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depressedhatakekakashi · 3 years

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Sleep Over’s and Ghost Stories

AU: Rural Au

Words: 2289

Rating: General

Characters: Hatake Kakashi and Tenzo|Yamato

Warnings: Ghost stories, Mentions of blood.

Summary: Naruto informs Kakashi that he has invited his friends over for a sleepover at their ranch that night. Knowing he can’t do everything himself to get ready to host a bunch of kids, Kakashi calls in some help.

Warning wasn’t something that Naruto had given Kakashi a lot of that afternoon when he came running into the house after a long day of school and announced that he had invited his classmates over for a camping sleepover, tonight.

Any less warning and Kakashi might not have been able to secure any help for the night, leaving him to take care of all of the food prep, wood gathering, and other chores that needed to be done while Naruto took the trunk into town to get enough marshmallows to feed an army.

That was an understatement of course. It was more likely that they could feed all of Konoha with the number of Marshmallows he had bought. At least he had also thought ahead and gotten eggs and bacon for tomorrow’s breakfast, which Kakashi had no doubt he would be cooking.

Panicking over the amount of work that was being handed to him, and wanting someone there to help him out, Kakashi decided to call the best person to help him out for the night.

Gai had unfortunately informed him that he had to head into the city the next morning for a supply run, meaning Kakashi had to call his other best friend. An unpleasant call to make since he knew that Tenzo had planned to go to the lake tomorrow for a relaxing day by himself.

Thankfully with enough pleading and a promise to go to the lake next week with Tenzo, he finally secured some help for the night.

Which was how he ended up here. Setting up a bonfire for the kids while Tenzo and Naruto put out chairs for everyone.

“Did you buy enough non-marshmallow snacks?” He called over to Naruto, wanting to make sure that no one was left hungry tonight.

“I even made sure to pick up extra bags of everything for Choji,” Naruto beamed. “And I asked Choji to bring some snacks from the bakery, Sakura to grab some stuff from the general store, and Kiba’s even bringing some dog food because I told him it was the only way you’d let him pet Pakkun.”

This must be one of those ‘proud dad’ moments that Gai was always talking about.

Tenzo, on the other hand, didn’t seem as happy about Naruto’s underhandedness, judging by the unimpressed look on his face. “Some days I wonder how you two get along, and then moments like this happen,” crossing his arms over his chest he turned to glare at Kakashi. “Quit teaching him bad habits, Senpai.”

They both knew that was never going to happen of course. Kakashi loved teaching Naruto all of his worst habits. It ensured that there would always be someone in the village to mess with other people, even long after Kakashi was gone.

“I also asked Sasuke to bring some cat food,” Naruto added. “Once Kakashi Nii-san told me you were coming over to help. He said he could bring a bag of cat food that Itachi made himself. Something that your cats would love.”

Tenzo’s hands dropped to his side, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips.

“I see,” his voice softened. “Still, you shouldn’t lie to Kiba to get free food for the dogs.”

“He’s right you know,” Kakashi added, smiling when Tenzo gave him a skeptical look. “But really it’s Kiba’s fault for believing you. Everyone knows Pakkun won’t let anyone pet him but me.”

Ok, him and Gai, and sometimes Tenzo depending on how nice the pug was feeling.

“Senpai, what did I just say about teaching him bad habits!?”

Resting his hands behind his head, Kakashi chuckled when Tenzo started to lecture him about the importance of friendship and trust. This wasn’t the first time he had gotten this exact lecture and there was no doubt in his mind that it wouldn’t be the last. Tenzo gave it to him at least once a week after he used his friends’ love of praise to get a free coffee or lunch out of him.

Meanwhile, Naruto continued to set everything up. Far too used to Kakashi and Tenzo’s arguments he had learned long ago to tune them out and keep doing whatever it was he was in the middle of.

It was simply better not to interrupt Tenzo, or one risked him dragging them into the lecture. Naruto was already lucky he wasn’t getting it alongside Kakashi since it had been his actions that upset the woodcarver.

“Oh!” reaching out, Kakashi placed one hand over Tenzo’s mouth to silence him and used the other to point towards the driveway. “Naruto, your friends are starting to arrive.”

Naruto immediately dropped what he was doing and turned towards the driveway, throwing his hands up into the air when he saw Itachi’s car pulling in beside Tenzo’s truck. “Sasuke!” He called out, running towards the driveway and leaving Kakashi and Tenzo to finish up with the bonfire set up.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Once everything had been set up and all of Naruto’s school friends had finally arrived, it was finally time to relax and enjoy the rest of the night. At least, enjoy as much of the night as one could while Kiba was sitting beside him trying desperately to pet the pug dog sitting on his lap.

“He’s going to bite you,” he warned, chuckling when Kiba continued to ignore him and narrowly avoided getting his hand chomped by Pakkun. “I told you.”

“He’s supposed to love me,” Kiba huffed, crossing his arms over his chest and glaring down at Pakkun. “All dogs love me.”

“Pakkun’s a picky dog,” scratching the pug behind the ears, Kakashi chuckled when he instantly relaxed into his hand. Forgetting all about the mean teenager who had been interrupting his relaxing nap just seconds ago. “You have seven other dogs to play with on this ranch. I don’t see why you’re so determined about getting Pakkun to like you.”

“All dogs should like me,” planting his hands on the chair, Kiba glared back at Pakkun from the corner of his eyes. “I’m a dog person. All dogs love me.”

Giving his head a shake Kakashi turned his attention back to the rest of the group and continued to scratch Pakkun’s ear. It was amusing to see Kiba continuously trying to win his favourite dog over, but at some point, the kid had to give up.

When feeding Pakkun treats didn’t work, it was a lost cause. He had chosen his favourite human and he simply wasn’t interested in anyone to who Kakashi wasn’t incredibly close.

“We should do something interesting,” Glancing towards Tenzo, Kakashi raised an eyebrow when he saw him staring at Naruto and all of his friends huddled around the fire roasting marshmallows. “It’s too quiet. Something interesting has to happen.”

And Tenzo accused him of being a bad influence.

“Mmm, and what ‘interesting’ thing would you like to happen?” Watching as Tenzo leaned in close, Kakashi listened to his plan carefully. A small smile pulling at his lips.

This was going to be perfect.

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Catching the attention of the kids hadn’t been as hard as Kakashi thought it would be. With the simple mention of a ghost story, he suddenly found himself surrounded by excited, bright-eyed kids waiting patiently for him to tell them the story.

Now he just had to hope that Tenzo was ready to put his plan into action.

“The tale of old man Tobirama, hmmm. Well, I guess you’re all old enough to hear it now. But don’t come crying to me if you end up having nightmares for years about it.”

“Kakashi, stop teasing us and tell us the story already.” Naruto insisted, puffing out his cheeks and glaring at his guardian.

“I bet it’s not even that scary,” Sakura commented, acting like she wasn’t leaning in to hear better. “‘Old man Tobirama’. There probably wasn’t even anyone named ‘Tobirama’ in our village.”

Oh, boy were they in for a surprise.

“Well, in the case,” leaning forward, Kakashi planted his hands on his knees and smiled down at the group. “Let me tell you the story of old man Tobirama. The grumpy old guy who lived in the old Senju ranch and would cook up children for dinner.”

At the mention of the Senju ranch, he could see the kids already starting to shake.

“Long ago, before I was even born, the Senju ranch was full of life. With a large family, parties every weekend, and a garden that could make anyone jealous. They were known for having the best fruits and vegetables in all of Konoha, though back then the village was a lot smaller so who knows how good they were.”

He’d probably get smacked by Tsunade for saying it, but it was worth it for the giggles he got from his audience.

“For the longest time, the Senju’s lived in the village peacefully. Mingling with the other villages, trading their fruits and veggies for other goods that they could use. But then one day the Senju’s just stopped coming into town. It was like they disappeared. No one knew what had happened to them, but there were rumors. Little whispers that floated around the village about the middle child, Tobirama.”

Naruto shivered in front of him, Sakura slinked behind Ino just a little, and Kiba used Bull as a shield from Kakashi. So far, none of the other kids were showing much of a reaction except for prompting Kakashi to continue with the story.

“For years the house lay empty. No one going in or out. It slowly started to decay and rot from the inside, and the garden became overgrown. Surrounding the house with vines, vegetables, and fruits. There wasn’t an inch of the place that was accessible. After fifty years the villagers finally got together and made a decision. The house had to come down.”

“This is boring,” Sasuke interrupted him. The same unimpressed look on his face that he always had when someone other than his big brother was talking. “Nothing is even happening.”

Giving his head a shake, Kakashi reached out and flicked Sasuke in the nose.

“Hasn’t Itachi taught you anything about patience, brat?” he teased. “I’m just getting to the good part. Now shush.”

Settling back into his seat, Kakashi returned his hand to Pakkun’s head and took a deep breath. “Anyways, the villagers had made their decision. They found a group of hard workers to tear down the old building and started to gather all of the equipment that they would need. A week later the workers were ready to head onto the property and start with the demolition. They hoped that it would only take a few days, but as the hours passed by, they slowly started to disappear one by one.”

Sakura was now completely hidden behind Ino, and it looked like Ino wasn’t doing much better. Her face had lost all colour, and her eyes were wide with fear.

Naruto had slowly begun to inch away from Kakashi, using any of his friends that were readily available as a shield between himself and his guardian. Hinata was cowering behind her favourite hoodie, only her eyes visible.

The only people who didn’t look fazed by his story were Sasuke, Shikamaru, and Shino. None of which were a surprise given their personalities.

He just had to hope that Tenzo pulled through and managed to fix that.

“By the end of the day the only person left was a young woman. Desperate to find the rest of her group she searched the entire house. Looking in every bedroom, searching the yard and even the attic. But no matter how often she called out to them, or where she looked, she couldn’t find them anywhere. Finally, she was left with only one place to look. The old cellar under the kitchen.”

There were a few mummers in the crowd, and at least one ‘not the cellar’ spoken in a whisper somewhere behind Shikamaru.

“Pulling up all of her courage, she headed for her new destination. The door to the cellar creaked as she pulled it open, but when she peered down there was nothing but darkness. She called out to the others, but no one answered.”

Naruto shifted a bit closer to Sasuke, nudging his shoulder until the Uchiha finally gave in and threw an arm around him.

“Taking the first step down the stairs, she held her breath. The stories villagers had told her growing up swimming in her mind. Images of Senju Tobirama, a teenager with bright silver hair and angry red eyes, wielding a bloody ax in his hands. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get rid of those thoughts, and every step she took down into the cellar felt like it would be her last. But finally, she made it to the bottom of the stairs and reached out for the cellar lights pull cord, hoping to add some light to the room. Finding it in the pitch black, she tugged at it and…”

“She was met with the face of Senju Tobirama!” Jumping up behind the kids, Tenzo flashed the light under his chin and warped his face into the most haunting face he could manage. With wide creepy eyes, and his mouth hanging open with what Kakashi could only assume was ketchup smeared all over his chin, Tenzo sent every single one of the kids scattering. Screams filled the air, only slightly drowned out by Kakashi and Tenzo’s laughter.

If Kakashi had been smart he would have brought a camera. There was no way Itachi was going to believe him the next morning when he told him about the look of absolute terror on Sasuke’s face.

#Hatake Kakashi #Tenzo #Yamato #Uzumaki Naruto #Inuzuka Kiba #Uchiha Sasuke #Konoha 12 #Senju Tobirama #Tobirama's a scary ghost #i swear XD #Taryn's Birthday Celebration 2021 #Taryn's birthday fics #Rural Au #ghostface #Mentions of blood #Ghost stories

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feralnumberfive · 3 years

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The Rewatch Academy: Episode 6 of Season 1

“The Day That Wasn’t”

I am in no way a good analyst so my little analysis and speculations probably sound a bit goofy or pretty wild and probably mean nothing at all. Everything I put into this post about each episode is purely what I noticed or thought, whether it’s funny or serious. I will be making jokes, so please just leave it at that (in no way am I trying to make fun of an actor and or character!) I am also in no way saying I noticed this stuff first. This is just what I noticed while rewatching these episodes

☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂

| 1x01 | 1x02 | 1x03 | 1x04 | 1x05 |

☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂ ☂

☂ Klaus is lucky that he never got the briefcase shot up

☂ *Hears Klaus flush the toilet and talk* Luther: Oh good, you’re up

☂ Also Luther gave Klaus about two seconds to get up before hounding him again on getting downstairs

☂ Sounds like Tom’s accent slipped a little bit when he said “three days”

☂ Yeah they needed to have a family meeting right away and yet they took the time to go get coffee or at least order it and have it delivered

☂ “Old bastard” and “Our little psycho”

☂ I still don’t get at this point how they wouldn’t believe Five. Look at him, he himself is evidence of his time traveling! He was gone for 45 years, but to them it was only 17. Either way they try to grasp at that, Five would look older if he made it back without messing up. He knew about their father’s death without anyone telling him. I really think all the mistrust comes from the way he looks and the way he acts (they obviously believe he’s just crazy right now)

☂ “What did Five even see?”

☂ Also throw back to 1x02 and I didn’t realized this until now but Five doesn’t have his tie

☂ I know it’s for the title card gag but no one questions the random umbrella falling and popping open

☂ I aspire to be as sarcastic as Hazel

☂ So where exactly is The Commission HQ at? Is it a random location in the real world? If so then wouldn’t normal people happen to stumble upon it? What about their location in space in the comics? Is this in space?? All we know is that it’s in/based off of the year 1955

☂ “I’d like to discuss the logistics of my family’s safety at your earliest convenience.” He cuts right to what’s most important to him. No “How will you stop the apocalypse?” or “What’s my job?” and even “How will my body replacement work?”

☂ Five sounds almost like he’s snapped back into a work mindset. He's suddenly polite and calm with The Handler. Maybe being back in a work environment has made his brain automatically switch into being more professional. However he might also be acting this way to try to throw her off of him being antsy with a plan

☂ Here's some Commission posters shown throughout 1x06

☂ One of us, one of us, one of us-

☂ So basically The Commission makes up history? How do they know what to do and when to make something happen? How do they know it’s right? And what’s The Commission supposed to do when the world ends? Haven't they already fixed stuff in the past or are there just continuous time loops so they need to make sure things happen over and over again? If multiple historical events happen with multiple ways they are made, then which one gets to be in the original timeline??

☂ Dot: No hard feelings! 😁

Ma’am does it look like he’s going to accept that

☂ Wait why are Hazel and Cha-Cha considered the best Temporal Assassins if Five was/is the best?

☂ Well Five has the job of taking down the Hindenburg again but this time from behind a desk. So it’s possible to accomplish “corrections” without actually having assassins do the work. So I guess there’s just so many timelines that they need to fix every single one of them over and over? That sounds like a pain in the ass

☂ TUA portraits!

☂ Y’know I have to agree with Allison on this one. Vanya was left out, however she’s offering to talk with her about the important family matter and Vanya is just denying it. I get she’s upset, but her sister is offering to include her. After Vanya leaves Allison immediately wants to go after her to talk with her. On the other hand Allison should have told her it was an emergency meeting and that they didn’t have the time to ask Vanya to join them

☂ Klaus seems genuinely concerned/upset for Vanya

☂ “We need to figure out what causes the apocalypse. Now, there are loads of possibilities. Nuclear war, asteroids.” Wow spot on, Luther! I can’t believe they actually included foreshadowing for both apocalypses (even though technically it was a chunk of the moon, not an asteroid.) I wonder how much foreshadowing for S3 was put into S2.......

☂ I know it’s big joke about Luther and the moon, but the poor guy just really believes that he was on the moon for an important reason. I mean if I were in his shoes I would believe him too since he had to send a lot of daily updates and samples

☂ “Klaus shockingly has a point. What gives us a win this time?” Shhhh careful Diego, he’s right behind you

☂ Luther is initially the only one onboard with Five on trying to stop the apocalypse. All the others want to go off and do their own thing before the world ends. He tries to get The Umbrella Academy back together to work as a team, but his leadership skills are now severely lacking. Do people *cough cough* mainly people who hate him *cough cough* overlook Luther wanting to also get his family together to stop the apocalypse with his family? Definitely.

☂ “We need the full force of the Academy to stand a chance.” Well golly gee, Allison, what did did Luther just try to do? Was that not him trying to round up all of The Umbrella Academy to stop the apocalypse?

☂ Even though Vanya is ranting, how does she not hear all the creaking metal and shaking cars?

☂ *it’s sunny around them but just the block they’re walking on is rainy until she calms down* “ThAt’S a CoInCiDeNcE.”

☂ The hall floor and Diego’s floor are so dusty

☂ It’s sweet that Diego wants Klaus to get clean in a safe way instead of going cold turkey

☂ Dot, what does “utter silence” mean to you?

☂ “Look at you, deadly little thing.” You’re not wrong, but I don’t think he appreciates being called “thing”

☂ Such a smug smile

☂ So how does Five know all of this about Karl and his son? Does it talk about Otto never washing his hands in the file? That seems like an oddly specific detail but I guess in a case file it gives as many details as possible for the worker to figure out who needs to get assassinated

☂ There are a few cog references all relating to The Commission, so I wonder if this is a nod to “Teenagers” or if they’re just using this terminology

☂ Odd tattoos (sorry for the super blurry pic)

☂ “Can I ask you a cuckoo bananas question?” Hazel is such a fun guy

☂ “Wouldn’t it be nice to kill who you want for a change?” You mean like straight up unhinged murder?

☂ The first time I watched this Hazel and Cha-Cha scene I for sure thought that Hazel was a dead man

☂ This scene just absolutely breaks my heart 💔

☂ *skips 25:24-27:42*

☂ Diego is just so accepting to everything Klaus is saying

☂ I’m sorry, are we suddenly on the set of The Phantom of the Opera?

☂ Diego, I think you’re forgetting a very important person in your life who you let down too who is also dead......(poor Ben can’t believe what his brother just said so he leaves)

☂ “Ordinary is not a word I’d use to describe you.” You’re right, it’s “Extra Ordinary” ha! Sorry Vanya, I had to use that joke

☂ Well at least we know Five ate a sandwich

☂ How exciting! The same division that made a simple candy taste like a candy from the past, but technically it’s not the past since The Commission HQ is based in 1955, is building a human body! That sounds so promising

☂ Sooooo whatever happened to Five’s new body? Is it just sitting in a lab somewhere?? Or is The Handler just lying about it to try to get Five to stay at The Commission?

☂ With the amount of time Five was staring at the suit, it obviously hurt him to know that while he has a new body within reach, he’s not going to get it because he’s about to leave

☂ “Course it’s a bit easier to see from 30,000 feet.” What is she talking about Reconnaissance aircraft? There was no mention of aircraft though so why would she bring that up? My closest guess is that she’s referring to strategic bombing in general, or even the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

☂ It sounds like Five suddenly has a New York accent when he says “operator” when talking to The Handler about Gloria

☂ Fuck you, Veggie Tales Hargreeves

☂ *skips 36:47-39:48*

☂ Well there’s your hit, Klaus

☂ I love the camera moving with Klaus as he falls and the transition into Vietnam

☂ “Lock and load, Charlie’s away!” Wikipedia’s definition of a “Charlie” is an American military slang referring to the Viiet Cong and North Vietnamese soldiers

☂ Klaus desperately calling out for a medic hurts my heart

☂ Well Luther if you had left then your body wouldn’t be the way it is now

☂ *fucking skips 45:41-50:00*

☂ Ooooh I just really love the entirety of the “Kill Of The Night” scene! If you listen to the lyrics it’s about someone luring someone into a trap to get revenge because they messed with the wrong person (it’s also about love but we’re going to ignore that part). I personally believe it’s aimed at The Commission from Five because the entire time it plays he’s messing things up for them and in some way it’s like a little bit of revenge from him

☂ Why is Gloria confused on who Hazel and Cha-Cha are? Hasn’t she heard their names a ton of times especially since they’re some of the best assassins?

☂ How did Five know which tubes to put the messages in?

☂ You can see at this part how Five immediately gets anxious and antsy. He has a wild look in his eyes. From this point onwards he’s constantly moving, shaking with energy, anticipation, and probably a little bit of anger

☂ “You’re a great disappointment to me.” That’s definitely not the first time he’s heard that

☂ “I don’t belong anywhere thanks to you. You made me a killer!” The first part of that stings. Obviously he feels like he doesn’t belong anywhere, but again I think has to do with the whole “good” and “bad” thing that’s going on. He feels like he doesn’t belong at home because he’s “bad” and has done a lot of dark stuff to get home (it doesn’t help that Luther voiced his acknowledgment of this to Five and now he has that in his mind that Luther knows and somewhat views him as “bad”). Five 100% feels shame in what he has done, and definitely has an issue of coming back to his family with blood on his hands form what he has done. He doesn’t belong in The Commission anymore because he doesn’t want to stay there to do their dirty work to kill or give out kill orders. He’s done with that or at least wants to be done with that life.

The last statement though is Five taking his anger and guilt about being becoming an assassin out on The Handler. She brought him into The Commission, which in turn he became the best assassin across The Space-Time Continuum. It’s not something he’s proud of, and he never enjoyed killing (as much as I want it to be the DNA alteration I just don’t think it exists in the show or at least not yet). However The Handler replies with “You were always a killer. I just pointed you in a direction.” which you can immediately tell has struck a chord with Five. For the briefest second he looks taken aback and his eyes ever so slightly open wider in shock, whether he took that as the truth or just a terrible accusation isn’t exactly clear. Either way he doesn’t like being accused or hearing the truth out loud of always being able to be murderous, a killer.

I believe it’s a mixture of The Handler just trying to get into his head and a combination of the truth. Reginald trained The Umbrella Academy to use brute force, but that doesn’t mean Five had killed anyone but he was definitely violent when it came to stopping bad guys (not to mention in the pilot script he was called a “Ruthless little war machine” after violently attacking and decapitating a bunch of mannequins)

☂ Diego: I’m going to go kill Hazel and Cha-Cha!........Riiiiight after I get done walking with my mom in the park

☂ He’s so happy to see Klaus again

☂ ✨Gremlin✨

☂ Who exactly does Five owe a debt to? Maybe his family after accidentally leaving them and now he wants to save them? Or is it a singular person?

☂ Ouch! Now that’s what I call a problem later!

☂

☂ Five using “Ya’ll” is weird to hear

☂ Five is talking to his siblings like he knows what’s been happening but in reality he’s rarely been at home so how would he know

☂ I love that Five doesn't even answer Diego at the end and instead just stares at his siblings

☂☂☂☂☂☂☂

Feel free to comment or reblog with things you have noticed too!

#surprise here's another long over due post!#tra #the rewatch academy #the umbrella academy #umbrella academy

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root-admins · 3 years

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SINoALICE x NieR Replicant - Weapon Stories

A complete compilation of all weapon stories from SINoALICE’s NieR Replicant collab... well, the ones that has lore to do with NieR anyways.

Whatever grammar mistakes/translation errors belongs to Pokelabo, and you will tell there are some. Most are stories are pretty self-explanatory tho.

Grimoire Weiss

We fought for what seemed like ages. To kill those things that took a twisted human form. To protect those precious to me, with my own hands. We were deceived for so long. Deceived by people in a land we've never been, whose faces we've never seen Issuing orders from a safe distance. We must have been in love. And despite the fact I couldn't save you, but I never got to thank you for saving me. These fragments glimmering deep in my depths... they seem to be the vague memories of people... the faded remnants of human wisdom... H-hold on! I’ll have you know my name is not “Booky Wooky!” You may call me "Grimoire Weiss" I am a great compendium of ancient wisdom. Treat me with respect!

Grimoire Noir

My name is the Black Book. Are you the king who will lead the world to salvation? Don't be so surprised, Your Majesty. For me, it is a simple matter to speak human words. I sympathize with your distress, Your Majesty. On this occasion, however, we have no choice but to let them deal with your sister. When sorrow overtakes you, you may come to me and speak of your tribulations. Reading is an admirable pursuit. Your Majesty--for me?? I shall peruse this volume if it comes on your recommendation... What is that? You think it odd for a book to read a book? Noir? I would prefer to dispense with this nickname. My name, Your Majesty, is the Black Book. I am a grand tome of human wisdom... thus, to refer to me by such a curious moniker is, dare I say, inappropriate.

Kaine’s Sword

She was slender, with smooth, white skin. The hint of a dark shadow in her expression highlighted her beautiful features. But something about the sword in her hand didn't seem to fit the picture. Anger, sorrow, hatred. When emotions overwhelmed her, she would swing the sword, so there was never a lack of blood to quench its thirst. The problem was that she couldn't put the sword down. A heart and body in constant conflict. No one in the world could understand her. And loneliness was eating her alive. The long war came to an end, and darkness devoured her. But her heart remained at peace. Because she faced fate in the arms of the one she loved.

Halua Head

File_25_10: Update Soon twins will be arriving. There is nothing at all in the white-walled, prison-like room except for a white bed. If only there were something to do in there... File_25_12: Update I went to look in on them, and the girl was kindly encouraging her anxious younger brother. The two of them had heavy expectations to fulfill. The weight of all humanity's hope bore down upon them. File_26_06: Update The day of the experiment, the girl passed me a letter. To the very end, she wanted someone to watch over her brother. Once I agreed, she quickly ran away. Report: Human Weapon Development Things seem to be progressing as expected with Experimental Subject A (Sister), but her condition has changed drastically. In her present state, she seems to have no sense of self. I am urgently beginning work on Experimental Subject B (Brother).

Devola & Popola’s Staff

－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ Dear Popola, Thanks for that soup recipe! My mom loved it! －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ A note received from a child in the village. Does this mean they are developing a sense of self? －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ Dear Popola, Thanks to the medicine you gave me, I'm feeling a lot better, though I can't leave home yet. Just sending a note to say thanks. －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ According to our records, humans wrote their feelings down on pieces of paper, and sent them to others. Where did they learn to do such a thing? －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ Dear Popola, I like you a lot. Will you be my girlfriend? Waiting to hear back. －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ I simply cannot understand the things they have written on these scraps of paper. I feel an unfamiliar feeling, my heart saying “no”… －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ Dear Popola, Sorry I couldn't tell you in person, but I'm coming home late tonight. Go ahead and sleep if you're tired. －－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－－ Ah, Devola. No need to worry about me this way. Tee-hee.

Favorite Pot

Yonah, I learned a special recipe! When you eat it, all your injuries will be gone! Oh! I want everyone to feed it to those they care about!

The ingredients are deer meat, sea turtle eggs, fresh veggies and herbs from the garden, and lastly tons of scorpion claws! Next, fill a pot up with all your ingredients, place the top on, and let it simmer overnight! The white steam rising from it is just so mesmerizing. ...Oh! I think it's ready! Smell for a soft scent when you take the lid off. That means it's done! I can't wait to give it to grandpa.

Transience

"Rule 0: You have the right to disband a rule by vote." I am the king's aide and second-in-command. Until now, all rules have be absolute, however, a "Voting Rite" was held where citizens could vote to change rules. Now, let's see what sort of ballots were made...

"Rule 451: Consuming alcohol is forbidden during the daytime." And stated as the reason is: because I like drinking... Because it's anonymous, all these votes are based off selfish desires. We need to improve the system somehow that reflects public opinion.

"Rule 356: Royal inquiries are limited once per day." And stated as the reason is: because I long to be with the King more...? Could this Fyra's vote...? No. Of course not. She's not the type to be interested in love. Moving on...

"Rule 68: The King's aides are to forever serve at his side" Reason being: Thank you for all your hard work. You deserve a break once in awhile... Could this be from the King himself? I'm honored to have stood by your side all these years. And the citizens of this country are proud of your work. There's no doubt of it.

Note: After rigorous deliberation, "Rule 451: Consuming alcohol is forbidden during the daytime", the most voted for rule, was repealed.

Grimoire Weiss ver.1.224

My name is Grimoire Weiss. I am an ancient tome of profound wisdom. After awakening from my long slumber, I traveled the world with my most beloved friends. She was a woman lacking respect for her elders. She'd continuously talk down to me, calling me nothing but paper and even set me aflame. However... Her rash words were also the driving force that moved us all. He was a compassionate and gentle boy who loved his friends. His manor of dress was odd, but his kind words warmed everyone's hearts. This I know to be true. I wonder if he, too had felt any relief from his sins. He was a cheeky guy, but not one you could just leave behind. We've been through a number of rough times together. I'd tell ya about it, but... I'm running out of time. If... If only I had an arm... Then I could have...hugged...him...

Grimoire Rubrum

It's the silk of fate. Knowing you, I shall begin living a life of truth. It's the forbidden fruit. Protecting you, I shall sink into wisdom's abyss. Those are the flames of anxiety. Thinking of you, I shall endure eternity's darkness. That is a reunion of bitter tears. Who are they? Why is it not me who's besides you?

Kaine’s Dual Blades ver.1.224

I craved it. Blind violence and blood-thirsty carnage. And I found it. I finally found it. A vessel stained with anger and hatred, seeking vengeance for the murder of her parents. I possessed that woman and gave her "power." That power turned the woman into a beast. One swing of her blade was enough to cut through stone and her grazes healed in an instant. She began downing every foe before her in the name of vengeance. I was delighted to witness the fruition of my desires. The woman's destruction didn't end there. After having her revenge, she continued to exert her "power" for the sake of her friends. Along her journey, her anger and hatred showed signs of waning, however, I gave it no thought. All I desired was to continue bathing in her bloodshed. Because her body has reached its limit, her power has lost control. Still, in the midst of the clashing of blades, I could feel her desire to protect her friends. Yes, this is the violence and carnage I crave. But why is it deplorable and empty?

Devola & Popola’s Spear

Upon hearing an old lady from the village caught a cold, I immediately collected my medicinal herbs with some boiled water, and rushed out from the library. I nursed her and remained by her side until her symptoms calmed down. She was extremely grateful for it.

I read a picture book to a group of children from the village. It was of an old tale about a brave, courageous man who triumphs over evil. I watched their expressions alternated between joy to sorrow to the story's pacing. I'm glad they enjoyed it.

Devola and I performed a song for the people at the village tavern. In addition to the regulars who drank there, elders and children were part of the audience. At the end of our song, the entire crowd smiled and cheered.

Every day Devola and I have been staying late at the library thinking of a plan to make life easier for the villagers. They're indispensable "vessels" for the project, so we need to do what we can for them.

Letter to the Postman

I was in a dimly lit cabin when I met a kind man. He taught me how to write a letter. What should I write on a blank piece of paper...? ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――― ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

Apparently, a letter should start off with the name of the person you want to give it to. Of course, I'd want it to be his. I hope he'll be able to read my sloppy handwriting... ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 　　Hans ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

At the end of the letter should be the name of the person who wrote it. Of course, that would be the name he gave me. Is it odd my chest feels warm writing it...? ―――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 　　Hans 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Luiz ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

And in-between these two names, I'm supposed to write how I feel. And tell him what I want the most. I wonder if he'll be happy to receive this...?

―――――――――――――――――――――――――――― 　　Hans, Thank you　Thank you　Thank you Thank you　Thank you　Thank you　Thank you 　Thank you　Thank you. Luiz ――――――――――――――――――――――――――――

#nier #nier replicant #sinoalice

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cacti-are-like-flamingos · 5 years

Text

Texted Love

Henry Cavill x Fem!Reader

Part 3

Central Masterlist | Texted Love

"Please welcome back... Henry Cavill!" Graham announced, watching as the tall and burly man walked onto the stage wearing a black on black suit, the first two buttons of the collared shirt left undone, revealing a bit of his strong collar bone and unruly chest hairs. Going over to him, the two men hugged each other, muttering soft and polite greetings before pulling away, heading towards their respective seatings. Norton in his black cushioned bucket chair and Henry along side the other guest stars on the strangely shaped red couch.

The interview started as like the many others before, with questions about the guest stars participation in the latest new series or social events or just some funny things that were rumored to have been done or said by the guest. Already a handful amount of minutes had gone by, the show was due to end in about 30 more when the talkshow host decided to bring back up the subject about Henry and the lovely (Y/n).

"So Henry, have you got an update for us?" Henry furrowed his brows in confusion, not truly understanding what the older male was trying to imply. It took him a moment or two to finally understand. No one would know, except himself of course, that the smile that arose to his lips wasn't because it was a funny situation or because he was shy about it. No, it was because he had instantly pictured you in his head, the thought of you causing a bubbling warmth to flood his stomach.

"Ah yes...What would you like to know?" Henry asked, a fond look in his eyes.

"Have you guys been talking?" The actor nodded making the host squeal out of joy; fangirling. The action causing many chuckles. "Ooo, do tell." The host spoke.

"Oh, uhh, well we've been nonstop talking with eachother since," he chuckled under his breath, the veins in his neck seemed to become more visible due to it," she told me to 'hit her up'," his said, air quoting the phrase with both his hands index and middle fingers," on instragam."

"Have the two of you met yet?" A guest star asked.

"No, we haven't unfortunately. Her schedule and mine contradict a lot. So we make due with a lot, and I mean, A LOT of texting and face timing."

"That's good, great way of communicating despite circumstances. Tell us, have you learned something new about (y/n)? Like any weird habits?"

An instance quickly popped up in his mind, a chesire grin on Henry's face.

"Actually yeah. Here's the thing, (y/n) likes to send me strange things at like the most ungodliest of hours." The audience laughed, huge beaming grins on their faces. Graham sent the male a hesistant look, anxious of what was to come one could say.

"What-hahaha. What do you mean? What has she sent you?" Shifting about his seat, the raven haired male wet his lips, a smirk coming about them.

"Hehehe. She, for some reason, likes to send me a lot of gifs of those, uhhh, I don't know what they're called. Uhh, it's like a tomato from a kids show. And like it has a confused face."

"What the fuck...?" Another guest star quietly muttered under their breath, but loud enough for the microphone and the people on stage to catch. Henry tried to surpress another wave of laughter as he continued to elaborate more on the bizarre subject.

"Yeah, so she'd send them at like 5 in the bloody mornin', which is actually her midnight back in the states."

"Is-" Graham cleared his throat, eyes twinkling in amusement, "Forgive my bluntness, but is she drunk at that time? Does she drink by then?" A whole roar of laughter and claps erupted from the audience and stage. Shaking his head, soft black curls fell upon his glistening forehead, his smirk widening.

Henry quickly added, "Actually, I've asked her that question like once but she said that even she's surprised she isn't drunk."

"And does she do it like every day?"

"Soemtimes its back to back. But then it stops for a while and then starts up again."

...

Instagram 11:50 pm

(U/n): (henrycavill): You just had to out me to the world didn't you? 😒

(henrycavill): (U/n): What? It was funny

(U/n): (henrycavill): smh

(U/n): Wonder what else you gonna spill about me

(henrycavill): (U/n): oh i don't know...maybe your obsession with Star Wars fanfiction? Figure that'll catch the media's attention quite nicely won't it?

(U/n): (henrycavill): 😧

(U/n): (henrycavill): Wow. We really going there. Okay, okay.

(U/n): (henrycavill): Pay attention to my next interview. I think you'll find something of great interest.

(henrycavill): (U/n): Oh? What is it?

(U/n): (henrycavill): Not gonna say. But I'll give you a hint.

(henrycavill): (U/n): Ooo a hint

(U/n): (henrycavill): I hear your sarcasm so freakin loud rn. When we meet imma slap you hard core

(henrycavill): (U/n): As if you could reach

(U/n): (henrycavill): Psst I don't even gotta reach. All i gotta do is grab you by the tie and pull you down to my level.

(henrycavill): (U/n): oh? how kinky of you

(U/n): (henrycavill): darling that's vanilla compared to my other kinks ;)

(henrycavill): (U/n): And just what are your other kinks? 😏

(U/n): (henrycavill): Bondage~

(henrycavill): (U/n): Really now? You like to be tied down and called a good girl? 😏

(U/n): (henrycavill): Nope. I like to tie you down and make you beg for me to call you a good boy. 😏

(henrycavill) still typing...

(U/n): (henrycavill): Gtg see ya babe! Remember watch my interview! Bye💕

...

"I literally cannot believe you actually just said that to him." Terry stated, eyes wide and glassy as he took yet another swig of his liquor. A pink blush flourishing a the apples of his freckled cheeks. Laying beisde his seated body, you buried yourself deeper into the velvetness of your fuzzy blankets, a content smile on your glossed lips. A bottle of vodka in your hand.

"Me neither. Future me will most likely either regret it or be proud of me? Question mark." You said, your eyes still glued onto the tv. Ah, Reid found another body.

"What do you think his reply is?" You shrugged.

"I dom't really care man. Actually I do care but I want to ignore my anxiety for as long as I can so Imma act like I don't care."

"But you do care right?" You briefly looked his way.

"...Yes."

"Do you like him?" You drank.

"If I say it, it becomes more real. So I'm just gonna ignore that question."

"But you do. What's so wrong about liking a person?"

"Are you gonna drink that or am I going to have to drink it for you?"

...

His mind didn't know how to react to her text. But his body did. Almost instantly did a sudden discomfort form within his pants, a tightness. His whole body felt as though it was near a furnace, his cheeks warm and pink. His imagination was running wild. He could see so many fantasies, all runnung parallel to each other. Each equally pleasurable.

You really were a minx.

He continue to try and formulate some kind of phonetic response to your message, but to no avail. Ten minutes had gone by when all of a sudden his phone's screen lighted up, illuminating his face in the room filled with pure darkness.

Instagram 12:00 am

(U/n): (henrycavill): his name is Bob the Tomato from Veggie Tales. Night 🌙💕

"Yep. She's a keeper." Henry muttered, a small smile on his lips as he put his phone away to sleep at last.

Wait she never gave the hint? Oh well. It'll just have to be a surprise then.

...

"You really had to send him that?" "Shut up and drink up your vodka." "Is that a threat?" "Fine. Give here then!" "No, no, no, no, no, no! Sorry! Sorry! Look! Morgan's on the screen!"

...

(A/N): This could've gone so many different and not so innocent ways but I'm a crackhead so...!

Wished 🌟 @nothernlights19

Hope you enjoyed!

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surveys-at-your-service · 3 years

Text

Survey #446

“so you can throw me to the wolves / tomorrow i will come back, leader of the whole pack”

Favourite cheese? American. Superman or Batman? I know literally nothing of Superman, but I like Batman. Who are your best friends? The only person I consider a best friend is Sara. Name the 3 most important people in your life: My mom, Sara, and... I suppose myself since I cherish my mental health VERY deeply. Are you currently learning from anyone how to play any instruments? No. Do you know anyone who is overly flirty with people? Girl or a boy? In my personal opinion, yes. I do believe it's possible to be "overly" flirty, considering you can really lead people on. It's a she. Do you believe vampires are real? Not the stereotypical Twilight kind. No. Have you ever been to a porn website? Were you addicted to it afterword? No. I'm really not into that. What is the most disgusting thing you think the opposite sex can do? I think the most disgusting thing anyone can do is commit rape. Would you rather be able to teleport or freeze time? Which one seems best? I feel teleportation is obviously more convenient and useful in dangerous situations. Have you seen the movie Twister? Did the tornadoes look real to you? LKJFL;AKSDJFKLASJDLFKA;WE NOOOOOOOOOO. I am WAY too terrified of tornadoes to watch that. Have you actually been through a devastating natural disaster before? Hurricane Floyd was pretty devastating. I was too young to really remember it, though. Did your mom ever fix your eggs and bacon into a smiley face as a kid? She probably did. What fast food place, in your opinion, has the best french fries? BOJANGLE'S, AHHHHHHHHHHHH. Do you believe one day aliens might take over the planet Earth? I mean, it's possible, but I don't know. Do you remember when they used to actually throw candy out at parades? I didn't know they stopped. Does it bother you when people burp around you or do you do it too? I couldn't possibly care less, it's a natural bodily function. Just because of societal standards though, I don't burp in public, though, but only around family and close friends. What is one kind of music you’d do anything to not listen to in the car? Anything like rap that has a STUPIDLY loud bass that just annoys everyone within a ten mile radius. When was the last time you babysat, if ever? Did anything bad happen? A year or two ago, for my nephew. No one else was free to watch him, so I had no choice. Nothing bad happened, besides nearly having a panic attack. Do you ever talk to people you met online through webcam? Or is that weird? No. Even Sara and I don't do it, because I'm too self-conscious of how I look. Even though she's seen me plenty before irl. Would you ever consider becoming a scientist? Why would you or why not? Well, I majored in biology briefly... I wanted to be a wildlife biologist. I just adore animals and thought I could do it. I just couldn't handle school. When is the next time you’ll talk to the cousin you’re closest to? I'm not especially close to any of my cousins. Are you really into vintage things? Have you ever been into that stuff? Yessss! is writing something that you enjoy doing? Definitely. Would you rather read or write? Write. Would you rather draw or take photographs? If I wind up being very proud of the product, I prefer drawing, but I take pictures far more. When was the last time you cheated at something? I have no clue. Has anyone ever copied off of your homework assignments? I think so? Do you have any pictures of celebs saved to your computer? ... *stares at my folder labelled "Mark"* What would you consider your favorite holiday? Why is this? Christmas. I love the whole vibe of it. The weather, the smells, the treats, my niece's and nephew's excitement... I adore all the lights and decorations, the gratefulness for family and your loved ones in general... I just love Christmas. If you’re a girl, do you have big hips? Too big? I'd say my hips are normal. Girls, do you think you look good in dresses or not? God no. Not anymore. Have you ever taken a pottery class before? Nope. How many times have you seen Star Wars? Be honest. Once. I didn't like it. Has your best friend ever made you cry? Yes. But in her defense, we've both made the other cry. Have you ever entered a talent competition? God no, I ain't got shit to flaunt. Are you smiling in your Facebook profile picture? Yes. If you wear eye shadow, do you put on a dark colour or a light? And if you wear mascara, what colour is it? I only ever wear black for both of those. What is your favourite Christmas movie? Jim Carrey's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. What do you get complimented on the most? My Markiplier tattoo, actually. What do you think of your best friend’s ex? One I REALLY don't like, the other I'm neutral about. Are you biracial? No. Do you have Pop-Tarts in your house right now? No. We try to not buy them, given they're just TOTALLY empty calories. They don't fill me at all. Is anyone’s birthday coming up? No. Does/did either of your parents serve in the military? No. Do you like sour candy? I LOVE sour candy. Where would you like to go on your honeymoon? Alaska, to see the Northern Lights. Do you usually wear sunglasses when you’re driving? I haven't driven in well over a year. Hell, maybe two. But no, because I'd need prescription sunglasses. Ignoring nutrition, could you live off veggies for the rest of your life? God no. Has anyone taken their shirt off in front of you? Yeah. What time do you usually have dinner? 5:30-6:30, usually. What’s your favourite meat? Chicken, I think. What is your favourite meal of the day and why? Breakfast. I just enjoy breakfast foods. What colour is your shampoo? White. Tell me a silly little old wive’s tale you believed when you were a child: My older sister got me to believe that if you said a word a ridiculous amount of times, it'd be the only word you knew how to say anymore, lmao. Shut up, I was little. What was the last magazine you bought? Do you subscribe to any? I don't buy magazines. Whose Facebook profile did you last look at? Was there anything that caught your attention? Uh, that's a good question. Do you regret your last relationship? Not at all. What’s better, mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes? Mashed potatoes, though I'm picky with them and the texture. Did you ever used to make cookies, cakes, or pie with your grandma? No. Do you like kids? Not especially. They ask too many questions and can be really rude, even though I know they usually don't mean to be. What are you listening to? I'm watching Gab Smolders play Dino Crisis 2. I finished her playthrough of Final Fantasy X, so now I feel a void in my soul that I am trying to fill with a new series lmao. Do you burn incense? Not really anymore. I'm not against it, I just... haven't. What is your favorite kind of cracker? Cheese-Itz. Can you name a single song by Billy Joel without looking it up? Yeah; I can name a few, actually. My dad loves Billy Joel, so I heard him a lot growing up. "Piano Man" is a classic. Do you like regular peppermint candy canes, or do you prefer different flavored ones [fruits, bubble gum, cinnamon, etc.]? I actually really like the Jolly Rancher ones. Have you ever been kissed while sitting atop the hood of a car? That's actually possible... but I'm not sure. I think I have a faint memory of lying on a car hood with Jason before. What do you think is the dumbest/tackiest piercing? I don't like calling a piercing either of those, like if they make someone feel more confident and attractive, good for them. I can say I'm personally not a fan of the smiley piercing, though. Have you ever requested a song on the radio? No. When I was a kid at a birthday party, though, one of the girls did. Does your mother still take care of you if you get ill? She helps a lot, yeah. What is one song that always brings back memories every time you hear it? Honestly, too many. I attach way too aggressively to songs. Do you currently have any pimples? Not currently, no. Did anything disturb your sleep at all last night? Ugh, yes. I couldn't sleep for shit. How does it make you feel looking at pics with your ex and someone else? I have only seen one picture of Jason with the girl he dated after me and it. Set. Me. On. Fucking. Fire. It's pathetic. If you’re not in college, why? All it did was give me emotional breakdowns. What do you think about MTV? I am way too out of the loop on what goes on on any TV channel to answer this. What was your very first day of your very first job like? What’d you do? How long did it take you to get the hang of it, and feel comfortable with working? This was waaaay too long ago... All I remember is actually being hopeful, though nervous. I never got to the point of feeling comfortable there. Or at any job. If you have a dog, are they friendly to strangers or other dogs? We don't have a dog, but we do have a cat that is EXTREMELY skittish around strangers. Someone he doesn't know comes through the door? He's bolting to hide. Do people ever comment on or joke about your driving? Well, I got flipped off once by a driver, so... I'd consider that a silent comment. I, to this day, don't know why they (it was a group of guys) did it, but it's stuck with me. What was the last thing to move you? Are you easily moved or inspired? The ending of FFX alsdkfjkaljlkwjer. And yes. If you`ve ever seen your very favorite band, did you cry when you saw them? Was it like a dream come true? If you`ve never seen them, do you think you would? I haven't, but I probably would a little bit. Of all the reality competitions you’ve watched, who are some of your all-time favorite contestants and what shows were they from? From America's Got Talent, I adore(d) Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., as well as Prince Poppycock. I keep up with them both on Facebook. Ever had a friend named Alex or John? One of my closest online friends was Alex. A couple years ago she just... got a boyfriend and fell off the face of the earth. Are you happy with your relationship status? I mean... no, I'm ridiculously lonely, but being single is for the best right now. What kind of stuff do you like on your hot dogs? Just ketchup and mustard. Have you ever been in a spelling bee? No. What is the most annoying thing that your parents do? Mom absolutely always assumes she's right. Dad repeats himself like CRAZY. Would you say you’re someone who has good manners? Yes. Did you parents know what gender you were before you were born? Actually, the doctors couldn't determine mine (or any of Mom's kids') because my legs were ALWAYS crossed when they did ultrasounds. Mom says she "knew" I was a girl, though. Have you ever been addicted to something unhealthy? I'm addicted to caffeine, yes. Who makes the best desserts in your entire family? Hm, I dunno. Do you have good dreams or nightmares more? I have very severe sleep apnea that results in very violent nightmares almost any time I sleep without my APAP mask. Even WITH the damn mask, I have them a lot. When was the last time someone insulted you? What was the insult? *shrug* Do you have trouble reading small fonts? Yes. I used to find it aesthetically pleasing, but my vision is just too bad now, even with my (shitty) glasses. Do you know anybody that believes that magic/witchery truly exists? I think so. Do you find watching animals in their natural habitat to be exciting & fascinating? Absolutely!! The last time you had sex: did you want it, or did the other person want it? ... You know it's supposed to be a mutual desire, right?? What does your sibling(s) call you? "Britt." Has anyone you’ve known claimed to be psychic? Maybe? I'm unsure. Did/do you believe them? Hell no. I don't believe in psychics and believe people who claim to be so are manipulative pieces of shit. Is anything annoying you right now? I am bored to an inexplicable level askldjfla;wejlr. Have you ever worn a pair of scrubs? Yeah. Anything in your room that you’re hiding from your parents or someone else? No. Have you ever felt abandoned? Well yes. By definition, my dad abandoned our family. Where are you? I’m in my bed. What’s been the worst part of this day? I've just been so, so bored. I'm sick and fucking tired of dealing with anhedonia. Who last encouraged you to better yourself? My therapist.

#survey #surveys #random questions #lyrics: ''throne'' by bring me the horizon

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btscreatorscorner · 4 years

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Project Summary: Travel with a few members of the team here at BCC as they sit around a bonfire and reminisce on the days of summer. We will tell you interesting stories about tales that may be a little exaggerated about the members of a group of 7 guys that we have come to love.

Links to stories and edits will be added as they are posted!! We will reblog the stories and edits as well~ We hope you enjoy!

Seeing each other was honestly a dream. It felt surreal to be able to meet up and camp with so many people from an online network, and they were smiling and laughing as they talked in person (some for the first time ever). The lulling sounds of the ocean waves became a white noise to everyone as they set up their tents and gathered firewood. They were having so much fun talking together that time had passed quickly, evening fast approaching and the sun sinking into the horizon creating a sea of colors in the sky. The sight was truly breathtaking.

Simi’s and Lillia’s eyes locked onto the waving group down the beach. “Welcome everyone,” Alexis smiled as she returned to the campsite after scoping out the beach.

“Hey Alexis! How’s the beach look? Any shark teeth?” Lillia asked, returning to chopping onions in preparation for dinner.

"You say that like she'd know. Are we forgetting that she's the ‘blind’ one?" Simi replied, snickering at Alexis's squint.

From the small crowd gathering on the beach came a range of different accents. Some were easily pinpointed and others a little more difficult to locate. Lillia continued guiding everyone down to the beach, within the group was a small and rather tired Jester with a large bag. Situated at the bottom of her bag was some sort of rolled up bedding.

“Excuse me, sorry I’m late, airport customs tried to steal my Vegemite” Jester called, eyes gazing straight past Simi’s shoulder. With no hesitation she dropped her luggage in the sand, kicked off her shoes and sprinted towards the ocean.

Halting mere inches from the water, she teetered, waving her hands and trying not to topple into the surf from her abrupt stop.

“Almost jumped in with my phone and your American paper dollarydoos” she shouted, racing back to the group.

Jester proceeded to empty out her pockets, dumping twenty and fifty dollar notes and her phone into her shoes and running full pelt back to the water. With a warrior cry, she dove into the ocean causing quite the splash before the water stilled ominously.

There was no sign of her — had she disappeared? An alarming amount of time went by and the group shuffled nervously before she breached with all the elegance of a blue whale gasping and flopping onto her side.

A few of the others joined Jester whooping as they splashed into the water, others set to tasks they thought were a little more pressing, like designating tents.

With what little sun they had left, they had managed to hold a few fun activities and lots of conversations.

As the sun finally set the sweet cotton candy colors in the sky darkened and from its depths emerged twinkling lights, the mood changed along with it. Food was tossed on the grill, the inferno causing the aroma to fill the beach. Everyone’s mouth was watering, excited to finally dig in.

Simi was trying to organize gluten-free buns on one side and regular on the other. “The veggie burgers have finished. I cooked them on their own so it’s all good. I’m about to cook the meat patties — last call for meat-free grilling” Lillia called to the group with a bright smile, expertly flipping the spatula in her hand and getting back to work when there were no complaints.

The large group slowly began making themselves plates of food and once everyone was situated, the group was silent for a brief moment before Alexis decided to strike up some conversation.

“...I think that would be a great idea, don’t you guys think?”

The sounds of wood crackling could be heard in the background. Sepha watched as the smoke turned into the black of the burning wood and then to the fire-y orange and undertones of red. It had only turned out that way when she watched as one of the women drizzled more fluid over the fire.

Looking to her left, she saw a welcoming smile and couldn’t help but feel guilty for not hearing the rest of what had been said.

“Sorry?” Sepha asked, watching as the rest of the group surrounding the fire laughed at her in confusion.

“What kind of scary stories are you into? You know… typical gory types or mystery, maybe romance—” Lillia repeated emphasizing the last genre.

“Murder mysteries are the most interesting…” At this, Amunet smiled at Sepha’s response and she couldn’t help but return it.

“I like romance! You know the ones where people just go camping to see the stars, and the moonlight and it just smells like chocolate and marshmallows.” All eyes followed the light voice which sounded across the fire, belonging to none other than Kyub. Gabi couldn’t help but share a hopeless shrug with Sepha, who poked at the fire with her long stick.

The fire gave a loud crackle, “Sounds nice...but with this kind of night when there’s no moon and just the sound of nature around you — it kind of makes you want to tell scary stories for the fun of it.” Alexis seemed to agree to Sepha’s last sentiment and continued roasting the marshmallow.

“You’re right, though. Just darkness and nature, makes me think of murder.” Bubbles started up again which only earned a dry chuckle from across the circle.

Mae spoke up for the first time, saying “morbid, but sure, what the hell” as she fidgeted with her own stick, apparently inventing something the campers could only assume was a s’more kebab. She seemed to struggle immensely considering the graham crackers didn’t have any holes in them for her stick. But they all watched, intrigued, as Mae continued stacking: cracker, marshmallow, chocolate, cracker, marshmallow, chocolate, cracker—

“What are you doing?” This time, the voice came from just outside the circle, Amunet was returning from her tent wearing a thick navy blue pullover sweater. She was looking at Mae’s invention with an arch to her brow but otherwise unphased.

“What does it look like?” retorted Mae, gently waving the kebab around for everyone to see which earned a couple of laughs from everyone as a graham cracker broke off. Mae’s resulting cursing drew even more laughs.

Lillia began to clap, “A’ight! Let’s start with some stories eh?” She looked around, giving everyone her signature friendly smile before settling on Sepha. “I think you should start some things off Seph, with you know, all that murder mystery enthusiasm you have.”

“Huh?” She was caught off guard, looking to see everyone anticipating eyes had fallen upon her and when she looked around the waiting company, she could see Kyub giving a soft encouraging smile. The nervous laugh bubbled out of Sepha's lips before she could stop it, and with a scuff of her feet against the sandy ground she was ready.

“I-um—you guys ever hear that phrase,” The cautionary pause gave Sepha time to think it over, “You ain’t Jiving man?” There was a quick shake of Bubbles’ head to her far left.

“I have no idea what that means.” Jester hummed stabbing at least twelve marshmallows with a long skewer-like-stick. Another culinary mad genius.

“It’s from the 70s, all that slang shit. Supposed to mean: ‘Is that the truth?’ Or at least the equivalent to it.” That earned hums all around as Sepha licked her lips, wondering how to start off her story. Mae and Jester smiled encouragingly as Sepha shook her head to focus herself before diving in.

“Well, that phrase kind of relates to this story...at least kind of...maybe...I don’t know,” Sepha watched as Mae grabbed at the remains of a broken graham cracker, her frustration obvious enough in the way she picked at the pieces but it only earned her a cheeky smile from Bubbles who was right next to her. “I’m sure you guys heard of the case of Ted Bundy right? You know, infamous serial killer.”

“He was fucking insane and not even handsome. I don’t even know what girls saw in him during that time.” As she spoke, Jester’s face twisted like she had bitten into a lemon and all Sepha could do was nod in agreement. She watched the fire again, poking at it and watching the ash burn up to the surface.

“Well...I’m gonna tell a survivor story. Her name was Carol DaRonch, one of Bundy’s survivors and—”

“We should call her Katie! For, you know, copyright reasons.” This time the voice belonged to Bubbles; it was soft but managed to grab everyone’s attention in time before they could all fully dive into the story. At her suggestion, Sepha nodded and chuckled, poking at the fire once more, sending an array of sparkle-like embers into the night sky. She quickly moved the toe of her boot just enough to not get any of the burnt ash on it.

Sepha nodded vigorously again and continued.

“Yeah...yeah let’s call her Katie…” she licked her lips once more and looked up to see the dark depths of the night sky there wasn’t a cloud in sight. When the group stared at the fire they could almost hear the sound of Marvin Gaye. The campers could feel the heat wash over them, in a way that reflected the heat of Florida.

“It was a college party...in the summer of 1974….”

“Okay, well that was dark. Interesting, but dark. I like it.” Mae had shifted from her seat on a log onto the dirt beneath, slumping with her back against the bark lethargically. Others nodded in agreement.

“Shall we lighten the mood with a happier story?” Bubbles asked, lifting her hands to warm them above the lively fire. It was quiet for a second before Mae spoke up again.

“I have one.” She changed her posture to sit slightly straighter when all eyes were on her. “It’s about a couple that got turned into fairies while camping in the woods one summer night.”

“Is that a drug reference?” Lillia raised a skeptical eyebrow.

“No.” Mae frowned.

“Knowing you, ‘turning into fairies’ could mean anything.” Lillia shrugged, earning chuckles from the group. The fire crackled just as Mae sent a sharp glare at the woman, but her lips betrayed her as they began to curl upwards at the teasing.

“My story has nothing to do with drugs— but it does involve magic.” This caught the attention of the crowd. “Did you know that fairies occupy many wooded areas around the world? Yeah, they tend to hide from humans, but in desperate times they can use their powers to recruit our help, just as they did last summer.

“It happened somewhere in the Rocky Mountains in August of last year…”

Those scattered around the fire were left captivated by the fantastical tail Mae had spun. They had even paused from their s’more-making escapades, each slowly contemplating the idea of fairies. Some eyed the surrounding area outside the camp, others picked up where they left off preparing more marshmallows for their delicious dessert endeavors. In amongst the slowly roasting marshmallows was one completely engorged in flames.

“Uh, Jester your marshmallow is on fire?”

“Yup, that’s how I like them” She grinned brightly with green eyes sparkling full of mischief as she blew out the fireball that had encased the blackened crispy confectionary that once resembled a marshmallow. She shoved it into her mouth and shouted “My turn!”

“I have a good one.” Jester’s sharp grin seemed to be hiding something. “Hold onto your hats, this one is from my trip to Greece. You must always be careful when you travel to another country because anything can happen.

“It started in Mykonos...”

“And that’s what happens when you meet strangers in another country. I should have learned from the first two times I went overseas” Jester shrugged “Wild stuff, though”

“Actually no” Gabi interjected, pointing her finger in a pause gesture while she collected her thoughts.

“Nope” Kyub’s eyes were wide; she blinked, once, twice in disbelief. Before she shook her head as if trying to rattle the thoughts back into place.

“That’s famously not what happens when you meet strangers in another country” Gabi continued her thought with a small sound of concern.

“Yeah, I’m with them — that is most definitely not what happens.” Sepha laughed as Jester looked up confused. “Most people don’t go home with strangers, though, so I guess you could be right.”

“I mean yeah, that one was my bad I guess” Jester laughed.

“Who’s next?” Amunet asked excitedly, wishing to listen to more of the nightly stories.

Kyub looked a little nervous but after taking a deep breath she was determined to unleash her summer tale by way of pictures on her phone. “Mine isn’t exactly a story, I have some photos that I took over the summer that I think really tell a story. It was in a cemetery” her voice was sweet and gentle.

“We would love to see!” Alexis smiled reassuring the young girl. Everyone seemed intrigued by the idea of the photos and how they would tell the story.

“It’s up to interpretation...”

“That is amazing, how did that even happen?”

“You know the saying, ‘a picture is worth one thousand words’ and you have two” Jester grinned “like he is keeping the flowers a secret or like the flowers are something he loves and cherishes but keeps hidden.” Other voices chimed in:

“It feels so sad.”

“It feels so jarring that the colour is stripped away.”

“I like to think the first image is kinda, like, wistful or reminiscing and then when he looks down it is the reality.”

The entire camp seemed hit with raw emotion. There was a collective look of disbelief and someone sighed “That is so well done.”

Everyone had finished their stories and games for the evening and numbers started dwindling as the late hour took the sleepy camp goer’s. They all were settling for the evening, tents and sleeping bags rustling in the background alongside the occasional giggle, whisper and yawn.

Rolling out the khaki green bedroll, was Jester looking small in the contrasting light from the fire and shadow from the night.

“Jester, where are you sleeping, do you wanna share a tent?” Gabi asked, deciding to offer a shelter.

“Nah, I got my swag, I’m gonna lay by the fire and watch the sky.” She laid back and squinted up at the stars. “You should visit my little corner of the world where the stars look like milk.”

Credits: Thank you @youarejesting for working on this masterlist and @kyub for doing the amazing banner! And thank you to all of our writers, editors and betas who worked hard on this project: @youarejesting , @kyub, @dead-starlight, @bubblebunnylia, @sweetnspicy93, @bussy-posts, @jiminniethemarshmallow, @moccahobi, @yourmoonchild1023, @jung-hoseok-s-airplane, and @hesperantha for betaing the masterlist!!!

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moonlightmurder · 5 years

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Robert Mark Steele : The Gentle Giant

Allan Chisholm was the boss of Goulburn Jail when numerous murders happened. When asked if it took a toll on him, he said only one death did and it wasn’t a murder, “Sure it does affect you — watching a man die is not pleasant — but with all of them…well… it was just part of the job. But there was a particular death during my time at Goulburn that stands out. One that really got and one that I am still saddened by now.“

“Hey you, retard,” the inmate yelled, throwing a handful of food slop.

“Yeah, you, dumb shit,” he continued to bully as the leftover meat and veggies slid down the target’s spine. “You giant piece of spastic shit. I’m going to hurt you. Hurt you real bad.“

Backed by a posse of tattooed arms and battle-scarred heads, the big-mouthed man stepped in. His leading left crashed into chin. His right, the enforcer’s trusted knock-out blow, slammed into temple.

The ‘giant piece of spastic shit’ shook his head. “Don’t make me hurt you,” he said. “I don’t want to have to hurt you. No trouble, please.“

The prison heavy went red with rage.

A body shot this time.

Wrong.

The giant wrapped his hands around the attacker’s neck, and with nothing more that a flick of his wrists and should twitch, he lifted the prisoner into the air.

“I told you!” the giant screamed.

The force of the blow that followed knocked the name-calling, food-throwing man out cold.

“He never hurt anyone unless he had to,” recalled Chislom of Robert Mark Steele, a man imprisoned for his role in five murders.

“Only one that I can recall. He was a bit like the guy from the movie The Green Mile — a gentle giant who looked like a killer. He was simple but kind, and could have destroyed anyone in the jail but didn’t. He was that sort of inmate. I really had a soft spot for him, and I don’t think he should have even been in jail.“

March 1993,

The rays of the rising summer sun, hot enough to wring steam from the damp grass, could not drive the evil away.

The light did not deter the devil.

“I ain’t going out without a fight,” said self-described sociopath Leonard Leabeater, surrounded by police in a Hanging Rock Station farmhouse at Cangai, New South Wales. “I’m going to make sure they kill me.“

He hugged the shotgun like a teddy bear as he reflected on the two hostages he had just released : Trevor Lasserre, 11, and his sister, Tonia, 6.

“I don’t kill people under 12,” he boasted. “I’d rather be in South Australia killing cops.“

Leabeater had let the children go shortly after fellow fugitive Raymond Basset surrendered himself to police; the 25-year-old wasn’t ready to die. The third murderer, Robert Steele, 22, stayed with Leabeater even after the children had been released. Like Bassett, he didn’t want to be shot down in a hail of bullets, but he couldn’t leave the man who had taken him in, either. Steele believed Leabeater was the religious prophet of the spirit Astra. He had followed Leabeater, who foretold that his own death would come when he was killed by a warlock, without question. But with the death he predicted drawing near — it would later be revealed he told his sister he would die on an altar on the fourth month of 1993 — Leabeater instructed his loyal follower to leave. He told him to walk towards the light.

At 6am Steele strolled from the farmhouse, calmly smoking a Winfield Red, and handed himself over to police.

But Leabeater remained in the dark. The fresh sun, the threatening guns and the pleas driven through police-issue PAs not stopping him from claiming one last life — his own.

After a 26-hour siege, the nine-day rampage that saw Leabeater, Bassett and Steel kill five people was finally over. Leabeater’s body was found lying on a blood-soaked bed, a half-smoked cigarette still gripped between his fingers.

A shotgun was lying next to the remains of his head.

Bassett and Steele were charged with the murders of a pregnant 14-year old, whose charred remains were found on a Queensland farm; three miners, all shot in the head and two thrown from a cliff; and a helicopter mechanic murdered near Mount Isa.

Bassett was given two life sentences for the shocking crime. Steele received five life sentences plus 12 years without the possibility of parole.

The giant Steele, 130kg of bulk and brawn, was sent to Goulburn Jail. That’s where he pulled out a packet of Winfield Reds and offered it to the boss.

“I smoked Marlboros, and he looked at them and told me they were no good,” recalled Chisholm. “He offered me his whole pack. I remember that because no one in prison had ever offered me anything, and smokes were a very big deal to them. They are like gold in prison. That was the first time I saw his good heart.“

The next time Chisholm saw the giant’s kindness was when he reluctantly flipped the bully.

“A crook was picking on him,” Chisholm said. “He was a heavy and he was giving Steele heaps because he was simple. The guy was in high-security because he was a handful; someone who couldn’t be contained elsewhere. He was a tough bloke, but he picked out Steele. It was a huge mistake. Steele upended him and knocked him out with a single blow. He could have kept on going, but he walked away. He didn’t hurt him more that he had to, and I was there soon after the fight. He was apologizing. ‘It’s not my fault, chief. He was picking on me. I’m sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt him so bad,’ he said.”

Chisholm knew Steele was telling the truth. “He could have killed the bloke if he wanted to — and everyone else in the room — with his bare hands. But he was just protecting himself.“

Chisholm found Steele to be incredibly kind but easily led. “He was involved in that hostage thing,” Chisholm said. “He was involved in the killings and the siege, but it was a cult-type thing and he was very young. I’ll go further than that — to be blunt, he was retarded. He wasn’t all there. He was the youngest, and he was taken advantage of. He was like a big kid who is extremely strong. He believed in what the other two were doing and he did as he was told.“

Chisholm became fascinated with the behemoth man-child.

“I was always in close contact with Steele,” Chisholm said. “And I built a rapport with him, mainly because we initially thought he was going to be such a threat to everyone else in jail and a major problem. But he didn’t hurt officers or anyone else. I would tell him to get back to his cell and he did. I honestly believe he should have not been in jail. He should have been in some psychiatric facility. He was a child trapped in a giant’s body. Yes, he deserved to be punished because of his horrendous crimes, and he couldn’t live in society, but Goulburn wasn’t the place for him, and it would kill him.“

Chisholm got the call on Christmas Eve, 1994.

“He’s dead, boss,” said an officer. “You better come down.”

Steele was on his knees, a twisted blanket the only thing stopping his head from falling onto the cell floor.

“About 12.05 am we got a call to say he had necked himself,” Chisholm said. “He was so big that he had to kneel down and fall forward to get enough tension on the sheet. He had tied it to the cell bars and pulled forward until he was dead. It took us ages to get him out of the cell because he was so big. It was really a horrible thing to see.“

Steele was to spend Christmas in solitary confinement after threatening to go out with a bang.

“I went and saw him on the Christmas Eve because of somme allegations he had made,” Chisholm recalled. “He always said that he was going to go out with something big and that he was going to make headlines. He said he would take officers with him, and that he would do it on Christmas Day. We didn’t think he would harm anyone, but we had to take the threat seriously. He could have cause absolute havoc in the prison. We would not have been able to handle him. It would have taken lots of men to contain him, and there would have been a lot hurt.

So we put him in segregation for the night. We told him no officer was going to go near him because of what he had said. We told him no officer would come, even if he knocked. They would have to call me first, and I would come and see him. He assured me there would be no problem. He seemed absolutely normal.“

The next time Chisholm would see Steele, the prisoner would be dead.

“It was a complete shock. We had no idea he would hurt himself. We were worried about others, not him. It’s the prison death that has affected me the most. It was such a sad tale, and I still think about it now. “

Sources: Australia’s Most Murderous Prison : Behind the Walls of Goulburn Jail and The Sydney Morning Herald.

#true crime #true crime research #tcoriginal #robert mark steele #my posts

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darkhymns-fic · 4 years

Text

Don’t Mind the Thunder

Everyone's carrying their own guilt on their backs, but Vicious might be helping out more than he really needs to.

He doesn't mind.

Fandom: Tales of Crestoria Characters/Pairing: Aegis Alver/Vicious, Misella, Kanata Hjuger Rating: M Mirror Link: AO3 Notes: Okay guess I’m writing more about them! Vicious POV, hurt/comfort and of course a lot of guilt. Aegis is still going through things roughly but recovery always takes time.

Hell of a firebrand, Vicious thought as Misella plunged the dagger deeper into him.

Vicious knew he must have been slacking. But after a hefty helping of food and booze all rolled into one, he was completely lights out. He hadn’t heard her sneak in through the window, hadn’t heard her step around him, or even her breath that must have quickened when she got closer.

Or maybe it didn’t. The way that she had killed him had been so practiced, dedicated. She must have done this before.

The brief flare of pain in his chest was sharp. Vicious was barely able to make a grunt. She had aimed right for his heart. No hesitation, no pause. He couldn’t catch a hint of regret in her eyes before she turned away.

“Misella! What…what did you do?” Kanata’s voice was panicked, compared to her monotone. Fragile and weak, compared to her steel. It wasn’t unusual for Vicious to meet killers, but few of them start out this young and this strong. He wondered if a stupid boy like Kanata would ever be able to match up with her.

But he wasn’t a stranger to murder either, spilling blood of family, as rotten to the core as they were. Children on the path to hell, but they’ll at least have each other, won’t they?

Vicious knew he’d need to join them later. Right now, Misella had left his heart no room to even beat a second time, rupturing the organ like paper. Perhaps she would have rather burned him to death, but to know she could perform other options when needed… She was resourceful, he’ll give her that.

This was going to be a pain to heal off, Vicious knew that. It was his last coherent thought before his body went into that state of death, the blood staining his clothes and onto the wooden floors. Another thing he had to clean up too.

Would he come back in an hour? Or two? Either way, Misella wasn’t making it easy for him. Still, he couldn’t help but smile either way. Good kids. They’ll keep each other up, no matter what life throws at them.

Oh, but Aegis, well…

Had this boy ever even killed someone before?

When the queen laid dead at everyone’s feet, Vicious was sure the knight was about to faint. He grew pale at the sight of red coating the stone floors, was shaking as the pool of it reached the tip of his shoes.

“No…This can’t…”

A strange feeling, to have both pity and disgust for someone at the same time. Not for Kanata who he just felt amused by, not for Misella who he admitted to having a begrudging respect. Once she knew she did not need Kanata to keep living, she would be unstoppable.

But this knight was already shattering right before his eyes.

A quick grip of the boy’s shoulder. What a worthless idiot. “You wanna throw away your life next?” he muttered, feeling no humor for anything at the moment.

He’s only living life when he’s fighting against the morons that let themselves be led around by the Vision Orbs, when he’s making fools of them all, not for innocents caught in the crossfire, both the living and the dead.

Sometimes it’s hard to convince someone that’s been stabbed in the heart like that, as Aegis watched the Stain sprout to life over his chest. It would keep burning until he learned to take that pain.

Seeing Aegis’ eyes then, he already had his answer. Some people just didn’t know how hard they had to keep living. To hell that he was going to let this dumbass make the same mistake.

“Stop it! Let me go!” So whiny, so stupid. Vicious grit his teeth.

“Shut up if you know what’s good for you,” he said, and pulled the knight along, away from the other, faceless knights that chased them all down.

He could never ignore a cry for help before, so why stop now?

One time, at an impromptu dinner, Misella had slapped Aegis hand away quite, well, viciously.

“That one’s mine,” she said in an even tone, taking the meat that had been simmering on their campfire.

“You’ve had more than enough! And I’ve barely eaten?” Aegis was huffy, but still looked like a lost idiot, an idiot decked out in a fancy vest that was half-stained with mud and grass stains.

“You can have your grass first if you’re still hungry.” Misella spoke through a full mouth, already devouring the hunk of meat until strips of it hung off the bone. Vicious could practically see the hearts in her eyes as she began to feel satisfied, and also in Kanata’s who watched her in fascination, though for very different reasons. Though this wouldn’t be the first time he’d seen guy wishing he was just a piece of meat for someone.

“Once again, I don’t eat grass!! That was you!”

“I think if Misella ate some before, then it’s okay if you did, Aegis! It might even help you look less pale!” How Kanata could act both so kind and so patronizing at the same time, it really was a talent only he could pull off.

Vicious just laughed, seated against a rock, arms behind his head. “Bad example you’re leading, knight boy. Gotta eat those veggies. Or do you need someone to feed ya?”

He’d be lying to himself if he didn’t admit that Aegis looked better with a blush. Really brought out his hair more, which the curls stayed as soft as they did, despite all four of them hoofing it through the wilderness. They barely had enough gald to afford a cheap room at an inn, but even in his dirty clothes, Aegis could still turn a head, couldn’t he? No wonder the Queen had wanted him, too.

“You’re all so…barbaric,” Aegis could only utter, before looking away and staying in his position by the fire. The light fell across his face, fell across eyes that sometimes looked so close to weeping.

Vicious hid a smile in his own dark corner, all while Kanata praised Misella for eating so quick.

Ah, it’s been a while since he felt this way.

When the guilt lodges itself in you, you can’t stay in one place for very long. Not unless you wanted to die. And Vicious has always kept living, even when he messed up. At least Misella’s knife hadn’t left a scar.

For everyone else, they didn’t get that second chance. Sometimes they won’t even reach for it like they should. Nothing else was more frustrating to Vicious.

They book at an inn, finally. But they barely have enough gald as it is, plucked from a monster’s jaws that had probably assaulted other travelers before them. Aegis barely protests, and sometimes he barely looks. Knight boy might even be a little broken.

Vicious could still taste the rain from a week back.

At some point, Kanata and Misella are gone. First romance is all well and good, and honestly, he was fine being hands-off with these kids’ learning curve. As long as neither of them try to go to him for advice, not for this kind of thing, at least.

He had his own problems anyway.

“Yo! Stole a bottle of sake from the owner.” Vicious pushed through the door, in the one room they’re all forced to share. Only Aegis should be in, saying he needed to gather what they would do on their next leg of the journey. “Don’t worry… Guy’s also a thief. He’s been overcharging all the recent customers. Nothing like payback, right?” He grinned, knowing just how insufferable it could look on his face. Plenty of people had told him that, and it was one of his features he was most proud of.

That grin stayed as he caught a glimpse of Aegis on the bed. Quick, fleeting, before the other vanished underneath a set of blankets.

“I-! W-Why don’t you knock?!”

Oh. Well now.

Vicious slammed the door with the back of his foot, already snickering through his teeth. “Damn, man! Couldn’t hold it back for another hour?”

“Shut up!” Aegis only poked his head out from the sheet – and that was the only head that would, it seemed. Not unless Vicious was persuasive enough. “I thought you’d be drinking yourself to death down there!”

“Tsk, tsk. Knighty boy, do you even know me?” Bottle in hand, Vicious once again used his long legs to grab at a chair, pushing it next to the bed. He sat in it lazily, side-eying Aegis. “Don’t let me stop you though.”

“This… this isn’t like that!” Aegis was as red as ever, redder than before. He turned away, even though the way the sheets fell over him, it was obvious just how he was still locked in that same and incredibly tell-tale position. “Not at all.”

“Oh, then tell me what exactly this is?” Vicious leaned in, making sure to take a sip just before. “I get it, man. Sometimes you just gotta let loose.”

Aegis wouldn’t answer. He probably wished he could disappear. Probably for the same reasons as before.

Vicious gave a low chuckle, turning away. “I mean, it’s nothing I haven’t seen before, right?”

Huddled within the bed, turning away, completely and utterly ashamed. “I wasn’t myself,” he said, his voice half-choked. “I’m still not.”

The guy could sound so down, to the point that it dragged everything else with him. Not even Vicious was immune.

Aegis had worn himself out so quickly before, like he had never known a thing, and even after, he still didn’t. But Vicious had done nothing but let Aegis did what he needed to move on.

Maybe that wasn’t enough though.

With his free hand, Vicious reached over, taking the, well, only free hand Aegis had. The other flinched, nearly tried to pull away, before Vicious spoke.

“Hey, trying to help out here,” he said. “Did you already forget what I said before?” He took another drink, letting out a small burp that he knew Aegis would hate, but that wasn’t the issue here. “I’m not complaining if you need something to use.”

Widened eyes, that same flush on his cheeks. Misella probably had every right to be a little jealous of him. Yet unlike Misella, he wasn’t sure of himself. Even when put through the fire, he was barely ready for any of what had happened.

He didn’t have anyone to fixate on to help him through either. At least, not someone alive. Or thinks he doesn’t.

“I don’t need that…” he said, even as his hand held fast to Vicious’. “I don’t. It’s my sin to bear, you said I had to own it, and I’m trying to, I…”

Vicious waited, until Aegis had run out of breath. Still stuck, still knee-deep in a grave where a queen was buried in and Aegis was continually being pulled under. Held down by wishes he was too dense, or too stupid, or too wrapped up in his bullshit knight code to even understand? It was no wonder he was like this.

And everyone needed a way to vent.

“If you’re feeling guilty using her face, the dead can’t judge you.” He shrugged. “Or is it mine? Wanna tell me?”

Aegis glanced at him like a frightened deer, then turned away. The guilt was so plain, worn on his face like a part of him. He swallowed, but Vicious recognized the way his back tightened, the way the muscles his shoulders bunched.

It’s an addictive combination, but Vicious wouldn’t judge the guy.

“Go on,” Vicious said, voice just a bit softer, only a little. “That’s why you couldn’t be done before I came back, isn’t it? Not used to doing this alone.” A pause. “Or at all.”

Shaking. “I’m not…”

“Let’s be done with the remorse here for a second.” Vicious plopped the bottle down on a dresser before moving onto the bed, laying back roughly enough for the mattress to creak. “Ready to go? Won’t move a muscle.”

Aegis was just a lost little soldier with nowhere to go. He could lay out plans and finances and whatever, but there’s always so many times his eyes would go distant, remembering, always remembering back to her.

Different from Misella who could show some regret for a burned orphan, but her precious someone to protect was still alive, probably worth a multitude of burned orphans if she had to choose. But she owned it, even Kanata did in his own way.

Aegis just had failure and blood for his own sin.

“I just want this feeling over with,” Aegis said in a shaking voice. Shaking from emotion, from the way he was moving now. Vicious made sure to lift the sheets just a bit, because he was going to have something fun to look at throughout this at the very least. “I don’t want to feel this…”

Vicious said nothing then. Sometimes it’s better to shut up. Sometimes it’s better to just lean in and hold close, his fingers entwined with Aegis’ own, feeling the heat even through his gloves.

But it had been a while since he even felt this way.

Aegis was struggling, that much was clear, even as his hand keeps moving and stroking like his life depended on it. So Vicious pulled him close with their locked hands, turning Aegis around so he could face him and stop hiding. “No, no, stop this-” but despite the way Aegis pushes at him, it’s only so slight, and his hand keeps moving. His eyes are locked onto that symbol of guilt carved into his stomach. Sometimes, that guilt can feel fresh to Vicious, and maybe Aegis suspects it, sometimes.

There’s more that his guilty knight needs, so he keeps pulling, pulling until Aegis is straddling him on top.

And Aegis wants to protest, he wants to yell, but all he does is keep his hand moving, sitting over the red brand on Vicious.

“Come on,” Vicious finally says, voice low, hands so tight, it was almost painful. “Said you could use my face.”

“What…do you even mean by that?!” Aegis spoke, but it was cracked and broken, still broken. He barely ever let himself recover, so why would he even be healed?

Vicious winked, eyes glancing from Aegis’ face to below. “Hey, it’s whatever you want it to mean. I’ll go with anything.”

“You’re…you can’t…” Aegis said, still straddling and moving and his hand doesn’t have a way to stop.

Sometimes you gotta reach the end before anything else.

Vicious wondered briefly, as Aegis started to shake, turning red at the mess he made on his hand, over Vicious’ chest and jacket (he’s always having to clean this thing), if the knight ever had someone to hold or touch like this. Had this boy ever even kissed someone? Even back then, Vicious’ lips had been bruised, as if Aegis was searching, searching, trying to find the right way to do this.

But there is no right way, there’s only trying and trying – and then knowing.

And he was fine with that when Aegis leaned down and kissed him, hard and yearning, even as he tried to shift his hips away, too self-conscious. Something about it now pierced his heart more than Misella’s knife had, and would leave him drained for a long time. He opened his mouth, bringing the other down to him with their clasped hands.

Aegis still hadn’t let go.

It really has been a while for me, hasn’t it? Vicious thought, smiling through the kiss.

#tales of crestoria #aegis alver #vicious #misella #kanata hjuger #aegious

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ayakashiramblings · 5 years

Text

WTFried Episode 3: KFC Otome Game

Bold: Gaku’s commentary Italics: Futaba’s commentary Normal: Official documentary narration (usually in a bad British accent) Bold and Italicized: Answers/Questions to the… game.

In 1910, the Capital, one man had a dream that he made another man work for. That dream would result in the exclusive Milk Hall. A chic cafe that would serve all manner of dairy-based treats… and making only one exception today. A day where we will reach deep into this bucket of…

Oh, Aoi! This logo is such a cute design!

How did you know it was by him?

Did… did you seriously think it was anybody else?

Point taken... Ms Futaba-rt…

Hush, Gaku. I’m just going to leave the drawing to the actual student.

Since everyone is craving for some turkey this winter, the employee has made the employer fetch some slices of this fine poultry. Everyone at Raccord is getting ready for the tender meat AND the festive season as we ring in the new year of 1911! Featuring buckets with the restaurant’s symbol… an old man!

And speaking of the devil, here he comes without… the turkey but some other manner of bird? Thus, Aoi has prepared to strike, dumping the bucket on the counter with a resounding thud.

“Erm… so remember how I said it was ok if I arrived at the turkey place slightly later than usual…?” A sheepish Oji's question can only be met by Aoi's deadpan conclusive remark,

“They ran out, didn’t they?”

Apparently, that was super insensitive because Oji-san has scrunched up his nose and eyes (the more normal ones) and…

Wait, how did you speak in parentheses?

"Nevermind that, somehow the narration was more offensive than Aoi's accusation." Oji’s fake-sniffling is thankfully interrupted by Aoi shaking the contents of the… replacement.

"I don't think it was harsh enough considering your blunder."

“No… it's just that the turkey place somehow became a chicken place! So the party pack is full of chicken!”

And just like that, the bells at the entrance have stopped ringing just as fast as the front door has been shut. And two hearts are now shattered into a million pieces. Why wouldn’t there be shattered souls after witnessing all hopes of savouring a Western classic slipping down the grease tracks of the fried chicken? The sound of the fat fizzing and splattering was supposed to be a welcomed one, not this… this… tinier bird. In particular, Ginnojo knows that he knows too much. See the look of imagining death and actually experiencing it? And Kuro! He’s pouting in slow motion, head down, shoulders slumped, and with an expression that clearly indicates he’s responding but barely able to because of the sheer despair consuming him… AKA, exactly like a puppy.

...Gaku, don’t zoom in on their faces. I’m already describing it, no need to rub it in.

Fine.

“Man, I’m sorry you two. I know you guys were looking forward to the turkey.”

“Old Man Oji, it’s ok! I’m just glad everyone is here to feast at least!”

Of course, the most ferocious growl has to refute that statement and it certainly has to come from an even more ferocious beast… Ginnojo’s disappointed stomach. Does he manage to hide the betrayal well with his stoic face though as the two neighbours/besties/??? eye the substitute meats?

Ok, really, there is no way you can tell me you spoke in question marks.

“I apologize too. Honestly, I should have checked beforehand.” Aoi concedes and offers a temporary white flag in the form of a kitchen towel to see the numerous chunks of fried chicken.

Could it be? The magic of fried chicken is soothing wounds of the past? Can the crispy chicken skin really fully resolve the dwindling festive spirit? Will it be just as great as its twin…

… Sorry Yura and Gaku.

“Be at rest, my Lady. I am sure a dollop of sugar or two is enough to fully restore the chicken to a turkey’s high status.”

I’m glad to see that the sugar dispenser I made is being put to such use, brother.

As Yura makes the sugar cookies even more… sugary, Aoi shakes his head,

“What now? We work with fried chicken? I’ve never really experimented with it before.”

“We… do need to finish this supply eventually. Might as well start now.” was all Oji can offer in this dire situation. Just as everyone is heaving a sigh, two majestic heroes arrive with…

A tengu as a sacrifice for the turkey my brother can never savour now. Crows are closer than chicken to turkey.

“Mhmm?”

“Nevermind, ignore him Kuya. Hiya Koga! Sorry you two, but we’ve only got fried chicken...”

And with that, Futaba witnesses the magnificent wingspan of the tengu… as he flies away at the mention of devouring a fellow bird. At least, he tried to but an oni ogre foils his meticulous plan by… grabbing his ear.

“Sorry about him. And even more sorry for Ginnojo and Kuro. I know you two were looking forward to the turkey.”

Nice job, Gaku! :D

What even is... you know what, nevermind. Thanks, I guess, and the mic’s back to you now.

“Really, don’t worry you guys. It’s more like Gin-Gin and I like the story surrounding the turkey in the festivals. The fried chicken just doesn’t have such an interesting story.”

The gramophone acts up at this precise moment Kuro tries to break the tension. As a wonderful person holds this strangely bulky camera while Gaku rushes to fix the audio camera, he finds that the cause is none other than his own customer… Oji-san with a record-breaking moment. Literally.

“Ok, wait, I’ve lived long enough to tell you that isn’t true. Why, I used to tell this story to Aoi when he was a little lad…”

And Oji-san whips out… a shopping list dated 5 years ago. Additionally, the crayon doodles are really adorable alongside the cursive handwriting.

“Yup, you told me a shopping list that I wrote down and YOU forgot.”

… Edit out my earlier statement.

… I’ll try.

“You know what? We have all this fried chicken for me and Aoi to do something AND tell you more about the tale of the fried chicken this time of year.”

And this folks, is what happened before we come up with the most amazing play…

Before we continue this documentary, we would like to thank our sponsors. Koga Kitamikado. This Oni Ogre is tough as nails and nothing ever gets him down! You can always turn to him when you're in a bind. A… tender bind.

… Why is Koga sponsoring this?

Guess he saw something… like how we are going to see two ayakashi experiencing the world’s greatest interactive play!

Tonight, Ginnojo and Kuro react to ‘I Love You, Colonel Sanders! A Finger-Lickin’ Good Dating Simulator!’. An interactive play scripted by Oji, you, yes you the audience, gets to play as a budding chef…

“Ooh, Gin-Gin is a good one… when you know, he doesn’t go bonkers on the ingredients.” Kuro’s chirp is nearly drowned out by the action at the back where we will be observing how our thespians are preparing.

Aoi and Oji have outdone themselves for this. We don’t have every single thing that you can purchase by queuing up but the menu prepared within 4 seconds is well-represented on this table. Sometimes, it is in a 3-piece meal, a few are in the buckets, and you get the overall picture! No double-dipping needed here, the act is too sacrilegious for such a holy beginning. A beginning… that will melt the frost around here.

Warm yourself from the inside. You’re about to embark on a journey that will end with you sleeping with this warm milk and pot pie….

Thus, these two can’t drink milk. Only eating the pot pie. We… we need them to actually play this.

“This is confusing, our journey begins with the ending?” Kuro asks a question that no one knows the answer to except for Ginnojo,

“Aye, a lot of the greatest heroes stumble upon their best stories after the ending of another. I suppose this is what we are trying to get here with… the pot pie?”

Scepticism is evident even on the usually trusting Kuro’s face. Nevertheless, they put their faith in Aoi’s culinary skills as they see the smoke still wafting from behind the stage curtains that are really just Kuya’s blankets.

AKA: Koga’s blankets.

Sure, the decor is a bit too… reminiscent of a chicken barn. And yet, observe the first bite taken by the Mizuki and the… other… ayakashi. Creaminess flooding each of their mouths as veggies and fried chicken come together in this glorious, crusted symphony. And at the very end of it all,

“Delicious.”

“Oh my gosh! It’s so good! The chicken, yum! More, please!”

As they chew contentedly amongst dozens of floating… chicken and biscuits… Yura approaches them with the most adorable signboard… and the weirdest customizable one at that. That’s right, we are featuring the talents of Yura and Aoi… for the second time in the latter's case.

“Welcometh, chef! Bef're we start, bid us thy nameth!”

Translation: Give us the coolest names you have Ginnojo and Kuro! Note: no explicit language or demeaning words are allowed.

“Oooh, let’s do a ship name, Gin-Gin!”

“I dislike ships. Especially the black ones. Why can’t humans just learn to be one with the waves?”

Thus, comes the most epic name ever.

Mammon!

“Like, Mama + Mon! Because, I dunno, it feels like a mum made this!”

“The Mon is an abbreviation of Monday, the day we are watching… I mean, playing this theatrical game.”

...

Should… should we tell them?

No.

With the dimming of lights and pot pie nearly finished, Kuro and Ginnojo move on to the chicken wings and munching sounds accompanied the sight of the protagonist… in bed. Since the protagonist is me. So…

I’m taking over the narration from this point onwards. Be grateful. And note… this is the game. So if it’s weird… do not blame me for it.

Oh hush, and get to your job.

Futaba is buried like one zinger in a tortilla wrap. Until the latest alarm clock that I have built with a custom ringtone goes off with the best sound in the world - that of a happy chicken. Sleep in or wake up? What should they choose?

“I’m concerned about the rooster.”

“Yes… but whelp, up and at’em is what I’d say!” was the only warning the poor alarm clock received before Kuro smacked the robot rooster with the goddamned whip of his, ruining hours and hours and hours of…

Don't be so offended, Gaku, it's just a game.

...

“Wow, I better get ready for my first day at the prestigious University of Cooking School: Academy for Learning!” Futaba says in a way-too-enthusiastic voice that is almost on Kuro’s level when he’s drunk.

“Ok, so I’m only familiar with Futaba and Aoi’s schools but I’m pretty sure no one would want that for a name. Oh! Let’s call it Cuddling Chicken School!”

Case in point because as I speak, Kuro and Ginnojo are now enjoying another treat with coke… that may or may not have been spiked. The main focus though is the box filled with delicious chicken and named after popcorn.

“This one’s the most processed. I don’t think I can take another bite. Oh, Kuro? You’ve finished yours?”

“... More like you finished yours and mine within a bite.”

For once, Ginnojo looked more innocent than Kuro was somewhat forlornly staring at his very, very empty container. At least now both could be more invested in the… plot of this play as our main character starts to get changed into a chef’s uniform, complete with an apron and a hat. All that is left to do is for her to actually move but she just has to ask,

“Hmm, I kinda want to daydream and laze about in bed.”

Of course, that’s challenging everything a former Shinsengumi member loves and knows so Ginnojo is quick to call my brother over to reject the option… except that Kuro is a bit more nonchalant about the whole affair.

“D’aww, let her, it’s so rare to see her relaxed.”

“I won’t deny that a girl her age shouldn’t be concerned with hard matters but Futaba wants to go to school. And I shall support her in her endeavours.”

“Except, this isn’t Futaba. She’s being Mammon remember?”

“Very well.”

And just like that, Ordinary Chef Student protagonist Futaba is late and doesn’t have time to sit and eat a full meal. She grabs a piece of biscuit, fluffy… unlike her missing deodorant.

“I knew she had a price to pay.” Ginnojo’s heavy sigh provoked a gasp of realization from his neighbour,

“Are we going to be fried?”

Alas, she was not…

HEY!

By the time she has thrown the biscuit at me, the setting has been changed to the ivory walls of UCS: AL… or the Cuddling Chicken School. And there, awaiting her is the ever-so-perky… BROTHER?!

He volunteered for the role!

Wow, I’m so proud of him! Wait, should I have auditioned… no, I’m just going to record every moment of this now.

Here comes the bestest friend in the world, Yura!

“Many thanks, brother, but I shall now don the name ‘Miriam’ and ask Mammon here if she is highly anticipating our term of 3 days!”

Ginnojo does have to voice out one concern that I am sure most viewers will have as well,

"Hold on, they can graduate in 3 days? Youth these days really are picking up new knowledge."

"I want a degree in English in 3 days. If I take the English food course in 3 days, will that count?"

Before Kuro can learn more about this miraculous development in education, Futaba has to continue with her dialogue and actually focus like my brother,

“Good morning Miriam! I'm sure…”

“Because I most certainly am! Alack, the breakfast I hadst did prepare this morn did not have enough love… whatever shall I do?”

As another branch of the game appears, the choice is rather evident…

COMFORT HIM YOU IDIOTS!

Finally, sense strikes the two, Kuro furiously slamming the option and poor Nachi as a result. Still, the nekomata behind the Option Board manages to signal to the other actors and Futaba barely adeptly gives my brother a pep talk,

“Ever since we were little babies together and you rescued me from that quicksand box, it’s been clear to me that you’re the most loving, caring person I’ve known! Your tiny… sweets are definitely going to be a hit!”

Part of the reason why this speech is not adequate enough is because Futaba is RUDELY interrupted when someone smacks her books and custom-engraved measuring spoons out of her hands and onto the ground.

“... Aeshleigh.” Futaba finally spat out, or whether it’s from deliberating drawing out the heavy silence to emphasize the sheer tension… or because she is wonder if Kuya cannot spell Ashley.

“This is the fancy name. For the fancy Ashley. Aeshleigh who is better than everyone else.” Ginnojo’s attempt at finding the reason for Aoi’s character name is ultimately thwarted by Aoi starting to get into character EXTREMELY reluctantly,

“Oh, I didn’t see you there, chicken shins.”

"Her boobs are not parallel at all." came Kuro's deadpan remark… and Ginnojo choking whilst looking like a boiled lobster. That, or because he is eating the Crispy Version of the Chicken breast.

“Kuro! Do not look there!”

“Why is she even insulting us for having chicken shins? She has chicken breasts on her thigh socks! Futaba, you should have actually worn chicken shin guards.”

…

Don't be so offended, Futaba, it's just a game.

Across the quad, one can see the rival’s best friend, who has stopped to look at his own reflection in the mirror. Pants so tight, anyone can see him casually working out his glutes while he styles his hair. No lie, they’re rocking glutes belonging only to one Koga.

“Ahem, Van Van?”

“You rang-rang?”

“Damn, Koga, you cougar go!”

“I’m curious about his hair, it’s actually in the shape of a starfish.”

“Don’t you just mean a star?”

“That can work too, I suppose.”

Sure, the pairing seems weird to the current audience but Aoi… I mean, Aeshleigh continues to sneer at Mammon who is slowly getting up with Miriam’s help but quicker with throwing the retort,

“I can’t believe that the University of Cooking School: Academy for Learning would ever allow people like you to attend as students.”

Except that it completely flies over both bullies’ heads as Aoi delicately laughs with icy cold teal eyes,

“Ara ara, so you do know. We should have gotten our diplomas already with these great skills of ours.”

“Or maybe hire us on as professors. You amateurs could learn a lot from us.”

With the first day of school about to start, there’s just not enough time to properly tell these two off so everyone else resists the urge. As Mammon and Miriam approach the door, they see a goofy-looking kid pushing hard against the window directly next to it.

“He would have been completely dislikable if it weren’t for the fact the cutest cub is playing him right now.”

On a more serious note, could someone like this also be a student at the school? He must be a great chef, with a name tag that clearly says ‘Bob’ but there he is, introducing himself as,

“Hi! I’m Kogare… Pop! And I think I was supposed to say that I broke this door.”

… And now I know why Fox-Face wants a copy of this film while he is attending Part 1 of the New Year Kitsune Festival…

When Mammon easily opens the door, Kogare… or Bob… or… Pop? Just has to tackle her for a big hug and squeal out,

“I LOVE YOU!”

“D’aww!” should have been everyone’s response but only Kuro’s was heard over Ginnojo screeching and of course, an epic debate about expressions of affection,

“GAGH! K-k-kogare! Do not touch a lady like that yet! Or profess something that serious until you are of age!”

“What? No! Hug her like you are squeezing the life out of her!”

Fortunately, the actors continue the scene. Unfortunately, it is with this line from Kogare Pop’s mouth that makes you wonder who allowed this writing. Money is on Kuya.

“Did you know my other name ‘Pop’ comes from my great-grandfather Pop pop?”

The critics are not amused, Ginnojo tutting and Kuro making a face like he had just tasted chocolate for the 32nd time,

“Days like these makes me glad I don’t know my lineage.”

“Yeah…”

“Is it just me or is that young gentleman cute?” Miriam tries to note but everyone... and I mean everyone... just has to say,

“It’s just you.”

Miriam and Mammon shrug their shoulders before following Kogare Pop into the building. They stand at the edge of the room, unsure where to sit. Other students wander in and keep themselves busy chit-chatting.

“Where… is the Colonel we were promised to romance for fried chicken? Even now we are stuck with cheese fries… nothing can make up for these soggy… Oh my gosh, so CUTE!!!”

Kuro only stops when he sees a scruffy-looking cat taking his place at a podium at the front of the class, the smallest chef hat on his head. Head Instructor and CEO of UCS: AL is here everyone! Nachi taps his paw against the wooden surface to gather attention… although Kuro is already cooing over the little hat on the nekomata’s head and even Ginnojo smiles a bit in approval.

Out of nowhere, the wind begins to rush around everyone as a swirl of cherry blossom petals fill the air inside the classroom despite it being in the middle of winter in Japan. To be more accurate, the petals are… Kuya’s feathers dyed pink much to Kuro’s delight,

“Nice effects! I kinda wanna play with them now! Guess I better wait for Kuya to fly and leave some behind next time...”

“Wait, the cherry blossoms are blooming for them? Where and when are they?”

A hushed murmur rolls through the classroom as HE walks down the aisle of desks. Suddenly, the room is sweltering. And there… we have Oji as the one, the only…

Colonel Sanders!

...

“I’m confused… are we supposed to find him handsome?”

“Did Oji just reveal his true aged appearance or did he just dye his hair white?”

“His eyeliner is as thick as his actual eyes and even thicker than his actual eyebrows and spectacle frames.”

All those statements were slowly cracking the fried chicken skin, with Ginnojo’s final casual observation really roasting Oji’s self-esteem. Nevertheless, the show must go on with the main chef and… love interest... helping the two audience members crack open the ranch. We shall now divulge in a bit of ASMR… ASMRanch as we massage Colonel Sander’s arm that is as thick as his neck. See how he flexes...

“OH GOD MAKE IT STOP!” Kuro squirms.

“FUTABA!!! I mean, Mammon, right, Mammon… MAMMON DON’T MIX WITH SUCH FILTH!”

… We are changing scenes already? Oh, ok, suit yourself.

Here, he wields the spork, his eyeliner game suddenly aligned…

“NO…!!!”

“It… is… rectangular. A rectangular spork.”

“Foon.”

Did that earn a… Kentucky-fried chuckle?

What’s Kentucky? Also, you broke character.

Think this play is broken. Oh, next scene...

The Colonel makes a delicious array of food items in the cafeteria...

“What kind of cafeteria has flowers and a fancy atmosphere?”

“Not Milk Hall Raccord except for the flowers.”

The Mac and Cheese falls flat on the ground, along with Oji’s chef hat,

“THAT’S IT! THE COLONEL QUITS!”

…

Ok, I’m going to resume while Ginnojo eats the rest of the food Oji has left...

Yeah.

And so, the wisest Satori Seer, on behalf of his boss, buries the abominable script and the actually-kinda-nice-art-if-it-wasn't-about-fried-chicken romance.

Hey, should we bury this camera?

WHAT?! AFTER ALL THAT WE’VE BEEN THROUGH???

Ok, ok, we won’t. Besides, there’s still Valentine's day if this show hits more than 1 view.

… Why the 1 view benchmark?

Cus… apparently, there was a dish here that wasn’t revealed here that would work great for a Valentine's Day episode.

… At least my brother can eat it.

Epilogue

For some reason, we have noticed a foreigner digging up the manuscript. He even paid Oji for it. Said it might be the next biggest thing in America for an even weirder reason?

Ginnojo is still eating the whole menu. Kuro has shared the magic of fried chicken with the rest of the troupe and occassionally, the circus-theatre guest. Unfortunately, it is during one of these stunts that a fried chicken cracked the lens. Even more unfortunate, the grease from the fried chicken seeped through the components and short-circuited everything.

So the only thing hotter than Colonel... is everything. Let’s hope we never see anything like this even in the 21st century.

Epilogue to the Epilogue

My grandparents sure were naive.

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ericsonclan · 4 years

Text

The Greenhouse

Summary: Ruby and Aasim are working together in the greenhouse and Aasim notices a scar on Ruby's arm. When he asks her about it, her story brings back memories of the day the greenhouse was attacked.

Read on A03:

Ruby stood up to wipe the sweat off her brow, surveying the work they had completed today. “I suppose that just about does it. Thanks for all your help today, Aasim,” “My pleasure,” Aasim dusted the dirt from his pant legs. “Keeping the garden weeded is a lot more work than I expected,” “You didn’t use to help out much here back in the day, did ya?” “No, I got tapped pretty early on for hunting duty, and it just made sense to stay there. I wanted to perfect my craft so that I could do the most good in providing for the school.” Ruby shook her head with a smile. “There ya go again, Aasim. Always the perfectionist,” “True. But you like me about that, right?” Aasim shot her a smile he hoped was charming. They’d only been dating for a few weeks since all the craziness with the Delta had ended. It was still sort of mind-blowing to him that he actually had a girlfriend. When Ruby had come up to him that night after spending hours struggling to get Clementine stable and Violet to sleep, her eyes red from lack of sleep and unshed tears, he hadn’t known what to do for her. So he just hugged her, since that was all he could do, letting her cry it out on his shoulder. He didn’t think either of them had expected anything to come of that. But here they were, officially boyfriend and girlfriend now that they had announced it to the others, and completely lost as to what should come next.

Ruby smiled. “Don’t figure I’d be able to date ya if I didn’t find that charming. Take the weedin’, for example. If I’d asked Willy or Louis to help me, they’d pull up half the plants in the greenhouse, leave most of the weeds and call it a day. You actually made sure to listen through all the explanations till you were sure ya knew a weed from a veggie. Ya gotta respect that kind of focus in a man,” Aasim looked down at the planter, feeling awkward at receiving such straightforward praise. “It wasn’t really a big deal,” “Are ya kidding me? Aasim, if it wasn’t for you, I think I’d’ve just about lost my mind by now! What with Violet and Clementine recuperatin’ and, well, everyone we lost, I wouldn’t be able to do all this extra work! Louis and Omar do their part and Willy and AJ are always tryin’ to help out, but you’ve been pullin’ double and even triple duty these last few weeks. It’s made a world of difference,” Aasim shrugged nonchalantly. “Not like I could really do otherwise. And I’m certainly not going to leave you with all the work. You’ve been doing more than any of us, taking care of the girls in the dorms, the greenhouse, fortifying the walls…” he paused for a second, as if nervous to act on his intentions, then resolutely reached for her hand, taking it in his own. “You’re amazing, Ruby,” Now it was her turn to blush. Aasim liked the way the deep pink on her cheeks contrasted with her pale skin. He would have to fluster her more often. As his thumb gently caressed her palm, he noticed a scar along her wrist that he’d never taken note of before. Reaching out, he ran his other finger alongside it. The scar stood out against the dirt on her hands, stark white, running several inches up her arm. He looked up at her with concern. “When did this happen?” Ruby tugged her hand out of his grasp, holding the wrist against her chest. “That’s been there a long time. It’s nothing to worry ‘bout,” The way she had reacted made him seriously doubt that. “Is there a story behind it? You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” Ruby looked thoughtful as she stared in the direction of the greenhouse door, the one that led further inside to the lab. “It happened the day the greenhouse fell,” He remembered that day. He had been in the music room at the time, organizing the books in there. Screaming had come from outside; he couldn’t figure out the direction. By the time he’d made it outside, it was all over. Ruby and some of the other students had told them the story through shaky breaths: how Miss Martin had shielded them when the walkers broke in, how she’d pushed them toward the front of the greenhouse, urging them to run. And how they’d heard her scream behind the closed door. Ruby and one of the other girls had wanted to go back for Miss Martin, but by the time a scouting party had been assembled and they reached the greenhouse, the door was already jammed shut. Ms. Martin had barricaded herself in after she’d been bit, desperate to make sure that she would not harm the children. From that day onward, Marlon had declared the greenhouse off-limits. A dead zone. Aasim wondered if he should press Ruby further, if it was the right thing to do. She hadn’t shut the conversation down. Perhaps it would do her good to get all this out in the open. “Do you… remember how that happened?” He gestured toward the scar. Ruby nodded. “I didn’t for a long time. When the walkers got in… it all happened so fast. I remember Miss Martin pushing me forward and as I ran I felt a sudden pain in my arm. For a second I thought I’d got bit, but there weren’t any walkers near me. I didn’t even notice the blood till Omar pointed it out to me. Wasn’t till Clementine opened it up again and we all got inside that I saw it,” She gestured at a nearby planter. “One of the nails was sticking out on the side – hadn’t been hammered in right. I fixed it the next time we came in,” She held out her arm, tracing a finger along the scar. “You’d think there’d be a more interesting story to it, right? That I’d have gotten it fightin’ off a walker or steppin’ in front to protect someone. But no, I got it by running away, like a coward,” “Ruby, you were a kid back then. We all were. No one could have expected you to do anything else,” “Maybe so, but it sure would feel better to have somethin’ to look back on from that day to prove that I at least tried,” Ruby’s eyes were misty now. “Hell, when we found her back there in the lab, tied to the planter….” She choked on the word, swallowing roughly. “I shoulda at least been able to put her out of my misery. But instead I asked Clementine to do it for me. I couldn’t even bear to look at her, what she’d become,” The tears were coming in earnest now. Desperate to stop the rising tide, Aasim reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to Ruby. She took it gratefully, wiping off her eyes and rubbing at her reddened face. She handed it back to him with a rueful chuckle. “Shoulda figured you’d be the type to have a hankie on hand,” “I wish I could do more,” Aasim whispered, shoving it back in his pocket. Ruby shrugged. “It’s the way of the world now, living with loss. Hell, we’ve lost so many in these past few weeks. Marlon, Mitch, Tenn… I should be crying for them, but here I am instead shedding more tears for Miss Martin when she’s been gone longer than all of them,” “Grief is funny that way. I haven’t cried much lately either. Feels like there’s no time to cry when things are this bad,” He turned to Ruby, taking her hand in his own once more. “I don’t know if this makes sense, but when I see you cry – that night after the Delta and right now – it helps. It reminds me to keep feeling things. That even after all we’ve lost, we can still care. We can still mourn. That death still means something,” Ruby looked up at him in confusion, her eyes still wet and red. “Shit, did that make any sense? It sounded awful, didn’t it, like I enjoy watching you cry. That’s not it at all!” “No… I understand. Not completely, but I think I get it. After Miss Martin died, I found myself wanting to cry, but something kept stopping me. I think it was the fact that the person who I used to come to when I had a problem or something needing fixin’ was Miss Martin, so I couldn’t figure out who to talk to now that she was gone. I didn’t have anybody to talk to for a long time, not about the serious, sad things at least,” She looked up at Aasim. “And then you were there. When I didn’t think I could take another day, you were there for me. Ready to listen. To let me cry. I can’t thank you enough for that,” “I’ll always be there for you,” Aasim took a step closer, taking her other hand in his. “I swear, whenever you need me, I will be there. You don’t need to hesitate,” A soft smile flitted across Ruby’s lips. “To think all these years I wanted a hero to jump out of a fairy tale and take me away from this place, when I had a real-life prince right before my eyes,” What could he say after that? Aasim opened his mouth to say something, then closed it, speechless. Smiling, Ruby went up on her toes and placed a kiss on Aasim’s lips. It was over before he could even wrap his mind around the fact that it had happened. Ruby had actually kissed him. Ruby chuckled. “Well golly, I expected more of a reaction than that!” Shit. He had to do something. Had to say something. Quick, Aasim, be cool. Be suave. “That was so much better than I ever imagined,” Ruby blushed, hiding her face against his shoulder. “You sure know how to flatter a girl, don’t ya? We gotta get moving though. Otherwise Omar will come hunt us down for making him wait so long on the veggies,” “Right!” Aasim exclaimed, picking up the pails. “I’ll take this to him. You go check on Clementine and Violet,” As they headed out of the greenhouse, shutting the door behind them, Ruby grabbed hold of one of the buckets, freeing up Aasim’s arm so she could intertwine it with her own. “After I’m back from checkin’ on the girls and dinner and chores are done, do you want to go somewhere special? Just the two of us?” Aasim’s heart did a backflip in his chest. “I would love that,” “Alright then, let’s hurry and get these dropped off, then I’ll be back before you know it,” Aasim smiled down at Ruby, meeting her ready smile with one of his own. “I can’t wait,”

#rusim #twdg rusim #twdg aasim #twdg ruby #memories #greenhouse #twdg #telltale the walking dead #the walking dead game #twdgs4 #fanfic

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mechadress · 4 years

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Saw a literary challenge to write about one of your average days in quarantine. They picked Tuesday May 12th. Since all of my days keep blending together, I thought it would help me set a benchmark for how I handled quarantine. So here it is-

May 12th 2020,

My alarm goes off at 7am. I roll over to turn it off and promptly go back to sleep. This was a normal practice even before the world shut down. I don't have set hours at work, but I prefer to start around 8am. Since my work computer is only across the apartment, the motivation to wake up before I absolutely have to is extremely low.

8am rolls around and I can't bring myself to leave the bed yet. It all seems so pointless as no one seems to care what hours I keep and I don't have any early morning meetings. I scroll through Facebook and Tumblr on my phone, I check my email more times than I really need to, and pet whichever cat is closest, usually Sierra. I find a post from a page that I follow that talks about Victorian parlor games and I share it to the Steampunk group I administer. There hasn't been much content in the group for awhile. I wonder if it's because steampunk isn't as popular as it once was or if no one has anything to say. It gets a few likes and one 'Care' emoji. I think it's because it indicates that people miss hanging out together.

Around 8:15 I need to use the toilet, which is enough to get me out of bed and sign into my work computer. CY yells out from his work station at the living room table to remind me to buy the camper table and a spray bottle he wanted for grilling. I order them from Amazon and feel guilty about getting nonessential items in the middle of a pandemic. I spend the first few hours of work scrolling through FB or Tumblr and knitting. While I knit I watch an hour and half long youtube video from ContraPoints about different types of second-hand embarrassment or 'cringe'. I identify a lot with what she says.

I am knitting a pair of socks simply because I have the yarn and I've never done it before. I tested out the gauge to make sure I had the right sized needles and I do. They are long dpns that were given to me by CY's mother once she realized I enjoyed knitting. Apparently she used to knit as well, but it would hurt her hands so she gave up on it. I had tried to use the dpns as intended, even looking up a video and practicing a few times, but I kept dropping stitches and getting annoyed with them. I eventually decided to order a circular needle from Amazon to use instead. I felt very guilty about this since there's all sorts of post-people and delivery people out there who are at risk moving all these boxes around, and here I'm ordering a stupid pair of needles that are a duplicate size to ones I own, but I just don't want to use. The circular needles are extremely nice and easy to work with and it is a pleasure to knit the socks. I still use the dpns as a stitch holder while I knit the heel. Today I'm connecting the insole and knitting along the foot. It's easy and enjoyable work especially after already completing the first sock.

I eat a prepackaged ube cake while I drink my tea and appreciate the nice pairing of flavors.

I feel bad about not getting more of my actual work done. However, I can't bring myself to concentrate on anything related to work. I keep moving my mouse around every 10 or so minutes so it looks like I'm active.

An old D&D friend of mine named Sam posts on FB about how he is proud of his company for continuing to let people work from home despite Ohio loosening some of the Stay at Home restrictions. I reply "We were told to expect to work from home until at least August. I'm grateful since it's one less thing to think about." Sam and I go back a forth a bit more, expressing gratitude and an interest in meeting up again once its safe. It's the first I've interacted with him in about 5 years and it makes me glad to hear from him.

I start lunch early because I don't have anything better to do. For lunch I make myself and CY a sandwich. We have some really good Italian bread we got from the grocery store that we can make into a decent replica of a Philadelphia style hoagie. I already chopped up the veggies so I can just take them out of the fridge and start layering them on. CY likes his sandwich with mayo and turkey. I don't like handling either of those things, but it's easy enough. I make his first then make a veggie version for myself. We use the new hoagie oil which isn't as bad as I had originally feared, but it isn't as good as the name brand one we had before. Pity they were out of it at the store when we went.

My 2019 tax refund from Ohio lands into my investment account. I plan to use it to invest in assorted stocks I feel will bounce back once the economy recovers.

After lunch I watch a few more youtube videos while I knit. One is a career review of the one-hit wonder band 'Living in a Box' and another is a recording of 'the world's worst singer' Florence Foster Jenkins. I had found an article that talked about people who had a medical condition which made them unable to percieve how poorly they performed a skill. In her case, she was a renowned as a very poor singer who believed she was very good and people would come to watch her ironically. I try to watch a congressional hearing where they discuss the health crisis with Dr. Fauci, but it's too depressing so I stop.

My anxiety related to work continues to grow. I figure that I'm not able to bring myself to do any investigation on my own, but I'm still able to ask people questions. I reach out through Skype to a colleague who I believe had worked with this business group before. I am surprised by how helpful she is and how quickly she is to respond. We get on a call and she shows me some reporting she did that is similar and directs me towards a table she thinks would have the values I'm looking for. She recommends another colleague to talk to and I schedule a meeting with him for the next day since he was busying for the rest of today. I feel instantly better. My anxiety about my work plummets and I find the energy and motivation to start investigating another task I've been given. I quickly find 1) the task was way easier than I initially estimated and 2) the data I want isn't available where I thought it would be. I even find out a new way to pull code out of Tableau and I excitedly share my discovery with another colleague. Around this time it's getting close to 4pm, my usual time to stop working and just become available for questions, should anyone need to reach out to me. I feel better about myself and allow myself to take more pleasure in my activities.

I start to prepare for the online D&D game I host each week, Tuesdays at 7:30pm. One of my favorite things about quarantine is that it's given me the time and ability to play again. I've missed having a regular D&D game badly. We had a very good game the previous week and I'm excited to make new material for this new game. I decide to include a villain who is a Banksia Man, one of the anatognists from the Australian fairy-tale Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. CY had helped me over the weekend come up with a cool backstory for him. I take notes and save some pictures so I can display them to my players through screen share.

A group of our friends are doing a Plank Challenge while we try to stay in shape while in quarantine. Colette set up a FB group with a list of exercises to do for 13 days. Each day, you do your assigned exercise then you post to the group to indicate you completed your day's tasks. CY and I made a point to work out for a bit each day after work and were already doing a fair amount of planks so the challenge as it was written was too easy for us. We tend to double the amount of time for each exercise or we double up the reps. My tasks for today are 30 seconds each of planks, rocking planks, hip dips, and up downs. I do all the exercises straight through twice with a short break in between sets then post to FB in the group.

After doing planks, CY and I go out to a nearby park to walk for a bit. We go for about 2.5 miles. It's a nice day, nearly 60 degrees. I am happy to see wild flowers starting to sprout up and the leaves coming back to the trees. Most people in the park are polite and keep their distance. It's rare to see people wearing masks while they are walking or running, so it almost feels normal.

We make it back with enough time for me to start getting my notes ready for game. CY offers to make me food and asks what I'd like to eat. We had just gone to Trader Joe's the weekend before and gotten a truly ridiculous amount of frozen food. He insists I pick something from the freezer to eat. In the end we decide he'll cut up the jackfruit crab cakes and make them into 'seafood tacos'. He even makes some sriracha ranch to go with it. The crab cake is surprisingly greasy, but it's very tasty and filling. Not sure I'd get it again though.

I go into the gaming group call and we quickly realize that only Gene and Aaron are going to be able to join game. We don't think it will be enough to continue the campaign I prepared for so I offer to do a one-shot just for them. I show them a cute rpg I found awhile ago called 'Fuck! It's Dracula' and we give it a shot. We have fun but I feel a bit unprepared since I have to ab lib most of the plot and come up with secret plans on the fly so they can be betrayed by their NPCs. The game is much shorter than I initially anticipated and we finish up around 9:30pm, much earlier than normal. I don't feel like Aaron and Gene enjoyed this game as much as they would have enjoyed the larger campaign I made, but at least we got to play together for a bit. I appreciate the social contact at the very least.

We dismiss ourselves from game and I join CY on the couch. He is watching some cooking tutorial videos, trying to teach himself how to smoke brisket properly. I go back and forth between different apps on my phone, not really paying attention to the TV. I try to read for a bit, but we eventually settle down to sleep before I get very far. I feel good about how the day went and I'm proud of myself for getting work done on the sock and researching my projects. I feel better about my life than I did when I first woke up this morning.

#journal writing #quarantine #may 2020

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thepatricktreestump · 6 years

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I Love Her Anyway: Chapter 7

A/N: happy friday my beautiful readers! the long awaited chapter is finally here and the neverending tag list just keeps growing... have at it!

tag list: @cupcakesweetness @un-amoosed-padalecki @mtb04308 @dragonqueendany @kitykatnumber @svintsandghosts @greatheromuffinpalace @echoloki @geekybeauty8793 @jigglypuff1999 @timisnotmontydlc @galaxy-moon @lugialagia @pageoftheclouds @moveondontholdon @myaestheticsareshit @brendonuriehimself

Walking into his mansion felt like an absolute dream. It was like entering Hogwarts or Disney, a gorgeous castle-like building with a stunning estate full of refined foliage and stone statues. As you enter, two puppies race up to you and eagerly hop up on your legs and begin to lick at your hands. You laugh and squint your eyes to make out a small Jack Russel and a Boston terrier. Brendon introduces you to them as Bogart and Pennylane before he ushers you farther into the house, walking you past the brilliant paintings, tapestries, and decorations. Sure enough, there’s chandeliers that dangle from the ceiling, marble floor and pillars, golden trimming, as well as a gigantic aquarium filled with a variety of multicolored fish. Brendon interlocks his fingers with you as he takes your hand, guiding you farther into his home, your mind spinning at your surroundings. He lays you down onto a Victorian fainting couch and sets down the box and bags before embracing you, pressing a soft kiss to your lips.

“So what do you think?” he smiles.

“I’m absolutely amazed,” you admit. “This is insane.”

“I thought you might like it,” he chuckles. “Now come on, I want to see your reaction to these gifts.”

You can’t help but blush as he places the box into your hands and you unwrap the ball gown from the packaging, your eyes sparkling. “It’s gorgeous!” you gush, standing up and lifting it towards your frame, doing a small spin and giggling. “Oh my god, I love it! And it’s just my size!”

“Come on, you have more goodies too,” he reminds.

You set down the dress carefully and then reach for the bags, pulling out the lingerie one at a time. The look on your face makes him smirk, and you can’t help but become breathless at the thought of being sprawled out on his mattress wearing nothing but these small pieces of lace. “Thank you,” you whisper as you pull out the last one. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

“Thank you, darling,” he beams. “I expect you to start wearing them to work from now on when you get a chance.”

“Of course,” you nod happily. “I would love to.”

“Now come on,” he takes you by the hand and guides you towards the kitchen. “Let’s have a drink.”

Both of you curl up on a loveseat on the porch outside admiring the view of a lake, a tennis court, a golf course, and a fire pit. He has plenty of hammocks and armchairs, along with a bar counter and stools, as well as a small gathering space adorned with fairy lights and lanterns. “Are you the only one who lives here?” you dare to ask, leaning your head on his chest as he takes a swig of beer. He’s poured you a glass of virgin sangria, but you’ve only taken a couple sips.

“I have several butlers and maids, as well as a handful of chefs,” he replies. “Other than visitors though, it is just me.”

“Wow,” you murmur to yourself. You can’t imagine only one person living on such a huge property. You’re starting to wonder if maybe he’s not even a millionaire, but a billionaire. You make a mental note to look up his net worth when you get home. This all feels surreal.

“But I worked hard to get here, don’t get me wrong,” he says. “My father helped me, but I put in plenty of hard work and effort myself. School was hard trying to work and educate myself at the same time, but it paid off beyond what I could ever imagine.”

“I’m proud of you,” you mumble, unable to hide your smile. “I can’t believe I’m lucky enough to be here with you.”

Both of you lay down and cuddle, just holding each other and staying there, taking sips of your drinks and watching the sunset together. It’s something you had only ever dreamed of, and you would’ve never thought it to go down like this. Perhaps maybe on a grassy hill after a picnic with one of the boys in your neighborhood or while eating cotton candy at a carnival with a guy from your high school or in the back of a truck blaring music with a best friend turned lover. Not at all like this. Not in the backyard of a mansion with your newest boss, laying down on a satin loveseat drinking fancy concoctions and taking in the view. You wished you could freeze this moment and keep it forever, revisit it when you needed it, years from now when he would have forgotten about you and you felt lonely.

“I’m kind of getting hungry,” he sighs when the sky begins to get dark. “Ready to make dinner?”

“I’d love to,” you grin. “What were you thinking?”

“Filet mignon,” he offers. “Medium rare.”

“I’m still stuffed from the luncheon,” you joke. “But that sounds absolutely delicious, I think I won’t be able to resist.”

“Perfect,” he decides, scooping you up from the loveseat and carrying you inside.

After a lengthy argument with the chef trying to insist that he wants to cook the meal tonight, he picks out two slices of meat and seasons them before placing them on the pan with a drizzle of olive oil. He then picks out veggies and a knife and begins to chop them, your arms around his waist and your lips peppering kisses on his back. He pours the mix of broccoli, onions, carrots, and peas into another pan and sets it on low, sprinkling it with salt and pepper. He turns around and kisses you on the forehead before picking you up and setting you on the counter, your legs dangling off the side and your head nodding back and forth as he goes to place a record on the vinyl player. It’s Frank Sinatra, and you hum at the beginning of the song, one of your grandfather’s favorites.

You watch intently as Brendon flips the meat over, pan sizzling slightly before he goes to stir the vegetables. You’ve seen plenty of people cook before, but the way he does it is like someone create art. He’s so graceful and meticulous, dancing around the kitchen and adding ingredients as if splattering a new color on the canvas with his brush, concentration and precision at a high priority. It has you absolutely mesmerized. He softly sings along to the Sinatra vinyl as he begins to plate your food, and you feel like you could melt upon his granite countertop and drip all the way down to his marble floor. His voice is smooth and soft and sultry and savory. You close your eyes and tilt your head back, begging to hear more. Everything about this man absolutely entranced you.

His dining room is lavish, and it almost seems silly to sit at such a large table with so many chairs when it’s only you two, but you do anyways. It reminds you of the scene in The Little Mermaid where Ariel and Prince Eric ate at the fancy table all alone, her slamming the plate cover over Sebastian once she spots him in the salad. You giggle at the thought. “What?” Brendon raises an eyebrow, smiling.

“Nothing,” you chuckle to yourself. “This all just feels straight out of a fairy tale.”

“As it should,” he presses a kiss to your cheek. “You’re my princess, remember?”

He slowly cuts into your choice of meat, revealing the rosy pink inside. Just the smell makes your stomach grumble, and as soon as he lifts the bite up to your lips with the prongs of his fork, it’s gone. It tastes delicious, tender and succulent and flavorful. You’re dying to get another taste. You wouldn’t have expected him to be such a refined chef, but then again, there’s a lot of unexpected things you’ve found out about him. His singing voice, for one. You were still dreaming about it as you munched on your veggies.

“So, what’s after this?” you inquire as you take another sip of your sangria.

“It’s honestly up to you,” he shrugs. “We can watch a movie in the theatre, spend some time in the library, play a game of ping pong or tennis, go to the jacuzzi, take a ride on the helicopter, maybe play some music and dance in the ballroom, it’s whatever you want baby.”

“That’s- a lot,” you swallow down the information, overwhelmed. “Damn.”

“Don’t worry about getting it all in,” he reassures. “I do plan on taking you back here again.”

“Can we dance in the ballroom?” you ask shyly, blush on your cheeks. “And can I wear my new dress? The one you just bought for me?”

“Sure sweetheart,” he smiles at the request. “Would you like me to dress up, too?”

“You’re already wearing a suit and tie,” you argue.

“Perhaps a tuxedo for my lovely lady though?” he wonders. “We can play dress up, just have fun. Even if it is just for an hour or two.”

“Alright,” you can’t help but giggle more at what he says. You feel like a small child. You love the feeling. You absolutely adore it. “Sounds like fun.”

He makes you feel so young, so invincible, so powerful and exhilarated. Being with him was the best feeling in the entire world. Now, being here, dancing in the ballroom in your heels and brand-new dress, staring into his eyes, his hands on your hips and yours on his shoulders, you were sure that this had to be the best night of your entire life. Never had you ever been in love with someone like this, felt comfortable and safe yet thrilling and daring at the same time. “You are so gorgeous,” he whispers, caressing your face after twirling you in his arms.

“You’re beyond handsome,” you mumble, eyes still sparkling.

“I think-” he stops himself, closing his eyes, looking down.

“What?” you soften your features, concerned.

“I think I might love you,” he admits, looking up at you, eyes radiating genuine emotion.

“Brendon,” you breathe his name, shocked. “I- I don’t- I can’t-”

“It’s okay if you don’t feel the same way,” he quickly covers up. “I just um, I wanted you to know. How I felt about you.”

“I think I might love you too,” you blurt out before you can stop yourself. “I’m sorry it took me so long to tell you, I know it’s only been a couple days but-”

“No,” he shakes his head, smiling softly. “I get it. I understand.”

“Really?” you feel your heart skip a beat.

“Yeah,” he nods. “You’re my whole world, y/n.”

You kiss him as you sway back and forth in his arms, your feet grounded to the beat, your tongues moving with the melody, your fingers tangled in each other’s hair. You loved him so much and yet you only knew him for such little time. It killed you on the inside knowing that this moment wouldn’t last forever, that someday you’ll be far away from each other, that you’ll find a new job and a new person to love and a new life. Even though you were young, you weren’t stupid. You knew you wouldn’t last forever, you knew this was simply just a spur of the moment thing, two lovers caught it a spark soon to fade away. You had heard of it a thousand times before and you were intelligent enough to spot it out yourself. That was far in the future though. All that mattered was now, because he was here now, and you loved him right now. As the next song began to start, you pulled away from each other, sharing smiles and holding hands.

“I think I’m ready for a little late-night swim,” you tell him.

“We can make that happen,” he nods. “Let’s go.”

Splashing each other with water in the jacuzzi like little kids, him hilariously letting you win at ping pong even though you were literally miserable and couldn’t hit the ball to save your life, and allowing you to peruse his collection of books in the library only made your decision on calling this the best night of your life even more secure. You had never been this overwhelmed before, but you thoroughly enjoyed it. You walked around his mansion with him, wrapped in a towel embroidered with his name, hair dripping wet, holding his hand. He led you up the flight of stairs to a room and swung the doors open, your face turning pink as you realized where he had taken you.

“Leading me to your bedroom, Mr. Urie? Tsk, tsk,” you smirk. “Naughty boy.”

“Says the one who was sucking me off at my desk yesterday at work,” he backfires. You giggle, embarrassed at his comment.

“What are we doing in here?” you tilt your head to the side, curious.

“Taking a shower,” he replies, carefully unwrapping you from your towel. “Come on baby, we got to get all of that salt water out of your hair and skin before you dry up.”

“Alright,” you comply, letting him untie the back of your bathing suit. You’re a bit nervous though. You’ve never been completely naked in front of him. Your insecurities start to cloud your mind, making you chew on your lower lip, self-conscious and hesitant. However, as he slides the damp fabric off of your body, all of that changes when you turn around to face him, swimsuit pooling at your feet before you step out of it and into his arms.

“Y-you’re so fucking gorgeous,” he stumbles over his words, staring at you with complete awe. “Holy fuck, y/n.”

“Thanks,” you feel yourself blushing even harder.

“Jesus,” he scans your body from head to toe, hands on your hips, still in complete awe. He gives you a kiss before shedding his own bathing suit and then scooping you up and carrying you to the bathroom, turning on the water and letting it heat up.

You had never taken a shower with anyone else in your entire life before. You had watched it in movies and tv shows, steamy scenes of people making out or having sex, but this is nothing like that. This is purely romantic. He lathers soap onto your body and carefully washes your hair with shampoo, massaging your back and pressing kisses to your shoulders. He hums sweet songs in the shower, mostly Frank Sinatra, which you eventually hum along to yourself if you recognize the tune. When you get out of the shower, he dries you off carefully with a towel, working from your hair down to your neck, then your breasts and waist, then your legs and feet. He treats you like a goddess. You don’t know how you were ever so lucky to deserve him. After quickly drying himself off in about a fourth of the time he’s spent on you, he picks up a bottle of lotion and works it through his hands and fingers before touching your skin. He smooths out the cream onto your arms and legs, your face, and your body. You close your eyes and let out a deep sigh at the sensation. It’s soothing and comforting and absolutely divine.

“Thank you,” you murmur as he closes the bottle and sets it back on the counter.

“I just want you to feel like the beautiful girl you are,” he insists. “I want to treat you right. I want to make you feel loved. I want to show you that I’m not just saying these words because I want to, I’m loving you because I need to. Alright, y/n?”

“Yeah,” you can’t help but smile, giving him a kiss. “But still. Thank you.”

“You’ve been such a good little girl for me all day, especially at the meeting,” he hums, closing the space between you and tugging your naked body towards his. “I can’t help but think that after a long, exhausting, grueling day of work you’d like to lay down with me and continue what we started back in the taxi this morning, hmm?”

“Sir,” you breathe, knees weak.

“Is that what you’d like, babygirl?” he mumbles into your neck, starting to suck at your skin, grazing it with his teeth, sliding his tongue down and breathing warm breaths, making you start to get wet for him.

“Mmm please,” you beg, wrapping your arms around him, raking your fingernails down his back as he sucks on your shoulder.

“It’s so hard not to leave marks,” he confesses, pulling away and letting out ragged breaths, staring at you. “Fuck baby, come here.” He kisses you harshly, pushing his tongue into your mouth and pressing it up against yours, your breasts against his chest.

“Please,” you whimper, and he picks you up, allowing you to hook your legs around his waist.

He carries you to the bed, your face buried in the crook of his neck, and slowly lays you down. You let out a sigh as you feel your back press up against the soft mink faux fur on his mattress and your head resting upon the memory foam pillows. Everything here is so luxurious, you yourself feel like a treasure just being surrounded by such rich possessions. He lays down on top of you, kissing you softly, sure not to crush you. It makes you moan, the feeling of his chest up against yours, his lips traveling down your neck to your breasts, his hands kneading both of them gently, causing you to whine even more. “God, those sounds you’re making sound so angelic,” he croons. He begins to flick your nipple back and forth with his tongue, then nips at it, making you roughly grip his shoulders, letting another moan fall from your mouth.

“Brendon, fuck please more,” you implore as he traces his tongue around your other nipple before biting it softly. “Shit, shit, shit oh my god fuck-”

“Such naughty words coming from such an innocent, pure, sweet little girl,” he teases, squeezing your tits one last time. He then kisses his way down your stomach, spreading your legs apart with his hands to make room for him to slide down in between them, your fingers finding their way to tangle themselves in his hair. He lets out a warm breath onto your clit, making you squirm, and he then presses his lips to it, giving a soft kiss. “So beautiful.” His voice is so soft and gentle. He removes one of his hands from your thighs and uses two of his fingers to run through your folds, collecting your wetness, and he hums at the sensation. You whimper, bucking your hips up to meet his fingers, and he complies, pushing them in slowly.

“Oh my god, fuck, fuck, fuck,” you curse at the feeling, absolutely adoring it but yet terrified of it all at the same time. This was so new, so intimate, so different. Being in a taxi cab trying to sneak around and be dirty for a few seconds was one thing, but now, here, laying in his bed with him in between you, his fingers inside of you, it was something completely off the charts from what you had previously accomplished. “More, more, more Brendon, fuck please more.”

“Whatever you say, princess,” he smirks, pushing in and out of you, your fingers tugging at his hair, back arched, erotic sounds spilling from your mouth. You can’t get enough. “God you have such a tight, wet, pretty little cunt for me, don’t you? Look at this pussy, fuck, I could just finger you all day if I could. Especially with those sounds you’re making for me, damn baby…”

He slides his fingers in and out of you, even adding a third at one point, only increasing the volume of your noises as he decides to roll his thumb in circles over your clit, driving you absolutely wild. Before you know it, you’re screaming his name, begging for him to go faster and faster, your walls clenching around his fingers, knuckles turned white at how hard you were tugging at his hair, and a flash of hot white, his fingers slowly sliding out of you, your head tilted back in attempts to catch labored breaths. You focus on your heavy breathing, vision still hazy coming down from your high as you watch Brendon lick his fingers carefully, sucking on each one. You feel like you might pass out. You had never had such an intense orgasm before.

“Jesus Christ,” you sigh, collapsing into the mattress.

“We’re not done yet, kitten,” he crawls back on top of you and kisses you, pressing his hips to yours, and you feel his hard on.

“Fuck Brendon,” you whine, bucking your hips up against his. You begin to grind against him, his cock sliding against your wet folds, his head teasing you, barely sliding in. It makes you whimper. “I want you inside me, please.”

“We need to be careful,” he whispers. “Listen to me baby, if I say I’m going to cum, I’m going to need you to promise you will lay your legs flat on this mattress and let me pull out, understand?”

“Yes sir,” you nod your head. “I promise.”

“No matter how good it feels, I can’t get you pregnant, alright?” he looks into your eyes, making sure you know how serious he’s being. “I need to make sure we’re both safe.”

“C-can’t you get a condom?” you murmur, looking up at him.

“If you would like me to, I can,” he offers. “But I want you to feel it for your first time baby. I want you to feel all of me. Okay?”

“Okay,” you decide. The idea of fucking with a condom hadn’t always sounded the best idea to you, you never really cared for latex, and assumed it was a safety precaution more than anything, something you just had to do whether you liked it or not. But the idea of having him inside you raw, the possibility and danger of something going wrong, the anticipation of reaching the climax and acting quick, it only made the adrenaline rush through your veins more. “I promise sir, I want this. I want it please. I want it now.”

“As you say, sweetheart,” he gives a soft smile. He reaches his hand down towards his dick, stroking himself before lining up with your entrance, slowly pushing into you.

“Fuck,” you whimper, tears surfacing in your eyes as he begins to move into you inch by inch. “Fuck, fuck, fuck, fuck-”

“You’re doing so good, babygirl,” he insists. “Just a little more, I promise I’ll go slow.” He pushes even more into you, the uncomfortable feeling in the pit of your stomach growing even more, the pain spiking upwards.

“Mmpft, please, please, please,” you whine, closing your eyes tight, clinging onto him. He stops, resting at a comfortable position, letting you adjust to his size.

“Just tell me when you’re ready,” he soothes, running a hand through your hair. “I can wait.”

“Go,” you choke out the word. “Please, just go.”

“I want to make sure you’re comfortable,” he insists, concerned look spread across his face. “Take your time baby. If it’s too much, I can pull out-”

“I said fucking go,” you argue, pushing your hips up to meet his and making him let out a low moan, surprised by your actions.

“Shit baby,” he whines, slowly moving in and out of you. Your pain is slowly replaced with pleasure as he works his way back and forth, his hands behind your head, your hands on his shoulders.

“You feel so fucking good,” you mumble, pressing your hips up to meet his thrusts. He begins to go quicker, making you whine, fingernails digging into his skin. “Brendon, shit, fuck- oh god.”

“Come on sweetheart,” he huffs through his heavy breaths. “I want to make you feel good. I want to make you cum for me.”

“More, more,” you beg, the rolls of your hips beginning to get sloppy and uncoordinated as you feel your climax coming on. “Fuck, don’t stop sir, please don’t stop.”

“I don’t plan on it,” he chuckles darkly, thrusting into you over and over and over again.

“Shit I feel it- I feel it- oh my god, oh my god,” you moan as you feel your second wave of orgasm wash over you, your entire body shaking and trembling.

“Princess you feel so fucking good when you cum around my cock like that,” he hums, working in and out of you still, only overstimulating you even more. “Just a little while longer.” He moves back and forth, your body now exhausted and tired, barely able to keep up at his pace.

“Want to- make you- feel- good,” you manage to get out between your gasps for air, still in a haze of pleasure.

“Jesus,” he thrusts one last time before pulling out and cumming across your stomach, the warm sticky substance dripping down your breasts and torso. “Oh god baby, fuck…”

“Mmm,” you tilt your head back and revel in the feeling of his semen coating your body. It felt so good to know you made him feel just amazing as he had made you feel.

“You are so fucking gorgeous,” he moans, taking a moment to recover and catch his breath before leaning down to kiss your lips. “So beautiful for me.” He kisses you again and then gets up, fumbling with his drawer before getting out a towel. Once again, as always, prepared for the situation. He also ends up getting a warm wash cloth to clean you off even better, then dries you with a towel, wiping himself off as well as your pussy before dropping it to the floor and wrapping both of you up with blankets, cuddling you gently, both of your bodies tangled together.

“Thank you so much,” you whisper into his ear, peppering kisses all over his face. “That meant so much to me, that felt so good, thank you. Thank you.” You take a deep breath. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget how that felt for the rest of my entire life.”

“I am so madly in love with you, Miss Jackson,” he replies, kissing you passionately. “I don’t think I’ll ever want to let you go.”

“Fine by me,” you laugh against his lips, and he does as well, both of you smiling and joyful. When you pull away, he looks at you, grinning, then going to kiss you again. And again. And again. And again. You never want this stop. If you could, you would make this night last forever. In fact, kissing him here in his bed, pleasure still buzzing in your mind, the sweet smell of sex in the sheets, you feel like you just might be able to. In fact, you feel like you could do anything in the world.

#i love her anyway #miss jackson #brendon urie smut #brendon urie imagine #brendon urie fanfiction #brendon urie x reader #brendon urie x reader smut #brendon urie x reader imagine #brendon urie x reader fanfic #panic! at the disco smut #panic! at the disco x reader #panic! at the disco imagines #sin sin sin

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vixxscifiwritings · 6 years

Text

yellow tulips for love

jbsdhffhkb I didn’t know this gif existed before I wrote this oneshot

Characters - Hongbin x OC, Taekwoon x OC (established), Hyukvi, HaKen

Warnings - cheese everywhere

Summary - Hongbin and Haneul dance around their growing feelings for each other. Or rather, Haneul remains unaware of Hongbin’s silent confessions.

A/N - Yes this is the cursed story I wrote in return for @biasedwriting writing me college AU jock!Taekwoon. Or rather, the first half of the deal.

-x-

“Kim Haneul? What a pleasant surprise!” Hongbin said, smiling at her. He had been happily surprised to see her when she had walked into the conference room. He had waited till after the presentation to approach her.

“Hello. Minah couldn’t make it so I am a last minute substitution for her” Haneul explained. “She sends her apologies. She is terribly sorry about being caught up in Busan.”

“It’s alright. We are always happy to see a familiar face” Hongbin said.

“I don’t think your team was as happy after the presentation” Haneul said, frowning to herself.

“Well, it’s a lot of work every time a new product comes around. The company pushes really aggressively on targets just to make it popular in our client base” Hongbin explained.

“Well the new underlying processes reduce our cost of financing overall and the low interest rates would attract more customers from the middle market base” she argued.

“Still a gamble to take. The new loan scheme is complicated to explain to someone who isn’t a financial analyst like you or me” he replied. Hongbin smiled and his dimple showed, momentarily making Haneul lose focus. She narrowed her eyes at him. He always used his dimples to throw people off focus when he was losing an argument. Yet it strangely made her heart flutter.

“It’s a shame that the presentations always happen at the end of the business day. I don’t think people appreciate being pulled into meetings so late” she noted, watching as some people in the room yawned.

It had been an exciting day on the market and such days often saw a lot of worried investors harassing their relation managers over their portfolios and if they were making large profits or losses.

“It’s been a day for us as well. The equity team looked to be on the verge of tears. The advisory team is still faring okay” he told her.

“I did not expect a sudden change in regulations. We have a very short time to update our rules and start reporting on the new laws” Haneul observed.

“They will extend the deadlines. They always do” Hongbin said, dismissing her worry.

“Dangerous gamble to take Mr Lee” Haneul said with a grin. He smirked at her before adjusting his tie.

“I guess I’ll be on my way then” she said, with a short bow.

“It’s late. Should I walk you home?” he asked, looking out of the window. The sun had set before the meeting had started.

“I don’t want to trouble you” Haneul said hesitantly.

“Well, I do have an ulterior motive. I was hoping we could stop by the dumpling store like we did last time? I’ve been craving them and I forgot to ask you the name of the store” he confessed sheepishly.

“Who can say no to dumplings? Let’s go!” Haneul cheered. Hongbin laughed as he picked up her bag and held the door for her. Haneul went first, talking animatedly about the hole in the wall dumpling store that the two of them had walked across the last time he had walked her home.

-x-

“A vanilla latte please” Haneul said, stifling a yawn. It was seven thirty in the morning and it was too damn early by her standards. Hence she had decided to make a quick coffee run before she had to get to work.

She collected the receipt and waited at the pickup counter for her coffee to be ready. She mindlessly scrolled through the news, noting in the headlines and marking whatever seemed relevant to be read later. The slight chill in the air seeped through her suit jacket and made her shiver.

“You look like a funny kitten” a familiar voice announced. Haneul gasped, turning to see Hongbin standing there and grinning at her.

“Excuse you, I am a puppy” she protested.

“You look like a wet kitten that’s shivering in the rain. Why didn’t you wear something warm?” he asked her, standing next to her and leaning against the counter. He had a receipt token identical to hers and Haneul realized that she had been too busy to notice him come in and order his coffee.

“I forgot my scarf in the rush to get to office” she said, embarrassed at how silly it sounded when said out loud. Maybe she shouldn’t have said anything at all.

“I thought you didn’t clock in till later” Hongbin said.

“I am working longer for a month. We have this new research that’s keeping everyone on their toes” she explained. “It’s really exciting because we have finally started using big data algorithms. Did I ever tell you that they finally licensed the new market data for the parameters that we had been lobbying for? The deal with Bloomberg licenses went through so now we have extensive datasets to start analysis on -”

She was startled when soft wool landed along her neck. Hongbin removed his scarf and put it around her while she had been talking about her latest project.

“Sorry. But you kept shivering” he said by the way of an explanation.

“I couldn’t -” Haneul started, only to be interrupted when Hongbin bopped her nose.

“I’m used to the morning chill. I’ll survive. Besides, our coffee is almost done” he said, pointing to the barista fitting lids and cardboard holders onto the paper cups that held their names.

“Thank you” she said gratefully. She hadn’t realized how chilly it was till she felt the sharp contrast to the warmth of the wool. The scarf held the smell of his cologne. She could never quite place the scent and what tones it had, but she distinctly remembered that it was his signature scent. She coloured, burying her face in the scarf out of shame.

Hongbin smiled at her before taking the coffee cups. She adjusted the strap of her handbag before taking the cup from him and thanking the barista on their way out. They discussed the news as they walked down the block to the office campus, feeling more active after caffeine.

-x-

Haneul looked at the scarf, lying in a packet next to her desk. She had gone looking for Hongbin only to learn that he was on a business trip and wouldn’t be back for another two weeks. The weather had gotten colder and she hoped he kept warm.

“Haneul, do you have five minutes?” Minah asked, walking over to her cubicle.

“Uh yeah. Do you want to catch up on the report I wrote?” she asked her manager.

“Yes. And a couple of other things” Minah said. She frowned when she saw the packet that Haneul had been fiddling with.

“More dumplings from your brother’s shop?” Minah asked.

“No that’s just the cover. I had stuff… to return to someone” Haneul said vaguely.

“Okay, you are terrible at hiding things” Minah said. “Is this someone, the boy your brother doesn’t like?”

“My brother has never been introduced to a ‘boy’. Also I’ve only visited the shop with a friend not a boyfriend” Haneul clarified.

“Blame Wonshik. He is a tattle tale. He told Taekwoon and me about this man you came in with, late at night once. And then multiple times” she said, raising her eyebrow suggestively.

“Like I said, Hongbin is a friend” Haneul said. She bit her lip when she realized that she should never have given the names away.

“Lee Hongbin? As in the senior manager from the Advisory team?” Minah asked, a lightbulb going off in her head. She had seen the two of them walk in once with coffee in the mornings but she hadn’t thought much about it and hence hadn’t connected the dots.

“It’s not what you are thinking” Haneul said warily.

“Too late, I am already thinking it. He’s cute” Minah teased.

“And a colleague and I have a strict personal policy of not dating anyone I work with” Haneul said firmly.

“Funny because you work for the middle office while he works for the front office and have no business functions in common” Minah reminded her.

“Even so…” Haneul started and trailed off. She had no good response to that argument. “Just no. We’re.. Friends at max.”

“What a shame” Minah said, smiling at her like she would smile at her nephew causing trouble. She clearly had no intention of believing Haneul.

“Let’s just discuss my report? Disinvestment in the petrochemical industry is more important at the moment” Haneul reminded her.

“Yeah but your love life is more interesting” Minah observed.

“I lost interest in romance the day you said you wanted to date Taekwoon” Haneul said sourly.

“Shut up. We don’t talk about that” Minah said, clamming shut.

“Eat up the human dumpling was it?” Haneul pretended to recall.

“Disinvestment in petrochemicals!!” Minah announced dragging her subordinate along to her cabin.

-x-

“I should stop talking to all three of you” Haneul said with her arms crossed.

“That’s my line. I cook at the shop all day and now I am cooking for dinner too. I should be the one breaking this friendship” Wonshik complained.

“I am clearly helping” Taekwoon responded.

“You are only sitting on the counter and eating vegetables that should be going into the dumpling fillings” Wonshik complained, shoving him. Taekwoon yelped, almost falling off the counter.

“Boys, no fighting” Minah said, breaking them up. She took the bowl of veggies from Taekwoon who whined before handing them over to Wonshik who thanked her.

“Come along” she said, dragging him by his hand to the couch.

“You’re both gross” Haneul called out after them, when they ended up snuggling on the couch.

“You denying your puppy crush is gross. Go out and get laid” Minah retaliated.

“I don’t have a crush” Haneul said. “She doesn’t have a crush” Taekwoon added in perfect sync.

“You’re both stubborn high school children” Wonshik said, pulling out the first batch of dumplings. He carefully handed a plate over to Minah who promptly declared she loved him for the food. Taekwoon glared at the two of them before nuzzling into her neck. Minah rolled her eyes at the childlike behaviour of her boyfriend before focusing on her food.

“I am not a child. That is also precisely why you should believe me when I say that I don’t like anyone that way” Haneul explained.

“That’s why you were wearing his scarf?” Wonshik asked.

“Scarf? What scarf?” Taekwoon asked sitting up. He almost made the plate in Minah’s hands fall over, causing her to cry.

“So one day, I decided to go over and meet Sanghyuk at his cafe. You know the one near Minah and Haneul’s office? It’s sort of early and I am mentally crying but then I saw Haneul walk in” Wonshik started.

“Oh my god, why were you there?” Haneul asked in horror. Wonshik smirked at her before turning to the couple on the sofa.

“And Haneul is busy on her phone so she didn’t notice me. Which is fine because I wasn’t feeling very social anyways” Wonshik said. He gave a loud uff when Haneul ran up to him and covered his mouth.

“Shut up. You misunderstood everything that day!!!” she cried.

“Tell me I gotta know!” Minah said, putting her food away and hugging Haneul so that she would let Wonshik go.

“So this dude walked up to her and they start talking and then before I know it, he is pulling his scarf and putting it around her. He was so smooth, I swear it was like a drama” Wonshik said, laughing at Haneul’s misery.

“He was being nice!” Haneul protested.

“Sanghyuk almost died smiling at the the moment. I just died on the inside. It was too early for drama moments” Wonshik said, grimacing.

“Where can I find him and murder him?” Taekwoon asked.

“Don’t be overprotective. He was nice and respectful. What was his full name? I think Sanghyuk knew him but I forgot to ask” Wonshik said.

“Lee Hongbin and he works in our company” Minah said. “We can stalk his instagram.”

“We do not have to stalk anyone's Instagram. Why do you even know it?” Haneul asked Minah.

“That information is not important. He is a hobby photographer and he has an aesthetic af insta account. We should totally check it out” Minah insisted.

“We should” Taekwoon said. Everyone raised an eyebrow at him. “I need to be able to recognize him so that I don't murder the wrong person.”

“Taekwoon hyung really now” Wonshik sighed.

“Taaeeeeekwooooniieee” Minah cooed. “Don't you want Haneul to marry quickly and have tons of babies that you can play with?”

“Oh yeah” Taekwoon remembered causing Haneul to gape.

“You're both crazy.”

-x-

“Hi Sanghyuk” Haneul greeted when she walked into the cafe.

“Ah the other half of my otp. Your boyfriend is on the table by the window” Sanghyuk said.

“I don't have a boyfriend” Haneul deadpanned.

“Good to know” a voice behind her said, causing her to lose ten years from her life.

“I just came over to clear my bill and leave. I am sorry if I am interrupting you being asked out” Hongbin said. His voice was deeper and husky, a clear sign of him being sleepy. His hair was curly, something Haneul hadn't seen before.

“I wouldn't date her in a million years” Sanghyuk said, grimacing. Haneul leaned over and hit him.

“Just for that comment, my coffee is free today” she threatened. Sanghyuk gave her a patronizing look and she shrugged. At least she had tried.

She turned back to Hongbin who had been observing the interaction. “I didn't know that you were back” she said.

“I returned last night” Hongbin replied.

“How was your trip?” she asked.

“Terrible. The deal fell through because of competitive rates from a rival” he told her.

“I thought we were the most competitive on the street” she frowned.

“Clearly not. There is a long meeting planned for analysing the situation. Jaehwan was not happy” he said with a frustrated sigh.

“Not going to lie. Lee Jaehwan scares me a little” Haneul said.

“He's nice for most part” Hongbin refuted. “But he has a laser sharp focus when solving a problem and none of us are up for it after such a long trip.”

“Ahem” Sanghyuk interrupted. The two of them turned towards him.

“A sweet vanilla latte. It's on your tab” he said, pushing a paper cup towards her.

“I owe you” Haneul said gratefully before he left the two of them to their conversation.

“I guess I should get going” Hongbin said looking at his watch. He smiled at ruefully at her before attempting to fix his hair. He gave up with a very audible sigh and a hunch if shoulders that made Haneul feel bad for him.

“Uh… Hongbin?” Haneul called out to him.

“Yeah?” he responded.

“You need the sugar rush more than I do” she said, giving him the coffee cup. Hongbin looked at the coffee in his hand before looking at her.

“Are you sure?” Hongbin asked. She nodded in reply.

“Thanks I guess” he said, a little confused. Maybe it was her imagination, but his cheeks did look pink. An effect of the morning cold. She really should return his scarf, she mentally scolded herself.

He smiled at her, dimples showing before walking out of the cafe. She leaned against the counter and hit her head. How embarrassing. Why had the act been cute in her head but supremely embarrassing in real life???

“Well that was awkward” Sanghyuk commented, only to have Haneul hit him again.

-x-

“Hi, is Lee Hongbin here?” Haneul asked the person sitting in the cubicle next to his.

“He just left for a break. He should be back in ten. I can call him if you’d like?” the woman offered.

“It’s alright. I just had to return something. I’ll leave it at his desk” Haneul replied. The woman nodded, smiling at her before going back to work. Haneul looked around, spotting a post it notepad and a marker. She wrote down a small note, just so Hongbin would know that she was dropping his scarf off.

Of course it was more polite to give it to him in person, but she had an extremely busy day ahead and she had been hoping to catch him during her break. This would have to do.

She made her way down to the fifteenth floor. Advisory and Client Relations worked on the thirtieth floor since it had the best view, meant to impress visiting clients. But the fifteenth floor had a good view of the city too. The entire building had glass elevators on the outside that let you look out at the east side of the city as you traversed up or down. Haneul stepped out only to run into Hongbin.

“Oh hi” she said, surprised to see him here.

“Hey” he said, equally surprised. He awkwardly gestured to the elevator which was held open for him and Haneul nodded in understanding. As soon as the door closed she hit her head. How awkward was that?

She looked at her watch and she realized that she only had ten minutes for her next meeting. So much for grabbing a quick coffee from the cafeteria. With a deep sigh and a heavy heart, she walked back to her desk.

She stopped when she saw a cup of coffee on her desk. She hadn’t had time to stop by the cafe this morning so it definitely wasn’t hers. There was a small post it note next to her cup, accompanied by a bunch of yellow tulips.

‘I owed you coffee - HB’

“Oh” Haneul said, picking up the small bunch of flowers. The tulips were bright and looked extremely well taken care of. She didn’t know of any flower shops nearby, so where had he gotten flowers from? Surely he must have picked it up on the way at last minute’s thought.

“Haneul let’s go. We’re meeting in 17B instead of 15C” Minah said, passing by her desk. Haneul started, hiding the flowers behind her back. Minah was too busy with a stack of reports to look her away and Haneul thanked the gods. She grabbed her folder and coffee and followed, offering to divide the load.

The flowers stayed in her mind for quite a while.

-x-

“You were looking for me?” Haneul asked, peeking into the cabin.

“Yeah, take a seat” Minah said. “It’s just our routine one on one meeting. As your manager, I wanted to catch up with you and see how you were holding up.”

“Well it is tax season after all so hurray for how hellish everyone’s life is” Haneul said, taking a seat.

“Tell me about it. It’s extremely taxing on all of us” Minah said. The two women stared at each other and sighed. That pun may have been unintentional but it was terrible and both of them judged Minah for it.

“Anyhow… how is work? I get that this month is trying but otherwise? Are you able to hold up?” she asked, moving on.

“It’s okay. Manageable” Haneul said. There wasn’t much to be discussed to be honest. Since Minah was a close friend outside of work, they didn’t need to wait for a monthly meeting to discuss issues. This was more of a formality between the two of them now.

“And what of your life outside of work?” Minah asked, grinning at her.

“We are not discussing that here” Haneul said, sitting up straight.

“As your manager, I should be kept apprised of any such developments between you and any other colleague. HR regulations” she said, smirking at Haneul.

“Well good for us that there are no developments then” Haneul lied through her teeth. There had been… events or incidents or just a casual exchange of hellos and post it notes. But those were most certainly not romantic developments.

“If you think Jaehwan and I have not noticed the sudden increase in the number of times Hongbin and you have dropped by each other’s desks to supposedly return things you forgot then you both are sorely mistaken” Minah sang. “At first I was hoping that it was because you were hooking up and were being forgetful about your things at each other’s places. Imagine my disappointment when I found out that it was just post it notes and flowers and phone charms.”

Haneul buried her face in her hands and groaned. She didn’t know how things had escalated to this point. About one month ago, when she had originally stopped by Hongbin’s desk to return his scarf, Hongbin had stopped by her desk to drop off coffee, claiming he had owed her one. Since Haneul did not have the foresight or common sense to have asked for his number or his business card and she did not want to have this conversation on the office messenger or email, she had ended up leaving another post it note the morning after, thanking him for the flowers.

One post it note had turned into multiple. Sparse and spread out over the days but always accompanied by flowers or in her case, cute things like a Hello Kitty phone charm that she had found and thought he would like.

It had almost become a habit that Haneul thought nothing of. Till Minah had called her out on it.

“It’s not like that” Haneul protested weakly.

“Just so you know, I have no issues with this relationship. Jaehwan sends his blessings too” she added in a sweet voice.

“Since we are clearly done here, I am going back to my work” Haneul said, standing up.

“Please let me know of any further developments on this track” Minah said, formally yet mocking her.

“I hate you and you are officially uninvited for Chuseok dinner” Haneul frowned.

“Too bad for you. I’m hosting it this time, remember? You can’t uninvite me. I uninvite you” Minah replied.

“Fine. You won’t ever see me again. We talk formally like manager and direct report from now on since we must work together” Haneul said, parodying her brother when he was angry.

“We’re never letting Taekwoon live down that argument with Wonshik are we?” Minah laughed.

“No not at all” Haneul agreed.

“It did give me an idea though…” Minah said thoughtfully.

“For?” Haneul asked.

“Nothing. Just idle thoughts” she dismissed. Haneul nodded before leaving the cabin.

-x-

“Not leaving yet?” Minah asked, looking at Haneul typing away on her desktop.

“I just have some analysis left to do. I think I will leave in an hour” Haneul told her.

“Don't stay too late” Minah said, patting her shoulder before leaving.

Truthfully Haneul would have left with her but there was a single hypothesis on her analysis that was failing. She could swear it was a data issue. Their sample size hadn't been as large as she had hoped for. But she hadn't expected it to fail with such a wide margin and now she had to rework the calculation. That had of course escalated to data cleaning being redone and had taken her a good chunk of the past hour.

She groaned as the test failed with a significant error yet again. Luck and math were both clearly not on her side today.

She decided to take a break and probably come back at this problem in five minutes. She locked her screen and took her phone up. She mindlessly scrolled through her Kakaotalk messages and LinkedIn notifications. There was nothing there except the usual adverts and spam messages.

She hovered over Instagram. How had Minah known about Hongbin’s instagram account? She had remembered him mentioning that he liked photography and that sometimes he would travel out of the city on weekends for nature shots. But she had never seen any of the photos he had ever taken.

Haneul looked around to make sure no one was looking before opening up the app. She navigated to Minah’s profile. There was a photo of pasta that she figured her brother had cooked for her. She double tapped for a like and went to her following page. A quick search revealed Hongbin’s instagram. It was his name with extra Is in it. Cute, she thought as she clicked on his profile. It wasn’t private which was a blessing because she could now scroll without having to follow.

Minah hadn’t been wrong about his page being aesthetic. The photos he took were all so beautiful and high definition. Looking at the dates, she could tell that he uploaded rarely. Maybe he had a different place to share his photography or didn’t share much. But the photos he did have uploaded were beautiful.

He also didn’t upload many pictures of himself. Amongst the scenery, there was only one of him walking through the cherry blossom trees in Yeouido. A lot of it was also food. There was one another picture of him, with a Hello Kitty headband. From the comments, it looked like it had been uploaded as the result of a dare. It was really cute, she giggled to herself. Perhaps a few years old because he looked very young in it, but uploaded not so long ago.

She double tapped and froze for a moment. She had accidentally liked the picture. Why would she do that?!?!?! She was such a dumbass. She had a mini panic attack as she immediately unliked the picture. Except she tapped too many times and now the picture was liked again. Distressed, she threw the phone away from her and buried her face in her hands. Clearly she could do nothing right today.

-x-

“Yo Haneul, your boyfriend was looking for you earlier” Sanghyuk said, placing the vanilla latte in front of her.

“He’s not my boyfriend. He can be your boyfriend” she said, miffed and sulky.

“Okay spill. Why are you sulky and why are you avoiding him?” Sanghyuk asked.

“I’m not sulky and I am not avoiding him. He’s just not my boyfriend” Haneul protested.

“Are you in a mood because he isn’t your boyfriend? I thought the problem was something he might have said but I guess the problem is the lack of him saying anything” Sanghyuk deduced wisely. “Sometimes men are idiots like that. Maybe you should make the first move.”

“I will strangle you with an empty coffee cup. Also you deduced amazingly wrong” she grumbled.

“I am only trying to help you here” he said, raising both his hands in defeat.

“Oh Sanghyuk I did a very stupid thing” she confessed, burying her head on the table.

“Tell me something new” Sanghyuk snorted. Haneul glared at him and he chuckled. “Okay, confess your sins away.”

“You have to promise not to laugh at me okay? I was scrolling through Hongbin’s instagram” she started.

“Stalking you mean” Sanghyuk corrected.

“Scrolling!! Anyhow, I accidentally liked a very old post. I wasn’t even following him when I did! He would clearly know that I was looking at his ig!!” Haneul cried.

“What an amazing miracle. I am suddenly inside a teenage romcom” Sanghyuk said, faking awe.

“You are terribly useless and I hope you die alone” Haneul told him.

“Well… I don’t know about that considering I just started dating Wonshik and I think it might be for the long haul” Sanghyuk said, smiling sheepishly.

“What? When?! Details!!” she asked excitedly.

“There are no details. It’s all pretty new and we’re still trying to figure this out. But you know how Wonshik is. If he decides he loves someone, he goes all in. And I kind of like him a lot too” he confessed.

Haneul beamed at him. At least love was going right for someone in this world. And she hadn’t thought about it before but now that she had been enlightened, the two of them would be the cutest pair ever! They had similar interests and got along like a house on fire. And looking at the dopey way they talked about each other, they were clearly very in love and her heart was so soft at the moment.

“Do the others know yet?” she asked him.

“We were thinking of telling Minah and Taekwoon on Chuseok. But Minah changed her mind and invited a couple of other people she wanted us to meet. So we will tell them after that I suppose” he said, playing with the stirrers.

“I am so happy for both of you” Haneul said, positively glowing for the two of them. Sanghyuk blushed, ruffling his hair since he didn’t know how to respond to it.

“Since I am the first person who came to know, will you name your first baby after me? Haneul is a common name for both boys and girls too” she said, resting her hands on the counter.

“And risk sharing your intelligence? What if the name itself is jinxed?” Sanghyuk asked in horror.

“I officially hate you and I am going to take my business and go to Starbucks from now on” Haneul said crossly.

-x-

“So… will anyone give me the lowdown of who you guys invited or will you both just stand there being gross?” Haneul asked, cutting up the meat. Taekwoon just stared at her before going back to hugging Minah who was busy with the glass noodles. Minah chuckled when Taekwoon buried his head in her neck.

“You tire me out” he told his sister, who just gave up on him. How on earth anyone tired out by doing nothing was a mystery to her. It was clearly Minah who had done most of the work.

“Taekwoon” Minah laughed when he kissed her neck. He paid no heed to her words as he proceeded to kiss her jaw and her cheeks and ears. She hit him with her elbow and he grumbled, only to hug her tighter.

“Right in front of my salad” Haneul said, taking away the vegetables from the extra lovey dovey pair in disgust.

“Excuse you that’s my salad. Don’t steal the carrots!” Taekwoon called out.

“I don’t know man, maybe don’t kiss where all of us will eat!” Haneul replied.

The doorbell rang, saving them from another sibling quarrel. “Hannie, can you see who that is? Taekwoon, if you’re not helping then go sit down” Minah ordered.

“No” Taekwoon said, pouting at her.

“Baby we have guests” she explained.

“Yeah baby, move your lazy ass and go welcome your guests” Haneul added sarcastically.

“I should kick you out of my house” he said, detaching from Minah and walking out of the kitchen.

“Why is my brother in such a weird mood today?” Haneul asked Minah, now that they were alone.

“No reason” Minah said.

“I knew it. He’s just a weird child” Haneul grumbled, taking over cooking the stew. There was a lot of laughter and chatter that confused Haneul and made Minah smile. It was followed by Taekwoon’s loud whining and the two women sighed.

“I guess this means Hakyeon and Jaehwan are here” Minah said with a fond exasperation.

“Hakyeon… and Jaehwan?” Haneul asked.

“Yeah. Hakyeon is a friend from university that both Wonshik and Taekwoon know. And Jaehwan is Hongbin’s boss. The one and only Lee Jaehwan” Minah told her, walking out. Haneul’s heart dropped as she covered the stew and followed them out.

“Hannie come here. I need to introduce you to our guests” Taekwoon said when he spotted her.

“Hakyeon, Jaehwan - This is my sister Haneul” he introduced. Haneul bowed and the two men did too.

“We work in the same company. Different departments though” Jaehwan told Hakyeon.

“Ah… so you’re that Kim Haneul” Hakyeon said. Haneul raised an eyebrow before Jaehwan shushed him.

“Hakyeon studied in the same college I did. That’s how we know each other. Jaehwan is Hakyeon’s husband and Minah’s close friend… by some twist of fate” Taekwoon said.

“What a coincidence” Haneul said shooting Minah a look. She knew exactly why the two of them were suddenly best buddies. Both of them gave her matching innocent smiles. Devious Aries people, Haneul cursed under her breathe as she turned to her brother.

“Why don’t we all go inside? The food’s almost done and we’re still waiting on a few people” Taekwoon said.

“You have a really cozy home” Hakyeon said, following him. Jaehwan followed, talking about something that Haneul wasn’t paying attention to. She dragged Minah to the kitchen under pretext of checking on the food.

“Who else did you invite?” she asked Minah. They were only waiting on Wonshik and Sanghyuk. What had her brother meant by the word ‘few’?

“Well, we did invite someone else. But this time it is someone you know” Minah said with a guilty face. But her tone indicated that she really wasn’t.

“You invited Hongbin, didn’t you?” Haneul asked, her head buried in her hands again. The state of facepalming was slowly becoming her constant state of being.

“Yeah. The poor boy was alone on Chuseok because his parents are on some tour out of the country. So I invited him along” Minah told her. “And I know that you are lovestruck but I hope you behave tonight.”

“This is insane” Haneul said with a heavy sigh.

“In a few years, you will look back at this moment and thank me for setting you guys up” Minah said.

“The police will look back at this moment and declare that you pushed me to the point of jumping out of this window and declare my suicide a homicide” Haneul said before storming off behind the counter.

“Yeah okay. Go set the table” Minah said, dismissing her. Haneul was as dramatic as her brother sometimes, if not more. It often gave Minah pause, wondering what she might marry into someday. But it was also very amusing when not directed at her.

Haneul joined the others in the living room once the stew was done. Jaehwan and Hakyeon were sitting on the couch while Taekwoon was sitting on the armchair on the side with Minah leaning against the handle. Her brother had his arm around her waist and it made Haneul scoff.

“But you really should drop by Hakyeon’s new flower shop some time. It’s very close to our office and from what Minah tells me, it is close to your restaurant too” Jaehwan said enthusiastically.

“I must mention, I am a huge fan of the dumplings. Jaehwan and I binged on it once with no regrets” Hakyeon said.

“They were Wonshik’s special recipe. He will be happy to know” Taekwoon replied modestly.

“Oh, speaking of specialities, I heard that your shop has beautiful tulips Hakyeon. How did you manage to get them in this season?” Minah asked. “Haneul really loves tulips” she added with a sweet smile her way.

“Ah. That was a tricky thing but I won’t give my secret away” Hakyeon teased. “Do you like flowers a lot Haneul?” he asked her.

“In general yes. I like flowers” she said. It hadn’t taken her long to figure out what Minah was hinting at. The yellow tulips from six weeks ago had been from Hakyeon’s new shop.

“Tulips are delicate flowers. Probably the reason why they have such a romantic meaning attached to them too” Hakyeon said.

“Romantic meaning?” Taekwoon asked.

“Yeah. what was it again? Love?” Jaehwan asked his husband.

“Yellow tulips were a sign of being hopelessly in love” Hakyeon said. He shared a look with Minah and Jaehwan while Haneul’s heart sank further and further.

“Excuse me” Haneul said, excusing herself from the discussion. Had Hongbin always known?? What was this supposed to mean???

Her brain went into overdrive as she paced around the kitchen. What was she supposed to do now? Oh my god, she was such an idiot. How was she supposed to keep a straight face when Hongbin arrived? And why in the world were Hakyeon, Jaehwan and Minah all in on this??

The ringing of Minah’s phone distracted her from her thoughts. But Haneul went right back into it when she saw Hongbin’s name flash. If only she could either jump from the balcony or make herself small enough to hide under the kitchen sink or something. Haneul settled into a compromise and just ducked behind the counter, hoping to hide from the world forever there.

“What in the world are you doing?” Taekwoon asked, staring at his sister. He had volunteered to come get Minah’s phone but had been confused by Haneul acting like a weird chicken.

“I uh… don’t feel so well. I think I need to run to the pharmacy and get some medicine” she said, jumping up. She rushed out before Taekwoon could ask her what was wrong and dove straight for the closet. She pulled out her jacket and put on her shoes, not caring for the socks that lay forgotten in a jumble.

“Is Haneul okay?” she heard Minah ask as she closed the door behind her. Haneul checked her pocket for keys to her apartment. Maybe it wasn’t too late to just go home and sleep and pretend that tonight had never happened.

She pressed the button for the ground floor and counted down numbers till she did reach the ground floor. The activity helped her calm down a little and brought rational thought back to her head.

She must have definitely looked like an idiot rushing out of the room like that. But there was no way to save face now. She could always walk down to the all night pharmacy and buy cough drops for the sake of going through with the lie, but it was too extreme, even for her. She hung around in the lounge for a while before stepping out.

“Oh. Haneul hi” a familiar voice said.

“Sanghyuk! You’re here” Haneul said, surprised.

“Yeah. Wonshik and I were just looking for the visitor’s parking area. We found Hongbin too. Bless the poor soul, he had the wrong block” Sanghyuk said, turning and waving to the two men.

“Um… I was just headed to the pharmacy so I should get going” Haneul said weakly. Maybe she should have jumped off the balcony when she had the chance.

“Pharmacy? Are you not feeling well?” Wonshik asked. He had heard the last sentence when the two of them had arrived.

“Haneul! Hi” Hongbin greeted before stopping. He had noticed something was wrong and he immediately went up to her.

“Are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?” he asked, touching her forehead to check her temperature.

“I’m fine” she squeaked. Her face was hot from her embarrassment at her actions and she was sure that Hongbin had misunderstood the high temperature as a rising fever. He took her hand to measure her pulse but she pulled away.

“I’m absolutely okay” she lied. She had never been more not-okay in her life but she couldn’t stand the fuss.

“Let’s go upstairs. It’s cold outside” she told Sanghyuk who was now smirking at her. While Wonshik and Hongbin were confused. Sanghyuk had figured out the reason behind Haneul’s actions and was now clearly enjoying himself. When Minah had admitted that she hadn’t told Haneul because she didn’t want her to freak out and bail, she had clearly been right in her assumptions.

“Isn’t it? It’s unusually cold for autumn this year” Wonshik said.

“Maybe I should buy more woollen scarves. It gets chilly here” Sanghyuk said, causing Hongbin to blush and Haneul to start coughing.

“Are you okay? Do you want me to go to the pharmacy and get you cough drops?” Sanghyuk asked her in a very concerned voice.

Haneul glared at him and walked ahead, not caring about the others. Sanghyuk laughed before following her. When Wonshik raised an eyebrow at him as they waited for the elevator, he promised all of it was in good fun.

“Are you sure you don’t have a fever though?” Hongbin asked in a whisper as he leaned in. Haneul nodded, trying not to pay too much attention to his perfume that she had come to like.

-x-

“Thank you for having us” Hakyeon said once he put his shoes on.

“It was our pleasure. You are all invited for dinner again some time. Maybe we can convince Taekwoon to cook his signature pasta. He is really good at it” Minah said proudly.

“Some time for sure. We would love to have you guys over for our New Year’s Eve party if you are in town at the time” Jaehwan added. “You too Hongbin. Wonshik and Sanghyuk too. Tonight was a lot of fun.”

“I can’t deny my boss’ order” Hongbin teased. Jaehwan glared at him causing everyone to laugh. It was a merry sort of buzz, everyone feeling warm and cozy after having their fill of food and drinks. Sanghyuk and Wonshik had brought soju along and now everyone except the designated drivers were tipsy and giggling.

“Do you want us to give you a ride to your place?” Sanghyuk asked Hongbin.

“It’s not very far from here so I will just walk” Hongbin said, politely declining the offer.

“Well, I’ll see you tomorrow at the cafe then” Sanghyuk said. He bid everyone good night before the two of them headed out. Taekwoon and Minah noticed them holding hands as they left, but wisely left their questioning for later.

“That’s our cab driver and our cue” Hakyeon said, holding up his ringing phone. “You’re sure it’s not a problem if we leave our car parked overnight?”

“Yeah, don’t worry about it. Come pick it up later” Taekwoon said, waving his concern off.

“Thanks for inviting us Minah” Jaehwan said. He went to give her a hug but somehow found himself hugging Taekwoon who was staring at him blankly while squeezing him to death. Hakyeon stopped laughing long enough to rescue his husband before pulling him out the door, giggling about how cute possessive Taekwoon was.

“I shall be out of your hair too” Hongbin said, once things had quietened down a little.

“Thank you for the persimmons though. You really didn’t have to bring anything” Minah said modestly.

“It’s Chuseok tradition. And it was the first time I was visiting your house. I couldn’t just show up empty handed” Hongbin insisted.

“Next time, you don’t have to be so formal” she said warmly.

“Good night” he wished everyone.

“Good night” Haneul replied. Probably the first words she had spoken to him in the duration of the entire event. He smiled at her before taking his leave.

“You know… maybe you should walk Haneul back. Don’t the two of you live close by?” Minah asked.

“I can walk her back” Taekwoon said, not impressed by her suggestion.

“You have zero balance at the moment. You are only walking back to bed mister” Minah told him firmly. Taekwoon looked at her, raising an eyebrow suggestively.

“Good lord why didn’t I die before I had to see that” Haneul groaned, grabbing her socks and shoes and running out the door for a second time that night.

“Your brother is just drunk” Minah yelled back, amused by her complaints.

“I don’t care. Be gross in private!” Haneul yelled back in reply. She came back the door and grabbed Hongbin’s hand, pulling him out and closing the door behind them.

“Do I want to know?” Hongbin asked as the two of them stood at the end of the corridor, waiting as Haneul wore her socks.

“You really don’t. My brother is a weird child” Haneul said scrunching her nose. She jumped about, trying to get her shoes on and Hongbin laughed at the silliness of the situation.

“I’m glad you’re feeling better. You were really silent during dinner” he said, pressing the button.

“Yeah… I… yeah” she replied. Very articulate, she berated herself.

“You are really bad at handling the cold aren’t you?” he asked her, as they stepped into the elevator.

“I generally have better resistance” she said half heartedly. “And I usually have my coat which I forgot at my brother’s apartment. I am an idiot.”

Hongbin grinned at her pouting at her own self. Haneul was expressive and this amused him no end.

“You don’t really have to walk me back. Minah just said that for the sake of it” she told him in a quiet voice. “I don’t really mean to inconvenience you. It’ll be out of your way and it is already late and -”

“I would like to” Hongbin interrupted her. He put his jacket around her so that she wouldn’t feel cold and she blushed. “If you don’t mind it, I would like to walk you home.”

“I… That would be nice yeah” Haneul relented. She did want to spend time with him. She had been too embarrassed to talk at dinner time and the walk would be a nice excuse.

“I stay about a block away. It’s not too far” she assured him. He nodded, letting her lead the way.

“Are you sure you’re not feeling cold?” she asked, ten steps into their walk together. He nodded in response. She bit her lip, wondering how to return the jacket without seeming too rude or blunt.

“I never caught how Hakyeon and Jaehwan know Minah and your brother” he said, making idle conversation.

“Jaehwan and Minah are friends from work. Hakyeon knew Wonshik and Taekwoon from college. They went to the same business school I think” Haneul told him.

“It must be nice to stay in touch after all these years. I am only in contact with a few people from back then” Hongbin said.

“Yeah. Most of my friends decided to settle in different places so we rarely meet up now” Haneul agreed. “How did you come to know Hakyeon? Through Jaehwan?”

“Yeah. We’ve been friends for better part of three years now” Hongbin replied.

“Can I ask you a completely random question?” Haneul asked.

“Go ahead” Hongbin replied.

“The yellow tulips from earlier. They were from Hakyeon’s shop weren’t they?” she asked him.

“How did you come to know?” he asked in surprise.

“His flower shop is the only one near office. Jaehwan said that they specialised in exotic flowers. Tulips are rare in autumn” she explained.

“Ah. Yeah they were from his shop. He suggested I buy them for you” he told her honestly.

“Did he tell you… what they mean in flower language?” she asked him.

“He did” Hongbin confessed.

“Huh” she said in response to it. The two of them continued walking, not saying more

“Did you like them?” he asked after a moment of prolonged silence.

“Yes” she said, looking at the ground instead of at him. Hongbin said nothing more, walking along with her.

“This is my building” Haneul said, gesturing to the apartment block they were approaching. “Would you like to come upstairs for coffee? Or hot chocolate? Or something?”

Hongbin ran his hands through his hair, wondering what the correct response to the situation was.

“Maybe next time” he said, although both of them could tell that he didn’t mean it.

“That’s a shame” Haneul said.

“I had a good time tonight” she followed up, tiptoeing back and forth.

“Me too” he said ruefully. Haneul nodded, not moving because she didn’t want to say goodbye just yet. Hongbin had no such intention either but the silence was making things awkward.

“Would you like to get dinner with me? Next Saturday maybe?” Hongbin asked her.

“Yes! I mean yeah. Yeah that sounds like a good idea” she said, trying not to sound too enthusiastic about it.

“Great” he replied. “I'll pick you up on the day of. We could go to the nice restaurant or maybe Lotte World. Namsoon Tower is too far -”

“Hongbin?” Haneul interrupted. “Can I get your number or your KKT id?”

“Oh right. Yeah” he said, flustered that he forgot the most basic part. He entered his number on her phone and saved it under his name. He would automatically show up in her contacts.

“Thanks. I'll see you at work?” she asked hopefully.

“Yeah. We could grab coffee before that if you liked” he suggested.

“Sounds wonderful”

-x-

“Your boyfriend was looking for you” Sanghyuk said when Haneul walked in.

“He's not my boyfriend. And I found your boyfriend who was looking for you” Haneul said, gesturing to Wonshik.

“You didn't tell me that Haneul knew about us” Wonshik said with a pout.

“I think Taekwoon and Minah figured out that something was up at dinner” Sanghyuk confessed.

“So effectively everyone knows” Wonshik summarised. “It would explain while Taekwoon kept looking at me and didn’t say a thing when I said I wanted to make a coffee run.”

“I’ll excuse myself then” Haneul said winking at the two who groaned. She laughed, accidentally walking into Hongbin who had come looking for her.

“I am so sorry” Haneul exclaimed, worried she had hurt him on accident.

“I’m okay” Hongbin said, holding her steady by her shoulder so she wouldn’t stumble.

“Ah…” she said wisely, feeling awkward and nervous.

“So um… coffee?” he asked her.

“Not here. Sanghyuk and Wonshik are going to do gross PDA” Haneul said. Her volume was loud enough for the people in question to hear and that resulted in Sanghyuk chucking a cardboard sleeve at her.

“Please take her out if she intends on being troublesome” Sanghyuk yelled at Hongbin.

“In a date way or a sniper way?” Hongbin asked, causing Wonshik to laugh and Haneul to frown.

“Sniper way. I can’t live if you three being friends would mean listening to such bad jokes” she retorted.

“Damn. I was hoping for a date way since we’re both free today” Hongbin replied. Wonshik and Sanghyuk ooh-ed while Haneul blushed.

“Well?” Hongbin prompted.

“Can we go eat patbingsu?” Haneul asked, taking a chance. Hongbin pretended to think.

“Strawberry or red bean?” he asked, causing her to smile widely.

-x-

#vixx fanfiction #vixx hongbin #vixx ensemble as minor characters #cheese everywhere I am sorry

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esonetwork · 6 years

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Tale as old as time: ESO Network chats with Disney animator Tom Bancroft

New Post has been published on https://esopodcast.com/tale-as-old-as-time-eso-network-chats-with-disney-animator-tom-bancroft/

Tale as old as time: ESO Network chats with Disney animator Tom Bancroft

Beauty and the Beast. The Lion King. Aladdin. Mulan.

These iconic animated films are part of the story of the famous “Disney Renaissance,” which propelled the studio back to commercial success and critical acclaim in the ’80s and ’90s.

Tom Bancroft played a role in that story too — the artist has 30 years of experience in the animation industry, much of which was spent with Walt Disney Feature Animation. He was an animator on four animated shorts and eight feature films (the films named above are part of that list). He has also worked with Big Idea Productions, creators of the popular Veggie Tales animated series.

During Dragon Con 2018, ESO Network reporters Mary Ogle and Ashley Pauls chatted with Bancroft about his love for art, his favorite Disney project, and the industry shift from hand-drawn to computer animation. Read an excerpt from our interview below and listen to the full interview on Earth Station One podcast episode 437: https://esopodcast.com/the-earth-station-one-podcast-437-the-big-lebowski-live-from-dragon-con/

ESO: Tell us a little bit about your career and how you got started. What was that initial spark? What motivated you to get involved in this and pursue your art as a career?

I think I grew up in a golden age of comic strips. So this is a little tangent-y, but it was not the golden age of animation, unfortunately. When I grew up, mostly in the ’70s, I had a twin brother and we would draw together and what we would draw was comic strips. “Peanuts” was really big with Charles Schulz, and then soon came “Bloom County” and then soon after that “Calvin and Hobbes.” And of course the peak of Mad magazine.

It was all that sort of illustration and comic strips that really fascinated us. But then we had sort of a sub love of live action film, but especially Ray Harryhausen movies, which is stop motion. And we didn’t put it all together to go, “well, we like to draw, we like stop motion — animation seems like a good fit.” It still took a while till just after high school that we really realized [that].

Simultaneous to all that, we were watching Saturday morning cartoons all the time. But the love for Saturday morning cartoons wasn’t really artistic, I would say; it wasn’t like we were drawing “Scooby-Doo” or the “Super Friends.” We also liked comic books too. But kind of both of us looked at that as the impossible dream, because anatomy and things like that — it looked too hard.

But like I said, on the animation side of things, it was kind of a dead time. Those Saturday morning cartoons were pretty popular, but really, it was all about getting it out cheap, right? You look at “Super Friends,” and limited animation and Hanna-Barbera stuff. It was kind of a bad time to want to be an animator, I would say say. Even though there’s a lot of nostalgia for “He-Man” and things like that, it’s just not really well animated. (laughter) I think we can admit that.

[Then] Disney films started to get a little bit better and better. They were on the cusp of having a resurgence. “The Great Mouse Detective” had come out; that’s a fun, cartoon-y, well-animated film. And it was films like that, that really kind of made us go, “Oh, wait a second, you know, this might be the path. It combines a lot of our loves.”

And so we just kind of fell into animation, really. Did a little stop motion animated film for our church youth group, got together a couple friends that also wanted to try animation. And we just sort of taught ourselves. This is before the internet, so we’d go to the library and try and find books on even exposure because we’re literally using a Super 8 camera and shooting these clay animated figures one frame at a time. And so we just needed to learn, but that was close to Ray Harryhausen, so it was within our wheelhouse. We were researching him quite a bit.

Then that love translated to “well, we already like to draw, why don’t we try drawn animation?” And then we found out about CalArts (California Institute of the Arts). We already were living in California, and CalArts is like the animation school in the U.S. It still is, but at the time it was one of the only ones and it was founded by Walt Disney. So we tried for it and got it in, miraculously. And after a year and a half, got an internship at Disney. And that’s what started our career.

Have you done mostly traditional animation? Or have you also delved into computer animation?

Later on in my career, pretty much toward the end of my Disney days, I ended up following my heart in 2000 and joining Big Idea Productions, and they do Veggie Tales. While I was there, I learned CG animation and learned how to do Bob and Larry in the computer. And fortunately, it was simpler; they didn’t have arms and legs.

But it was still tough. I mean, it was a huge learning curve. I’ve always heard, “Oh yeah, computers are just, you know, just a tool.” But it’s a radically different way to animate for someone like me, who had really finally figured out how to do 2D animation after about 10 years at Disney. It felt like I was starting all over again, and it was a tough year.

And I can’t say I loved it; I missed drawing. And so I immediately switched over, even while I was at Big Idea. After animating a little bit, I switched over to storyboarding and then ultimately directed and created the 2D “Larryboy Adventures” show. That was much more a better fit for me.

I left and came back to Disney and did “Brother Bear” traditional animation, and worked on Rutt and Tuke, the two moose characters. And then after that, I started my own company. And so I’ve been pretty much independent for what I call the second phase of my career. And a lot of that has been character design and children’s book illustration, some directing, some 2D animation still too, but a variety of different things. Comic books, even.

You’ve gotten to see both sides, with the hand-drawn animation and the computer. How is the creative process different and what are some of the advantages and disadvantages you feel are in each form?

It’s funny, because a lot of people think that the switch and kind of the death of 2D animation in feature films — here in the U.S., especially — is because CG animation is cheaper. It’s not; it’s the same or more, really, and you almost need as many people too. It’s not like we even save a lot of money in CG animation on how many people you hire, and you certainly have higher equipment costs than ever before. And it’s not even necessarily faster.

The biggest difference between 2D and CG is that there’s a lot more upfront work in CG, and then 2D has more time at the end. Because in CG once they model the characters and get all that figured out, the animation process goes a lot quicker than in 2D, because now they have the model, it’s not going to change. It’s not like it’s going to get revised. And some of that happens, obviously, but they kind of stick to it. And then also, at certain point, once they put the lights in, there’s a lot more automated, what I would call “the ink and paint phase” in 2D. There’s the rendering process that goes a lot quicker, because once they model it, they know the colors and they’re already set.

We can get going a lot quicker [with 2D]; we can get into the animation phase, we can design the characters and all that and jump into animation a little sooner. But then the back end is a lot of cleanup and color background painting. All that is on the back end, and it can take a lot more time.

What was your favorite Disney film to work on, if you can narrow it down?

Oh, it’s pretty easy. It was “Mulan.”

I got to design and develop Mushu the dragon. And so because I was the supervising animator for Mushu on that film, I really got onto the film very early and put a lot of heart and soul into that film, more so than what I was able to on other films.

I did young Simba; I’m very proud of animating young Simba on “The Lion King,” but I worked under Mark Henn who was the supervisor of that. And he had designed Simba and was issuing me scenes and stuff. So I didn’t get to have as much of a say, I guess you could say, in defining his character, just in the scenes that I had, not like the whole character.

How do you approach putting personality into your characters? What things do you use to show a visual representation of that personality?

Some of that is in the character design. There’s certain things like when I was designing Mushu, we knew right off the bat that he was going to be a thin, snake-like dragon because I found out really quickly in my research, in Asian dragons, they’re usually based on snakes and things like that. The dragon in [“Sleeping Beauty”] is a European dragon, and they’re more like a crocodile or something like that. They’re very thick and massive. But the Asian ones usually are skimming across the water or they’re fire dragons. They also are elemental, and Mushu is a fire dragon, which we never mentioned in the movie. But it was part of his design.

I have flame-like shapes on him, and they oftentimes have fish scales. And he’s got a little mustache, kind of a fuzzy upper lip, which is based on a camel. They’re made up of different pieces: his cow ears and horns like an elk or something, although I shrunk them. He’s got kind of a pig’s nose; they’re usually made up of a lot of different animals. And so all of that research went into the design, even a very simplified form. If you look at Mushu, you don’t really guess those things as much. But every single thing on him is there for a reason, even his claws that are like an eagle’s claws. They’re just very simplified and stylized.

Learn more about Bancroft, his artwork and his podcast at www.tombancroftstudio.com.

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