#these are rapidly becoming a staple in my every day texting life much to my friends dismay

[thepunkmuppet]

my new favourite genre of anything ever is cringey gerard way memes from the early 2010s

^^^ my favourite one. what the fuck even is it. I don’t know. incredible.

also this one doesn’t fit into the same vibe but it’s just funny

gerard way x blade of wheat

[dadoroki]

Too Far Gone

Pyscho!Dabi x Reader

Warnings: possessive, obsessive, cursing, sociopath au, pyschopath au.

Summary: You caught the mysterious man’s attention at the bar you worked at. He wanted to get to know you. He spent his days with you and gradually, his affection grew into something so menacing.

Slowly, I become lost in my own sanity.

How far could you go before you lose control?

When you grow up in a broken home, you start to feel broken yourself.

Dabi walked, shoulders back, yet eyes frequently struggling to stay open. He felt the life being drained out of him.

During an attack scheme, he met eyes with the red and white haired teen. The little brother he grew up with was now much older. Shoto couldn’t even recognize him, shooting a permanent pain to his chest. He hated Endevour for taking away his childhood. The potential for a great and joyful future.

A wave of depression hits him. Perhaps that's the emotional optimum in this shallow society. Even hero’s have dark secrets locked away from the spotlight of their supporters. And Dabi was the witness.

The bar was always his go-to place when he felt lost in thought. He shields his face with the hoodie on his sweater. Dabi was one of the most wanted villains so he was always forced to avoid attention.

He lowly watches his feet take steady steps across the wooden tiles, covering his face. Everyone naturally assumed he was a quiet person. He slumped on his usual stool and adjusted his hoodie, not bothering to look up.

“The usual.”

A soft voice replied to him, catching him off guard.

“Um, what’s your usual?”

He glances up, meeting a pair of eyes he had never seen before. She must be new. The way she held the glass was awkward, soft silky hair tied back, eyes glowing as the light above hovered over them.

“Make me your recommendation.”

You nod your head with a smile. Dabi watches as you pour a half ounce of lemon juice, a half ounce of blackberry syrup, and one ounce and a half of tequila into a glass cup. You filled it with ice and capped it, putting the concoction up to your ear and shaking it. You uncapped it, pouring the pink hue liquid into a smaller glass and serving it to him.

Dabi took a sip of the blackberry cocktail, the addictive sensation flowing through his tastebuds. He wasn’t sure if it was because it was good or if it was because it was made by you. He looked up, only to see you were gone helping another customer.

Dabi slouched back into his seat on the park bench. There was nobody around so it was safe to relax. He closed his eyes, remembering your first encounter and how you were effortlessly stunning.

“Fancy seeing you here, stranger.”

He opened his eyes, his blurry vision trying to focus on your figure. He rapidly blinked, trying to clear his vision and hoping his eyes weren’t deceiving him. But here you were, eyes now clear and set on you.

You giggle and take the unoccupied seat next to him. “Were you waiting for me?” You smirk at his blushed reaction and wait for a response.

“Yeah, actually. I wanted to get to know you and I didn’t know if I’d actually see you again.”

You rest your eyes and study the sky.

“I mean I work at the bar. I wouldn’t get paid if I decided to lay off.”

Dabi internally face palmed, asking himself why he’d ask such a dull question. You let out a laugh that he could only describe as music to his ears. You extended your hand to him.

“(Y/n).”

He gladly took it, never wanting to let go.

“Dabi.”

After that affair, you both spent most of your days together. He would constantly surprise you at work, go on romantic dates, and stay at each other’s places, sometimes ending up heated. He will never forget your beautiful bare body on top of his, pressing slow kissing around his neck.

You were mesmerizing. Dabi never met someone like you before. He felt loved and less lonely. He never had worry about being alone anymore now that you were with him.

You laid on your messy bed, ready to sleep away your exhaustion. Before trailing off into a deep sleep, your phone decided to alert you of a notification. You groaned, rolling over to your phone to see it was a text from your boyfriend.

It read “can you meet me rn? I miss you.”

You smiled reading the text. This man just came to visit you earlier in the day and he still wanted more. You quickly text him back, asking for the location.

You cautiously eye the abandoned house. This was definitely not what you were expecting. Yes, you and your boyfriend liked trying new things. New places. But this was far beyond a no from you. Ignoring your instincts, you slid open the broken down door and made your way inside.

“Babe?”, you called out but nothing in response.

“Babe, if this is one of your sick roleplaying jokes, I’m done. I don’t like this.”

You suddenly tripped and landed very harshly on the ground. You groan and rubbed your knees, looking down to see one of the flooring tiles popped up.

You kneel infront of the tile, pushing it back into it’s place. It didn’t budge. You huffed impatiently, pulling it up from it’s place and to your surprise, you found the hole filled with items. Curiosity got the best of you as you dug around. You picked up a worn out book and opened the pages. How cute you thought. It was a diary with neat cursive writing, a long journal detailing a profound love. You flip the pages in awe, until you stop with a horrified expression.

Unaware photos of you being taken, some even provocative. Photos taken outside your house. A strong detailed bibliography about you with some information that nobody even knew. A piece of your hair cut out and taped on a page. You close the book shut, afraid to go any further. You look to see what else was in the hole, those consist of being your belongings. A bright sparkle caught your eye and you went to pick up the item to see it was a bracelet your ex had given you.

You jump back, hearing a harsh knock on the doorframe. You glance at the bright blue eyes piercing into yours.

“Oh, hey.”

Dabi’s eyes travel from the item-filled hole back to you.

“What are you doing?”

You jolt up, dusting yourself off and making your way to the exit. “I was just leaving.”

You felt his hand grab the nape of your shirt, pulling you down to the ground. Sharp splinters punctured itself under your body.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know-”

Dabi only shook his head in return. He eyes you pathetically, as tears began welling in your eyes.

“Who was the guy, (y/n)?”

It’s true. When Dabi came by for his regular visits, he was only met with you flirting with another guy who was not him. You were way too close to the tipsy man and even placed a kiss on his lips.

Wait, how did he know your name. You never met this guy before. Your eyes wander to his occupied hand, gripping a smartphone. Your boyfriends smartphone. You observe the man’s features, taking it all in and trying to retrace where you had seen him before.

And then you remembered. This guy was the guy from the bar you worked at. He always covered his face but you distinctively remember his it. All those scars and staples. He was always to himself, always sitting alone ordering his usual.

Your mouth began to tremble, body poisoned in petrified fear. Dabi started to amble his way towards you. With every step he took, you crawled backwards.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?”, you scream, releasing all your pent up anger and confusion.

Afraid.

That was the only emotion you were feeling at this moment.

A tsk escapes his mouth, truly hurt by your words. He tries to maintain his composure, keeping silent. He didn’t want to hurt you. To have to use his quirk on you.

“Yo-you’re fucking crazy!”

If he can’t have you, no one can.

[londone-fog]

Heart Songs- Reddie Genderbent AU

AO3 Link

In which Ellie is really confused, Ruth throws a party, Bea reads some stuff, Billie does some cool skateboard tricks, Steph is secretly cool, Beau is an amazing human, and Mack just wants to have a good time.

Also prom, sort of.

Notes: Hey guys, I'm back. I really hope you like this, because I've been working on this for a while now. If you have any questions about the AU or just in general, you can find me on tumblr at either cacti-cool (main account) or londone-fog (writing account). Have fun! Edit: I changed a few things. First off, the rating is now mature as there is a masturbation scene and some non-explicit sexual content in later chapters. Second, I changed the name of the fic, as well as the chapter names. Every chapter is named after a different Weezer song, as well as the fic name. I recommend you listen to the title song as you read the chapters! Thank you for understanding!

Part One- Rosanna

Ellie Kaspbrak was what you might refer to as “aggressively ordinary.”

She was an ordinary girl, from a little ordinary town, in the ordinary state of Maine. She lived in a small house with her dad. He had a boyfriend of sorts.

She thought of that one Monday morning, staring at her reflection in her vanity mirror. Her brown hair framed her tired face, eyes gaunt from lack of sleep. She fiddled with her hands, picking at the dry skin around her knuckles before looking around her room. Her light grey walls were decorated with a few sparse photos. Her furniture was wood, with a white floral bedspread pulled loosely over the twin mattress in the corner.

Ellie’s eyes stopped to look at the clock on the bedside table with a sort of anxious anticipation. It was 7:33. Her boyfriend would be picking her up at 7:45, like he did everyday.

Ellie’s boyfriend was a strange staple in her life. His name was Mason. He was a football player from the high school team, and therefore very large. If not for the constant workouts he underwent with the rest of the team in anticipation for the next season, he might have been obese. Ellie liked him well enough. He wasn’t particularly interesting; if Ellie herself was ordinary, then Mason was downright bland.

Suddenly, Ellie’s phone buzzed in her pocket. She held her breath, but was pleasantly surprised to see it was Ruth texting her.

Garbage Human: prey tell, my swellest el, is my contact name still garbage human in your phone

Ellie: Depends on why you’re asking.

Garbage Human: well i might not be so garbage anymore ;)

The text was then followed by a picture of Ruth standing next to a car. Well, car might have been too glamorous a word. It was a bright orange monstrocity on wheels, the paint sunbleached and peeling in places. One of the wheels was missing a hubcap. There was a long crack running across the length of the windshield. And finally, squatting near the front tire, was Ruth. Her curly, bobbed hair was pulled away from her face, large wire-framed glasses sitting on the end of her upturned nose. Her mouth was pulled into a mock-serious line; dangling from her fingers were the keys.

Ellie: Please tell me that isn’t a car.

Garbage Human: el you wound me

Garbage Human: yes that is my car her name is bessie

Ellie couldn’t help but nearly roll her eyes to the back of her head. Ruth was an interesting person. She was loud, with wild dark hair and even wilder eyes. Her mouth never seemed to close, even when she wasn’t talking (which was rare). She only seemed to wear clothes that had a pattern in some way, with cigarette smell clinging to every fibre. Her knees, elbows and palms were always riddled in scrapes and bruises from countless tumbles with her longboard. Yes, Ruth was very interesting.

It was anyone’s guess as to why they were each other’s best friends.

Garbage Human: i could start giving you rides now if you want

Ellie could practically hear the secret pleading in Ruth’s voice. The truth was, Ellie hadn’t seen her friends nearly as much as she used to. Since Mason and her started dating a few months back, it seemed like more and more of her time went to humoring her boyfriend; going to games and practices and movie dates. She missed their group of seven and the time they used to spend together. Especially when it came to Ruth. That was why she barely hesitated to type out her response.

Ellie: I guess. Just promise me I won’t end up dying in that thing

Garbage Human: you have my complete honor as a cub scout

Ellie smiled to herself; a small secret thing she’d never admit to. A sudden, loud honk from outside surprised her out of her moment, her spine straightening harshly. She looked out the window to see Mason sitting in his car, the same as every morning. Ellie sighed, gathering up her supplies and racing down the stairs.

Her father sat in his chair, the television nattering on in the background. He saw her, and motioned for her to come over.

Ellie and her father had a somewhat odd relationship. This was largely in part to Ellie’s mother dying when she was young, making her father somewhat… overprotective. Their relationship had become somewhat strained the older and more independent Ellie got. He didn’t like her being around boys, but he especially didn’t like her being around Ruth. He still to that day had no idea that she even spoke to Beau Marsh.

“Do you have your inhaler?”

“Yes, dad.”

Ellie didn’t actually need an inhaler. She’d known for a long time, since she was thirteen years old. Her father didn’t know that she knew, because Ellie had never brought it up to him. It didn’t just stop at the inhaler. He’d been trying to get her to take other bullshit medicine since she was small. Now that she knew better, she’d developed a complicated series of lies and sleight of hand to avoid taking the pills.

“You took your pills too, right?”

“Yup.” She’d taken them, alright. They sat heavy in the front pocket of her overalls, like a collection of riverstones. She could safely say that her father knew next to nothing about who she really was; his “little girl” was a facade created to keep her sane.

“Alright, sweetheart. Have a good day at school.” He leaned his cheek out, and she pressed a quick peck to the stubbled skin there.

Ellie didn’t breathe until she slammed the door of Mason’s car behind her.

“Jesus, you’ll break a window doing that, Ellie. What’s got your goat this morning?” Mason said, voice riding the line between scolding and whining.

“It’s just my dad. He’s been pestering me.”

Mason sighed, a patronizing little thing.

“You’re cute when you’re annoyed. He’s just trying to protect you.” He leaned over and placed a kiss to her cheek. Ellie resisted the urge to lean away.

They’d had the fight before; Mason believed that Ellie needed to be protected. She was small, she was skinny, she was feminine. Ellie knew that none of that was true.

“Mason, I need to ask something,” Ellie said quietly, car rumbling to life and pulling away from the house.

“Hmm.”

“I, uh…” She traced the outline of her phone through her pocket. “... well, my friend just got a car. And she lives closer to my house than you do-”

“Just spit it out, already.”

“Ruth is going to start giving me rides to school. It’s just… it’s more convenient, and I don’t get to see her as much as I used to.”

The car became deathly silent.

“So I’m taking up too much of your time? Is that it?”

Ellie’s fist clenched where is lay on her leg.

“I never said that. I just said that it’s more convenient for Ruth to pick me up in the mornings.”

“Why do you even want to spend so much time with her, anyway?”

Ellie looked away from the dashboard to her whitening knuckles, where a simple band of gold lay wrapped around her little finger. It was a ring that Ruth had given her on her sixteenth birthday, to replace the plastic cereal box ring that Ellie used to wear in childhood. It was the only jewelry that she wore everyday.

“Because she’s my best friend, Mason, and she lives closer to me than you do. Nothing more.”

The outline of the high school was rapidly approaching, and Ellie felt a little tension leak out of her body. Mason rubbed a thick hand over his face, letting out a long tired sigh.

“You know what, fine. Fine. On one condition.”

Ellie unclenched her hand slowly, quietly syphoning the air out of her body.

“What’s that?”

Mason quickly jerked the car into the parking lot, the sound of old soda cans clattering around the back seat as they pulled to a somewhat jarring stop. He pulled up the parking brake and rounded on Ellie with all the surprise of a tiger leaping from the bushes. He placed a meaty hand on her shoulder as if to keep her there, pinned, with no option but to listen to him.

“Go to prom with me.”

“What?”

“I don’t care who the hell gets you to school, as long as you say you’ll go with me.”

Ellie stared into Mason’s eyes, a nearly clear blue. Basically colorless, like looking through window and seeing absolutely nothing on the other side. Devoid of any personality or interest. She could feel her throat closing and her eyes sting, and she wondered briefly if she was going into anaphylaxis.

She wanted so badly to say no. She wanted to run out of this car and never come back. Maybe she’d just suffocate from anxiety right then.

“Sure, sounds great Mason.”

What the fuck am I saying? What is wrong with me? she thought as Mason leaned in and kissed her; it was sloppy and hit the corner of her mouth more than her actual lips. She quickly pulled away, muttering some sort of farewell as her feet hit the asphalt.

The parking lot was filled to the brim with students and shitty cars. Ellie kept her eyes to the ground, white knuckling the straps of her backpack as strangers hollered all around her. She only looked up when she heard the characteristic bark of her best friend’s laugh.

The loser’s club, as it had been known for years, consisted of the most ragtag group of teens that Derry, Maine had to offer. They all stood around Ruth’s new car, which was even more horrible in person. Billie Denbrough, their unofficial leader, was making a valiant effort to let loose with a would-be impressive string of cuss word from her place on the ground. Closer inspection showed a new hole torn in the knee of her jeans, with blood weakly dripping from the wound. Her trusty skateboard lay upended a few feet away. Ruth, as opposed to helping their friend, was laughing so hard she was nearly bent in half, black hair falling over her face. The other losers stood around in a sort of shell shocked state, not sure whether to help Billie or laugh along with Ruth.      

They all seemed to make up their minds the closer that Ellie got.

Bea rushed to check Billie’s knee, Mackenzie following with chuckle. Beau held out a hand, which Billie used to hoist herself to her feet. Steph stayed firmly in place, arms crossed with a stern look and secret smile in her eye. Ruth was practically on the ground herself at that point, Ellie’s shadow reaching across her as she approached.

“Ruth, you fucking idiot, what did you do this time?” Ellie asked, already rummaging through her bag for a band aid.

“Our darling Billie Jean can’t even do a kickflip without busting her ass,” Ruth said once she caught her breath.

“I c-c-can t-t-too, you a-a-a-fuck. I d-did this m-morning.”

Ellie shook her head, leaning down to press a bandage over the wound. If she’d been home, she would have dowsed it in hydrogen peroxide and used real gauze and bandage, but this would have to do. It was probably best, considering how dry and cracked her hands were these days.

“Thanks E-ellie,” Billie finally said.

And, at that, the bell for first period rang out, abruptly ending all shenanigans. Ellie slung her bag back over her shoulder, trying to ignore the itch under her skin from being so close to another person’s blood. Luckily, the thought was knocked out of her head by the slap of a hand against her shoulder.

“So, you seem tense. Did you have to flush yourself down the toilet to even get out of the house this morning?”

“Shut the hell up Ruth, I’m not in the mood for jokes.”

She didn’t have to look to know that Ruth’s permanent smile had faltered. Her hand went from a heavy weight to a soft comfort in a matter of seconds. In a rare moment of genuity, Ruth dropped her voice so only Ellie could hear.

“You okay, El? Is it your dad or…?”

“No, no, not really. Just kinda stressed out. And for the last time, stop calling me that. That’s a kid nickname.”

“Yeah, not happening. I know you secretly love it. You’ll thank me someday.”

She paused a moment to chew on her bottom lips, allowing a scarce ray of anxiety to shine through.

“You know what’ll make you feel better? I’m driving the losers to the quarry today, break in Bessie and all that. I know you’re probably busy with your boy toy, but you’re more than welcome to come.”

Ellie’s stomach dropped. She wanted so badly to see her friends, but she felt obligated to see Mason after everything that happened that morning. But one look at her friend’s face, and she knew where she should really be.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

Ruth’s eyes lit up, and her mouth cracked open in a wide grin.

“Oh, Ellie-Belly, you won’t regret it. I knew you wouldn’t miss the chance to see my blinding white thighs.”

Ellie rolled her eyes, but allowed Ruth to throw an arm around her shoulders as they walked to class.

---

Ellie had never been a fan of spit.

She distinctly remembered the first time she’d had a panic attack. She had been about seven years old, and some boy in her class had decided it was the perfect time to let loose with a spit glob worthy of the gods. Unfortunately, Ellie had been standing near enough to be in the splash zone. It somehow was so much different than playing loogie at the quarry with with Billie and Ruth. This time, there was a wet splatter across the skirt of her jumper, and she lost it. Some combination her fathers instilled fear of germs and her own anxious tendencies brought about a cascade of tears and snot. It took a trip the restroom with both Ruth and Billie to get her to calm down enough to go back to recess.

Ellie thought of this as she sat in Mason’s car after school, his tongue making a valiant attempt to fight her tonsils.

This was an activity that took up much of her time after school. She’d never admit it to herself, but it was probably one of her least favorite parts of the day. Ellie genuinely struggled with physical contact; she’d gotten used to the losers touching her, but anyone else made her uncomfortable. Kissing Mason fell under the umbrella of uncomfortable.

Mason, on the other hand, was having a great time. Ellie was pushed further and further into the seat as he grew more and more eager. His hand was wrapped loosely around her thigh.

Ellie’s eyes opened, trying to look at the time on the clock and pretend she was interested in kissing. It was 3:24. School had ended nearly thirty minutes ago. The losers had all surely left to go to the quarry by then.

Suddenly, as if her mind had been read, she felt her phone buzz in her pocket. She slowly, carefully, reached her hand into her pocket to pull the phone out and held it behind Mason. The message was from Steph, saying that she needed to get to the quarry ASAP. Apparently Ruth wouldn’t stop complaining that Ellie had abandoned them.

Ellie’s mind was quickly snatched from the message when she the hand on her thigh move to cup her breast. She pulled away quickly, smacking Mason’s hand away.

“What? I thought you liked that.” he whined.

She didn’t like it. There was never a time where she said she did. Ellie tried to quickly think of an excuse.

“I, uh…”

“Come on, don’t be nervous.” Mason reached over and fiddled with one of the buckles on her overalls, trying to subtly unhook the button from the catch. An idea suddenly appeared in Ellie’s mind, and she pushed his hand away again.

“Uh, I’m wearing overalls.”

Indeed she was. They were her favorite pair, with the floral appliques on the legs that Steph had ironed on for her.

“What does that have to do with anything.”

“Well, uh, that would violate my rule.”

Ellie had the forethought when her and Mason started dating to put a rule in place: He was not allowed to touch her underneath her clothes, specifically when it came to pants.

“How’s that?”

“Overalls are like a shirt/pants combo. That breaks the rule.”

She could tell that it was a half-baked excuse, and Mason knew it too. His eyebrow was raised in confusion, but he relented and moved away. Ellie breathed a sigh of relief.

“You’ve been acting strange today.”

“No I haven’t”

Silence. Mason sighed, scrubbed at his face with his hand.

“Look, I have to do some conditioning today. You can either walk home or stay and watch. It’s up to you.”

Ellie resisted the urge to pump her fist in victory.

“I’d like to stay, but I have a lot of homework. Maybe tomorrow?”

Mason nodded, but Ellie was already out of the car.

She didn’t start running until she was sure he couldn’t see her anymore.

A genuine smile burst across her face as she pumped her legs. The air was beginning to warm, spring chill giving way to summer heat. The end of junior year was rapidly approaching, and the feeling of true freedom spurred Ellie on as she raced toward the quarry.

[fromageinterrupted]

Ten Years Too Soon: Chapter 1

This has been on my mind a while. Cross posted on my ffn account. 

Summary: Ayane moves back to town with a degree and a new apartment. Running into Pin was the last thing on her mind, but, now that she has, she wonders if 5 years is sufficient for waiting. 

The sound of cicadas, the dense, heavy air of a summer day, and the busy traffic, gave way to the welcome feeling of familiarity as Ayane stepped over the threshold of Ryo’s family’s ramen shop.

Except for some newly framed pictures of (really) cute kids, and the addition of a few larger tables, it remained relatively unchanged from a few years ago. Ayane inhaled, the humid air awash with the scents of an unexpected after lunch rush.

It had been awhile.

Two years in fact.

Two years too long since she last set foot in her hometown. And she had missed it.

Behind the counter was Ryu’s dad, a hometown staple, working non-stop over steaming vats of broth and baskets of noodles. It appeared he was apprenticing a young man in the fine art of ramen making. Chizu stood nearby, attempting to look over his shoulder, though her burgeoning belly kept her from being fully successful.

“Hey! We’re ready to order! And we need two waters!” A hurried business man hollered from a corner table.

“I’m coming! Geez!”

Ayane watched as Chizu, impossibly graceful in her movements, grabbed two glasses, some pre-wrapped chopsticks, a very full pitcher of ice water, and wound her way around the crowded restaurant, to the waiting table.

A laugh escaped her lips as she watched Chizu unsuccessfully avoid hitting people in their heads with her stomach. They all ducked out of the way as much as possible, but most were still hit,  though they just smiled softly and continued to eat their favorite ramen instead of getting angry about it.

Two stools opened up at the lunch counter and Ayane made a mad dash to snag one. She didn’t mind that the litter from the previous customer covered the counter in front of her, she was happy enough finding a place to sit among the throng. Despite her extremely casual clothing and her lack of makeup (she was in the process of moving into her apartment after all)  Ryu’s dad recognized her immediately.

“Yano! Welcome! It’s been too long” He moved quickly to clear the spot in front of her, wiping the sticky counter clean with a fresh cloth. “I’ll make you something light, what do you want for toppings?”

“Shoyu, with tamago and wakame please.” He was right, something light for this hot, humid day, and she didn’t need her stomach weighed down while trying to move and arrange all her furniture today. She’d been sleeping on a futon, and using boxes to store her essentials, but everything she’d ordered had arrived this morning and she had a long couple of days ahead of her putting the furniture together and arranging it how she wanted. It was her bed she was especially looking forward to, a large, plush, American style bed that she had gotten used to while living with a host family in the U.S. She couldn’t wait to slip between those cool, crisp, Egyptian cotton sheets and dream her night away.

Ryu’s dad hollered, snapping Ayane out of her reverie. “Chizu! We need some water over here!”

“I’m coming, I’m coming!”

Ayane pictured Chizu winding her way back through the crowd, and chuckled to herself again. A glass appeared in front of her and she watched as Chizu filled it with cool water. It was evident,  the moment Chizu realized it was her, the cessation of all movement, the intake of breath, then the pitcher was dropped with a heavy thunk, two strong arms were wrapped around her, and a very large belly was smooshed into her side.

“AYA AYA AYA!! You're back! When did you get here!..” The questions kept coming while Ayane extracted Chizu's arms from around her and she leaned away from her belly to look up into Chizu's face.

“I've been here for a week, but already left back to Tokyo once for business. I'm fully moving into my apartment today.”

“A Week! And you didn't come say hi!? I'm telling Sawako on you.” Chizu managed to look happy, flustered, and angry all at the same time.

Ayane blushed a bit, but her personality was still very much the same, coming out in her rebuttal. “I TOLD you I went back to Tokyo on business! And..” Here she became a little quieter, “..I know your hands are full and wanted to wait until I was more available before announcing my return home.” Ayane smiled at her friend, causing Chizu to instantly forgive her.

She straightened up, grabbing her water pitcher with one hand while throwing the other one on her hip. “I am busy, but never too busy for you. “ Chizu's eyes darted back and forth as she moved her hand to her mouth, looking like she was about to impart a deep secret to Ayane. “And, I'm pregnant you know...”

Ayane laughed, “I know, you told me the moment you knew.”

“What! Did I call you!? I'm on the phone too much with Ryo traveling and I can't be with him.” Chizu looked forlorn.

More laughter at her friend, “Also, you're almost 38 weeks pregnant with twins....Everyone knows your pregnant Chizu.”

Chizu straightened up, “So! I promised Ryo we'd have a baseball team and I'm going to keep my promise!”

“What!?” Water flew over the counter when Ayane set her glass down too hard. “That's a bit much don't you think?”

Chizu didn't seem to care, “We can handle it. He's a good husband, and..” This time she leaned over to actually whisper at Ayane, “..we're pretty rich because of his sponsorships. “

Ayane laughed more, she loved this about Chizu, her open and honest way, that she knew how much Ryo's sponsorships were paying because Chizu had called her because she “is pretty sure this is a dream”, how boisterous and lively her dear friend is. Ayane took another deep breath, trying to capture all the wonderful things about being back home. She had truly missed all of this.

“I missed you Chizu. I'm glad to be back.”

Chizu cried out and hugged the air out of Ayane again.

“Alright, alright, get back to work. I'll text you tonight.” Ayane wiggled her phone in front of Chizu's face.

“I'M GLAD YOU'RE BACK!!” Chizu yelled as she wound her way through the ramen shop, attending to the customers' needs.

A bowl of ramen was quietly sat in front of her by the apprentice. With a nod and a blush he asked if everything was good. Ayane nodded, the steam from the bowl slightly obscuring the apprentice's face.

“Do you need anything else?” he asked, continuing to blush.

Not wanting to lead him on she put on her most disinterested face before replying, “I'm good, thank you.” and directed her attention to her ramen. The apprentice stood a moment longer, until Ryu's dad called him out to “quit staring at the pretty girl and get his butt back here to learn to actually cook!”

This was not an uncommon occurrence in Ayane's life.  Guys seemed to be drawn to her, more so in the last couple of years, but maybe that was more a result of traveling abroad and being exposed to more men than just the Japanese. Either way, she had become an expert at deflecting men's attention.

Her ramen looked cool enough now, and she already had Chizu yell at her from across the restaurant that she was letting it sit too long. As she was taking her first bite someone asked, “Is this seat available?...” their hand coming into her peripheral vision on her right pointing to the only empty stool at the counter. While she was trying to swallow the ramen to affirm that it was indeed available, the customer asked “…Are you?” while he sat down on the stool.  Yano choked a bit on her food, and rolling her eyes she turned to shoot the man down. She was never easy on the bold ones, they were desperate and didn't care about who she was anyway.

“Listen buddy..” She swiveled her stool to the right, her words dying on her tongue.

“PIN!?” her heart sank. She should have known it was him. At 24, one would think she would have outgrown her silly school-girl responses, and she thought she had, until face to face with Pin again.

“Y-y-aaanO!” He startled back, almost falling off the stool. He hadn't changed much since she last saw him at Shota and Sawako's wedding a couple of years ago. It had been a rushed moment for her, spying him across the room before needing to leave, her new job keeping her running. 2 years since seeing him, 5 years since last talking to him, but her heart fluttered at his nearness. At least she could assume he was still single since he tried to pick her up.

He looked good...very good. He wasn't wearing his usual sweats, but instead, sported a more put together look, patterned shorts and a polo shirt, slip on oxfords oh his feet. His hair was shorter than it used to be, the spikes gone, replaced by a more mature style. His brown eyes and smile were still very much the same though. 32 looked good on him.

“Your hair!...” Pin looked up as if to see the top of his head and patted his hair. “What’s wrong with it? Did it get flat!?.” He began to flail again, maybe panic.

Ayane laughed, “no, nothing like that, it’s just shorter, and…”

Pin stopped his inspection. “It’s weird?”

“…no, it looks nice. Good. It’s good.” Ayane could not believe how hot her face felt.

Pin smiled, wide. “I recall you telling me it looked handsome some time ago…5 years ago.” He winked and crossed his arms, looking smug at the memory.

“You remember a small portion of a conversation from 5 years ago!?”

“Of course, it’s not every day someone tells me I’m handsome…” Pin smiled more, then his eyes narrowed and he blushed, “…I mean, of course everyone thinks I’m handsome, they just..I need to order.  Pops! The usual please!”

Ayane smiled behind her hand as she watched Pin’s face rapidly change through his thought process, now it seemed he was stuck, just staring straight ahead, waiting for his ramen.

“I need to eat this.” She cringed at the sudden lack of something to say.

The awkward silence stretched while they were each finishing their ramen. Ayane would glance to the side periodically just to see what Pin was doing, but her eyes would snap back whenever she caught him glancing as well.  She reached the end of her bowl quicker than expected.

Standing, she looked over at Pin, still not knowing how to breach his 5 year absence from her life. “I should be going now, I have a whole apartment to organize…see ya around?”

Pin looked at her, his warm, brown eyes seeming to come back into focus. He stood up suddenly, dropping his chopsticks into his unfished bowl. “I’m heading out too, gotta ton of important stuff to do.”  He yelled toward the counter “See Ya Pops!”

Ryu’s dad looked from his instructing, “See ya!” His eyes looked at Ayane and back to Pin, crinkling at the corners, “don’t do anything I wouldn’t do…”

Pin turned toward the door waving a hand in the air and calling back “Yeah yeah…”.

As quick as she could, Ayane wound her way through the remaining patrons to the door as well. She couldn’t bring herself to holler at Pin to wait up for her, but something deep within her did not want this chance moment to end. She made it to the door before Pin did and held it open for him.

Pin grabbed it. Leaning forward a bit, he softly said “After you”.

“Thank you,”

She ducked under his arm and slowly, very slowly, turned toward her new place.  With a sigh at her lack of courage she made her way home. It wasn’t but a few hundred feet when she realized Pin was walking right beside her. She stretched her neck to look up at him.

“I thought you lived the other direction? Why are you walking the same way as I am? You’re going to give people the wrong idea.” Falling back into her old high school behavior was apparently easier than being an adult at the moment.

“What do you mean ‘wrong idea’!? We’re both adults, all ideas are on the table. Besides, I live this direction now.” A smirk stretched across Pin’s face, clearly pleased with his news.

“You do!? Being a coach for Ryu really paid off, huh? No more haunted apartment?”

“You know it. Hey! You guys promised me it wasn’t haunted!”

They walked together a little further, their conversation light, until they came to a cross-street, Pin saying, “I’m heading this way, See Ya!” and headed left.

Ayane regretted not reaching out to him, or exchanging numbers, or any number of things she could have said or done to keep his attention a little longer. She sighed and continued walking toward her apartment. She didn’t have time for what ifs and what might be’s anyway. She had an apartment to decorate, furniture to build, and a future to claim.

[carina-debayle]

Coming Across Lady Arbell

Log Date:  2/25/17

OOC Note: The text in these logs are strictly for the readers enjoyment. Anyone using the knowledge displayed within this text without the participants knowledge risks the potential of blacklisting from future communication and roleplay. Please do not meta-game!

Tags: @forever-halone

After having just picked myself up a pastry fish from Dappled Stalls, I had decided I would take a walk around the Beds. It was a rather lovely day out, a bit chilly... but a good time to spend with Joseph and my thoughts. Hestia was at class and Armont on patrol. I did quite enjoy that pastry fish too... I considered getting another. As I stood conflicted over another fish, I spotted someone sitting in the distance... a familiar face...

Carina Roussos walked around Dappled Stalls, enjoying the surprisingly nice weather as she munched on a pastry fish contently. Walking around the merchant building, she blinked at the sight of another person, mumbling out a moment before swallowing down what pastry was still in her mouth, "Miss Arbell? It's ah... it's been awhile."

Ignera Arbell was in the midst of admiring the great tree, arms crossed comfortably over her chest. The sound of footsteps reached her ears, but only once she heard the soft mumbling of a familiar tone did she turn and offer a smile. "Ah! Carina, is it not?" she hummed, lifting her chin. "'Tis good to see you again, my friend. What brings you to the Beds?"

Carina Roussos glances up toward the large tree herself. It was quite large... it must have been very old. She had never actually taken the time to notice. Oh right! "Ah, we live here," she remarks out with a light chuckle, bringing a hand to scratch the back of her messy blonde hair, "staying in the apartments until we are able to pick up a lot for the De'bayle House down here. Armont and I thought it would be good to spread into the Shroud, considering it neighbors Coerthas."

Ignera Arbell lets her step closer under the safety of the roof, the smile spreading across her lips as she took a seat on the bench. "Truly! You will have to forgive me, then, I have yet to offer you and yours a housewarming gift." she chuckled, bringing her hands over her lap. "What a wonderful idea. Not to mention, now I have such wonderful neighbors. The other neighbors kept giving us fruit cakes as housewarming gifts. Needless to say, I am already much fonder of you all than they. Ignera smiles at Carina.

Carina Roussos nods, glancing up as said wonderful weather turned to a gentle sprinkle rather quickly. Stepping under the gazebo herself, she rested her pastry down in front of her abdomen, "quite so! We have been here a few moons now... and I think considering the recent situation, it is probably for the best we moved south..." Carina considers Ignera for a moment, before nearly snorting out a laugh, "when will people learn no one likes such a cake! It's really very disgusting, we need to make a nice big chocolate cake the new staple housewarming gift."

Ignera Arbell tilts her head, a soft chuckle escaping her. "That's what I warned them." she assured the other Midlander, shifting slightly in her seat. "Ah! I have been here several moons myself! A visit is certainly in order for both sides." Ignera gently pats the empty space beside her. "Do take a seat, 'tis a bit dangerous to stand by the rain!"

Carina Roussos: "Oh goodness... I will have to be sure I clean up, Hestia loves to leave her toys strewn about," glancing down to the bench, then to her pastry, Carina shrugged, "there is not much walking to do in the rain, less I wish to be drenched by the time I walk back to our home," she smiles, moving to sit beside the other woman. "If you do not mind my pestering into your personal life, for what reason did to leave Ishgard for the Shroud? I do believe you were a part of a House yourself, yes?”

Ignera Arbell smiles at the mention of Hestia, giving the woman a delighted look. "A mother's duty is ever present, is it not?" she chimed.

Carina Roussos: "It is hard to not worry about her... even when she is away at class enjoying herself with the other children. You become used to always having them on your mind..."

Ignera Arbell: "Ah! Do not mistake this for leaving Her Holy See. I am merely quite fond of this property. 'Tis a bit of a chore traveling between the two states, but seeing all my friends here and there is certainly worth it."

Carina Roussos: "Sounds like a similar tale of that and the De'bayle estate... though their return there has proven to be... tricky," her lip twists some, "it must be nice to be able to escape the cold... I can't say I am all too fond of it, but I have adjusted accordingly. It is to be expected with a family of Ishgardians. I am told the Shroud is quite similar to how Coerthas was before the Calamity... I can't say I would know though unfortunately, as I hardly travelled north on my own before then."

Ignera Arbell 's head slowly turns, surely in profound thought. "The Shroud certainly... gives me nostalgia of years past. Though I've developed a thick skin for eternal winter, 'tis good to give yourself a break every now and again. If I might pry... has it been difficult to settle into an Ishgardian House? I have heard our families are a bit of a trick to get used to."

Carina Roussos: "Seems most who come from the north have, such quick acclimation surely must have been a blessing of the sorts. I know Armont quite loves the snows, and perhaps to my own dismay... his daughter does as well," she grumbles, not having the fondest memories of the bitter winter Coerthas provided. "Hm? Ah... well, I suppose in its own sense it has been challenging, but not too difficult to overcome. I do not come from the most noble of family's..." she laughs out awkwardly, "was just... a young girl living in the Shroud with my brother, picking plants and catching bugs. Never would I have ever dreamed of being where I am... though this new leadership position can be quite heavy at times."

Ignera Arbell blinks slowly, bringing a finger under her chin. "Your daughter enjoys it, does she? I pray she continues to do so." she hummed. The life story seemed to please Ignera's ears, as the woman gradually began to lean forward in interest. "Truly! I have always admire how fate ties us together, no matter the length of the strings. Do you miss it? Perhaps even long for that old lifestyle?"

Carina Roussos brings her pastry to tap at her lip thoughtfully, the idea of eating it not quite on her mind at that current moment. "In some sense, the lack of responsibility seems attractive..." she smirks, "but truthfully? In the end, I am quite happy with where I am, who I have become. You would not believe how outstanding your words are. More true then you may know. Despite my current place though, I can't deny I did fall into uneasiness. Even I know, that despite becoming a far more accomplished person, that part of my heart was still in that rather crude and free-willed nature. Bringing it up with Armont had its downsides... as he is quite firm in his beliefs, however..." she smiles happily, tilting her head a bit, "it seemed he saw my restless state, and often takes me out just the two of us, to enjoy the small things the world has to provide. I am grateful, for him giving me that."

Ignera Arbell: "He is a good man, judging by your words." she told her, giving long smile. "Many men of Ishgard fear the unknowns that they would face outside the lines of Her See. To see your entire House venture outside Her walls truly surprises me, pleasantly so. I pray others will take your example."

Carina Roussos: "It wasn't a very easy task... if I am being honest with you. The De'bayle brothers were very grounded in their beliefs and their love for their city. Not that I can hardly blame them of course, it is after all their home," Carina glances forward toward the sky, placing her pastry to her lap for the time being, "Armont was very smug when I first met him... believing himself above most others that weren't Ishgardian. However... perhaps it was during our time together, that he realized how little that truly mattered in the end. While he, along with Denz and Guillemont, can still have his moments... he has also come a long way. I am very proud of them," Carina leers over to Ignera before turning her head to face her, "do you have any siblings?"

Ignera Arbell nods her head as Carina spoke, seeming to be following along word by word. She opens to respond, but her lips close at the question. For a moment, Ignera's smile grows, but breaks it as she is soon to reply. "I have had many, but now I have the honor of one other." she told her pleasantly, leaning back in her seat. "She is a student of the Scholasticate, and is deep in love of her studies, I have been told. 'Tis a section of the Saint Reymanaud's Cathedral. You wouldn't happen to have visited it prior?"

Carina Roussos: "The Scholasticate...? Oh! Are those the teens with the black uniforms? Hestia quite loved the look when we last visited. Is it a school? I fear I have not asked Armont too much on the nature of the Cathedral..." she glances away, her expression on the more nervous side.

Ignera Arbell rose a brow, but the smile did not left her face. "Fear not! I am certain he would be more than happy to take you for a visit." she assured her, tapping her feet on the ground in a fit of excitement. "Such a holy place is an important part of our grand culture. I am sure Armont had great intentions of bringing you there one of these days." Ignera blinks rapidly. "Oooooh. If you need something to wear for such an occasion, I might be able to let you borrow my older, smaller dresses."

Carina Roussos: "He has brought it up.. quite often actually... especially as of late. He really wants to take me," clearing her throat, Carina looks to Ignera with a sheepish stare, "oh? Is there a special dress code?"

Ignera Arbell: "Oh! You just have to dress," Ignera pauses, but not noticeably so. "In a certain fashion, yes. I would adore you help you in such a regard."

Carina Roussos: "A-Alright," she smiles weakly, "I am sure Armont will be enthused to know I would be ready to go. He especially wishes to bring Hestia, which is quite fine by me. She is very excited. It would probably be good if I were to stop holding off the trip."

Ignera Arbell sees, and knows full well of Carina's uncertainty, but presses forward with a delighted expression on her person. "Bringing Hestia, as well? Why, 'twill certainly be an event! You should try bringing the whole family, really, being on Her Gaze will truly bring all your blooded together."

Carina Roussos: "Her Gaze..." Carina murmurs out before giving a nod, "I can ask if the brothers and their partners wish to join, I am sure I am probably the only one with such... er... hesitance. When did you wish to get together for this gown?"

Ignera Arbell: "Hesitance! No not worry, my dear heart, the Fury's Gaze does naught but mend the soul." she chimed pleasantly, leaning forward at the question of the gown. Apparently she already knew the answer. "A dark, grand red attire with soot black compliments would suit you greatly! I have a few robes in mind. Oh! Mayhaps I shall bring them over when I come to visit you, hmmm?"

Carina Roussos: "Okay," she says firmly. There was no going back on this now, and the scarred Hyur did wish to bring her husband the same happiness he brought her. "I suppose we should go about planning that so I can accordingly ask them when they wished to get together for this trip."

Ignera Arbell clasps her hands over her heart, truly pleased with herself. "'Twill be a date! Hestia has surely grown, so you must introduce me to the new part of your family, yes? Ah! When I visit, of course. I doubt I will be able to make it to the family gathering-- unless I can! Who knows."

Carina Roussos: "Oh quite a bit... quuiiite a bit," she follows with another awkward look. Perhaps she won't notice the rather swift growth her daughter went through. "You are welcome to come as well if you wish to, the more the merrier... though this does come down to again when we might set this meeting up. Most of our House work is within the Shroud area, so we are usually free to set up dates. What day would work best for your schedule?"

Ignera Arbell blanks. "Ah, well, 'tis a bit difficult to say now! My attendant is in the know of my schedule more than I, aha...Er, but I'll be sure to let you know as soon as I am able! Until then, do tell me your current address. A housewarming gifting and visit is in order first."

Carina Roussos nods, "we are within the apartments here in the main area. Room sixteen is our living quarters. Fifty-six is our office. I am looking forward to getting together again.." Carina sticks a hand into her coat, tugging out a light pink pearl, "this I am sure might come in handy for contact purpose," she motions it out toward Ignera.

Ignera Arbell gladly extends her palm, examining the small pearl in her hand before adding it to the satchel at her side. "I will surely put it to good use, my friend." she tells her with a charming wink, exhaling through her nose while she returned to her feet. "I better return to mine own apartment! Er, house. 'Twould be smart to check on my friend, she's been drinking herself to a slumber recently. And I've always enjoyed using the cold water trick!" Ignera winks at Carina.

Carina Roussos: "Oh dear..." Carina frowns, "that could certainly become an issue. Let me know if it becomes too problematic, I put quite a bit of work into a sobering potion with a special ingredient," she returns the wink, "thank you for your time today though... I... I look forward to getting to see you again," she smiles, genuinely.

Ignera Arbell: "I shall keep that potion in mind, my friend. May the Fury keep you at Her side until next we meet." Ignera, with a polite bow and another delightful smile,would turn, making her way home.

Seems I would have to come to terms with my unease with the gods sooner rather than later.