic or whatever you teach, but really, you create heroes, not people with a sense of self awareness. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ouch. Sheepy: Cu: My point is that teaching him brute strength alone isn't gonna get him anywhere, and I'm no teacher. Arsé-kun: Merlin: But you had one hell of a teacher, so I can't say you're wrong. Sheepy: Cu: I'd kill the kid trying to teach him because at his age, I was already taking on enemies twice my size. Sheepy: Cu: I can't relate to his situation at all. Sheepy: Cu: That old hag gives me shivers down my spine every time I think about her. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Okay, better plan. Collaborative teaching. Sheepy: Cu: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I know some stuff, you know other stuff, together, we know more stuff. Sheepy: Cu: Wow, you really don't use your ears sometimes. Arsé-kun: Merlin: You misunderstand. Some of what you know would still be valuable info. Not all of it, of course, because you've got an unfair advantage. Sheepy: Cu: "If I train the kid I'll kill him", quote, me. Sheepy: Cu: I don't know if you heard earlier but I said a fighter doesn't stop fighting until his foe's dead. Sheepy: Cu: It's just my nature. Sheepy: Satoru: Is that what happened to Connla? Sheepy: Cu:.... Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... Arsé-kun: *Congratulations, now it's awkward!* Sheepy: Cu: Kiddo, you've barely touched your food. Eat it before I feed it to Lobo. Sheepy: Satoru:?! Sheepy: Yan: Merlin can teach people? What? Sheepy: Yan: How to get away with having the world's worst bedhead? Sheepy: Yan: The kid's hairstyle already looks like it's based on, ehh, what's his name, Dancelot or whatever? So he's getting there. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I can certainly teach that if I wanted to. Sheepy: Yan: Eh, eh? Sheepy: Yan: Like? Sheepy: Yan: Since you're technically aligned with me and you're only interesting due to your mystery, I never looked into you too much. Sheepy: Yan: Aha, but Old Man, I know everything about Old Man. Sheepy: Yan: Everything. Arsé-kun: Mori: -_-' Sheepy: Yan: Aren't you glad we're on the same team, Old Man? *His grin is almost shark-like in nature...* Sheepy: Yan: Oh, oh, oh! Old Man! Old Man! Arsé-kun: Mori: What? Sheepy: Yan: Where's the other old man? Arsé-kun: Mori: Hell if I know. Sheepy: Yan: You didn't even ask me who I meant. Sheepy: Yan: I mean the Caster. I liked him. Sheepy: Yan: Ah, you're no fun! Sheepy: Yan: No fun at all! Sheepy: Yan: No wonder you didn't have a wife~ Arsé-kun: Mori: But you don't know how many children I've had, hmm? Sheepy: Yan: And nor do you~ Sheepy: Satoru: Grandpa had kids? Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps. Perhaps not. I'll surely tell you, but not him. Sheepy: Satoru: So am I related to you? Arsé-kun: Mori: You know? I don't know. I doubt it, but a check wouldn't hurt. Sheepy: Satoru:!? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Yan: He's on Twitter. Sheepy: Yan: I follow him, but I don't post much because my Twitter isn't for entertainment. Arsé-kun: Andersen: We're talking about Shitspeare, so I am going to intrude on this discussion. Sheepy: Yan: Yup yup, I like him. Arsé-kun: Andersen: As do I, except for when he waits until the absolute last moment to propose a draft, throwing everyone's deadlines out of whack. Sheepy: Yan: Don't rush genius~ Sheepy: Yan: My experience is that he was all shadowy and evil or whatever and then there were ghosts and two Old Mans. Sheepy: Yan: Thanks to the Grail, of course! Sheepy: Yan: But he was still fun. Sheepy: Yan: My impression of you is that you'd be boring as a villain. Arsé-kun: Andersen: And you're just trying to be as irritating as possible. Sheepy: Yan: Ah? Arsé-kun: Andersen: You seem to be amusing others, so perhaps keep that up. Sheepy: Yan: Sure. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Either way. I do agree with your statement of I being a poor villain. Entirely correct. Sheepy: Yan: Good! Arsé-kun: Andersen: Maybe I'd do better without the overbearing nun... I should try again one day. Sheepy: Yan: Well, just hope you're on my side when you do. Sheepy: Yan: I'm on the side that fits my interests. Arsé-kun: Andersen: I'll consider it. Sheepy: Yan: Good. Sheepy: *And so the group finally ends up at Chaldea* Arsé-kun: Mori: *whoop di do.* Sheepy: Satoru: I’ve been lied to. Sheepy: Satoru: There’s no centipedes. Arsé-kun: Mori: We've only just arrived. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Then let’s find him. Sheepy: Bedi: Try wandering around and you may find the centipede. Sheepy: Bedi: In fact! Maybe if you ask the friendly faces around here, they'll help you find him. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhm...uhhmmm... ... Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like people. Sheepy: Bedi: But you like Dr. Marshmallow. Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow isn't a person, he's my friend Sheepy: Satoru: Let's go find the centipede. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm going to do what I came here to do. Have fun. Arsé-kun: Mori: Bedivere, wait a moment. We're searching for the same person. Sheepy: Bedi: I suppose so. Sheepy: *They hunt for aCu! Satoru doesn't stray from Mori's side* Arsé-kun: *Satoru can't even if he tried- Mori brought the child leash.* Sheepy: *That won't stop Satoru from trying once he sees aCu.* Arsé-kun: *He might even make progress if he manages to ruin Mori's back and/or hip* Sheepy: Bedi: -Hm? Sheepy: *Bedi slowly turns and looks behind them.* Sheepy: CasCu: I was wondering when you'd notice us! Sheepy: Satoru:! Arsé-kun: *Acu is standing behind Cascu, looking around in nonchalance. Cares given: Absolutely none. Maybe one because Cascu's being social again, and Acu might have to clean up his remains. Again.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he quietly wraps the leash around his wrist and waits for the inevitable* Arsé-kun: *And Merlin has already managed to vanish into thin air. His one job was to not do that* Sheepy: Satoru: *he attempts to rush over to the two. HELLO!!* Sheepy: CasCu: You are here tooo~ give me a moment. Question us about the incident? Sheepy: Bedi:?! Sheepy: CasCu: Well, you see, there's nothing illegal going on. That's that. Sheepy: Bedi:...I think you and I are thinking of two very different incidents... Arsé-kun: Mori: I'm rather curious to know what it is you refer to currently. Sheepy: CasCu: Ah? Sheepy: CasCu: Long story short, someone accused my machines of being rigged, which they aren't. The cops looked into them and everything and found no evidence, but they're basing their claims on how they haven't won past that early win despite throwing their life's fortune at the slot machine. Sheepy: CasCu: But they made a big fuss out of it and now people are assuming that just because I have a staff instead of a lance, I'm suddenly dishonest and rigging it! Sheepy: Satoru: I've heard of that before. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps I'll stop by when I have free time. That is not what we intended to ask you about, though. Sheepy: Satoru: They're called money machines. They eat money and spit out a life of despair, alcoholism, poverty, and depression. Sheepy: Satoru: And sometimes they like to gather all in one place and get people drunk so the people will feed them more. Sheepy: Satoru: They're called money machines. They eat money and spit out a life of despair, alcoholism, poverty, and depression. Sheepy: Satoru: And sometimes they like to gather all in one place and get people drunk so the people will feed them more. Sheepy: CasCu: You almost make it sound like they're living things, kiddo. Anyway, what is it? Arsé-kun: Mori: Saber here wanted to inquire about the whole Mainyu cult incident. Sheepy: CasCu: Ooh, that. Arsé-kun: *Acu makes a distasteful noise. Helpful* Sheepy: Bedi: What can you tell us about them? Like...what are their plans and why were you summoned? Sheepy: *Satoru imitates aCu.* Sheepy: CasCu: They wanted to summon the real Angra. Arsé-kun: Mori: You refer to the deity? Sheepy: CasCu: And they summoned us to try to get closer to their goal through experimentation, I guess. Arsé-kun: Acu: Not that it worked. Sheepy: Satoru: *he has stopped listening. aCu more important.* Sheepy: Bedi: I see. Sheepy: Bedi: Do you know of any future moves they may make? Sheepy: Bedi: They went after my Master's son. Arsé-kun: *Acu glances down at Satoru. What is this, a Master for Ants?* Sheepy: Satoru: *he is awe-struck by aCu.* Sheepy: Satoru: Are you a centipede? Arsé-kun: Acu: .... Sure. Sheepy: Satoru: That's really cool! I love centipedes! Sheepy: Satoru: You look like my big brother. Arsé-kun: *Acu's expression doesn't change.* Arsé-kun: Acu: ok. Sheepy: Satoru: Except he's shorter than you and has a lance. He works two jobs and gets angry at loud noises. Sheepy: Satoru: He and Lobo don't get along too well. Arsé-kun: *Acu's face still doesn't change. At least, until the loud noise bit. That gets a raised eyebrow. That's it* Sheepy: Satoru: When he hears loud noises he just yells at the source until they stop. Arsé-kun: Acu: .. This one does that, too. *and he smacks the back of Cascu's head. What would normally be a semi-affectionate gesture, but not at all that. heck the you cascu* Sheepy: CasCu: Ow! Arsé-kun: Acu: Stop barking so loud when you hear noises. Don't make me get you a muzzle. Sheepy: CasCu: How about you stop hitting me whenever you want?! Sheepy: Satoru: That's what he sounds like. Arsé-kun: Acu: Not a surprise at all. Sheepy: CasCu: What's that supposed to mean!? Sheepy: CasCu: You keep comparing me to a dog, but with your sense of morals and motives, you're no different than some beast. Arsé-kun: Acu: The difference is that I don't care. Sheepy: CasCu: And you! Got the Gae Bolg! Sheepy: CasCu: And I was stuck with some stick! Arsé-kun: Acu: Do you want it? Sheepy: CasCu: Yes, but I can't have it. Arsé-kun: Acu: You can have it square up your ass. Sheepy: Satoru: *this isn't bothering him at all* Arsé-kun: Mori: And thus, Cu behaves in the regular manner. Perhaps we should back off. Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? That's how he says he likes you. Arsé-kun: Acu: Oh, no. A suntan. What ever will I do. Stop barking at me. Sheepy: CasCu: Oi, maybe I'll just shove your head in a pot of cold water and see which happens first - you drown or you stop being some maddened boar! Sheepy: CasCu: Wouldn't that be a science experiment! Arsé-kun: Acu: You would die of strangulation first. Sheepy: Satoru: See? They're bonding. Arsé-kun: *Acu whips his tail around to lightly smack Cascu's back.* Sheepy: CasCu: Don't do that. Sheepy: Satoru: Big Bro Cu is friends with a red guy. They punch each other and stab each other. After that they drink together. Is that what you're doing? Sheepy: CasCu: I do no such thing! ... Eh, wait, you mean the better me. Arsé-kun: Mori: I wouldn't say better. This entire discussion has been more civil than he is in two hours. Sheepy: CasCu: He's got the Gae Bolg, he's got morals, and he isn't filled with embarrassing memories of the past. Arsé-kun: Mori: He lives with Setanta. Say that again. Sheepy: CasCu: He's not a symbol of those embarrassing memories. Sheepy: CasCu: Setanta is. Arsé-kun: Mori: Yes, but he has to tolerate seeing this behavior. Sheepy: CasCu: That's not my point. Sheepy: CasCu: My point is that I don't have the Gae Bolg, Alter doesn't have morals, and Setanta is an embarrassment. Sheepy: CasCu: And since Lancer me has the Gae Bolg, has morals, and isn't an embarrassment, he's the best of us three. Sheepy: CasCu: But mentally, of all of us, I'm closest to Lancer me. So I'm #2, Alter is #3, and Setanta is an embarrassment. Sheepy: Satoru: Embarrassment is my favorite number. Arsé-kun: *Mori suppresses a laugh* Sheepy: Satoru: And, I like Centipede Cu more. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Stop saying words. Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Sheepy: Satoru: Do you want another name? Arsé-kun: Acu: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: What do you want to be? Arsé-kun: Acu: Alter Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: Alter Cu. Arsé-kun: Acu: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: What do I call the other Cu? Arsé-kun: Acu: Ask him, not me. Sheepy: CasCu: Hmm~ I get to choose my name? Sheepy: CasCu: Aniki. Sheepy: Satoru:.. Sheepy: Satoru: Nice to meet you, Stick Cu. Sheepy: CasCu:?! Sheepy: CasCu: Just call me, errr... Sheepy: CasCu: Cu Chulainn. Sheepy: Satoru: There's already a Cu Chulainn. Sheepy: CasCu: Caster Cu. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *And Merlin finally returns, with questionable equipment and a lizard on his head* Arsé-kun: Merlin: What'd I miss? Progress made? Anyone wanna see a skink I'm borrowing from the doctor? Arsé-kun: Merlin: His name is Lenny. Sheepy: Satoru: *he stays with aCu.* Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, you need to stop running off. Sheepy: Bedi: You wouldn't want me to get a child leash for you like Satoru has, would you? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhmmm.... Sheepy: Satoru: I want to see him. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Here he comes! *he moves in closer and crouches. You may see the lizard. behold, Lenny* Sheepy: Satoru: He's small. Arsé-kun: Merlin: He sure is. Sheepy: Satoru: Is he your friend? Arsé-kun: Merlin: I don't see why not? He's the only one that lets me do this. Sheepy: Bedi: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Merlin: The other skinks don't like me much. Sheepy: Bedi: I thought you meant people... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Nah. People are fine. Sheepy: Bedi: They'd kill you if they copied Lenny. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ehh?? Sheepy: Bedi: He's sitting on your head. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Oh. Yeah. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Here's an idea. Bedivere, perhaps you and Merlin will have more success with further questioning. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, good idea...and Merlin can return Lenny. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Already? Sheepy: Bedi: After we talk to the others. Arsé-kun: Merlin: d'aww. Sheepy: Bedi: You get to keep him for a while. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Hooray! Sheepy: Bedi: Okay, let's go talk to the others. Arsé-kun: *and so, Merlin and Bedi exit scene right* Sheepy: Satoru: ...What do we do? Arsé-kun: Mori: I suppose we could take a look around meanwhile. Sheepy: CasCu: Hey, maybe you could tell me a bit about the servants you know, eh...what's your class. Sheepy: CasCu: You don't look like a caster, you're definitely not a berserker, and I don't see a weapon. Arsé-kun: Mori: Archer. I am an archer. Sheepy: Cascu: Ooooh, archer, I see. Sheepy: Cascu: I'm neutral on archers. I'd like to try out being a Saber one day, but...Archer... Not sure how I feel about it. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's interesting. Not always what's expected of it. Sheepy: CasCu: Obviously, I'm a Caster. Arsé-kun: Mori: Yes, but I would not be surprised if you still responded to 'Lancer'. Sheepy: CasCu: Eh, I'm not Caster Lancer, just Caster. Sheepy: CasCu: And the kid? Sheepy: CasCu: Are you babysitting for your Master? Arsé-kun: Mori: I am, yes. Arsé-kun: Mori: He cannot babysit himself, after all. Sheepy: CasCu:...Oh, of course, he wouldn't make you babysit if he could do it himself...Wait. Arsé-kun: *Acu yawns like a dog and lies down on the floor in the bg. Real productive!* Arsé-kun: Mori: You caught on quickly. Well done. Sheepy: CasCu: What purpose does a little kid have for a servant? Arsé-kun: Mori: Protection. Sheepy: CasCu: From what?? Sheepy: Satoru: *he seems focused on aCu* Arsé-kun: Mori: I cannot freely share that information. Sheepy: CasCu: Fine, I guess. Sheepy: CasCu: So tell me more, what servants do you know? Arsé-kun: Mori: Hmm.. About seven berserkers, four assassins, seven sabers, six lancers, six casters, six archers, four riders.. three avengers, a ruler, and a partridge in a pear tree. Sheepy: CasCu:...Three avengers? Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps. Sheepy: CasCu: Hmm, poor you. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's not that bad. One needs walks. The other two are surprisingly non-disruptive. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo is my pet wolf. Arsé-kun: *and subtlety has exited the building* Sheepy: CasCu: Kiddo, I'd recommend being careful about namedropping your servants... Sheepy: Satoru: But Mozart brags about himself and doesn't seem to mind people knowing his name. Sheepy: ?: Did you say...Mozart? Arsé-kun: Mori: *he frowns* And what business of yours is it? Sheepy: ?: .... Sheepy: ?: He is...an acquaintance of mine. Sheepy: ?: Who is he to you? Arsé-kun: Mori: A dear family member. Sheepy: ?: No, that's not right. Arsé-kun: Mori: That's a shame. Sheepy: ?:I need to see him again. Arsé-kun: Mori: That cannot be immediately done, but I'm sure it can be arranged. Sheepy: ?: Then this isn't his Master? Arsé-kun: Mori: Maybe, maybe not. Sheepy: ?: You stated that he is your Master. You stated thay Mozart is your family. He mentioned Mozart bragging often. Arsé-kun: Mori: But that does not mean Mozart has the same master. Perhaps he is under one related to my Master. Perhaps I am lying. It is not your business. Sheepy: ?: It is. Sheepy: ?: I must see Mozart. Arsé-kun: Mori: And who are you to be prying so deeply? Sheepy: ?: ....... Sheepy: ?: Amadeus Alter. Arsé-kun: *Mori squints* Arsé-kun: Mori: ... I will ask him the next time I see him. Permission given, I will allow it. Sheepy: Amadeus: Good. Sheepy: Amadeus: I'll be waiting. Arsé-kun: Mori: Wonderful. *and he turns his attention back to CasCu* Arsé-kun: Mori: Is this normal behavior? *he gestures to Acu, who's still on the floor. acu plz* Sheepy: CasCu:...Oh, that? Sheepy: CasCu: Depends on your definition of normal... Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Absolutely decimated, with no consideration to the original meaning of the word. Sheepy: CasCu: Then sure. Arsé-kun: Mori: Please get your Alter off of the floor. He may be trampled on, tripped on, or he may melt into a puddle. Sheepy: CasCu: Oi, get off the floor! Arsé-kun: Acu: .... nah. Sheepy: Satoru: You should go to bed. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Yeah. .. Have to get up. ... Nah. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Can't be bothered. Sheepy: Satoru: Why not? Sheepy: Satoru: Bed would be more comfortable, right? Sheepy: CasCu: Don't even bother, Kiddo. Sheepy: CasCu: *He lifts aCu up* Sheepy: *..And then puts aCu on his feet, holding him up so he can't lie down again.* Arsé-kun: Acu: ..... :< Sheepy: CasCu: What? Arsé-kun: *Acu is unimpressed. How Dare You* Sheepy: CasCu: You either stand or you go to bed. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Fine. Come get me if something happens, like murder. Sheepy: CasCu: Fine. Arsé-kun: *and he lumbers out of the area. he probably gives up like halfway there and takes over a row of chairs. Good enough.* Sheepy: *...Eventually, Bedi and Merlin return.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Helloooo! Sheepy: Satoru: Hi. Sheepy: Bedi: How did it go? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Bedi: We've finished our business. Did you want to go home, Archer? Arsé-kun: Mori: I would like to, yes. I've got no further business here. Sheepy: Bedi: Good, let's get going then. Sheepy: *The group heads home.* Sheepy: *Lobo is digging a hole in the front yard. Tristan is fast asleep near Lobo. ... Lobo swipes Tristan into the hole and starts burying him...* Arsé-kun: Mori: Lobo, no! Sheepy: Lobo: ? Sheepy: Lobo: *Boof* Sheepy: Bedi:...Is Tristan dead? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... No? Sheepy: *Bedi approaches the hole, only for Lobo to block him and snarl loudly.* Arsé-kun: Mori: Lobo! *he moves in, mostly to pull Bedi back* Knock it off! Sheepy: Lobo: *He backs off, his tail lowering some* ... Sheepy: Lobo: *...He rolls over.* Arsé-kun: Mori: .. Thank you for the respect. *he lets go off the child leash, and considers getting Tris out Himself* Sheepy: Lobo: *He sees the leash and stands, picking it up* Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: Merlin: He's gonna take you for a walk! Sheepy: Satoru: But his walks usually end in someone dying...the person he's walking very specifically... Sheepy: Lobo: *He walks toward the house and looks down at Satoru* Sheepy: *Satoru hesitantly follows Lobo.* Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo? Do you know where Uncle Mozzy is? Sheepy: Lobo: *He sniffs at Satoru, completely ignoring his question.* Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo? Do you know where Uncle Mozzy is? Sheepy: Lobo: *He sniffs at Satoru, completely ignoring his question.* Arsé-kun: *Mori opts to sliiide into the hole, and grabs Tristan's shirt collar. So far, so good.* Sheepy: Bedi: Are you sure you don't need help? Arsé-kun: Mori: *he starts trudging back up, and.. ends up sliding back down* I never stated that I didn't. Sheepy: Bedi:..Oh no. Sheepy: Bedi: Are you stuck? Arsé-kun: Mori: It seems like it. Sheepy: Bedi: *He leaves and returns with Sherlock* Arsé-kun: *Moriarty does not look impressed.* Sheepy: Bedi: Huh? Sheepy: Sherlock: Good afternoon, Professor Moriarty. Arsé-kun: Mori: Good afternoon, detective. Do assist me in getting this man out of this hole. Sheepy: Sherlock: No problem. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He helps pull Tristan out.* Sheepy: *...And then sits by the side of the hole in his generic thinking pose...* Sheepy: Sherlock: Happy to be of help, Professor. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Well, I suppose you did what I had asked. I cannot complain. Sheepy: Sherlock: Aha, I did. Sheepy: Sherlock: You're catching on, good. Sheepy: Sherlock: What will you do next, Professor? Arsé-kun: Mori: Why wouldn't I? *he grumbles and starts the trek back up* What would you think? Sheepy: Sherlock: Ah, take the prideful route... Arsé-kun: Mori: I don't know if I need the assistance just yet. Sheepy: Sherlock: I'll be here. Waiting. Sheepy: Sherlock:...As a supporting friend, for you to succeed in your endeavors. Arsé-kun: Mori: How uplifting. Sheepy: Sherlock: After all, if you and I were in the opposite situations, I'm sure you'd laugh at me and leave me to die, but I'm sure that there'd be the tiniest fraction of your heart telling you to pull me out... Arsé-kun: Mori: Certainly, my spirit has been raised- *the dirt crumbles under his weight, and he falls back down into the hole* ?! Sheepy: Sherlock: Professor? Are you alright? Arsé-kun: Mori: ... *he sits back up. he seems a bit rattled* ... Unfortunately for you, I'm still here this time. Sheepy: Sherlock: Whyever would I wish for your death? Sheepy: Sherlock: You're a source of entertainment. Arsé-kun: Mori: I'm glad to know I only exist for that purpose to you. Sheepy: Sherlock: I never said that purpose alone, Professor. Sheepy: Sherlock: Make sure to exhaust all possibilities before coming to a single solution. Arsé-kun: Mori: I was going to ask for assistance, but it seems that wouldn't be entertaining. Sheepy: Sherlock: Professor, that's a bit childish. Sheepy: Sherlock: I never said that. Sheepy: *He's smiling...until Tristan in a half asleep state shoves him in, tells Gawain to stop talking directly next to him as he tries to sleep, and then conks out again...* Arsé-kun: *Moriarty stays right where he is. Karma's a bitch, ain't it?* Sheepy: Sherlock:.... Sheepy: *Sherlock seems a bit stunned...* Sheepy: Sherlock: ..Hmm. Arsé-kun: Mori: Welcome to the hole, detective. Sheepy: Sherlock: Thank you. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He puts his hands to his face once more, sitting cross-legged* Arsé-kun: Mori: Quite welcome. Arsé-kun: Mori: This seems to be a predicament that we can't brute force our way out of. Sheepy: Sherlock: Yes, we must think of a way to get you out. Arsé-kun: Mori: What, are you going to take up residence in this hole? Sheepy: Sherlock: It's not that. Sheepy: Sherlock: I could easily leave. Arsé-kun: Mori: Then go ahead. Sheepy: Sherlock: No. Sheepy: Sherlock: As I said, the goal is to get you out. Sheepy: Sherlock: Not for me to jump out and then laugh at you from a distance. Arsé-kun: Mori: What a surprise. Sheepy: Sherlock: What is? Arsé-kun: Mori: That you haven't already done that. Sheepy: Sherlock:...Professor. Sheepy: Sherlock: I may be Sherlock Holmes, but I'm not necessarily the one who would easily leave a companion. Arsé-kun: Mori: So, what? Are you going to just sit here? Sheepy: Sherlock: I'm thinking. Arsé-kun: Mori: Is that what's burning? We'll need something to burn at this rate. Sheepy: *The magnifying glasses on his back are shifting slightly and consistently, a soft whirring noise accompanying them. Seems like it's helping him think.* Sheepy: Sherlock:....Oh, yes. Sheepy: Sherlock: I theoretically could get out myself, but that doesn't get you anywhere... Arsé-kun: Mori: Just get a goddamn rope, Holmes. Sheepy: Sherlock:...Right. Sheepy: *Sherlock gets up* Arsé-kun: Mori: I'll be... Right here. Waiting. Sheepy: Sherlock: *He gets out via jumping and then goes to get a rope.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *while he HOPES Sherlock will keep his word, he's not really.. Expecting it?* Sheepy: *Sherlock returns a few minutes later with a rope. Expectations, shattered!* Arsé-kun: Mori: Oh! Sheepy: Sherlock: What is it, Professor? Arsé-kun: Mori: You came back. Sheepy: Sherlock: I sure did. *He drops the other end of the rope so Mori can grab it* Arsé-kun: *and Mori does so.* Sheepy: Sherlock: Do you need help getting in? Arsé-kun: Mori: I'd rather be out of the hole. Sheepy: Sherlock: Of course. Sheepy: Sherlock: I'll hold this end. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... I just now understood what you meant. The help would be nice, yes. *and he starts his way up for the umpteenth time* Sheepy: *The magnifying glass limbs are still twitching some... Perhaps he's still a little messed up from falling and it's bringing him comfort? Who knows.* Sheepy: Sherlock: Alright. Arsé-kun: *and Moriarty is able to get out this time! Hooray!* Sheepy: Sherlock: Here, let me help you inside. Arsé-kun: Mori: Please do. Sheepy: *Sherlock helps Moriarty inside* Sheepy: Sherlock: Do you need anything else? Arsé-kun: Mori: No, that should be all. Thank you. Sheepy: *Lobo is sitting next to the sofa, watching (a half asleep) Satoru, who's on the sofa. The sphinx kitten twins are chasing Lobo's tail. The third one is fast asleep next to Lobo.* Sheepy: Sherlock: You're welcome. Let me know if you need anything. Arsé-kun: Mori: Perhaps I will, detective. Perhaps I will. Sheepy: Lobo: *He catches sight of Moriarty and stares, his tail lifting some.* Arsé-kun: Mori: I hope you are proud of yourself, Lobo. *he hides his limp to the best of his ability, trudging to the sofa* I managed to get trapped in that hole of yours. Sheepy: Lobo: *Is that a good thing? He's wagging his tail now.* Arsé-kun: *He doesn't look happy, Lobo. What does that tell you?* Sheepy: Lobo:? Sheepy: Lobo: *He stands and licks Moriarty. This is an apology so everything is better.* Arsé-kun: *Mori reaches up and pats Lobo* Sheepy: Lobo: *He is pleased!* Sheepy: Satoru: *He groggily looks over* ...? Grandpa? Are you okay? Arsé-kun: Mori: Yes. Just a bit tired. Sheepy: Satoru:...OK. That's good. Arsé-kun: Mori: m-hm. Arsé-kun: *and so, Mori decides he can rest for a little bit. He knows better- He knows he'll end up napping for a few hours, and he does it anyway.* Arsé-kun: *On the more unfortunate side, he wakes up two hours later with sore muscles and everything hurts.* Sheepy: *Lobo has since left, and Satoru apparently copied Mori's example despite Guin not liking it when he [Satoru] sleeps on the sofa. Lobo apparently contributed one of his dog toys to Satoru before leaving.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *hoo boy. This is going to be an Evening.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he'd try to get up, but this Satoru is on him. It's like having a cat on you. You'e now stuck forever.* Sheepy: Rider:... Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Please help. Sheepy: Rider: *He picks up Lobo's dog toy.* Arsé-kun: Mori: Rider. Sheepy: Rider: .... Arsé-kun: Mori: Please. Sheepy: *Rider shifts Satoru* Arsé-kun: Mori: Thank you. Arsé-kun: *and so, Mori forces himself up. What's going on now? Something's always going on* Sheepy: *You haven't told Mozart what he needs to know yet.* Arsé-kun: *Ah, yes, that. Upstairs he goes, then.* Arsé-kun: *is anyone around? is anything happening? it cannot just be moriarty and mozart up here.* Arsé-kun: *... Apparently, it is! What a shame.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he heads straight to Mozart. No interruptions. No breaks. No stopping because his permanent servant arthritis is acting up.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he stops playing his keyboard, having heard Mori's uneven approach.* Can I help you, old man? Arsé-kun: Mori: Certainly. I was given a message to pass on. *at Mozart's insistence, he continues* The man claimed to be your Alter. He expressed desire to meet you? Sheepy: *Lobo lifts his head and looks over at Mori. Apparently he was listening to Mozart's music before he [Mozart] stopped.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: An alter? Of moi? I didn't know such a being existed. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I see no reason why to not meet the man. We could make wonderful music together~ Arsé-kun: Mozart: I should find myself a willing musician to duet with me and visit this concert hall. :) Arsé-kun: *Moriarty stares. He understood that perfectly, but BOY is he not in the mood for it* Arsé-kun: *and so, Mozart gets kicked out of his own room to find himself a partner to visit Chaldea with* Sheepy: *Lobo watches this silently...* Sheepy: Eiji: ... Umm... Sheepy: Satoru: *he scooches away from Eiji* Sheepy: Eiji: Oh... Arsé-kun: Mozart: Good afternoon! Sheepy: Eiji: Oh, uhm, g-good afternoon. Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Mozzy, a guy wanted to see you. He was wearing red and black clothes. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I've just been informed of this. Would anyone wish to come with me to meet him? Sheepy: Satoru: Ummm...he was scary. Sheepy: Satoru: He said he was you but he put off an air that...uhm...no... maybe I'm just imagining it... Sheepy: Satoru: Nevermind. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No, no. I'd like to hear it. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhhh... Sheepy: Satoru: I couldn't see his face. He called you Mozart but himself Amadeus Alter. Sheepy: Satoru:..And something about him made my core feel cold. Sheepy: Satoru: But...uh...there's no reason for him to lie... Arsé-kun: Mozart: That's right, isn't it? I'll keep that in mind. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Good luck. Sheepy: Eiji: L-let me get... ... ... and then I'll come with you. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I understand. Thank you for volunteering! Sheepy: *Eiji leaves for a bit, returning with Bedi* Arsé-kun: Mozart: And a good afternoon to you as well! Sheepy: Bedi: Good afternoon, Mozart. Arsé-kun: Mozart: You don't mind going to Chaldea a second time, do you? Sheepy: Bedi: No, I don't. Are you ready? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Quite so. Sheepy: *They head to Chaldea once more.* Sheepy: *It's not too difficult to find Amadeus Alter. Upon arriving, the sound of Per la Ricuperata Salute di Ofelia can be heard. And then an incorrect note. A pause. It starts over from the beginning. An incorrect note in an earlier part. A pause. It starts over from the beginning. ... A pause. It starts over from the beginning.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he stops and listens. He's not going to interrupt-- That's rude.* Sheepy: *A try or two later, there's a loud cry of frustration and then silence. The voice is familiar.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he responds with the elegance of a mature adult, the simplest of replies-- The loudest fart noise he can produce without a tuba. Only the truest of Mozarts can communicate in such a manner.* Sheepy: Amadeus: Mozart... Mozart! *He seems...pleased...?* Sheepy: *...Amadeus's voice definitely isn't Mozart's...* Arsé-kun: Mozart: How could I forget your lovely voice? Salieri, you beautiful man, you gigantic pile of shit! Sheepy: Salieri: It's been so long... *...As Satoru said, there's something not quite right...* Sheepy: Salieri:...*He gasps of pain briefly, and pauses* ...Except. Sheepy: Salieri: I am not Salieri. Sheepy: Salieri: *pained gasp* Mozart...Mooozaaaart... I, Death, will kill you once more...Nothing will remain of you after I am done! Not your songs! Not the memory of you! Nothing! Sheepy: Bedi: *he unsheathes his sword and moves partially in front of Mozart* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... ... How dare you. *he pats Bedi's shoulder. This isn't to you, Bedi. You're fine* You think that's at all possible? I could shit myself and it would remain in the public records for decades! Sheepy: Salieri: ... Sheepy: Salieri: I cannot simply erase your records...because erasing you...would erase me. Sheepy: Salieri: But I will kill you after tarnishing you! Arsé-kun: Mozart: What a load of crap! Allow me to take a big, steaming dump on your opinion! ... It sucks! Sheepy: Salieri: *he points his blade towards Mozart* I am the death god who stole your life! I am Salieri! ... No! I am Death! Salieri is dead! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Make up your minds! We've got all evening! Sheepy: *...Salieri lifts his sword.* Arsé-kun: *Mozart lifts up his hands, in a similar, composer style.* Sheepy: *There's a clicking noise behind Mozart, followed up by a cry from Salieri. "Kill, KILL!"* Arsé-kun: *Mozart whirls around, whipping a bit of magic as he does. What is it? What's behind him?* Sheepy: *Four reaper minions with rifles.* Arsé-kun: *Well, that's not good.* Sheepy: *They open fire!* Sheepy: *...Bedi shoves Mozart out of the way!* Arsé-kun: *Mozart is still hit by a bullet or two, and he cries out on the way down* Sheepy: *There's laughter from Salieri, followed up by wheezing.* Sheepy: *...There's a few holes in Salieri, too...* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... ... *he shakes his head and forces himself back to his feet* How'd that go for you..? Sheepy: Salieri: Mozart...Mozart....I'll kill you.... like you killed m...No...no...like... Sheepy: Salieri:... ... Sheepy: Salieri: *he lifts his hands* Arsé-kun: *As does Mozart.* Sheepy: *And begins playing an air piano. There is actual piano music coming out of this. HOW* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I'd be more impressed if I didn't know this was an assault! Sheepy: Salieri: No...No! Sheepy: Salieri: *he pauses playing, his minions pausing in their movements. Bedi strikes them with his sword. Salieri doesn't care.* Sheepy: Salieri: You can't be impressed! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Who lied to you? Sheepy: Salieri: I make no music, just sound! Nothing compares to yours! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Oh, lick my ass, will you?? Sheepy: Salieri: Mozart! MOZART! I'll kill you! Arsé-kun: Mozart: At least take me on a first date before destroying my ass! Sheepy: *Salieri begins furiously playing the air piano. He keeps hitting the wrong notes. His new minions are confused and all looking to him, unsure of how to take these orders...* Sheepy: *It devolves into him, once more, trying to play Per la Ricuperata Salite di Ofelia. A wrong note. A sob. The minions look to one another and slowly lift their spears towards Salieri, unsure of how to take these orders.* Arsé-kun: *Mozart moves in without interruption, lifts up his leg, and slams it down where the keyboard would be. Eat shit.* Sheepy: *Salieri collapses to the floor. The minions, along with his mystic code, fade, leaving Salieri in his usual suit.* Sheepy: Salieri:.... Sheepy: Salieri: *Wheeze* Mozart.... I... ... I don't want to... ... *He clutches his head in silence, the only sound from him being his quickened, unsteady breathing and the occasional sob.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he keeps his guard up, slowly lowering himself down to check on Salieri* I know. Sheepy: Salieri:...Kill me. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Who do you think I am, an executioner? Give me your hands. Sheepy: *Salieri does so hesitantly* Sheepy: Salieri: I'll kill you one day...if you don't kill me now. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'd rather it be by you than.. Whatever actually did. Sheepy: Salieri:...No. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No? Sheepy: Salieri: I am, because that's what's been decided. Arsé-kun: *Mozart squints, frowning deeply* Sheepy: Salieri: Because of them, I cannot hear my own music... just its inadequacy compared to yours... Sheepy: Salieri:...*He laughs, followed by a sob.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Salieri. I have a keyboard that does nothing but farting sounds. If you say I'm better again, I'll call you Arschgeige from now on! Sheepy: Salieri:... Sheepy: Salieri: It's not something I can't control. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Then lets do something else. You can call me Arsch. Sheepy: Salieri:.... Sheepy: Salieri: You really should kill me. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'm not Sanson! Do I look armed to you?? Sheepy: Salieri:...No... Arsé-kun: Mozart: Then shhhhhhut up. Sheepy: Salieri:.... Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'm not going to kill you. Sheepy: Salieri:...Just because you don't have a weapon...? Sheepy: Salieri:...Take my sword and kill me with it. It is the embodiment of humanity's beliefs that I killed you. Sheepy: Salieri: Simply, it is the weapon they believed I killed you with. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... *he casts the sword a glare, and kicks it away. Sure, this messes up his balance and he falls over, but mission accomplished* Sheepy: Salieri:... Arsé-kun: Mozart: ....... Arsé-kun: *And, of Course, this is Chaldea, not some random alleyway, so of Course someone is going to be sent to check why two men are bleeding on the floor. Unfortunately for everyone, it's the vampire.* Sheepy: Bedi: Good afternoon. Do you think you could help them? Sheepy: Haku: Tepes, no, you're like a shark. Arsé-kun: Tepes: I got us here, didn't I, dear? Sheepy: Haku: Yes, you did. Sheepy: Haku: Can you explain what happened, one of you? Arsé-kun: *Mozart is remarkably quiet. He is Not Happy* Sheepy: Bedi: Mozart was attacked by the man in the suit. Sheepy: Bedi: I ended up getting shot due to bodyblocking some bullets, but I believe one or two hit Mozart. Sheepy: Bedi:...Furthermore, the man in the suit accidentally hit himself as well. Sheepy: Bedi: Based on my understanding of the situation, he was not in control of his actions at the time. Sheepy: Bedi: Do not concern yourself with me. Focus on Mozart and the man in the suit instead. Arsé-kun: *and Mozart points to Salieri. No, HIM first* Sheepy: *Salieri has no response to this. he's breathing heavily...* Arsé-kun: Tepes: ... *he sniffs* .. The one in the suit is far worse off. Sheepy: Bedi: This isn't my area of expertise. Arsé-kun: Tepes: If it was, you would have dealt with it by now. Sheepy: Bedi: *He nods* Sheepy: *There's a small groan from Eiji...* Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he shifts to look over to Eiji* ? Sheepy: *He's lying face-down on the floor. So basically something that Satoru has done a thousand times. Except there's the occasional groan accompanied by this. No blood, so he wasn't hit by any of the bullets.* Arsé-kun: Tepes: ... .. Dearie? He's on you. Suits' on me. *he goes to lift up Salieri, only to be met with objection from Mozart* Y'know, you could stand to lose a bit more blood. I can help. Arsé-kun: *Mozart lets the fuck go and shuts the fuck up* Sheepy: Haku: You mean like I'm supposed to pick him up? Arsé-kun: Tepes: No, no. Get off and check on him, please. Sheepy: *Haku slips off of Tepes's back and goes to check on Eiji.* Arsé-kun: *Tepes does an about face and slips out of the scene with Salieri. Oh. Bye?* Sheepy: Haku: Oh, bye. Sheepy: Haku: *She pokes at Eiji* Hi, are you dead? Sheepy: Eiji: *groan* Sheepy: Bedi: Please stop tormenting him... Sheepy: Bedi: *He smiles* It'd be better if you did nothing and left, because all you're doing is making things worse. Sheepy: Haku: ...Well, that's certainly a cruel way to put it. Arsé-kun: Mozart: *GUESS I'LL DIE.* Arsé-kun: Acu: Do any of you know how to shut up?? *oh. didn't even notice him there, still laying across multiple chairs like it's his city now. he's been there... The entire time? Doing nothing to help.* Sheepy: Haku: Yup, but I don't use that ability of mine ever because it's too powerful. Sheepy: Haku: Anyway, you over there, with the blond hair, are you okay? Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... I'm certainly alive. Sheepy: Bedi: *His smile grows* We know how to shut up as well as you know how to help. Sheepy: Bedi: We are capable of it, but we do not do it. Sheepy: Haku: So I'm guessing it's not just a case of you hurting physically? Sheepy: Haku: What's up? It's my job to listen to people's concerns, as much as I may seem like I'm a nasty person. Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... .... For starters, I just witnessed my friend nearly kill us both. Sheepy: Haku: ...Right. Sheepy: Haku: He's an Avenger class. Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... That's somehow worse. Arsé-kun: *Acu loudly growls. Shut the fuck upppp, he is Trying to SLEEP here. And he was here first!* Sheepy: Bedi: *He doesn't appear at all concerned about Acu's growling.* Sheepy: *..Instead, he defensively steps to block Acu's view of Eiji, grinning a pleasant grin as he does...* Arsé-kun: Acu: ..... Are you an idiot, or do you have a death wish? Sheepy: Bedi: All I know is that you are being aggressive, and it is my duty to protect Master Eiji. Arsé-kun: Acu: I just want you to shut the hell up. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, and we will when everything is resolved. Sheepy: Bedi: All you're doing is dragging it out longer. Arsé-kun: Acu: For the love of an irish whore. Get done or something. Sheepy: Bedi: Okay, sure. Sheepy: *Bedi strolls over to aCu, picks him up with the Airgetlam, and then picks up one of the chairs.* Sheepy: *...He then proceeds to walk a few feet away, put the chair down, and then aCu on it.* Sheepy: Bedi: You're now further away. Aren't you happy about that? Arsé-kun: Acu: *he's.. more confused than bothered. what the hell just happened. the fucking NERVE of this guy.* Sheepy: Bedi: After all, you seemed like you had a problem with being there, so I thought I may as well help. Arsé-kun: Acu: .... .... I, uh. I guess so. Sheepy: Bedi: That's good. Sheepy: Bedi: Did you need anything else before I return to Master Eiji? Arsé-kun: Acu: ... No? heepy: Bedi: That's fine. Arsé-kun: *and so, Acu has been Shut Up by Bedi, and his strong ass arm. Great. NOW DO WHAT U NEED TO, BEDI* Arsé-kun: *AND NOW, THIS IS BORING. WHAT'S HAPPENING AT HOME?* Sheepy: *Satoru has decided that right now Uncle Lance should be the target of his attention. What're you up to, Lance?* Arsé-kun: *Lance is... Channeling his natural aggression into video games. Is it being recorded? I don't know. The gameplay might.* Arsé-kun: *It's very possible the footage gets posted somewhere, but Lancelot is not the editor or poster. No patience for that sort of thing.* Sheepy: Satoru: *he sits down next to Lance. He'd sit on Lance but he doesn't have access.* Arsé-kun: *do it anyway!* Sheepy: *Satoru tries to.* Arsé-kun: *Lance gets distracted and dies. Ingame, of course. Not literally. He grumbles and moves his arms for Satoru* Sheepy: *Satoru sits on Lance's lap. Hello!* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Hello to you, too. Sheepy: Satoru: Hello! Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Is today Get Close to Unclelot day? Sheepy: Satoru: Is that a bad day? Arsé-kun: Lance: Were it, I'd shoo you away. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. 'm just recording anyway. It's fine. Sheepy: Satoru: Recording? Arsé-kun: Lance: mhm. Just the screen. Nothing else. Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Why not? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhmmm... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... It gives me something to do. Sheepy: Satoru: Ooohh... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I can't.. Pick fights for fun. I'm too destructive. Sheepy: Satoru: Is that why harp guy is on the floor behind the sofa? Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Is he? Sheepy: Satoru: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he glances over the back. LETS GUESS. TRIS IS SNOOZING AS USUAL* Sheepy: *He sure is. Face down on the floor.* Arsé-kun: *This is Uninteresting to Lance, since it's the norm.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... *he sighs and looks back to the screen. he's dead again. NOT BIG SUR PRISE* Sheepy: Satoru: I like watching Kintaro play... uhhhmmm... Sheepy: Satoru: Animal Leaf. Sheepy: Satoru: All of his friends in it are bears. Sheepy: Satoru: And a chicken. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: Do you play Animal Leaf? Arsé-kun: Lance: .. Non. It's too.. ... I don't want to say boring. Sheepy: Satoru: It's okay to be bored by something. Everyone has their own tastes. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't play video games. I'm bad at them. I just watch others. Sheepy: Satoru: Dad is good at them. Arsé-kun: Lance: ...? Sheepy: Satoru: Video games. Arsé-kun: Lance: Ah. Sheepy: Satoru: Auntie Guin doesn't play them...uhhmm...Big Bro Cu gets really competitive and ends up yelling a lot. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo thinks they're food. Arsé-kun: Lance: Well, of course. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo thinks everything is food. Sheepy: Satoru: Grandpa likes puzzle games. Especially top hat guy. Sheepy: Tristan: I like the sweet embrace of death. Arsé-kun: Lance: Then get up here and play Bloodborne with me. I've died at least twenty times in the last three hours. Sheepy: Tristan:.... Arsé-kun: Lance: .... I know what you meant. Ignored it. Give me moral support. Sheepy: Tristan: Don't die. Live on. Arsé-kun: Lance: Thanks. Sheepy: Tristan: Don't be like me. Sheepy: Tristan: Be strong. Endure. Sheepy: Tristan:...Is that everything? Arsé-kun: Lance: I think so. Sheepy: Tristan: Then. Good night. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh, umm... Arsé-kun: Lance: ?? Sheepy: Satoru: How did you become strong? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Training, mostly. Sheepy: Satoru: So strength comes from training? That's all? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he grumbles* It helps. Sheepy: Satoru:...Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: .. Ah. Give me a couple of minutes for this boss. Arsé-kun: *cue Lance trying his best against what looks like a big white wolf. He wins this time.* Sheepy: Satoru: It's a puppy. Sheepy: Satoru: Like Lobo. Arsé-kun: Lance: I suppose so. Sheepy: Satoru: Why did you kill it? Arsé-kun: Lance: Because she was going to kill people. Sheepy: Satoru: But why? Arsé-kun: Lance: Because she got... Corrupted and sick. .... It's just a game. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Maybe I'll find something you can.. Actually play once I'm done. Sheepy: Satoru: You don't have to. I just wanted to spend time with you. Arsé-kun: Lance: *TOUCHING* Arsé-kun: *in the distance, a loud door slam. welcome back mozart.* Sheepy: Satoru: *He didn't like that noise.* Arsé-kun: *Neither did Lance, who jumped and almost broke his controller* Arsé-kun: Lance: ■■! Sheepy: Satoru: Wh-who, uh, do you think that is? Arsé-kun: Lance: ▂▂▃▂on't know. Sheepy: Satoru: I don't like it... Arsé-kun: *Lancelot grumbles. Give him a few minutes to formulate words* Sheepy: Satoru:... Sheepy: Cu: DONT SLAM DOORS OR ILL SLAM YOU INTO THE DOOR! Arsé-kun: Mozart: SHOVE A WATER BOTTLE UP YOUR ASS AND FART ME A SONATA, YOU ABSOLUTE WASTE OF SPERM! Sheepy: Cu: WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?! ILL SHOVE THIS SPEAR SO FAR DOWN YOUR THROAT YOULL BE A- *lobo barking* -KA BOB! Sheepy: Cu: HOW ABOUT YOU BECOME AN ASTRONAUT, BECAUSE YOU SURE DO LOVE TAKING UP SPACE! HERE! I CAN EVEN THROW YOU UP THERE! Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'M ALREADY SHIT, TELL ME SOMETHING I DIDN'T KNOW! GET A MUZZLE! Sheepy: Cu: GET A GOOD ADDITUDE! YOU ARE A DISGRACE TO ALL MUSICIANS! Arsé-kun: *Mozart's reply, after a minute of silence, is the loudest sousaphone B sharp he can muster.* Sheepy: Cu: YOU ARE SO ANNOYING! Sheepy: Cu: ALL YOU DO IS CREATE NOISE POLLUTION AND AIR POLLUTION! Arsé-kun: Vlad: WHO IS SCREAMING?! WHO DARE WAKE US?? YOU'RE GOING TO BE DINNER! Sheepy: Satoru: Oh, Big Bro Cu is happy to see him. Sheepy: Satoru: So is Dad. Arsé-kun: Lance: Ssseems that way. Sheepy: Cu: YOU SHUT UP TOO! GO BACK TO SLEEP! THIS IS BETWEEN ME AND THE FARTIST! Arsé-kun: Andersen: Fartist. I must add this to my lexicon immediately. Thank you for your genius with the English language. Sheepy: Cu: You're welcome. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *that. happened. He opts to try and edge out. Nothing to see here!* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, Merlin. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *MISSION FAILED.* Yes..? Sheepy: Bedi: I wasn't able to prevent a fight from breaking out Arsé-kun: Merlin: ..... I see that. Who did this to you? Sheepy: Bedi: Mozart's friend. He shot me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ...... *he looks.. Displeased.* Sheepy: Bedi: Don't worry, though. Mozart and his friend have received medical assistance. Sheepy: Bedi: Both should be fine. Sheepy: Bedi: Master Eiji is uninjured. He took a nap. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ............ You, though. Also, did something happen that I am not aware of? Sheepy: Bedi: What about me? ...Ah. Sheepy: Bedi: He attacked us because he wasn't quite himself. Sheepy: Bedi: He ended up shooting himself as well. I took most of the damage for Mozart but I failed to protect him completely. Arsé-kun: Merlin: ......... *he looks even more sour but doesn't complain. Here's the heals, free of charge* Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. ... What's wrong? Sheepy: Bedi: Is it that I let Master Eiji fall asleep during a fight? ... Sorry, I should've paid better attention.. Arsé-kun: Merlin: No, not that. Just tell me when you're hurting for once! Sheepy: Bedi: *He frowns* Sheepy: Bedi: My injuries come from my mistakes. I don't want to bother you purely because I made a mistake. Arsé-kun: *in the distance is a bass drum impacting on some poor sod, and the door slamming again. nice* Sheepy: Bedi: ...More importantly, Mozart is understandably upset, and....ah...I wouldn't say we two are Master Eij's only servants anymore...? Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's what it was?? Sheepy: Bedi: I guess you could say he's fostering two for Satoru. ...Personally, I'd rather we two be the only ones... Arsé-kun: Merlin: It lets us have more time alone, though~ Sheepy: Bedi:...It does? Wouldn't it be less because we now have more servants attached to Master Eiji? Sheepy: Bedi: Now we're no longer alone... Arsé-kun: *Merlin wiggles his eyebrows.* Sheepy: Bedi:...! ...Oh. I understand. Sheepy: Bedi: But... what if we're needed? I wouldn't say either of them have any experience being a servant. Sheepy: Bedi: Especially not of one as different as Master Eiji... Arsé-kun: Merlin: I think we'll figure something out. Sheepy: Bedi:...Both are Cu, so you know. Sheepy: Cu: What?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... This is now a hound only household. Of Cus, bitches, and everyone else. Sheepy: Cu: I'M NOT A DOG! Arsé-kun: Proto: WHY ARE WE YELLING? Sheepy: Cu: Backtrack! What mes?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: .... I think I know. Sheepy: Cu: There's normal me, sure, and then Setanta! Sheepy: Cu: ...Wait, is one... Sheepy: Cu:...That guy isn't getting close to the kid AT ALL! Sheepy: Bedi: Caster Lancer and All Bark and No Bite Lancer. Sheepy: Cu: Caster...? What makes me capable of being a caster.... Arsé-kun: Proto: Rune magic? Teacher taught us, after all.. Sheepy: Cu: I sealed that away though because it's useless to me. Arsé-kun: Proto: It's haaard. Sheepy: CasCu: His face is like...a little chick plastered onto a weirdly kinda like me body. I was him once? Sheepy: Cu: Oh my gosh you look like a middle aged treehugging hippie. Arsé-kun: Proto: You look like.. Big bro, but older! Sheepy: CasCu: Big bro? That's what everyone calls me. Arsé-kun: Proto: I can't call you both that! Sheepy: CasCu: Hmm~ Too bad. Arsé-kun: *In the background, Acu gives up a foot past the door and lays down on the floor. I am a fucking poet. I am the next Willy Shakes.* Sheepy: CasCu: Call me Aniki, then. It's Big Bro but like we're the yakuza. Arsé-kun: Proto: That works! Sheepy: CasCu: Eh? Really? I mean... of course you'd agree! Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Shut up, you sound desperate. Sheepy: CasCu: And you sound like you wish for the sweet embrace of- Sheepy: Cu: *He smacks aCu with a broom* Out, out! Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Make me, you little yappy dog. Sheepy: Cu: Nobody wants you here! Go back to Queen Mebd, you nasty Queen Mebd fanboy! Arsé-kun: Acu: Ew. Sheepy: Cu: Ew? Arsé-kun: Acu: Ew. She makes Fergus look like... ... A nerdy virgin bitch. Sheepy: Cu: Are you not even loyal? Arsé-kun: Acu: To that thing? Sheepy: Cu:...Well, yes Arsé-kun: Acu: I was made to be a king, not a whipped husband. Sheepy: Cu: ...*He raises an eyebrow* King? Sheepy: Cu: We already have three of those. Arsé-kun: Acu: Long story. Don't care. Sheepy: Cu: Wait. Four. Sheepy: Cu: None of them will give up their title. You'll have to fight them for it. Arsé-kun: Acu: Can't be bothered. I'll fight them if they'll give me a good challenge. Sheepy: Cu: Like, where is he - Lobo! Sheepy: *Lobo arrives.* Sheepy: Cu: This is one of 'em. Sheepy: Lobo: *He approaches aCu and starts sniffing at him* Arsé-kun: Acu: ... Get your nose away from my ass. Sheepy: Lobo: *He picks up aCu in his mouth* Sheepy: Cu: Lobo. Down. Sheepy: Cu: Lobo. Sheepy: Cu: No. Arsé-kun: Proto: Don't shake, Lobo! Sheepy: Lobo: *He looks to Proto, and then to Cu. His tail is wagging...* Arsé-kun: Acu: .... Down, before I cut holes in your jaw. Sheepy: Lobo: *He starts rapidly shaking aCu* Sheepy: Cu: Lobo NO!! Sheepy: CasCu: Wow. Sheepy: Cu: VLAD! GET YOUR ALPHA BUTT UP HERE! Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he ascends from the basement* Lobo! Not a toy! Down! Sheepy: Lobo: *He stops shaking aCu and trots towards Vlad. He drops aCu in front of Vlad and sits.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Good Lobo. Have any of you taken him o-u-t yet? Sheepy: Cu: No, because it's not my job Arsé-kun: Proto: Not yet..! Sheepy: Lobo: *He can't spell, so he's just expectantly watching Vlad.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... I'll do it, then. Sheepy: Lobo: ? Sheepy: Cu: Good, he actually listens to you. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Get me the leash, Lobo. And of course he does. Sheepy: *Lobo excitedly gies to get it.* Sheepy: Cu: Why??? Sheepy: Cu: You're not a dog. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Perhaps. Sheepy: Cu: Perhaps? Maybe you are a dog, then?! You don't look it! Sheepy: *Lobo returns with the leash.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: I'll show you when I wish to. Now is not the time. Sheepy: Lobo: *boof* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Yes, yes, Lobo. We can go now. Sheepy: Lobo: *He's excited!* Arsé-kun: *and so, Vlad takes Lobo for a "walk".* Arsé-kun: *And Acu, once again, stays where he is. This is a nice floor.* Sheepy: CasCu: What was with that dog? Arsé-kun: Proto: Lobo's a wolf king. He decided it's his territory. Sheepy: CasCu: Wolf..King...? Sheepy: CasCu: Wolves don't have royalty. Sheepy: Cu: Don't question it. Really. Don't. Question his position as the ruler over all of us other than Vlad and Moriarty and he'll use you as a chew toy. Sheepy: Cu: Rule #2. Don't get too close to the kid right off the bat. He'll tear you to shreds. Sheepy: Cu: This is difficult because the kid has no sense of patience in terms of bonding and if he decides he likes you he'll cling to you. Sheepy: Cu: Rule #3. Feeding Lobo part of your dinner unless you're Kintaro won't put you in his good graces. He'll just expect it and then get mad and shake you around when he doesn't get it. Sheepy: Cu: He gets his own dinner and doesn't need yours. Sheepy: CasCu: Sure, sure, but what should I know about in terms of the ladies? Sheepy: Cu: Don't bother. The only good one is Guinevere and she's already taken. Sheepy: CasCu: That soon? Sheepy: Cu: She was taken thousands of years ago, sorry bud. Sheepy: CasCu: By whom? Sheepy: Cu: Lancelot. Sheepy: CasCu: The name rings a bell. Sheepy: Cu: There's Liz who is loud and annoying, Carmilla who is loud and annoying, and the kid's mom who's obviously married. Sheepy: CasCu: Another one I missed out on? Sheepy: Cu: She's married to your current Master. Sheepy: CasCu: Ugghhh... Sheepy: Cu: Sorry, bud. I said obviously because I assumed you knew. Arsé-kun: Proto: .. Wait, that's not all of the girls! Arsé-kun: Proto: I mean, yeah, you only skipped two, but.. Arsé-kun: Proto: I don't think my Master would appreciate being approached that way? Arsé-kun: Proto: And the other's a snake! Sheepy: Cu: That's why I skipped them. Arsé-kun: Proto: ... Does Mud count as a dude or a lady? Sheepy: Cu: Mud? Sheepy: Cu: No clue. Arsé-kun: Proto: They're out, too, you'll be impaled for trying probably. Sheepy: CasCu: Eh. Arsé-kun: Acu: ... He'll get impaled anyway. Sheepy: CasCu: What!? Arsé-kun: Acu: It happens to all of us. Arsé-kun: Acu: That, and you never shut up. Sheepy: CasCu: I do! Arsé-kun: Acu: And neither does he. Shut up. Sheepy: CasCu: You shut up! Sheepy: Bedi: Master Eiji needs sleep. You are being loud. Sheepy: Bedi: Furthermore, you're probably bothering Mozart, who's already down. ...So. It's best that you quiet down. Arsé-kun: Proto: Huh? What happened? Sheepy: Bedi: I mentioned it earlier, but his friend attacked both him and me. Sheepy: Bedi: He's understandably upset about his friend's actions. Arsé-kun: Proto: And that's why you smell like used bullets and blood? Sheepy: Bedi: Do I...? Sorry. Arsé-kun: Merlin: All right, you manly men have fun doing whatever you're doing! I'm stealing this, thank you! *he picks up Bedi* Sheepy: Bedi: ?! Arsé-kun: Merlin: *aaand he exits with Bedi* You gotta clean up..! Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, of course, sorry. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And are we going to take two hours? Sheepy: Bedi: Of course not. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Are we going to turn the bathroom into a local sauna? Sheepy: Bedi: Ah...uh...no. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Great! Sheepy: Bedi: I'll have it at the usual temperature. Arsé-kun: Merlin: So rivaling the sun in heat? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Bedi, you could pour an entire pot of scalding hot coffee on yourself and you wouldn't be bothered by it! Sheepy: Bedi:...Ah. Sheepy: Bedi: I understand your point... Arsé-kun: Merlin: But I guess we're doing it anyway. Sheepy: Bedi: No, no, I'll put it down a little. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Three degrees? Sheepy: Bedi: That many? Arsé-kun: Merlin: What? Sheepy: Bedi: I was thinking one or two. Arsé-kun: Merlin: One? One?? Arsé-kun: Merlin: ... And what's this? Are you all going to break Mozart's door down? Sheepy: Satoru: Merlin. I'm sad. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Is it because the door's shut? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Sheepy: Satoru: He slammed a door and I don't like that noise. It's scary. So he must be upset. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Sounds it! Shall I give it a try? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ay-yo, musicman, open the door! *he kicks it* Stop having it be closed! Satoru's out here! Sheepy: Satoru: Did you hurt your foot kicking the door? Arsé-kun: Merlin: That absolutely hurt. Sheepy: Satoru: That's not good. Feel better soon. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And we aren't gonna ram it down.. Sheepy: Bedi: We could try leaving him alone. Arsé-kun: Merlin: And what, be played depressing songs all night? Sheepy: Bedi: Well...I mean... Sheepy: Bedi:...I guess. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Someone already has that job! His name is Tristan! Sheepy: Satoru: I want to see Uncle Mozzy. Sheepy: Bedi: Tristan is always sad, though... Arsé-kun: Herc: ▃▃▅▃▂▃ ?? Sheepy: Satoru: It's Fluffy. Hello! Do you want to see Uncle Mozzy too? Arsé-kun: Herc: ▂▃▂▃▂▂? Sheepy: Satoru: He's sad and locked the door. Unless you know a way in, we'll have to wait until he unlocks it. Arsé-kun: *Herc takes the doorknob and turns it. It breaks instantly and the door is easily opened* Arsé-kun: Herc: ▅. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh! It was unlocked this entire time. Thank you, Fluffy. Sheepy: *Herc receives a hug before Satoru enters the room to see Mozart.* Sheepy: Bedi: Oh no... Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm not fixing that. Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Mozzy? Sheepy: Bedi: The poor door... Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... What? Sheepy: Satoru: Are you upset? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru: Can I help make you feel better? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Sure. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Well. If you have something you want to vent about, I'm here. Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... You recall the movie made about me, yes? Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. The one you didn't want me to watch. Arsé-kun: Mozart: It's wildly incorrect Arsé-kun: Mozart: No, no! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Not that! Just... The part about how I died and who did it. Sheepy: Satoru: Ooooh. Sheepy: Satoru: Did someone say the movie was accurate? Is that why you're upset? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... You know how Dracula caused Vlad to be a vampire? Sheepy: Satoru: Yeah. Arsé-kun: Mozart: A dear friend has been turned into a homicidal man that he never was. Sheepy: Satoru: ... Maybe there’s some way to reach out to him? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Oh, we tried. He barely has control over his own body at this point.. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhhmmm... Maybe Dr. Marshmallow can help. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I don't think he can magically change someone's class.. Sheepy: Satoru: Class? Sheepy: Satoru: So he’s... uhhh... Arsé-kun: Mozart: He's an Avenger. Certainly behaves like a Berserker. Sheepy: Satoru: ?! So then he knows Hulk? And Captain America? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... No, no. Like Lobo and Rider. Sheepy: Satoru: ... Oh. Sheepy: *Satoru seems a bit embarrassed...* Sheepy: Satoru: But then that means he hates humanity. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Yes. That is part of the problem. Sheepy: Satoru: But the movie didn’t say that he hated humanity. Sheepy: Satoru: So I don’t get why he’s suddenly an Avenger if he didn’t hate humanity in the first place. Arsé-kun: Mozart: It said he hated me. ... *he sighs* That leads to the second problem. Sheepy: Satoru: “It”? Second problem? Arsé-kun: Mozart: It doesn't matter what is true or not for Servants. What's believed by the people affects us. People believed, partially due to the film, that he outright hated me. Sheepy: Satoru: Ooohhh... Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Which makes it hard to approach without being shot. Sheepy: Satoru: ... That’s bad. So then why is he calling himself Alter Amadeus? His outfit even looks like yours. Sheepy: Satoru: But you appeared in that outfit and considering he’s had no interaction with you before today, he couldn’t have known what it looked like. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... I am not sure. Perhaps due to us having been connected in the past. Sheepy: Satoru: Because that outfit is a lot like thr one you wore in the movie. Sheepy: Satoru: ? Sheepy: Satoru: *...he parrots a few...* Sheepy: Satoru: What do they mean? Arsé-kun: Mozart: They mean Guinevere is going to kill me if you repeat any of it. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: Do you want her to kill you? Arsé-kun: Mozart: No. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Your secret is safe then. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Thank you. Sheepy: Satoru: And just because he hates you on the outside doesn't mean he hates you on the inside. Arsé-kun: Mozart: He doesn't hate me on the inside. I know this as fact. That's part of why it's so... ... Messed up. Sheepy: Satoru: Well, maybe you can help bring that side out. Sheepy: Satoru: Why is he acting like he hates you? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ..... I'll be simple. Masato was also another person? So is my friend. Sheepy: Satoru:....So it's like that. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Yes. Sheepy: Satoru:.... Sheepy: Satoru: The only solution to that problem was to send him away. But he came back. He's not going to stay away forever. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No. Masanori came back. Masato did not. But, you're right. Sheepy: Satoru: But still, maybe Dr. Marshmallow can help with that. Doctors can do anything. Sheepy: Satoru: Grandpa is a doctor and he can do anything, so all doctors can do anything. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Ok. Sheepy: Satoru: If you give up before you've even started, you're only stealing away any chances you may find to help your friend. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... You'd be right, but I'm really not feeling it. Sheepy: Satoru: Even if you don't think Dr. Marshmallow can help, there's always a chance. Not taking the chance at all is the same thing as it being guaranteed that it doesn't help. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. That's fine. Don't push yourself. Sheepy: Satoru: But as long as you believe really hard, eventually it'll work out. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... All right, Aristotle, thank you for the philosophy lesson. Sheepy: Satoru: Where? Arsé-kun: Mozart: You. Sheepy: Satoru: No, I'm Satoru. Sheepy: Satoru: Satoru... ... Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'd like to order a "I was being figurative" with a side of "Hi Satoru, I'm Uncle Farts." Sheepy: Satoru: Sometimes Big Bro Cu refers to you as Mofart. Sheepy: Satoru: And I haven't decided on whose family name to adopt yet. Sheepy: Satoru: Moriarty doesn't work well with my name. That's unfortunate. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Why not just take your mothers'..? *he's trying not to smile. MOFART.* Sheepy: Satoru: But Carmilla doesn't have a last name. Unless you mean...uh... Sheepy: Satoru:...I'm not comfortable with that. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm grateful for what she's done but she still scares me somewhat. Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... Kintaro's? Sheepy: Satoru: The alliteration is weird. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Is it? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Hm.. Sheepy: Satoru: Are you feeling better? Arsé-kun: Mozart: ... A bit, yes. Sheepy: Satoru: That's good. Sheepy: Satoru: Just try to relax so you can feel better. Arsé-kun: *and now, a short timeskip. just to the next day, nothing massive. no cu are dead somehow. Mozart's still unhappy* Sheepy: Holmes: -- *Meanwhile, he's thoughtfully chewing on the end of his pipe. He pauses. He slowly takes the pipe out of his mouth.* ...Sometimes. Arsé-kun: Mori: Sometimes you don't talk until I've at least had coffee. Those are good days. Sheepy: Holmes: I question the reality of my existence. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's too early for this. Sheepy: Holmes: Did I really exist? Am I just made up? I know what I believe, but did humanity imprint that on to me? Arsé-kun: Mori: Can I calculate how long you'll prattle on for? Sheepy: Holmes: Go ahead. Arsé-kun: Mori: Too damn long. Sheepy: Holmes: Hmm. ... So you don't think about that ever? Sheepy: Holmes: Everything about you is technically born from the beliefs that came about upon reading The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's a good 50-50. It's still one or the other for you. Sheepy: Holmes: You have a lackadaisical approach. Arsé-kun: Mori: No. It's too early for this. Sheepy: Holmes: I was hoping for an interesting conversation. Sheepy: Holmes: In some ways I believe you changed more than me. Arsé-kun: Mori: Highly likely. Sheepy: Holmes:...Such as. The Moriarty I knew back then would not be content with this lifestyle. The Moriarty I know now, is. Sheepy: Holmes: Perhaps you've changed due to being a servant... or. What's important to you has changed. Character development. Sheepy: Holmes: Or- Sheepy: Lobo: *he sticks his snout in Holmes's face, teeth bared.* Arsé-kun: Mori: Heel, Lobo. *he goes to lightly push on Lobo's nose. booooop* Sheepy: Lobo: *His ears perk up. What does this mean? Why is his nose being booped?* Arsé-kun: Mori: You can wait. Sheepy: Lobo: *He huffs* Arsé-kun: Mori: And I am not going to deny your claim if that's what you truly believe. Sheepy: Holmes: ...Hm. Sheepy: Lobo: *he sniffs at Holmes's coffee* Arsé-kun: Mori: ... And while I'm on this train of thought- The second-closest museum has awful security. I'm just saying. Sheepy: Holmes: So that's where you intend to strike next? Well, I won't stop you. Arsé-kun: Mori: Is it, though? Sheepy: Holmes: Who knows. Arsé-kun: Mori: Not you. Certainly me. Sheepy: Holmes: Of course. Sheepy: Holmes: It'd be dull if I could tell what your next actions would be. Arsé-kun: Mori: Wouldn't it? Sheepy: Holmes: Yes.