#my kids are lively... or leon is popular... oh wait.

[assimilatedhardship]

@unwaveringblade | continued

He blinked a couple times as he tried to remember the incident in question. "Monster...?" And his eyes lit up on cue of remembering. "Ohhhh, that one! Actually, he mostly just got into my hair... It hurt worse when I slipped on that wet floor at the last inn... But no, don't worry! I don't need to see a physician. It was more of one of those things when you think it's gonna hurt for days and it actually just hurts more in the moment. Like, you expect a huge bruise and it just never happens..."

Once they finally got to their room at the inn - the not slippery inn - Stahn unloaded his belongings beside the bed he'd selected, dropping them with a thud and pausing before dropping Dymlos, instead gently placing him against the bedside table. He could have sworn he heard a brief "whew" out of Dymlos after that...

"So like I was saying, lots of stuff feels really complicated and kinda off? I keep feeling like something's going on that I'm missing, but I can't pinpoint anything that's actually weird. It's mainly just a feeling though, so I was trying to think why I would feel like that. I thought about it the whole way here, but then I got to thinking about lots of other unrelated things. It made me lose my train of thought, but then I realized... you have enough brain power for both of us! If I ever have to think about something deep and important, I can just let you do the thinking, because if there's an actual answer, you'll find it! No point in me thinking about it when we'll just come up empty in mind and body! By which... I mean all that thinking made me really hungry, so there's nothing in my stomach either. Do you wanna go down to the stalls in a bit and find something to eat?"

[crystalandparrot]

Rottmnt x Reader

Chapter 1

Please don’t steal or use ideas without permission :)

This is an AU! The reason will be explained in later chapters, but in this AU, the yokai and mutants are fully integrated with humans. The hidden city mainly consists of Yokai and mutants with the occasional human visitor or partner.

Donatello is an independent scientist who still goes by Othello Von Ryan. He found out through trial and error that he was not made for a group laboratory. Now Donatello mainly confides himself in his lab at the lair, he's expanded of course, a man of his caliber shouldn't have to deal with such a small area. He's made great strives in the scientific community, solving some of the world's leading problems. Having won numerous awards, he still finds himself unfulfilled somehow.

Michelangelo is a successful artist, both on paper and in the kitchen. He records himself on the internet, hoping to inspire young minds to fulfill their dreams, no matter how they may look. He prefers to try anything and everything he can, gaining many new skills and discovering new things about himself. Although his desserts were delicious, the feeling of being alone only left a sour taste in his mouth.

Neon Leon. Successful actor, known for being one of the first openly Yokai actor. He inspired other Yokai's and mutants to remove their disguises and embrace what makes them unique. Leon made the world laugh with his one liners and his comical timing. His range is crazy, going from musicals to action, his talent knows no bounds. Although he has romance on the screen, he couldn't hope for something a little more...real.

Raphael (and don't skin me for this), the sweet turtle, became a guidance counselor for trouble youths. You know those kids that throw chairs? Yeah, Raph helps them. More often than not, Raphael recommends the wrestling team, which Raph just so happens to coach. Raph's helped a lot of kids figure out how to reel in their anger and get to the root of their problems. Raph's even managed to give a few select students permission to cut class and go to the weight room if they felt too angry. But no matter how many people Raph's saved (and no matter how much Raph spoke in the third person), Raph couldn't help but feel like there was one more person he needed to help.

April O' Neal. Some say she's the greatest hands on reporter of all time. With Sunita as her partner and camerawoman, the two get dirty, discovering the real problems that people won't report. April's most successful and controversial paper, "Yokai, Mutants, and Humans, oh my!" gained incredible popularity after people read just how many Yokai and Mutants were feeling neglected. Due to April's paper, the government passed a law, allowing Yokai and Mutants to come up to the surface and reveal themselves with no prejudice. It's still an ongoing battle to give everyone the fairness they deserve, but April and Sunita O'Neil fight for justice.

(Y/n) (L/n). Oh wait! That's you! You're a kind hearted soul who's just gotten a job at the School's library. You must really love the Dewey Decimal System...oh you have a nickname for it? Wonderful...You're a creative soul with a passion for helping. You have a myriad of skills, all of which may not have helped in getting this job, but they might help in getting something else. Your day starts off, relatively normally...

Having just moved back to New York after living in the Hidden City for five years was...different, to say the least. Saying goodbye to the nice old tortoise Yokai you had been staying with, you headed out, bags in hand. "Bye, Mrs. Shapiro! Call me if you need someone to water your plants!" You said, waving to the wrinkly tortoise.

"Oh, goodbye dear. I'm gonna miss you. Oh! Drop by Erin's on your way out!" The tortoise Yokai, Mrs. Shapiro, waved a long clawed hand at the you.

You nod with a smile and shut the door behind you. Heading down the street, you waved to friendly Yokai and mutants that walked past. After seeing the street clear a bit, you pulled your phone and headphones out of your pocket. Popping in the earbuds, you played your favorite playlist you found on Spotify. It was titled, 'Jammy Jams', the description being 'Songs for elite music listeners'. The playlist and many more like it, all with a theme of some sort, Studying, Building, (crime fighting?) Jogging, all came from one account by the name of Othello.

As you scrolled through the playlist, you saw the little notification. 'Othello is listening to Weird Science'. With a shrug, you tapped the notification, the song blasting through your headphones as you matched where Othello was in the song. Definitely an oldie, but it fit him...or her...or them—it fit the vibe! As you continued scrolling, adding some of the songs to your own playlists, you didn't hear the three voices yelling nor the shocked gasps of the onlookers that quickly moved out of the way.

A sudden PUSH and you were on the ground, groaning next to a stranger as Technologic blasted through your headphones.

"C'mon, Dee! He's getting away!" A turtle Yokai with dark hair in a half up, half down bun, ran in place and pointed to the direction that they needed to go. He wore an orange mask, had stickers and paint all over his shell, and in his hands sat a Kusari-fundo.

"No, no, I'm fine, Michael." The turtle Yokai next to you, (Dee?), stood up so suddenly, you thought he teleported. He wore a purple mask that wrapped around his head, his-tech goggles sitting on top. On his arms were multiple hi-tech screens and buttons that wrapped around his arms on large bands. Looking on the ground, he spotted his phone and your own, both faced down. He quickly swiped one up, and tucked it in his pocket, "May this be a lesson never to text while running!" The turtle pointed up at the sky almost heroically.

"You crashed into me!" You said defensively.

The turtle Yokai made a noise of surprise and looked down at you, as if suddenly noticing you for the first time. "I was actually referring to me." He muttered, coughing awkwardly. Without warning, two metal arms came out of his...shell? It had to be a shell, right? But it was more purple and armor like. The cold metal of the arms shook you out of your thoughts as they lifted you onto your feet.

"Oh, uh, thanks." You said, now just as awkward as the Yokai in front of you. "Don't you have to—" you pointed your thumb behind you, where the other turtle was freaking out.

"Donnie!" The orange clad turtle whined.

"Right." With a bit of showmanship, the purple clad turtle picked up your unlocked phone off the ground and handed it to you. As you took it, you noticed how he made sure your fingers did not touch. "Adieu, madam." He gave a slight bow and left, joining his accomplice in their efforts.

You giggled as he left, the whole interaction being odd. You looked down at your phone, the screen dimming. You tapped it to ensure it stayed unlocked and reopened Spotify...except, why were the apps in a different format? And your headphones were cutting out, and the background is different, and...what's the use? You know the truth, you switched your phone.

[twoidiotwriters1]

Until The Very End -(WITS Sequel)

A/N: I'M BACK-Danny

Words: 2,269

Masterlist

Previous chapter // Next chapter

2013—2014

As far as everyone knew, Leon Regulus was a decent student at Hogwarts.

The accurate statement was, that Leon Regulus was the best student of his year, and to prove it now he had a Headboy badge. He was also Captain of the dueling club, and rather popular... and he didn't want his family to know.

He was still staring at his letter when Mel came down for breakfast with Lily in her arms.

"Morning," she said. "Is that your letter? We can go with the Flints—"

"Get mum," Leon said, eyes never leaving his letter.

"What?"

"Get mum," he repeated. "I need to talk to her."

Mel sat her sleepy daughter on the couch and approached. "What is it?"

The young boy reacted, jumping out of his seat and holding the letter behind his back. "Get mum and then I'll tell you!" Mel stared at him and he got even more alarmed. "Do not read my thoughts!"

"I'm not!" Mel tried to hide her laughter, chasing her younger brother around the drawing room. "I wasn't snooping! I was just trying to—"

"No, don't do that! You're too smart and you'll figure out before mum!"

"Reg—"

"Oh, bugger off, I'll do it," he complained, seizing his wand. "I'm allowed to do magic now, I keep forgetting it.."

With a swift flick of his wand, his Patronus—a border collie—ran out of sight.

"Now what, you'll avoid talking to me until Mum gets the message?" Mel smirked.

"You left a minor unsupervised—and that one likes playing with fire!" Leon reminded her as he rushed upstairs.

"Oh, Reg, don't be such a—"

Someone knocked on her door then, and Mel tensed. It'd been a whole month since Harry and Ron had gone away, and she was still waiting for news. She feared opening the door to a Ministry worker holding one of those dreadful burgundy envelopes, the ones reserved to notify the relatives of a deceased Auror.

Mel walked to the door and opened it, she visibly relaxed when she realized it was Emily Flint. "Hi, love!"

"Hi," the girl looked briefly over Mel's shoulder, she was holding her Hogwarts letter. "Is Leon still here?"

"Yeah, you want me to call him?"

"Yes, please. I was on my way already when he sent me his Patronus."

"Oh!" Mel blushed. "Oh, sorry, Emi, I think my brother made a mistake—"

"Hi, hi, hi!" Reg rushed down to meet the girl and stopped Mel from talking. "You got my message?"

"Yes," she smiles, but it looks a lot different than the way she usually grins at her friends. "I was actually on my way, I got my letter."

Regulus blushes. "Me too."

"I got great news," Emily continued, looking at them with excitement. "I'm the Captain of Slytherin's Quidditch team."

"Emily! That's brilliant!" Mel beamed.

"Dad wants to organize a dinner to celebrate my promotion, he asked me to invite you and your kids if you're, you know, in the right mood—"

"Of course I am," Mel pushed aside the little sting of disappointment when she thought of Harry, missing the milestones of people they cared about.

"We'll be there," Regulus said, looking anxious. "Mel, can you excuse us?"

She looked at her brother with a raised brow, but the boy just gave her a look to urge her to leave them alone. Once again Mel concealed her mirth and stepped aside. "Sure. I'll be in the kitchen with Lily."

When Mel's mother arrived, Emily Flint was still with Regulus upstairs.

"Hey," Mel started, lowering her voice so her children couldn't hear their conversation. "I can't believe I'm asking you this, but..."

"Your brother has gone soft over Erick's oldest daughter, yes," the woman smiled. "But Mel, need I remind you it's rude to talk about other people's love lives, especially when they're young?"

Mel made a face. "I stand by what I said back then, it was wrong of you to bet on my life. But I'm not betting, now I understand why Regulus was so eager to come and spend the summer here."

"Well, he's always liked spending the summer with you."

"But this year he's barely been here at all!" Mel pointed out. "He's spent every afternoon with the Flints—with Emily. They go to the muggle town and come back at dusk, beats me what they can do there that could be considered fun for teenagers—"

"Oh, Mel," her mother rolled her eyes with a knowing smirk. "You and Harry would walk around Privet Drive doing absolutely nothing most days, and you still had loads of fun."

She smiled at the memories of her youth, a warm fuzzy feeling spreading on her chest. "So this means our Reggie has a girlfriend now?"

"I don't think Emily would date him without having her father's approval first," her mother grinned. "And we would've heard something from Erick by now if she'd asked. He would've come to you vibrating with the need to share the news."

Mel laughed, shaking her head a little. "Well, at least it's the one boy that Erick has known since baby. That ought to ease his mind."

"Might not be as lucky with the rest of his children," Emily smirked. "He could have a Mel in his home."

The woman scowled. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh, nothing. Just, you know... how every time you dated I would always find out through other people or months after it had started—"

"Well, maybe if someone hadn't bet on my love life, perhaps I would've kept them in the loop."

"Mum?" Reg's voice came from the hallway.

Mel and Emily both stopped and turned to him. Emily Flint pushed the older boy forward, and he stepped closer to them, holding his Hogwarts letter.

"Hi, boy," His mother smiled. "Everything okay?"

He handed her the piece of paper. "I'm Headboy."

"What!" Mel seized the letter and read it hastily. Beside her, their mother gasped and covered her mouth with both hands in shock. "Reggie!"

Mel pulled her brother in for a hug, her mother soon joining in. Leon laughed, face flushed, and held onto them, he was shaking.

"I didn't know you were aiming for that!" His mother exclaimed. "I mean, when you got the Prefect badge you looked annoyed—"

"He wasn't annoyed, he was stressed," Emily Flint clarified. "Layla's a troublemaker, and she was counting on him getting the badge."

"Ah, your father went through the same with us," Mel grinned guiltily. "I personally, didn't make his job any easier."

"Yes, he has a lot of stories," the girl giggled. "Anyway, if you are okay with it, I want to share my dinner celebration with Leon, I think he deserves it."

Regulus blushed and turned to his friend. "No, I already told you I don't want that!"

"I've been trying to convince him for a whole hour," Emily turned to the older women pouting. "Please talk to him?"

"It'll be fun, we can invite everyone! Harry..." Mel stopped, her husband wasn't around to celebrate with them. Emily—her mother—placed a hand on her shoulder and squeezed.

"First things first, how about we all go to Diagon Alley and get your books? I didn't get to take Mel to buy stuff for her seventh year, so we'll all have fun with it."

"Why not?" Emily Flint asked innocently.

"Mel didn't go to Hogwarts a seventh time," the boy mentioned as shortly as possible. "Because of the war." Mel and Reg shared a look, the air in the room suddenly getting a little awkward.

Emily's face got so red Mel took pity on her. "I was so ahead in my lessons by the time I was sixteen, that going a seventh time wasn't needed, if I'm honest. The war saved me the hassle of wearing uniform for yet another year."

Emily smiled shyly. "True... though I like the uniforms."

"You look nice in them," Regulus offered, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the kitchen. "Come on, I'll walk you out, Emie."

When the teens left, Mel took a deep breath and turned to face her mother. "I'm losing it, Mum," she pouted.

Emily hugged her, having to stand on her tiptoes to reach Mel's shoulders. "Still no news from Harry?"

"No," Mel sniffed, quickly drying her tears as they parted. "I have a bad feeling about this one."

"Been a while since the last time, that's all..."

Mel pushed her hair back. "It will never get easier, will it?"

Her mother's eyes softened, seeing herself reflected on her daughter. "My sweet Mel... the war ended so long ago and you still face everything the way Dumbledore taught you." Emily cupped her face.

"Is that... bad?"

"It's the only way you Dumbledores function, I've come to realize," the woman sighed. "But if you're scared, just say it."

Mel lowered her head and closed her eyes tightly. "I'm scared."

Regulus's family tended to go big when celebrating his achievements, and somehow Rita Skeeter always made it sound way more classless and embarrassing than it actually was.

Most people had doubts when it came to the reporter, but that didn't stop his classmates from teasing him about his rich relatives' traditions. Emily and Elizabeth Flint were overly protective of him as well as Teddy Lupin and Vicky Weasley, which was nice but still just as embarrassing, considering they were all younger kids. In Regulus's eyes, it was like having an army of toddlers defending his honour.

He was complaining about all this to the only person he knew would understand how it felt to be judged by things that weren't even his responsibility: Mel.

"So what do you recommend?"

"You know what I recommend," the woman grinned. "You're bloody good at charms."

Regulus wrinkled his nose in annoyance. "But I don't want to jinx or hex other people, that is beneath me."

"Exclaimed the prince," Mel laughed a bit. "Are you sure you're a Gryffindor? I never knew of a lion who didn't like fighting. Even your professor, Neville had his fair amount of fights."

"Well, maybe I don't see the point of getting my cloaks dirty with losers's blood," he rolled his eyes.

"Ah," she smirked. "So you're a haughty one, like my dad and his uncle."

"Can you be serious for a moment and help? There is a reason why I'm not asking Mum for advice, I already know she would also choose violence."

Mel laughed good-naturedly and then sighed, a smile lingering on her expression. "I'm sorry, Leggie, most of your family is a bunch of hot-headed individuals. If you want a mellower response, call Uncle Moony."

"I thought I was talking to Mellow?" The young man smirked.

The woman laughed again. "You are, but I'm afraid that when it comes to my little brother's well-being I don't necessarily act wisely."

Regulus hummed. "So you're sticking to your first answer?"

Mel pondered, looking out the window of her drawing room. It was almost midnight, and Regulus had to go to bed soon. So did she, but lately she wasn't sleeping all that well either way.

"No..." she shook her head before glancing back at the two-way mirror she'd propped up on a pile of books. "If I were Uncle Lu... I'd tell you to pay them no mind. You have good friends willing to fight your battles—though they shouldn't—so I guess... indirect intimidation."

Regulus chortled and raised a brow, shaking his head. "You're useless."

"I think half the Ministry would disagree," Mel grinned. "But that is definitely the mellowest answer I can give you. You're Headboy now, and you have that Sultens thing about you that just screams danger when you get angry. And you have the cold-blooded Black mindset, so really, I think what's best for you is to have someone to talk to so you get all that frustration out. Someone like a Flint, maybe?"

At her knowing smile, Regulus made a face and adverted his eyes, mumbling his response. "I know what you're implying."

"Good, that was my intention."

"I won't date Emily Flint."

"Yet."

"Mellow!"

The woman opened her mouth to reply but then she heard a sudden commotion right outside her front door, like feet stumbling to a stop and then some groaning. Mel tensed and reached for her wand.

"I heard something," she said quickly. "I'll talk to you later, Reg, see you."

Mel placed the mirror face down on top of the pile of books and got to her feet, turning all the lights off with a swift hand movement the moment her front door squeaked open.

"Don't move!" She hissed, prepared to cast a hex on the person if they refused to cooperate. "Who are you?"

The person groaned again and leaned against the threshold, mumbled "Lumos!", and Harry's face looked up at her. "I'm your husband."

Mel gasped, turned the lights back on with a flick of her wand, hurried to the man's side, and lifted his face up to examine the wound on his face, messily bandaged.

"What happened?" She breathed, trying to stay quiet so the kids wouldn't wake.

"I was lousy," he winced, stepping into the house and closing the door behind him. "Don't worry, I'm not dying—just a cut."

"Harry!" Mel exclaimed in relief, wrapping her arms tightly around him. He smelled like smoke and coffee. "Where's Ron?"

"Alive, better than I look," he groaned again. "It's alright, Mel, honest. They barely got my face..."

Mel cradled his face and her gaze softened, a tentative smile coming through. "So another scar, huh?"

Harry sighed, returning the smile with irony. "Nothing new," his hand reached up and traced over the ones she had down her jaw and neck. "I missed you."

The witch hummed, brushing his hair back and helping him take off the cloak. "You look tired, I'll run you a bath."

"It's midnight—"

"I've been going to bed at two in the morning anyway," she brushed it aside. "It's nothing..." Mel grabbed his hand and pulled him upstairs, lowering her voice even more as she continued with a playful expression. "I'll join you if you want."

Harry's whole face lit up at the offer, his smile turning genuine and slightly crooked. "How could I refuse?"

Next Chapter –>

Taglist

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[leothil]

do you have any hockey fic recs? i’m itching for something to read

Oh absolutely! Fair warning though, they'll all be mattdrai (Leon Draisaitl/Matthew Tkachuk) fics since that's the kick I've been on for more than a year now. But if you want to check out more pairings, the authors of these fics are a good place to start! And, of course, the fics I don't mention from these authors that feature the same pairing too, because I simply can't list every single fic they've written that I love.

I'd also like to state for the record that @trippedandfell was the one who got me into reading hrpf while @onward--upward provided lots of recs for me, so for a wider selection of pairings they might be a good source <3

head above water by yourblues (@msmargaretmurry) that kicks off in an alternate summer of 2022 where Matthew is having a no good very bad time inside his own head. The crushing weight of your own expectations etc. Scenes from the fic written in another pov are found in the fic series, and I highly recommend reading those as well after finishing the main fic!

the land between our bodies also by yourblues, where Leon is the one having a no good very bad time after Matthew's trade to Florida. Surely calling him won't lead to anything bad.

The Next Next One also also by yourblues. And I lied, this is a Dylan Strome/Connor McDavid fic, but it grabs me by the throat like nothing else.

preference by daisysusan (@hopetorun), a winner's room fic that had me gnawing at the back of my chair.

wait a year also by daisysusan, and ok I lied again, this is a Quinn Hughes/Brady Tkachuk fic, in which once, in their teens, Brady said he'd marry Quinn if neither of them were married by 30, and Quinn doesn't dare to believe he was being serious.

linger by @bropunzeling, an omegaverse fic following them from the infamous ASG in 2020 to summer 2023. A/B/O is not my usual cup of tea, but this hit all the right buttons!

contact high also by bropunzeling, a sex pollen fic that had me go yes... hahaha... yes!

only fools rush in also also by bropunzeling, in which Matthew and Leon make a drunk bet during the 2022 All-Star game and suddenly find themselves married. An all-time fave!

Muscle Memory by @blaahaj, where it's the future year of 2023 (this is written late 2020), but Matthew got a bad enough concussion to make him forget almost everything past november 2019. Absolutely delicious amnesia fic!

Growing Into Someone also by blaahaj, where Leon and Matthew both play in Kölner Haie during an NHL lockout.

liebe geht durch den magen by lighthousetowers (@blankvcrs), where Matthew is a recipe/cooking youtuber that Leon starts watching. Incredibly funny!

slip under the tongue into translation also by lighthousetowers, in which Matthew decides to learn German during the 2020 lockdown to better be able to antagonize Leon on the ice. A lot of Leon's internal thoughts about living your life in a different language than your emotional language resonates very heavily with me.

the kids are alright also also by lighthousetowers, where Matthew is an elementary school teacher and his class gets a visit from the Oilers.

broken glass by dilangley, with born werewolf Matthew and bitten werewolf Leon, and the cultural differences that inescapably arise. Not a/b/o. It's incredible how much lore and personal history has been fit into 13.7k words!

The hockey but make it football series from RippingOffZeppelin. Both mattdrai and mceichel. I know nothing about american football, but I've been mesmerized by this series! I believe part four is the one that was actually written first, and I think that's the one I read first too, but imo you can read them in either the series-chronological order or published-chronological order!

comment for engagement also by RippingOffZeppelin, in which Matthew is made to start a youtube channel to improve his own optics on the Flames after he's gotten some bad press. It becomes very popular, and leads Matthew into some interesting situations!

long ago that current caught us by puckthisshift where werewolf!Leon can hear a siren call to him in Florida.

[pokemonswshbutionlyplayedsword]

How about headcanons on the galar gym leaders' teams?

This is gonna take a while bc there are so many pokemon in the League. I’m gonna make one headcanon for each pokemon. Hope that’s okay. And also only the team when you challenge the gym because that would be too many pokemon otherwise.

Here’s a quick overall headcanon:

Gym Leader’s teams are officially documented as battle pokemon. They are rotated out all the time. And almost every gym leader has pokemon outside of their teams that they train for events that allow them to use different teams than their official gym team.

Milo:

-Gossifluer is a bit of a brat. He’s picky and will throw a tantrum when Milo changes his food.

-Eldegoss is a very nurturing pokemon. He likes to wrap his cape around people he likes.

Nessa:

-Goldeen is Nessa’s favorite pokemon to model with that’s on her team. Very arrogant.

-Arrokuda is constantly in trouble with Nessa because she likes to chew on Nessa’s shoes and hair.

-Drednaw, as well all know, is a big baby. But they also consider themselves the protector of the team. If the other pokemon is in danger (outside of battle obviously), Drednaw will step in to help.

Kabu:

-Ninetails is a pretty girl and much smarter than Kabu’s other pokemon. She likes to mess with them and look good while doing it.

-Arcanine is a ball of energy and loves anything that will pet him, play with him or feed him. If he hates you, give him a treat and he will be your best friend immediately.

-Centiskorch is constantly a meme. He always looks weird on camera, which means that there’s a new meme of him every month. And they’re all hilarious.

Bea:

-Hitmontop is actually a new addition to Bea’s team. He was added to Bea’s gym team only a few months ago.

-Pangoro actually came from Spikemuth. He was causing problems in the town and Piers was struggling to handle the situation so he called Bea in. As a reward, he let her keep him, and Bea saw a lot of potential, so she started to train him, asking Piers for advice because its a dark type.

-Sirfetch’d spent a looooong time being trained by Bea before he became a part of the gym team. He struggled when he was younger to keep up with Bea’s other pokemon, but eventually he got it and is now basking in the glory of being a battle ready pokemon.

-Machamp is Bea’s assistant pokemon as well as her ace. She uses her to help train her other pokemon. Sometimes, Bea will send them all out on their own and Machamp can train them herself.

Allister:

-Yamask is a very young, yet overly powerful pokemon. Allister doesn’t usually use first evolution pokemon on his team, but this Yamask is oddly strong and he hasn’t gotten the chance to evolve him yet.

-Mimikyu is Allister’s first pokemon. He has been by Allister’s side for years.

-Cursola is the only pokemon that Allister actively sought out. They’re rare in Galar and Allister was fascinated when he read about it, so he went looking for one. It took a while, but he managed to get her and he’s glad he went through the effort.

-Gengar was originally going to attack Allister when they first met in a graveyard. It wasn’t until Allister confronted him that Gengar was like “oh wait I like this kid.” And he was a Ghastly at the time.

Opal:

-Opal’s Weezing is pretty old and grumpy. She bites anyone who’s not Opal. Not hard, though.

-Mawile was not very well known until Opal added her to her team. Then they spiked in popularity around Galar.

-Togekiss was a gift from an old friend. For a long time, Opal didn’t plan on training her for battle, but things changed when a pokemon from Opal’s past team had to retire.

-Alcreamie was Opal’s first pokemon, back when she was a Milcery. Opal spent a long times reasearching Alcreamies to make sure she got the variant she wanted. Also, because she wasn’t allowed to train pokemon due to being a girl when she was a kid, she snuck out into the woods and just found Milcery. It was a long time before she got a chance to catch her.

Melony:

-Frosmoth was a new-ish addition. Melony was peer pressured into adding a really strong Snom to her team as a meme, but then she evolved live on TV, which was wild.

-Melony was really unsure about Darmanitan. She didn’t think she wanted a pokemon that was so volatile and able to become a fire type. However, she was proven wrong, and with Kabu’s help, she’s able to train Darmanitan really well.

-Melony only chose to train an Eiscue because she’s funny looking. She never intended to add Eiscue to her team, but she proved to be a very powerful battle pokemon.

-Lapras met Melony when Gordie was very young. They took a vacation to a nearby warm beach once, and Gordie was swept away by the waves. While Melony was scrambling to get to Gordie, Lapras found him and brought him back to Melony. Lapras followed them around the rest of the day, so Melony decided to add her to the team.

Gordie:

-Barbaracle makes Gordie nervous still. He’s not used to working with him and he’s a bit scared of all the hands. But there’s no denying that Barbaracle is very strong.

-Shuckle, of course, is only there for the meme. He’s also a bit of a secret weapon, though, to Gordie. He has trained this little guy so much that he’s actually one of the strongest pokemon Gordie owns. He uses the power of underestimation against his opponents.

-Stonejourner is a gift from Milo. Who knew he would be so strong? Milo’s very happy that Gordie uses his pokemon on his Gym Team.

-Coalossal was a pokemon that made Gordie realize he wanted to be a rock specialist. He appreciates that it’s also fire type, because it’s a little extra push against being an ice type specialist.

Piers:

-Scrafty hoards Piers’ pillows. Anything soft he can find, he makes a pile on his bed and keeps them. Piers has to wrestle them away from him, and no matter how many pillows he buys for Scrafty, he just wants more.

-Malamar is definitely the ring leader. He’s a psychic type and a lot smarter than the rest of Piers’ team. He likes to use this influence for evil. He’s a jerk, but Piers still gives him scratches under his beak (his favorite <3)

-Skuntank is pretty much a cat. He climbs on Piers whenever he gets the chance. Easily found asleep on Piers’ lap while Piers is idly petting him. Good thing Skuntanks only smell when they’re distressed.

-As well all know based on my fic (shameless self promotion, what about it?), Piers met Obstagoon when he was very young in a dumpster. However, something I haven’t mentioned yet is that when he was a Linoone, he would constantly try to be Piers’ neck pillow.

Raihan:

-Torkoal has bad eyesight. Raihan often has to pick him up and carry him places because he can’t see well and he moves slowly.

-Raihan uses Goodra to present to kids. He does educational presentations about dragon types, pokemon training, and pokemon safety to students in schools. Goodra, because she’s so friendly, is Raihan’s go to for this task.

-Turtonator is actually very shy. He likes to hide in his shell whenever he can. The only time he’s confident is when he’s in battle or training.

-Flygon is Raihan’s personal transport. Faster than any Corviknight. Also makes for a really cool entrance.

-Duraludon loves attention. He loves being Raihan’s Ace and he loves being given all that love. Raihan shows him fan content of people loving him and it makes Duraludon stamp around and make happy building noises.

Leon: (And I chose Sobble so he has Rillaboom, I do make the rules and you cannot change them)

-Aegislash was a gift from Rose when he became Champion. Rose said that Leon needed a pokemon fitting of his title.

-Raihan and Leon were rivals since they were kids. Leon got Dragapult simply to compete with Raihan at first, but they now have a very strong bond.

-Haxorus actually came from a distant friend from another region. He’s also very hot-headed, which makes it risky but rewarding to train him.

-Rhyperior came from the Isle of Armor. Leon caught him while training at the Dojo. One time, while at the Isle of Armor, Hop got in trouble with some Wild pokemon. Rhyperior broke out of Leon’s pokeball and saved him before Leon could react.

-Rillaboom, as well as the other starters, came from Leon’s status. They’re only available in captivity and are very hard to come by. Luckily, Leon is the Champion, so they were the perfect gift for his brother. He was secretly hoping he’d get to keep Rillaboom, so he’s happy with the outcome.

-Charizard came from Mustard, of course, but Leon was originally going to pick Bulbasaur. Right before he made the choice, though, he left to think about it and ended up lost and in trouble. He didn’t have his pokemon with him. It was Charmander that wandered off and found him. After that, Leon had no choice but to pick him.

[everlarkficexchange]

I Choose You

Written by: @wendywobbles

Prompt 51: Katniss E, the Valedictorian of Panem High school, is perfect in all fields of life. And that is the crush of awkward, average in studies, not so popular, never had a girlfriend, often bullied Peeta M. Not only does she have a very popular friend circle but also a handsome, popular boyfriend Gale H. Will she even want to be his friend? Is his crush doomed to fail? Eventual Everlark) [submitted by @white-dandelion-seeds]

AN: I hope I did your prompt proud. The title comes from a Sara Bareilles song that I love.

——————————————-

Peeta Mellark walked quietly in the door and leaned against the wall at the school assembly. He hated these things. Being trapped here for an hour while Principal Trinket droned on and on about what was coming up in the next semester was hell.

They had just returned from their autumn break and Peeta was counting the days down until this last year of school was finished. His experience in Panem 12th Region school had been long, dull and miserable.

Not for the first time he wondered if his dad had lived how his life would have turned out. Would he have been a popular jock with lots of friends and confidence instead of a feeling like a ghost in these hallways? He hoped college would be different. As far as he knew none of the dicks from his year would be attending Capitol U.

He had no idea what Trinket was talking about but he became aware the second the speaker changed……Katniss Everdeen was at the podium and saying hello to everyone. Instantly he paid attention.

Katniss Everdeen was in Peeta Mellark’s eyes the most perfect woman to ever walk the earth. She had long dark hair, clear olive skin and grey eyes.

She was a distance runner for the Panem 12th Region Athletics team. She trained hard , Peeta knew this because he had often seen her running in the early hours of the morning when it was his early shift at the Bakery or sometimes he would see her on the trails when he was out running she always had a smile and wave for him as they passed.

Her grades were always high, again Peeta knew this was down to hard work and not just luck.

Sometimes he would see her at the library when he was hiding out avoiding Cato and the other Jays and his maths whizz brother Leon had been tutoring her since last year.

She has a quiet confidence, and strength that just drew people to her and had a wide circle of friends but would make time for everyone whether it was a quick hello or a longer more in-depth chat. It was no wonder when she ran for student council she was elected president.

With a confident smile the object of Peeta’s affection began to speak

“Hi all! Hope everyone had a wonderful break, I know I did. Principal Trinket has given me a few minutes of the assembly today to talk about our Winter Formal. This year we are looking to do something a bit different and we are hoping that you guys will help us come up with a theme. This is the last 12th Region dance some of us will attend and we would love to make this something a bit special, but right now our ideas aren’t hitting the mark and I know that there are so many talented and creative individuals here so we’d love to hear from you.”

She looked behind her and Annie Cresta, her Vice President, handed her a cardboard box covered in silver paper. She held it up for all to see

“Okay, I know this probably looks a bit basic but this box will be left in library until next Friday. If you have an idea put it in. We will then post the suggestions online and then we can vote for our favourite. Easy right? I can’t wait to see what people come up with.”

“Thanks for listening and don’t forget Friday is the big Game against D13’s Coin Cavaliers and once again the 12th Region’s very own Mockingjays are out to destroy them. Show you school spirit by wearing black and orange. Go Jays!”

All around Peeta students began to cheer, he just rolled his eyes and slipped quietly away.

*********

For the rest of the day school was buzzing with excitement for the game and Katniss announcement. Peeta was glad when his final class was over and headed to his locker to collect his bag.

“Hey Bread Boy” called Johanna Mason, a short shaved head girl that somehow had become one of Peeta’s closest and dearest friends

“Yes Jo?”

“So are you making any suggestions for the Winter Formal? I’ve got mine in – Roller Disco with night vision goggles. Great, huh?”

“Seriously Jo? I mean while I can certainly appreciate the theme, how exactly would a person fund all those glasses……” he smiled.

“I’m the ideas woman, the reality is her ladyship and her minions area of work…speaking of which. Anyway I gotta go, see you later handsome “ and with that Jo sprinted away.

Peeta looked up and saw Katniss Everdeen walking down the corridor. She was carrying an armful of books, a bag and a bottle of water, had an apple wedged in her mouth and her shoe lace was beginning to open on her ever present black Cons. Peeta was thinking how this looked like an accident waiting to happen when Katniss reached up to take the apple out of her mouth, stepped on her now undone shoe lace and tripped herself up sending everything flying.

“Katniss! Oh my god are you okay?” Peeta was by her side in a flash and quickly helped her right herself.

Surprisingly she burst out laughing “Oh my god! I can’t believe that just happened. Thanks Peeta, I’m ok.” He started to help her pick up her stuff when Gale Hawthorne appeared.

“Katniss? What happened? You ok?” concern was all over his features.

“Fine, fine I tripped Peeta was just helping me collect my stuff.”

Gale nodded but proceeded to take the books Peeta had in his arms “Well I’m here now. Mellark you can …go do whatever it is you do. I got this.”

Peeta felt his face flame but kept his mouth shut previous experience had thought him that answering back to people like Gale usually ended up badly for people like Peeta.

“Sure. Whatever” he mumbled and moved to step away.

Katniss meanwhile shot Gale a glance that would have felled a lesser man, but Peeta imagined as Katniss’ boyfriend Gale was probably used to her looks so he just ignored her.(Imagine being able to ignore Katniss thought Peeta)

“Thanks again Peeta. Hey before you go, do you have the details of the English assignment? I can’t find where I wrote it down.”

“Sure, hold on” Peeta rummaged in his backpack and pulled out a notebook. He pulled out a sheet and copied the details onto the paper for her.

“Ummm here you go” he said handing it over.

“Katniss? Are you ready I’ll carry this stuff to your car” huffed Gale.

“Go ahead I’ll be right there. I just want to check something with Peeta” She called without looking at Gale.

“I’ll wait.”

“Dunderhead” muttered Katniss under her breath so that only Peeta could hear her, keeping her voice low she began to speak “Um I was wondering if you were going to submit any ideas for the dance. When we were kids I remember you always had a great imagination.”

Peeta blinked and stared and Katniss “Um no. I don’t….I mean I’m not interested in that kinda thing you know. I’ve never even been to a school dance.”

“Oh…right. Sorry I just, I guess I’ll see you in class or something.” Katniss seemed embarrassed and Peeta wanted to die. This was how he spoke to the girl of his dreams….Leon was right he was an idiot.

As she turned to walk away he called after her “Wait! I may not have an idea but um I’m pretty good at art and design maybe,I mean if you needed it, I could help you guys work on pulling it altogether?” he rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“That would be fantastic! I know you’re headed to Capitol U next year to begin a Fine Art Degree so absolutely we would love your help.” Katniss smile was a mile wide as she said all this.

“Ok. Well keep me posted. Oh and Katniss you should probably tie your shoelace” Peeta smiled and her and began to walk away. It was only as he turned the corner he realised something. He had never mentioned getting into Capitol U …how had Katniss known that?

********

“So what did you need from Mellark?” asked Gale.

“Gale you were standing right there when I was talking to him - English homework and he’s offered to help with the dance.” said Katniss taking her bag from Gale. She reached down to grab the apple that she dropped and popped it in a bin as she walked by.

“Help how? Loser never goes to anything school related.”

“So? What has that got to do with anything? And he’s not a loser. Look Gale we need help with this dance and I’m happy to have someone like Peeta come on board-“

Gale cut her off “ Ooh I get it now, you get the nerdy runt to do all the work and you take the credit.”

“Shut up Gale. When have I EVER treated anyone like that? I can’t believe you would even think I would do that.”

“Oh relax, it’s High School not the real world.”

Sometimes Katniss goody two shoes attitude really annoyed Gale. Kill or be killed that was Gale’s motto(not literally of course) but sometimes you had to be ruthless on and off the field.

“Let me make it up too you… how about a movie?”

“Can’t I have to get home to help dad. I’ll round up the gang maybe we can all go see something on Saturday?”

Frustrated Gale rolled his eyes before responding “Katniss I meant …..”

Katniss knew exactly what he meant and after going out a few times two years ago, Katniss wasn’t going down that road again, Gale however still thought they were perfect for each other and was always trying to get her to agree to a date.

Katniss blundered on pretending not to have heard him “It’ll be a fun way for everyone to relax after Friday’s game. I’ll text everyone later unless you want to do it?”

Gale clenched his jaw frustrated at Katniss he wanted to say something more when his phone rang. It was Cato.

“I’m late for practice. Talk to you later” and Gale took off running towards the sports field.

A grateful Katniss watched Gale sprint away, glad of the reprieve from his hints and outright declarations that they would make the perfect couple.

She hopped into her car and got ready to head home, when out of the corner of her eye she saw the hunched figure of Peeta Mellark walking out and heading towards town, she watched him til he was out of sight.

There was something about Peeta that made Katniss want to get to know him better but the blue eyed blond boy kept himself to himself. She had has crush on him since the first day of school when he drew her a picture of her teddy bear.

She smiled recalling how upset she was being separated from her bear and was missing him something terrible on her first day. Seeing her tears Peeta had marched up to her pencil in hand and asked her what he looked like and under her guidance had drawn a pretty good depiction of Snowball Abernathy.

Katniss still had the drawing; her dad had laminated it years go and she used it as book mark. The bear was also still knocking around, slightly bedraggled, more grey then white these day but still loved.

She sighed remembering a time when they were younger and Peeta was much more open. It all changed when his dad died though he seemed to retreat from childhood.

********

Katniss knew from Peeta’s older brother Leon that it hadn’t been easy after Mr M had died.

She had met Leon when her parents hired him to help her with her maths. Leon was like a skinnier less good looking Peeta. He was in college locally hoping to be a teacher and he loved maths and tutored a few kids.

As Katniss and he worked together they became more friendly.He was kind and funny and talkative.

When Katniss got accepted to Capitol U to study Engineering she was overjoyed and then Leon told her Peeta had been accepted to CU too.

“That’s amazing! What program? I wonder if we’ll run into each other. That would be cool.” Katniss gushed. She was practically vibrating at this piece of news.

And had completely forgotten who she was talking too. She couldn’t stop the blush that crept up her face.

Leon felt a grin spreading over his face “Careful Everdeen or I might think you have a crush on my baby brother……oh my god you do!!!”

That was a few weeks ago and Leon kept encouraging her to talk to Peeta and teasing her that if she let the year pass without saying anything he would tell Peeta before graduation.

Katniss knew though her secret was safe. Leon was very protective of Peeta, and from what Leon had told her-and what she knew from the past herself and gossip- the death of Mr Mellark had hit the whole family hard.

The oldest Mellark brother Sean had taken over running the place full time (this had always been the plan but the death of Sean Snr meant things moved a lot quicker). He quit full time college and moved home.

Leon and Peeta helped out but right after her husband died Mrs Mellark seemed to “disappear” leaving Sean 20, Leon 16 and Peeta 13 to carry on.

The older boys tried to stay on top of everything.- the house, the business, school even dealing with their mom- but their home life was chaotic following in the weeks following their fathers death.

It was a lot to cope with, and they tried to do it all without any help - scared that if they let people know what was going on their family would be further torn apart.

Katniss remembered when Peeta came to school in the same hoodie for 5 days –not really a big deal but Cato Snow grabbed this and began to tease Peeta.

“Hey Smellark. Don’t you have any CLEAN clothes?”

His goons soon joined in for weeks whenever they could get Peeta alone they went at him, they pushed him, squirted hand sanitizer on him, threw water on him.

Some of the other kids tried to tell Cato to stop but no one wanted to make themselves a target so most just ignored what was going on. Katniss did too, and the memory still pained her.

It all came to a head one Monday afternoon Peeta finally snapped and swung at Cato. Peeta may have been quiet and smaller then the others but in the past number of weeks a fire had raged in him.

This particular Monday Cato had decided that Peeta needed a hair cut and got Tom Marvel and Derek Blight to hold him down and started to hack at Peeta’s hair.

It was the final straw for Peeta, to this day no one knows exactly how he did it but Peeta got loose and punched Cato busting his nose, the sight of the blood caused Marvel to flee. Blight wasn’t quick enough and Peeta managed to leave him with a black eye. Peeta picked up his bag and left the school vowing to never return.

While this was going on, an anonymous tip off was left with a children’s care charity begging them to check on the Mellark’s. A young case worker Finnick Odair took the call and hearing how distressed the girl in the end of the call was decided to make a house call.

He met a shaken, tattered Peeta at the house on the front step.

“Hey kid? You ok?”

And for the first time since his dad died and the bullying began Peeta cried and his story just tumbled out

Finnick met with the rest of the family. Mrs. Mellark was very obviously depressed, the boys were grieving but had no time to process everything that was happening as they desperately tried to keep things going. A decision was made to contact Mrs Mellark mother, Sae.

She arrived in a day and scolded her grandsons for not calling her sooner and hugged the life out of them.

She sought out her daughter and held her close as she wept and wept.

Then the five of them sat on the sofa together and Sae told Finnick she was sticking around for as long as was needed and he helped her to find the help her family needed.

Peeta however refused to talk about what had happened and wouldn’t confirm the bullying. He hoped by keeping his mouth shut Cato would leave him alone. (It hadn’t. Although Cato no longer actively sought him out he still tormented him)

When Peeta returned to school a few days later people seemed to give him a wide berth the story of his Hulk like anger had scared people. It made him sad.

When he went to his locker he found a bag there and inside was a paper dandelion, a packet of coloring pencils and notebook.

Peeta was confused and wary but the yellow flower was the first thing he remembered seeing in color; since his dad died life had just been grey. He smiled, just a small one but somehow this flower made him feel something he hadn’t felt in a long time -hope.

********

On Friday the school was buzzing. Peeta had on a black tee shirt and orange cons showing his school spirit.

He had noticed Katniss that morning in her black skinny jeans, a Jays orange jersey, black oversized cardigan, in her braided hair there was an orange ribbon and on her feet a pair of orange cons. He smiled when he saw them.

He was just slipping to class when she called him

“Hey Peeta! Look we’re foot twins.” She bounded over to him and stood toe to toe with him. His heart was pounding.

She pulled out her phone “Can I take a picture?” and she aimed her camera down before clicking a few snaps.

“I think yours look better” she smiled and looked up at him, suddenly aware how close she was to him.

“I’m sorry Peeta I’m such and space invader” she stepped back “like I was saying yours look better, they have that lived in Cons look, mine are brand new they need breaking in. I’m gonna put this on Instagram, want me to tag you?”

“Why? Why would you tag me? I mean we’re not exactly friends, besides I don’t think Gale or his friends would appreciate any part of me appearing on your feed. I have to go Katniss.” Peeta smiled sadly and walked away.

Katniss couldn’t understand what she had said or done but she quickly deleted the post.

********

When the dance committee opened the silver box they found a good deal of papers, half though were filled with utter rubbish- crude drawing, bits of gum wrapped in the paper and some downright dangerous suggestions -roller skating with night vision goggles???

The most surprising thing was that even though the students had been given free reign most were standard dance ideas. According to Delly Cartwright this was because despite claims to want to express themselves and be individuals most teenagers just wanted to blend in and follow the herd, and in the end there were only five familiar themes to choose from.

1. Winter Wonderland/Snow Ball /Yule Ball

2. Once Upon a Time(Fairytales and stories)

3. Enchanted Forest or Magical Garden

4. Candy land

5. Masquerade Ball

Students were just handed a ballot paper and asked to vote for their favourite and with the result revealed at the following weeks assembly.

The winning theme in the end was the Enchanted Forest, and Katniss was secretly thrilled. Now the theme was picked it was time for the hard work to begin, and time to see if Peeta was ready to join the dance committee.

********

Peeta and Jo were sitting on one of the benches outside the school when Katniss walked over.

“Hey” she called

Peeta waved, Jo gave a nod.

“Peeta, if that offer to help out with the dance is still on the table the dance committee is meeting tomorrow after school to get things moving. I was wondering if you’d like to come along and get an idea of budget, how we can pull off the theme and if we can actually make something out of nothing” Katniss joked.

“I don’t know Katniss-“ but before he could finish Jo interrupted

“He’ll be there. What time and can I help too? My dad owns the forest out past Turn 4. He might be able to help with some stuff for decoration.”

“Ok, well we be in Room 17 from about 4 pm and Jo it would be great to have more help. I’ll leave you guys to it then. Bye”

As she walked away she missed the glare Peeta threw at Jo and the grin that spread across her face.

“What? You have been crazy about her for years. Now’s you chance to woo her” grinned Jo

“She has a scary boyfriend or did you forget that? A boyfriend who has no issue with beating a guy like me and might I add he has the connections to dispose of me where no one can find me.” He muttered darkly

“I dunno I know what people say but, I don’t think they are a couple….. anyway never mind that it’ll be at least one fun memory we’ll have of going to this place before we head to Capitol.”

********

Over the next few weeks Peeta’s life and routine took on a different one. The initial meeting of the dance committee had been nerve wracking but the other members, along with Katniss made him and Jo feel very welcome.

Peeta was wary at first but there was no punchline, he wasn’t a joke to anyone and surprisingly he started to enjoy the meetings.

The other members Annie Cresta, Thom Dalton, Brian Turner or Beetee as he was known, Delly Cartwright and Cecelia Hubert were a mixed but fun group.

“Hey Peeta, can you take a look at this?” Katniss called

“What’s up?” he asked.

“This…. I think I did it wrong…..it looks..” they two of them tilted their heads looking at the mess in front of them Katniss was supposed to be making centre pieces from twigs adorned with lights, and flowers.

“I think you’ve glued things on upside down, it’s okay we’ll fix it” he tried not to laugh. Katniss was the least crafty person he had ever met.

“I like the arch way, you’ve made it look really spectacular, it will make the entrance look so special. You have really helped us to set the theme, you and Jo.”

“Well you know us art nerds” Peeta mumbled as he undid some of Katniss handiwork.

“I don’t….but I’d like too” Katniss whispered in a low voice.

Peeta didn’t dare to look at her but kept going with what he was doing. He wasn’t sure what to say. He took a deep breath and prepared to ask her what she meant when suddenly the door burst open and there stood Gale, Cato and the other Jays players.

Gale was wearing what looked like doctors scrubs while the others were dressed in tacky sexy nurse outfits that no nurse in their right mind could wear and work in.

“Hey Katniss”

Peeta would swear he felt Katniss stiffen beside him, then she took a deep breath and turned to look(along with the rest of the room)

Gale unravelled his sign which said “I’m no doctor but it appears you’re suffering from DATELESSNESS. My suggestion is…..” meanwhile the rest held up signs that read “A date with Gale?” And “What more could you want?” And “A dose of Vitamin G!”

“No!” she shouted and the laughter and shouts of the Jays stopped.

“Just no! I told you this last night, the night before. You NEVER listen to me? I don’t want to date you or even go to the dance with you. I’ve tried being polite but it’s gotten me no where, please leave me alone and stop this. I’m not your girlfriend. I don’t want to be. Just stop”

“You selfish b-“ Gale started towards Katniss but Peeta stepped in front of her.

“I wouldn’t take another step or utter another word Hawthorne. Just take your guys and go. Or would you like me to call Miss Trinket?” Peeta’s voice was low and calm. Thom and Beetee had stood up too and walked towards Katniss and Peeta.

“Or what Smellark?” spat Gale.

“Funny, real funny but I think after 4 years you guys could have gotten a bit more creative with your insults. Cato, why don’t you take Gale and the guys and leave. Katniss has refused Gale’s offer, there is nothing else to be said.”

In the crowd of guys a few looked angry but others just looked confused about what had gone on. Had Gale really been hassling Katniss? He made it sound like she had wanted this big fuss but what if she hadn’t? The team started to move away and soon the room was cleared.

“Umm thanks guys…now where were we?”

“Hey Everdeen, I thought that guy was your boyfriend?” asked Jo confused by what had happened.

“Nope. Never was, never will be. He’s never been my type” Katniss smiled

“Interesting…..and would you type maybe be a little less male perhaps?” teased Jo much to the amusement of the others

“Sorry Jo, I’m not into girls, but I do know that Delly happens to think you are real cute.” And with a shocked squeak from Delly the whole committee burst into giggles.

Once everyone had settled down Katniss walked over to Peeta.

“Hey Peeta? Thanks for what you did for me with Gale. I don’t know why he has to act like that you know?”

“Katniss it’s ok really. I’ll walk you to your car after we’re done here if you want? In case he’s still around.”

“Thanks, but I should be ok. Right I better get these to Annie.” She nodded her head at the closed box in her hands that she had picked up from somewhere.

“What’s in it?

“Flowers! I may not be much good at making centerpieces but if you need a paper flower I’m your girl” she grinned as she said this “open the box and have a look.”

Peeta’s stomach dropped when he opened the box there were daisies, roses and right at the top yellow dandelions like the one given to him all those years ago.

“Peeta? Are you ok?” a worried Katniss asked.

“Yeah. Sorry just zoned out. These are really pretty. I better get back to the trees.”

Peeta worked quietly for rest of the hour to trying to figure out why Katniss had given him the flower all those years ago and the pencils and notebook which became his companions. In the notebook he drew his fears, his hopes covering every page and when it was full his mom bought him a new one. Even now he always had a notebook in his bag.

“Peeta? Can I give you a lift home?” asked Katniss Peeta startled at her voice he looked around and was slightly shocked to see they were the last people there. He hadn’t heard the others leave.

“Ok.” He shrugged and gathered up his stuff.

“Katniss? Can I ask you something?” Peeta was nervous but he needed to know why she did what she did.

“Sure.” She nodded

“After…. the Cato incident there was a paper flower and art stuff left in my locker. Did you do that?”

He watched her hands tighten around the steering wheel and she took a deep breath before she answered.

“Yes. I just wanted to give you something nice you know. Those guys were so mean and the rest of us should’ve done more, told the teachers. I watched you almost disappear and I hated that the light in your eyes dimmed so much. Your family was going through so much.”

“You were just a kid Katniss,it’s ok. Really. We got help. As a family we’ve survived. What else could you have done?” He reached over and put his hand on hers, it was awkward in the car but he wanted -no needed- her to know that he was ok.

“Your flower gave me hope, gave my life some color at a time when I had none. Thank you for seeing me, at a time when I felt no one did.”

“I always saw you Peeta.” She was looking at him now Peeta wanted to look away her gaze was almost too intense.

“You’re a painter. You’re a baker. You like to sleep with the windows open. You are the noisiest walker I have ever heard. And you always double-knot your shoelaces.”

“I know these things because I’ve always watched you and yes I know that’s crazy and I sound like a stalker but I need you to know this because we’re going away to college soon and I would like to at least be your friend but what I really want is to know you better and Leon knows and he told me that if I didn’t tell you I liked you he would.”

“Slow down… what?”

“I like you. A lot. Your stupid brother found out and has been teasing me. He said he would tell you before I could especially since we’re going to be at the same college next year. If you just want a friend that’s fine but I would really like to go on a date so you could get to know me…. and then…..well who knows….”

“Okay.”

“Okay like let’s go on a date or like I’m going to get out of car and run away?”

“The first one.”

**********

And so they had their first date 2 nights later.

And their first kiss that night too.

Peeta asked Katniss to be his girlfriend on their third date.

They went to their dance together and danced under the canopy of trees and flowers they had helped create.

They had their first fight when Peeta struggled to understand what a girl like Katniss saw in him. He questioned why? He kept expecting things to fall apart and doubted what they had was real.

Eventually his mom took him aside and told him that his problems were bigger then him and a professional would be better placed to help him.

“You deserve happiness Peeta,let us help you find it.”

He started seeing Dr Aurelius with Katniss, his family and friends supporting him every step of the way.

He told Katniss he loved her one evening when they were in her parent’s house. They were watching a stupid movie and she was laughing. He watched her eyes crinkle, her chuckles ringing in the air as she sat there in a panda onesie and he blurted it out.

She smiled at him and throwing her arms around his neck she told him the same, placing tiny kisses all over his face.

And then they graduated. The one person who didn’t was Cato Snow who was expelled following a positive drug test and several reports of bullying.

Gale never spoke to Katniss again.

A few of the Mockingjays team had apologized for their part in the dance proposal telling Katniss they had believed Gale when he told them that it was her idea.

Neither wanted to go to the end of year dance, instead they went with some of their friends to a small cabin by a lake and had a quiet celebration.

And later, in the quiet of the night after they had spent time having their own private celebration. Katniss sang to Peeta

Let the bough break, let it come down crashing

Let the sun fade out to a dark sky

I can’t say I’d even notice it was absent

‘Cause I could live by the light in your eyes

I’ll unfold before you

Would have strung together

The very first words of a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose you

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose you

I choose you, yeah

There was a time when I would have believed them

If they told me that you could not come true

Just love’s illusion

But then you found me

And everything changed

And I believe in something again

My whole heart

Will be yours forever

This is a beautiful start

To a lifelong love letter

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose You

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose You

I choose You

We are not perfect we’ll learn from our mistakes

And as long as it takes I will prove my love to you

I am not scared of the elements I am underprepared,

But I am willing

And even better

I get to be the other half of you

Tell the world that we finally got it all right

I choose You, yeah

I will become yours and you will become mine

I choose You

I choose You

I choose You

She had just finished and Peeta was about to say something when Johanna shouted.

“Seriously?? It was bad enough listening to you two screwing each other senseless now I have to hear you sing?! Keep this up and you’ll have to find a new roommate!”

After their laughter subsided Peeta turned to Katniss and whispering quietly he said.

“I choose you too. Always.”

[turnips-creates]

Yet Another Piece of my Nano Piece I Affectionately Call: Steampunk Hell

Moira stood against one wall of the ballroom. She didn't know how an impoverished mechanic like her ended up in one of the most desired social events of the winter season, but here she was in a dress that cost more than the entire building she lived in with jewelry that was probably worth even more. Not to mention the shoes.

The next time Moira saw Charlie, she was going to shove a heel so far up his ass, he would taste the sole for years to come.

The party was being held in the ballroom of the Soleil Family Estate, and true to their name, it shone like the sun. Gold filigree lined the pillars, sat on tables, even covered parts of the ceiling. The chandeliers were even worse, with the amount of both glass embellishments and magic crystals adorning them.

She took a sip from her champagne glass, somehow managing not to cringe at the taste of alcohol (Moira was never fond of it), and played with the end of the flowy, three-quarter sleeve of her dress using her silver-gloved fingers.

One of the few things Moira would willingly attest to about Charlie was his fashion sense was immaculate. (How he hadn't become a famous designer yet, she would never know.)

He'd put her in a deep sapphire and pale blue number with a skirt of thin layered fabrics that hit just above mid calf. It gave the appearance of waves wrapping about her body, while also teasing to her curves. Moira wasn't the skinniest woman in Arlenington - she took pride in her strength pillowed by a thin layer of fluff, thank you very much -, but few designers actually took her body type into account when making most clothing due to their taste in skeletons.

Charlie even put a crown in her stick-straight bob that brushed her shoulders at its longest point framing her face. His partner, Lawrence, begged to do her makeup for her, and as Moira had already been forced into the dress, she had no energy to say no to their puppy dog eyes.

He'd applied some dark blue powder and lined her eyes in silver. Her lips were painted a midnight blue. Lawrence then added some shimmer to her cheeks and left it at that. Something about her skin being good as it was despite the hard labour contracts she took on occasion, not that the other two had any idea what she actually did at those jobs.

Moira downed the rest of her drink.

Humming along with the music, she made her way from her wallflower spot to the refreshments table further down the wall. Her eyes wandered over the dancers swinging away to the music.

It reminded Moira of her mother teaching her to dance in her father's studio.

A server offered to take the empty glass, and Moira handed it over with a smile.

She was about to head for the bar for a cocktail more to her taste, when a gentleman about her age (23) approached her.

"Milady," he said with a shallow bow and a gloved hand outstretched. "If I may be so bold as to have a few minutes of your time?"

Moira resisted the twitch that wanted to manifest in her left eye. She'd hoped to go the night without interacting with anyone other than Charlie, Lawrence, and the servers.

The young man before her wore a simple but elegant black suit with a silver vest embroidered with a simple geometric pattern beneath it. A short cape attached to the suit with silver brooches hung over his right shoulder. His dirty blond hair was pulled back into a low side-ponytail, and gel held his bangs out of his face.

Moira didn't want to seem rude, so she decided to pull on the etiquette lessons Charlie dragged her to when they were kids.

She placed her hand in his with a polite curtsey. "You may, good sir."

The man gave out a wide grin, crinkling his bright hazel eyes. (Moira would put good money on them shining gold if the light hit them right.) He placed a chaste kiss to her knuckles. "I thank you for your generosity."

Letting go of her hand, The man offered her his arm. "Where to, milady?"

"The bar, please. I'm a bit parched," Moira said, ignoring the raised eyebrow of her new companion, as she looped her arm through his.

He began to lead her around the dance floor to the long, ornate bar against the back wall under the imperial staircase.

"My apologies if I came off a little too strong," he told Moira, "but I wanted to be by your side before someone else stole that honor."

Moira couldn't hold in a snort at that comment before clearing her throat in realization of what she'd just done. Charlie's childhood tutor, Master Leon, would be so disappointed in her.

"Please forgive me for being rude," Moira apologized with an embarrassed smile. She glanced around looking for Charlie's bright head of red hair. "I didn't think I would be so popular."

"Why wouldn't you be? A gorgeous doll such as yourself shouldn't have such low confidence," the man replied seriously.

Before Moira could respond, they reached the bar.

"Any requests?" the man asked.

"Nimble Tonic, please." Moira placed a hand on the wooden bar top as her companion leaned on it while hovering a hand over her mid back, almost as if to say she was his for the time being. Normally, Moira would've shaken him off the moment he did so, but there were eyes on them, and she didn't want to cause trouble.

The man waved over a bartender, who gave him a nod.

He turned back to Moira. "And again, I must apologize. You were being stared at by one of the more, ah... unsavory characters here tonight."

"Oh? And who might that be, if you don't mind," she questioned. She knew some of the gossip and scandals bouncing around thanks to Charlie being a Count, but she'd hoped to avoid it while at the party.

"Lord Richardson."

"Ah," Moira said. She'd heard stories of Lord Richardson's cruelty.

"What can I get for you, Mi'Lord?" The bartender asked, cleaning a glass as he stood before them.

"One Dire Flash and a  Nimble Tonic on the tab, my friend."

The bartender gave them a smile. "Right away, Sir."

Moira raised an eyebrow at the man but decided again to let it go. The drinks here were, after all, expensive.

"My Lady, if you don't mind, may I ask for a name to call you by?" The man asked as they waited.

"I go by Emmaline," Moira responded. She always used her middle name at events such as these or any time she modelled for Charlie. "May I inquire as to your's?"

"My friends call me Ferran," he smiled at her as the bartender came back with their drinks.

Moira was about to question his use of the word friends when the song finished.

The dancers stopped and applauded each other and the band. Moira and Ferran joined in with the clapping as did the other bystanders.

The next song began, and Moira's eyes widened as she stared out at the band.

"You know this song?" Ferran asked.

"Yes." Moira didn't just know this song. She was there when it was composed by her father and knew the dance by heart.

"Care to join me for a dance, Lady Emmaline?" Ferran held his arm out for her once more.

She glanced at their drinks and opened her mouth to ask about them, but the bartender spoke before she could.

"I can hold your drinks for you, Sir and Madam."

"Thank you Alex," Ferran said to him without looking away from Moira.

Moira looked between the two then let out a small sigh. "Very well, I guess you've convinced me."

She took Ferran's arm with a grin.

[aliceslantern]

Beyond This Existence, Epilogue

Summary:  After Xehanort's death, Demyx finds himself unexpectedly human in Radiant Garden. With nothing but fragments of his past and a cryptic statement from Xemnas, he's left to figure out who he is. When Ienzo asks for his help with a project, the two find common ground, but the trauma and secrets in both of their pasts could tear it apart. Zemyx (Demyx/Ienzo), post-KH3 canon compliant

Read it on FF.net/on AO3

---

“...That should do it. You’ve got to be more careful. I’ve got other things to do. You know?”

The little kid let go of his friend’s hand and flexed his now-healed knee. “Whatever,” he mumbled, clearly trying to hide the fact that there were still tears in his eyes. Then, a little more shyly, “Thanks.”

“Just don’t become a repeat patient.”

Demyx watched the kid and his friend walk away, to carry on with their lives like they hadn’t just had one of the worst wipeouts he’d ever seen. Skateboards had come to Radiant Garden. They were popular. And they didn’t go particularly well with the rough cobble roads. He and Aerith had their hands full tending to all the different myriad wounds. But better skateboards, he decided, than Heartless. There were still some around, here and there, but they grew less numerous by the day.

He dusted off his hands. It was a lovely spring day, and he hadn’t yet got a chance to actually enjoy it. He took out his gummiphone and texted Ienzo. Just set 3 different kids’ broken bones. I’ll be back in 10 if you want to grab lunch.

I was about to ask you the same, Ienzo wrote back.

Their relationship had deepened over the past year. Changed. Of course, the fact that neither of them were ending up in life-threatening situations did lessen the stakes significantly. The transition from dramatic to mundane had been a learning experience. They’d learned to spend time apart, and to pursue their own projects. Nothing would ever be quite normal, but this was about as close as it would get.

Demyx took his time passing through town. Now that he was getting to know people, it no longer felt so alien. Being seen and being known no longer were so terrifying. He wasn’t an Organization member, or a Dandelion. He was Just Demyx, and that was enough.

He saw another small herd of skateboarders, but noted with relief that these ones had adequate safety gear.

The castle was still a work in progress. They were all busy with their own goings-on, and it was huge; keeping the place clean and habitable would have been a tough job for many more people than just the six of them. Every now and again the committee would lend help and supplies, but it was the sort of place where if one thing was fixed, another broke.

Ienzo was, as always, in the library, though at least he was in front of a window this time, and not holed up in a dark alcove. For a moment, Demyx saw him first, gently shifting blueprints and papers to and fro. Honestly, seeing him working so earnestly on something he cared about was… pretty sexy.

“Baby, are you a library book? Because I’d like to check you out.”

Ienzo’s expression remained completely deadpan, but there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “You’ve used that line before.”

Demyx gave him a kiss. “You been here all morning?”

“More or less.” He started rolling up the delicate print paper. “I wanted to take another look at it before I show it to the committee. Incorporating Dilan’s suggestions was necessary, but now I suspect I’m developing carpal tunnel.” He shook out his hand. “But I suppose you can fix that for me. It is quite convenient to have my own on-call physician.”

“Even would murder you if he heard you call me that.” Demyx took the offending hand and cast a minor anti-inflammatory spell. “I’m not a doctor. I’m a healer. In training.”

“I think he’s a touch jealous.”

“I don’t see why he should be. He doesn’t have to chase kids around just to get them to wear helmets.”

Ienzo put the plans in their cardboard tube and sighed. “I don’t think I’ll ever be fully happy with it. It’s been an exercise in creativity, if anything.”

“Well. For what it’s worth, I think it’s great.”

He stacked the books neatly. Botany, architecture, spiritualism. Ienzo took off his reading glasses and set them aside. “In a way, this feels as though it’s my firstborn,” he said softly. “It’s a complete end to this part of my life. Now I’m to head into the unknown.”

“Isn’t it exciting?”

Ienzo shrugged. “I’d say nerve-wracking. Shall we get lunch? I could use some fresh air.”

“There’s a new noodle place I wanted to try out. I can’t remember the last time I had some half-decent udon. Think you can spare an hour or two on me?”

“Maybe. If you behave.”

On their way they passed Aeleus, who was diligently painting over the pale green walls in a pale blue that brought more light into the space. Of them all, he was the most diligent in the repairs.

“We’re going out,” Ienzo said. “Would you like anything for lunch?”

He nodded, barely breaking brush stroke.

“I guess we’ll surprise you,” Demyx said.

The spring flowers were just coming into bloom. Seeing all the color after so much gray stillness made the world feel completely new. Ienzo sneezed. “Yes, my favorite time of year,” he said dryly.

“If you took your allergy medicine like I told you, you wouldn’t be such a wreck.”

Ienzo rolled his eyes.

They grabbed their lunch and sat at an outside table. Town was constantly growing. It seemed like every week something new popped up--new shops, new homes. The committee was constantly spread thin, though it seemed like mostly everyone was willing to give a few hours of time here and there. More and more people were returning.

“It probably won’t ever be like it was, but it certainly does give me a kind of hope,” Ienzo said.

“It’s grown on me,” Demyx said. “I like it here.”

“It does feel rather more like home than it used to. Though I suppose it’s more the people than anything.”

Demyx smiled a little.

“If you were able to travel freely again, would you?” he asked.

Demyx considered this. “I don’t know,” he said slowly. “I’ve seen a lot in my time. Kind of enough. But I haven’t seen the worlds when they’re at peace. What about you?”

“Part of me says yes, absolutely. But the other part…” He shrugged. “You’ve got to either hide or assimilate to maintain world order, which does take a certain amount of work.”

“What’s the point of world order? What happens if it isn’t up-kept? All these years, and nobody could give me a good answer.”

Ienzo furrowed his brows. The noodle between his chopsticks broke in half and disappeared into the broth. “I’m not entirely sure,” he said. “Perhaps it warrants some investigation.”

“Maybe you can work on that next.”

“Maybe,” he said cheerfully. “Though--this world is barely stabilizing.”

“Last time I talked to Cid, he said that they’re going to have to start planning some kind of government,” Demyx said. “Even though there hasn’t been any real crime or anything, someone’s still gotta step up.” He scraped at the bottom of the bowl and found there was nothing left but a few leeks. Healing was hungry work.

“I’d heard. They’d called Ansem down a couple of days ago. They offered him the job. He was once sage king, after all.”

Demyx whistled. “How did that go?”

“He turned them down. Said he didn’t want power, and didn’t deserve it. He did say he would serve as advisor to whoever ends up in the position, should they want his advice. Cid and  Leon are going to organize a town hall. And then eventually there will be elections.”

“I wonder who it’ll be.” He grimaced. “Wait. Does that mean they’ll have to live with us?”

Ienzo chuckled. “Wouldn’t that shake things up. For some reason I don’t think that would go over too well. If you haven’t noticed, we’re all just a touch insular.”

“Have I noticed. They’re barely accepting me. ”

“Oh, don’t be too hard on yourself. I think Ansem rather likes having you around. It makes him feel young.”

Demyx hesitated. Ienzo was smiling, but there seemed something polite about it. Not so genuine. “How are things between you two?” he asked cautiously.

“Improving,” he said. “All the while improving. There’s more bitterness in me than I thought. But I assure you I am working through it. We both are, and we’re both willing, which is what matters.”

“You don’t have to forgive him to love him.”

“I know. But I feel as though I need to, to move on.” He set his chopsticks aside. “Are you still hungry?”

Demyx sighed. “Always,” he muttered. “Aerith said eventually my body will adjust to using so much magic so frequently. I beg to differ, though.”

“Are you still enjoying it?”

He considered. Truthfully, all those hours and days and nights of studying, then coupled with the home visits she’d took him on, didn’t always necessarily feel pleasant . He’d seen more gross things than he thought possible for a relatively peaceful town. Been puked on. Bled on. More than once he’d ended up having to stay out all night, finally collapsed into bed, only to get a call that he was needed. And yet. “I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to. And I don’t have to give up music, either.”

“You can be passionate about more than one thing, you know,” Ienzo said lightly.

He was right. But still, after feeling so much apathy for so long in the Organization, having the motivation and the willingness to heal and create made him a touch anxious.

“Shall we head back?”

“Yeah. Think I need a nap. Fucking skateboarders.”

“In another life you’d be one of them,” Ienzo said.

“I hate that you’re right.”

----

The egg whites Demyx was whisking didn’t want to fluff up right. Despite the tremendous ache in his arm. Sometimes he regretted helping Ienzo cook, because Ienzo always gave him the jobs he himself hated. Like grating cheese. Or, in this case, whipping meringue, even though they had a perfectly good electric mixer that could do it for them.

“How does it look?” Ienzo asked. He peeked into the bowl. “Almost. Not quite.”

Demyx groaned and switched arms.

There was a vaguely pinched look to his face. Demyx knew he’d been waiting a long time for this day, so he really should be acting like less of a pain in the ass. Still. It really was hurting. “...You still anxious?”

Ienzo took the bowl from him and started to put the topping on the lemon pie. “I realize it’s illogical, but that doesn’t make it go away. ”

“They’re going to love it. I know they will.”

“Part of me feels like I’m rubbing salt in just-healed wounds.”

Demyx wrapped his arms around his waist. Every muscle in Ienzo’s body was fraught with tension. “They think about what happened all the time,” he said in a low voice. “This is closure. And you know closure can hurt a little sometimes.”

“I suppose.” He sighed. “Would you mind letting go of me? I’ve got to put the pie back in.”

Dinner now was far different than it used to be. There was no more dumb hierarchy. It was easier than ever before to talk to everyone. He felt more at ease. More at home. Dilan found great amusement when Demyx regaled him with the day’s injuries.

“Kids always have some new way of hurting themselves,” he said. He chuckled. “For your generation it was frisbees. We must have confiscated dozens of the damn things when the castle was open to the public. Still, must be odd being on the other side of such gap for the first time.”

“...I guess so. You know. I still don’t feel grown up.” He’d had a birthday recently, his twenty-third, and yet every day he went out to help people he always felt like he was pretending to be mature.

“Truthfully, one never does,” Even said. “It took me long enough to come to terms with it.”

The food was good, just like it always was, though Demyx noticed Ienzo ate far less than he normally was wont to. He reached beneath the table and squeezed his hand. He cleared the empty plates and was back in time to watch Ienzo explain his plan in full.

“I’m sure you all know by now what I’ve been working on,” he said. “I’d like to present it to you now, before I turn it over to the committee for approval.” He got up and retrieved the roll of plans and his written works. He smoothed out the blueprints in front of them. “It’s a garden. For those who fell.”

Planning the memorial had taken months of meticulous research and engineering. Ienzo was so thorough and thoughtful in the way he’d drafted every last blade of grass. Everything had a history, a symbol, a meaning to it. He’d chosen several sets of blooms, one for each type of loss incurred during Radiant Garden’s struggle with darkness--those killed by the initial fall, those who became Heartless, and lastly, those who had fallen because of their research. He’d chosen the breeds for their symbolism, and for how well they would keep and take root. Each flower would represent one soul lost; at the back of this garden he imagined a wall with all their names, as well as books with more information about each person lost.

Seeing it brought tears to Demyx’s eyes, and he could tell the others were moved too, though more stoically. Ansem reached over the table and took Ienzo’s hand. “That’ll do.”

----

The summer consisted of impossibly long days and longer nights. All of them at the castle did their part, and the committee helped too, when they had the time. Demyx found himself making better friends with them. It made the weeks of soreness and sunburn worth it. Moreso, to see the weight of guilt finally ease from Ienzo’s shoulders. To see him bloom.

Demyx was happy, probably for the first time in his whole life. He had a home now, friends, and a boyfriend he adored. Yet he couldn’t help but shake the feeling that something still hurt inside.

It came to him one August night. A crash of thunder woke him up from an aqueous sleep. Ienzo stirred but remained deeply asleep, thoroughly worn out from the long day in the sun (not to mention their erstwhile lovemaking). Demyx couldn’t help but shake the feeling he’d woken up from a nightmare, though what exactly he couldn’t say. He went to the bathroom and splashed water on his face.

Trauma was a lot like dud firecrackers--they didn’t go off until they wanted to.

He went to crawl back in bed, but the light of his gummiphone caught on a sheaf of papers, neatly laid on top of a couple of volumes of the apprentices’ research. He reached for it. For a second his head swam as the old runes came into better focus.

Demyx hadn’t really looked at this thing in nearly a year, not since he’d regained his memory. He’d been too worried about Ienzo, and then after all that, busy enough that it faded to the background. The paper crinkled faintly. He could just barely feel a cool, rainy breeze against his overheated skin.

“Dem?” Ienzo mumbled sleepily. “You okay?”

He shut the light. “Just too warm. Go back to sleep, babe.”

----

He could not stop thinking about it. Through days planting in the garden. Through tending to more skateboard injuries. Through a small party that the committee had invited him and Ienzo to. Through it all.

On their first day off in weeks, rather than rest as he’d planned, he took the papers and went down to the old study room. Bits of various projects Ienzo was working on sat in neat, organized piles. Demyx took the cushion off the chair and sat on the floor, the score in front of him. The sunlight was so warm it burned.

They stared at each other.

He opened the first page. He remembered when this paper was new and soft still. Struggling to keep a ruler level to draw in all those lines, hundreds and hundreds of them. The slightly bitter smell of the ink. The weight of his first sitar--lighter, smaller, the soft grain of it.

He’d made progress, but he hadn’t fully processed it. He’d seen his past as something foreign and separate from himself.

If the words of it were hard to read, then playing it was next to impossible. He tried to summon Arpeggio. His hand trembled. It came at last, hitting his thigh with something akin to a smack. “I know,” he said to it.

Words were heavy, but Demyx had never been much of a writer. There should have been something interesting in seeing his old compositions. Nostalgia, or even embarrassment at how amateur they were. He felt none of these things.

His younger self’s emotions bled from each movement, each less contained than the last, reflected in the odd meters and rhythms scattered all throughout, the awkward keys. To play it felt like being cornered. Like having his heart ripped in two. He’d felt so much pain and sadness and fear, but above all, stark loneliness. This diary hadn’t been so much of a composition as a cry for help.

He hadn’t thought he’d make it out of the war alive, after all.

But he had.

Demyx had, and so much more besides. That was the important thing.

As he played, he felt the heartbeat of it. The strings of the present and past wove together, and once he was through with the old score, he pushed it aside, and began to work on the future.

[teastainsandcookiecrumbs]

Unmasked

Civilization ceased. Humans destroyed all other living things and destroyed themselves in the process. In the midst of the turmoil, a new creature, a mask-shaped alien, emerged and created a symbiotic relationship with man. Seventy-five years past since the friendship was formed. At the age of twelve, youths were given a half-mask to wear, and at age 18, were given the remaining half. But cracks began to form in the new regime. A group of people calling themselves the Watchers rejected the monotonous way of life caused by the masks. This is the story of two young individuals, brother and sister, who shook the world to its roots with their love for each other and just how far they would go to protect their sibling.

Hunter

I watch my sister fight a battle for her life. If only I could do something to help her. But there’s nothing I can do. I’m forced to just stay at her bedside and see if I can get Sierra to eat something. Except for the teensy ration I get for the both of us, there’s not much to eat. Not with Leader reserving most of the crop for next year. Oh sure, he claims we have more food than ever before, but it’s hard to believe that when you’re watching your little sister, the apple of your eye, your pride and joy, slowly shrivel and die. I grasp her hand and gently stroke her fiery curls. Why our parents don’t want anything to do with Sierra, I’ll never know. The girl’s a genius. Before she got sick, I used to take her to my engineering class since she was so bored in her normal classes. The gal could build a structure out of twigs and have it be as solid as the metal we usually worked with. My friends are always begging me to bring her on our outings since she is so popular. But now I wasn’t even sure whether my little Vixen would ever feel the sun on her face again.

I hear a knock on the door. It creaks open.

“Hey, Hunter. How’s Sierra?” a voice behind asks. I turn around and smile slightly at my friends filing into our clubhouse. We technically aren’t supposed to have clubhouses, but we had one anyway. And since my good-for-nothing parents don’t want anything to do with Sierra, I had to take her here. But I’m almost eighteen: I can apply for my own dwelling once I get my full-mask.

Masks. I hate them. I have seen what they do to people. My friends know it too. So we have made a pact that we’ll only wear them when we need to.

My friends and I call ourselves “the Dryads” since we all had nature names or nicknames. Besides having nature names/nicknames, we all have suffered at the hands of Leader or his cronies.

Cricket was the smallest but could create the prettiest music out of pretty much anything on hand. You could always find her whistling a melody or tapping out a beat. She would set the mood for our meetings. When she really got going, she could create the most complex harmonies I ever heard. When she was five, Cricket’s parents had died, and Leader refused to help Cricket. She, in turn, refused to talk for eight years. But with our help, Cricket found her voice again. She’s now super attached to Leon because he never pushed her to talk. The rest of us say they’re going to get together.

Then there is Willow. Her Dryad name really fit her, because she was the most flexible one in our group. She could fold herself up into the queerest shapes, but she was usually so quiet and embarrassed about her gift. I personally think it’s cool. Her parents don’t think that Willow is all that great and push her around at home. Willow’s parents are second in command to Leader so they enforce everything. And everything has to be perfect. They also fight at her house like crazy. So she bends to hide in really tight and small spots and waits for the storm to blow over. Even though I got detention for a year, I once went over to Willow’s house and punched her parents into next week.

Olive got me out of trouble. She had her name because she was the peacemaker. She always ends up being the mediator for our debates and discussions. We go even further and call her Judge Olive. She has ten younger brothers and she always has to take care of them since her parents live in another city and don’t visit much. Lucky for us, Calico usually babysits them when she’s not training.

Calico doesn't usually attend our meetings or hang out with us. When she isn’t babysitting she’s sparring. Leader had initiated a new program for people who were “warriors”, whatever that meant, and Calico had taken to it tremendously. Most of the other trainees were large and buff. Calico could beat them with both hands tied behind her back. She almost always carried a pair of knives, which were her “weapons”. Her parents had died defending our city, and Calico wanted to follow in their footsteps. She was wicked good and has a wicked sense of humor to boot.

Sorrel was the only one of us to have gone outside the city walls. Like, not to another city, but actually go outside the walls. She always went out in the evenings to collect her precious herbs. She could make the best beverages: something hot that she called ‘T’. But when push came to shove, she was better than any doctor. About five years ago, a great sickness swept through all of our cities. Sorrel’s siblings had fallen sick and, despite all her efforts, they all died. She then completely devoted herself to medicine, not the pills-medicine that Leader gave out that did more harm than good, but real medicine. Which is why I trusted her with Sierra’s life.

Forrest, Ash, Leon, and Wolfe all liked to joke around, but they protected our little group. If another kid dissed us, you could count on the disser having a chipped tooth or a black eye the next day. They especially protected Sierra. Too bad they can’t protect her from this.

“She is better, isn’t she?” Cricket asks as she moves closer to Leon. He puts a protective arm around her. Sorrel opens her ever-present satchel and quickly takes my spot by Sierra.

“Not that I can tell, Cricket,” I sigh, rubbing my face in my hands. “I don’t know what to do. I don’t have enough credits for a doctor, and my parents probably have forgotten that Sierra even exists. Out of sight, out of mind.” Willow comes around and gently takes my hand.

“She will pull out of this. I can feel it,” she says quietly. “Sierra was the only one to actually try and do what I do. She made me laugh.”

Behind me, I can hear Sorrel making her special beverage. “Thanks, Wil --I can’t help but worry about her. Sierra was never that strong.”

“You’re wrong about that,” rumbles Leon. “Whenever I’m at work rebuilding the wall, she comes behind me lugging her own pile of rocks.” He chuckles. “She’s one special gal, Hunter. Too bad your parents can’t see that. I’d like to punch their conceited masks off their conceited faces.”

“How’s Sierra, Doc?” Ash says. I turn to Sorrel and watch her carefully measure out her herbs into some sort of strainer shaped like a pot.

“She’s malnourished, but I think she’ll pull through if she gets something to eat. Something more filling than the potatoes we always have,” she remarks. “I’m making her tea with some chamomile, some oregano, a little eucalyptus, and willow bark, to help her cough. The chamomile is just to disguise the willow bark. It tastes like Leader’s face.”

We laugh at that. It’s a common theory that Leader wore all his masks to disguise his ugly face.

“Hunter?” Sierra croaks. I quickly hurry to the side of her bed. The sight of her pale face streaked with perspiration makes my heart ache.

“I’m here, Vix. What do you need?” I whisper and chaff her freezing hands to warm them.

“Can I have a cuddle?” she whispers.

“Of course, darling. We can cuddle while you drink your medicine. And look, all your friends are here,” I say and gesture to the Dryads.

“Get better soon, Sierra,” Forrest smiles. “Otherwise, I’m gonna be alone in the forge with no one to talk to.”

“I’m working on getting better. It’s much harder than swinging a hammer all day,” Sierra frowns, but I can see the mischievous glint in her dull eyes. “And it’s taxing on the intelligence, unlike forging.”

Forrest staggers backward. “I am wounded by a 5-year-old.” He flexes his muscles. “But at least I get buff.”

Sierra half-heartedly giggles. I can see everyone is trying so hard to cheer her up, but she’s barely five and fighting for her life.

The ladies circle around the bed and I am yanked from Sierra. Ash, Forrest, Leon, and Wolfe all glare at me.

“Sierra can’t keep on like this. She has to eat something nourishing like Doc said, but we don’t got nothing,” Ash hisses.

“We do got a couple friends who can get food for Vixen,” Wolfe whispers, “They call themselves the Watchers.”

I’ve heard about the Watchers. I actually admire them for their courage: Leader is constantly ranting and raving about how evil the Watchers are. But I don’t believe him.

Speak of the devil, a knock sounds on the door. As if on cue, we all slip on our masks and Sorrel hides her T-making things. I motion for Wolfe to open the door. He does so, and who should walk in but Leader. His hair is a dirty white, and he wears long black robes that hide the form of his true body. He also wears a stack of masks: all the mask-halves and full masks waiting to be given to poor schmucks like us. If I squint, I'm pretty sure I can spot my own mask half.

“Ah, hello, my dears. How is poor Sarah?” he almost croons. I grimace.

“Her name is Sierra and she’s doing badly, thanks for asking,” I almost growl. What wouldn’t I give to punch his conceited masks off his conceited face. Leader waves his hand as if to ward off a bad odor.

“That’s what I said. My dear son,”

“Don’t. Call. me. son,” I growl emphasizing every word. Leader ignored me.

“May I have a word with you outside, my dear boy?” I huff in protest, but Forrest motions that they’ll protect Sierra. I follow Leader outside and glare at his protectors. If they weren’t there, I’d probably punch him for causing my sister to sicken.

“I know Sarah-”

“It’s Sierra,” I snarl and clench my fists. I wish the guys were here to back me up.

“That’s what I said. I know she’s not doing very well, but I guarantee she will get better. You know the majority of this year's crop is being saved for replanting next year, for more prosperity in the future. And I believe the life of one little girl is a proper sacrifice for the lives of millions,” Leader says and places his cold clammy hand on my shoulder. “But I promise, if she survives, then I will know that she is worth the food she eats.” Leader pats my head like I’m three. “This was a good talk, son.”

“I’m not your son,” I hiss. And if you think the life of my sister can be fixed in your formulated phrases, then you must be out of you gosh dang mind. I think furiously.

Leader saunters away, his guards forming a box around him. I march back inside our clubhouse, rip off my mask and whisper furiously to the guys, “Where can I meet them, these Watchers?”

Wolfe and Ash both lead me through the streets. The other Dryads are back at our clubhouse, taking care of my Vixen. Ever since Leader’s visit a week ago, Sierra had progressively gone downhill despite all of Sorrel’s treatments and T. The moon lights the streets with an unearthly glow, turning every corner and shadow into a ghoulish copy of itself. They stop in front of a dark staircase leading into the ground.

“This is it,” whispers Wolfe, “The entrance to the Watchers.”

I gulp. I wasn’t ready for this. But Sierra. My Vixen. I take a deep breath to settle my nerves. “I’m ready. You guys coming?”

“Duh,” Ash grins slightly. But then he frowns. “But you’re doing the actual talking.”

I roll my eyes and smile. “Fraidy-cat.”

“Just don’t let Calico hear you. She’d hang you from the rafters by your pants,” Wolfe laughs. He made the mistake of teasing Calico and she responded by leaving him hanging from the rafters by his underwear.

“I thought it was from your underpants,” I tease him. He blushes.

“She had me, like, backed into a corner,” Wolfe protests.

“Yeah, keep ranting, Wolfe. We all know Cali whipped your butt,” Ash laughs. “Are we gonna do this or what?”

Wolfe and I nod. Our trio cautiously walks toward the stairs.

“That was really funny, Wolfe. You squealed for hours,” a voice behind us giggles. We tense. Someone steps into the small beam of light from the moon and us guys relax, if only slightly. Only Calico. But when dealing with Cali, you always stay on your toes: otherwise, you may end up missing your pants and dangling from the rafters (cough, Wolfe, cough).

She’s wearing all black with her red and ebony hair caught up in a high ponytail. Her belt is an arsenal: her two daggers hanging from their sheaths, a long coiled whip, and other things I can’t distinguish. She holds a long metal staff in her hands which she’s twirling. “So you boys thought that you could leave me stranded with Vixen coughing her little lungs out and burning with fever while you went out and stole food for her. Classic men.”

“Umm…” Wolfe stammers. She brushes him aside.

“Let’s just get this over with. I have an early training session tomorrow.”

I glance at Ash and chuckle. This is classic Cali. Act now, ask questions later. “Let’s go,” I say. Ash, Wolfe and I follow Cali. How bad could this mission go?

We creep down the stairs where an iron-bound door stoically sits. It seems both aware and unaware that it is the entryway to rebellion and freedom. I smirk to myself. Leader would kill if he found out we knew where this was. Ash whispered something and the door creaks open. We carefully step in and the door slams shut behind us. A person in a long black robe motions for us to follow him. We do so cautiously. Cali just swings her staff and checks her many gizmos and pockets on her belt. Ash and Wolfe surge forward, leaving me with Cali. I cough nervously. “So, Cali, how have you been?”

Cali rolls her eyes and continues to secure her pouches. “Not too shabby. I’ve been promoted at training.”

“Oh, congrats on your promotion.” I shiver. Our voices echo eerily off the walls. I’m suddenly not too sure whether this is actually safe. But Sierra will die without this food. But spending quality time with Cali almost always ends up with you missing your pants and a dagger at your neck. “And Cali, I’ve been meaning to ask you: why don’t you ever wear your mask?” It’s true: Calico never wore her mask, not even when Leader was around. But every so often, she wore the characteristic blank look that the masks gave adults.

“That’s classified,” Calico snaps. “Never ask me about that ever again. Not now, not ever, or you’ll be missing more than your pants.” She pulls her knife out and makes a slitting motion across her neck. I gulp. Lucky for me, before Cali can act on that conviction, we emerge into a large room at least ten times as big as our clubhouse. It is filled with people of every shape, size, and age. Branched from the main room is lots of tunnels that lead to wherever. Ash and Wolfe lead the way to a tall brunette man who has an air of authority and his back to us. I take a deep breath and tap him on the shoulder.

“Pardon me, sir, are you the Leader of the Watchers, sir?” I ask nervously. He turns around and smiles gently at me.

“Yes. What can I do to help you, young man?” he says. Suddenly something inside me breaks. I start spilling everything, how my little sister was super sick and Leader won’t help and how she needs food. I stop and glance at my companions and they look stunned. I’m not normally one to just disclose anything without cause, but my little sister is dying. I don’t know if even with the food she’ll live, and if she dies, then I have nothing else to live for. Except for Leader’s absolute destruction for causing my little sister to die. The man just smiles and hands me a scrap of cloth. I realize I’ve got tears running down my cheeks.

“My name is Chase, and I’m the head of the Watchers,” he says kindly, “And, fortunately for you, we’ve got a team heading to Leader’s dwelling in a couple hours. You can join them or you can wait for them to come back, which should be early in the morning.”

“Wait, you regularly raid Leader? What about his cronies or his counterparts in other cities?” Calico jumps in. She seems jumpy and nervous and her hands are trembling. That’s enough to put me on edge: if invincible Calico was nervous and terrified, then I should be screwed. But surprisingly, I’m only slightly nervous.

“We have other branches in the other cities. And we have word that Leader has one of our top agents, so it'll be easy to get food for your little sister,” Chase says, “and, young lady, there's a restroom in the very back if you need it.” Cali nods gratefully and dashes off, a hand over her mouth. “We’ll come find you when the team’s ready to go, alright?” I nod and quickly head the way Cali went. Ash and Wolfe head off somewhere. But Cali looked positively sick like she was going to hurl. I feel like I need to check on her, make sure she’s okay.

There are two doors in the back, one marked “Ladies” and the other “Gentlemen”. I can hear Cali in the “Ladies” one, and she doesn’t sound well at all. On an impulse, I duck into the Ladies room and bar the door shut.

There are individual stalls that hide the toilets: all of the five doors are partially open except for one. I can hear Cali hurling and muttering to herself, an argument between Cali and Cali. And neither side is gaining advantage.

I gently rap on the door. “Cali? You okay?” I say quietly. I hear a flush and Cali stumbles out. She quickly wAshes her face then turns to face me. Surprisingly, the first thing she whispers is “Can you keep a secret?” I nod and seal my lips. Cali presses herself against the wall and slides to the floor. I crouch next to her. With a trembling hand, she pulls something out of her belt, grabs my hand, and presses the item in her hand into mine. “Hunter, you can't tell anyone what I'm gonna tell you, not even Wolfe,” she breathes. I open my hand and examine the white pills in my palm.

“Cali, what are these?” I ask quietly.

“You asked me why I don't wear a mask. I'm the first of a new kind of fighting machine. I don't wear a mask because I swallow it. Leader has somehow ground my mask into a powder and now I have to take one once a day,” Cali breaths, “I forgot today’s dose. But I can't take it because the Watchers will know. But I have to because Leader will know if I don't. But I can't, but I have to, but I can't!” Cali groans in frustration and grips the edge of ponytail. “What am I supposed to do, Hunter?”

I'm still trying to process everything. Calico is an experiment? One of Leader’s projects? She is being tortured under my nose? “I don’t know Cali. Maybe you can talk to Chase? He seems helpful,” I whisper.

“I can't talk to him. I represent everything the Watchers are against. And if Leader catches wind that I’ve seen where the Watchers are based, then everything is screwed,” Cali moans. She presses her hands against her temples. I try and comfort her as best as I can, but nothing I do seems to help. Suddenly she bolts upright. "I've got it! Hydrochaastibscentane! All I need is a syringe and a needle!" She starts digging in her belt.

"Um, Cali? What's hydrocha-, hydrocha-, I can't even say it." I groan and pinch the bridge of my nose. "Whatever it is, what does it do?"

"It's an amnesia inducing drug, more commonly known as Wish. We are instructed to always keep a dose on use in case of capture. But only as a last resort," Cali explains. "I haven't used my dose, so if I get captured, I can use it and forget any and all information about the Watchers." She seems oddly happy about that possibility. She pulls a blue liquid, a syringe and a needle from her belt and gingerly preps the syringe. She stashes the syringe now full of blue liquid in her belt. She glares at me. "If you tell, I will find you. And I will make you suffer. Capeesh?" I nod and quickly get out of there. Cali needs her space or she's liable to take her stress on the nearest punching bag.

Ash, Wolfe and I hang together while waiting for the party to head out. Cali joins us a while later, and then teases/flirts with Wolfe. Ash and I just elbow each other and snicker under our breath.

After what seemed like an eternity, the party is ready to go. I strap on my borrowed gear, smear soot and grease on my face, and follow the party down a tunnel. Calico ducks in and out of the shadows almost like her namesake. I shiver. I have a very bad feeling that something was going to go very wrong tonight.

We get into the building easily enough. Because Cali knew where everything was, it was child's play to sneak into the food storage and fill our bags to the brim with food. More food than I had ever seen in one place. And the variety. I'll admit that we may have tasted some, just to see what kind of luxury Leader was living in. Fruits that taste like sunshine, leafy greens that taste like shame, nuts that taste like nothing I could describe. Cali helped us identify some of the mysterious things, like a weird yellow boomerang fruit that was called a banana. It was mild in taste, but tasted like sweet rain. But mostly we just stuff our bags and our faces. A guy dressed like us comes and and motions that we need to get out of there. We follow hesitantly. We rejoin the main group and quickly maneuver through the twisted halls.

“Isn’t this great?” Calico whispers excitedly, “It’s like we’re in a movie or something!” I glance at her confused.

“What’s a movie?” She groans and buries her face in her hands.

“You’re hopeless.”

Suddenly, an alarm blares and everything became blurred. I saw Cali rushing forward and whipping the security guards’ butts, literally and figuratively. She yelled at us to go on with our her. I will always remember her with her staff and whip and dancing in and out of the fray. She may have been one girl, but she was more than a match for the twenty guards she fought. But then something went wrong. Her staff broke, more guards came, her whip was yanked out of her hands, something. She cursed and drew her daggers. Then we ran like cowards. And left Cali like she told us to. We burst into the warehouse, panting, dripping, sobbing. Chase comes over and hands us a small cartridge.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he whispers, “But you three need to go. It’s nearly daybreak.” I nod and motion for Ash and Wolfe to follow me. We pause for a moment outside the Watchers’ hideout, the reality of what happened hitting us for the first time. In aIl probability, Cali died for us.

I turn to Wolfe, who has tears running down his face. “I never got to tell her,” he whispers. “I never got to tell her I loved her.”

I awkwardly try and comfort him. “Don’t worry, man. If anyone can get out of there, it’s Calico.”

“She is most likely the bravest one of us,” Ash says and wipes his eyes on his shirt. “Come on. Sierra will need this.” Wolfe and I nodded and we plod back to our clubhouse, each mourning Cali in our own way.

The food did wonders for Sierra. After a couple of weeks, she’s no worse for wear. A little paler, maybe, but fine. Cali still hasn’t shown up, and Ash and Wolfe have joined the Watchers for good. I watch Sierra play with Olive and Willow and smile. This was my sister, Sierra. Sierra I promise, I will never leave you. I promise myself. I see Leader across the stretch of grass and I stand up. I glare at him and cross my arms. Leader just looks at Sierra and then moves on.

Scratch that. Sierra, I promise that I will never leave you, and I will always protect you.

[keywestlou]

DRIVE-INS RETURNING

Brief mention was made this morning of the one and only drive-in theater ever in the Key West area. It was on Stock Island and opened January 1, 1953. Now long closed.

Brought to mind my experience with drive-ins. They were a part of my life for a number of years.

I began going to drive-ins when I got my driver’s license. Seventeen years old. Oh, the joy it brought!

One went not for the movie. Rather to neck.

Then there came the time one was married and with children. Difficult for young parents to go out. So we took the children along. Yes, to the drive-in. They were dressed in their pajamas when we left the house.

Following some soda and pop corn, they were ready to sleep. Parents came prepared. Pillows and blankets on the back seat. We put the kids to bed.

Mom and dad did not neck. We could do that at home. It was good to get out, however. We cuddled.

Cars were made for necking and cuddling in those days. The front seat was wide. Today’s front seat counsel was not part of the front seat.

Drive-ins are returning. Suddenly appearing across the country. The result of the COVID pandemic. Safe and secure. One article claimed correctly that drive-ins were “a safe way to escape from the realities of coronavirus.”

A bit of Key West.

On this day in 1953, Key West began a program to inoculate younger than 15 with gamma globulin to protect them from paralytic cancer.

Parents did not complain. They were happy to see their children protected.

How times have changed!

On this day in 1950, Tennessee Williams bought a house at the corner of Duncan and Leon Streets. The price $13,000. Today, somewhere in the area of $1 million. Subsequent owners have kept the property pristine pure.

The time was 71 years ago. Duncan was the last street in Key West in that area. Sprawling salt ponds in front. Williams said he bought the house because he always wanted to walk out his front door and see water.

No water to see today. Key West expanded that area. Blocks of homes now to the front of the Williams’ home.

Lisa lives 1 1/2 blocks from the William’s home on Duncan. When Williams bought his home, Lisa’s was part of the salt ponds.

Williams’ Duncan Street home was his residence for 34 years.

William Hackley’s entry for this day in 1856 contained what has been an ongoing complaint of his. The “new” sewing machine he bought several months earlier.

A “lemon.” He continues to have problems with it.

A week ago, he reported it was working ok. Today, on the bum again. The wheel is not working properly. He suspects the cotton might be too rough.

The Dairy Queen is one of the most popular places in Key West. It is located on United just below White Street.

Built in 1951. Still going strong 70 years later.

I used to go frequently when Robert and Ally were small. Now I go alone stopping in on a hot day for a small soft chocolate cone. I have to eat swiftly. Even in the cool of the air conditioned car, the ice cream melts rapidly.

Kenny Chesney performed in Key West last night at the Key West Theater. His live show simultaneously ran on Sirius XMO.

Chesney bought a lovely huge home on Caroline Street about 10 years ago. Did not stay long. Sold it after a short period of time. He was upset someone was checking his mail to see who was writing him, etc. The information then spread throughout Key West.

Chesney was inflamed at what he properly considered an invasion of his privacy and put the house up for sale.

Southern Florida is where stone crabs propagate and live. Their only residence world wide.

I love stone crabs! Consider them the finest of meals. If I were to be executed tomorrow and had my wish for a last meal, it would be stone crabs.

There is an annual Blessing of the Stone Crab Fleet. It is a southwest Florida tradition.

Takes place in Everglades City at the Rod and Gun Club.

The blessing is a tradition that began centuries ago in Mediterranean fishing communities. The purpose of the blessing to ensure a safe and bountiful season.

A festive family party day. Floral petals are strewn on docks along side the boats, a coconut guava cake contest, a frog jumping contest, food and live music.

Strange things happen. One occurred today.

I read Google News religiously every morning. One of the news items this morning was Trump had sued Twitter in a Florida federal court to compel Twitter to restart his account. He claims Twitter was “coerced” by members of Congress.

The facts are Trump was removed from Twitter in January based on Twitter’s belief Trump was “a risk of incitement to violence.”

The lawsuit has been referred by one person as a drunk shouting “let me back in the bar.”

Google News relied on two non-USA news sources. The Jerusalem Post and WION. The Jerusalem Post name speaks for itself. WION is India’s global news network.

Something was not right. Why didn’t Google reference any American sites? Were there any?

I checked. The usual American sources were all over the internet with the news. Strange that Google for whatever reason relied on The Jerusalem Post and WION.

Nothing wrong with it. A change, however. My curiosity is piqued. Why?

Arkansas Senator Krysten Sinema not a popular lady today. Not even in her home state Arizona.

Some interesting media comments re how she is viewed at the moment.

“She is the biggest radical in Congress.” “Corrupt.” “Scoundrel.” An obstructionist “sacrificing…..the future itself.” “Snake in the grass.”

Sinema and Joe Manchin have been heaped upon jointly. Joyce Behar of ABC’s The View: “They will be the ruination of this nation. Those two.” They “must be brought to task.” Democracy “is really on life support right now because of these two people.”

There are many dictators or wanna be dictators in power today. One is Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. He announced his retirement from politics yesterday. The Philippine Constitution bars a second term.

He refuses to run as Vice President in effect as Putin did several years ago when he was confronted with a similar problem.

One thing he is correct about: “The overwhelming sentiment of the Filipinos is that I am not qualified.”

Speculation is his daughter will run for President.

Duterte is definitely unpopular. The primary reason his 5 year program of killing extra-judicially suspects in the “war on drugs.”

People like Trump and DeSantis should be proud. COVID deaths have topped 700,000.

Syracuse/Florida football this afternoon at 3:30. Can’t wait! Syracuse a 4.5 point underdog.

Enjoy your day!

DRIVE-INS RETURNING was originally published on Key West Lou

[bulgariansumo]

Galactimato Big Brother Week 3

<<Week 1 | < Week 2 | Week 4>

Week 3 begins with yet another vacancy, this time evicted by America through Emil. Things didn't go too smoothly, however, as his plans may have been seen by another houseguest! How long will he be able to keep his secrets? Is he running out of time?

Now that everyone has had a few weeks to get to know each other, they were asked one simple question: Who would they evict out of anyone in the house? Most were too nice to give an answer, but some did respond.

--

"Higgy." Tsuki tapped her cheek. "I don't like the way he works Nicky and Toni to death with those dance rehearsals."

"The older Konno is too," Lorenzo tried to find the word, "...rowdy for my liking."

"Higgy!" Maxy answered without hesitation. "Someone needs to knock him off his high horse! At least Mai is fun about it."

Higgy tilted his nose up. "Maxy is a nuisance."

"It's nice to have friends here." "Angelo started. I-I even made a new one! Somehow. But it's hard to s-s--to spend time together... It's selfish, but everyone I'd vote off is close to them in some way. Or America's Player. Th-They could be really bad for my friends' chances. I th-thh--I might I know who it is..."

--

Those cryptic words may spell trouble for Emil, but the next segment spells HoH. It's time for the Head of Household Competition!

--

"I don't have many rules." Jun stated upon winning. "Just, like, keep the vibes chill, okay?"

--

Were the vibes chill? Before we head to the Nomination Ceremony, let's see what some of the houseguests have to say!

--

"It's nice! Higgy's practice is a little rough, but that's normal. The star rangers are nice. Emil and Roxie have poofy hair and hearts. We are friends~" Nicky pointed at the camera. "And you're here too."

"The viewers or...?" asked Kenji.

Nicky smiled.

"I think he's dehydrated."

"I swear Higgy has his band brainwashed." Tsuki shook her head. "Toni especially. Poor thing's practically on a leash!"

"Everyone thinks Higgy-senpai is mean. He is," Toni admitted, "but he protects me from Maxy! And listens to me! Sometimes."

"I don't like that kid trying to cling to Toni. Jun too." Mai sneered. "He's weird. I heard him begging for that freckle chart when Toni was tossing it out because 'I didn't get a chance to vote for you!'" She mimicked Angelo's pitiful face. "Gimme a break! I swear he woulda dug in the trash if Emil wasn't there."

"I've been hanging out a lot with Emil and Maxy lately and hadn't realized how much I ignored Angie." Leon glanced away. "But Emil's been getting him to tag along! He's so welcoming like that~! Also, I swore I saw a leg in the garbage can last night. Might be my imagination."

"I'm worried about Mai." mused Jun. "She says wild stuff and doesn't, like, have guidance. I've been trying to help out. Angelo hovers around, but I guess he's too shy to interrupt. I worry about him too. Y'know how it is, yeah?" They asked Kenji.

"Please don't acknowledge me."

"Lorie asked me about voting off Mia." Emil began. "I forgot her family was struggling financially, so that's what I told him. Feel kinda bad though." He paused. "But what I do remember is that Jun knows how to check fingerprints. I've been keeping an eye on Ange so he doesn't get his hands on the chart again." He winked. "I think he's worried about Leon, Roxie, and Toni, but I can't see America voting them out. I tried telling him that. Subtly. 'Siiiides, we took the trash out yesterday afternoon."

"It's been nice being with the others, even th--even though I know what Emil's doing. I-I don't have anything against him, and it's kinda s-silly but," Angelo pulled a crumpled, stained paper from his coat, "I trust myself over America. S-s--I'm sorry."

--

It appears Emil has underestimated how far Angelo will go to protect his friends. But can he protect them from the veto ceremony? Let's find out!

--

"Thanks for a really chill week, you guys." Jun started. "I'd rather not nominate anyone, but two of you did kinda harsh the vibe. Higgy, Maxy, step into the nomination zone."

They did so, glaring at each other all the way.

"This wouldn't have happened if you didn't mess with my rehearsals." Higgy muttered.

"Well you shouldn'ta had 'em near my bird-calling spot!"

"What kind of birds make fart sounds??"

"Hey! Don't blame your butt problems on the birds!"

Higgy seethed. "I have ways to make you live in regret."

"Hey, hey." Jun interrupted. "Let's let the eviction votes settle this, assuming neither of you get vetoed."

"Fine." conceded Higgy. "But if he somehow survives, mark my words, I will evict Maxy Konno with my own hands."

"Not if I get rid of you first." Maxy flashed his fangs.

"Oooooh, spicy!" Benji's gold tooth twinkled as he smiled. "Will the flames of rivalry be put out by eviction, or will they burn a little longer? Stick around for the veto competition to find out!"

"I didn't even do anything to get Higgy nominated!" Emil recounted from the interview room at some unspecified point in the future. "I was too busy dealing with Angelo and forgot!" He laughed.

For the PoV Competition, it's time to get schooled ...Again?

--

"Is it a good idea to reuse a challenge in the same week?" asked Kenji.

"Reuse sounds so cheap, call it a 'redux!" Benji corrected. "Plus, I'd rather not build anymore sets until we have more hands on deck."

"I understand."

--

Jun, Maxy, and Higgy, along with Roxie, Nicky, and Tsuki, play Getting Schooled again for the Power of Veto. Maxy wins! Onto the Veto Ceremony!

--

"Should I use this now or wait until we explain ourselves or whatever?" Maxy waved his PoV around.

"Why waste our time? Just use it." Higgy ordered.

"Thought I was the host, but okay!" Benji raised his eyebrows. "Why don'tcha use your veto?"

"I veto myself! ...Again~" Maxy gave a dirt-eating grin to Higgy and Toni as he returned to the group.

Jun seemed at a loss. "Uhh. Shoot. I dunno who else to pick."

"Excuse me?" Angelo raised a hand.

"A volunteer~" announced Benji.

"No no no! I-I just wanted t-t-to know if you could check this for prints?"Angelo lifted the freckles chart.

"Did you get that from the dumpster??" Emil blurted out.

"I'd be interested in it." Jun answered Angelo's question. "But I don't, like, have everyone's prints on hand for comparison. And now's kind of a bad time."

"S-Sorry..." Angelo looked down.

"It's cool!" They reassured. "Tell you what, give me a name and I'll check that person's fingerprints after the eviction, 'k?"

"Right now?"

"Ch'yeah~"

"In front of everyone?"

"I'd let you whisper, but... you seem to have a situation going on." Jun gestured to his trashy clothes.

"Th-That's okay." Angelo declined.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Well. You helped me with one thing at least." Jun told him.

"What's that?"

"Picking a replacement. Angelo, step into the zone."

"Wh-what?" His eyes widened in shock.

"No one knows who put up the chart but you and the culprit." Jun smirked. "Could be the same person. You have the perfect moment to name them and you won't?" They went on. "Sounds suspicious to me. Sounds like something America's Player would do to throw us off."

"What?? No, I'm not them!" he insisted.

"That's something America's Player would say!" accused Maxy.

"I-I'm not! I'm really not!"

"Leave him alone!" Toni defended.

"Didn't you throw it out?" Mai recalled. "He could've been tryin' to frame you."

"Angelo wouldn't do that," Toni turned to his friend, "would you...?"

"No." Angelo was on the verge of tears, wounded by the accusation. "Of course not!"

"We don't know if he did it." Jun reminded, looking a little mortified, just as Emil did. "But just to be on the safe side, he's the replacement."

--

Angelo set out to reveal the truth but one hesitation landed him in hot water with his fellow contestants. Where will the votes fall, and who will America choose as its next target?

While Higgy was no Mr. Popularity, Angelo proved to be too big of a threat to Emil for America to allow him a continued existence at the household. How did the houseguests handle this decision?

--

"The younger Summers has schemed once." reminisced Lorenzo."He could be doing so again."

"I'll make sure Toni's safe." Mai nodded, folding her arms.

Maxy threw his hands up"I don't care if the other kid's America's Player, Higgy's goin' down!"

"Do I really have to explain my vote?" Leon smiled nervously. "Angie's my little brother!"

"So Emil," Benji began, "what do you have to say to uhh, that?"

"What can I say?" Emil shook his head. "He had to go, but... that was brutal. He could've ratted me out at any moment, but he didn't. I feel like I need to say something to him."

"You'll get your chance."

--

Angelo became yet another falling star from the Celestion-5's sky, following Aiden and Mia. How many more will follow him? At least four more, but only time will tell. As for now, it seems like Emil isn't the only one who has something to say to him.

--

"Hey." Jun leaned in the doorway as Angelo, clean and freshly dressed, packed his bags.

"Hello."

They sighed. "Shoulda picked my words more carefully. I got so wrapped up in my theory, I started a witch hunt. I didn't mean to, but I did, and for that I'm so sorry."

Angelo stopped packing "Thank you Jun. Th-That means a lot to me." He held up the chart. "Do you still want this?"

"Sure, it's the least I can do." Jun's smile melted into a frown as they took it in their hands. "It's soaked."

"S-Sorry, I know it's gross." He apologized. "It got stained in the garbage and my hands were s-sweaty, so that didn't help."

They gave a pitied smile. "It's not your fault. But I can't take prints from this. Not by normal means."

"Oh..."

"You know what? It's better that way." Angelo almost said something, but stopped. "Yeah, you're probably right."

Benji stood in front of the house with Angelo. "Well. That was kind of a rough ceremony, huh? How're ya feelin'?"

"A little sad I have to leave." admitted Angelo. "But if th-th--if I helped the others s-survive, I'm happy. I just hope no one's too mad at me."

"Welp, these three aren't!" Benji extended an arm to the side. "You can come out now!"

Leon exited first and gave his brother a hug. "I'll miss you, buddy."

"I'll miss you a lot too..."

He gave another hug. "That one's for Roxie!"

"She's not here...?" Angelo seemed a little hurt.

"She would be if she could! But someone else wanted to show up even more."

Toni barreled around the corner and into Angelo for a hug, stunning him.

"T-Toni? But you--"

"I didn't vote against you because I thought you lied!" Toni blurted, holding Angelo's hands. "I did so Higgy wouldn't be mad at me. I really like you! I'm sorry!!"

"It's okay. I...I like you too!" Angelo happily teared up. "I hope I can see you again someday."

"Toni, it's time for rehearsal!" Higgy's voice called.

Toni looked at his shoes. "Sorry, but I have to go now."

He turned to walk away, turned back, and gave Angelo one last hug before running off.

Emil was the last to exit. "Hey, Ange."

"Emil...?"

"Yeah, he wanted to say goodbye!" Leon explained to his brother's shock.

"Plus I had something to tell you!" added Emil. "A secret!"

"Oh?"

Emil stooped down to whisper to him.

Angelo smiled and giggled. "I have something for you too."

He whispered something in Emil's ear. The latter stood back up and nodded.

"Of course. I'll try! And one last thing!" Emil gave Angelo a hearty hug. "Stay strong out there, okay? We're rooting for ya!" He winked.

"And don't try to sneak back into the house!" Leon warned. "We'll miss you, but don't do any crimes!"

Angelo laughed. "I'll do my best!"

[mediocreronpas]

DR1 Boys and a Jealous S/O.

Please excuse my rudeness of not posting for over a freaking week. Just writers block and school work. The asks I have left are long ones as well. So please excuse my future rudeness in probably not posting an ask everyday like usual. A post will probably made when I’m back on track. Thank you.

- Mod Teruteru

Makoto Naegi

- You had always noticed how he hung out with the other girls in his class a lot.

- Of course, you didn’t mind. But Sayaka started to get very close to him.

- Like, very close.

- It almost made you uncomfortable close.

- You didn't mean to, but whenever he would talk to Sayaka more than you, you'd look away from him with an upset expression until he stopped talking to her, or started questioning you.

- Once he had figured out that you were jealous of Sayaka, he asked you about it.

- “W-well, you're always talking and laughing and hanging out with her. If I weren't your girl/boyfriend you'd probably be dating. Which is why I would always seem upset…”

- Makoto started giggling.

- “But I could never do that to an S/O like you. You're the only one I truly have loved.”

- You cracked a smile and started laughing.

- “I should have known you would say that.”

Byakuya Togami

- As the Heir to the Togami family, he was always pretty busy.

- And he did need some sort of secretary.

- And this particular secretary was very pretty.

- So you found yourself being very jealous and fearful of the relationship between that secretary and Togami.

- The only thing you could think of doing was, confiding in him.

- When you were alone, you told him about your fears about that lady.

- He didn't emote, he just put a hand on your shoulder.

- “And what makes you think I would abandon someone as beautiful and perfect for me as you?”

- You thought about for a few seconds before you started smiling.

- “Obviously! There's nothing that can make me think that.”

Mondo Oowada

- Being the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader made him more popular with women who liked 'bad boys’ then you both thought.

- Women wearing all black with a bunch of piercings will walk up to him and ask him if he wants to get a drink sometime.

- That's when you'll walk up to him and grab his arm in a 'he’s mine’ kind of way.

- “Oh how cute, you brought you little sister/brother.”

- Mondo was confused while you were a bit offended.

- Then you pulled the collar of his shirt and started kissing him.

- This did lead the girls away, but when they were gone you were apologizing profusely.

- “Sorry! I'm sorry! I just panicked when they called me your little sister/brother.”

- “It's fine S/O. I probably do the same if some guys called me your older brother.”

- You giggled. “No, you would have tried to punch their lights out.”

- “Ha ha, yeah. You caught me S/O.”

Ishimaru Kiyotaka

- He still wasn't very up to date on social norms.

- So when people flirted with him, he could never pick up on it.

- But you could pick up on it.

- ...Boy could you pick up on it.

- “Hey there, mind telling me your name big boy?”

- “Ah, good evening! My name is Kiyotaka Ishimaru! It's wonderful to meet you!”

- Whaaat?

- Poor Taka didn't even notice the dark aura coming off of you.

- You were smiling, but the girl that was talking to Taka could recognize what that meant.

- “I'm sorry miss, but I need to talk to my Kiyotaka for a second in private. Do you mind?”

- “Y-yeah, t-that’s cool.”

- When you pulled Taka aside, he was smiling at you like a little kid.

- “What would you like to talk about S/O?”

- Poor boy didn't even know.

- When you explained, he was blushing.

- “W-why would a girl do that?”

- You pouted and buried your face in his chest, earning yourself and even blushier Taka.

- “Because you're great and adorable and a nice person. Who wouldn't do that?”

- Taka reluctantly wrapped his arms around you.

- “Someone who knows that I am taken by a kind and thoughtful and generous S/O. That's who.”

Chihiro Fujisaki

- You still had to keep Chihiro's real gender a secret until he was comfortable enough to say it himself.

- So that meant Chihiro still has his fanbase of Lolita loving guys.

- Which also meant that he will still get recognized in public.

- Chihiro was sitting in at cafe table while he waited for you to get the food you ordered.

- “Hey, your Chihiro Fujisaki right.”

- “Um, y-yes? That's right.”

- The man them proceeded (and quite rudely I might add) to sit down on the obviously taken chair on the other side of the round cafe table.

- Chihiro shifted his line of sight from the man to you.

- “So, do you come to this cafe often?”

- On the outside you were gazing at them innocently, on the inside you were freaking steaming.

- So you put your guys’ food on the table and kissed Chihiro on the cheek.

- “Sorry that took so long sweetie, there was a bit of a line at the register.” Then you looked at the man. “Excuse me sir, that chair is taken.”

- He got up a bit confused, then walked away, still looking at you.

- “Why’d you do that S/O?”

- You sweated a bit. “Sorry, I just get a little over protective when it comes to guys wanting to flirt with you I guess.”

- Chihiro giggled.

- “You're so cute S/O.”

Yasuhiro Hagakure

- You weren't one to get very jealous.

- It was one of the reasons he loved you.

- You were cool about everything.

- But there are times you can get the slightest bit jealous, but you never said anything.

- Some of the more ignorant women who came back for a second reading began to get a bit tough for some reason.

- They were getting a kick out of his readings while he was having fun with someone believing his stories.

- You really didn't like the feeling it was giving you.

- “Hey S/O? Is something wrong?”

- Sh*t

- You didn't realize that while focusing on that weird feeling, you had been staring at Hiro.

- “I… don't know. I've been having these weird feelings whenever you're around those girls that like you...like...a lot.”

- Hiro scratched the back of his neck.

- “Well, I guess that whatever it is, you probably don’t need to feel it. I don’t like them as much as I love you.”

- You smiled and blushed.

- “Thanks Hiro.”

Hifumi Yamada

- No matter what he looked like, he had huge amounts of nerdy fangirls.

- Those of which surrounded him when you two visited any kind of eastern style convention.

- You didn’t want to be a bother so you kind of just scooted off to the corner to see what the other artists were selling.

- Yamada texted you about standing next to a Love Live art booth and asked you to meet him there.

- When you found him, he was talking with two girls cosplaying as the hitachiin twins.

- You couldn’t hear what they were saying but you saw them pulling out their phones and clearly asking or a picture.

- It was cute, it really was, but their arms around him made you sweat a bit.

- …

- You didn’t have the confidence to approach him until the two girls left for a My Hero Academia booth.

- When you walked up to him, you sighed happily at the sight of no one currently surrounding him.

- “Hey Hifumi.”

- “Ah, greetings S/O. I’m glad to have run into you again. Can I ask why you were looming over at the Yuri! On Ice booth over there while I was speaking with the two fans just now?”

- You blushed and started rubbing your cheek on the Ryuji Sakamoto body pillow you bought to try and hide it.

- “B-beats me. You don’t have to worry about it.”

- “Oh! My S/O has gone tsundere! That can only mean one thing.”

- Huuuh?

- “It’s perfectly fine S/O. You don’t have to be jealous of those girls, you are one of the main protagonists in our story.”

- “I-I never said…! *Sigh* Okay fine, but only because my lovable partner said so.”

- (This whole section was just me being a huge anime nerd…)

Leon Kuwata

- Baseball fans were constantly a problem with him.

- Don’t get me wrong, he loved being around all those chicks.

- But he already had an S/O, and they only liked him for the talent he hated having.

- They still attempted at swarming him though.

- Thank god for velvet ropes and bouncers.

- Even when you walked with him out of the games girls reached out to him.

- This made put smile nervously and wave at them.

- When you got home you would groan and collapse on the couch like a ton of bricks.

- “I’m suuuper tired of those fan girls.They made me super nervous.”

- Leon chuckled and patted your head.

- “Yeah. It was pretty crazy how they just wanted to jump on top of me like that. Can’t say I blame them though.”

- You pulled on his sleeve while he leaned on the couch.

- “Don’t say stuff like that. You’re still mine, you wouldn’t leave me for one of them would you?”

- Leon smirked. “Oh? Is my S/O jealous?”

- You lowered your eyelids. “Just answer the question.”

- Leon flipped over the back of couch and landed on top of you.

- With his face close to yours, Leon grinned big.

- “Of course not S/O.You’re my one and only, a future rock star has got to be loyal to everyone. His fans and his S/O.”

[catsrtheboss-blog]

Choices Book Voting Results for June 24, 2017 - June 30, 2017!

Hello everyone! Our first round of Choices Book Voting has ended and I have the results! But first, tagging @playchoices for them to see! Thank you Pixelberry for making these wonderful games!

Also, thank you to all of those who liked and reblog any updates for Choices Book Voting! And a special thank you to our voters! We couldn’t have done this without you!

Now time for the statistics and results! Get ready for a long post.

(Click here to see how points work.)

Voters: 8 in total. [75% with tumblr accounts, 25% anons]

Results!

1. Endless Summer (66 points)

2. The Freshman (53 points)

3. The Royal Romance (52 points)

4. The Crown & The Flame (47 points)

5. Rules of Engagement (43 points)

6. #LoveHacks (40 points)

7. Most Wanted (39 points)

8. The Haunting of Braidwood Manor (24 points)

Distribution of Points (Books Presented in Alphabetical Order)

Endless Summer: [3 votes for 1st, 3 votes for 2nd, 1 vote for 4th, and 1 vote for 7th]

#LoveHacks: [1 vote for 1st, 1 vote for 4th, 4 votes for 5th, 1 vote for 7th, and 1 vote for 8th]

Most Wanted: [1 vote for 1st, 2 votes for 3rd, 1 vote for 4th, 1 vote for 6th, 1 vote 7th, 1 vote for 8th, and 1 vote for 0]

Rules of Engagement: [2 votes for 2nd, 1 vote for 3rd, 2 votes for 5th, 1 vote for 6th, and 2 votes for 7th]

The Crown & The Flame: [1 vote for 1st, 1 vote for 2nd, 3 votes for 4th, 1 vote for 5th, 1 vote for 7th, and 1 vote for 0]

The Freshman: [2 votes for 2nd, 2 votes for 3rd, 1 vote for 5th, 1 vote for 6th, 1 vote for 7th, and 1 vote for 8]

The Haunting of Braidwood Manor: [1 vote for 3rd, 1 vote for 4th, 2 votes for 6th, 3 votes for 8th, and 1 vote for 0]

The Royal Romance: [2 votes for 1st, 2 votes for 3rd, 1 vote for 4th, and 3 votes for 6th]

Thoughts on the Books

Disclaimer: These thoughts do not represent each individual of the Choices fandom. They are simply the thoughts that I have viewed and understand from the votes and posts from many people of the Choices fandom. They could likely be only my thoughts. This is why I encourage you to express your thoughts when you like and reblog! :)

1) Endless Summer: This mystery book has caught our hearts (and money.) Characters have much more depth than most stories and have many secrets hidden, which we are dying to discover. La Huerta is a strange place, and we want to reveal what it truly is. We can see Pixelberry’s hard word in every mystery and puzzle there is. This book has a little of everything, and we are very, very, very, VERY glad Book 2 just came out. And can we talk about the art? Magnificent.

2) The Freshman: It has 4 books for a reason, and a 5th one coming soon. We just love this gang and their crazy adventures. We might be a little annoyed because of some certain drama. (You know who you are, characters.) But who said life was easy? And just wait until next year! More drama to come! College will never be the same.

3) The Royal Romance: This new book has become popular real fast, and many more are joining in this royal phenomenon. What can we say? There’s a lot to love about this book! All these characters are precious cinnamon rolls! We wish we can hug them and protect them! And it’s so hilarious when you act ridiculous! Now there’s only one thing left. Make Maxwell a proper LI!

4) The Crown & The Flame: Many are mourning for the end of this wonderful trilogy. We remember the times of enjoying the little things, the moments in between, knowing that at any time anyone can die. And sadly, people did die. But we survived these tragic moments and we’re ready for one final battle. One that’ll decide everything. (Let’s get rid of this awful lighting queen who killed our Leon! And protect Lia, this precious angel.)

5) Rules of Engagement: This book could have done better. There some weird plots that don’t make sense. Things could have been explained better. We can't understand how everyone believes our ridiculous Aunt. And why is Nana controlling our lives? She shouldn’t force us to make serious decisions hastily. Nevertheless, this books has some good moments in between and we love our fiancée. Let’s get married! (NO LBD, PLEASE.) Oh, there’s an option to throw Aunt What’s-Her-Name overboard? 30 diamonds, you say? Here you go. We regret nothing.

6) #LoveHacks: Ah, this book is giving me some Cheers vibes. We have an awesome diverse set of characters, who just make us laugh. We enjoy everything each character has to bring. Of course, they’re some parts that are just meh, but we have to admit this book has something different. It’s probably Dopey Cat. But let’s be honest, isn’t he the most cutest thing you ever seen?

7) Most Wanted: This story left us on a cliffhanger, and we’re waiting anxiously for a second Book 2. With the chemistry each characters have, they are something we would love to see. The stooges are amazing. And how about more backstories? We need to know about Dave’s past. With more to explore, we are ready for a sequel. You know why? SAM AND DAVE. SAM AND DAVE. Why wasn’t there a kiss option?! Just kidding, we need to bring these crazy killers to justice!

8) The Haunting of Braidwood Manor: This book is just creepy. But in a good way. Play with music in the middle of the night, and you’re sure to get nightmares. But moving on, weren’t those children just adorable? They’re so precious. I’m sure many of us enjoyed interacting with that family. But it’s last chapter was a dark, discussing about topics that may make some uncomfortable. But for those who did played, we were kinda sad it only had 6 chapters. (Then again, I don’t think many could have survived having more chapters with those crazy characters. Too scary. And that music? Nope. Not having that.)

So, those are the results! What do you think? What can Choices do to make them better? Put them down! Also, like, reblog, and comment! I would love know your thoughts about Choices, their books, and Choices Book Voting!

Thanks again to all the voters! It was nice to see what you thought about Choices Books! I hope you can vote again next time!

Didn’t voted for this round? Don’t worry! We will meet up again to vote during this week: July 25, 2017 - July 31, 2017.

See you until then!

[pokefan531]

Yuki’s Story Chapter 86 - Yuki’s Downfall

Chapter 86 Right after the embarrassment that happened to Yuki, Team Phase exposing her panties with a bear print on the back, Yuki decides to hide by the bush. She is already wearing the school uniform. Yuki: I could not believe it! Now everyone will laugh at me. I knew Team Phase are still on to us. She sits and hides the tree surrounded by bushes. Yuki: They're leaving the game. She hears people walking out and talk. Girl1: It was hilarious! I did not know Yuki had been wearing that childish panties. Guy2: She's supposed to be tough, not childish. Wow. Girl2: She wanted to be an adult, but that's just makes me not take her seriously. Guy1: Yeah. They left and Yuki is still hiding in the bushes. Yuki: It seems like my popularity ends now. I rather put on a disguise every time I come here. She starts beating red. Yuki: I did not expect this to happen. The entire school is gonna think about it. Meanwhile, Minoru and Leon are by the front gate at school. Leon: Yuki might've ran home because she feels embarrassed about what Kaname did. Minoru: Yeah, or maybe she's hiding in the school's property. Leon: Maybe. Did Yuki contact you? Minoru: I don't see her messages. Leon: Well, I'll head home. Minoru: Okay, goodbye! Minoru goes back to the locker room building. Minoru: YUKI! YUKI! Yuki hears him. Minoru: It's just me! Yuki jumps out from the bushes and goes to Minoru. Yuki: Minoru. I can't believe they got me. Minoru: I feel sorry for you. Yuki: And now everyone is gonna think about it. I said I want to be an adult, but... It's complicated. Minoru: I understand. Yuki: I don't really know if I want to come back here on Monday. Minoru: I get you. Just go home and rest, or go to a place you have in mind. Yuki: I'll head home. Minoru: Okay. Yuki left. Minoru: Hmm... Later, Yuki came home and hears Rin's voice. Yuki: Rin's here? She goes to the living room. Rin: ...And that was the entire story. Ryo: Umm...Yuki. She just came. Yuki: Rin, what are you doing? Rin: (laughs) I'm telling him the story. (laughs) Yuki, why did you wear that? Yuki: Rin, I don't appreciate you laughing about what just happened. Ryo: Rin, I told you not to laugh. Rin: And you scream like a little girl! (LAUGHS HARD) ROFL! Rin falls off the floor, laughing. Yuki: RIN! I ask you to go home! I don't want to be laughed at right now! Rin: All right. All right. I'll go leave. Yuki: Good. Ryo: Sorry, Yuki. Yuki: (breaths) School was awesome and they liked my car, until the game after school. Rin: No one is gonna take you seriously anymore! (laughs) Yuki: I thought you're heading out. Rin: I am. Rin left the house, and Ryo talks to Yuki. Ryo: So now what? Yuki: I don't really know. Team Phase did it. Ryo: Wow. Few days later, Yuki wakes up on Monday morning, and stands up from bed. Yuki: Time to be humiliated even more. Yesterday and Saturday was peaceful. Later, she walks to school, and before she goes in the front gate, she sees a lot of people inside the school property. Yuki: I an not ready for this, but let's see. Yuki goes in the front gate and they all see her entering. A hyper voice spawned. Lila: LADIES AND GENTLEMENT, WE PRESENT YOU, YUKI KORIYAMA!! Yuki: Oh no. Lila: Yuki, we have couple of questions. Yuki: I don't feel like answering. Touko throws out papers, and it's a print of Yuki's exposure. Yuki: YOU GUYS ARE SHARING IT?! Hiroshi: It's trending in Fujiwara High, Yuki. Lila: You are going nowhere! Yuki: Just let me go inside the building. AND THROW AWAY THOSE PAPERS! Lila: Hold on. Everyone has waited for you to come. So, about Friday game, we all saw the teddy bear. Yuki: Stop thinking about it! Lila: Why did you decide to wear it since you're the tough girl, and that you just turned 18? The crowds gasped. Yuki: I...I..IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! Lila: Ohh. Not just that. You screamed like a little girl, wore childish panties, and cowardly left the game. Yuki: I HAVE A REASON TO LEAVE THE GAME! YOU EMBARRASSED ME! Lila: All we did is expose the truth you've been lying to. You said you want to be an adult and do cool adult activities, but we see that you've been childish, even you as an adult now! Yuki: I WAS TELLING THE TRUTH! Lila: Yuki, we saw the whole thing at Friday. You weren't telling the truth. Kaname: Oh. I forgot I saw you wore it a few times in the locker room. Yuki leans down to the ground. Yuki: DON'T SHARE IT OUT LOUD, YOU CREEP!!! Lila: Another one! Yuki stands up. Yuki: That doesn't mean I was lying about wanting to become an adult! Lila: No. We thought you're the tough and bravest girl in school, and that you wanted to be an adult to impress all of us. Now we start to see hidden depths about you, Yuki. Yuki: And when did everyone here decide to show up your speech now? They don't like you guys! Hiroshi: Well, the incident is a huge topic. Everyone at school loves to hear drama about everyone they know, including Friday's game! Lila: The thing is, you lied! Your girly panties showed us! Yuki goes in rage. Yuki: DANG IT! DANG IT! DANG YOU GUYS! YOU GUYS SHOULD GO TO HECK!! Everyone looked at each other. Lila: Really? Is that all you can say? Yuki: What?! I don't use profanities! So?! Lila: You're not even trying to be tough! That's why we're not taking you seriously! People around are talking, many are agreeing with them while having a little laughter. Lila: See? They know they can't take you seriously. Hiroshi: Give it up for Yuki, and her bear! Everyone is laughing at her. Lila: Hahaha! Are you wearing it now? Yuki decides not to answer. Lila: No answer? That means yes. Everyone laughs harder at Yuki. Yuki starts going to the building. Minoru feels really sad to see all of it. Minoru: They should leave her alone. I gotta follow her. Yuki sits at the back of the classroom. Yuki: I don't want to be here! I am so embarrassed. Minoru comes inside the class by Yuki. Minoru: You poor thing. Yuki: Yeah. I want to sit all the way back here for now on, so that they can't see me that much. Minoru: I see. You should tell Sensei about what they just did. Yuki: There's no point stopping it. Team Phase always plan out something and risk it. Minoru: You're right. Yuki: I am gonna have lunch by the roof top at the closet. I want you to be there, because I need your comfort. Minoru: Okay. I'll be there. Anything else? Yuki: You can find anyone here who aren't laughing at me. Minoru: All right. Later, the class started, and Yuki opened her books to cover herself, having them stand on top of the desk. Sensei: Welcome class. He sees Yuki sitting all the way back. Sensei: Yuki, can you put the books down? I don't want to mistaken you as absent. Yuki puts the books down and hears little laughers. Yuki: Here. Kaname: Remember the game? Some classmates giggle. Sensei: Stop guys! We are gonna put that whole incident awa...(laughs) He starts laughing and the class starts laughing at her. Yuki: Oh dear. Sensei: I'm sorry, Yuki. (laughs) Yuki: Look, I can't take this! I'm leaving. Yuki stands up and walks. In a few steps, she steps on a couple of marbles on the ground and falls. Everyone laughs harder at her. Yuki: This is losing my apitide. She stands up and leaves the class. The teacher is done laughing. Sensei: Haha. Umm, enough. Minoru looks a little worried. Minoru: Poor Yuki. Yuki goes to the rooftop and sits by the wall with a shadow covering her. Yuki: I don't know what else is gonna happen, but it's not looking good. She looks around. Yuki: Thankfully, no one else is around. Later, Minoru is going to the rooftop and goes to the closet door. He knocks. Yuki: It's opened. Minoru enters the room and sits with her. Yuki: Thanks for coming. Minoru: I'm worried about you. Yuki: I know. I didn't want to stay there and be laughed at and reminded about, the game. Minoru: Well, Takigawa-Sensei said you should come back after the lunch break. You're missing out a few things. Yuki: I would, but since they're all thinking about my most embarrassing moment, it's pretty hard. Minoru: Yeah. Not much was brought up after you left. The only friends who feel sorry for you are Ayano, Eru, Leon, and Lia. Yuki: Only a few, but many of them are turning out against me. Minoru: I tried to get Rin and Oka to stop laughing, but nope. Yuki: Hmm... They stayed quiet for a moment, while eating. Yuki: I assume you were in a similar situation before? Like having most people here laughing or go against you. Minoru: Just some mistreatment before we both met. Yuki: Yeah. I bet you know how it feels. Minoru: Yep. The situation may be different, so I think you get the worst of it. Yuki: It is. Something that embarrasses me as a tough and adult woman they see, and my popularity is now gone. Minoru: Yeah. Yuki: I didn't know they loosen my shorts or added a clip inside. They sneaked in my gym locker! Minoru: Wow. We knew they're always onto us. Yuki: They gotta stop acting like they give up on us. This time, they gone too far. Yuki realizes something. Yuki: Come to think of the whole thing about me lying about wanting to be an adult, I shouldn't have left the class, but I don't want to be laughed at on something... you know what. Now all of them won't take me seriously. It's humiliating. Minoru: At least I am the few who is on your side. Yuki: Only a few, but I don't know what else is gonna happen. Me performing at gym class may not be remarkable anymore, nor trying to look cool or hot to the fans. It's pretty much over! Minoru: Well, it might be true. Yuki: Yep. I won't give up on performing, but in school, I need a long break for now. Minoru looks a little worried. Later, Yuki went to her performing class. She sees two guys trying to move the buckets. Yuki: Hey guys! May I help? Boy1: Sure. Boy2: You're kidding? She lied to us. Boy1: Can you stop it? Yuki: Look. I don't want to help. Yuki walks away. Boy1: Look what you did! Boy2: Did you not hear about the incident? Later, Yuki tries performing, doing some swinging and hits the ball to the wall to reflect. Yuki looks at the people, and they either ignore her performances, or watches it without enthusiasm. Boy2: Lame. Girl1: It would be not lame if her pants gets ripped. Hahaha. Everyone laugh at her. Yuki: Now my talents are a laughing stock. The next day, she tries performing in gym class. She tried basketball and shot some hoops. Yuki looks around. Yuki: You guys want to play? Girl1: Hahahaha! You can just play on your own. Boy1: You're not tough and brave as we thought. Girl1: We can't ignore the teddy bear! A lot of people are laughing at her. Minoru sees Rin laughing. Minoru: Rin, stop. Rin: Come on. It's funny. I never thought Yuki would wear something like that. Some heard her say it and starts laughing. Yuki: Guys! Can you stop thinking about it? I wasn't lying about being an adult. Lila: Yeah. Don't forget, we saw the whole game. Yuki walks away and went to Minoru. Yuki: This is really affecting me! I can't perform or play competitions here! Minoru: People are asking me the same questions about you. Yuki: This is becoming difficult! Minoru: I know. Lia comes. Lia: Yuki. I can play a few games with you. Yuki: Thanks, but everything is occupied. No one wants me to be on their team anymore! Lia: I know. Yuki: And I also moved my locker. It's not in a gym locker room anymore because I want to change in a secret spot so no one will open my locker room again. Lia: That's smart. Yuki hears Rin laughing. Yuki: Rin, stop thinking about it! Rin: I am sorry, but I can't take you seriously. Yuki: Well, not many people wants me to be in part of their game! Rin: Hey. I wasn't the girl who screamed like a girl. Yuki: You don't get it! I was...never mind. Yuki looks at Lia. Yuki: Even my friends and fans are turning their backs against me. Lia: I tried to get Kyanna to stop laughing, but I couldn't. Minoru: Same story. They hear Lila's voice. Lila: Guys! Wanna play basketball with me?! I want to have a great competition! A lot of people are running to her. Minoru: They're now respecting Lila! Yuki: How?! Why are they doing this?! Lia: They can't do that! Yuki starts walking to her. Minoru: Yuki! Come back! Yuki talks to Lila. Lila: Hey look. Yuki's coming. Yuki comes with gasps around her. Yuki: How are you getting attention?! Lila: Because of what we did to you. I would invite you to play if we didn't see your hidden depths. Yuki: Now no one wants me on their game because you guys embarrassed me! Lila: At least I was truthful that I am already a tough adult woman, unlike you. Yuki: I wasn't lying! Lila: Hey! That thing showed us you are keeping a secret from all of us. Do you want to stay as a child? Yuki: NO! Why do you think that?!! I am tired of you making me look like I'm a woman-child. Lila: You are one! We saw everything already! Guys, do you agree? People agree with her and laughs at Yuki. Yuki: Okay! If you guys want to believe that, go ahead!! Yuki turns around and accidentally stepped on a banana and slipped. They laugh at her. Yuki: Who put that there? Kaname: Oops. (grins) The coach comes. Coach: Guys! Stop going against each other. That's no way to be a team. Behave! Yuki stands up. Coach: Are you all right? Yuki: Yeah. I'm just going away from them! Yuki walks to Minoru and Lia. Yuki: Unbelievable! They're all against me! Lia: It's so unfair! Why did they decide to like Lila all of the sudden?! Minoru: Everyone at school likes to hear rumors and drama, especially pranks. Yuki: He's right. The three went outside and talks by the bench. Yuki: Guys. Since I lost all my fans because of some prank no one should see, I have no interest of becoming a popular girl anymore! Minoru: It's sad. I don't blame you. Yuki: They ruined my reputation! I never had all of them go against me in my life. I can't perform anymore because it became a joke, and the prank made me look childish to everyone. Lia: Yeah. I think it's best if you start leaving the whole popularity thing. Yuki: I actually want to do that. I want to be a normal student like you both. Popularity is now a difficult task, especially in school. Minoru: Seems like it. Yuki: Look guys, I don't want to give up on doing athletic performances here, but they don't enjoy it anymore. Since they took my reputation away, I want to retire of being the most popular girl. No one wants any part of me anymore. She starts dropping tears. Yuki: I don't want to lose any friends. I am afraid if I lose more just because I just retire from popularity. Lia: Yuki, we both understand you. Nothing would change much. Minoru: One day, you will get your friends back. I believe it. Yuki: I hope so. She hugs both Minoru and Lia. Later, Rin is about to leave the school. She sees Minoru coming out from the school. Minoru: Rin! Rin: Yes, Minoru. Minoru stopped by her. Minoru: Look, Yuki is your friend, and she's not doing well because she lost her reputation. Rin: It's not my fault she wore that underwear. Minoru: They pranked her. Have you ever got an embarrassing moment at any school in your life? Rin: Well, I don't have one in that level. Minoru: I mean, you once accidentally farted in study hall at front of us. Rin: Oh? She thinks back when she was walking out from the study hall, and farted accidentally. Rin: Oh yeah. I can't believe you guys heard it. It was the most embarrassing thing in my life. Minoru: That's how Yuki is feeling. Rin: Well, unlike mine, she seems to have a secret on her own. Minoru: Don't you keep secrets with Retasu? Rin: I...I do, but none of them was that embarrassing. Minoru: Whether Yuki does or not, please stop laughing at her. She doesn't want to perform anymore. I feel sad for Yuki because she got pranked and that got her reputation thrown out that badly. Rin: Well...o...ok. I will stop. Minoru: Good. Rin: But, I'm thinking she has a secret. Do you think she does? Minoru: I don't know the secret you're thinking. Rin: The secret is she probably has few childish habits in her that she can't let it go. Minoru: I couldn't speculate. Everyone has their own secrets they're embarrassed of. Rin: I know, but she is the tough girl, and said she wants to be an adult. Minoru: Yeah, but Yuki isn't really lying about it. I know she acts immature at times, but they're for fun. Rin: You're right. Minoru: Look, Yuki may have a little secret or not, but don't rub it in. Rin: If you say so. Minoru: I'll go home. See you tomorrow. I hope you understand what I said. Rin: All right. Bye! They both left school. Next Chapter: Yuki's Super Secret Yuki is enjoying a new life of being a normal school kid, and started getting used to it. However, some people are still laughing at her for the prank that happened already. Yuki has some secret she doesn't want to share. What is her secret? Tune in next time!

[cakenexams]

Year 1s: Yu Jin - friendly boy who is still very fresh and full of life as long as there is no maths involved. A marshmallow who somehow can fight well and kick asses if his friends are hurt. Do not piss off his brothers, adopted or not. Like video games and plushies. Ja Yun's birth brother. Ara - Spunky girl who can kick everyone's ass with a smile. One of Yu Jin's best friends and very protective of her weaker friends. No one dares to make her angry, and she might or might not have made a teacher resign in fear. Her best subject is Home Econs. Pureum - meek boy adopted by local gangster whom everyone picks on until Yu Jin and Ara made him their friend and become his bodyguards. Struggling student who feels bad about relying on the two for almost anything and wants to become stronger and someone they can rely on too. Areum - Sweet sunshine girl very much protected by her brother Pureum. Very curious and innocent, she became fast friends with Ara and the two often go off on adventures together while her brother follows along worried. The best student of the four, and after Ara, she is the most adored by Hanarin. 

Year 2s: Mano - problem student who riles others up for fun. Saeha's nephew and respects him a lot, to the extent of picking fights with those who dislike the teacher. Not that he will admit it in his uncle's face though. His dream is to become a doctor because he gets to stick lots of needles into his patients. And also to treat Leon’s illness. Leon - a very frail and sick student who often hangs around Mano. No one is sure how they become friends, but they just somehow get along, together with Ignatio who sneaks into their class sometimes and sneaks them candy bars. Very fascinated by poisons, and spends his free time reading up on poisons in the school library. Maru - often mistakened as a delinquent due to his dyed hair, but actually a nice kid with low confidence. Somehow just often get involved in fights because others think he is a delinquent, and became very good at running away from trouble because of that. Being tutored by his next door neighbour Choi and has a huge crush on the year 4. Luka - the other delinquent of year 2, he should rather stick to himself but due to his purple hair highlights the fight often seeks him out instead. Somehow the fights often involve Maru too, which resulted in an animosity towards the blonde. If left alone he is quite an alright guy, just don’t let Maru get anywhere near him.

Year 3s: Ja Yun - trickster who often gets into detention when his adoptive brother is too done with it to stop him. He seems to like pestering the strong loners, which Gotaya attributes to being too dumb to live, but somehow he never gets beaten to pulp. Everyone stops the news of his antics from reaching his brother Yu Jin, because the last time that happened, everyone involved including Bigak got lectured by the year 1 for hours. Gotaya - Ja Yun's oh my god not again adoptive brother. He is totally done with this shit and is often found face palming at Ja Yun's antics. A model student and prefect, very good at sports, but questions his life everyday looking after his two idiots. Can’t wait to graduate and  Yeon Hwa - The school beauty who packs a meaner punch than Ara. Ja Yun's childhood friend and often gets into trouble together with him, and tries to pull Gotaya in to whatever they are doing. Very atheletic and has many admirers, but no one dares approach her. Bigak - On one end of the third year delinquents is Jayun, the friendly if not idiotic troublemaker, on the end is Bigak. He is very dangerous, and there is a rumour that he killed someone with his bare hands that even the fourth years avoid him like the plague. Ryu Guheul - A tall student who follows Bigak around, whom no one had ever heard him speak. A kind hearted student who helps the first years who asks him for help when he is alone, most theorised he is being bullied by Bigak to do his biding.

Year 4s: Mu Yeung - Very serious guy who can't wait for high school to be over and done with since it bores him out. Ignatio's twin, and Maru and Yu Jin's adoptive brother. He cares much for these two kids, and will step in and punch out whoever who bullies his younger brothers. Ignatio - Fun loving dude who skips school to hang out at the mall yet still somehow manages to get straight As for each exam. Sometimes sneaks into Maru's class to make sure his brother isn't bullied, and became fast friends with Mano and Leon somehow. Choi - the friendly and hot neighbour who somehow shot up like bamboo during puberty. Recently helping to tutor Maru because the poor boy is failing his subjects and too scared to let his brothers or parents know, and is totally unaware of Maru's growing crush on him. Eun Yul - the glutton who leeches on Mu Yeung and Choi's lunches because he is a bottomless pit for food. Lazy and refuses to move most of the time, when he is riled up he can be quite violent. Once stabbed a teacher who pissed him off with a cutter and most try to avoid him if possible.

Teachers: Saeha - Science teacher who is so done with everything and has a headache each time his nephew ends up in detention or trouble again. Cares much for the boy but he'd never admit it. Hanarin - Art teacher who is very strict with boys and seem ultra lax with the girls in her class. Ara's aunt and she is very openly biased towards her lovely niece. Gamunbi - Physical Education teacher who looks serious but comes up with lots of fun sports for his students to enjoy. A very popular teacher in school because of that, and students sometimes approach him if they have issues.

[tumblunni]

also wtf who designed rune factory 4 this way THIS IS MY ONLY COMPLAINT IN AN AMAZING GAME why are all the romance routes entirely random?? even after youve reached the relationship milestones its COMPLETELY RANDOM whether the event will start every day same for every friendship event and town event and even some plot events you just have to sit there at your bed constantly skipping days for multiple years til the random number god gives you the marriage scene you did EVERYTHING to earn this marriage scene and you have nothing left to do but wait and youll never see any new events with that character until it happens, and you have a very limited amount of dates to go on while youre waiting, and they all do NOTHING except raise the relationship bar over maximum which does nothing. doesnt even increase the chance of the random event?? why even LET me increase it over maximum if it does nothing? thats just tricking me into thinking i havent unlocked the marriage event yet! when I HAVE and i just need to WAIT A BAZILLION YEARS OF RANDOM

anyway i finally got Leon’s random marriage quest and it was Awesome and So Many Tears and now im even more conflicted on who to marry gahhhhh its such a shame you cant resolve everyone’s plot unless you date them, i feel so bad dating all these people when im not able to marry them all, just cos i wanna fix their lives and make them happy but then theyre gon be sad that we didnt get married aaaa

and Leon is especially saddddd

now cos his whole plot is that he had a depressing scenario with a friend as a kid. She loved him but he saw her as just a little sister, and he jokingly promised to marry her once when they were too young to understand. And he didnt know she took it seriously until after he DIED and reincarnated as a fox monster person centuries later too late to do anything about it. And he’s crushed full of guilt that he somehow led her on, and he was never able to apologise, and he’s scared she spent her whole life waiting for him to come back. and then you get this very cool series of sidequests thatre a realistic look at translating languages, and its really motivational how leon is able to help bring knowledge of a dead language back to life and preserve the ancient culture that people thought was lost BUT THEN ENDLESS FUCKIN TRAGEDY kiel accidentally finds an old diary of leon’s friend (WHAT ARE THE ODDS) and he has frickin detailed anxiety attacks unable to even hold the damn paper cos he’s shaking so much and you go on a big treasure hunt to find all the pages and he’s just CRYING SO MUCH mr playboy man! mr flirty asshole! mr stoic! he’s fuckin crying and he cant hold a book without your help and aaaa and his whole story is about how he isnt really the negative stereotypes of a flirty character, he really REALLY values love and he feels depressed he cant love everyone who loves him, so he tries to fake it. And he tries to push people away whenever it seems genuine, but also like... entertain them enough that they dont feel he doesnt love them, i guess? and no matter how promiscuous a person is, they still cant love EVERYONE, you cant just force a relationship on them and say they must be asking for it cos they date other people and enjoy sex. its so depressing that he considers his biggest flaw that he wasnt able to force himself to love someone he didnt, especially when he did care about her, just as a best friend instead! if theyd just talked about it, it would have saved all this heartache for both of them! so then we start piecing together this book and it looks like his worst fears are confirmed, she spent her whole life waiting for him and hating him and its really fucking EXPLODINGLY SAD and then the quest is a bit confusing so i spent several days stuck on this point not knowing who to talk to next, going through random dungeons in case that somehow helped. turned out i did find the right spot but the quest just doesnt progress until you talk to the right person first GAH! stuck for five days on crying leon scene!! NOOOOOO but I finally got past it and CLIMACTIC HAPPY END or bittersweet end more like we find out we mistranslated one bit which was actually PAGE NUMBERS, and we were missing a page all along! and then the final page reveals that she actually moved on and found a new love and had a happy family and grew old together, and her only frustration with leon was imagining that he couldnt find the same thing, worrying that she’d betrayed him. So this wasnt a diary, it was actually a letter she wrote for him to find, having confidence he’d wake up someday and have another chance at happiness! She just wanted him to know that she kept his memory alive and she’s sorry and she was happy and AAAAAAUUUGH im tearing up again the bit that really got me was that we find out that leon’s favourite romance novel was actually written by her. It was so popular it survived into the modern day as a literature classic, and it convinces him that she really was happy with her new boyfriend if she could write something as beautiful as this. And he wants to embody the spirit of the book with you, and keep his new promise to her to have a happy family of his own :) ... AGHHHHHHHHAAAAAHHHHH why cant i marry everyone why do so many of them have plots where it seems like they wont be happy unless i love them... even now i dont really think the leon pairing is my favourite, i wish i could have had this plot as a friendship route! i think it would have resonated just as much since the whole backstory is about him being friends with someone who had unrequited love for him. i wanna be leon’s bestie and ultimate wingman! I like him a lot but I dont really think i wanna marry him! IM SO SORRY LEON AAAA he’s such a soulful beefcake dammit I’m sure he’d find a bazillion better lovers! I’m sure a lot of players did marry him! WHY DO I FEEL SO GUILTY AAAAA its not fair, aaaa arthur was the first one i dated and i also really care about him but in his case his way of acting in the romance isnt very different to when youre just friends so i dont think i wanna commit to that relationship maybe? it might change when i see his final random event but i dont get much ‘he’ll be happy with you’ vibes, its just strengthening their powerful brotp that they had from the start of the game. he feels like someone protagonist would indeed date, but theyd part again on friendly terms after it didnt work out, and then be amicable exes who still care a lot about each other. and I just feel like I wanna marry dylas even though he’s had the least tragic events so far. gahhhh! he just seems SO HAPPY dating you, and has loads of character development since it started, unlike the other two ive seen the dates for. he feels like he’s actually getting something out of this that he wouldnt if we were just friends? its so hard trying to weigh up the pros and cons of romance options in games when im inacapble of actually being attracted to anyone, its just ‘i care about you all and i wanna give you the best possible ending’. I haaaaate when games have it so that romance is always the best possible ending for every single character and they all suffer forever if you dont pick them :P and I havent even seen the romances with the other three dudes yet! GAHHHHH!! Theyre all the ones I wasnt immediately interested in dating, but that opinion could totally change, i could end up with a six way tie :P ... ALSO RANDOM BUT is anyone else really uncomfortable with the queerbaiting in this game? there is a LOt, a LOT of ‘lol maybe gay’, sometimes so clear that it seems the game is outright canonically stating this character is gay or bisexual yet you have no option to marry them unless youre the opposite sex. It gets REALLY uncomfortable with Dylas, he just,,, does not express any interest in women at all unless the player pursues him. And his mutual crush with doug is CONSTANTLY REFERENCED, and called out very clearly for what it is. IOf the game didnt keep pointing it out i would have been able to shrug it off as just accidental chemistry from a failed rivalry plotline or something, but we have EVERYONE saying ‘oh a lover’s quarrel’ and ‘be honest about your feelings’ and ‘i bet you wanna see doug in a swimsuit’ and ‘gee i really wanna see doug in a swimsuit’ and IT CANT BE ANY MORE CANON THAN THIS. And.. like.. Dylas even says he DOESNT wanna see women in swimsuits, he’s just here at the beach cos Doug might come along. He does not express any interest in women at all except the protagonist! It makes me feel SO uncomfortable! it feels like he’s actually gay, when with most other characters they seem bisexual?? I dunno how to explain it, thats just how it comes off to me. Why is there no option for him and doug to date, why cant i date him as the male protagonist?? His romance route is so totally gender neutral, i did the postgame protagonist swap cheat and it just feels more in-character for him this way. if im gonna steal him away from Doug i dont want it to be a weird gay conversion therapy type thing, it just feels so WEIRD. The one and ONLY stated crush he has on another character, and its gay, and theres NO OPTION FOR IT TO HAPPEN and then he suddenly becomes 100% straight and never talks about doug again if a fem protagonist dates him. SO WEEEEEIRD... I’m just gonna sit here on the non-canon bonus feature dylas x male protag train and never leave. If you cant have doug you shall have the transitioned me! Its funny cos he’s like the only batchelor i very vehemently cannot ship with fem protag, yet do with male protag :P but GAHHH leon deserves a family and i could give him a child and aaaaa SO HARD TO CHOOSE also i am sad that the postgame cheatmode lets you switch to any character but if its not one of the two protags its only your overworld model and not your face portraits. Its weird because every batchelor and batchelorette has the exact same full set of emotions and costumes, so why cant i access that?? its also a shame cos it means i cant roleplay my doug and dylas marriage properly :P CMON MAN WHY U EVEN TELL ME THEY IN LOVE IF THEY CANT BE IN LOVE :P they have the best portmanteau ship name too! douglas! :P