#pain really heightens creativity huh?

[dr-tormentum]

Dunno why, but i just got a tattoo and now i feel a bloodthirsty hunger to write a horror fanfic or book, maybe spice it up, add some western to it, maybe a little fanfic within a fanfic. Make it a bigass crossover idk man

[grailfinders]

Fate and Phantasms #200

Wow, what a milestone, huh? It feels like only yesterday we were building Mash. Didn't even know you could grab multiple fighting styles back then. We were also one person back then. Things change. Things change even faster when you have magic eyes that let you bend anything you can see, so let's hurry up and build Asagami Fujino already. She is a Quandrix Sorcerer to tear apart anything she lays eyes on, as well as expand her field of vision beyond what her eyes can see. Dangerous combination, that.

Check out her build breakdown below the cut, or her character sheet over here!

Next up: In the dark of the night, evil will find you! (If Rasputin ever become a playable character I am really going to regret using that one here.)

Wait, what's that...

Race and Background

No surprises here, Fujino is a Variant Human, because normal humans can't tear people apart with their mind. That means she gets +1 Dexterity and Charisma, as well as proficiency with Perception (kind of her deal) and the Tough feat. HP isn't just how much body you have to get hurt, it's also how badly getting hurt affects you. Fujino's deadened sense of pain means she can take hits and keep going, purely due to the fact that she doesn't realize she should stop. That means you're getting an extra 2 HP each level.

Fujino is a schoolgirl, so the closest thing we have is the Cloistered Scholar background. That gives you History and Nature proficiency.

Ability Scores

Your highest score should be Charisma. Your magic eyes are an innate part of you, and it's really easy to be frightening when you can tear a bridge down around you. Second highest should be Constitution, for the reasons we outlined in your background feat. Your Dexterity should probably be pretty high, you fight in clothing, and you fought against Shiki for more than five seconds without dying. That's impressive. Your Intelligence isn't that bad, though you're still going through school. We aren't dumping Strength, it's alright, but we are dumping Wisdom. You have a hard time feeling yourself and feeling connected to other people.

Class Levels

You're a Sorcerer, giving you proficiency with Constitution and Charisma saves, as well as proficiency with the Intimidation and Arcana skills. You've got magic implanted in your face, and again, bridge. As a Sorcerer, you can cast spells using your Charisma. Blade Ward deadens your senses further, giving you resistance to physical damage types for a round. Mending lets you twist a small item back together, instead of tearing it apart. Sword Burst is a short range bending... sorta. Force damage is hard to quantify. But it's free, so that's nice. You can also Shape Water to bend liquids to your will. For first level spells, Mage Armor helps you not die, and Magic Missile lets you shoot little bursts of twistiness that'll never miss. You also join the school of Quandrix, which gives you the starting gift of the spells Guidance and Guiding Bolt. They aren't super in character, but they're free, so suck it up. More Importantly, you learn Functions of Probability, helping you bend luck in your favor. When you cast a leveled spell targeting a creature, you can add an effect to a nearby creature (yourself included). A Diminishing Function forces a wisdom save (DC 8 + Chr mod + proficiency), and if it fails it subtracts 1d6 from the next attack roll it makes this round. Turns out swordfighting is hard when your sword is a corkscrew. Alternatively, a Supplemental Function lets a creature add a d6 to an attack or save made in the next round. This part is less believable, but if you're creative I'm sure it'll look good.

Second level sorcerers are a Font of Magic, giving you sorcery points equal to your level per long rest. You can turn them into slots, or turn slots into points. Eventually you can do other things. Also, you can cast Thunderwave now. It destroys objects, you destroy objects, it's a match made in heaven.

Now that you're a third level sorcerer, you can make your spells truly your own thanks to Metamagic! If you cast a Heightened spell, one creature in its effect has disadvantage on their save against it. If you cast an Empowered spell, you can re-roll a couple damage dice. Tearing people in half is generally hard to avoid, and kind of damaging. You can also bend the air itself by casting Dust Devil, creating a Medium sized tornado, dealing damage to creatures nearby and pushing them around. It'll even pick up dust and make things hard to see, though that's kind of a drawback for you.

Use your very first Ability Score Improvement to bump up your Charisma. Kind of a spell-based build, to be honest. Speaking of, Mage Hand probably doesn't have much tearing force behind it, but it's free. You can also cast Shatter for more indiscriminate destruction.

Fifth level sorcerers gain third level spells like Clairvoyance! Now you can see a bird's eye view of the battlefield, tearing your way through it like, well, you.

At sixth level it's about time you started bending the earth to your will. You can Velocity Shift nearby creatures if they start their turn or move within 30' of you. If they fail a charisma save you can shove them to any other point within 30' of you. You can react this way 30' per long rest. Twist debris at people and watch them scatter, it's fun. To help with that, you can also cast Erupting Earth, bending the ground in a 20' cube. This forces dex saves on creatures in the cube, dealing damage and making the area difficult terrain until it's cleaned up.

Seventh level sorcerers get fourth level spells like Stoneskin for even more deadened senses. Now you resist physical damage without having to waste your action every turn. It does use your concentration, but it lasts an hour.

Another ASI! Max out your Charisma for super special eyes. You can also Control Water to create truly damaging whirlpools. There's other options, but whirlpools! Who'd want anything else?

Oh hey, I found something you might want else. It's fifth level spell Bigby's Hand! You can grab people and play with them like a stress ball. Technically there isn't a twisting option, but a Grasping Hand is probably the best you'll do. It'll grapple a huge or smaller creature, and if it successfully does so you can Crush it as a bonus action for damage.

Another Metamagic option! Technically these spells are all just you looking at things, so grab Subtle Spell so you don't have to yell out all your attack names. You can also Mold Earth. It's not that powerful, but it's free twisting. You also get Telekinesis! Again, no "twisting" in the rules, but it's strong enough to lift an object of 1000 pounds, and fine enough to open a door. Their heads should be popping off here.

Sixth level spells! Here are the big boys of the spell world. If you twist anything enough, eventually it'll Disintegrate, dealing plenty of force damage and leaving behind a mess you can't even revive. A little too clean for Fujino, but it's destructive enough.

ASI time. Bump up Constitution for a thicker skin and more HP. HP changes retroactively, so you get an extra 12 HP here.

Did you know turning into rotini is painful? Your enemies certainly know that, thanks to Power Word Pain. If a charmable creature has 100 HP or less, their speed drops to 10', and it gets disadvantage on all attacks, checks, and saves, aside from constitution saves. If it tries to cast a spell, it'll be wasted if it can't pass a constitution save. The target stays in pain forever until it can pass a constitution save.

Cool, so fun thing about these Multi Class Subclasses! As long as you're the correct level, you can take any one feature they have each time you hit the appropriate level in your main class. Since the highest requirement is 14, we're taking Quantum Tunneling now, and we'll pop back to the other one later. Your senses permanently deaden, giving you complete resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. You can also bend your way through any physical objects, as long as you're willing to deal with a halved movement speed and 1d10 damage each square you move. You also have to end your turn in an empty spot. Playing to character this should leave a huge hole behind you, but maybe you're conscientious? You weren't raised in a barn, after all.

Your eighth level spell is Earthquake. Now no structure in your view is safe from your destructive powers. Tear open the earth, shatter structures, and interrupt concentration, there's nothing you can't do!

Bump up your Dexterity this ASI. Not getting hit is still pretty useful, even if you can't feel it.

Remember when I said turning into rotini hurts? I was wrong. Actually, it kills you. Please grab Power Word Kill to reflect these changes. You have become death, destroyer of mages. You also learn how to cast Distant Spells, doubling your spell's range. Your range should be "anywhere in sight", so this is a step in the right direction.

Okay, I guess we'll grab Null Equation. Once per turn you can twist up a creature you damaged. If they fail a constitution save, they get disadvantage on strength and dexterity saves, and they only deal half damage with weapon attacks, all for a round. You can do this Proficiency times per long rest. Again, real hard to hit people when your femurs are spring shaped.

Use your last ASI for more Constitution for more HP and better concentration.

We've finally done it, we've made a pure sorcerer build! It's time to finally learn the dark secret of the Sorcerer capstone. What feature could be so powerful we've completely avoided it for 200 builds? It's Sorcerous Restoration. You get 4 sorcery points per short rest. It's not good. Sorry.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

You're good at dealing damage, and your most powerful spells deal Force damage, which almost nothing blocks against. That means you're consistent and deadly, a solid combination.

You're so good at damage that it isn't just limited to creatures. Use telekinesis, mold earth, and shatter to tear apart structures that are getting in your way. Walls? Torn down. Steel Beams? Melted. Bridges? Falling down.

Despite spending your entire time in a class with the worst hit dice imaginable, you're pretty tough to kill, with just over 200 HP, a decent AC for a spellcaster, and permanent resistance to physical damage types. To make things worse for fighters, it's also a pain to get near you, since you can tear up the area around you and shunt melee fighters away as a reaction.

Cons:

While you do have magic missile, a lot of your spells deal damage in wide areas, so your party might have words with you about using earthquake one too many times.

While you're good at tearing things up, that's just about all your magic can do. There's the occasional Clairvoyance and some defensive spells, but by and large you're either dealing damage or doing nothing.

Despite your great physical defense, you struggle a bit more against other damage types. If you end up fighting someone who can turn their knife into psychic damage, you might have a problem on your hands.

[prettywordsyouleft]

To Be Continued - Part 1

Summary: As an author, you had created Brian Kang for your current trilogy series to represent the ultimate man that everyone would love, along with Charli Evers - your female protagonist. What you hadn’t expected was for him to find a way out of the story and begin shaping up your world instead

Pairing: Brian Kang x female writer (ft. Park Sungjin)

Genre: writer au / romance / fantasy

Warnings: fictional characters coming to life / a bit of angst here and there / Sungjin as a cop (or does that only affect me?) >_>

A/N: this story idea was created from receiving two prompts for Brian in the YouxIdol drabble game I was completing this year. In this part, you can find prompt #186, “You don’t have to answer right away. I’d wait an eternity for you.”

Word count: 2252

Preview | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Epilogue

Brian cupped her cheek tenderly with one hand, smoothing out any worried lines across her forehead with the other. He smiled encouragingly, tears threatening to spill from his eyes with his heightened emotions. “You don’t have to answer right away.”

“I don’t?” Charli breathed back, knowing that her response to his question was already formed. Yet it wasn’t the right time for any love confessions right now. Despite this, her answer rushed to the back of her throat, where she tried to swallow it back down repeatedly.

Brian already knew and nodded softly to let her know of this. “I’d wait an eternity for you.”

“Isn’t that a bit too cringe-worthy?” you wondered, pausing to read the words upon the screen with a frown. It wasn’t out of character for Brian Kang and Charli Evers. And it certainly wasn’t the first cheesy line you’d thrown into Captivated either. Still, you mulled over the scene a little longer, deciding whether or not it should be removed.

“What would Charli do in response?” you asked out loud to no one in particular, a flurry of action from your fingers taking place immediately. You followed the scene until completion before taking a break, switching out of the word document and over to your Discord server.

Smiling as you scrolled through the new comments about the upcoming sequel you were in the later stages of writing for Brian and Charli, you let out a rattle of a cough from your chest, groaning at your illness dampening your mood.

“I’m trying to finish this final chapter tonight,” you spoke out into the universe, casting your eyes to the heavens for effect. “I’ve battled through this cold for a week now. It won’t take me down just yet!”

Reaching forward for more cold and flu medicine, you swallowed the capsules down with a painful gulp of water and then felt your forehead. It was hotter than before, though you waved it off as you answered a couple of messages and returned to the final part of the story.

Captivated was the second story in your new trilogy series since your last series Destined had become an overnight sensation. When you sat down to pen the soulmate idea into something more than thoughts in your head, you hadn’t expected the tale to touch so many people over the world. Nor had you believed you would follow it up with To Love You, Forever, And Always either.

You originally felt that Destined was the reason why Brian and Charli’s first story Encounter was easily shared around. The protagonists had their own charms though and you could tell the fan base for this series was different from the last. They were just as eager, however, to find out when the pair would shake free from the star-crossed lovers’ trope and finally give in to the evident love they had for one another.

“Part three it’ll be,” you surmised proudly and somewhat exhaustedly after typing The End onto the electronic manuscript. Leaning back in your chair, you finally allowed yourself to succumb to the illness plaguing you. In a moment of disillusion, your mind conjured up Brian standing before you with concern etched in his eyes. You let the novel scene play out in your head, wishing he was actually here to help you out of your writing office, down to your bedroom and tuck you into bed.

Swinging gently from side to side in your desk chair, you hummed with delight. Brian Kang was your biggest self-indulgence character. You had created Park Jinyoung in Destined to infuriate your main protagonist, but Brian was the ultimate fictional guy. He was playful and kind, caring and thoughtful. He knew when Charli needed him to stand up in her weak moments, and he fought for what he felt was right even when all odds were against him. He also allowed Charli to see his vulnerability and his honesty, gaining him many fans around the world. And if all that wasn’t enough, Brian Kang was incredibly attractive.

You had really created the holy grail of a dream man.

Laughing to yourself in your sick-induced state, you smiled lazily. “Dream men are just that, Y/N. Brian Kang would never exist in this world.”

You nodded to yourself, agreeing with the proclamation, feeling more single in the moment as you did so. It was funny really, you were a successful author of Young Adult romance novels and yet you hadn’t experienced the touch of a man, let alone any ardent confessions since your university days.

“Right, it’s time for bed,” you decided before your mood plummeted further into despair. However, your limbs felt too heavy to move and so you simply closed your eyes once more, hoping a little nap would help you regain some energy to head off to bed later on.

When you opened your eyes next, you found yourself in your darkened bedroom, smiling gently at bringing yourself to bed sometime during the night that you couldn’t remember. Sitting up slowly, you allowed your gaze to adjust to the dim morning light filtering through the small gap in the curtain, before reaching onto your nightstand for your phone.

You blinked. Instead of finding the device, you saw a kitchen bowl and face cloth resting over the edge of it.

Did you bring that with you in the middle of the night? Surely if you had been attempting to bring down your own fever, the face cloth would have been strewn somewhere in among your bedding after falling asleep with it, not neatly placed back upon the side of the bowl. Looking beyond that, you found a bottle of water with a third of the liquid missing. You did vaguely remember sipping on some water overnight, and that eased your mind from your initial confusion.

Shaking your head, and swinging your legs over the side of your bed, you placed your feet in your slippers before padding back into the office in search of your phone. Maybe you had help overnight after all, and you wanted to check if your mother had come over at your request. She had done that one year when you caught a nasty virus and couldn’t cope on your own anymore. Motherly love was definitely needed, and now that you had completed your obligations with Captivated and sent it off to your editor Lily, you would have no restrictions on who entered your creative space.

“Huh,” you said when you saw your laptop screen still open. You had a habit of closing the screen every night after turning the device off and approached it now with some confusion, trying to recollect what you last did the night before. Nothing rose to the surface immediately and you reached for your phone, blindly hitting speed dial on your mother’s number. And when her greeting rang down the receiver, you were more than perplexed.

“Hey, did you come by last night?”

“No, why?” she answered and then gasped. “Y/N, you sound awful! Did you keep working even though you were sick?!”

“You didn’t come here?” you repeated, fingertips reaching for the sticky note upon the computer screen. “Maybe it was Lily.”

“Lily is out of the country isn’t she?” your Mum reminded and you blinked several times before focusing enough to read the note you held.

 You shouldn’t have worked so hard to complete it! Your health is important too. How will I cope if you get any worse? Make sure you rest up well and drink a lot of fluids. I need my best writer in tip top shape to see where my world continues.

I made you breakfast. It’s not much, but make sure you eat before you sit down at this desk, hm?

- B.

 Dropping the note, along with letting your mouth fall ajar momentarily, you stuttered out a hasty farewell to your mum before hanging up the phone and looking to the doorway. Cautiously, you walked through your house to the kitchen where you stopped in your tracks at seeing a tea towel covering something on the bench. Gingerly peeling it back when you finally approached it, you gasped when you found several dishes underneath, along with instructions on how to heat it up.

For a split second, your mind conjured Brian up again, imagining him in your kitchen preparing all this. It would totally be just like him to make sure Charli was well fed to regain her energy from any illness.

But, you weren’t Charli Evers.

In fact, you hadn’t even based her off your personality at all, rather, a close online friend of yours who you admired a lot. So, whilst Brian would definitely go to all this trouble for Charli, you sure were clutching at straws thinking of yourself in the same situation.

Who came into your home then?

Distractedly, you heated the porridge and brewed up the tea the mystery person had prepared as well. You carried the tray of food over to your dining table when it was done and sat down before taking your first mouthful.

And then you mulled over who could possibly step into your house that had the initial B.

Maybe it wasn’t a B, you concluded when you realised no one had access to your house with that letter, even as a surname. Climbing back to your feet, you rushed to your office where you had discarded the first note and held it up to inspect the handwriting.

“It could be an R,” you mentioned out loud, then shook your head immediately. Even if the handwriting was looser than most that you knew of, it couldn’t be anything other than a B.

After examining it for a few minutes, you sat down with a huff. You’d never seen the handwriting before.

You didn’t know whether or not to be alarmed.

Had there been an intruder overnight?

Jumping back up, you persevered through the dizziness that plagued you from moving so fast, heading down the hallway to the front door. The chain was still latched and there was no sign of forced entry. Again, making your way to the back door, everything was in order.

As was every possession you owned – minus the kitchen where the food had been prepared. But even then, the dishes that had been used were rinsed and stacked by the sink.

You jumped when you heard a sudden mewl at your feet and clutched at your heart, before stooping down to pick up your cat Binks. The black cat nuzzled into you affectionately before meowing again. “I guess you want to be fed, huh?”

Walking around the counter, you stopped when you found his bowl with some food remaining. You knew Binks wouldn’t leave food overnight. Glancing at the cat, you frowned. “Who did this, Binks?”

The feline merely yawned and settled down to nap in your arms. It certainly brought the saying, cat’s got your tongue, to mind and you rolled your eyes at the infuriating situation.

Sitting down on your couch, you stared at the wall ahead of you as you tried to find an answer to all the evidence. Stroking the purring animal in your arms, you nodded determinedly.

“The only answer is that I did it in a sleep-induced state,” you announced and Binks opened his eyes to look up at you before rolling around to start licking at his back leg. You sighed. “Right, Binks?”

You were certain your cat thought you were insane. However, it was all you could find to be the answer.

“I got up and I took myself to the kitchen and prepared the ice water to cool down the fever. And went to bed. Then maybe I got up again, which is when I placed the cloth on the bowl and prepared the food. I washed my dishes, including the ones I had piling up from being too busy with work and-”

Binks leapt from your lap then, sauntering down the hallway from your side. Getting up to follow him, you ended up back in your home office, where he pounced up onto your desk, standing on the keys to your laptop. “Hey! Get off!”

Swatting the cat away from the device, you noticed that it hadn’t been turned off overnight. That was not like you at all. Logging into your account, you sat down in your desk chair and shifted back suddenly when you found a new document open.

 I bet you’re in disbelief about now, right? I guess I would be too. It wasn’t you who looked after you all night long, and did your dishes. Wow, you get behind in things when you’re focused on writing.

Don’t worry. I didn’t look around - much.

Your fever went down over a couple of hours whilst I moved back and forth helping you out. It’s the least I can do after you’ve spent so much time with me. Well, we’ve yet to officially meet.

One day.

- B (your biggest fan)

PS. I fed Binks. He really does have quite the personality.

 “Okay!” you sounded in an octave higher, laughing a little to yourself at the same time. “Someone was definitely here. Who is B and how does this person know so much personal information?!”

You were too preoccupied to realise the document to Captivated was still open behind the other one.

And instead of saying The End as it once had, it had been deleted and replaced with To Be Continued.

_________________

Part 2

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[theelliottsmiths]

It makes me really sad how people happily consume deep, obviously hard won, creative output but aren’t at all prepared to accept that sometimes that battle gets a little ugly. Like you’re consuming content that obviously attracts a lot of criticism, and is completely impossible to do even from a practical point of view (recording, touring, etc.) without leaving the security blanket of employment, social security or society’s approval but expect the people in it to just ... not ever stand out or to misfit or be uncomfortable. It reminds me of what we had the other day, there is a fascination with darkness and wildness and being rebellious, but rarely are the onlookers prepared to deal with the blood and the tears and the dirt. I don’t understand that.

I mean I am basically expected to defend Richard at this point, but the thing is, he’s probably insufferable a lot of times. What gets to me whenever this comes up though, is that all the attributes people apply to him that are negative, almost all exclusively come from himself. Like, people read those interviews and for like one exception where Schneider is being a dick, it’s not like the others say “Richard was too controlling and dramatic” it’s him saying “yeah, I did that and that’s why I moved.” It’s like ... all the negative things people believe about him come from himself. People think he thinks he did the main stuff on Mutter because he went and said “I did too much on that album.” Because the rest of the band is pretty mum about it. And it makes me suspicious, and again, sad for him, that he is perceived that way because he goes out there and dares to show that vulnerable and flawed side of himself and admits what he’s done, and now he’s the boogieman because the others don’t say what they did, too.

Sorry for the emotional ramble, I’m thin skinned today, but I don’t know, people that make themselves vulnerable that way often get treated that way, and it just depresses me.

Disclaimer for the previous anon: this isn't about you specifically, this is a general thing

I think a lot of the issue is that most of the community on Tumblr are quite young and are still coming to terms with just how grey people are (not to mention we have no experience with 40 year relationships because the majority of us are half that, literally babies when it happened)? Because the reality is yes, people have flaws that are more offputting than lovable quirks and that's okay. The expectation that none of us should ever be annoying or have moments of cuntishness or self-centeredness is unrealistic and unfair, and the guys understand that well enough not to hold it against each other forever, especially when it's actively being improved. There are limits and he hit them, but that doesn't mean throw the whole boy out. He has so many good traits that balance it out!!! They clearly decided he was worth enough to them in other ways to keep around, the good times were enough to outweigh the bad ones.

I honestly think they all agreed, Richard included, that sanding it down into just saying it was Richards fault and moving on is the best course of action. I wouldn't be surprised if he's going a bit overboard to almost atone for it, downplaying other people's parts in it because it can't be denied that he was having a bad time. If you assume his heavy drug use was involved theres a whole other layer of regret and guilt and heightened emotions that could compound to make his reaction to his own behaviour worse. I just almost teared up considering that maybe he brings it up to remind himself and to show everyone else that he's trying? All of this post is essentially fanfiction with sources but that even more so but listen... Ouchie, right? Whereas most of the others are more forgiving of themselves and their behaviour so it's faded to a greater degree. If he shut up about it a bit more I wonder if they'd ever bring it up. He really does beat himself up and insist it's all in the name of his art.

We have slightly different opinions on the importance of Artistic Pain and Suffering, I know you side more than Richard on that than I do, but I can definitely agree that there's an issue with people loving the end product but rejecting how it came to be in the first place. That doesn't make any sense the way I worded it huh? If you want moral purity then anything outside that is going to feel like a blow. Is that why they say you should never meet your idols?

Related to that none-thing I just tried to say, there's also the fact that Richard has gone to therapy and worked on this stuff: He does acknowledge his issues and how they affected everyone else, and it's pretty clear the others appreciate that. A lot of it, even from our limited knowledge, has clear origins so I don't doubt that they take everything he's been through personally into consideration. I imagine the same can be said of Till and to a certain extent all the others too. You can't look at them through a purely individualistic lens, that's not how they think.

You know how a lot of people with mental health issues get into periods of hating themselves and can list a whole bunch of overinflated reasons why they're terrible awful bad waste-of-a-fleshsuit humans? Sometimes when Richard is discussed it's like people are listening to that and they agreeing without taking a second to evaluate the objectivity of the source. It's hard to look at for too long for some people. Till is treated way more sympathetically; his Bad Traits are less grating for people who don't know and aren't actually around him, I suppose.

I'm trying to find a quote by I think Paul about how he had to read a book of some kind to be able to understand and talk to Richard, Tumblr is impossible to search, but it really does highlight the effort they all put in that we don't see. They have long, long conversations with each other, they didn't just get angry, yell a bit, and then wait for things to change. Sometimes people forget that personal growth is a thing. He's not the same person in 2021 as he was in 2011 or 2001 or any other time.

Uh. Here's a cute Richard to improve the mood

[primus3510]

Closed Portals

Warnings: unsympathetic Deceit, some grappling (no blood though), trapped Roman, let me know if there something else I need to add

Summary: Roman is trapped in the imagination. But not his own imagination...and not at his own freewill 

Characters: Roman, Deceit, Patton, Logan, Virgil, no Remus in this story (if you want a Remus story, go check out The Fight To Be a Light Side)

Closed Portals  

Roman was sitting at his desk working on the usual plans for the next video. Thomas was busy this month so that gave Roman lots of inspiration for creative work. Especially with seeing all of the hype Thomas was getting on Twitter and Tumblr from the Fander community, he was extra passionate to get these plans out onto the internet.

 Patton had popped in earlier that day to check in on him (and give him a chocolate chip cookie or two). It had been 12:30 and now it was around 2. 

“Salutations.” The sudden monotone voice of Logan made Roman jump, almost falling out of his chair. 

“Jiminy Christmas, Logan! You scared me out of my princely skin!” Roman said as he tried to get his breathing under control.

“I sincerely apologize, Roman,” Logan said from the open doorway, “but I would just like to add that we have a /visitor that would like to see/ you.” Logan was in his usual shirt and tie, with black jeans and tennis shoes. 

“See me?” Roman wasn’t expecting anyone at this hour, but his might as well go check on the event.  He started to walk to the door, when Logan stopped him. 

“Excuse_” 

“He will meet us in here.” It was unlikely of Logan to interrupt, even his tone seemed to be different. 

Maybe he just isn’t in the best mood today, Roman thought. So without a word he sat back down in his desk chair. Logan closed the door behind him. 

“Hahahaha.” Logan suddenly started laughing out of nowhere. “You actually thought there was going to be a person meeting us here.” That tone made Roman jump out of his chair, summoning his sword. 

“Deceit, nice to see that you are your old lying self. Now, get out!” Roman ignored the uncomfortable feeling in his chest, as he kept his eyes on the snake. Deceit started to walk toward the armed prince, seemingly not bothered about the weapon in his hand. 

“Roman, please /stop being so rude/. I’m /not/ going to /hurt/ you.” 

“How can I believe someone whose name literally means lying?” 

“Oh, you’re so smart Roman, you're so /very/ smart.” Deceit now was so close to Roman that Roman can feel his breath on his neck, for he is taller than the tiny snake side. He lowered his sword, but kept it in his hand for needed use, if necessary. 

“You can’t trust me. It’s not like I am just here to /visit/ you and your friends.” 

“What did you do to them?” Roman said as he pushed the side backwards, towards the door. The thought of something happening to Patton, Logan and Virgil jumped to the front of his thoughts. 

“Nothing. They don’t even know I am here.” Deceit managed to keep his balance and his threatening stare. 

Roman’s fear spiked. “Lo_” His voice was cut short. A hand appeared over his mouth, silencing him. Roman tried to pull away but it stayed, like as if it had been super glued. 

“Now now Romano, no need to try and escape, for you can’t escape.” Deciet’s foot came up and pushed Roman backward. His hand broke free and Roman tried to crawl around Deceit. The pain in his chest was almost unbearable. Two of Deceit’s hands grabbed Roman and pulled him back in front of the half-snake side. 

Suddenly, a portal (which took the shape of a mirror) behind Roman opened. 

The imagination. Roman tried to crawl away but another foot pushed him and Roman screamed as he was pushed into the imagination. Deceit smashed the mirror, leaving Roman trapped inside his own world. 

Patton had had a weird sensation all day. Multiple times he had thought that he had heard talking, like someone was whispering. Logan seemed to have noticed. 

“Is something wrong, Patton?” At the sound of Logan’s question, Virgil looked up from his phone. They were both sitting at the dining room table, for it was a lazy afternoon. 

“Huh? Oh no nothing is wrong, kiddo. Everything’s just fine.” Patton replied, as he went back to making peanut butter and Crofters jam sandwiches. He caught the stares of Virgil and Logan, both worried. 

“What?” 

“We know you’re lying Pat.” Virgil spoke up. “What’s wrong?” 

Patton groaned. “I have been hearing voices, like people are having a conversation in another room.” Virgil stood up, his hands in his hoodie pockets. 

“I have been hearing it too.” 

“Really?” 

“Ye..yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “So what does this mean?” 

“Well, actually, I have been hearing some communicating too, and a scream.” Logan said, as he caught the eyes of Patton and Virgil.

“I don’t remember hearing a scream.” Patton replied. Suddenly a thought ran through Patton’s mind, startling him. “HaveyouguysseenRomanatalltoday?” 

“Woah, Patton, slow down.” Virgil said as he speed walked over to the worried side. A hand on Patton’s shoulder encouraged a deep breath and then, “Have you guys seen Roman today?” 

Logan and Virgil both met eyes, both shaking their heads. 

“I have not. Do you think the conversation was from Roman? And possibly…” 

“Another side…” Virgil and Logan both sat and thought for a minute, leaving Patton to stand there awkwardly. 

Out of nowhere, Virgil muttered a word, eyes wide with fear and anger,  and ran down the hallway. Logan and Patton chased after him. They all entered Roman’s room, hearts racing. They all jumped as a voice was heard from behind them. Patton and Logan and Virgil turned their heads, having only noticed that Roman was gone, but not the smashed portal . Standing there, was Deceit, in his usual attire. 

“Deceit.” Virgil’s eyes were full of rage, and a hint of panic. Patton hooked a hand through his arm, keeping Virgil at bay. “What are you doing here? And what did you do with Roman?” 

“A ‘hello’ would have been nice, Virgil.” Deceit replied, his usual sneaky tone sending shivers up Patton’s spine. 

“Deceit, if you would just tell us where Ro_” 

“LOGAN!” Patton screamed, frightened as Logan was silenced, powerless to the snake side. 

“That’s better. Now where were we Virgil?” 

“Let him go AND GIVE ROMAN BACK!” Virgil’s calm tone gave way to the tone Virgil usually had when he was overly anxious...or super mad. 

Deceit didn’t budge, rubbing the back of his neck slightly, “I am afraid I can’t get Roman ba…” 

“WHY NOT?!” 

“Because /someone/ has smashed the portal, trap…” Deceit didn’t have to finish. The sides, all except Deceit,  ran over to the smashed portal. 

“Why did you do this, DECEIT? You know that we can’t get Roman back unless the mirror is fixed.” 

“I know. That’s why I /didn’t/ do it.” 

“Stop trying to lie Deceit. I know you did this.” Virgil said as he picked up one of the shards of glass. As he did so, though, Deceit ran up beside Patton lunging at Virgil, trying to keep him from fixing the broken mirror (releasing Logan in the process). Deceit managed to grab Virgil by the hoodie and tug him backward to the ground. Patton grabbed Deceit by the hair pulling him away from the anxious side. Deceit hissed loudly.  

“Don’t!! No!” Patton yelled. Patton’s eyes were wide in fear and starting to tear up. Logan ran over trying to help Patton. Logan managed to grab one of Deciet’s arms, but 4 more came. Another hand was about to grab Virgil on his arm but Logan managed to keep him from reaching. Deceit hissed as Logan planted a knee to the middle of Deceit’s spine, for Deceit was sitting on the ground now, behind a frustrated Virgil. 

An arm came around and tried to grab Patton by the shoulder but Patton managed to block it. But he was too late as another arm managed to trip him, making Patton land on his back. 

“Are you okay Patton?” Logan asked as he tried harder to control the snake side. 

“Yeah,..I’m fine.” Patton got up and got back to controlling the angry liar. He reached over and tried to grab the arm that gripped Virgil’s hoodie, but to no avail. 

Virgil struggled with the grip on his hoodie. It felt like someone was choking him, making him panic in the process. His breath was shallow and his anxiety was as heightened as ever.  He managed to break free, finally but another grip grabbed his arm. He pulled away from that grip easily enough and managed to sit up,  picking up the frame of the portal. There were a total of 5 large shards on the ground. All he had to do was put the shards in their place, and then get Roman back. 

Roman grunted as he landed on his side on the hard floor. His ribs screamed as he picked himself up. 

“Screw you Deceit.” he muttered as he sat up onto his knees. He checked for his sword. The sword was still in its right place which was good enough to say the least. Roman looked around, noticing something was off about his surroundings.  

The imagination Roman was in was not his own imagination. It was dark, not a star in the sky, no sign of a sunrise or set. It was also freezing, so cold Roman thought his hands had fallen off. He couldn’t feel them, they were so numb. Roman crossed his arms trying to save body heat as he wandered through the dark, blank world.

“VIRGIL?! LOGAN?! ANYONE?!” Roman called, but no response. Only a chilly wind whistled through the darkness. No trees, no grass, no signs of life. It was like Roman was inside a black rubik's cube with no escape. There was also no way of keeping time. 

I could be in here for years and not know. Trapped. Trapped. Trapped.’ Roman’s thoughts began to spiral. He tried to keep his thoughts under control. He took a deep breath, releasing some of the nervousness inside of him. 

Roman continued walking forward for who knows how long. He didn’t know if it was night time. He didn’t know if the sides even knew that Deceit was around, trying to keep him in here, for some odd reason. 

Moments later, Roman felt someone, or something, grabbed the back of his shirt. Then his arm. 

“WHO’S THERE?” Roman yelled, as he broke the grips. “Deceit?” 

“It’s me, Roman.” Virgil’s voice rang through the world, if you could call it a world. 

“Virgil! Oh I am so glad to hear…” 

“Safe the cheery attitude for later, Princey.” Virgil made another attempt at grabbing Roman but was pulled back. 

“VIRGIL!” Roman turned around in circles, calling the anxious one’s name. “Darn it Deceit.” 

2 of Deceit’s hands had grabbed Virgil’s arms, keeping him from reaching through the, now fixed, mirror. Patton and Logan kept any of the other arms from grabbing him, which left him to deal with only 2. 

“Let me go, Deceit.” Virgil said. 

“I can’t let you get Roman back. That would take away my pow…” 

“Power that you never had. Now let ME GO!” Virgil lurched forward, breaking the grips, face planting into the ground in front of him. The same 2 arms reached out and managed to rap around his ankles. Virgil managed to bend his knees and crawl forward, using all of his strength to crawl. Once he was close enough to the mirror, he reached out his hand, found the back of Roman’s shirt and pulled. 

Roman screamed as he was suddenly pulled backwards by a strange hand. He tried to pull away, but it was almost impossible because the hand had a grip behind his head. 

“ROMAN, stop resisting. I am getting you out of here” Virgil’s tense voice rang throughout the dark, cold world. Roman relaxed a little bit, letting Virgil pull him back to his room. Virgil broke the grips on his ankles and kicked Deceit’s knuckles, giving him more room. But the smooth transition through the portal didn’t go very long. The portal solidified everytime Roman hit the mirror. 

“Why isn’t it working? I can’t get him back.” Virgil said, back to Logan and Patton. 

“What, why? Logan?” Patton looked at Logan while still trying to restrict the resistant snake side. Deceit tried to lurch forward to grab Virgil again, almost knocking Patton over. Patton managed to hold. His hands were sore. Meanwhile, Logan sat thinking. 

Virgil, getting tired and impatient, “Any moment now Logan.” 

Logan sat and thought for a moment more, and then replied, “I think you have to exchange sides. Since Roman has been on the other side of that mirror for so long, the world has gotten used to having a side in it.” 

“ So who goes in?” Patton asked. 

“I think it’s pretty obvious. We should put Snake-Man in there.” Virgil said, readjusting his grip on the creative side’s shirt. 

“Virgil, you would never.” Deceit said, his normal lier-tone easy to pick out. 

“Try me, snake.” Deceit hissed at Virgil’s response, giving Virgil what looked like a death glare. Virgil returned the eery glare, his smeared eye shadow making it even more dangerous-looking. 

Patton broke up the tense moment, saying, “So we are putting Deceit through the portal.” 

“Seems like we agreed on something.” Logan said as he and Patton got their grips on Deceit. They half dragged, half carried the stubborn snake to the portal. In less than a minute, the lying side was gone. Virgil managed, with the little strength he had left, managed to pull an exhausted Roman from behind the portal/mirror. 

Roman lied across the floor like a rag doll. He was absolutely exhausted. Virgil had had the grip on him for what seemed like hours. The sudden light burned his eyes, making everything blurry. 

“ROMAN!” Patton sat him up and hugged him. He wrapped back even though he was tired and drained of energy. Logan joined in the hug, along with a drained Virgil. Well, at least he wasn’t alone. 

“I missed you guys. I think I owe you an explain…” 

Logan interrupted, “You do not owe us anything.” The group now surrounded him, Patton still half holding him. 

“I want to tell you actually. Ummm… Logan?” Logan and Roman made eye contact. Roman took a deep breath and then stated, “Deceit was actually disguised as you. He came into the room, accidentally scared me, and then said there was someone visiting me. But...yeah...that was a...a lie.” The group went silent.

Patton’s face turned from happiness to empathetic as he said, “I’m so sorry, kiddo.” 

“It’s okay Patton. And Virgil?” Virgil was looking down at the floor, before looking up at Roman. 

“Thank you.” Roman smiled slightly at the anxious side. 

Virgil rubbed the back of his neck as he responded, “No problem.” 

“I think we should get out of here now and let Roman rest.” Logan broke the silence. 

“Good idea.”  Patton responded. 

“Yeah.” Roman said as the sides started to stand up to leave the room. “Oh and one more thing,” all of the sides looked back at Roman, “thank you all for saving me.” 

“Anything for you, kiddo.” Patton responded. Logan failed to hide a smile. Virgil, well, showed a response with a salute on his way out, just as things should be. 

[neshabeingchildish]

03. Robin’s Telling

I’m using some of my head canons I shared when @writing-excuses​ was wondering about ones we have for Chasper in this fic. So, y’all’ll see some things that aren’t necessarily canon, but I’m trying to a certain degree to be canonical with who the characters are at their core, and trying to build the story on that. Try to be patient with me, as this ain’t really that popular of a ship and don’t really have a super amount of ‘canon fodder.’ Lol. I have about 5 chapters outlined, so after the next couple, it may slow down a little. 

Robin’s Telling or Tales from the Friendship Zone

So, whenever they were in 6th grade, Jasper and Charlotte were assigned to this team building experiment disguised as a creative writing project. They had to write a round robin story, which means that they took turns adding material to the story and had to try to feed off of the last of the information by their partner to write the installment of the story. Jasper started it off and Charlotte found it a challenge to sometimes make sense of whatever nonsense he had written, but she was a girl who could appreciate a good challenge. What she hadn’t appreciated was the ruse by their teacher to make her and Jasper get along better! But. she had to admit, it helped. 

The friends used the story and the notebook it was written in to continue this process and in turn, sort of built upon their friendship as the saga continued.  When they came to the end of the spiral, Jasper panicked. “It can’t be over! We never made an ending for it!!!” He was seriously freaking out. Charlotte happened to have another spiral notebook available at the time, and she said, “Look... We can keep it up. Maybe... this could be the second season of it. I’ll even start it out.” She opened it and started this new installment of the story, then passed it to him. “Chill out. One of these days, it has to end.”

“According to who?” He wondered, snatching the spiral from her. She rolled her eyes and walked off.

And now, they were in season 6 of Robin’s Telling, as she liked to call it (He called it Tales from the Friendship Zone), and they rarely ever really used it, but every now and then, one of them would either continue from where they left off or ask the other if they had continued yet. It was in Jasper’s care at the moment and after he left her house (which was done after he watched her sleep for a little bit, then realized that was probably weird and creepy, but waking her up was probably dangerous). He got home and his mom wasn’t even there. Typical. But, he was able to pull out the current spiral and get some writing done. He’d pass it off to her at Man Band practice.

.

Charlotte and Henry were laughing and playing video games whenever Jasper came into work. “Hey, Jasp!” Henry cheered. Charlotte didn’t say anything. Jasper wondered if everything was okay between them. 

“Hey,” he said and put his gym bag away. “What are you two playing?”

“I’m playing. He’s just losing,” Charlotte said, laughing. 

“I’m playing, she’s just being mean,” Henry corrected. 

“Neither of those statements answered my question, but enjoy.” He went back to the store and Henry gave Charlotte a weird look. She ignored it and continued playing, so he moved on, too.

Later, whenever it was time for them to go home, Henry and Charlotte were discussing plans for at Henry’s house. Apparently, they were hanging out after work, too. Eventually, Henry made some comment that seemed to elude that Jasper was invited too, but he didn’t know if he wanted to hangout with the two of them. Maybe he was just overly sensitive because he shared a lot of very intimate. personal information with Charlotte and she seemed to be acting like it never happened. Maybe she was avoiding speaking with him because he made her uncomfortable. At any rate, he said, “I don’t know how my mom’s gonna act if I spend two nights away from home.”

“No, you’ll be home later tonight,” Henry said, shrugging his shoulders.

“Maybe, you could call ahead and check in with her, to see if she’s more understanding, if you do it that way?” Charlotte suggested.

Jasper nodded, “Yeah, I’ll do that.” Whenever he spoke on the phone with his mom, he told her that he would be hanging out with Henry until later on... “Yeah, she’s hanging out too...” Then he sighed and was listening to something for a while. Charlotte and Henry looked at each other. “There’s nothing like that going on. We’re all just friends. She’s a good girl. Top of the class...” 

Charlotte raised an eyebrow and leaned into the mouthpiece to say, “HEY JASPER’S MOM!!!” Henry pulled her to the other side of himself and Jasper rolled his eyes, but they didn’t know whether at Charlotte instigating with his mom, or with his mom, obviously on the other line, trash talking Charlotte. 

“I’m sure that she’ll be home by a time that’s decent for a young lady. She’s a good egg. I don’t feel like doing this. Do you need anything? Okay. Yeah, love you too.” He hung up and asked Charlotte, “Why would you provoke her?”

“She’s trash,” Charlotte said, simply. Henry gasped and Jasper furrowed his eyebrows. “Sorry. I meant to say she was talking trash about me. My bad. Words got choppy in my head.” She really meant what she’d said, but that was a bit much to say to someone’s face about their mom. 

“Good save,” Henry said, sarcastically and wrapped an arm around Jasper’s shoulder, “But, what kind of trash was she talking about Charlotte?”

“I’m interested, as well.”

“She asked, if my little friend was gonna be there, said what’s her name, then pretended to say the wrong names. Then, she said that if a girl hangs out with a couple of boys this much something fresh must be going on.” 

He didn’t want to go into detail, but his mother had advised him to use protection, in case she had something and also forbid him to do anything with her if both boys were in the room..

“You know what? I’m gonna shut my mouth and move on with my life,” Charlotte said. Jasper’s mom had SOME nerve, after the child-rearing job she’d done. Which reminded her, “Oh! Hey, I found something that might be useful for you. Actually, I heard an ad when I was listening to one of my podcasts. I’ll send you the info. She texted him a link to a therapy connection that charged $30 a week and you could text a licensed therapist! He smiled to himself and put his phone away. 

Henry was curious about what she’d sent to him, but tried not to butt in. There was some kind of other friendship happening with those two that he knew he wasn’t included in. SO, he made a conversation topic that the three could participate in. 

.

At Henry's, Jasper seemed in his own world. Charlotte was concerned about it, because he usually was the most talkative and cheerful one. At some point, while Henry was in the bathroom, she asked, "You okay, Jasper?"

He sighed, "I thought maybe you didn't care one way or another. I'm… worried that I weirded you out with all my baggage. You're not supposed to unpack in front of people unless you're going to be there for a while. I feel like I just dumped it all over the place and then suddenly, you were distant."

"It wasn't like that to me. I thought that speaking about your trauma probably stirred up some things and maybe you could use a break from focusing on it. Sorry if I seemed taken aback. I wasn't. In fact, I feel closer to you than ever. I'm honestly glad you felt like you could come to me. Are you gonna use that service I sent you?"

"Yeah. I'm gonna check it out. Do you mind if I hug you?" 

She smiled and went over for the hug, fell on his lap and they laughed about it, but she didn't move. Jasper had a pretty cozy hug. They didn't usually hug much, but his arms were bigger than she'd noticed and he was soft and slightly cushioned. It was like hugging a life-size, warm, plushie, or as comforting, anyway. Plus… did Jasper always smell this good? That was definitely new. 

He strummed her back and she rested on his shoulder until they heard, "Whoa!" Henry was back and he was shocked and confused by the contact. 

Charlotte got up and said, "I fell. Shut up."

"Fell and landed right in Jasper's lap, into a hug, on his shoulder, huh?"

"That's what I said," she told him. 

Henry looked at Jasper. "What? Sometimes people fall." He smiled at Charlotte and her face went warm. Sometimes people fall. Such a simple and true statement. Sometimes people fall in more ways than one. Not as simple, but she couldn't tell yet if she minded it at all.

.

Charlotte was surprised to see that Jasper had handed her the copy of Robin’s Telling. It had been a long while since they’d passed it around, but the anticipation of whatever she was feeling lately about him was heightened by her memories of how this process had brought them closer as friends. Jasper was kinda cute, if she was honest. If you took away some of his weird quirks and gross habits and just looked at him - like... if she had seen him in passing without knowing that he picked at his scabs, or asked you to help pop pimples on his back... She’d have to say that she thought he was an attractive guy. And either he was going through some life changes or she just had started paying attention - but a lot of his gross habits she couldn’t recall seeing lately.

It was almost like he had been either getting better or at least pretending to be more dignified. She hoped that meant that he was talking to someone about his problems and improving himself as he felt healthier. It still blew her mind that he carried around pain in that jolly body of his. That behind that boyish smile were tears that he didn’t shed or didn’t show to even his closest friends. She hoped that he knew that he could, if he needed to. She hoped that he was gonna sleep well tonight. 

As she finished writing her segment in the notebook, she knew that her emotions would show up in it. They usually did. Whenever she had something on her mind, stress, sadness, or anything... it was generally reflected in the story. Jasper used to be able to tell. He’d always draw a cute and/or corny doodle on the page whenever he noticed that she was down via her entries.

And a few days later, whenever she got it back, he had drawn her a three legged pickle, “a tri-pickle, if you will.” 

[iwritethat]

Older Batsis: Birds

Request: More badass older Batsis~

A/n: When your bros find out you have a secret tattoo, but asking your scary sis about it takes guts.

>>>>—————————>

Having you as their older sibling could be... difficult. They knew you respected them and at least acknowledged them as your family members of sorts, despite the fact you refused to work with them. Ever.

They assumed you got your independent attitude from Bruce Wayne, your vigilante father figure, except when you sternly told the Justice League or anyone else for that matter that “I work alone.” they immediately believed you. Batman just didn’t have that lone wolf aesthetic with his deadly following of birds and batgirls.

Dick was probably the only one who remembered the warm heart underneath the frosty scales of your armour, you didn’t team up with them nor did you really stick in one place for a lengthy duration of time so when you rocked up to the Batcave with an arm slung over Wally’s shoulders they instantly paled.

.

“Hey Dick, pretty bird here flew from the nest and isn’t in the best of shape.” The speedster briefed your family, although you were balancing on the verge of semiconsciousness you pushed away from Wally with scoff.

“I’m fine alright... why’d you bring me here? Ah shit!” Pain sprinted through your nervous system and you instantly found yourself swooped up into the scarlet speedsters arms again.

“You’ll thank me later, I promise but even if you never forgive me I’d rather you be alive.” West gazed at you with concern filling his emerald irises and carried you over to the medical bay where he was met with Alfred and Bruce glaring at him.

It was expected that you remove you outer layer so the wounds were reachable but upon Alfred’s request you flatly declined.

“Not happening, at least not until I’m given some privacy.” This hushed the interrogation from your brothers who left the room because they weren’t stupid enough to argue with you, Damian was but Dick ushered him out before he could speak.

They’d definitely return, you regretfully couldn’t avoid your family forever even if it was to protect them. After Jason died, you all went your separate ways as your family were too broken to repair themselves when you attempted communication - they pushed you away in their state of grievance, so you stayed away. Bruce was seething at Wally for having to be saved - not that it was his fault, the man was protecting hostages at the time and you couldn’t exactly let the Flash die, it’d leave Central City unprotected and you were not replacing him. The Rogues would piss you off too much.

Alas you were correct, whilst preparing to leave since Alfred ensured you were at least stable (no prolonged stay necessary/wanted) and slipping on your jacket when Dick burst in.

“Woah wait you’re leaving?!” Upon hearing his yell, Tim and Jason bolted over from the Batcomputer to correspond a farewell.

“Just like that? (Y/n) stay for dinner or something...” Jason muttered, tugging your jacket to gain your attention although their surprising discovery muted oncoming persuasion.

“I didn’t know you had a tattoo!” Tim excitedly commented marvelling at the work depicted on your shoulder blade where your jacket had fallen to reveal your camisole underneath.

“Shit...”

“Is this what you didn’t want us to see earlier (L/n)? It suggests it is meaningful to you.” God you didn’t even hear Damian come in but he deduced the situation quickly, the boys immediately even more involved plainly to bug you like the little brothers they were.

“It’s nothing. Now move.” You coldly replied, securing your jacket to hide the object of their heightening intrigue.

“4 birds though?” Dick mindlessly stated, brows furrowed as he thought through numerous possibilities whilst you brushed past them toward the exit.

You gave an exasperated sigh, knowing that they were considering the meaning behind your creative secret but you were more focused on disappearing.

“It’s us!” Tim smugly clarified, smirking at your frozen figure. Damn his superior detective skills.

“...”

“Timbers, our badass, cold hearted sister would never.” Jason sternly stated, referring to your usual uninterested nature.

“He’s right. Tim is right okay?” Mostly you wanted Jason’s way of thinking to be the stereotypical view of you but it was overshadowed by your underlying love for them which was displayed by your defeated posture.

.

With a deep breath to replenish your confidence, you began by stripping your jacket, turning away from them to hide your expression and expose your detailed artistry.

“There’s 1 for each of you because I never want to forget, if something ever goes wrong then this is my anchor. Anyway, this bird represents Dick, it’s wings are spread because he’s always flying. He’s not afraid to fall and I admire that... but if he ever does I’ll be there to catch him.” The sincerity in your tone set them all on edge as you pointed to the highest bird, it was unexpected as they never believed you truly viewed them that way.

With their bewilderment, you continued, the action made easier being blind to their facial reactions. “Hm. That one is Jason’s-“

“The feathers are falling, it’s because I died I’m guessing.” The tallest commented, quite abrupt about the subject but you immediately corrected him with voice of determination.

“Originally it never had the falling feathers it was - still is the brightest colour since you were so full of life and intelligently bright too. I added them after you returned because I let you down, you lost apart of yourself but no matter what, you continue to fight. You’re so strong Jaybird, y’know that?”

“(Y/n) you-“ Before he could pipe in you briskly moved on, running your finger down your skin to pinpoint the next target.

“Smallest one is Damian, not due to his height but because he has the most room to grow and I can’t wait to see it. That bird has the kindest eyes, to match Dami’s heart.” A brief smile crossed your lips at that and you could only hope they’d wear one too.

“And the final one is for Timbers, the bird looking like it’s landing, he found his home here or at least I’d hope so. I wanted you to feel welcome and loved Tim, despite what you have to put up with. Even from me.” You hadn’t realised the lone stream staining your face, nor the crack in your voice during the final sentence but the boys likely picked up on it.

Your hand fell back to your side, their ongoing silence lead you to feel uncomfortable, you’d shredded your armour both literally and figuratively before them and they had nothing to say which encouraged you to throw on your jacket, stealthily wiping your eyes in the process. This is why you kept your feelings hidden, buried under sarcasm, silence and mild violence (you were a vigilante after all).

.

“Heh, but whatever. I better get outta here anyway, later losers!” Your tone was quiet and mildly awkward, shrugging off the previous soft atmosphere with a defensive insult.

“Hey, uh check this out. Ridiculous right?” Jason started, hesitantly grabbing your fleeting shoulder to show you an old battered photo he’d dug out of his jacket pocket. It depicted the two of you and Dick pulling immature faces, a joyful moment captured in time before his death.

“Yea-yeah... that’s so stupid Jay.” Neither of you meant it, the insults conveying a deeper sense of emotion to one another.

“Not as stupid as that.” Tim gestured to the handwritten instructions taped to the Batcomputer, the ones you’d given him when he first arrived as a guide. The boy picked it up so quickly that you didn’t think he even used them, let alone kept them.

“Don’t give us the cold shoulder (Y/n). We’re here for you, like you are for us.” Dick grinned, pleased with his remark.

“Right, because you guys have always got my back.” Was your unimpressed but amused reply, though Jason couldn’t resist the urge to mock you.

“I mean the tattoo is on your shoulder but nice try sis.”

“Your sense of humour is insufferable.” Damian muttered, he’d heard enough puns from Dick Grayson to last him a lifetime or 3.

A small laugh escaped you as you waved goodbye to your brothers, feeling like you’d strengthened your bond with them.

They were a good family, your tattoo would always remind you of that - maybe that was why you chose your shoulder blade? Because they’d always be looking over your shoulder, because you’d always have their back and they’d have yours. Because they were your little birds, not matter how tall or muscly they get.

.

-Bonus-

“Hey Wally, did you know about (Y/n)’s bird tattoo?” Dick casually asked his best friend once he returned from Bruce’s lecture.

“Obviously, it’s kinda hard to miss. It’d be even worse if I didn’t know about it.” Wally honestly responded, hands lazily shoved into the pockets of his black hoodie.

“...”

“Uh huh, and how exactly do you know about it?” The suspicion in Tim’s tone immediately caused the speedster to rethink his choice of words, they were playing him.

“We - um, why does that matter exactly?”

“As family, it’s of importance so I suggest you start talking West.” Damian lowly answered, hand placed over the hilt of his katana displaying his lack of patience for Wally’s sassy comebacks.

“(Y/nnnnn)!”

[insanely-creative-things]

Big Hero 7:The Series

www.fanfiction.net

Big Hero 7 S2

Nega-Globby

*The San Fransokyo day is passing by normally as Globby swings through the city. He was once a petty purse thief named Dibs when by chance he inadvertently stole Honey Lemon's Chem purse and crushed it. With all of the ooze combined to Globby he had transformed to the gelatinous creature he is today. But after some encounters with Big Hero 7 and learning of Obake's true intentions, he quickly paired up with Hiro Hamada to save his girlfriend and ultimately, save San Fransokyo as a whole. Time passed and he had to admit, it was a rather strange time. First with all the darkbots appearing in San Fransokyo, Obake/Kage receiving his surgery, and now he's deemed safe for the public. And the first thing Globby is gonna do is get a job. He finally lands in front of the workplace he hopes to join, Noodle Burger(A part of him missed the little burger bot).*

Globby: OK... you can do this...

*But when Globby tried to cross the street he got hit by a bus. After he recovered and traveled back to Noodle Burger he got up to the front desk to meet the assistant manager.*

Globby: So sorry I'm late!

A.M: Oh um... did you bring your resume? Mr...uh..Globby?

*the globs and somewhat chicken scratch handwriting made it a little difficult to read properly.*

Globby: Please, Mr. Globby is my father... or it would be if my dad went through a freaky mutation...

A.M: So.. just globby.

Globby: Yup.

A.M: Your resume?

Globby: Here ya go. But I'm not sure about the formatting...

*globby brings out his resume and hands it to the assistant manager.. though due to his globbiness it made it rather difficult to actually give the paper.*

A.M: Sorry but... its a little... stuck. Maybe you could just tell me about your work experience?

Globby: Well I can do this!

*And so Globby morphs himself into a dinosaur, crashing through the roof before reverting back to his normal size.*

A.M: That is something...

Globby: Something awesome?

A.M: Something not that useful for making Noodle fries... Thanks for coming Globby, we'll let you know... OK?

Globby: Oh come on... please give me a chance! I need a job, I just want to be a regular guy-

*But while he was talking to the Assistant manager he slips on the wet floor and causes some property damage to the restaurant. While it was not as destructive as Noodle Burger Boy's was... it was still enough for the Assistant manager to not consider him a future worker.*

Globby: Darn it!

*Hiro and Cora had just finished up updating the chem bazooka he made for Honey Lemon back when Orso Knox escaped from Sycorax.*

Honey Lemon: Thanks for updating my new purse! And it looks so cute!

Hiro: This is still a prototytpe.

Cora: And cause of that rather creative bunny armor I thought... why not?

Hiro: Come on, test it. Push that button.

*Honey Lemon pushes the bunny button the side where the cuter purse transformed into a bazooka.*

Cora: Increased range and accuracy. Plus double emphasis on echo-location.

Honey Lemon: Sweet!

*But when Honey Lemon tested it out it started firing all over the place, releasing a mixture of ice and crystals to the floor outside. Just now Globby is passing by.*

Globby: My sixth interview this week-AH!

*And so he slips on the ice and lands on the crystals, leading to a loud and painful crash.*

Globby: Darn it!

Honey Lemon: Globby!

*Honey Lemon hands back the new chem bazooka to Hiro.*

Cora: Note to self, add fail safe should Bazooka go on a chem ball firing spree.

Hiro: Not to mention the slight problem with the accuracy.

Honey Lemon: Sorry Globby.

Globby: Nobody wants to hire a monster! You'd think Monster Pizza would be open minded but no!

Honey Lemon: You're not a monster-monster Globby, you're a good person.

Globby: That's just it, being a monster was easy! But being a regular guy and a monster is imposible. At least back when I worked with Obake I knew what to do-

*That's when he sees Cora, who's blinking at him and looking a little uncomfortable.*

Globby: Oh no I said the O-Word! Listen Kiddo I didn't mean to say Obake- Darn it I did it again! Oh...

*Baymax waddles over to comfort the poor sap.*

Baymax: Would you like a hug?

Globby: Uh huh!

*Globby immediately hugs Baymax while Cora nods to him, showing she accepts his apology.*

Baymax: There there.

Honey Lemon: I'm so sorry Globby, this is all my fault. It was my chem purse that did this to you.

Hiro:*Scooting his chair over to Honey Lemon* Which he did steal from you.

Honey Lemon: But if I had been more careful-

Globby: No, Hiro's right. I did this to myself; I'm a mess.

Hiro: Come on Globby, how about I talk to Aunt Cass? I'm sure she could totally use help around the café-

*Globby immediately hugs Hiro.*

Globby: Oh you're the best!

*But when Globby lets go of Hiro he sees his globs stick to his person.*

Globby: You know that comes out real easy with clean soda.

*That's when Globby turns to Cora and walks over.*

Globby: I really do mean it Cora, I shouldn't had said that word considering... what happened.. and what he actually-

Cora: Its fine Globby! As far as everyone knows, Obake's gone. Now, he's just Kage… my uncle..

Globby: Kage… I'm still not used to the fact that's his real name to be honest. Then again its either that or Bob... Kage rolls off the tongue better.

*This is when Honey Lemon remembers something a long time ago. She pulls over Cora to the side where she whispers to the blue haired girl's ear.*

Honey Lemon: Cora... could I talk to your grandmother about something?

*A little later where Kaguya, Honey Lemon, and Cora are at Gogo's apartment.*

Kaguya: You want...to see if my healing medicine could cure Globby?

Honey Lemon: I know its a big risk, but Globby has been through a lot and he just wants to be normal again.

Cora: Besides, from what I heard Globby was someone you knew with Felony Carl.

Kaguya: I whacked him with my cane when he attempted to grab my wallet. Then I took him out for tea.

Honey Lemon: Ms. Kaguya, I swear that I only want to give Globby the medicine. I'll say that its something I made!

*Kaguya ponders on the idea, thinking over Honey Lemon's words and Globby's situation. Finally she sighs.*

Kaguya; Alright... but there are certain conditions Honey Lemon.

Honey Lemon: Yes! I'll accept them.

Kaguya: You are to tell them, if Globby has been cured, that you subtracted the cells in his body of its nutrients to slow down the regeneration process. That would be Biology 101 that they would certainly eat up.

Honey Lemon: Of course.

Kaguya: I will head back home and brew the tea. Cora will come pick you up when its ready, then bring Globby over.

Honey Lemon: Yes! Thank you so much Ms. Kaguya!

*Honey Lemon skips merrily at the news as Kaguya sighs at her enthusiasm. Cora looks at her grandmother with concerned eyes.*

Cora: Whats wrong Grandmama?

Kaguya:... Cora, you know that it can heal all wounds and illnesses?

Cora: Yeah... you even said that the medicine even saved Papa from the brink of death.

Kaguya: I neglected to tell there were certain...side effects.

Cora: What kind? Would it hurt Globby ?

Kaguya: So far the only side effects we're increased fertility and heightening the immune system... but since Globby has been this way for so long... *Sighs* No matter. I have a healing medicine to make and you are to pick Honey Lemon up.

Cora: Grandmama?... why didn't you give Kage the medicine after he came here?

Kaguya: I still hold doubt over his reformation and its sincerity. He was also the one who had ordered your father to steal my potion and kill your mother and I. Until he makes a selfless act of pure love for you and your father, this medicine will never be something he'll taste... Cora... you know I saw you copy notes from the herbal medicine book.

Cora: Oh! you did?

Kaguya: I think its best...

*Cora looks down, mentally preparing for her ban on the book.*

Kaguya: That whatever discovery or interesting combination you find is best recorded in the book.

Cora: *looks up with surprise.* You mean-

Kaguya: the book is now yours Cora. You've shown how responsible you are over the years that passed, especially with your time as Aqua Girl. I know that the book is best kept in your hands.

Cora: Thank you Grandmama. For trusting me.

*They arrive at Home where soon Kaguya sets to work, behind Closed doors. Cora could only imagine what sorts of ingerients could have been inside that could perform such miracles. Even though Cora isn't ready to learn its recipe... at least she's ready to keep and guard the herbal medicine book that belonged to Kaguya, then her mother...and now hers. She flips over the pages until she found a blank page to start.*

Cora: OK now... this is the start of something new.*Looks at the small shrine and smiles* I promise, I'm gonna make you proud.

*Just then Kaguya comes out and brings a thermostat.*

Kaguya: finished….also... isn't it almost time for class?

Cora: Oh my god! I lost track of time!

*Cora quickly gets up, quickly reviewing her back to see all her assignments and necessities are there before heading to the kitchen. She pours a thermostat of similar build to the one Kaguya is holding as she places it next to it on the table. She grabs a piece of toast and heads over to Kaguya.*

Cora: OK Grandmama! I'm gonna head over to school now! Once classes are over I'll go to Honey Lemon and tell her the medicine is ready! Love you Grandmama!

*Cora grabs the nearest thermostat and runs out the door, picking up pace until she sees the building with only five minutes left to spare. She sighs before she spots that the thermostat wasn't screwed tightly as it was leaking a little.*

Cora: Whoops! Gotta fix that! *screws the top tightly* I hope nobody slips from the green tea.

*As she walks over to her classroom, she had failed to see that a drop landed on a wilting flower, to which receiving its nutrients blooms back to its youthful, colorful self. The speck of rose gold liquid is definitely not the green tea she had taken.*

*Later on at SFIT, Grandville is at her office when Honey Lemon comes through the door, carefully closing it behind her before she excitedly tells Grandville the news.*

Honey Lemon: We're gonna turn Globby back to being Dibs!

Grandville:*Blinking before she regains her composure* Honey Lemon...while that is good news... you hadn't explained how you will help him.

*Just then Liv Amara is passing through the halls to visit Grandville when she heard muffles. She leaned her head to hear what is exactly going on.*

Grandville:...The medicine for Globby can be proven fascinating...

Honey Lemon:... Cora's Grandmother agreed to help...

Grandville:... Just be sure to never share the medicine..

Honey Lemon: ...Cora will pick me up and deliver it to Globby...

*When she hears footsteps she quickly backs out as Honey Lemon walks happily to the robotics lab.*

Liv: Globby...medicine...Cora and her grandmother?... what ever this is. its going to be very interesting...

*She knocks on the door then opens it.*

Liv: Hi Grace! How are you?

*Grandville looks up to see Liv Amara, smiling at her. Before she would have smiled back and greeted her with open arms... but with the recent discoveries about Liv Amara made apparent her admiration soured... but when she learned what happened with Orso Knox, and what her students had learned: All respect for her had been spoiled. *

Liv: Is... something wrong Grace?

Grandville: Oh, nothing is wrong *Forced smile* I had a discussion with one of my students is all.

Liv: May I ask what is it about?

Grandville: I'm afraid I cannot tell you. Whatever goes on with my students and myself is private unless they choose to reveal such information.

Liv: Is that so?

Grandville: Exactly. Now, what are you doing here? I heard you still have repearations to finish considering Knox's rampage on Sycorax.

Liv: I know and its been tiresome and heartbreaking. All of that hard work destroyed in a single day... my intern Karmi was devastated when her project was lost.

Grandville: I know... her work would have flourished had it not been for Orso Knox's rampage... Its sad to see that despite all of your 'efforts' to cure him, he could not be saved...

Liv: I've also come to check on Cora's well being considering the attack. She must've felt so scared. I'm... glad Big Hero 7 saved her life... and its unfortunate that they had to... you know.

Grandville: Of course, there was nothing that could help him. But while it is touching that you still hold concern for Cora, she is not your intern anymore, so I don't see any reason why would you still see her.

Liv: Can't a girl be concerned for the well being of others? How about I ask Karmi to talk to her?

Grandville: That would be wise.

*At the Café, Hiro had just given Aunt Cass an introduction to Globby, who is sheepishly waiting outside.*

Cass: How do you know him again?

Hiro: From uh...SFIT?

Cass: What happened to his... everything?

Baymax: He stole-

Hiro: Stole the spotlight when he did this next level experiment but there was a accident... A horrible accident...

Cass: The poor guy...

Hiro: Exactly! That's why I thought you'd give him a job.

Cass:Hmmm Hiro, I don't know.. Has he ever worked in a café before?

Baymax: Globby was a pur-

Hiro: Personal guy and a fast learner!

*To show his potential he squirted out whip cream from his fingers to a couple's coffee cup.*

Globby: Foam?

Cass: Oh, that's sweet... also kind of disturbing but... OK. I'll give him a chance.

Globby: *Hugging Aunt Cass tightly* Oh thank you!

Cass: Oh um, your welcome.

*As Globby sets for work he leaves a trail of glob on Cass. Which she didn't find... appealing.*

Hiro: You won't regret this Aunt Cass!... I hope...

Cass: He has to wear a cloth, OK?

* At the robotics lab, Honey Lemon is checking over a piece of Glob from Globby. But it was merely for curiosity sake. Just then Cora joins up.*

Cora: Hiya Honey Lemon!

Honey Lemon: Cora! How are you? Did your grandmother finish the medicine?

Cora: Yup, but considering you're a little busy I could just wait for you.

Honey Lemon: OK, just give me a few more minutes. *Notices the thermos and the book* Is that the herbal medicine book?

Cora: Yup. Grandmama said that its officially mine.

Honey Lemon: Congrats!

Cora: I'm gonna go get some lunch, also help yourself to the thermos, its green tea.

Honey Lemon: Thank you.

*Tired of carrying around her backpack and Thermos she places it carefully next to Honey Lemon's work before heading off to the dining hall. Just then Honey Lemon sees Karmi… and she looked like she had seen better days. From the attack she had received a heavily bruised arm, a strained wrist and a limping leg. The blow from Orso Knox from his escape while taking Cora definitely left its mark.*

Honey Lemon: Hi Karmi? How you feeling?

Karmi: Oh I don't know... aside from being slammed to a wall by a mutated Orso Knox, receiving these injuries, having all of your work and lab destroyed, loosing my research and Sycorax getting a blowback for incompetence, I. Feel. Just. Peachy!

*Honey Lemon winced at Karmi's venomous tongue. Of course she would be bitter about the incident. She understood Orso Knox's hatred for Sycorax… but he didn't have to destroy all of their work... a few of them were innocent.. she hoped.*

Honey Lemon: *Changing the subject* So uh... whatcha here for?

Karmi: I'm looking for Cora.

Honey Lemon: You came to see how she's doing? Glad to know you really care about her!

Karmi: I don't care about her! I'm only checking on her cause Liv Amara asked me to. Honestly its her fault for this mess.

Honey Lemon: Her fault?

Karmi: If she hadn't gone to the lowest level and got that monster out, none of my work would have been destroyed nor my lab!

Honey Lemon: But... weren't you the one who was giving Cora the tour? They did say you hadn't even seen her anywhere before last minute.

Karmi: Ugh...

*That is when she sees three things... a piece of glob, a thermos, and a large leather bound book. She chooses to focus on the glob*

Karmi: Whats that you got there?

Honey Lemon: Its a piece if Globby. I'm studying it over to see whatever use I could find.

Karmi: You know, if you starve the cell of its nutrients it would slow down the regeneration process. That way the monster would be vulnerable.

Honey Lemon: Globby is not a monster. He helped Big Hero 7 save the city.

Karmi: Hmmp.*Looks at the two items.* What's that book over there? and the thermos?

Honey Lemon: Its Cora's book and thermos. Its has green tea if you like, it should help calm the nerves.

*Karmi opens the thermos and drinks it doing the birdie, closing her eyes. That's when Honey Lemon sees the liquid does not have the green color associated with green tea... which means its-*

Honey Lemon: Stop!

*Karmi immediately stops drinking it and closes the tap.*

Karmi: what?!

Honey Lemon: Uhhh…..Stop! Hammer time!

*Karmi blinks before she puts away the thermos.*

Karmi: You're super weird.

*Honey Lemon quickly puts away the thermos and smiles awkwardly. That's when Karmi heads over the book and opens it, settling to the medicine and herbs. She looks closer as she read what is possibly a very interesting concoction.*

Karmi: This is interesting...

Cora: What are you doing?!

*Karmi looks up to see Cora, holding a half eaten sandwich before placing it down and walking over.*

Cora: Why are you looking at my book?!

Karmi: Your book? I don't see your name on it!

Cora: *Flips to the very first page where her mother's name is now joined with her's.*

Cora: This book is very to special to me! It was grandmother and Mother's book! And I don't recall giving you permission to look at it!

Karmi: Yeesh! Possessive much?

Cora: An angel French fish has to be if a predator comes over.

Honey Lemon: *Goes between them to prevent a war* OK! Cora, Karmi actually came over to see if you are doing alright! Considering the... incident.

Karmi: Liv Amara wanted to see you in person, but she sent ME to wish you well. Her favorite intern.

Cora: Her only intern, cause I gave it up. Now, if you'll excuse, Honey Lemon and I are going to the lucky cat café. Also, tell Liv Amara that I appreciate her message... but screw her gently with a chainsaw.

*Karmi stares at her with shock as Cora walks over and packs her things with Honey Lemon, leaving her behind.*

Karmi: What right do you have to say about Liv Amara like that fish breath?!

Cora: Since I left Sycorax after being kidnapped by a monster you guys supposedly found a cure for two months ago you bipedal parasite!

*Karmi growled as she stomps her way out. Cora sighs angrily before she looks at Honey Lemon.*

Cora: Please excuse me... I need to scream into something... there it is.

*Soon Cora is screaming into a large bowl of water before resurfacing back, her blue hair damp as she takes deep breaths.*

Cora: OK! I feel better now. Wanna pick up Globby and see how he's doing at the lucky Cat?

Honey Lemon: OK! Glad to know you got your emotions out.

*But there were two things happening now after they left SFIT: One was in Chris, Liv Amara's assistant, snuck over to Honey Lemon's desk and swiftly and efficiently took a sample of the glob. Once that was done he swiftly leaves. The second was when Liv Amara is waiting for Chris when she sees Karmi.*

Liv: Hello Karmi! did Cora get my message? Is she doing OK?

Karmi: Ungrateful. She said Screw you gently with a chainsaw, can you believe that?

*Liv Amara blinks at Karmi's response about Cora's own. It seems earning her trust was gonna be harder then she thought. That is when she noticed something about Karmi that made her pause... The last she saw Karmi she had a limp, a bruised arm, and a strained wrist... but now she was walking around like she never received such injuries... and she didn't even notice.*

Karmi: What?

Liv: Its nothing. And I suppose I can't blame her. I'd probably be pissed too if I were kidnapped by a monster on my first day of work.

*at the Lucky Cat Café, for Globby it was going fine... for others not so much... He was efficient at his job and a fast learner... but the problem was... his globs got in everyone's business.*

Customer: Ma'am*To Cass* I ordered a green tea! This is purple and sticky?...and gelatinous?

Cass: *Sighs* I'm so sorry.. I'll make you a new cup right away!

Globby: Coming right up a yummy muffin and don't forget your frostecinno! Thank you! Come again!

*the one who ordered it did not appreciate her food being covered in globs.*

Globby: Let me get that door for you!

*Globby swings his arm to open the door which so happens to be opened by Honey Lemon and Cora.*

Honey Lemon: Globby we have good news!-

*And so Globby's hand ended up pulling Honey Lemon and Cora close to Globby. which leads to someone throwing a plate of eggs and bacon to Cass' face.*

Cora: Sorry Aunt Cass!

Honey Lemon: Oh no are you OK?

Globby: Sorry!

Cass:...*Wipes the eggs and bacon off her face* So he's going with you now right?

Cora: Yup!

*Soon afterwards the three head back to Cora's house where Globby sees Kaguya again.*

Globby: Hey Kaguya! You doing good?

*But Kaguya runs to Cora and checks her over before grabbing the thermos.*

Kaguya: Cora! Oh thank goodness you're here! You had inadvertently grabbed the wrong thermos. *Hands the other thermos* This is your green tea.

*This causes Cora to widen her eyes before looking at Honey Lemon.*

Cora: Nobody else drank from the thermos while I was gone... right?

Honey Lemon: Ummm...ya see-

Globby: Whats the thing that Cora switched?

Kaguya: Globby, it is potentially your cure to being human again.

Globby: A cure? Really?

*Kaguya hands over the medicine to Globby, who looks inside to see the beautiful glow of Rose gold liquid. He looks over to the three ladies, waiting for him to drink it.*

Globby: OK...through the lips and over the gums...look out bottomless pit I call a stomach.. this will come!

*And so he chugs the remainder of the liquid down before its empty of its contents.*

Globby: Hmm...

Honey Lemon: Well?

Globby: It was hard swallowing down cause it packs a punch, but the aftertaste is fantastic-!*Gasp!*

*Globby starts breathing heavily before there was this glow of gold wrapping around his globby body, slowly melting away one by one. Honey Lemon looks at the radar to see that his body mass and temperature is rapidly changing. Finally, when the glow died down, they see in place of Globby the tall, lanky man from so long ago. He looks down to see his hands for the first time in forever, feeling his heart beat again and the metallic headband now removeable.*

Dibs:...I can't believe it! It worked!

*But instead of smiling faces he sees the blushing face of Honey Lemon who is covering her eyes, Kaguya having an 'excuse me'? look on her face while she covers Cora's eyes. He looks down to see that while he has successfully regained his human form...*

Dibs: *Blushing immensely while covering himself* Does anyone have pants?

*After getting suitable clothing for Dibs Cora and Honey Lemon invited everyone over to meet Dibs*

Wasabi: Welcome back to being human Dibs.

Fred: Yeah!

*Dibs goes to a mirror and sees his face again.*

Dibs: Wow! I almost forgot how good I looked!

*But while he was checking himself out, Kage walks down the stairs with his Baymax behind him, yawning as he had just woken from a nap.*

Kage: Kaguya, do you know where is the green tea?-

*That is when he sees everyone from Big Hero 7 is there. Now, he was fine meeting with just Hiro and Cora... but meeting the rest all at once?...*

Baymax 1: Kage, your heart beat is quickening at an alarming pace-

Dibs: No way!

*Dibs pulls himself from admiring his reflection as he stares into Kage's eyes, like he is seeing a ghost.*

Dibs: Boss?... is that you?

Kage: Do I know you?...

Dibs: Its me! Globby! I was your favorite henchmen! But wow! Looks like we both changed! Hey, how about we grab something from Joe's diner and-

Kage: No thank you! In fact I don't want any of you here!

*Kage immediately walks back upstairs, his face displaying discomfort and guilt.*

Kage: If I see you again Globby I will not hesitate to yank your headband off your brain and shove it to your skull!

*The door slam is a very good indicator that he did not want any company for now.*

Dibs: Hehe... Too sudden?

*As of while, Liv Amara and Chris are at her private lab at the lowest floor, seeing out the glob Chris stole from Honey Lemon's desk.*

Chris: Cell regeneration?

Liv: Yes. If I can figure it out, this could lead a breakthrough.

Chris: You mean for-

Liv: What else? Now lets see if I can amplify the tissue with the regernable abilities.

*When she added the altered goop to the sample, it had turned purple and consumed all in the desk, leaving nothing but a bare desk.*

Liv: Interesting...

*She places the dark blobs in a much larger jar to study. After adding in more of the serum it grows larger and breaks through the glass. *

Liv: Pretty neat right? Put it into a containment cell...now get it something to eat.

Chris: You know… I don't get why you still want Cora mizichio as your marine bio intern. There's plenty of other marine bio students that would love to be in her place.

Liv: Its because she has something I want. Who knows what secrets her book holds?

*Later on in Joe's dinner, Dibs is with Felony Carl and Kaguya having coffee and pancakes.*

Felony Carl: Hey, you got knees. Enjoying it?

Dibs: Oh loving it. All my joints are wonderful, I mean elbows. Come on its pretty great!

Felony Carl: Uh huh, and hey, how about teeth?

Dibs: Oh yeah teeth. A lot of fun!

Felony Carl: I don't mean to overstep my boundaries but your enthusiasm seems forced. Its so fake even Kaguya sees through it.

*Kaguya sips her tea while she nods.*

Dibs:...You two have X-Ray eyes felony carl. You two see through my knees, elbows and teeth all the way to my soul.

Felony Carl: Humans have regular eyes.

Kaguya: So what is truly troubling you Dibs?

Dibs: Being fully human again is kind of... boring. No offense.

Felony Carl: Hey, you're in a safe space.

Dibs: I mean my life as a mutated freak was often gross, painful, embarrassing... but exciting!

*Dibs walks over to Felony Carl's side to show his phone which shown a couple picture Kaguya never thought she would see. Pictures of Globby taking a selfie with Kage, back when he was Obake, Trina, Noodle Burger Boy, and Momakase.*

Dibs: I was a valued member of a team of super villains! But then I turned good and joined the heroes! And I helped them save San Fransokyo and everyone in it!... I was special.

Felony Carl: No no no. You are special.

Dibs: Aw, thanks carl.

Felony Carl: You're welcome. Now be a champ and pick up the check. I gotta go pay a guy about a thing. The guy is my dad and the thing is his birthday.

Kaguya: I wish your father a happy birthday Felony Carl.

Felony Carl: thanks Kaguya. He'll appreciate it.

*After Felony Carl leaves Dibs turned to Kaguya who is still looking at the photos, especially of the time he was a super villain.*

Dibs: You can ask me anything you want to know back in the day ya know? Certain items I stole, how I figured out how to make ice cream-

Kaguya: What was it truly like working with them?

*Kaguya points to the photo of Obake, Momakase, Trina, N.B.B, and himself. dibs sighs before he sits back down.*

Dibs: Ya see... It was fine at first! Obake was this cool and suave villain that I looked up to, even his voice was sexy... But over time.. he was really... harsh. He and Momakase hated each other, and he would slap her silly If she tried to do anything against him. Trina and Noodle Burger Boy look up to him as Dad...though he was super neglectful and only rarely gives hugs. But on his worst days...

Kaguya: What worst days?

Dibs:... He seems to be like a violent beast underneath his calm self. For someone lanky like me you would've thought he'd be weak in the brawns department but... to be honest I was growing scared. And when I overheard what he was gonna do to San Fransokyo and your granddaughter I just... *Sighs* It really was awkward seeing him again... now he just looks so lost and broken... if trina and Noodle Burger boy find out he's alive and that he gave up his evil side, who knows how they will react.

Kaguya: Hmmm... I'm happy you shared this with me dibs. Tell me this; when you joined Big Hero 7 to save San Fransokyo as Globby, how did you feel?

Globby: Just like I said earlier, important... wanted.. and loved. Do you know the answer?

Kaguya: I could tell you, but its the solving the puzzle that's the journey. Now, how about we split the check?

Dibs: Thanks Kaguya, you're the best.

*At Sycorax's lab, Christ is delivering a meal to the mutated monster Liv Amara has made.*

Chris: Who's excited for an artisanal Cheese Brulee?

*Once the cell opens the glob eats Chris and scurries off. Then it goes the pair of eye balls and eats them too... gaining eyes in the process. Liv Amara notices the breach as Chris somehow manages to escape the Glob's form.*

Chris: We have a problem... it escaped.

Liv: So I see...

*She shuts off the security system.*

Chris: But don't we need it for-

Liv: Dead end, its too unstable. And as far as everyone knows, it came out of nowhere. Its the city's problem now.

*At SFIT in the evening, the Gang are enjoying their food when Grandville walks over to them.*

Grandville: Hello Honey Lemon, and students. How did that 'special project' go?

Honey Lemon: It was a complete success! Globby, or should I say, Dibs is cured!

Grandville: It still seems miraculous that such a concoction would cure him. It truly is a miracle potion.

Cora: Yeah, now he can enjoy his life as a normal man!

Grandville: There has been something I noticed however... Karmi had received a strained wrist, a limping leg and a heavily bruised arm during Knox's attack on Sycorax. From what the doctors said she would fully recover within a month or so.

Wasabi: OK... and?

Grandville: Just yesterday it seems like she was completely cured. all of her injuries was gone.

Hiro: That is super weird. How could she heal that fast?

Cora: Yeah, its not like she drank the medicine right?

Honey Lemon:*Looking very uncomfortable* Ummm...

Gogo: Honey... what happened?

Honey Lemon: Well... the funny thing is...I offered her the thermos and she kind of sort of maybe drank a little bit?

Cora: YOU WHAT?!

*The shout echoed across the dining hall, making everyone stare at the blue haired girl. She sinks down in her seat as Hiro looks at Honey Lemon.*

Hiro: *whisper shouts* Karmi drank the medicine?!

Honey Lemon: I didn't notice it till it was too late! But luckily so far Karmi hadn't told anyone about her healing right?

*Just then Gogo's phone beeps with news.*

Gogo: We have a situation right now!

*Looking into the phone they see a dark colored figure of Globby with a menacing eye stomping through the city. The team fly through the city where they confront the new monster. There was no doubt that despite being different colors, it held a resemblance to one other former glob monster.*

Honey Lemon: This is impossible!

Cora: Hit the deck!

*The other monster throws a mailbox to the team before they all dodge.*

Wasabi: Is it just me or is Globby a lot meaner?

Hiro: And bigger?

Cora: And a different color?

Fred: Whatever was in that potion definitely funked him up. He's full phase two.

Cora: Grandmama did tell me there were going to be side effects, but I never thought it would be this serious!

Hiro: It wasn't your fault, neither of your fault. It could be that the cells were too unstable.

Gogo: Whatever, he's going down!

Honey Lemon: Wait! He's our friend! Just let me talk to him please!

*Honey Lemon goes over to the other monster while Cora quickly contacts her grandmother and tells her about the sitation.*

Kaguya: What are you talking about? Dibs is with me walking home right now!

*Cora stopped functioning for a moment, trying to process what see meant as Honey Lemon gets close to the other monster.*

Honey Lemon: Dibs listen to me! I know I failed you the first time, but whatever happened I know I can fix it! You don't have to do this! Listen to me Dibs, this isn't who you are.

*Just then Dibs and Kaguya come by.*

Dibs: Hey guys, who's the monster?

Kaguya: And why has Cora stopped functioning?

*Hiro gives Cora a slight slap to the face to shake her off her shock.*

Cora: HONEY LEMON THAT'S NOT GLOBBY THATS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MONSTER!

Honey Lemon: What?

Fred: Then its a whole new globby? Oh my gosh I get to name it! He's officially Nega-Globby!

Cora: Get somewhere to safety with Grandmama Dibs! We're gonna handle this copy cat!

*Honey Lemon pushes Dibs and Kaguya to a nearby store before joining back the team, to which they had sprung into action.*

Fred: OK Nega-Globby! Prepare to meet your maker! Fire-

*With a swing, Nega-Globby sends Fredzilla blasting off again. Gogo tries to strike it down her discs and zoom away, but the acid Nega-Globby realeased ultimately melted away her wheels, just barely escaping the acid. Wasabi hops into action as he brings his blades.*

Wasabi: OK! That's enough!

*But the blades did nothing as it swings Wasabi to Gogo. Just then Baymax with Hiro and Cora on his back punch Nega-Globby to bits before it reforms again to fight.*

Hiro: Baymax, rocket fis-Oh watch out!

*Nega Globby slithers away to trap the three to a wall.*

Baymax: I cannot move.

Hiro: Me neither.

Cora: Well this is just great *Sarcasm*

Baymax: That was sarcasm.

Honey Lemon: Don't worry guys I've got this-

*That's when Honey Lemon realized that something is missing.*

Honey Lemon: Oh no! My purse!

*As it turns out Dibs had grabbed the purse and Kaguya soon followed after him. While running Dibs shows to Kaguya that he still has the neurotransmitter and puts it on his head. Once they reach a safe spot Kaguya looks at Dibs.*

Kaguya: Are you sure about this?

Dibs: Someone has to help.

*Kaguya steps back to let Dibs break the purse. But it seems like Hiro and Cora's updated purse made it stronger to resist breaking.*

Dibs: Why won't you break?!

*When Dibs kicks it off the purse flies through the air before catapulting to the side of the road where a bus comes by and runs it over, squirting all of its goo onto him.*

Dibs: Its working Kaguya! Oh man I forgot how nuts this part was!

*Kaguya could not help but smile widely as Dibs transforms back into Globby once more. Nega Globby walks forward to Honey Lemon, the last hero standing.*

Honey Lemon; Lets just take it easy Nega-Globby! *To comm link* Guys! My purse is gone!

Wasabi: *Groggily* Coming... ow.

Gogo: I'm all out. *To Fred via comm link* Fred where are you?

Fred: *Coming out of the trash* Umm...I have no idea.

*Honey Lemon dodges out of Nega-Globby's swings before contacting Hiro.*

Honey Lemon: Hiro I need that prototype!

Hiro: I'll call Skymax! If I could just... get to my.. phone!

Cora: till then, survive Honey Lemon!

*Just as it appears to be the end for Honey Lemon, she was pulled out of the way of Nega-Globby's hammer via the original Globby.*

Globby: Gotcha Honey Lemon!

*Honey Lemon looks up to see Dibs back to being Globby.*

Globby: You're safe now!

Honey Lemon: Globby! You've changed back!

Globby: You guys needed help, and I realized being a freak is my happy place. Stay here, I'll deal with the big guy!

*And so Globby transforms himself to a bull and charges to Nega-Globby, knocking it out.*

Globby: Hey! The position of Globby has been filled! By me; and I'm about to show you my special skills!

*And the battle was on between Globby and Nega-Globby, the original vs the impostor. Using whatever skills they have they battled it out. While that happened Hiro nears his hand to his phone while Cora tries to see what is going on with Globby and Nega-Globby. Finally Hiro grabs his phone and calls Skymax. Now Globby and Nega-Globby are morphing to a ball fighting for dominance.*

Globby: Yeah not good!

Honey Lemon; Oh no!

*that is when Skymax appears and drops by the Prototype.*

Honey Lemon; Thanks Skymax!

*And soon she activates the prototype to the bazooka form and takes aim.*

Honey Lemon: Hold still Globby!

Globby: I'm trying! But I am gelatinous!

Honey Lemon: Don't worry this won't hurt! *To self* I think!

*Activating the bazooka she takes aim and fires into Nega-Globby. She shot enough ammo to shrink Nega-Globby down to a size where Dinosaur Globby eats him up, destroying it for good.*

Globby: And that's how you monster.

*And soon everyone that was seeing the action clapped for Globby.*

A.M: Way to go Globby!

Globby: Thanks Sarah!

*Globby shoots out a goo to destuck Baymax, Hiro, and Cora and let them land safely before he reverts to his original size.*

Honey Lemon: thank you so much Globby!

Fred: Globby vs Nega-Globby! And the winner being the OG!

Gogo: Great job. *To Honey Lemon.* Both of you.

Honey Lemon:Thanks guys.

*Just then Baymax arrives the scene with Hiro and Cora.*

Cora: You really are Hero Globby.

Globby: Aww shucks.

Hiro: You know, I can't believe I hadn't thought about this till now... * Pulls out his phone and calls.* Hey, Commander Carter? Might I interest you in a new hero in training?

*Cora winks at Globby before Globby wraps himself around the team in a giant hug. As of while Kaguya snaps a photo of the group and sends it to Mizuchi, Grandville... Kage received the message too... and for a bried moment he smiled.*

Kage: For a petty, uncoordinated purse thief... you've made a really intelligent choice in friends, Globby.

*The next day they are eating breakfast at Joe's diner where Hiro and Cora are having Omurice.*

Hiro: Even now I still don't know where Nega-Globby came from.

Cora: Yeah. And even how did they even make Nega Globby?

Wasabi: You know, ever since the 'revelation' about Orso Knox, a lot of weird things have been happening lately.

*Just then Globby comes in.*

Globby: Globby in the house!

*The patrons stare at him.*

Globby: Who wants a picture?

*And soon everyone lines up for a selfie with Globby.*

Gogo: You mean like that?

Honey Lemon: I'm glad Globby's happy.

Cora: And the fact people are accepting him.

Hiro: With Commander Carter and the super hero program, he'll become more awesome and in control.

*But what neither of them are aware are two things... one was that an eye of Nega-Globby survived… but a small speck of Rose gold liquid floats inside him, keeping an eye out for nega-Globby. Protecting its host from the invading virus he is unaware of.*

A.N: Sorry its late! Had to deal with school and such! Hope you love the chapter! Love you!

[lovelylogans]

Roman has always lashed out and seemed angry and insecure. He has always been super on edge. Like in accepting anxiety he randomly began breathing strangely and he was the only one to look super upset still when he was lowering down to go back to the normal living room space once they left after Virgil had to try and help Thomas calm down enough to leave his room safely. Poor Roman isn't doing so good in the emotional department right now.

*cracks knuckles* i have Several Opinions i would like to share

i’m gonna take it by accepting anxiety and a couple other examples plus the most recent video and then uhh ramble some more (this got kinda long so i’m putting it under a read more)

accepting anxiety:

one hc i think is probably really accurate about accepting anxiety is the fact that roman was the most affected by anxiety. not the character, not virgil, but the condition itself

he was the first to develop the eyeshadow, had arguably the most drastic shadow of the lot of them by the end, and began acting much more erratically sooner than, say, logan.

but even looking into what roman represents: imagination, creativity, ego. let me just say that when my anxiety’s particularly heightened, i don’t think i can compose a musical, and i never feel particularly great about myself when i’m feeling anxious

i’m paraphrasing here but i think roman said something along the lines of “fear is the biggest thing that holds you back from achieving your hopes and dreams,” which, well, yeah. 

so it’d make sense that roman’s really heavily affected by a room meant to heighten your anxiety; it’s much more.... threatening feels like the wrong word, but i’m gonna use it, threatening to his state of being than logic (logic can often help defeat anxiety) or morality (or emotions; anxiety can help heighten those, sure, but it doesn’t actively drive down your emotions to nothing. it might even help heighten them, for some people. and sure you can get anxious about a certain set of morals you subscribe to, but, well. that’s not going to make you stop being moral)

breathing strangely is, woo, a symptom of an anxiety attack (or generalized anxiety) for a lot of people, including myself. the breathing exercise took longest on roman to take effect; if i’m remembering correctly, first it was logan who sunk down (again, anxiety and logic, they clash a lot) then patton (who sniffled a little before sinking down, which, yeah, calming down a little) and then roman, shortly followed by thomas himself. 

which, like, yeah. again, this is me personally, but one of the easier things to do while anxious is attend to physical needs (am i thirsty, am i hungry, do i need to shower, do i need to sleep?) and then maybe address myself emotionally (it’s okay now, here’s some calming things i can do to help myself, here are some friends i can text for reassurance) and, uh, being creative and thinking about my hopes and dreams? nope. not a thing. not happening. i’m going to bed and waking up and seeing if i can handle that. that is waiting until the next morning.

I’d almost argue that roman just... isn’t good with emotions, period. which, I mean, relatable, but consider it. 

he’s creativity, ego, hopes and dreams; very little of that involves negative emotions (i.e., anxiety, sadness, anger other than “righteous fury,” depression, et cetera. no one hopes or dreams about those.) sure, those can be used in creativity, the moving on duo itself being a fantastic example of taking your pain and turning it into art, but that’s not necessarily inherent. you don’t have to be angry or sad or depressed to make art; you make art. art can be an outlet, which i think is what roman’s probably used to doing, taking any pain and externalizing it (lashing out, as you mentioned; the little aside in the crofter’s musical video; probably more, but i’m not exactly doing a super thorough deep dive here) and he probably doesn’t, like, deal with it beyond those outlets, which. huh. actually.

the manticore-chimera is a pretty decent metaphor, actually? roman’s physically injured in the clip yet insists on taking it on alone; logan tells him that’s pretty dumb, he should heal or at least bring other people. logan’s understanding of emotion is very, well, logical; flashback and nostalgizing in moving on, he didn’t really get it, bless his heart, but he knew it was integral to a process of growth. roman is very used to taking it on alone; creativity is his thing, hopes and dreams are his thing. 

heck, i’d argue that’s a pretty strong message of the sanders sides, is that you’re not always alone; virgil tried to isolate himself and was surrounded by people in turn offering a hand back and trying to understand him. patton was isolating himself and losing himself in the past even though it hurt to surface, and was surrounded by people commiserating in his pain and encouraging him not to hide his feelings. roman, well, i’m not gonna pretend to know the underlying cause of roman’s surely upcoming arc, but it’s there. and we all know that the other sides (plus thomas, of course) will be there to help out.

wow, don’t know if that answers your question, but i always like to analyze, so!

[irishcoffeeslushie]

Nobuta wo Produce review (excerpts) - I

Disclaimer: I didn’t write this, although I wish I had. Source.

High school.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of teenage angst, it was the season of puppy love; it was the spring of maturity, it was the winter of childhood; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us…

God bless his soul, but Mr. Dickens must be turning in his grave this very minute knowing that his iconic opener from “A Tale of Two Cities” was hijacked by some slush-brained Jdorama fangirl, and then bastardized into a paean to the Universal High School Experience. Even worse, imagine his horror to find this piece to be just a pretext for a long and gushy tribute to a rather unsightly pair of Japanese teen idols — one scrawny and effeminate, the other looking perpetually lobotomized — who, by their performances in the drama that’s about to be dissected, have effectively clinched said fangirl’s undying affections (pure and, uh, otherwise). If our esteemed Victorian novelist only knew that his classic lines would later be co-opted into a rhapsody about a couple of Johnnies fer gawdssakes, he wouldn’t just be turning in his grave by now, but doing freakin’ somersaults while chewing on his elbows or something — or worse, gyrating furiously to the “Seishun Amigo” chorus. (Sacrilege!!! Is nothing sacred now? Not even Dickens???)

I know it may sound funny (and even counterintuitive), but “sacred” is exactly what I hold this drama to be. Admittedly, Nobuta wo Produce hardly looks impressive on the surface, and can be dismissed by the casual observer as just another idoru vehicle set against the disposable backdrop of high school — with the fluff, the stereotypes, the puerile laughs — only to be swallowed in a sea of other mass-produced Jdramas of the same teen-wanking formula… But no. This one is different. Because once in a while we drama fans are gifted with a viewing experience so transcendent in both style and substance, a triumphant synergy of directorial creativity, of writing deep and resonant, and of characters so heartbreakingly authentic.

Nobuta wo Produce is the Jdrama that is closest to my heart, the one that means the most to me out of all that I’ve watched (and re-watched). (And you thought it was something Kimura had starred in? Close, but no ciggy.) Although I cannot speak for all fans of this drama, I know that many, like myself, have come to love its three protagonists — Shuji, Akira, Nobuta — with a fierce allegiance, and can identify with their own feelings of disquiet and trepidation as they stand, inevitably, on the brink of adulthood. This is a deeply personal drama to watch — and that, for me, is what makes it sacred in no small way. Just as we all — whoever and wherever we are — inwardly uphold as sacrosanct the universal themes that this drama explores to rich, rewarding ends: the painful reality of growing up, the strange duality of alienation and friendship, and the “self-revelatory odyssey” of finding yourself as you make your way through life.

Robert Lloyd of the Los Angeles Times had this to say about another seminal teen drama from the other side of the world that remains, in my opinion, the best of its kind to ever be spawned by Hollywood — and also, regrettably, one of the most underrated and short-lived. The title? My So-Called Life (ABC, 1994).

“Every so often in the collaborative art called television a little miracle happens. There is a meeting of minds, a confluence of vision, a gathering of particular talents. The planets align, the cards fall into place, and something is born whose worth is instantly apparent to all involved, not as a generator of revenue — at which it might fail completely — but as an ennobling refraction of some little bit of the Truth, of what it means, or could mean, to be alive. Each department pushes the others a little bit harder; excellence from one corner prompts ambition in another. What might have begun as just the next greenlighted project or available job becomes a sort of holy mission, even if none of the participants would ever dare call it that — this being, after all, only television.”

These words also captured all that I felt about Nobuta wo Produce and had hoped to articulate in my own inadequate way. And the stars did seem to align for myself and this drama: a few minutes into the first episode I knew that something extraordinary was unfolding on my TV screen. There was no way this would turn out to be just another teen drama. Nor did it feel like an “idol drama” in spite of its cast; I saw no idols playacting for the paycheck, but three regular high school kids in a coming-of-age story that was all at once funny, heartfelt and bittersweet. NwP isn’t an outstanding high school drama, but an outstanding drama, period.

Based on the novel by Shiraiwa Gen, the screenplay by Kizara Izumi serves as the backbone of the whole drama… and oh my goodness, how can I NOT gush about THE WRITING — it both warms and pierces the heart. And it’s so… HIGH SCHOOL, y’know? It gets it, as in it really gets what high school is all about, that different planet we’ve ALL been to, where the drama and the heightened emotions and the clique wars and the desire for validation and the puppy love and the tortured ruminations matter more than they ever will by the time we’re these Big Old Boring Grownups. Nobuta wo Produce is about Becoming and Belonging, and about finding fast and true friends who will help you along the way.

Everyone loves Shuji – from his teachers right down to his peers, from his coterie of “bye-byecycle” homeboys to their simpering, magazine-flipping counterparts, from the resident toughies to the nerds and outcasts. And he lives for their acceptance, he craves their admiration, he likes to be liked by everyone… Well, maybe not everyone, because if there is one person he simply cannot stand, the bane of his high school existence, it’s this boy, the Weirdest Human Being Shuji has ever met. There simply is nobody else on earth quite like… Kusano Akira (Yamashita Tomohisa).

If Pinocchio were a special child and had magic mushrooms for breakfast every bleeping day of his life… then add a few more embellishments like the bleached hair and rolled-up shirtsleeves, the baggy pants and wallet chain, the spacey giggling and face-pulling, the repertoire of funny voices and horribly infectious expressions — bakayaro! kon-kon! Shu-uuuji-kun! sukebe! – and a partiality to quoting Nietzsche while incongruously flailing his arms like a gooney bird… voila! Kusano Akira, Resident Freak of 2-B. And the worst thing about this little creep? Is that he seems to harbor an unhealthy liking for… Shuji. (Oh NOES!!!) (Ohhhh YESSS!!!! Hehehe)

So what on earth makes this unlikely twosome team up for a common cause? Shortly after the new girl’s arrival, Shuji and Akira chance upon a particularly nasty case of girl-on-girl bullying coming from inside the ladies’ room. The victim turns out to be that odd little transferee Kotani Nobuko (Horikita Maki). Reluctant to get involved, Shuji stays outside the washroom while Akira goes inside to try and reason with the bullies. With no image to protect, Akira has nothing to lose by sticking up for someone like Nobuta — even if it means getting hosed down himself. For all his flakiness and irrational fears, Akira is no coward.

I like how the writing gives the viewer a comprehensive crash course in product development, brand marketing and image management. I have no background in this field, but still found this stuff incredibly fascinating. And there’s a certain *wink, wink, nudge, nudge* aspect to this drama, given that Shuji and Akira’s marketing strategy parallels how the entertainment industry manufactures, packages and sells celebrities, be they TV/film stars or recording artists or — yes, teen idols. (I really do wonder if Messrs. Kamenashi and Yamashita ever realized how meta the whole “Producing Nobuta” story line was. Did they ever look up from the script during one of the read-throughs and go, “Huh? But this is US!” Heh heh.)

A crucial point for Shuji comes in the Valentine’s Day episode, where he must choose between showering Nobuta with flower petals, or dousing her with cold water. The first option will spell kryptonite for his Cool Guy status, while the second will undoubtedly break Nobuta’s heart. What to do, what to do? As much as I wanted to wring Shuji’s neck for vacillating through most of the episode, you understand how much it means to him to put his popularity on the line.

This episode builds with delicious suspense — will he, or won’t he? — and concludes with a most unexpected twist. Damn, but when Bando (as a last-minute substitution, as per Nobuta’s request) pulls the cord and those petals come raining down on Nobuta, I frickin’ cried my eyes out. What’s more touching is when Nobuta realizes that Shuji, after an agonizing night of soul-searching, had in fact played, and played, and played a random eeny-meeny-miney-mo game until he finally arrived at “flower” instead of “water.” (Awwww, Shu-uuuji-kun!)

97% of the drama’s humor emanates from this singular bundle of goofy laughs. And Akira’s screwiness is surpassed only by how bloody endearing he is. You come to not only tolerate his foibles, but embrace them — because as a viewer you can look past appearances to see his good, stout and true heart. He may be off the wall (actually WAAAY off the wall, lol), but Akira is the Real Deal. He is also the perfect voice for an entire generation of aimless, unmotivated youngsters trying to make sense of, well, everything. “I dunno what youth is all about,” he bleats to Shuji on the rooftop in Episode 1. “I don’t have anything I want to do, and I don’t want to do anything.” (To which Shuji replies: “Isn’t everyone like that?” Hmm, good point, Shuji.)

If Shuji and Nobuta’s personal bugbears are dishonesty and low self-esteem, respectively, for Akira it is growing up. In Episode 6 he promptly leaves home to escape his dad’s mounting insistence that he take over the family-run company someday; and for the boy this is a most horrifying prospect, a life that will not only saddle him with a staggering load of adult responsibilities, but also take him far, far away from what he most holds dear. He tells Shuji before drifting off to sleep (having crashed the Kiritani home after a violent disagreement with his dad) “I don’t wanna go back home. I like that tofu guy and I can drink ‘mame chichi’ and be with Shuji and Nobuta everyday…” (Oh, Akira.)

Akira has the best lines when he’s at his tortured, lovesick worst. When Shuji the Cynic asks him what his immediate plans are — “What are you going to do? Confess to her, and then go to the zoo on a date, or something?” — Akira mulls it over a second, then answers: “What I want to do the most is… MARRY HER!!!….. How embarrassing!” (Then Shuji dryly comments via voice-over, “His reality goes way beyond my imagination.” LMAO!!!! Man I love those boys. *tear*) So, you don’t wish to deny him his petty fits of jealousy, like attempting to throw away Shuji’s short film – with insanely funny repercussions: “Akira DOWN!!!” (Lol!!!) Then, “My heart hurts…” (Awwww…) But he can’t keep his wrongdoing a secret from Shu-uuji-kun, so he confesses right there on the video room floor: “I’m the worst guy. The WORST.” To which Shuji quietly replies, “I’m the worst, too.” (Man I really, really love those boys. *tear*)

Salinger’s angstily f*cked-up hero Holden Caulfield fears becoming one of those adult “phonies” whom he detests so much, and instead envisions himself a catcher standing on the edge of a cliff, intercepting little kids as they come through a field of rye. In Nobuta wo Produce, Shuji, Nobuta and (most of all) Akira grapple with similar feelings as they face the terrifying inevitability of growing up. In this sense, both “Catcher” and NwP run counter to conventional Bildungsroman lines because the characters try to resist this process of maturity. It is only later that they learn to accept, and embrace it as part of life.

NwP is chock-full of these soul-stirring vignettes, and I’d like to include a few here. One unforgettable moment is a shot of Shuji and Akira on their bikes, pausing in the middle of a tree-lined road and turning to watch the adult pedestrians, these working stiffs in suits, hurry past in the other direction. Shuji: “I thought about how we’re gonna become like those boring-looking people someday.”

And this obviously pushes That Button inside Akira, sending him into Spaz Mode: “I don’t wanna be like that! Don’t wanna, don’t wanna, don’t wanna be like that!” (LOL oh Akiraaa)