#this is aside from the serious complexity surrounding

[mya-valentine]

Headcanon: Dating Alhaitham but Being Best Friends with Cyno

Alhaitham finds Cyno’s humor... grating at times. He’ll shoot you a knowing look whenever Cyno cracks one of his bad puns or tells another “genius invokation” joke. Alhaitham’s too logical and serious to appreciate it, but he loves seeing you laugh, so he puts up with it—begrudgingly.

Despite the teasing, Alhaitham respects Cyno for his unwavering sense of justice and loyalty. Knowing you’re best friends with someone so steadfast makes Alhaitham feel more at ease about the time you spend together, even if he’d never admit it outright.

Alhaitham enjoys the occasional intellectual debate with Cyno, though their discussions usually turn into subtle competitions. Alhaitham is confident in his reasoning, but Cyno’s sharp instincts can sometimes catch him off guard. You’ll often be the one mediating these debates, secretly amused by how competitive they get.

While Alhaitham is not the jealous type, he does have a quiet possessiveness about him. If you spend too much time with Cyno, he’ll subtly remind you of his presence, whether it’s through a touch on the arm, a lingering glance, or a casual invitation to “help” him with something back at home.

Alhaitham appreciates that your friendship with Cyno provides you a different kind of companionship, one that’s more playful and carefree. He recognizes that his own serious nature can be a bit much at times, so he’s glad you have someone like Cyno who can lighten the mood and bring out your fun side.

Alhaitham may not be as outwardly playful as Cyno, but he’ll tease you in his own, intellectual way. He’ll quip about how Cyno’s humor is rubbing off on you or make sarcastic comments about being second to Cyno’s “awful puns.” You’ll catch the amusement in his voice, though—he finds the whole dynamic amusing, even if he won’t admit it.

Cyno loves to tease you about your relationship with Alhaitham, especially when he sees Alhaitham being his usual stoic self. “Has Alhaitham quoted any philosophy texts at you yet today?” Cyno will joke, making you chuckle while Alhaitham quietly glares from a distance.

Despite the teasing, Cyno has a slightly overprotective side when it comes to your relationship with Alhaitham. He’ll occasionally check in to make sure everything is going well, offering advice when needed. He may even jokingly threaten Alhaitham, though both of you know Cyno is just being playful.

Cyno trusts your judgment completely and knows you can handle yourself, especially in a relationship with someone as complex as Alhaitham. He never doubts your ability to keep Alhaitham in check and enjoys hearing your stories about how you manage his quirks.

Cyno often invites you on adventures that involve sparring, chasing down criminals, or even engaging in card game tournaments. He appreciates your playful side, and the two of you can laugh and be carefree together, which is a refreshing break from the more intense energy that sometimes surrounds Alhaitham.

Cyno will sometimes pull you into conversations with Alhaitham when he’s in a particularly over-analytical mood. Cyno jokingly relies on you to "translate" Alhaitham’s logic into something more practical, and you often become the middle ground between them, finding balance in their contrasting personalities.

With the three of you together, there’s constant banter. Alhaitham’s dry wit, Cyno’s humor, and your playful teasing create an amusing dynamic. Alhaitham will often roll his eyes at Cyno’s jokes, while you laugh along, enjoying the way Cyno can pull him out of his serious shell.

While they’re different in so many ways, Cyno and Alhaitham have a deep respect for one another, even if it manifests in subtle or competitive ways. They trust each other with your safety, knowing that between the three of you, no challenge would be too great to face.

When something important arises, like protecting you or completing a mission, Cyno and Alhaitham put their differences aside. They work surprisingly well together, with Alhaitham’s sharp intellect and Cyno’s quick instincts forming an effective combination. You’ll find yourself feeling well-protected when both of them are around.

Both Cyno and Alhaitham have protective instincts, but they show it in different ways. Alhaitham is subtle, always staying close and ensuring you’re never in danger, while Cyno is more vocal, always ready to step in if needed. Together, they form an amusing pair of guards who have your back at all times.

Dating Alhaitham means enjoying deep, quiet moments, intellectual debates, and affection that’s subtle yet profound. Meanwhile, with Cyno as your best friend, you experience lighthearted fun, adventures, and constant laughter. The contrast between the two makes your life dynamic and full of interesting moments, keeping you grounded yet never bored.

The best part about your relationships with both Alhaitham and Cyno is how they balance each other out. When Alhaitham’s seriousness becomes overwhelming, Cyno is there to lighten the mood. When Cyno’s antics get a little too chaotic, Alhaitham provides a grounding presence. You find comfort in both of them, and they both appreciate how you keep their lives more interesting.

.

.

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Masterlist

[highladyandromeda]

Shadows of the Heart

Part 1

Azriel x Fem!Reader

Summary: After years apart, Y/n returns to Velaris, bearing the weight of sacrifice and secrets from her past. Reunited with Rhysand and his Inner Circle, she navigates the complexities of rekindled friendships and unresolved tensions. 

Warnings: mentions of blood, but nothing particularly graphic

WC: 1k

[Prologue]

Three days drifted by before Mor finally stirred from her deep slumber, her body frail and still reeling from the mutated faebane she had ingested. Though she nearly fainted again once she saw Y/n across from her, surrounded by an amalgamation of healing salves and blood-soaked bandages. Rhys, looking haggard from days of ceaseless worry, was by her side in an instant, having anchored himself to the room, steadfast in his refusal to leave them.

The inner circle, their family, had rallied around, taking turns to keep Rhys company, with Azriel stepping up more than anyone. He told himself it was because of his duty as the spymaster, accustomed to the long, sleepless nights. Yet, in the quiet moments, it was Y/n who captured his thoughts, her name a whisper in the back of his mind. Rhys had introduced her simply as "a dear old friend," but the weight of those words suggested so much more.

Azriel found himself drawn to her, ostensibly under the guise of safety. He watched—the subtle rise and fall of her chest, the delicate flutter of her eyelashes, and the gradual resurgence of color painting her cheeks as Mor's condition stabilized. Rhys's tenderness around her was palpable; he hovered constantly, his hands gently tending to her wounds, smoothing salves, replacing bandages, and even brushing her hair with a care that spoke volumes. The crimson magic that danced around her injuries seemed as lost as she was, at times spiraling along Rhys's arms, at others, drifting curiously towards Azriel's lurking shadows.

Once, her magic reached out, touching the darkness before swiftly retreating, but not before his shadows whispered to him

Beautiful. They said. But tired. Tired. Wants to sleep. 

Driven by a mix of concern and curiosity, Azriel had just hastened back to the room, alerted by his shadows to Mor's awakening, only to witness her launching herself out of bed in a frantic bid to reach Y/n. His quick reflexes prevented another fall, catching Mor in a steady grasp, and sitting her down.

"How—what happened?" Mor's voice trembled, her eyes wide as she took in the blood-soaked scene. "Why is there so much blood—wait, is that all her blood? Rhysand!" Her voice climbed, a note of panic threading through her confusion.

Rhysand's face, a mask of exhaustion and worry, softened as he turned to Mor, his voice low and soothing, "It's okay, Mor. You're safe now, both of you are. Y/n... she saved you."

The room was thick with tension, the air heavy as if the very walls were holding their breath. Mor's eyes, wide with disbelief, moved from Rhys to Y/n and back again, as he recounted the ordeal. 

Feyre and Cassian burst into the room then, their expressions a mix of relief and concern. "How is she?" Feyre asked, rushing to Mor's side, her gaze flitting between the two women laid out before them. 

"Awake, finally," Rhys responded, his voice threaded with fatigue yet underscored by a tangible relief. He remained anchored by Y/n's side, his hand lightly resting on hers. 

Cassian moved closer, his gaze lingering on Y/n with a newfound respect. "This is some serious magic she pulled off," he muttered, his voice a mixture of awe and concern, "to save Mor like that."

Mor, gathering the remnants of her strength, attempted to stay seated, her eyes locking onto Y/n's still form. "But... why? Why would she do this for me?" The question hung in the air, raw and laden with emotion.

Rhys's gaze softened, "It’s Y/n… Could she really just stand aside and do nothing, knowing you were in danger, Mor?"

"But she—" Mor's voice broke, looking the most forlorn Azriel had seen her in years. 

"I know," Rhys cut in, his voice firm yet gentle. “And you know that it was complicated back then. Promises were made. That doesn’t mean she has changed, not really.”

"Centuries, Rhys. It's been centuries. I wasn't even sure if she was... still among us," Mor whispered, the weight of years echoed in her voice.

"Centuries? Hold on, how do both of you know her?" Cassian, ever the one to voice the burning questions, brought the room's focus sharply to the heart of the mystery.

The room's attention swiveled to Rhys and Mor, with even Amren and Nesta quietly joining the circle. A silent communication passed between Rhys and Mor, a shared history in a single glance before Rhys cleared his throat.

"Well," he started, the word hanging in the air as he gathered his thoughts. "Without diving too deep into her story—out of respect for her privacy—it's safe to say that Y/n and I share a past. We were raised together in Hewn City... She was, quite possibly, my very first friend."

A ripple of surprise and intrigue swept through the group, each member processing the revelation in their own way. 

“Why did she leave.” Feyre broached. 

"It's... complicated, darling," Rhys pondered the best way to explain. 

"To simplify, her father held a position of significant influence under my father's command, privy to the secrets of Velaris. Given how I became High Lord, he and his family chose to leave, out of respect for my rule, given Keir’s proclivities for rebellion.” 

“What he doesn’t say” Mor interjected, her voice laced with a mix of frustration and sadness. “Was that he offered Y/n a position, he–we requested she stay. Repeatedly.”

“It was more complicated than that, Mor”

“Was it, Rhys? Mor bristled. “She left you when you needed her most, Rhys. We all felt the void she left behind.”

"It wasn't just about politics or positions," Rhys's expression turned somber, his usual charm and ease giving way to a moment of vulnerability. "Y/n…had her reasons, tied to her family's legacy and their own secrets.”

Feyre, sensing the tension, reached for Rhys's hand, offering silent support.

“It was difficult for all of us. I know it hurt you, Mor. We all had regrets.”

Mor sighed, turning around to lay back down. It wasn't easy to concede that her initial shock had morphed into anger, rooted deeply in pain. After all these years, the thought of being reunited with her friend under such harrowing circumstances, indebted to her for her very life, was a reality she hadn't been prepared to face.

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A/N: I promise there'll be more interactions between Azriel and Y/n in the next parts, I just wanted to set the scene for her complicated history. I also just love platonic interactions between the inner circle and want build up how Y/n is/becomes a part of their family.

[ssivinee]

✧Mindless✧

Part 1 | Part 2

<Part 2 of Wounded Heart, so i suggest you read that first>

BEBE! Bada Lee x F Reader x WOLF'LO Haechi Wang: Bada is a wreck after you leave, but you return after 5 months, thriving in life. But will history repeat itself, or do you finally get a happy ending?

Word Count: 13k

TW: Slight self-harm, a tad bit of dark humor, talks about bad coping habits, alcohol, and minor substances…this shit is lowkey toxic so pls keep that in mind

Note: NOW THIS IS THE LONGEST FIC IVE WROTE. I was struggling, ya'll like... this fic was literally beating my ass ngl. Also very much NOT proof read so🫡

Character Vision Board

During the five months you were gone, Bada's life took a turn. The emptiness you left behind seemed to grow with each passing day, and Bada's coping mechanisms gradually evolved into destructive habits that affected both herself and those in her vicinity.

She had turned to partying as a way to seek comfort in the late-night thrills of the bustling nightlife. The party's vibrant pulse, illuminated by the bewitching effects of flashing lights, offered a getaway from the burdens that had weighed heavily on her heart. The pounding music reverberated through the very core of her being, and the crowded venue seemed to come alive with a symphony of rhythm and laughter.

In the midst of the party, surrounded by a sea of euphoric faces, she found a temporary sanctuary from the guilt and loneliness that had taken up residence in her thoughts. The mesmerizing allure of the night, with its vibrant hues and ever-changing moods, offered a hypnotic diversion from the shadows of her mind.

Bada had always been known for her confident and charismatic demeanor, and it didn't take long for her magnetic presence to draw people toward her. Her laughter and animated conversations became a magnet, attracting friends and acquaintances who reveled in her engaging company. It was in these moments, under the neon glow of the dance floor, that she felt the warmth of human connection, a fleeting escape from her inner demons.

As the weeks passed, these gatherings became integral to her life. She eagerly embraced the nightlife almost every week, embracing its vibrant chaos as a temporary reprieve. The party had become a form of therapy, a way to momentarily set aside the harsh realities that lingered in the corners of her mind. Each night was a journey into the unknown, a whirlwind of emotions and experiences that helped her navigate the complexities of her own heart.

In her search for distraction, Bada played around with other girls more than before. Every day was someone new, and now, rather than having restraint, Bada’s actions became much more lewd. There were times students found the girl making out with someone in the cleaning closets, basically fucking someone in a bathroom stall, or even just daringly flirting with multiple people at once. She has always had a reputation as a player, and her charm seemed to work effortlessly despite her looming issues. 

Her transformation extended even to her role as a team leader. Bada's once compassionate and encouraging approach had given way to a more unyielding demeanor. She drove her team relentlessly, pushing them beyond their limits, her singular focus on anything but the troubling discomfort of longing that constantly haunted her thoughts.

Previously known for her unwavering dedication and passionate presence on the court, her leadership had evolved into a coping mechanism. During practice, her commands took on a sharper edge. "Come on, you guys! This isn't kindergarten; we need to get serious!" she'd bark, her words laced with an intensity that surprised her teammates.

Haechi, the team's co-captain and a close friend decided to address the issue after an especially grueling practice. She knew the actual reason behind Bada's changed behavior, but the team dynamics were profoundly impacted, and Haechi wasn't sure if it was her place to intervene. The situation was complicated because she was also personally involved and intimately understood the extent of everything.

Haechi approached Bada, her concern evident in her gaze. "Bada, you've been really hard on us lately. What's going on?" Bada's expression hardened as she grappled with her facade, struggling to keep her emotions at bay. "We need to win. I can't have any weak links on this team."

Haechi exchanged worried glances with the others. They sensed that Bada's intensity was driven by something far deeper than just the desire to win games, and it left them with a nagging sense of unease as they continued to practice under their unrelenting captain's leadership.

But each new fling, party, and quarrel only served as a fleeting distraction, never filling the void you had left behind.

There were late nights when she was alone in her room, and Bada would suffer about the facts. She missed you terribly. She missed your laughter, conversations, and the warmth you brought into her life. She yearned for the comfort and companionship of your friendship. As she lay in the darkness, the pain of her betrayal weighed heavily on her conscience. ‘I hurt the one person who truly cared about me. Am I just that stupid?’ she would silently admit.

These moments of reflection ate away at her, and she couldn't help but wonder how different things might have been if she hadn't let her fear and insecurities drive a wedge between you two.

Bada appeared on a desperate quest to bury the pain that still raced through her heart. With every beat, she felt the gaping void left by the absence of the most vital person in her life. No amount of parties, casual flings, or wild distractions could fill the vast emptiness that you had once occupied. 

In the quietest hours of the night, when the world was still, and her thoughts were loud, she found herself secretly yearning for your return. She harbored a genuine hope, wishing for a chance to mend the bridges she had inadvertently burned. 

Amid the crisis of losing you, Bada left no stone unturned in her quest for any trace of your existence. She scoured social media platforms, meticulously searching pages and timelines for the smallest updates or any signs of your life. Every ping of a notification filled her with a blend of hope and dread. 

She texted your number, pouring her heart into each word, desperately longing for a response. The silent void on the other end of the line only deepened her despair, leaving her grappling with your absence's stark reality.

Currently, Bada couldn't claim that she was doing any better. The pain persisted, but she was perhaps a touch more subdued than she had been in the turbulent months that had preceded this moment. She carried the weight of longing and loss, hoping for a glimmer of change in her circumstances.

The Past 5 Months

Bada was spiraling out of control. Despite her attempts to cope with your absence through partying and casual encounters, her world was slowly unraveling. The parties had become a regular getaway. Late nights turned into early mornings filled with pure adrenaline and blackouts. It was all a blur, a haze that she thought helped heal her pain but left her feeling emptier each time she woke up.

She especially enjoyed Noze’s parties, though, one of the few friends who enjoyed this new version of her. Noze ensured Bada enjoyed every night, letting her drink several liquor bottles, familiarizing Bada with weed, and introducing new girls to her. But, as one friend condoned the changes, the other three started worrying about their friend.

"Bada, maybe you should consider slowing down with the parties," Lee Jung gently suggested, concerned for her friend's well-being. The suggestion arose from the remnants of a bet they had made together, which had unintentionally caused a heated argument within their close-knit friend group. 

In the aftermath of the dispute, Bada had initially pointed fingers and placed blame on her friends, especially Lee Jung, for an entire month. However, deep down, she couldn't maintain her anger. She recognized that her resentment toward them was irrational, as she was equally at fault for the situation. 

Following the resolution of the argument, Bada's demeanor began to take a more concerning turn. Her attitude deteriorated, and she became increasingly prone to conflicts and confrontations. She seemed to lash out at anyone she deemed inferior or who challenged her in any way. The charming charisma she once exuded had now given way to an intimidating aura that, paradoxically, seemed to repel people while simultaneously drawing them in. It was as if the inner turmoil she had been grappling with was spilling over into her interactions with others, casting a shadow on her once-magnetic presence. The turmoil was like a cloud that had descended upon her, tainting the dynamics of her friendships and her personal life.

The fights were always something small that triggered the tall girl. An example of this was on a random afternoon in the university courtyard, where students gathered to relax, study, or socialize. Bada Lee, was sitting at an outdoor table, poring over her textbooks, trying to concentrate on her studies.

As she engrossed herself in her phone, a student from a nearby table accidentally bumped into her chair while walking past. The minor collision sent her drink rolling off the table and onto the ground. Irritated, Bada muttered under her breath, "Watch where you're going, you klutz."

The student, a young man with an apologetic expression, turned and said, "I'm really sorry about that. It was an accident."

Bada, however, was in no mood to accept an apology. Her hot-headedness had been consuming her patience, and she snapped back, "Accident or not, you should be more careful! My stuff is important, and now I have to pick up my pen because of your clumsiness."

The exchange had caught the attention of nearby students, who were now watching the situation unfold. The student, taken aback by Bada's harsh words, knelt to pick up the bottled drink and handed it to her, saying, "I said I was sorry. You didn't have to be so rude about it." Bada's temper flared. She aggressively snatched the drink from the boy’s hand and retorted, "Well, maybe if you were paying attention, you wouldn't keep causing problems for others!" She tells him as her pointer and middle finger jabbed continuously on his shoulder.

The pressure in the courtyard grew as other students exchanged uneasy glances. The situation escalated further as the young man, frustrated with Bada's attitude, replied, "I apologized, and I tried to help. You need to work on your manners." Bada's face reddened with anger. She pushed her books aside and stood up abruptly, causing her chair to screech loudly across the courtyard. "You have a lot of nerve, talking to me like that," she hissed.

The situation had escalated into an unnecessary confrontation, with both students locked in a heated exchange, their voices rising as they continued to argue. Bada's hot-headed attitude had once again ignited an incident, leaving the courtyard filled with an uncomfortable tension.

Even the bond between Bada and her parents had taken a sharp downturn, despite already not having the best relationship with them.That time of her life had become a persistent strain that weighed heavily on their family life.

Bada had moments where she believed she was making progress, her determination shining through, but these fleeting glimpses of improvement couldn't dispel the ongoing tension that seemed to permeate their household. The atmosphere was saturated with unresolved conflicts and unspoken words, casting a shadow over what was once a warm and harmonious home.

Bada's behavior had become increasingly reckless, mirroring her inner turmoil and frustrations. This recklessness was like a quiet storm, slowly but surely eroding the fragile remnants of understanding that had been left between her and her parents. They were beginning to contemplate a difficult decision, one that had seemed unimaginable before the possibility of sending her away in an attempt to restore peace and find a solution to the growing discord within their family.

As for her interactions with other girls, they had become a simple distraction, like they originally were. Bada had always been known as a player, but now it was as if she was desperately searching for someone to help her heal. She sought comfort in others' company but found none, just an easy quickie to get away, even for a moment.

In the days following your departure, Bada made genuine attempts to focus on her studies. She recognized the importance of maintaining her grades, but being separated from you posed a significant challenge. At times, she found herself gazing at her textbooks, her mind drifting back to the memories of your study sessions and shared laughter.

One day, unable to bear the weight of her emotions any longer, Bada decided to text you. She had thought long and hard about what to say, her fingers hesitating over the keyboard. Finally, she just goes for it.

Bada Hey, it's Bada. I know I messed up. I miss you.  Everything's been messing with my head.

But as the hours passed without a response from you, Bada felt her resolve waver. She thought, ‘Maybe I can't fix this,’ and gave in to her old school habits, falling back into familiar behavior patterns.

The days turned into weeks, and Bada's life continued to spiral. She had lost her way, and there was a growing sense of desperation in her actions. She longed for a chance to make amends, to rebuild the friendship she had thoughtlessly destroyed. But as time marched on, she couldn't help but wonder if it was too late to find her way back to the person she used to be.

After 5 Months

Bada's friends gathered around a cafeteria table, the lively buzz of their fellow students providing the background noise. Bada herself was engrossed in messaging a casual acquaintance, and her friends munched on snacks while discussing their upcoming schedules.

"Dude, next week's soccer game is about to kick our asses. The other team's record is still 13-0, like how do we even beat that?" Aiki groaned, capturing everyone's attention.

Emma responded with a nonchalant shrug, and Noze tapped her shoulder beside Lee Jung. "What about Bada’s basketball game next week?"

While all this unfolded, Bada remained busy in the bathroom with another girl, completely oblivious to what had transpired. Noze was about to turn to Lee Jung to discuss an impending assignment when her attention abruptly shifted to the entrance, where three unfamiliar girls entered with unwavering confidence.

Aiki's astonishment caught everyone's interest, and they looked up to see the three girls striding in with remarkable self-assurance.

As she left the restroom, her hair and clothes disheveled, she witnessed an unexpected sight. Her eyes widened in shock as she caught sight of the three of you. Overwhelmed, she whispered your name, staring at your transformed appearance. "Y/n?" Bada murmured to herself, her eyes locked on you. Noze hurried over to Bada, commenting, "Dude, they’re so fine, especially the one in the middle." Bada was too stunned to reply as she watched you three walk deeper into the cafeteria.

You returned to Korea with Aeri and Yunjin in tow. It was your decision because the American girls believed the school would be a great fit for them, and they were planning to move back to Korea. Little did you know this new trio would change things and create a strong force.

Together, you, Aeri, and Yunjin formed a unique bond even while still in the States. You were like a powerhouse trio, supporting and challenging each other in ways that brought out the best in everyone. Your friendship had strengthened during your time abroad, and now, you were ready to face new challenges at your old school. These girls became your rock while you had to work through your grueling internship, and they even helped you with this new version of yourself. The girls wanted to upgrade your wardrobe, enhance your confidence, and help with a new style of makeup. 

And god, did it make you look even more stunning than Bada remembered.

Stepping onto the bustling campus, you couldn't help but notice the sneaking glances and hushed whispers from Bada's circle of friends. They had undeniably heard about how the bet had concluded, though the full extent of the details remained a mystery to them. Their curiosity grew as they observed your confident demeanor, even though your identity remained a puzzle.

Yet, what struck Bada the most was the remarkable transformation in your appearance. Your once raven-black hair had morphed into a striking shade of blood-red, a bold statement that spoke of change. Your choice of clothing had evolved as well, embracing a more revealing style that mirrored a newfound confidence. This transformation left Bada in awe; she had anticipated changes, but the extent of it was astonishing.

At first, Bada harbored a glimmer of hope about mending the rift between you two, but her optimism waned as she observed your interaction with Haechi. A bright smile and a warm hug welcomed Haechi, revealing the depth of your connection. As you introduced Haechi to your friends, it became apparent that she held a significant place in your life during your time away. Deep down, a twinge of jealousy tugged at Bada's heart, though she tried to bury the feeling beneath a veneer of composure.

You walked into the English classroom alone, the absence of Aeri and Yunjin making you feel somewhat vulnerable amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. The start of the new semester had brought about an unexpected twist of fate as it placed you, Bada, and Haechi in the same class. This class, in particular, was known for its emphasis on discussion and interaction, making it clear that interactions were about to become an inevitable part of your academic routine. The universe seemed to conspire to bring you all together once more, forcing you to confront the past and navigate the complexities of your shared history.

The atmosphere in the room was palpable, heavy with unspoken tensions. Bada's friends cast cautious glances in your direction, their expressions mixing curiosity and sympathy for their friend. As for you, the mere sight of Bada back in your life once more stirred a whirlwind of emotions within you. Her pleading gaze met yours, and in response, you turned your eyes away with a subtle scoff, a barrier between your feelings and the present moment.

Haechi, seated beside an empty chair, motioned for you to join her. She extended a warm smile and offered you a cup of coffee, a comforting gesture that eased some of the room's tension. "Thanks, Haechi," you said, taking the coffee and settling into the seat beside her. She responded with a gentle pat on your thigh, her concern evident in her gaze. "You okay?" Haechi asked, her voice laced with genuine care. You met her gaze, offering a reassuring but restrained smile. "I'm good, don't worry about it, okay?" Haechi fell into a thoughtful silence, her fingers brushing your arm gently. "Let me know if you ever need anything. You know I'm always here for you," she offered, her sincerity shining through. Encouraged by her words, you ran your fingers through her hair, your lips curving softly. "I know, Haechi."

Throughout the interaction, Bada observed in silence, fueled with mixed emotions. She knew she had no right to be angry, yet an undeniable sense of jealousy crept into her heart as she watched you stare at Haechi with eyes of care. While you were away, Bada and Haechi remained cordial, never bringing up you or the day you left, but that hindered the way they worked on the court and even as friends. Haechi got much more secretive, and Bada never knew why. 

Yes, they had a falling out, and Bada knew their friendship wouldn’t be the same as before, but this drastic change caught her off guard. Unbeknownst to Bada, Haechi was hiding the fact that she had been keeping up with you on social media, even chatting with you often, even in completely different time zones. Haechi had seen the new friends who had entered your life, especially Yunjin and Aeri, who seemed to be helping you navigate the tough times. She knew of your progress and the support system you had built, but she had chosen not to share this information with Bada, especially seeing how Bada had relapsed because of the situation.

The professor introduced you to the class since you joined a bit late. "Our next unit is about writing on feelings. It's a broad topic. I'll go around, and when I point at you, share what you'd write about based on your current feelings and why." He pointed at random students; most mentioned common emotions like happiness or stress.

The atmosphere in the classroom shifted when it was Haechi's turn to respond. The professor's question hung in the air, waiting to be answered. "What about you, Miss Wang? How are you feeling right now?" Haechi paused for a moment, a thoughtful look in her eyes. "I'd say it's as simple as being... in love?"

Her words caught both Bada and you by surprise. An unspoken curiosity lingered in the room, leaving everyone to wonder: Who was she in love with?

The professor noted her hesitation and probed further, "You don't seem entirely sure, Miss Wang." Haechi chuckled softly. "I said it's simple, but it's not quite there yet."

He continued, "So, a crush?" Haechi nodded, her gaze drifting toward you as you busily responded to messages on your phone. The professor moved on to the next student.

"Miss Lee, how about you?" Bada fidgeted nervously with her hands, the unease evident in her expression. Sharing her feelings in front of the class was an intimidating prospect. "Regret," she mumbled, glancing at you as she spoke. Her friends offered silent support, patting her back, understanding that Bada was navigating her own unique journey of coping with pain. 

"Why regret?" the professor inquired.

"I messed up," Bada admitted straightforwardly, giving a quick, almost reassuring nod as if she needed to affirm her words. A moment of silence followed before the professor decided to move on to the next student. "Miss Baek?"

Your head shot up, and you hesitated, keenly aware of the emotional weight of the responses that had come before yours. "Maybe 'endeavoring'?" you suggested, your voice quivering slightly. The professor encouraged you to elaborate, and you fidgeted uncomfortably in your seat as you opened up.

"I'm trying hard to become a newer and better version of myself. A version that's less naive," you confessed, revealing your vulnerability. Your response hung in the air, leaving you feeling exposed as you anticipated the inevitable questions and curiosity surrounding your pursuit of self-improvement.

In the following group discussions and class activities, you, Bada, and Haechi found yourselves being forced to engage with each other at certain times. The moments were filled with silent tension, unspoken words, and lingering gazes hinting at your unresolved feelings.

It was strange to you. You weren’t unaware of emotions and how they worked, but you should’ve been raging at the girl, even if she tried apologizing. Yet there was no denying the complicated web of emotions surrounding you and Bada. The past couldn't be erased, and the future remained uncertain, but one thing was clear: your reunion had brought new challenges into your lives. It left Bada wondering if there was still a chance for her to make amends and rebuild the friendship she had so thoughtlessly shattered, but she had to find a way to make it up to you. 

Even if it was just for the sake of her own mental.

In the weeks following your return, Bada couldn’t find any chance to be near you. At least you didn’t give her the chance to. If you were with your friends, you’d stray away from them. If you were with Haechi, you acted cuddly and somewhat flirtatious with her. If you were in class, you focused on every assignment. So Bada felt like she couldn’t butt in anywhere.

Bada did discover something she wasn’t too happy about. Haechi had been in contact with you while you were away, something Bada had not expected. She overheard her co-captain speaking to other girls on the team, as they seemed interested in your friendship. “So you're telling me, Baek Y/n, was the top student? The one who sat in the back of class and always wore a mask and hoodie?” Haechi nods at the question. “We just texted and called a lot while she was gone. I wanted to make sure she was okay, you know?” Jealousy gnawed at Bada as she wondered about the nature of your conversations and the connection that had persisted between you and Haechi.

You sat on a garden bench on a regular Thursday evening, chatting with Aeri and Yunjin. The conversation revolved around some gossip about friends back in the States. Aeri, still engrossed in her phone, asked, "Did Sarah spill the beans about her boyfriend?" Her eyes remained glued to her phone screen as she typed away.

Both you and Yunjin exchanged knowing glances, sensing some juicy details were about to be revealed. Without hesitation, you and Yunjin pulled out your own phones and began frantically scrolling through social media, eager to uncover the latest scoop. Yunjin chimed in, playfully groaning, "Well, can you tell us while we look? You're making us curious." Aeri observed the two of you with a smirk, "You two are like detectives when it comes to gossip."

Aeri revealed, "She said she found him hooking up with one of the girls from her group project." Her revelation earned a collective scoff from you and Yunjin. "Some people are just pigs," you grumbled, clearly not impressed by Sarah's boyfriend's behavior. The other girls nodded in agreement, sensing your irritation and not pressing further on your personal tone.

Just then, Haechi made her way to your group, catching you in the midst of your gossip and relaxation. "Hello, ladies," she greeted, waving at all three of you, though her eyes lingered on you a bit longer. You welcomed her with a warm hug, "What’s up?"

Haechi smiled and replied, "I was actually looking for you guys. I’m hosting a party tomorrow at my family’s townhouse and was hoping you three would come?" Her hopeful eyes rested on all of you, but the emphasis seemed to be on you.

You gladly accepted her invitation, "Of course, Haech. Just send me the details."

As you confirmed your attendance, she swiftly took out her phone to share the information. "I’ll see you later in class, alright?" You nodded as Haechi exited, and as she walked away, Aeri couldn't contain her excitement. She playfully shook your shoulders, causing you to laugh. "She’s so into you, girl."

Yunjin chuckled at the interaction and said, "Yeah, it's pretty obvious." You couldn't help but roll your eyes at their teasing, a subtle smile gracing your lips. "Oh, come on, you two. She's just being friendly." Aeri and Yunjin exchanged knowing glances before bursting into laughter, clearly not buying your innocent act.

The next day, the three of you prepared for the party in your cozy apartment. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the room. The sound of upbeat music reverberated through the space, filling the entire house with an infectious energy.

As you and your friends got ready, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. You stood in front of the open closet, selecting from several outfits that were carefully hung and arranged by color and style. After trying on a few options, you settled on a simple yet stunning black dress. It was made mostly of mesh, which added an alluring and stylish touch to your ensemble. The dress clung to your curves in just the right places, making you feel confident and radiant.

Aeri, the makeup enthusiast of the group, took charge of your makeup. She wouldn't stop pestering you until you reluctantly agreed to let her work her magic. As she skillfully applied makeup, you couldn't help but glance at your reflection in the mirror. You had to admit, she had transformed your look, enhancing your features and giving you a sultry, glamorous appeal. It was a look that could turn heads and make a lasting impression.

With your hair styled and makeup perfected, you felt ready to take on the night. Once you were all dressed and glamorously prepared, you left the apartment, the pounding music fading behind you.

Arriving at Haechi's large townhouse, you were met with an electric atmosphere. The lights and music created an ambiance of celebration, and the chatter of excited partygoers filled the air. You took out your phone and texted Haechi to let her know that you had arrived. In no time, she responded, instructing you to head to the pool area where she and her friends were hanging out. The anticipation in the air was notable, and you were more than ready to join the party.

Navigating through the sweaty, inebriated bodies in the crowded house, Bada's sharp eyes caught a glimpse of your fiery red hair. The instant she spotted you, her heart leaped, and an overwhelming desire to be by your side surged within her. However, the maze of partygoers and the deafening music made it nearly impossible for her to pinpoint the perfect moment to approach you.

As you, Aeri, and Yunjin finally made your way to the backyard, transitioning from the bustling house to the open air was a breath of fresh relief. The chaotic, pulsating energy of the indoor party gave way to a serene yet lively outdoor setting. The atmosphere was alive with laughter, chatter, and the glistening reflections of the pool.

Your eyes quickly sought out Haechi's figure, who was seated by the poolside, surrounded by familiar classmates and friends who were engaged in animated conversations. Her presence exuded a tempting charm, drawing you in like a bee to honey.

When she sensed your gaze, the tension between you and Haechi was palpable, thickening the air around you. Her teeth tugged seductively on her lips, and her captivating gaze remained unwaveringly fixed on your body. Haechi was clearly reveling in the sight before her, the intensity of her emotions mirrored in her smoldering eyes, creating an electric connection between the two of you.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she tells you, sipping on a red solo cup, likely filled with alcohol. “I wouldn’t miss your party, Haech,” you simply tell her, as your friends already mingled away to the table filled with drinks. “You want anything?”

“Some plain soju would be nice,” she nods at you, pulls you over to the table, and pours you a cup. “You look good, Y/n-nie,” her husky voice almost seemed to purr when complimenting you. A coy smile forms on your lips, your gaze becoming dangerously enticing, “I can say the same thing about you,” you tell her as you take a sip of the soju, feeling your body heating up due to just one taste of the drink.

“I’ve been wanting to ask about the English assignment, by the way?” Your brow raises, “You’re talking about an assignment? During a party?” You giggle at her antics, but her seductive eyes stay on yours, “I was hoping for a private lesson.” You feel the shiver down your back, her voice getting deeper as she continues.

“I’m sure I can help you in some way, too,” you feel your body heating up even more. “We can work something out,” you say as your hand caresses her arm, feeling up the sleeve of her letterman jacket. Haechi was now liking this new feeling you’ve brought upon her, deciding to make a move. The music starts booming on the speakers, and the taller girl smirks at the sound, “Wanna go dance?”

With a sly smile, you returned her reply, "Of course." Navigating your way through the pulsating crowd, the sensual rhythm of the music reverberated through the entire house.

As you and Haechi swayed your bodies in harmony to the seductive beat, an undeniable magnetic pull drew you closer. The atmosphere was charged with noticeable sexual tension as your bodies moved, grinding in a rhythm that left no space between you. The vibration from the speakers had the two of you feeling the dizziness from the heated moment. Haechi's long arms enveloped your hips in a firm, possessive embrace. Her fingers, gripping strong, found their place on your thighs, the touch being electrifying, signaling anticipation from you. 

The chemistry between you two was igniting a fire that had been fuming beneath the surface for months, leaving bystanders feeling the heat of your connection. 

Meanwhile, Bada watched in the corner of the room. She noticed you walking in as Haechi gripped your wrist, visibly feeling disgusted at the sight of you two getting up close and personal. She couldn't help but notice the spark between you and Haechi, and her jealousy was beginning to get the best of her again. In a misguided attempt to put an end to her emotions, she saw the same blonde girl you had found her with that one night after the basketball game. It was wrong, sure, but if anyone learned ANYTHING about Bada - she didn’t know how to control her emotions properly. Bada had pulled the blonde to the dance floor, making sure you could see them as the tall girl’s hands roamed all over her body. 

Your eyes met hers for the first time since you got here, and it felt as if your entire world was crumbling again. You wanted to deny the feelings, not try to feel weak, vulnerable, or stupid over the girl, yet you couldn’t help it. Bada may have felt like she was the only one changing, but she was also helping you.

So when you saw the same girl that day, you felt hurt and betrayed again. You almost didn’t even remember Haechi’s presence behind you, only being alerted again as you felt her chest beating. Feeling the weight of Bada’s actions, you tried to escape the dance floor, finding an excuse. “Let me go get a drink and use the bathroom!” You yell over the loud music, and Haechi nods. 

You stumbled into the kitchen, grabbing any bottle at hand, pouring a cup to the top, and gulping it down to numb the pain and confusion that had enveloped you. The fiery burn in your chest and the swirling dizziness offered a brief respite from the shit show happening in the other room. Even though you knew it was wrong to punish yourself this way seemingly, your mind whispered that perhaps it was time to let loose, to indulge in a bit of naughtiness, for reasons you weren't entirely sure of. All that mattered in that moment was making this night count, no matter the consequences.

When your mind was made up, you quickly went to the living room, finding Haechi again, leaning on the wall with a clear flush all over her body. ‘She was drunk,’ the thought made your next decision easier.

You pulled her arm to the corner of the room, where a couch could be seen, and pushed her down. Haechi was shocked but relaxed as you straddled her, getting comfortable on your lap. Her eyes travel down to the ends of your dress as it rode up your thighs due to them being spaced out by her legs. She placed her hands under your thighs, keeping you balanced as you leaned closer to her.

Your eyes traveled to her lips as your hand pressed on her waist, “Is it bad if I really wanted to kiss you right now?” You mumble in her ear, nibbling lightly, and Haechi’s mind is going feral at the feeling of your breath tickling her skin. She impulsively pulls your chin with her long fingers, lips crashing down on yours. The feeling of your soft, pouty lips hooked the taller girl as she pulled on your bottom lip, wanting to feel your tongue.

So when you oblige, the swirling of your tongue around hers encourages her to wrap her arms around your waist, bringing you closer as you find your hands banding themselves around the back of her neck. The room was already hot, but sweet began to form as your body heat radiated off each other.

Without breaking the kiss, you take your jacket off swiftly and lay it beside the girl who was now gripping your waist with much force. Bada had seen you leave and knew she was successful, but her face burned in anger when she found your red hair again. She only saw your backside, but she knew what was going on with the way you were positioned and how your head was motioning. “Dude, you're killing the cup,” she heard Aiki point out and looked down to see the discombobulated red solo cup, clear liquor dripping from her fingers. “My bad,” Bada groans, finding a napkin to clean up the mess. 

Looking back up, she finds you sitting on Haechi’s lap, now to the side and laughing lightly as the tall girl whispers in your ear.

‘Oh fuck this,’ Bada just walks out of the house, not caring about her friends pleading for her. She couldn’t stand it, yet were you just gonna let her waltz back in and kiss her - it was impossible for it to be that easy. You stayed at the party for a little longer, just chatting away with everyone as Haechi stole a few kisses from you every now and then as you enjoyed the rest of your night.

Amidst the chaos of your complicated relationships with Bada and Haechi, you found solace in shopping with Aeri and Yunjin the next day. The three of you bonded over retail therapy, spilling the tea about your respective love lives and the intricacies of your feelings. So, the topic naturally turned to Bada and Haechi during your shopping spree. 

You sat on the bench with Aeri and Yunjin, trying out new clothes as you watched, already buying the clothing you picked out. “So you’re saying you made out with Haechi cause you were jealous of Blondie and Bada?” Yunjin asks, making sure she understands the situation.

“Honestly, so real,” Aeris says, encouraging your choices as usual. “I mean, I’m sure Haechi should’ve expected something like that to happen at a party without so many feelings involved,” Yunjin rationalizes, but it gets you thinking.

Did you like Haechi? Do you still like Bada? Were you over everything Bada did to you? Did the kiss mean anything? Was it just the heat of the moment? You only guessed that time could tell. It hasn’t even been a month since your return, and you already struggled to comprehend things.

Once the two girls notice your silence, Aeri snaps her fingers in front of your face, “Hello? Y/n? Still with us?” You shake your head at the teasing tone, a giggle being pushed out. “I don’t know what to feel right now, honestly,” your voice comes out soft, and the girls realize it is actually serious. “Well, do you like Ms. Wang?” Yunjin, the certified friend psychiatrist of the group, asks you, and you shrug. “I won't deny liking her company. Haechi has been with me through the months of hurt and change,” you pause, and the girls anticipate what's coming next. “But?”

You sigh, “But I can’t get that asshole Bada out of my head.” You share your conflicting emotions and the tangled web of attraction, jealousy, and unresolved history that defined your interactions with the two basketball captains.

“Is it not just physical attraction to you?” Yunjin’s question made you think that you were sure it wasn’t just physical with Bada but you with Haechi, fully knowing that she had become a safe space for you. “I don’t really think either of them are solely physical.” You groan. The thoughts started giving you a brutal headache as you sat on the chair, hanging your head low with your eyes shut.

“I don’t think anyone can blame you, girl. The entire school population loves those two girls, and it's kinda concerning especially since Bada doesn’t have the best track record with women.” Aeri points out, and you scoff, “You’re not wrong, girl, but these girls have always been like that for Bada.” More than ever, it seemed like many were vying for Bada’s attention, and it left you contemplating the complex dynamics of your relationships, now with Haechi in the picture as well. The two captivating and complex girls who had entered your life once more and would most likely cause havoc in your life.

The next week, everything was surprisingly normal. You and Haechi weren’t awkward after the steamy night, but the friendship was sure flirtier than before. Whenever she saw you the entire week, she’d kiss you on the cheek or play with your soft locks. You began to realize that Haechi’s love language was physical touch, but you never knew why it took you so long to think of that. The girl used to hug you every time she said literally hello, so it made sense.

It was now Monday morning, and you were in the cafeteria with Aeri and Yunjin, eating the fresh lunch they got. As you guys ate in peace, Haechi came up to you guys and sat at the table. “Hey, pretty,” she says as you chew your food, and she uses your finger to tilt your head up.

Your doe eyes stared at her as you chewed with chipmunk-like cheeks, and she found you quite adorable. “Haech, the table is used for eating, not your ass,” you joke, and she laughs. “What are you doing here, though? Don’t you usually eat outside in the morning?” 

“I had to come early to talk to Miss Kim today, so I decided to stop by and ask you guys if you wanna come to our basketball game at Handong University on Friday?” “Sure, what time?” Haechi checks her phone, “At 5 pm.” 

“Do we need tickets though?” Yunjin speaks up, chewing on her food. “Yeah, but don’t worry about it. If you ride with me, you can get the tickets easily and just go in with me.” You nod, “Bet, just text me your plan.”

Haechi takes her leave, and the girls begin staring at you, causing you to look at them in confusion. “What?”

“At this point, you guys should start dating already,” Aeri blurts off, and you almost choke on your food. “I’m not ready for that.” “Not ready for that, or just not with Haechi?” You paused harshly at the statement. No amount of swallowing your saliva could shake that anxious feeling off whenever talking about this question. “I don’t know,” you just roll your eyes.

After breakfast, you had to go to the student council office, still having the role of secretary. Walking into the office, you see the president and vice president talking to Bada. Trying to avoid interaction with the girl, you just walk past her, giving no attention and checking the papers you’d need for this week.

As you skimmed over everything, you began hearing the president's voice to Bada. “I don't want to hear another complaint, Bada. I’ve been doing my best to cover for you so your parents don’t have to hear anything, but this is becoming too much.” Bada huffs at the statement, assuming that you can hear everything. “I’m just saying the paperwork complaints are becoming too much. You can't just leave the school or go home to mess with a girl?” 

Hearing those words had your eyes roll hard, quickly wanting to leave the room with your piles of paper. Bada notices the irritation in your face, quickly wanting to follow you, but is being stopped by the other two students.

“We're telling you, Bada, this should be the last one, or else we will report it.” Bada could care less right now, so as they finish talking to her, she runs out of the office, looking in every direction to see if she can catch up to you. She finds you at the end of the left hallway, and her quick, long legs catch up easily.

You, on the other hand, hear the loud footsteps, letting a strong sigh out. “Y/n?” Just hearing her voice - it had your mind in a frenzy. You missed the soothing sound, and it didn’t help turning around to look at her. Due to the height difference, you were now looking up at the girl, her tense face evident as she looked at you. Bada just stood there, not really thinking about her actions.

“Anything you wanna say?” You practically whispered out. Bada was in awe of you; all she could think about was how good you looked. Your pleated red school skirt was paired with plain knee-high socks, and your white collared button-up tucked in yet slightly see-through made Bada go crazy. You weren’t so innocent yourself as you stared at the girl's luscious full lips, feeling the intensity of her stare. “Again, did you wanna say something?”

For some reason, the sorry that was at the tip of her tongue never came out, “You going to our game this week?”

If you were disappointed in the question, Bada wanted to punch herself in the face. All that build-up and tension led to this? You look at her, questioning her in your head, “Yeah, Haechi invited me so…” the silence was deafening as Bada just stood there, her brain trying to configure what to tell you. “I’ll just get going now,” you take your leave, not letting Bada get herself together.

The entire day, you found the interaction so odd. You believed your first encounter with Bada would’ve been filled with anger and raging tears, yet the two of you stood in the middle of that hallway like a deer in headlights. You shake the feeling off and just go about your busy day.

As time flew by, it was already Friday, and you were currently in Haechi’s car, sitting in the passenger seat, while your two best friends sat in the back. As Haechi drove, her hands stayed clasped on your bare thigh, as your skirt didn’t cover much. Not minding the touch, you just kept talking to the girls in the back. “You think there’s gonna be any cuties there?” Aeri questions as she applies her gloss. “I wouldn’t doubt it. Handong is known for their fine-ass students, you know,” Yunjin said with a shrug, and you giggled. “I’ve heard a lot of students there get cast as models,” you share, and Haechi looks at you suspiciously. 

“You seem excited to see them?” Haechi states, trying to hide her jealousy, yet you read her like an open book. “Why wouldn’t I be? I’m sure I’ll see some cuties there,” you tease, leaning back on the chair. Expecting a laugh from the tall girl, you were surprised to feel her grip tighten around your thigh as it slowly raised higher, laying right under the fabric of your skirt. Your body tenses at the feeling.

“Am I not enough?” Her voice sounded so innocent, yet had a daring tone lying underneath, and you could clearly tell. Now, what were you supposed to respond to that? You stare at her, shocked at the question, and when she takes a peek at you, she chuckles at your reaction. “I’m kidding, Y/n-nie, don’t stress out too much.”

The car ride became silent between the two of you while the two girls in the back kept chatting. Once you make it to the school, Aeri looks around, a bit disgusted at the sight of the school. “Is this school small, or is it just me?” “Our school’s just really big,” you tell her, laughing as she silently judges the place. “Let’s go in through the back?” Haechi announces as her duffel hangs on her shoulder. She led the three of you through the back, passing by the other girls of her team.

“We don’t have to buy any tickets?” You asked, but before you can get a response, you hear a yelp from Aeri. You turn around and see Yunjin helping the shorter girl up as they face a tall group of girls. Their uniforms were forest green and orange in color. As they were unfamiliar to you, you were a bit cautious about what was about to happen, especially knowing Aeri’s fiery attitude. 

“Can you look where you're walking?” The short girl’s voice was full of pure irritation. “My bad, shorty, it was just an accident. I didn’t see you,” you heard a deep tone, cockiness dripping from the words. “I- I’m sorry about my teammate. They just get a bit excited when playing on game day.” A taller girl from the back speaks up, and Aeri is about to go off. “Excited? What a fuck-”

Before she could continue, you stepped in, shutting her mouth with a simple shush from your lips, “Relax yourself, Aeri.” You face the unfamiliar team and bow, “Good luck on your game,” just keep it at that, taking the girl's wrist, trying to pull them away. “Wait, aren’t you a pretty little thing? I’ve never seen you here at Handong. Don’t tell me-“

“It obviously means she goes to Yunae University, idiot. So stop harassing the girl.” Another unknown voice speaks out; the rich tone makes your ears ring a little. You see a tall, attractive girl with raven hair walking forward, bowing to you. “I want to apologize for anything Aisha has said to you.” You smile at the leader-like gesture, “It’s alright. Your number 5 over here did her best to help.” The way you smiled had the tall girl's heart fluttering. There was just something about tall girls like you, huh? She gives a genuine grin, cat-like eyes softening at you, “Yel does her best in situations like this. I’m Doyeon, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Doyeon-nim. I’m Y/n from Yunae.”

Her eyes travel from your cute grin down to the stylish outfit. “You know I don’t usually condone Aisha and her words, but I must agree. You are a pretty little thing.”

You couldn’t deny feeling intimidated at the moment, feeling like a kitten being placed in a den full of preying lions. Despite having Yunjin and Aeri by your side, the tall girls towering over you had you feeling powerless. As the Handong basketball captain was about to continue, you felt a presence looming behind you, which felt suffocating. You peeked over your left shoulder, seeing Haechi’s familiar black bomber jacket.

To your right, however, was an unfamiliar outfit. Yet you sure did recognize the scent of her perfume. If it wasn't for the famous Bada Lee and her impeccable timing. “You two have to go change,” you tell them, patting their shoulders with the knuckles of your hands. You weren’t expecting them to move at your words, and you were completely correct. You don’t know why you ended up in a war of ‘who has the most rizz,’ but you weren’t super happy about it.

It was an ego booster, but you concluded that you weren’t built for the drama-filled life. Yet every time you tried to better yourself and stray away, it seemed to follow you around. “If it isn't the famous captains of Yunae,” Aisha’s cocky tone comes out again, and you feel the irritation of both captains bouncing off each other. Both Yunae captains were heated for different reasons. Haechi knew that you’d probably get hit on by someone, which was reasonable since you are a fine-ass woman, but Aisha’s approach ticked her off.

Bada, on the other hand, was familiar with Miss Kim Doyeon. Having gone to the same schools for many years, the two were basically competitors in school. Yes, Bada lacked in grades, but so did Doyeon. In every other aspect, they were quite even. The only main difference was Doyeon being more feminine, but that didn't change much. She and Bada were exactly the same, and she knew that not only meant trouble for you but for her as well.

Realistically, Bada didn’t know if her old pal changed, but safe to say she wasn’t about to take any chances, especially with you involved.

“Haven’t seen you in a while, Lee. Life’s been treating ya’ well?” Doyeon’s subtle teasing doesn't go over Bada’s head. Doyeon could read Bada like an open book, knowing how to annoy the girls with even a simple glance. And with her AND Haechi standing behind you, the situation was clearly all over the place for you. “You can say that,” Bada gives a faux smile as she secretly takes your hand in hers, tugging you closer to her direction.

You were starting to get uncomfortable with the tension that you just let her, not wanting to deal with this shit anymore. Haechi notices the close proximity between you two, and her brows furrow, the waves of confusion, jealousy, and anger mixing together. “Let’s just go, guys. I’m sure your team is waiting for you.”

You tell the two tall girls, patting their backs in the visitor locker room direction. The two players wanted to talk to you, but your best friends pulled you to the bleachers, taking a seat so you could talk about what just happened. “Now, what the actual fuck was that?” You shrug at Aeri, “You are the reason I was a part of that in the first place.” “To me, it seems like you had five hot girls crowding all over you,” Yunjin states bluntly with a smirk. You scoff at them, leaving the conversation at that since you were over the entire thing already.

After 10 minutes, the Yunae team starts pulling out onto the court, Haechi and Bada being the last ones. With their uniforms on, the girls were decked out in black and white with little details of light blue due to them playing at another school instead of their primarily light blue uniform. The girls begin warm-ups with Bada wearing her number 22 and Haechi wearing her 29.

As you chatted away with Yunjin, Aeri sat there on her phone, as she wasn't really interested in sports. The game began, and within the time span of 15 minutes, so much had happened. The current score was 34 - 38, with Yunae leading. The opposing team's players couldn't resist the temptation to flirt and vie for your attention. The little winks sent your way, kissy faces, even Yel, being the shy player of Handong, sent seductive eyes your way every now and then. They made their intentions clear, attempting to catch your eye throughout the game.

Haechi and Bada quickly picked up on the advances made by the opposing team. Their competitive spirits were inflamed, and they decided to take matters into their own hands. 

As the game progressed, Haechi couldn't help but feel resentment, exchanging a knowing glance with Bada, who shared a similar expression to her. The co-captain leaned in closer to the tall girl, her voice filled with playful mischief. 

"Looks like they're not just playing for points, are they? Should we give them a taste of their own medicine?" Haechi whispered to the girl, and Bada, always up for some friendly competition, grinned mischievously and nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Let's make this game even more interesting."

Yunjin, who had been chatting with you about the team dynamics, noticed the sudden shift in Haechi and Bada's strategy. The two felt more aggressive on the court, and you couldn’t help but notice Haechi’s improvement while playing. Her speed had become evidently quicker while swiftly moving through the other team, being quite in sync with Bada.

You remembered Bada being the best player on their team by far. Yet months later, here Haechi was, being on par with the passionate player. As the opposing team continued to flirt and vie for your attention, Haechi and Bada began taunting their opponents in a playful yet competitive manner. They showcased their skills, trying to outshine their rivals and draw your attention. The game took on a new level of intensity as the players on both teams, fueled by a desire to impress you, pushed themselves to the limit. The flirting had turned into a friendly rivalry, and you couldn't help but find the entire situation amusing as you watched the game unfold.

At halftime, the opposing players started playing rough against the Yunae girls. They were shoving and elbowing, and fouls were getting called left and right. You looked on, serious, as you saw this, thinking they were more interested in fighting at this point than playing the game.

Tensions escalated as one of the opposing players commented disrespectfully about you. “I’m sure your little girlfriend over would be a nice trophy to win. She’d suit Handong students better, you know? Maybe Doyeon can get her after this.” Both Haechi and Bada reacted instantly, shoving the offender and fiercely protecting you and your image. "Hey, watch your mouth! Show some respect!" Haechi yells, but Bada can’t keep her cool, especially after seeing the smirk on Doyeon’s face after the comment, "Keep that nasty shit off the court, and stop involving her!" 

The confrontation quickly spiraled into a small brawl during the game. After one final push from Haechi, Aisha seemed to reach her limit and threw a powerful punch at the opposing girls. You stood up, surprised by her action. Aisha was supposed to be the co-captain of Handong, but she was having a hard time controlling her emotions during the game.

"Protect Bada and Haechi-unnie!"

"No one disrespects Doyeon!"

The gym echoed with shouts and chaos as the brawl intensified, leaving you and your friends caught in the middle of a heated showdown. In the midst of the chaos, punches were thrown, and Bada and Haechi found themselves on the receiving end of blows. Despite the chaos around you, your immediate concern was Haechi. “Haech!” Your voice was loud and abrupt, running over to her side as you kneeled, touching her face in concern as you saw the bruise slowly forming. The tall girl whimpers in pain as she leans on her elbows, trying to sit up, yet has difficulty due to blows to the stomach.

Your worry and care were evident as you rushed to her side, tending to her injuries and offering comfort. Bada watched from the sidelines, growing even more furious than she had been before. She couldn't help but feel a pang of bitterness as she saw your concern and attention directed solely towards Haechi. It was a stark reminder of the divide that had grown between you and Bada, a divide she knew she deserved, given her past actions. You notice Bada’s dramatic exit out of the infirmary, heavy footsteps and sighs could be heard. 

As you sat next to a pained Haechi, you couldn’t help but feel bad for the girl who had no one taking care of her.

Well, there you go again, being too kind to the wrong people. Just couldn’t help yourself huh?

Amidst the demanding next three weeks of student council duties that had overwhelmed your time as secretary, Haechi graciously respected your need for space. While you tackled your responsibilities, she maintained a continuous presence by sending supportive text messages throughout the day.

In these rare moments when rest briefly graced your hectic schedule, Bada seized the opportunity to approach you in your newest hang-out spot, the school garden. She wanted to at least try to rebuild that trust, especially after the petty fight in the game last week. Bada felt that in your eyes, she was now the most immature person in the world, yet she was unaware that Haechi had explained to you, the teasing, the comments made about you, the little bond they made, literally everything. 

Everything except the past of Bada and Doyeon, which even Haechi had no idea about.

Bada envisioned a mature conversation with you, but as she drew closer, the emotions steamed beneath the surface began to surge forward.

Bada's voice quivered slightly as she spoke, a sense of plea in her voice. "Hey," she began, her eyes searching your face for any sign of acknowledgment. "Can we talk?"

You looked up from your work, meeting Bada's gaze. Your expression showed subtle uncertainty, though you were open to hearing her out. "Um, sure." You shifted to the left, creating space for her to sit. Bada took a seat, her head resting in her hands, dreading the conversation that lay ahead. Still, she knew she needed to ask for forgiveness at some point, so she might as well do it now.

Bada nodded earnestly, her voice trembling as she began, "I know I messed up." Her words were filled with remorse, but you scoffed softly.

"Saying you messed up is putting it lightly," you responded, your tone tinged with disappointment and irritation. "You made a bet on me, Bada. I'm not some object," you said, your voice wavering slightly. "I appreciate you trying to apologize, but I'm not sure I can forgive you." A trembling sigh escaped from Bada's lips. "I just wanted to talk to you about it."

You took a moment to think, aware that you often took the high road in situations like this. However, you were uncertain about the right decision at this particular moment. “I’m an insecure fuck who has no one,” Bada says, chuckling at herself. “I’m pathetic.”

You fix your gaze on her, annoyance and displeasure evident in every word. "You have no right to say that," you seethe, your voice quivering with anger, and Bada begins to feel cornered. Emotions swirl within you, and your voice trembles with the weight of your words. "You had me," you confess, tears welling up as frustration gnaws at your resolve. "I tried my best to be there for you, even though we hadn't known each other for that long. I cared."

The floodgates open, and you struggle to maintain your composure, a solitary tear slipping down your cheek. "You just couldn't let go of that player image, could you?" Your voice trembles with a mix of sadness and resentment. "You just had to string me along." The rawness of the moment hangs heavily in the air, a heartbreaking confrontation filled with disappointment and sorrow.

Bada couldn’t even look at you, it was as though you had become her kryptonite. Just capable of melting her defenses with a single glance. All she thought was, ‘You're a bad person. This is your karma.’

“I know,” Bada says silently, feeling a tear wetting her cheek, and she uses her sleeve to calm herself. “I’m the loser who let an amazing girl go,” Bada says, and she feels her disappointment again. Bada's breathing was becoming staggered, almost hyperventilating. With this happening before, you rest your hand on her back, rubbing in circles. “Breath, Bada. In through the nose, out through the mouth.” You stare at her face, which flushes red as she struggles to breathe. You knew that Bada felt bad, Haechi even telling you how upset she was when you left.

You just never knew the extent of it until now. So seeing this - a mentally broken Bada in front of you, had you in distress. You couldn’t help but hug the crying girl, and like months ago, you had her calming down just from your touch. “If you put in effort, I think I can try forgiving you,” you mumbled as her head nuzzled into your neck, trying to end the stress completely.

So, in the following days, Bada did try. The girl did everything she possibly could. Bada's acts of kindness showed her silent mission to seek your forgiveness. She understood the seriousness of her actions and was determined to make amends. Her gestures of kindness were sincere and subtle, reflecting her genuine remorse.

Every morning for the past week, you found a cup of freshly brewed coffee waiting for you at your desk in the student council office. The aroma was always comforting, and the warmth of the gesture touched your heart as you got used to the strong scent. Bada even noticed your heavy workload and would discreetly carry your bag whenever your hands were full of books or papers. She made it seem effortless, ensuring your burden felt lighter.

You even receive an unexpected lunch from Bada occasionally. The meal would be carefully packed and contain your favorite dishes - which she pestered you for, a thoughtful gesture that was impossible to ignore. On the lunches, you'd find apologetic notes tucked into your textbooks or slipped under your door. Bada expressed her regret and longing for your forgiveness in these handwritten messages. You were bombarded with all this and were surprised at her persistent and dedicated efforts.

As Bada demonstrated her genuine remorse through these acts of kindness, a gradual shift in your perception began to take shape. It wasn't an overnight transformation, but her consistent efforts and heartfelt gestures couldn't be denied. You reflected on the possibility of forgiveness, and your heart slowly began to open to the idea of at least being friends again.

Meanwhile, all this is happening, and Haechi has become more aware, remaining wary of the situation. She knew the extent of Bada's genuine feelings for you, which had only intensified during your time apart. Haechi had seen firsthand how you had affected Bada, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she might be losing you. Haechi can’t deny she’s taken a liking to you over the months, but she felt like she couldn’t compete with that at all. Her insecurities and fears bubbled beneath the surface as she observed your interactions with Bada. Yet she knew to accept defeat, knowing you weren’t necessarily over the tall captain either.

In Haechi’s mind, even just for a little while, she wanted to have you all to herself. You put her at ease, made her a better person, and overall made her feel loved. But that’s the same way Bada felt, maybe to the extreme even. Her worries got even worse when you and Bada had to work on an English assignment together, having to write up a script for a play in the next two weeks.

That’s when Haechi finally confided in you, her voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I can't help but feel a bit uneasy, you know. I've seen how much you mean to Bada, and it's hard not to worry about what might happen between you two." You nodded, understanding her concerns. "I get it, Haechi. But we just have to get through this project then it’ll be back to normal."

She sighed, her worries still lingering and you couldn’t help but beat yourself up mentally. The both of you knew you were lying, to her and yourself. As the days passed, the situation became increasingly complicated, but your open conversation with Haechi was a small step toward easing her concerns and maintaining the balance in your relationship.

During the second week of the project, you and Bada unexpectedly hit a bump in the road. 

In the midst of your project work, emotions that had been simmering beneath the surface finally boiled over. The two of you sat in her bedroom that day, working on your laptops and as you stayed focused with your large adorable glasses on, she couldn’t help but think how irresistible you looked.

Bada had kept staring, and you felt the tension steadily increasing, fueled by unresolved feelings and a shared history that couldn't be ignored. As the two of you worked side by side, the atmosphere grew increasingly charged. 

You both leaned over a table, discussing project details, your eyes locked onto each other's.

“You’re gorgeous Y/n,” Bada could only whisper, being hypnotized by your puppy-like eyes as you stared at the girl. After the past two weeks, the never-ending interactions and genuine drive to be in your life were beginning to affect your heart in the same way it did before.

Bada couldn’t help herself, you just looked so tempting.

In that moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the chemistry between you. The air crackled with tension as you both leaned in, drawn together. Your lips met in a heartfelt kiss, that felt like a culmination of all the emotions building between you. It was a kiss filled with longing, desire, and the weight of unspoken words. As your mouths moved in sync, the world around you ceased to exist, and you were consumed by the intoxicating sensation of being so close to someone you had missed for so long.

Each touch, each caress, conveyed a depth of emotion that words could never capture. It was a kiss born from a complex mixture of attraction, regret, and the undeniable connection that had always existed between you. At that moment, the lines between friendship and love seemed more blurred, and you were both swept away by the intensity of each other's lips.

The tension and unresolved emotions that had been building between you erupted in a passionate and heated kiss. The kiss quickly escalated into a fervent make-out, leaving both of you breathless and confused in the aftermath.

As you pulled away from each other, your minds were left in turmoil, struggling to make sense of the unexpected turn of events. The lines between friendship, attraction, and unresolved feelings had become blurred, and the path forward was uncertain. “I think I should go,” you say, slipping out of her grasp quickly, and leaving her home even with Bada’s voice telling you not to. You just walked and walked, your mind becoming scrambled more by the minute.

What the fuck were you suppose to do now?

When you found yourself in school the next day, you sat next to Yunjin and Aeri who spoke to each other, while your mind spaced off. The past few days were blurring together, and you were having a hard time keeping up with the two taller girls.

Haechi, ever perceptive, noticed the turmoil in your thoughts but she understood that it was not the right time to press you for an explanation or to make you feel any more overwhelmed. Instead, she decided that taking you out for fun would be a welcome distraction.

"Hey," Haechi said with a warm smile, gently taking your hand. "I can tell you've got a lot on your mind. How about we take a break from all this and have a bit of fun?" You nodded, grateful for the offer of an escape. "Yeah, that sounds nice."

Haechi whisked you away after school to a vibrant carnival, where the colorful lights and joyful atmosphere immediately began to work their magic. You both indulged in the various attractions and games, with Haechi displaying impressive skills in winning you prizes, all while sharing laughter and enjoying thrilling rides. The carnival food was a guilty pleasure, and you both indulged in cotton candy, popcorn, and all the delicious treats it had to offer.

As you prepared to part ways with Haechi, you couldn't help but express your gratitude. "Haechi, tonight was amazing. Thanks for taking my mind off everything. It means a lot." Haechi smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting genuine care. "I'm glad you had a good time. We all need a break sometimes, especially from the chaos of life."

Her unexpected affectionate peck on your cheek left you momentarily flustered. You stammered, "Oh, um... thanks." She chuckled, understanding the mixture of emotions you were going through. "Take your time to sort things out, okay? I'm here for you, whatever you need." With her reassuring words lingering in your mind, you continued your journey home, your thoughts in disarray. Questions swirled within you, and you couldn't help but wonder aloud, "What do I really feel? Is it Haechi or Bada who has my heart?"

The carnival had indeed offered a temporary escape from your complicated emotions, but it hadn't provided the answers you desired. Your feelings remained a complex web of affection and uncertainty, and you knew that the path ahead held many more twists and turns.

The confusion lingered as you continued working on the project with Bada. She extended an invitation to dinner after one of your study sessions, choosing a simple fast-food place where the atmosphere felt comfortable and familiar. The dimly lit diner, with its soft music playing in the background, provided a setting where conversations could be had.

As you both sat down with your meal, Bada took a deep breath, her eyes revealing a mixture of nervousness and determination. "There's something I need to say," she began, her voice earnest.

You nodded, urging her to continue. "Sure, go ahead."

Bada decided to lay everything on the table, her words filled with raw honesty. She opened up about her struggles, regrets, and the turmoil she had experienced during the time you were apart. "I want you to know that I haven’t been the best version of myself, especially after you left," she admitted, her gaze fixed on you. "I did some things that I'm not proud of, and I hurt you. I know that."

Her words hung in the air, and you could see the pain in her eyes. She continued, "I couldn't accept that you were gone, and I resorted to unhealthy ways to feel better. I was ashamed of myself, and I regret how I treated you." Her voice wavered, but she pushed forward. "I need you to know that I'm genuinely sorry for my actions. I wish I could take back what I did, but I can't. All I can do now is try to make things right."

The sincerity in Bada's words was strong, and it left you with a mix of emotions. You felt her honesty and wondered how to respond to her heartfelt confession. Yet she doesn’t rush you, and you appreciate it as you need to figure out this Haechi situation first.

So the next day in school, you built up the courage to talk to her during lunch. Pulling her up to the rooftop of the school, you breathed in the fresh air, trying to calm the nerves that began to course through your veins. Haechi, ever perceptive, noticed the changes in Bada's demeanor and your complex emotions.  She began with empathy, "I've seen the efforts Bada has been making to make amends, and I can tell that there are still feelings between you two."

You nodded, acknowledging the truth in her words. "Yeah." Her words were sweet but you felt more disgusted with yourself by the minute, it felt like you playing with her heart even if those weren’t your intentions. She gave you a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with understanding. "I want you to know that I respect your wishes and choices. I'm not here to pressure you or to make things more complicated. What matters most is your happiness."

That's when tears began to well in your eyes. You were certain you didn’t deserve her. "Haechi, I appreciate your understanding. It's just that everything feels so complicated right now." She gently squeezed your hand. "I don’t think it's THAT complicated Y/n. Just know that I'm here to support you, no matter what you decide."

The weight of the conversation hung in the air as you grappled with your feelings and the choices ahead. Haechi's understanding and support were a source of comfort, but the path you had to navigate remained uncertain and emotionally charged. You couldn't shake the guilt that had been creeping in, eating at you for using Haechi as a distraction from the stress and turmoil that Bada had brought into your life. You carried the weight of your actions with a heavy heart, and it was hard to look Haechi in the eye.

The silence between you was felt comforting but anxiety-inducing at the same time. It was Haechi who decided to break the tension. She reached out and gently touched your hand again, her voice delicate and understanding. "You may be the smartest girl in school, Y/n, but you're also human. You can't help who you fall for."

Her words carried a weight that resonated deeply within you. It was a bittersweet realization, one that tugged at your heartstrings. Haechi delivered it with a sad smile, acknowledging the complexity of your emotions. The guilt still lingered, but Haechi's understanding and support were a source of solace in the midst of your emotional turmoil.

That’s when Bada came into mind, and you smile a little at the thought of her pretty face. “You should go tell her.” You stare at Haechi like she grew three heads, and she laughs. “Why wait? The girl was beating herself up over you, I think it’s time to give her what she’s been wanting.” Her tone joked but you knew she was serious, so you impulsively got up and ran through the school, bumping into so many students in the process as you make your way to the cafeteria, knowing Bada and her friends would be there.

Once you see the oreo-haired girl sitting at their lunch table, you quickly drag her out to the school garden. Bada couldn’t even comprehend what was happening right now, just feeling the strong force drag her wrist.

When the two of you stop, she looks at you, a bit dizzy due to the dragging. “Y/n? Are you okay?” Bada asks, trying to snap herself out of the daze you put her in making you chuckle. “I’m sorry about dragging you all the way out here. But I just had to tell you now.”

“Tell me what?”

“That no matter what happened 6 months ago, I’ll still love your dumbass,” you say with a smile and Bada’s eyes go wide. A stupid grin forms on her face as she pulls you into a warm bearing hug. “I think I’ve finally been healed,” she jokes and you pull away, slapping her forehead as she laughs. Once she settles down, she softly touches your cheeks, giving you a loving kiss. You smile, and the thought of the two of you officially being together circulates in your brain. 

As she rests her forehead on yours, her gaze notices your goofy smile. “Why are you smiling like that?” She asks with a laugh, adoring the look on your face. “Would you wanna be mine?” The abrupt question had Bada pause, an amused chuckle left her lips, “Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”

“Oh, just answer the damn question,” you tell her as you roll her eyes. Your irritated reaction makes Bada smile again, pulling you into a strong embrace and she kisses the temple of your head, “Of course I’d love to be yours.” 

The two of you stare at the beautiful flowers, and Bada pulls away, cheesing again. “What now?”

“The top student’s officially mine.”

“Oh shut up,” you say with a soft giggle leaving your lips as you stare at your, finally, girlfriend.

Tag list (OPEN): @chipswsauce @nimixe @yooqui @eeeetaetterswife @efyyylee @froufrousnowman @amararosesblog @ssc7514 @kayascar @mrsdacherry @angel-hyuckie @letthemagicc @linda-botello @hyynee @only-minghaos @noraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa @sun-nyy @tikitsune @xiakiyama @v2br33zyy

[lexicorp]

Transformers Earthspark: Another Place, Another Prison

[inserts Starscream next to Hashtag-] Seriously, its so hard getting a good view of their bunker, and there's never a screenshot of Star at their place so i can only manifest lmao

But yeah! Starscream is now amidst the Malto family and oh boy is this era of the fic complex to write oml. This chapter certainly matched the previous in length, and i feel like that might become a pattern with tryna wrap up these types of interactions/scenes.

Starscream is full of so much hekin anxiety dude, but this time he actually does get a bit of assistance!

Previous Chapter: The Illusion of Freedom

First Chapter: The Need For Read

Next Chapter: Bee's Good Guy Crash Course

Chapter 9: Settling Into Circumstance

Finally. 

After an absurd amount of kliks being knocked around the blasted box the bots had apparently needed to throw him in, they reached their destination. Signaled by the gradual slowing of momentum, paired with a collection of conversation, and the trailer door beginning to be pulled open. Starscream was not going to allow either of those femmes to wrestle him out of his predicament, he needed some dignity. So, he maneuvered himself as closely to the entrance as he could to prepare his exit. 

The effort was extremely uncomfortable, but he didn’t care, as long as he got out of there with at least a scrap of his pride intact. As soon as Elita-1 became fully visible, he shoved her aside with one servo while pushing off from the edge of the trailer with the other. “Out of my way!” He’d almost stumbled into a faceplate full of dirt, but instead ducked into a haphazard roll with an involuntary yelp. Not exactly as graceful as he would hope. Starscream’s wings fluttered and twitched in relief from finally being able to move, although it perhaps too could reflect his lingering embarrassment. He quickly picked himself up and dusted his servos with an air of disinterest. “I will never understand the choice to travel by way of wheels.” 

Arcee had the audacity to laugh. “Aww, someone’s cranky.” 

He glared at her, up until he noticed Elita-1 staring him down in turn. A rather malicious grin came upon her faceplate as she approached him. “Have fun at con daycare. Don’t make me come pick you up early.” She hit her shoulder against his as she forced herself past. “C’mon Cee.” Arcee shrugged and they made their oddly hasty retreat, as if they had something better to do.

Starscream flapped his servo in a mocking gesture as he muttered their words in a perfect imitation of what they sounded like. Then flinched to rigid attention when the Prime called his designation. Who was followed by the bug trailing behind him with a pouty squint to his optics. 

“Starscream. Will you follow us to the barn please?” The Prime was apparently quite fond of phrasing his orders as if they were requests. 

“You talk as if I have a choice in the matter.” Starscream tossed his servo at the absurdity before making his way by their side.

“Tough Screamer. We aren’t exactly thrilled about this either.” Bumblebee kept pace if only to point a digit at Starscream to display his clear frustration at the seeker’s intrusion on his human hideout. “But Optimus is trusting me with this assignment–so just know that we’re not here to mess around. This is very serious.” 

“I’m sure he’s aware, Bumblebee.” The Prime was standing right at Starscream’s wing opposite to the bug. Great. Boxed in between two bots to be chaperoned away to a different wooden box. He was thrilled. 

So much so in fact that he began to ignore them in favor of scanning his surroundings. They looked to be in a patch of wilderness cleared out for an organic farm of some sort. Beside the “barn” was assumedly where the humans took residence. The Malto’s human femme guardian, he couldn’t quite recall her designation, was loitering at the entrance. Talking with Megatron. 

Starscream stopped walking. 

What were they conspiring about over there? That human was the leader of their odd family if he remembered correctly. Was that the “Dorothy” Megatron had referenced in the brig? The buckethead already had an inside agent with full control over the operation! She’d report any measly thing Starscream would do–to him. Of course they would put Megatron in charge of this little scheme of theirs. They were probably discussing all of what he should be notified about. Starscream could vent incorrectly. Or tip over one of those fences. Or get one of their designations wrong. Or not stand right. Talk too much. Or not enough. What other things might he be able to do wrong? Megatron would surely be sent to rip his wings off if he didn’t behave how they wanted. But Starscream didn’t know how these mechs thought he was supposed to act! Even when he’d thought he’d known how to navigate the Decepticons, he always had found a way to anger Megatron! 

Primus, he was doomed.

“Are you alright?”

Starscream jerked and shuttered his optics. “W-what?”

It was the Prime. Had they been trying to get his attention and realized he had started to ignore them? Scrap–he’d been ignoring them! And Megatron had certainly seen him shove the femme aside earlier… He was so, so fragged.

“I asked if you’re alright.” The Prime repeated, and Bumblebee was looking at him weird.

Megatron was looking at him.

“YES–never better–in here, you said? So sorry for the delay.” Starscream was trying his oh so innocent tone on the mechs who hadn’t given a single slag back at the Titan; but hey, maybe it’d work this time. He quickly ducked inside the door, and only the bug followed him. He supposed the Prime was breaking away to meet up with Megatron and that Dorothy human. To report Starscream's obvious insubordination no doubt.

He hated it here already.

Red lightning flickered between his wings, and the cracks running from his optics began to burn. When had those gotten there? He suddenly became very aware of how flammable this structure was. 

“You know, I zapped myself with one of the chaos clouds once to beat Breakdown. How come I didn’t get some perma-buff? What, ‘cause I didn’t slap the whole artifact itself on my arm?” Bumblebee complained casually as he hovered his ped above a particular portion of the floor. 

“Trust me, you don’t want this curse.” Starscream absentmindedly responded in a far away whisper. 

“Riiiight. Well, get ready for the drop.”

“The wha– AAh!” The ground beneath his peds pulled apart in a smooth yet abrupt motion that tripped him off his peds and into the opening. Apparently that was what the bug had been up to. He stumbled down the stairs until he fell on his tailpipe with a metallic thunk, which made Bumblebee burst out laughing. Starscream’s wings flicked and his optics flickered red. “Don’t laugh at me! You did that on purpose, you slagging glitch!” 

“Pff– I did warn you, fly boy. But, yeah. Mmmaybe a little bit.” The damn bug looked so smug as his doors fluttered with lingering amusement. “And make sure to watch your language ‘round the kids will ya? Already have to worry about human curse words as is.”

Starscream growled with a roll of his optics, “No promises,” and shakily stood to follow him down the short, newly visible hallway. It quickly opened up into an artificial cavern, which looked like a rudimentary undercity. Well, an extremely small one in comparison to Cybertron’s. And with far too many silly nicknacks strewn about with questionable use. Even so, at least he actually wasn’t going to be staying in the horrible shack above them. And the Terrans apparently did have their own stylized residence that wasn’t falling apart. Perhaps that is why they actually liked their humans. Although a reliance on the creatures would always prove precarious regardless. 

“Here comes his highness.” Bumblebee announced flatly like it was some form of satire, as he entered in front of Starscream to join the others. There were so many of them. That dinobot brat, the avian beastformer, the three wheeler, Sprite’s twin, Hashtag, and those two blasted human twerps. They were all staring at him with varying levels of contempt or apprehension. 

Starscream’s optics flitted across the crowd and hesitated far longer than he should have as his vocalizer betrayed him. “Uh, yes… right, hello.” That displayed too much anxiety, try again. He straightened his posture to exude more confidence and attempted a friendly smile that might have looked a bit more sinister than he intended. “I’m sure you all are absolutely ecstatic to be graced with my presence. So, what redemption inducing activity do we have on the agenda for today?” He couldn’t help but focus his gaze upon Hashtag, who looked too uncomfortably tense. Starscream approached the group carefully with one servo behind him, and acted as though he didn’t notice. 

The human femme brat–it was Mo, he remembered–crossed her arms. “We’re just settling in right now.”

Her brother, Robb something, seemed to finish her thought as he stepped in front of her defensively. “Yeah. Hold your horses Decepticreep.” 

Starscream looked down at him with a twinge of confusion and annoyance. What on Cybertron was a horse? And why in this context would he need to hold them? Regardless, he forcefully kept a smile on his faceplate as the others continued with their own comments. 

The dinobot trotted up with a hunger in his optics that made Starscream inadvertently centihic away from him. “If he tries anything, I can bite ‘im! I’m good at that–”

Bee patted his head with a fond grin, “Cool your core there J.B., remember, a good scout needs to be patient.” Yes, conspire their bloodlust right in front of him why don’t they. Certainly feeling the love around here.

The three wheeler Trash–no, Thrash–stepped up beside the dinobot, “Optimus wants us to give you a chance, Starscream, but don’t think for a second that we’ll fall for any of your sweet talk or poor me con business.”

Starscream put a servo to his chassis in faux surprise at such an accusation. “I would never dream of doing such a thing! I agreed to y–our glorious leader’s generous offer, in a true aspiration towards change!”

“...Not just to get out of the brig?” Hashtag asked skeptically with a tipped servo. 

Starscream’s optic twitched red for a split nano-klik. “Of course not! Our conversation really made me realize my wrong doings, my dear Hashtag.” When he tried to step closer to her, Spitfire’s red clone Twitch inserted herself between them. 

“Give her space Starscream.” The little drone had a stern glare that reminded him of the scowl Sprite so often gave him in the Titan. “Whatever reason you wanna give us, you’ll have to prove it.” The rest of them nodded in agreement.

Except the beastformer–Nightshade was the designation, Starscream was nailing this–who interjected with an effort to diffuse the tension. They raised a servo and put it on Hashtag’s shoulder, while looking at Starscream with a strange…indifference, in their optics. “Come now siblings, let us engage in more friendly conversation. For instance, we can display the room we constructed for our new house guest!” They broke away to begin walking toward a corner extending from one of the structures.

“A room, you say? How exciting.” Starscream’s vocalizer slipped a twinge of sarcasm, although he could admit he did harbor some surprise at the idea. They were providing him with his own whole in the wall where he could potentially keep things from them in? Why would they trust such a thing? There was certainly something sinister lurking within this ruse of hospitality. 

He began to follow them, with Bumblebee doing the same, while the others lingered a bit further behind. Whispers prodded at Starscream’s audials, but those were of no use to him. Let them scheme or complain all they want. He was used to bots talking behind his back.

“I do hope you like it.” Nightshade said earnestly as they gestured a servo in an invitation for Starscream to enter, while they stood to the side. “I did not have as much reference in terms of personability as I did my siblings. So, the decor is primarily influenced by us having a bit of fun with it, admittedly.”

The door was actually constructed perfectly for Starscream’s height. He hesitantly took a step inside with a servo gripping the doorframe, in case a forcefield decided to shut him in immediately. There was a berth fixed against the corner wall, with a couple odd panels that could be distinguished across it. One even seemed like there was an attempt at hiding it with the odd array of colorful, plush squares littering the berth. The walls were painted in accordance with Starscream's own colors, although tainted by a horrendous assortment of human transformers propaganda. Including one that was an offensive illustration of him plastered to a “hang in there” poster. The black ceiling speckled with glowing star decals, barely made up for it. Even if they weren’t arranged to resemble favorable constellations as one would expect from such an effort. The only attempt he could make out was a string lined in a way that vaguely resembled a valve wrench. Although the strangest addition was a human sized lamp that could resemble Bumblebee placed in a corner. Which was backdropped by a sign that read in bold letters: “No evil allowed” with an X’ed out Decepticon emblem. How subtle. 

“So…what do you think?” Nightshade asked hopefully after a stint of silence. 

“They didn’t rig the place to explode, the kids actually tried to put some thought into this thing. So how about maybe a thank you, or something?” Bumblebee had become far too close to Starscream’s wings, and was obviously gearing to shove him inside to make a point. 

Starscream forced himself to release the doorframe from his hold to gain some distance from the looming mech, and made his way over to a different poster. The least disgusting of the bunch, which displayed three familiar seekers soaring through the sky with a burning city below. “Yes, well, it is certainly far more lively than my most recent arrangements.” A groveling thank you at such a ridiculous thing, seemed hardly appropriate. Still, he should probably sound more enthused than that to appease them. “And I appreciate that so much, my sweet little Terran friend!” He tipped his helm to the side with a grin aimed toward Nightshade and ignoring the bug. Then dropped it as soon as he turned away from them again, although still made certain to control his tone. “I see you all have quite the humor about you.” He commented in a vague gesture towards one of the more absurd posters displaying a Decepticon defeat. They’d obviously gone for some acute air of irony in their approach. 

“Ah yes, the others did enjoy adding a couple playful jabs, as one could say, when it came to the posters.” Nightshade shrugged with a grin at the memory. “The stars were my idea. Do you like them? I simply assumed, with star being in your name and all, that it might be something that could appeal to you.”

Starscream could simply say that he did, with some exuberant air of elation. It wouldn’t be a complete lie, after all, the stars were indeed the room’s best feature. Yet his curiosity got the better of him as he hesitated, glancing back at them discreetly. “Why do you care whether I like it?” The whole thing was rather excessive despite their clear disdain for his presence. Why had they bothered? 

“I want to make certain that I did a satisfactory job in making you feel welcome.” Nightshade fiddled with their servo’s anxiously. “This is a rather… odd situation we have come upon. I wish it to go well.”

“That so?” Starscream brought his servos behind him, turning to fully face the Terran again with a smile. “I assure you, your addition trumps all others! Well, except perhaps that poster displaying Megatron getting blasted across a ravine.” As he gestured to it, Starscream threw his ped backward to knock the Bumblebee lamp to the floor with a satisfying clunk. “That is certainly my type of humor.” He succeeded in distracting the Terran from his petty action, yet not the bug, who glared at him from the sideline. Good. He flashed him a sparring glance and a smirk before smoothly shifting attention back to Nightshade, approaching the door again to make his exit. “You and your siblings did a wonderful job, Nightshade.”

The Terran lit up at the praise and clapped their servos together. “I am glad! Perhaps as we all get better acquainted in the effort at becoming allies, we can add upon it with your own input! I promise to not take offense to any changes you wish to make.”

Starscream came up beside the Terran, then began to trace the perimeter of the cavern as he was followed. The other children seemed to have taken to their own perches while still keeping watch of his movements. Did they really have nothing else explicitly planned? The loosely structured nature laid before him made Starscream uneasy. 

“You seem more hopeful than the others.” He began while entertaining his optics with every little detail of his surroundings. “Does… Hashtag share such a sentiment?” Her focus seemed to only be hard locked with whatever was on her datapad. Perhaps it was foolish of him to yearn for some sort of connection with the kid now. She too did think him worse than Megatron, after all…

“Yes. I believe she does.” Nightshade responded decisively with a nod. “Although if I were to disclose further, I fear it would cross a line of privacy for her feelings on the matter.”

“You can’t expect her to be jumping with joy right after you blatantly threatened her back at the brig.” Bumblebee added snarkily as he continued to be a diligent little shadow. “Get a grip on reality, why don’tcha.” 

As if Starscream wasn’t already quite aware. As if he didn’t remember. As if the damned bug thought he was stupid. Why did these bots keep acting as though he couldn’t understand the situation they’ve thrusted upon him? Did they really think so low of his competency? Starscream had a perfect grip on reality! His processor never deleted things without his knowledge. Or bent his perception in any way. He knew exactly what was happening–

Starscream in-vented sharply as the crimson lightning sent a surge through his frame that shot pain through his spark, and stopped him in his tracks. He felt a sudden urge to purge his tank–which had apparently obtained a higher energon level at some point–as the cracks from his optics burned. Why had it flared up so much?! Nightshade had given him a positive response hadn’t they? Frag the bug, he needed to focus on what the kid said. Which was…?

That, maybe, Hashtag didn’t hate him after all. Right? That was good.

But he still couldn’t move.

Quintus’ curse was intent on imbueding him with an intense desire to strangle that Autobrat until his smartaft voice box broke. Or whip around and snap at him with a verbal assault that would no doubt lead to a larger altercation. But he knew he couldn’t. Even as it was increasingly difficult to discern the difference between the curse’s power over his processor, or if it actually was what he wanted to do. 

When the bug decided to kneel down in some attempt at gaining his attention, Starscream couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he was too close. “DON’T TOUCH ME!” Starscream threw his servo at Bumblebee, which the lightning empowered to send them both stumbling backwards. Starscream gripped his helm and furiously struggled to will the blasted power to stop shaking every centihic of his frame, and force it back into whatever crevice it’d made for itself. “J-Just–GIVE me a nano-klik to– AUGH COME ON!” He needed control. If he couldn’t even trust his own frame to work with him–

“Dude, Starscream, buddy, you need to chill– just sit down and uh…take deep breaths or something?” Bumblebee sounded as though he were trying to help, but all he seemed to be able to do was state the obvious.

“Don’t you think I’m trying, you slagging fool!? This is your fault! I am NOT delusional, or crazy, or any of those things you idiots want to think!” Starscream growled while throwing his servos around wildly in his sudden burst of anger. The others were coming upon them after having sprung to their peds at his outburst. For once, a large crowd of optics on him was the last thing he wanted. This was bad. If Megatron wasn’t going to be sent to blast him into next week, he certainly was now. They’d stick him with that needle again. He needed to get this blasted power under control. But it just kept cycling in on itself. He felt tired. Yet overcharged all at once. 

Bumblebee put his servos up in some form of surrender but his vocalizer betrayed his own frustration, “How is it my fault??”

“Let me try!” It was Hashtag. “Okay, there’s a 5 point countdown grounding thing I found.” She knelt down a couple hics away as she held up her servos. “How many fingers am I holding up?”

Starscream stared at her with confusion addled with frustration as his optics flickered, but managed to answer, “...Six.”

“What color’s my paint?”

“Violet.”

“What about yours?”

“Red…blue, yellow–” This seemed stupid.

“Good. How about four things you can feel right now?”

The burning in his spark was slowly beginning to subside. Starscream intentionally scraped his servo down his faceplate to distinctly connect the sensation in his processor. He couldn’t name those things, could he? Not the lingering pain in his patched wing. Or the crick in his knee joint. Those things would surely elicit an awkward reaction.

After his silence, Hashtag continued on with her strange strategy. “What about three things you can hear? Like my voice right now.”

“I suppose…Bumblebee's incessant tapping of his ped. Or perhaps the fact that those lights over there are emitting a ridiculous affront to music.”

Hashtag laughed at his apparent audacity, “Hey, that’s our LED stereo and that music is awesome! I think you could grow to appreciate the glory that is Hatsune Miku. She’s kinda like us! I mean, in a way…”

“What is the point of this…?” Starscream’s wings clicked back into their neutral position as the last traces of lightning retreated from them, and he straightened his posture.

“Well, he stopped tweaking out, so I guess it worked.” Thrash noted with an air of surprise, “Nice work sis.”

Hashtag grinned with a bit of pride as she put her servos on her hips, and kept her focus on Starscream. “To get ya out of your head! See? You don’t have that weird red junk all over you anymore.”

Starscream blinked and realized that he did in fact feel far calmer than he had just moments before. He looked down at his servo and tested the workings of his now only slightly shaking digits. “Hm…” He hummed with the intent of adding something further, but became transfixed with the strangeness of the whole interaction. Thus only continued to blankly stare at his servo, for a long, arduous stint of silence before he found the words. “Thank you. I will keep that in mind.”

“No problem.” Hashtag had a rather sorrowful look in her optics as she brought her servos up to hug her frame again. What was that about?

Starscream narrowed his optics at the group. “Don’t tell Megatron about this.” He phrased it as a stern warning, despite knowing his inability to make threats at the moment.

“Still afraid of ol’ Megs there Screamer?” Bumblebee had a quirk of amusement on his faceplate, even as there was that odd, pitying expression lingering behind it as he crossed his arms. 

Starscream scoffed, but moved on. Any topic but that. He could deal with it at a time that decidedly wasn’t now. “What is this Miku you speak of Hashtag? Perhaps you could attempt to convince me.”

Hashtag’s attention perked and she bounced in place, “Oh that is SUCH the rabbit hole–” She whipped out her datapad and ushered him to follow her to some sort of seating area. “Get ready to be absolutely dazzled by the sickest lore and the most bangin’ of bops!”

Starscream followed and sat by her side as the crowd began to find their own places again. “That could be questionable, but I suppose that is what you will be attempting to convert me into believing.” He grinned at her in a way that encouraged a challenge. “Try me.”

After a surprisingly long and passionate presentation; he couldn’t say that he was wholly convinced of why this Hatsune Miku character deserved to be on such a pedestal with millions of mindless followers. Although he could admit that some of the messages were rather intriguing. And some of the music, not half bad. He might even consider a servoful of them borderline good. Particularly that “Rolling Girl” one. 

Perhaps between Hashtag and that Nightshade Terran, Starscream might actually be able to stay sane in the Autobot’s newest prison. At least there was some semblance of room to move. At least he wouldn’t be alone. 

He could focus on the rest later.

[gorbo-longstocking]

*Cutely throws them to you* :33

ANYWAYS, can't stop thinking about Ch5 Cara and Ch6 Alga when they were both in the 'same' ass situation (ngl they both are freaky af), so I had to draw them 😇😈

(I just love how they both had their own ways of calming eachother down ❤️)

HOLY FUCKING SHIT. CARACALLA LOOKS SO GOOD IN YOUR STYLE AND ALGAAAAA MY MISERABLE LITTLE BIMBINI. i adore the way you draw hair dude, it looks so voluminous and fluffy… carrotcalla get over here so i can run my fingers through your hair xoxo. still in awe youre drawing stuff from my fic, that something i cooked inspired you to cook as well. not to be all serious for a sec, but that is genuinely the greatest thing any artist can do for another dude. im so happy we get to be in yhis ouroboros of sharing 🥹🥹

also im gonna take this as an opportunity to ramble about their breakdowns and how they’re connected, along with how both of their personalities are suited to calming the other down. because its almost 12 am and im insane >:] buuuuuut

both caracalla’s breakdown and alga’s breakdown were always going to happen one after the other. i did a lot of thinking while planning this fic out, mostly about the scene surrounding caracalla’s flashback and also how alga figures out their situation isn’t a dream. originally, caracalla’s flashback was meant to happen later, and have a bit more of geta and caracalla being haters in the beginning of the fic (which, evidently, wouldn’t have happened anyway because caracalla had a gay little crush before his breakdown, a la needle scene, which actually wasn’t planned) however, i did sort of figure out that caracalla was going to wind up accidentally hurting alga during his hashtag episode. and that pain was going to directly lead to alga realizing hes not dreaming. going along with that, putting myself in alga’s shoes, if i found out i time traveled with no hope of return my crash out would make headlines.

anyway, the connection was always going to be there. caracalla has a flashback -> caracalla hurts alga -> alga realizes theyre not dreaming -> breakdown. in my original planning, caracalla was supposed to mimic a lot of what alga did for him during his breakdown for them because he has absolutely zero frame of reference on how to snap someone out of that mental state aside from what (two, alga and geta) people do for him. but that didn’t happen because physical comfort felt too out of character for caracalla. so roughly pawing at their face and rudely talking sense into them was what happened

idk if anyone noticed, but caracalla was 100% trying to do the 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, etc grounding technique with alga earlier in the chapter!

(“Look around the room and tell me what you see!” He snapped and clapped his hands twice to signal it was your turn.

All you managed was to utter another ungraceful, “Huh?”

Caracalla huffed and clenched his fists at his sides. “You’re impossible! How did you do this? Smell me, medicus!”)

i pray someone caught that because i thought it was really funny. ANYWAY.

caracalla is calmed by physical touch and reminders of comfort. when hes having a flashback, he lashes out, he enters fight mode rather than flight, and then after it all, goes to freeze. treating him like something to be afraid of makes it worse, so alga’s natural empathy and lowkey disregard for their own safety for the sake of others (their complexes are fascinating) along with how they naturally comfort makes them a good person to help caracalla. whereas caracalla is blunt and self centered, using his own logic to talk sense into alga. who, most of the time, tends to be very logic based, especially when it comes to their own emotions. ultimately, if they think about it, and he is thinking hard about it, he did gain at least a little bit of something in the past. he has friends, he has a purpose, he’s having fun. for once in his life, hes having fun. theyre still very much in A Situation, but they feel more alive than ever. plus after the events of five and six, alga is deeply endeared to caracalla, which we might hear some of in chapter seven. i need to focus on geta some, i must not let my caracalla bias win

dude idk if that made any sense but theres a fun little behind the scenes look into my twisted mind

[transhawks]

I think this Toga battle is everything and I love her gay ass. That being said I think her expression of love being forbidden because of society makes for a realllly bad LGBT allegory just because her expression of love is harmful in every possible way. It’s rightfully wrong, though still tragic in the sense that she was born that way. She’s still really cool and interesting though, and we can enjoy her from afar because she’s fictional

Shit, so I want to disagree but it'll require an essay I'm already planning to write. So I'll throw out some points.

Toga's love is wrong in two aspects - one, I firmly believe Toga's love is an issue with self-hatred and her thinking she has to live as someone else to be loved. So it's a love born of denying and being denied self-love.

The other aspect is consent. Jokes aside, I've said for years Toga's story reads like a queer allegory to me because a really good "solution" to her issues could have been repressing for three more years and then, as an adult, entering consensual kink- relationships surrounding blood drinking. I know there's a sanguinarian community in Japan, and Toga would have an easy time, as a conventionally attractive girl, finding partners. But otherwise, Toga's so used to rejection for her wants that she has not even gone about asking, expecting the answer will be no.

To that point, that's an incredibly queer feeling. There's an immense amount of fear being queer and attracted to people of the same sex/gender because of the violence following some deviations. I don't have links on hand but I know there's studies done about how often women fear expressing homosexual attraction towards other women due to not wanting to come off as predators. Toga's quirks becomes an allegory for "repressing an interest you know will be rejected as deviant no matter what".

It's not just "queerness" in the wlw/sexual orientation way. Again, this is a Japanese story for Japanese story. Toga's way of expressing herself is way too forward in a society where they just say "like" to get out of saying "love" and even that is too forward because it involves directly addressing a person in a language where people avoid "you" language if they can.

It's not just the way she wants, it's the way she wants at all. Toga is a nail that sticks out in so many ways and cannot bend to society. The best (realistic) solution would have likely been waiting a few years and finding her own community but this then verges on the inability of queer youth to imagine futures for themselves (see the concept of queer temporality). If you don't see a future where you are allow the possibility of happiness, can you imagine one? Can you swallow the misery and wait it out? Many people cannot. Like I said, this is a very layered, complex topic. It deserves a serious essay from me. I'll try to write it.

[em1e]

⠀めぐみ // CAUSE FOR CONCERN ⠀ ༝ ༝ yan!megumi fushiguro ⠀ ༝ ༝ 6k words baby ⠀ ⚠︎ modern!au + camp counselor!au + MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH + emotional manipulation ⠀ — itadori thinks counselor (and his best friend) megumi has a crush on you.

you’d like to think the summer was off to a great start. 

you got a new swimsuit, got a farewell bonus from the place you’d been working at since you were fifteen, an acceptance letter to attend a college you were really hoping to get into, and even met some new friends at the orientation for the school! you had everything you needed down to the ‘T’; your transcripts looked divine, some extra college credits under your belt from taking advanced courses in highschool, except . . . 

you didn’t have all the community service hours required to officially guarantee your spot at the school. 

but it’s okay! summer lasts for two months for a reason - your spot will be held until the very last minute, and thankfully one of the friends you’d met at the orientation was in the same boat as you! 

nobara, your savior and self-proclaimed bestie, brought up a camp she’d been going to since she was a kid – jujutsu camp (though she notes how there’s no jujutsu taught there), and now that she’s graduated from high school, she’s able to become a counselor! gives her something to do for the summer, and she gets the community service hours she was missing. win/win. 

she sends you the email to apply, and less than 24 hours later, you’re sending her a screenshot of your acceptance into the counselor biz. 

for the next month and a half, your time is to be devoted to making sure kids aren’t drowning in the big lake at the center of the camp, wandering too far into the surrounding woods, or hurting themselves on the trek up the beautiful mountain for weekly picnics. 

it’s nice and relaxing, more of a vacation than an actual ‘job’, aside from the occasional tummy-ache complaint or the reprimanding to not play with the fire from the pit —- plus, nobara was able to introduce you to some of her friends who were also counselors this year! 

itadori yuji and megumi fushiguro; the three had apparently been inseparable since grade school, joined at the hip and friends for life (despite the many groans and complaints nobara would throw their way about being annoying and smelly). 

the time in the woods is calming, too, aside from the bugs and your irrational (totally rational) fear of the dark when it creeps around, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d think camp counselor and naturalist megumi fushiguro might have a growing crush on you. 

at least, that’s what camp counselor itadori whispers to you at the bonfire while helping you set up for the s’mores session before the kids are due to leave. 

he laughs when you shove him away with a roll of your eyes, almost dropping the box of chocolates he’s holding, “i’m serious! i’ve never seen him go outta his way like he does for you.” 

again, you roll your eyes because the words leaving his lips are completely and utterly ridiculous, “name one time he’s gone out of his way for me.” 

he takes a second to think, tapping his chin as if you’d asked him something complex, “when we go on the walks, he always makes sure the two of you are paired together-” 

“because you and nobara hate walking up to the cliff,” you argue with a small laugh. 

“-and he holds the doors open for you anytime, anywhere-” 

“so being nice suddenly equals love interest?” 

“- how about the way he checks you out in your swimsuit?” he grins at the way you flush and shove him again, “or how he’s checkin’ you out now?” 

still, with warm cheeks, you risk a glance behind you and see megumi is in fact staring in your direction, though his cheeks light up red at being caught, looking away hastily to give his attention to a camper who’d been talking to him prior. 

when you look back just as quickly to itadori, he has a shit-eating grin on his face that leaves you throwing the bag of marshmallows in your hands at his face to avoid it, “whatever, still doesn’t disprove the fact that everything else you said was from him being nice.” 

“be in denial all you want,” his grin returns while he opens the bag, popping a marshmallow into his mouth and talking around it, “but i know my friend, and my friend likes you.” 

another roll of your eyes and you snatch the bag from him with a pointed finger, “you are very annoying, has anyone ever told you that?” 

“among other things, like charming, sweet, attractive-”

you pull one of the marshmallows out of the bag and hit him square in the forehead, and while he voices his complaints about you being so very mean, you can’t help but take another risky peek behind you, cheeks warming all over again when you see megumi’s got his eyes back on your form. he doesn’t look away like before, holding your stare until you return to the task at hand – hoping itadori doesn’t pick at you for the way your hands shake. 

by the end of the week, there’s not a single camper still on site; everyone under 18 escorted back home while every counselor remains to clean up the area - the intent to make sure the woods were just as clean as when you arrived in the back of your mind with every piece of trash you pick up and every cabin you clean out. 

it amazes you what some kids leave; there’s a bet going on for who can find the most interesting thing and so far nobara’s in the lead from finding not one, but two retainers, though you’d like to think you’re close to taking that spot after discovering a porno magazine someone left between the mattress and wooden bed frames of the bunkbeds. 

(how the kid got their hands on it, you don’t know, and frankly you don’t care, you’re just glad you found it so you’re at least on the board for strange things). 

“lookie what i found,” you hum out, magazine pinched between your gloved fingers before you toss it onto the picnic table your three new friends have settled around. you rip off one of the gloves and toss it on top of the magazine, letting your open palm hang above it as you wiggle your fingers, “better pay up now, ‘m sure none of you guys will top me.” 

itadori picks the magazine up with the discarded glove, careful to not actually touch any part of the paper, while you stand proud - elated even when you see how his eyes almost light up at the sight. 

he whistles low, letting the booklet drop back down onto the table, and nobara scrunches her nose in distaste, “you didn’t have to drop it on the table. we eat here, y’know?” 

you wave her off and slide in next to megumi while taking off the other glove, ignoring the way itadori’s eyebrows shoot up, no longer interested in the magazine with the potential love drama unfolding in front of his eyes. 

“we’ll wipe down the tables before dinner, i’m sure,” then you bump megumi’s shoulder with your own, “you find anything as cool cleaning out the other boys’ cabins?” 

“hardly,” he rolls his eyes. you can see a light pink dusting his cheeks. itadori leans forward in his seat, “found some abandoned socks and underwear with more holes than i’d like to ever see, though.” 

you laugh, sweet and genuine, “you could’ve used that, would’ve beat itadori’s weird love confession he found in the arts and crafts room that was for you, might i remind.” 

megumi’s cheeks brighten to red while he clicks his tongue, “don’t remind me. i dunno why those fourteen year olds thought it’d be genius to make those.” 

“so there was more than one?” ever the analyst, you pick apart his words with that same teasing smile, “i’d kill to see the others.” 

even with flushed cheeks, he remains unresponsive to your taunts, “three total,” he corrects, “i threw them all away.” 

“not all.” itadori grins, fishing into his pocket and pulling out the folded one he’d submitted as his ‘strange thing’, “‘megumi, i know you’re so much older than me, but you’re so cute. please like me back - check yes or no.’ (y/n) should take some notes.” 

your own cheeks brighten at the sudden jab at you, and while nobara gags and stands to dismiss herself from the area being ‘too cringey’, you’re jumping across the table to swipe at itadori. 

itadori who practically cackles as he makes his escape, narrowly dodging your attacks and slipping from the table before you have a chance to land any blows. 

when he’s too far from your reach, you flick him off and mumble something about how he better sleep with one eye open tonight. although he doesn’t hear what you say, he wiggles his eyebrows at you and megumi, before winking and disappearing towards the lake. 

“he’s annoying.” you comment after a moment, tapping your fingers against the table before you lean forward to prop yourself on your arm, looking at megumi. 

his cheeks have faded back to the soft pink from before, hands in his lap while he picks at his nails, “very, but you get used to it. it’s part of his charm.” 

“among other things,” you mumble almost bitterly, waving away how megumi’s eyebrows raise in question. “don’t worry ‘bout it. can’t believe we’ll be outta here by next week. i think i’ll miss this place.” 

“could always come back next summer,” he shrugs, and the movement makes his shoulder bump with yours, “i think they’re always lookin’ for help.” 

you smile at the invitation, “i’ll have to make sure a month and a half of my summer is free next year.” 

“i’m sure you’ll enjoy the break from classes.” megumi shrugs again, before he stands and gestures to the magazine still on the table, “are you um . . . gonna keep that ‘til the end of the week?” 

you scrunch your nose at the thought, shaking your head as you also stand, “no way. all three of you guys have seen it, so it should be proof enough right? figured i’d just throw it away after i showed it off.” 

megumi hums, picking it up with the glove before tossing it into the nearby garbage can, “sounds fair to me –  don’t expect anyone else to beat you, anyways.” 

you giggle and the sound has megumi looking away quickly, “i should get going, i told nobara i’d help her finish cleaning out the rest of the girls’ cabins.” 

he nods, understanding, “i’ll see you later?”

“for sure.” you promise with a wink, before you’re heading off in search of nobara. 

⠀ ༝ ༝ 

“where the hell is itadori?” nobara groans, practically drooling from the feast laid in front of her. 

the last night of camp and he’s decided to disappear when the senior counselors revealed there’d be a huge bar-b-q as thanks for helping out. 

and they wouldn’t let you start until everyone was accounted for. 

you swat away a mosquito before it can land on you with a frown, “why couldn’t we eat in the mess hall? the bugs are so much worse at night.” another swat in front of you. 

megumi offers the bug spray he’d just put on himself, and you take it with a grateful smile. 

“none of you guys have seen itadori?” gojo, senior counselor and owner (you think?) of the camp asks as he approaches the table. 

“not since this afternoon,” megumi recalls, “we cleaned up by the lake.” 

“i see . . . well,” gojo glances to his side, eyes meeting one of the other senior counselor’s, “this could be a cause for concern.”

your brows furrow at his whispered words, “sorry, concern?” you parrot, “do you think he’s like . . . hurt or something?” 

“i’m sure it’s not anything serious,” he assures, if only to try and calm your nerves, “itadori’s always been a good camper for as long as he’s come here and he’s got good survival instincts-”

“are you saying he needs them right now?” the worry in your voice is palpable, it forces gojo to slide into the picnic table just as senior counselor nanami kento stops at the end beside him. 

“it just means if something has happened to him, he’s better equipped to survive.” gojo explains further, and it does nothing to quell your increasing anxieties. 

“but-but if he’s hurt or something, we should go look for him, shouldn’t we?” 

“in the dark?” nobara protests half-heartedly. you can see she’s worried too, from the way she frowns, how she picks at her nails, “i-i’m sure he’s fine, (y/n), there’s no reason for us to stress when he might just be holed up in his cabin or the bathroom or-” 

“but he’s not,” you argue, gesturing to the two older counselors, “i mean, surely they’ve checked for him there, right? what if he’s hurt and-and afraid and-” 

“hey.” you jump when megumi speaks beside you, from the hand pulling at your own to unclench your first and stop yourself from digging your nails into your palm, “he’s okay, ‘m sure of it.” then he looks at gojo, “do we need to go look for him or something?”

“i think it’d be wise to,” he stands from the table, then looks at nanami, “but we can’t force you guys - ‘specially since it’s dark and risks one of you potentially getting hurt, too.” 

“i’ll go look,” you stand, too, and gojo clicks his tongue. 

“not alone. we use the buddy system, remember?-”

“i’ll go with them.” megumi stands as well, still holding your hand, “should be easier with more eyes, anyways.” 

you almost smile at the gesture, though you’re sure his volunteering is partially because he’s also worried for his best friend. 

“‘kay,” gojo shoves his hands in his pockets, nodding his head to shoko, who claps her hands and announces everyone else can eat, “we’ll get some flashlights and radios for you two and a map of how far you can go.” 

you offer what smile you can muster to nobara, who only returns it with her own hesitation, mumbling a small ‘good luck’ as megumi guides you away by the hand to follow gojo. 

nanami is the one who breaks down the forest to the two of you, explains how to know if you’ve gone too far, and warns, “stay on the trail. especially when you go up the mountain – don’t want you falling down it.” 

gojo passes the two of you flashlights and your own radios, “we’ll check out the left side of the woods, don’t go past the fence line, okay?” 

the question is directed at both of you, but it’s megumi who answers, “we will.” 

nanami and gojo guide you to where the woods become thick, just before the trail splits off to two parts, “keep the radio on channel one and please answer when we ask for responses, or we’ll think we’re looking for three of you instead of just one.” nanami instructs. 

you and megumi nod, looking at them for a second longer before the pair of you follow the trail to the right. 

you’d been walking for maybe fifteen minutes, flashlight beams breaking through the greenery while you call out for itadori and . . . it’s scary. even with megumi at your side, the dark eats away at every part of the world surrounding you that the light can’t touch, and it’s only aiding in increasing your anxiety with the branches that snap under your feet. 

and then you see the mass in the middle of the trail. 

“megumi . . .” blindly, your hand reaches for his, squeezing tightly when you grasp it. 

he turns at the feel of you holding him, beam from his light following the shake of your own until both fall on the lump of clothes. 

“i-is that . . .” you’re whispering, words catching in your throat at the sight. 

he steps forwards, almost protectively in front of you as if it’d prevent you from seeing what your eyes have already taken in, “itadori?” 

you can still see just past megumi, how the lump doesn’t move, “yuji.” he tries again, hesitant steps pausing in front of him. 

your shaking hands reach for the radio tucked into your back pocket, fighting with yourself from how badly you’re trembling, “g-gojo? nanami? w-we um . . . oh my god—we found itadori . . .” 

the radio makes a noise as one of them begins to reply, “where are you guys? is he okay?” 

gojo, you think. your ears are ringing. it’s hard to hear, and you feel bile rising in the back of your throat. megumi nudges itadori with his foot and his body rolls over limply. you turn around before you can see how it settles on the ground. 

“--hello? megumi, (y/n), we need one of you guys to answer. where are you?” 

“the base of the mountain,” megumi’s saying into the radio, an arm wrapping around your shoulders and pulling you to his chest so your face is hidden away, “we’re at the base of the mountain. where the trail breaks off to go up to the cliff.” 

the radio clicks and your gasping for air is the only sound that surrounds you, until megumi’s prying you away from his chest to force you to look at him, “--ook at me, hey. it’s okay, it’s gonna be okay.” 

his assurances go in one ear and out the other, but they do well to stop your heart from beating out of your chest, keeping you from the dreadful sight until the flash of gojo and nanami’s lights bristle you out of his grasp. 

“you guys find him like this?” gojo asks and nanami moves closer to the body of your friend.

you feel megumi nod, “i pushed him over with my foot to . . . to see if he was . . . “ 

“the two of you should go back to the cabins,” nanami says, and there’s no room for argument from the way his gaze pierces you, “do not say a word to anyone, not until we talk to the proper authorities.” 

again, megumi nods, and he guides you away from the area on shaky legs, keeping you tucked under his arm as if that’d somehow protect you from what’d seen. 

“look, there’s pieces from those fences at the top of the cliff,” you hear gojo say as you depart, “you think he leaned on it and it just gave way? they are pretty old, rickety.” 

nanami clicks his tongue, “not sure. we’d need the police to investigate.” 

megumi’s grip around you tightens, pulling you closer. 

you can’t find your appetite when you’re back at camp, despite the fact that nobara went out of her way to set aside three plates worth of food. megumi picks at what he can, but is ultimately in the same boat as you after less than five bites, and nobara frowns at how strange the two of you are acting. 

“did you guys find him?” she asks when you’re back in your shared cabin, with the lights off and your back to her in bed. 

“i . . .” you start, closing your eyes before shaking your head from the images that appear behind your eyelids, “i can’t say.” you offer finally with a shuddering exhale. 

as if she understands what you’re implying, she only says a small “oh . . .” 

and the room fills with a silence that neither of you can find it in yourselves to break. 

the next morning, there’s cops teeming all over the campsite, and it’s shoko who pulls you from your cabin, puts you in one of the offices you’d never had the pleasure of going into, with megumi and a cop already waiting for you. 

he makes you recount the events from the night prior, going over every detail multiple times until your hands are shaking and tears well in your eyes and it’s megumi who regards the man with a frown, “we’ve been here for two hours and we’ve told you everything we can. can’t we mourn our friend without you guys pressing us?” 

the cop regards him for a moment before his eyes roam over your form, taking in the tremble of your lip, how you dig your nails into your palms, how the tears that were welling in your eyes spill suddenly over your cheeks, and how you hastily wipe them away with a sniffle. 

he clicks his tongue, but waves his hand towards the door regardless, “you can go. we’ll be in contact if we have any more questions.” 

you’re still fighting tears when megumi walks you to the door of your cabin; it’s almost noon, with the sun high in the sky, and every other younger counselor had been dismissed probably an hour prior, nobara included. you still needed to throw some stuff in your bags to finish packing, but you practically crumble when megumi closes the door behind the two of you. 

 and he holds you gently, so very softly while mumbling over and over how it’s going to be okay – he’s here, everything will be fine. 

⠀ ༝ ༝ 

a terrible accident — the newspapers read, headlining articles written about the horrible incident occurring to a frequent camp goer and dear friend to all. a terrible, horrible, no good accident.  

it leaves you swallowing hard from each news station covering it, flipping through channel after channel until you're forced to settle on a kids show; barely comforted by the familiar characters on screen like you used to be. 

yuji really likes this show, you remember dully. how the two of you got into a heated argument about whether the main character would’ve gotten with his best friend or the very clear love interest (and your personal favorite) that the creators put in place. 

a frown tugs its way onto your lips, turning off the tv and standing at the sound of knocks at the front door. 

when you pull the door open, you find nobara standing behind it, her lip pulled between her teeth and picking at her nails. a nervous habit? 

“hey . . .” she clears her throat, “i um . . wanted to talk to you about something.” 

less than a week later, you, megumi, and nobara meet up for dinner in honor of itadori at nobara’s apartment. you spend the day watching his favorite movies, playing his favorite games, eating his favorite foods . . . it’s bittersweet, a lingering ache in everything you do without him. 

as the night concludes, with the three of you sitting at nobara’s dining room table finishing up a game of uno, she drops the news to megumi. 

“(y/n) and i are gonna attend a school in okinawa.” she says casually, shuffling the cards back into the deck so you can continue drawing for the +8 you’d been saddled with. 

you had seventeen cards now, a stack compared to the six in nobara’s hand and the two in megumi’s. 

he pauses for a second, blinking as he processes the statement before– “uno.” he calls, dropping a +2 to the top and tilting his head, “why okinawa? isn’t that a little far?” 

little is an understatement. just short of a two day trip, and far away from the reminders of your lost friend. a new start, even. something that could aid in preventing from seeing his body laying limply on the earth's floor everytime you close your eyes–

nobara clicks her tongue, drawing the two cards and raises a brow at you as if to ask if you have anything to intercept his potential (inevitable?) win. you can only shake your head. 

“that’s kinda the point,” she says with a sigh, “i wanna get out of tokyo and (y/n) got an acceptance letter from there, too, so we wanna try out the first semester together. see if we like it or not. we’ll be roomies” 

you debate if you should draw an extra few cards to get something to fight off his win; to give you and nobara (mostly nobara) a chance against him. 

“what about your majors? thought tokyo had the best for both of you.” he eyes you with a poker face, taking in how you scrunch your nose in thought. 

“this school has those same programs,” you explain softly, flicking through your cards one more time, “maybe not the best, but they’re good.” 

you reach forward and draw. once, twice, five times, before you pull your very own +4. 

a smile forms on your lips, unable to hide your pleasure in the draw, and place the card atop the others. 

“red.” 

megumi grins at your excitement, but it seems to grow when you take in the fact that he isn’t drawing the four. he wouldn’t. 

he does. 

he flicks his last card onto the pile as he stands. +4. you groan. nobara voices her complaints. the cheap bastard would save a draw card as his last, and she says as much while he packs away what items he’d brought over. 

unfair, you think with a scrunch of your nose, and slimy. 

megumi walks you home after the game, hands stuffed in his pockets and slouched from carrying both of your bags, despite your protests in being more than capable of carrying your own. the two of you had gotten . . . closer, through the tragedy. he checked on you more often than not, would come over to your house when you wouldn't reply to make sure you were out of bed at a decent time. it was sweet, in a way. 

“so, you guys are really gonna go to okinawa?” he asks to break the comfortable silence that formed between the two of you. 

“mhm,” you nod, skipping over a crack in the sidewalk freely without the weight of your bag holding you down, “nobara came to my house the other day and we had a long, teary convo about it.” 

“just gonna leave me behind, huh?” 

though you’re not facing him, you can hear the way he’s almost pouting, and when you do spin on your heel, there’s a smile teasing its way on your lips, “you could come with,” you offer, “we can get an apartment off campus together, do cute picnics after class. the whole shebang.” 

“but we could do that here,” he argues, “dunno why you guys have to go so far.” 

you frown, steps slowing to a stop in front of him, “i don’t really know nobara’s reasoning, but . . i can’t stay here and pretend like we didn’t see him like that, ‘gumi.” 

he pauses when you do, towering in front of you despite still slouching, “but you have me here.” 

you look away from the sadness creeping on the edge of his voice, guilt eating at you, “i-i know, and i’m happy i do, i just . . i think we need a new start, or at least some time away from here?” 

away from you is all he hears, and the comfortable silence breaks into awkward tension when his frown only grows. 

“don’t look so down,” you nudge his shoulder softly, offering a small smile in hopes of him returning it. he doesn’t, “it’s not like we won’t come back here, or won’t make plans to visit.” 

he swallows hard and nods, taking the first step forward to continue the trek to the train station. 

the tension remains as you board the train, as you sit in one of the unfilled chairs with megumi looming in front of you, holding onto the railing to keep himself steady standing and almost protectively in front of you with the bustling of people getting on and off. 

and it builds until he stops at your door, offering your bag to you and pausing when your fingers brush against his own. 

his hand twitches at the contact, and you open your mouth to say your thanks for walking with you even though his own home is in the opposite direction, a completely different train ride away, but he grabs your wrist and pulls you down from the stoop you’re standing on, pressing his lips to your own gently. 

your eyes widen a moment, before they flutter closed, letting your bag fall between the two of you to cup his cheeks. 

it’s sweet, soft, and leaves you chasing after him when he pulls away, but he puts his hands on your hips to keep you in place. you brush your thumbs across the tops of his cheeks, head tilting at what this could possibly imply. did he really like you? like how itadori said? 

“everything’ll work out.” he says as he leans down to grab your bag, pressing the strap into your now open palm. he gives another quick kiss, one you don’t have a chance to return, before he walks towards the station without looking back. 

⠀ ༝ ༝ 

it’d been almost four days of nobara not returning your calls or texts. she needed space, maybe, sure, time to process other emotions and fully take in the decision to move so far away, but not showing to the lunch date the two of you had been so excited planning? that stung. 

you give her the benefit of doubt, still, after waiting two hours at the diner and getting looks of pity from the waitress who you think suspects you’ve been stood up on a date. you pay your bill (though you’re given a discount, a small sorry it didn’t work out written on the receipt with a frown), and take the train to nobara’s apartment. maybe she’s just been feeling sick. 

you knock on the door, wait all of five minutes, and stomp your foot childishly when there’s no answer. a call to her phone, and you can hear it ring somewhere close to the door. obviously she’s been up and moving, if it’s just been left in the kitchen or maybe the dining room? but it rings out and you frown at the thought of her ignoring you. had you done something wrong? another knock before you try the handle and — 

to your surprise, it opens. 

weird. sure, her neighborhood is safer compared to most, but she’s living alone; you’d have to warn her about locking the door. 

you push the door open and peek inside, greeted immediately with the confirmation of her phone sitting on the kitchen counter, along with what you can assume is last night's dinner still on the stove and the dirty dishes that came with making it. 

again, weird, because if spending a month plus with nobara taught you anything, it’s that she’s a neat-freak who flipped out when you accidentally left your dirty clothes on the floor of the cabin. 

“nobara?” you call out. there’s a pit forming in your stomach, incoming dread looming around you that doesn't go away with each step you take into the apartment, with each call unanswered. 

the tv’s still on in her bedroom. you can hear it playing the theme of a show she was telling you about – insisting you needed to watch it, but you could barely make it past the first episode. 

“nobara.” you call out again, tiptoeing down the hall until you stop at her door, barely open. it’s dark in her room, the light from the hall spilling in from the crack. still, no response. 

you knock on the door as if that’d create a reason for conversation, “are you mad at me or something?” 

the impact of your fist pushes the door open further and you sigh, closing your eyes before ultimately deciding to force it open the rest of the way. 

there’s a lump of blankets on the bed that leaves you blinking back tears at the familiarity of the situation. but you’re not in the woods, you’re not fighting off bile rising in your throat, it’s fine. you reach for the light, flicking the switch one. 

“nobara? you feelin’ okay?” 

a hesitant step closes the distance between you and her. still nothing. 

“this isn’t funny . . “ you mumble, pulling off the covers and stumbling backwards at the sight. 

puke pools around her on the mattress, and she’s so fucking pale under the yellow light overhead.  a bottle of pills lies scattered on its side, a handful spilling out, and you can only guess where the rest are. 

you gag, slapping a hand over your mouth, forcing whatever wants to come out back down to turn on your heel and bolt out of the room to call the cops or the paramedics or the fucking firefighters, if they think there’d be a chance of reviving her. 

they can’t. the cops told you as much when they arrived on scene before they took her away in a bodybag, and you’re practically inconsolable when you reach the police station. 

a suicide, they’d ruled it from the pills and the note left on her computer. 

something about not being able to bear the idea of living without her friend, the stress of the world being too much . . you weren’t paying attention to the details when they’d read it aloud to you and you don’t think you could stomach reading it on your own. 

you text megumi through tears what happened after an officer drives you home, and he’s at your house holding you while you sob in less than twenty minutes (which is amazing in itself when the trains usually take 30 minutes to run on a good day). 

he orders take out that you can’t find the idea of eating appealing, but he ends up putting the leftovers (the entire order, really) in the fridge. when he sits back on the couch, he pulls you into his side with a kiss to your hair and a frown. 

“don’t have to worry ‘bout her,” he mumbles, “‘m sure she went peacefully . .  the drugs probably numbed her.” 

you close your eyes as he speaks with a sniffle. he’s probably right, you think, the cops mentioned something similar as a way to maybe make you feel better about the whole situation. it didn’t . . but how would megumi know about the drugs? 

you sit up slightly, pushing yourself out from under his arm with furrowed brows, and his own raise in question at your sudden movement. 

“what’s wrong?” 

you only eye him, flitting over his features, to the hand that was wrapped around your shoulder and now dropped to your thighs limply. he tilts his head. you didn’t say a peep about the details –  even recounting it with the cops threw you down a spiral, so how the hell would he know something like that? 

as if he read your mind, the hand at your thigh moves to cup your cheek. it’s affectionate, despite the way you flinch back, how his brows drop back to his neutral expression. unreadable. 

“said too much, didn’t i?” 

he leans forward in the same space that has you leaning away, until you’re backed into the cushions of the couch with nowhere else to go. the hand on your cheek moves to squish the pair of them together until your lips form a pout, his body hovering over your own. 

“‘gumi?” the nickname slips out, and he laughs when your own fingers wrap around his wrist to try and pry him off. 

“too smart,” he chastises, “should’ve remembered to be more careful.” 

“megumi.” you try again, a sob breaking free from your chest, “you’re scaring me.” 

“don’t worry,” he shushes with a squeeze to your cheeks, reaching into his pocket when you offer no resistance, “everything’ll work out.” 

something sharp stabs into your arm. you cry out at the feeling, trying to wiggle your way out from under him, but his weight holds you down and fuck your head is feeling really heavy now. he puts whatever was in his hand onto the coffee table, and through blurry vision you can barely make out a syringe. 

your vision goes black shortly after. 

[belit0]

2000 Word Commission (Uchiha Obito / Fem Reader) @moroseu

"Hello there! I hope you are doing well :) I just sent another ko-fi commission. I was wondering if it was possible to write Obito x Reader when she just came home after a long bounty hunt. She's covered in cuts and bruises, nothing too serious. He still thinks she should go see a medic, but she tells him that she needs him right now. Emotionally and physically which leads into soft nsfw moment."

EACH COMMISSION COMES WITH AN EXTRA SECRET SCENARIO, THAT I UNIQUELY AND ESPECIALLY ADD FOR THE BUYER. (I'll leave you an example of it at the bottom, but in Spanish, so you don't cheat.)

KO-FI COMMISSIONS

Obito holds a cup of tea in his hands, the hot liquid moving involuntarily through the anxious sequence his left leg carries, foot tapping against the ground to cooperate with the nerves. (Y/N) should be home by now, the mission being more long than complex, and for ninjas of the caliber that took responsibility for it, it should be simple.

The Uchiha begged for the ANBU leader to allow him to join the squad, hating every situation where his wife has to expose herself to battle hardships without having him by her side to help her if necessary, but his request was denied thanks to his new rank.

He left the Special Assassination and Tactics Squad to seek tranquility in his new qualification as a Jonin, under the strict recommendation of his best friend Kakashi, claiming that demotion is not bad, if not relaxing.

Consumed by the stress of his responsibilities and attacked by the darkness of facing the enemy in combat to the death, Obito felt his soul becoming more and more twisted, an overwhelming terror taking over his thoughts and making him act with unbridled cruelty, and decided it was time to stop before it was too late.

Being a Jonin and taking care of three children wasn't so bad, after all.

His last proper mission with the ANBU had been chaotic, a group composed of only the best of the squad, and yet it ended terribly. Obito had barely made it out of the encounter alive, losing all three of his teammates in the blink of an eye, having been ambushed by the enemy. Now having almost lost control of his actions, unleashing an unconscionable massacre against his attackers, he found himself tearing out the hearts of his enemies with pleasure, almost turning into a psychopath.

Before this could happen, he decided to step aside.

Something was occurring in the shinobi world, a revolution of extraordinary magnitude, and those who were once allies became enemies from one day to the next. Under this context, and with things as complicated as they are currently developing, there is nothing Obito hates more than leaving (Y/N) alone on a mission.

Yes, she is a ninja of marvelous capabilities, a strong and intelligent woman, sharp and firm in her decisions, someone to admire and fear at the same time, but the Uchiha can't help but think of her as his beautiful girlfriend, sweet and delicate in intimacy, vulnerable to the terrors of the world.

He promised not to intercede, not to get involved in matters that do not concern him, having already gone through situations where desperation wins him over, and goes out to look for (Y/N) without thinking of interfering with the mission.

It has happened about three times at least, where Obito cannot deal with his anxiety and fails to wait for his wife's arrival, going out to look for her and using the technical data she shared with him before leaving. Knowing she is out there, surrounded by danger and bad people, consumes him like an embracing fire, and he can't afford to abandon her.

On every occasion, the Uchiha tracks her and her group with the Sharingan, and always arrives at the moment when they must face off against their opponent. Watching her fight is a heavenly image, skills of all kinds and strong extent being deployed with harmony and direction, experience, but he prefers to be by her side and be able to protect her if necessary.

He does not know what would happen to him if something were to befall her, and he does not want to find out either.

The level of power Obito carries within himself, mixed with a dark and shadowy, cruel aura, would be a terrible combination. He prefers to keep his own person safe, away from evil, but this doesn't allow him to support (Y/N) on the battlefield.

His strictly professional and goal-oriented wife scolded him like a small child every time he infiltrated her mission, thanking him for the backup but claiming it was not needed, and she was right. Every time, the Uchiha simply watched from afar as his woman fought, battling with passion and eagerness, wiping out anyone who got in her way, making his presence known only in case she needed him.

Once the enemies were finished, (Y/N) would ask him to come out of hiding, only to make him understand there is no reason for him to follow and try to protect her.

After the same speech repeated several times, Obito finally understood, and agreed to wait after each mission sitting at home, without going out to look for her. Her tasks are usually performed at night, covered by the veil of the deepest darkness to go unnoticed and find along with her team what they need, claim it and return.

Leaving early in the morning, the Uchiha bids her farewell, and makes an inhuman effort not to follow her, to stop and hold her in his arms, to beg her not to leave. Restraining his tears and feigning an encouraging smile, he watches her disappear in the direction of the barracks, and huffs in frustration at his helplessness.

It will be a few weeks before they meet again, and he feels defeated.

In any case, he manages to go about his day calmly, attending to his group of Genin and concentrating on the harmony of his work. When the main distraction of his day is over, around noon, he decides to bother Kakashi, seeking reassurance from his best friend, something to fill his mind and help him not to worry.

Consumed by separation anxiety, he tries not to think about (Y/N), not to send any negative vibes to her, while he entertains a regular workout with his partner Jonin. The two spend a good few hours on the practice field every afternoon, even gathering an audience to watch the display of their skills, but when night falls, it's time to go home.

With the sun slipping over the horizon and darkness taking over the landscape, his anguish is amplified a thousandfold, and he begins to have genuinely intrusive thoughts about going out to look for her. He manages to fight his urges, but the nights drag on forever, tossing and turning in bed and getting very few hours of sleep.

The day she is supposed to return takes forever, minutes ticking by slowly, and he manages a terrible mood throughout his day. People avoid him like the plague because of his short patience, and when night comes, he is glad to be alone.

(Y/N) should be back soon, by midnight at the latest, he just has to stall until then and all will be fine.

In his distress, he carries out household chores, things he doesn't usually do, and tries to keep his mind occupied. He sweeps the whole place, dusts off ornaments from the shelves hanging around the living room, makes tea (something he never enjoyed in his life), does the laundry, changes the sheets....

Performing a myriad of simultaneous domestic duties, the Uchiha finds comfort in having his hands full, and when midnight arrives, he has dinner ready to welcome (Y/N). Delicacies in several different dishes are strategically placed on the table, having concocted her favorite recipes to comfort her heart once she gets home.

The clock strikes 12, but there is no sign of her.

He pours himself the third cup of tea of the night, hating the taste it leaves in his mouth, but seeking distraction where he can no longer find any. He bites his nails between sips, frantically tapping his foot against the floor and popping his knee with speed, trying to deal with the sudden emptiness he feels in his stomach from her absence.

Maybe the ANBU team decided to go eat after accomplishing the mission? To celebrate their success in a more friendly way? No... the specialty squad doesn't relate that way, always cold and distant, dedicated only to work as a team for their goal. Besides, (Y/N) wouldn't avoid going home, knowing about the anxiety his man feels in each of her departures.

Obito decides to move from the dining room, where he was sitting on a chair and trying to keep the food warm, and decides to sit on the porch. At the home's entrance, he descends to the third step of the small staircase leading to the door, and sits down to wait. Having forgotten the horrible tea inside, he nibbles his nails nervously as he stares at the point in the distance where (Y/N) might have to arrive.

He spends half an hour staring at the same place, no longer knowing what to do to continue waiting, and decides to stand up and go looking for her. At the very moment when he intends to start running, he sees his wife in the distance, walking slowly and torturously towards the house.

Obito doesn't hesitate and shoots off in her direction, reaching her in a second and taking her in his arms, squeezing her in his grip as if he were afraid she would disappear again. (Y/N) looks exhausted, full of bruises and scratches, dejected. She seems to have gone through an intense fight, and her companions do not presume to be nearby.

The Uchiha takes her home, depositing her immediately on the bed, and tries to understand what transpired. "(Y/N)... what happened there... where's the rest... why on earth are you like this?" he questions on the verge of tears, staying strong just for her.

"It's okay, we're all fine. We split up just so they wouldn't track us. There were no casualties." The woman looks sore, but active, awake, and that's a good sign. She doesn't carry any deep cuts or any worrisome wounds, so Obito tries to regain whatever calm he lost the moment she left. ""Okay, okay, okay... let's get this off you... you should see a doctor (Y/N), these cuts need disinfection and-"" The Uchiha babbles on trying to recompose his spirits, glad that she's back, worried about her bruises, trying to get the armor off her body. "How are you feeling? Beyond your injuries?"

"Honestly... not very well. I... I need you, Obito."

"It's okay... I'm here... let's get you cleaned up and-"

"No, Obito. I need you, now." She exclaims (Y/N) with daunting determination, looking him in the eyes and sitting up on the bed, taking him gently by the cheeks and bringing them together in a soft kiss of reunion. Her lips move in a mixture of love and anguish, holding complicated feelings she does not want to share at this precise moment.

The mission was more complex than expected, and she only needs the physical contact of her man to know everything is all right. Their tongues dance a familiar dance, intertwining and letting go for air, as she exchanges places with the Uchiha, guiding him to the bed and laying him down on the pillow.

They both let themselves go with the reconnecting, expressing all the anguish and anxiety between kisses and caresses, healing the despair of having been separated with gentle, controlled touches. (Y/N) climbs onto his hips, moving back and forth to wake him up, and it isn't long before they are both ready to begin.

Only removing their pants and underwear for the urgency of their movements, she guides his cock with her hands, rising a little on top of him to slowly lower herself back down, feeling full and complete for the first time in weeks. They both moan simultaneously, staring into each other's eyes with every movement she makes on his shaft. "Shit... (Y/N)... I missed you so much..."

It is not arousal or pleasure that brings them to this situation, but the need to reconnect on a deeper level, to feel each other again in the most intimate way possible.

Obito's hands close over her waist, unintentionally squeezing two large gashes in her skin, and making her hiss in pain. Before he can apologize, (Y/N) reconnects their mouths again, guiding a slow, deliberate pace, rising and falling between moans drowned out by tongues and lips. "Me too... love me, Obito."

She can feel moisture from the Uchiha's eyes, and knows those are tears of relief, but she doesn't dwell on the detail. After a few minutes of quiet sex, the pace increases, tracing a line of swiftness between their hips and pelvis, raising the intensity between touches and need.

Their bodies move in a plausible sync, connected by heart and soul, united in the physical and sentimental. Each thrust explains a different emotion, an I love you, an I adore you, and each moan expresses how much they needed each other in this time of separation.

Obito moves in and out passionately, debating whether to increase the pace even more or keep it quickly gentle, feeling (Y/N)'s skin under his hands and needing to lock her into his chest, keep her safe from everyone and everything.

He's the one who finishes first, inside her, not even thinking about the consequences and completely gone for the situation, filling her with his seed without leaving her body. She says nothing about it, allowing him to enjoy his release to the fullest and relishing the hot sensation inside her.

Once he's done with his peak, Obito gently switches places, resting her on the bed and laying on top of her, his knees supporting his weight as he touches her with his hands.

He will have to wait a little while to fuck her again, but decides he wants to make her come before then.

His fingers gently graze her clit, and (Y/N) tries to hide her expression of pleasure in more kisses, but Obito moves his face, needing to look into her eyes and devour every movement of her features. "I want to see you, (Y/N), at the very moment when your pussy explodes around my fingers and you moan like the beautiful, good girl you are."

His words disarm her, and it doesn't take her long to give him what he asks for.

EXAMPLE OF A SPECIAL AND UNIQUE ADDED SCENARIO

[autumnoakes]

granted, i DID do a lot more gaming towards the end of the year, BUT i sae someone else do it and i also want to do it.

2024 in review: video games I played edition (regardless if I beat them or not)

Pokemon Violet: apparently this was my most played game in january and i just remembered that it was because of the DLC. the hidden treasures of area zero was... okay. i liked the teal mask part a lot. it was goofy at times, but the story and pacing was solid. i did NOT like the indigo disk part much, aside from the story. it's a lot of tedious grinding having to complete tasks and get enough BP for them to release more pokemon into each quarter. i DID like returning to unova, though. black/white is probably my favourite pokemon game. my feelings on scarlet/violet as a whole are rather mixed. the DLC didn't improve on the issues i had with the base game, and nintendo pushed this DLC so hard. i'm glad they slowed down with releasing pokemon games because the scale is getting too big for their expected development period. i'm happy they're taking their time with legends Z-A

Pokemon Black/White: if you couldn't already tell, i started 2024 off with a huge pokemon phase. i think i officially started this game in 2023, but played at least half of it in january. it's so good. i love the story and the pacing and the MUSIC oh my god the music. the elite four kicked my ass i'm ngl so i never got to the end of the main story. hopefully some day.

Pokemon X/Y: honestly only started playing this because of the new legends game announcement and it didn't last long. it was okay. i think i got to the second gym and that's about as far as i got. for some reason a france-themed pokemon region is really funny to me.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom: another one i started in 2023, but hey i never said i had to play it for the first time in 2024. mixed feelings about this one too, but for different reasons than scavio. i did really enjoy totk, but i think between this and how much i played botw (which i started playing again recently but i've talked about it so much i don't think i'll include it here), it just became more of the same. maybe i'll revisit it later in the year and see how it hits then. i will say though, it's really fun to worldbuild using the lore from this game.

Hades: BELOVED!!!!! beloved beloved beloved. i love this game so much. the art style is so good, zagreus is a delight, the gameplay is satisfying, you get the idea. i honestly played very little else once hades 2 went into early access and i couldn't play it for a few months, so i finished the main story last year (after having the game for like. 2 years). speaking of....

Hades 2: MY BELOVED!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's very familiar if you've played hades, but a lot is different. the scale of the story itself is much bigger than in the first game, and the narrative is a lot more complex. melinoë is also a delight, and i'm a huge fan of her gameplay. there's not really a good side or a bad side, but you're led to believe you're fighting for the good side because that's what melinoë believes. she's such a fascinating character, and the fact that this game is still only early access blows my mind. i played nothing else from july to september. 11/10 game, one of my favourites.

Resident Evil 4 (2023): hi hello i'm annoying about this game. i didn't expect to play this game this year, much less enjoy it as much as i did, AND YET. i really liked how the characters were written in this game. i haven't played the original, but i feel more for them in the remake than i do in what i have seen of the original. it's kinda funny because the plot of the game is really serious like, threat of an apocalypse, main character infected with dangerous parasite, themes surrounding trauma and change, etc. but it also features World's Most Yeetable Man (according to residents of this one village in spain).

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: GOD I LOVED THIS GAME!!!!! it was both familiar and brand new, with the return of classic zelda enemies like peahats and redeads paired with protagonist zelda. and zelda is SUCH a delight here as well. i loved her gameplay and how it kind of forced you to get creative and had the subtle tones of necromancy at times. the story isn't anything particularly groundbreaking, but i enjoyed it nonetheless. it was surreal to see a game that wasn't a part of the botw era but was made after the fact and how the botw era impacted the design and UI. i strongly believe they started work on this before totk was released.

Resident Evil 2 (2019): i had a phase and now this franchise is a special interest so i played a lot of these games towards the end of the year. anyways re2 beloved. the replayability is wild, since there are significant story differences depending on who you choose to play as and in which order. it's also just a lot of fun imo. my aunt knows when i'm playing this game because it is actually pretty scary and i'm not. quiet when i get startled akdnskdjdj. the story isn't too complex but it also centres around a city being controlled by a corporation and features two protagonists who have no clue what's going on which resulted in this anti-capitalism narrative which is a little bit funny. it makes it almost satirical considering it's a zombie apocalypse game

Dark Souls Remastered: hoooooooly shit i suck at this game lmao

Resident Evil 3 (2020): i honestly expected to enjoy this one more than i did. i really was having a good time up until the hospital sequence, and then it kinda went downhill for me. one good thing i will say though is that despite seeming like it should happen after re2, it actually starts before and ends after re2, and happens in the same place. you just have a different protagonist and focus, but in both games, there's this continuity that make it into this sort of non-linear story spanning across both games. i watched a chronological order cutscene movie of both games and it was one of the best things i've ever seen.

Resident Evil 7: Biohazard: ngl i hate that this game is good because i can't get very far in it due to Scary Man With Axe chasing me around :( so like.... mixed feelings but only because this game is fucking terrifying and i haven't gotten very far in it at all. despite that, i think it was a solid franchise reboot and the new plot they have going is really fascinating. shaking mia violently i need to know more about her. capcom. capcom please put her in the next game pLEASE DON'T FRIDGE HER AGAIN PLE-

Resident Evil Village: i expected to enjoy the first two sections and not like the last half of the game but it turned out to kind of be the opposite. the first half of this game is more classic survival horror, between being pursued by an angry 10 foot tall lady whose kids you just murdered and whatever the hell that giant demon baby was, whereas the second half is more action oriented. i REALLY liked the factory part, and even chris' part (surprisingly, since i do not like chris much and this game is why). the ending always destroys me though like... ethan was such a different protagonist to others in the franchise (the closest to him i would say is claire, but even then, chris taught her a lot of what she knows and she's got more skills than the average civilian). i'm gonna miss him in the next game, especially if they continue with either mia's story or rose's story. i haven't played the DLC yet and i'm on the fence about getting it, though.

Resident Evil Revelations 2: LAST RE GAME I PROMISE. it's extremely underrated tbh. i'm only like maybe 1/5 of the way through, but i love how you go between past (claire and moira) and present (barry and natalia) and how the story unfolds through that switching perspective. they probably won't, but i hope capcom remakes the revelations games.

Cult of the Lamb: honestly didn't get very far into this one, but it's morbidly adorable. 100/10, i love my little cult leader lamb.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt: GOOD GAME. AMAZING GAME. i'm not too far into this one either, but hooooooooly fuck. it's so good. geralt is such a Guy and i'm obsessed with how he solves problems. he really just gives the aura of guy who is trying his best but people hate him anyways. ciri is so blorboable like she's jusg blorbo shaped. i love her so much (yes i may have started playing tw3 because of tw4 announcement, what about it?)

Baldur's Gate 3: i keep getting stuck but i love this game. i understand how it won goty now. i feel like it would be so confusing if you haven't played d&d irl though. i also like how they integrated the whole "here is your character. they are Your Character, and not a predetermined protagonist or one meant for you to project onto." you get to imagine their backstory and shape their personality through decisions. i was going to play a very serious, lawful paladin character but like an hour and a half in they broke their oath and then went off the shits so they went from the lawful good character i envisioned to a chaotic neutral force of nature. i love them so much.

Elden Ring: i'm just bad at soulslikes i think. this game is gorgeous though, i'm just not far enough into the story to make a solid judgement on the game itself. soulslikes in general have a steep learning curve and are notoriously difficult. i keep dying 😔

[tea-and-coffeee]

Welcome to my blog!

my name is Cooper! And I run this sweet little blog. :]

TLDR; My pronouns are he/him. I am an introject in a system. I often post about my interests, which are mainly whimsical little shows and hatsune miku. :]

TW for mentions of abandonment trauma and abuse endured in infancy in some of our posts.

Please do not treat me like a character or a roleplay blog, and yes, I do accept questions about my source as long as you are not flirting with me.

DNI: TERFs, Zionists, Transphobes, Antisemites, Racists, Proshippers (Especially if you ship myself and Audrey from my source)

Longer introduction below,

Yes, I am a Dale Cooper introject, my source being Twin Peaks-I do respect asks surrounding my source and questions about my feelings towards it. what I do not respect though, are people in my askbox/DMs attempting to be flirtatious due to my source. I am not your doll, I deserve the respect you'd treat a regular person with. I use the block button openly and freely.

Serious subjects aside! I am currently obsessing over Hatsune Miku and Hello Kitty! (At least from what I can remember last time I fronted, it's been a while!) But I really do enjoy cutesy silly subjects, so expect my blog to be mainly focused around that sort of thing.

I have not decided my pronouns yet, but I'm sticking with he/him for now :D Please respect my choices and do not project your headcannons onto me. I am a person with feelings, and your actions effect myself and my wellbeing. please understand that fact when interacting with me.

Yes, I am posting this in the Twin Peaks tag, along with similar. I'm open to interacting with my source and having people interact with me similar to my source. But, please understand that I am NOT my source. We are seperate people, no matter how much my mind claims otherwise. Our similarities are there, yes, but I am no roleplay, nor caricature. I am merely one version of Dale Cooper made from the fractured identity of someone who was traumatized in their young childhood. Do not expect me to conform, I don't owe you or anyone else anything.

Expect discussions of our childhood on here, vaguely, and minor discussions of the reason I formed. These posts will be rare, few and far between, but they will be here. So be warned.

Some days I prefer to lean into my source. Some days, I do not enjoy that at all. My relationship with my source is very complex. I remember people from it, vaguely, I loved people from it. Do not make light of that.

We are undiagnosed, but our therapist has made it clear hes aware of our separate identities and that we are experiencing dissociation. We are looking further into this in our sessions. I do not owe you this information, I give it to you at my own accord.

Apologies for the rambling! I am just trying to get all my thoughts out all in one post! I hope you enjoy my blog and my silly posts, :]

[phantarein]

Noir pt,5!

This is kinda short

Light was in Magenta's garden, waiting for any update about Lu Xi's condition. Haruka stood beside him, picking at flowers, it was an oasis of serenity compared to the lively halls. They sat on a stone bench, surrounded by vibrant plants. It was night, yet they hadn't received news about Lu Xi for days.

Light, who was usually cheery no matter the situation, was tinged with worry as he constantly checked his phone for a call that wasn't there. "I hope the boss is alright," he murmured, more to himself than Haruka.

Haruka kept plucking at the roses from a nearby bush. "He'll be fine, Lu Xi's tough as hell." He couldn't help but be worried himself, as the last time they saw him he passed out after biting into the forbidden fruit. The absence of their leader weighed heavily on them, and they both wondered what could have happened.

"What if we... sneak around to see where he could be?" Light asked, voice weak.

Haruka paused in his flower-plucking, considering Light's suggestion. It was risky, especially within Magenta's walls, but their worry for Lu Xi was maddening.

"It might be the only way to know what's been happening." Haruka finally responded. "But there's no other option."

They looked at each other, knowing that their actions could have serious consequences, but their concern for their leader compelled them both to take the risk.

—------------------------------------------

Lu Xi exits her office, feeling quite conflicted about the promise he made to Eve. The corridors of Magenta seemed different to him now as if they would whisper their hidden secrets to him.

As he was walking, he saw two familiar figures near the entrance, poorly trying to hide from everyone.

"Haru, Light? What are you doing here?" They jump in surprise, not expecting anyone to approach them. They looked at him with concern as he emerged. They could feel something was wrong.

"Boss... are you alright?" Haruka asked with genuine worry.

Lu Xi sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Haru. I made a decision... a decision I didn't want to make. But breaking it might not be the option."

Light places a comforting hand on Lu Xi's shoulder. "We're always here for you, no matter what happens."

Lu Xi nodded, knowing that their loyalty was unwavering. "Thank you, both of you. Let's... talk about it in a more private place."

They followed Lu Xi as he led them to his office, it was one of the only places that wasn't monitored by The Spiders.

Once they were away from the range of the cameras, Lu Xi spoke in a hushed tone. "She told me everything... everything, I- I don't know what the right path is anymore, I made a promise to her, one I'm not sure I'll be able to complete."

Light furrowed his brow, "What kind of promise are we talking about here, boss?"

Lu Xi took a deep breath. "She mainly wants me to... continue her plans and vision for this organization. But I don't know if I can do it."

Haruka spoke softly. "So what are you thinking, boss?"

"I haven't thought about it yet, but now as the new leader, I have many more responsibilities than I imagined. " He sighs, "I got to go now, very busy day... busy day." Lu Xi starts walking off, while Haru and Light just look at him dejectedly.

———————————————————————

Lu Xi sits in front of his desk, reading paperwork and finances about Magenta, despite having workers specific for that, he needed to learn how to administer the place himself.

Hours had passed by since he last saw Haruka and Light, and he felt a little bad that he just left them after they were so concerned. As he delved into the intricate details of Magenta's inside work, he couldn't help but think it was too complex for to manage the finances, personnel and hidden agendas.

With a sigh, he pushed the paperwork aside for a moment and looked out of his office window. The moon was slowly sinking into a new day, casting a pale glow over the city. He wondered if Haruka and Light were asleep.

As if on cue, there was a soft knock on his office door, it opened to reveal both Haru and Light.

"Boss"; Haruka said, "we're been doing some research alongside with Annabelle and there are some things we need to show you."

Lu Xi's eyes brightened. "What have you found?"

Light stepped forward and placed a folder on the desk. "We were digging into Magenta's recent activities and connections. There's something peculiar we've come across."

Lu Xi, his curiosity piqued, opened the folder, began to read, and found... Miracle? That was unexpected.

He read more and more on their operations. Miracle was a regular provider of theirs, having sold Ambrosia quite consistently over the years. His brows furrowed as he continued to read through the information about Magenta's frequent dealings with Miracle. It was an unexpected connection, and he couldn't help but wonder what it meant. Miracle was known for its stance against Alma-related crimes; their mission seemed to be at odds with Magenta as a whole. So what were they doing here, of all place It wasn't a big amount, just enough for one person... This was a twisted discovery.

"This is... weird." Lu Xi muttered, glancing up at his partners in crime. "Why would Miracle have dealings with Magenta? And how did they get a hold of Ambrosia?"

Haruka nodded, "It doesn't make sense in the surface, but it could lead to something."

Light chimed in, excitedly. "We've also heard among some low members about a recent incident involving Miracle and a powerful Alma. It might be worth looking into."

Lu Xi closed the folder and leaned against the chair, deep in thought. So his father was not a person to be trusted. The dots were connecting in his mind, but there were still many unanswered questions.

The revelation about Miracle's involvement really perturbed him, and a mention of a powerful Alma raised a sense of urgency. He needed answers, now.

"Let's start by investigating this recent incident with Miracle," Lu Xi said. "We need to find from where they're getting this Ambrosia and if it has any relevance to Magenta's goals. Light, Haruka, let's try to make contact with my brother first."

Light turned to Lu Xi, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Boss, do you think your brother is aware of what's happening within Miracle? And do you trust him enough to involve him in this?"

"I never said I would involve him, I just need to establish a connection to learn more about the situation. Since he's a member of Miracle, I figured we could get straight into the truth. Besides,, the less he knows about our true intentions, the better."

Light's voice wavers. "Understood, boss."

Haruka chimed in, "Yeah, it's no problem boss! Let's discover the truth."

Lu Xi appreciated their loyalty and determination. "Thank you both, we're going to take a big step into the unknown, but it's the only way we can end this and find redemption."

With that they finished for the day, they had a lot to do ahead of them, each aware of the risks and challenges.

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

Lu Xi sat beside Basil, he was going to be away for a while, so he wanted to see him before going on the mission. Basil, had a mix of concern and excitement in his voice as he heard the plan. He was the only person Lu Xi trusted inside of Magenta, so he figured he needed to know.

"Son, you be careful out there. We don't know what you might find in Miracle, I know you can change Magenta for the better."

Lu Xi nodded, appreciating Basil's concern. "I will, Basil. Keep things in order here, I leave the responsibility to you. If anything unusual happens, let me know immediately."

"You can count on me, boss. We'll hold the fort while you're gone." He said with determination.

"Thank you... dad." Lu Xi says as he silently leaves the garden. Basil looks at him with shock, before waving happily.

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

Lu Xi laid in the comfiest bed he had ever tried, looking around, he sees that the new hideout was extremely clean, however, not decorated at all.

He was in the heart of the city, alongside Haruka and Light. There was also one of Anabelle's chickens which helped with the surveillance of inside the house.

"Hnng I'm sooo hungry." Light came into the room, whining.

"I know the feeling, Light," Lu Xi replied with a sympathetic smile. "We should probably get something to eat soon. Let's see if they left us anything in the fridge, if not, we can go buy something."

Haruka, who had been tinkering with a few of the cameras chimes in, "I agree, in Magenta there is nothing besides soup."

[sanjosecriminal]

Your Guide to expungement california: Clear Your Criminal Record with Confidence

Introduction Having a criminal record can feel like carrying a burden that never truly goes away. Whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, your past can affect your job opportunities, housing applications, professional licensing, and even personal relationships. Fortunately, California law provides a way to move forward—through the process of expungement. At the Law Office of Maureen F. Baldwin in San Jose, we help clients regain their freedom and restore their reputation by navigating the complex process of expungement california. With over 40 years of experience handling criminal defense cases in Santa Clara County and surrounding areas, Attorney Maureen Baldwin is committed to helping individuals like you clear their records and embrace a fresh start. In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about expungement california—what it is, who qualifies, how it works, and why hiring an experienced San Jose criminal lawyer can make all the difference. What is expungement california? expungement california refers to a legal process that allows you to petition the court to dismiss or set aside a past criminal conviction from your record. While expungement doesn’t erase the conviction entirely, it updates your record to show that the conviction was dismissed in the "interests of justice." This can make a significant difference when applying for jobs or housing, as employers and landlords are far less likely to judge you based on a dismissed conviction. In many situations, it is perfectly legal to answer “no” when asked if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime. Who Qualifies for expungement california? To qualify for expungement california under Penal Code § 1203.4, you must meet specific criteria: ✅ You have completed probation (or received early termination of probation) ✅ You have paid all court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution ✅ You are not currently charged with a criminal offense, on probation, or serving a sentence ✅ You did not serve a state prison sentence (with exceptions under recent legal changes, such as Proposition 47 and AB 109) It’s important to note that certain serious crimes—such as specific sex offenses involving children—are not eligible for expungement. At the Law Office of Maureen F. Baldwin, we offer personalized legal evaluations to determine your eligibility and advise on the best course of action to pursue expungement california. Benefits of expungement california Here are just a few ways expungement can positively impact your life: Employment Opportunities: Once your record is expunged, private employers cannot discriminate against you for a dismissed conviction. This levels the playing field when applying for jobs.

Professional Licenses: Expungement can improve your chances of securing or renewing licenses for nursing, law, real estate, and other professions.

Housing Applications: Landlords are more likely to approve your rental application when your criminal history shows a dismissed conviction.

Peace of Mind: Most importantly, expungement gives you the freedom to move forward without constantly being reminded of your past.

The Expungement Process in California Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the expungement process typically works in California: Case Review: First, your attorney will review your conviction history, probation completion, and any applicable legal updates to assess your eligibility.

Filing the Petition: A Petition for Dismissal (form CR-180) is filed with the court where you were convicted. Supporting documents—such as proof of probation completion—may also be required.

Prosecutor’s Response: The District Attorney may oppose the petition, especially if there are past probation violations or multiple convictions. A skilled attorney like Maureen Baldwin can argue your case effectively.

Court Hearing: In many cases, a hearing is scheduled. You may or may not need to appear in court, depending on your case and the judge.

Court Decision: If the judge grants the expungement, the record will be updated to reflect a dismissal under Penal Code § 1203.4.

Why Choose the Law Office of Maureen F. Baldwin? expungement california may seem straightforward, but it’s a legal process that benefits greatly from the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney. Here’s why choosing Maureen F. Baldwin is a smart decision: 🎓 Over 40 years of experience in Santa Clara County Criminal Courts 🤝 Personalized service—Maureen handles every case herself 📞 Quick responses to calls and emails 💼 Exclusive focus on criminal law and record clearance 💸 Affordable rates with a proven record of success Maureen has helped thousands of clients reduce the impact of past mistakes and reclaim their future. Her compassionate approach and legal expertise make her the trusted choice for expungement in San Jose and beyond. Real Client Testimonial “Maureen is not like other attorneys who treat you like a case file. She genuinely cares. She walked me through every step, and thanks to her, my past is no longer holding me back. She helped me get my expungement, and I feel like I have my life back!” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Will my expunged record be completely erased?

No, expungement california does not "erase" or destroy your criminal record. However, it updates the record to show the case was dismissed, which significantly reduces the negative impact on employment and housing opportunities. Can I answer “no” to criminal record questions on job applications?

In most cases, yes. After expungement, you may legally answer "no" when asked if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime—unless applying for government jobs, state licenses, or law enforcement positions. How long does the expungement process take?

The process typically takes 2 to 4 months, depending on the complexity of your case and the court’s backlog. Working with an experienced attorney can help speed up the process. Does expungement restore my right to own a firearm?

No. expungement california does not automatically restore your firearm rights. If your conviction included a firearms prohibition, a separate legal process may be required. What if I violated probation—can I still qualify?

You may still be eligible, but it becomes a discretionary decision for the judge. Having an experienced lawyer like Maureen Baldwin present a strong case on your behalf can make all the difference. Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward a Clean Slate If your past conviction is limiting your future, it’s time to consider expungement. California law gives you the opportunity to leave old mistakes behind and start anew—and we’re here to help make that happen. At the Law Office of Maureen F. Baldwin, we understand the emotional and practical weight of having a criminal record. That’s why we approach each case with compassion, dedication, and over four decades of legal experience. Don't let your record hold you back. Take the first step toward a clean slate by calling us at 408-483-1993 or visiting https://www.sanjosecriminallawoffice.com/ for a free consultation. Remember, you are not just a case—you are a person with a future worth fighting for. 📍 Law Office of Maureen F. Baldwin 255 N Market Street San Jose, CA 95110 📞 Phone: 408-483-1993 🌐 Website: https://www.sanjosecriminallawoffice.com/ Let us help you navigate your path to freedom. Contact us today.

[arizonasteppingupforseniors]

Retirement Community and Its Advantages and Disadvantages

As people reach the age of 55, the dilemma about where to spend the rest of their lives comes to mind. It’s a reality seniors must face and prepare for. Most elders opt to stay in the comfort of their own homes, where familiarity will never be a problem and able family members can take care of them or they could employ caregivers to assist them in their daily activities. However, there are cases where this kind of arrangement would not be possible for some reason. Depending on their financial resources, seniors are forced to “move out” to elderly homes they could afford.

Recently, a growing number of senior citizens are reportedly choosing to age in a retirement community, a multifaceted housing specifically designed for elders that provide facilities and amenities for different activities and socialization. But before deciding to choose a retirement community for you or your loved ones, you may want to consider its advantages and disadvantages.

Cost Of Retirement Community Living

Retirement communities range from government-subsidized facilities to luxurious complexes. Nevertheless, aging in a retirement community entails financial concerns. Most retirement community arrangements include an entrance fee and a monthly fee. The cost varies depending on the type of housing unit and the amenities available. You should also consider the increase in cost every year. One problem that could arise in this type of arrangement is the refund when you choose to terminate the contract for one reason or another. In any case, the cost of living in a retirement community depends entirely on how you plan for your aging.

Emotional Setback

Leaving your own home for a retirement community can be emotional baggage. Understandably, you may be reluctant to move out from your home filled with memories and with family, friends, and relatives around you. Aside from this, elders might think that they are being sent to a retirement community because they become a burden to the family. This is where acceptance moves in. Somehow, you must accept the fact that changes occur as people age and that there are things that should be given up no matter how important they are. Your house may not be conducive for elders whereas housing in retirement communities provides a safer surrounding constructed ideally for seniors to cope with mobility pressures.

Transportation Issues

A substantial decrease in people’s reflexes results as they age, and driving is not highly recommended to seniors for safety reasons. If you live in an area where simple shopping for daily needs requires a mile or so of transportation, or access to medical and physical fitness establishments takes a toll on you, retirement community living is much more advantageous. Most retirement communities are equipped with amenities that elderly people need without the hassle of tiring transportation.

Social Relationship

One disadvantage of living in a retirement community is that sometimes, relatives and friends cannot visit regularly so the feeling of loneliness creeps in and that could sometimes lead to a serious depression. Aside from this, another worry of seniors living in a retirement community is the idea of seclusion, having no interaction with neighbors. Contrary to this misconception, you might find it more fun and exciting because the primary goal of a retirement community is to provide elders with activities that promote socialization. One disadvantage that you may experience is that there are peers who are hard to get by or become a nuisance. The primary key to a successful social life is the ability and readiness to adapt to new neighbors and new friends.

Certainly, there are other aspects of living in a retirement community that can be advantageous or not. Once you decide that this arrangement is perfect for you or your elder, it’s time to look for one that poses more benefits. The retirement community has a wide variety of options, and the choice depends on your present condition with the future also in mind and of course, your financial capabilities.

Stepping Up For Seniors

Charities for Seniors in Phoenix

Financial Assistance for Elders in Phoenix

[steppingupforseniorsinarizona]

Retirement Community and Its Advantages and Disadvantages

As people reach the age of 55, the dilemma about where to spend the rest of their lives comes to mind. It’s a reality seniors must face and prepare for. Most elders opt to stay in the comfort of their own homes, where familiarity will never be a problem and able family members can take care of them or they could employ caregivers to assist them in their daily activities. However, there are cases where this kind of arrangement would not be possible for some reason. Depending on their financial resources, seniors are forced to “move out” to elderly homes they could afford.

Recently, a growing number of senior citizens are reportedly choosing to age in a retirement community, a multifaceted housing specifically designed for elders that provide facilities and amenities for different activities and socialization. But before deciding to choose a retirement community for you or your loved ones, you may want to consider its advantages and disadvantages.

Cost Of Retirement Community Living

Retirement communities range from government-subsidized facilities to luxurious complexes. Nevertheless, aging in a retirement community entails financial concerns. Most retirement community arrangements include an entrance fee and a monthly fee. The cost varies depending on the type of housing unit and the amenities available. You should also consider the increase in cost every year. One problem that could arise in this type of arrangement is the refund when you choose to terminate the contract for one reason or another. In any case, the cost of living in a retirement community depends entirely on how you plan for your aging.

Emotional Setback

Leaving your own home for a retirement community can be emotional baggage. Understandably, you may be reluctant to move out from your home filled with memories and with family, friends, and relatives around you. Aside from this, elders might think that they are being sent to a retirement community because they become a burden to the family. This is where acceptance moves in. Somehow, you must accept the fact that changes occur as people age and that there are things that should be given up no matter how important they are. Your house may not be conducive for elders whereas housing in retirement communities provides a safer surrounding constructed ideally for seniors to cope with mobility pressures.

Transportation Issues

A substantial decrease in people’s reflexes results as they age, and driving is not highly recommended to seniors for safety reasons. If you live in an area where simple shopping for daily needs requires a mile or so of transportation, or access to medical and physical fitness establishments takes a toll on you, retirement community living is much more advantageous. Most retirement communities are equipped with amenities that elderly people need without the hassle of tiring transportation.

Social Relationship

One disadvantage of living in a retirement community is that sometimes, relatives and friends cannot visit regularly so the feeling of loneliness creeps in and that could sometimes lead to a serious depression. Aside from this, another worry of seniors living in a retirement community is the idea of seclusion, having no interaction with neighbors. Contrary to this misconception, you might find it more fun and exciting because the primary goal of a retirement community is to provide elders with activities that promote socialization. One disadvantage that you may experience is that there are peers who are hard to get by or become a nuisance. The primary key to a successful social life is the ability and readiness to adapt to new neighbors and new friends.

Certainly, there are other aspects of living in a retirement community that can be advantageous or not. Once you decide that this arrangement is perfect for you or your elder, it’s time to look for one that poses more benefits. The retirement community has a wide variety of options, and the choice depends on your present condition with the future also in mind and of course, your financial capabilities.

Stepping Up For Seniors

Charities for Seniors in Phoenix

Financial Assistance for Elders in Phoenix

[phoenixsteppingupforseniors]

Retirement Community and Its Advantages and Disadvantages

As people reach the age of 55, the dilemma about where to spend the rest of their lives comes to mind. It’s a reality seniors must face and prepare for. Most elders opt to stay in the comfort of their own homes, where familiarity will never be a problem and able family members can take care of them or they could employ caregivers to assist them in their daily activities. However, there are cases where this kind of arrangement would not be possible for some reason. Depending on their financial resources, seniors are forced to “move out” to elderly homes they could afford.

Recently, a growing number of senior citizens are reportedly choosing to age in a retirement community, a multifaceted housing specifically designed for elders that provide facilities and amenities for different activities and socialization. But before deciding to choose a retirement community for you or your loved ones, you may want to consider its advantages and disadvantages.

Cost Of Retirement Community Living

Retirement communities range from government-subsidized facilities to luxurious complexes. Nevertheless, aging in a retirement community entails financial concerns. Most retirement community arrangements include an entrance fee and a monthly fee. The cost varies depending on the type of housing unit and the amenities available. You should also consider the increase in cost every year. One problem that could arise in this type of arrangement is the refund when you choose to terminate the contract for one reason or another. In any case, the cost of living in a retirement community depends entirely on how you plan for your aging.

Emotional Setback

Leaving your own home for a retirement community can be emotional baggage. Understandably, you may be reluctant to move out from your home filled with memories and with family, friends, and relatives around you. Aside from this, elders might think that they are being sent to a retirement community because they become a burden to the family. This is where acceptance moves in. Somehow, you must accept the fact that changes occur as people age and that there are things that should be given up no matter how important they are. Your house may not be conducive for elders whereas housing in retirement communities provides a safer surrounding constructed ideally for seniors to cope with mobility pressures.

Transportation Issues

A substantial decrease in people’s reflexes results as they age, and driving is not highly recommended to seniors for safety reasons. If you live in an area where simple shopping for daily needs requires a mile or so of transportation, or access to medical and physical fitness establishments takes a toll on you, retirement community living is much more advantageous. Most retirement communities are equipped with amenities that elderly people need without the hassle of tiring transportation.

Social Relationship

One disadvantage of living in a retirement community is that sometimes, relatives and friends cannot visit regularly so the feeling of loneliness creeps in and that could sometimes lead to a serious depression. Aside from this, another worry of seniors living in a retirement community is the idea of seclusion, having no interaction with neighbors. Contrary to this misconception, you might find it more fun and exciting because the primary goal of a retirement community is to provide elders with activities that promote socialization. One disadvantage that you may experience is that there are peers who are hard to get by or become a nuisance. The primary key to a successful social life is the ability and readiness to adapt to new neighbors and new friends.

Certainly, there are other aspects of living in a retirement community that can be advantageous or not. Once you decide that this arrangement is perfect for you or your elder, it’s time to look for one that poses more benefits. The retirement community has a wide variety of options, and the choice depends on your present condition with the future also in mind and of course, your financial capabilities.

Stepping Up For Seniors

Charities for Seniors

Financial Assistance for Elders

[help-for-low-income-seniors]

Retirement Community and Its Advantages and Disadvantages

As people reach the age of 55, the dilemma about where to spend the rest of their lives comes to mind. It’s a reality seniors must face and prepare for. Most elders opt to stay in the comfort of their own homes, where familiarity will never be a problem and able family members can take care of them or they could employ caregivers to assist them in their daily activities. However, there are cases where this kind of arrangement would not be possible for some reason. Depending on their financial resources, seniors are forced to “move out” to elderly homes they could afford.

  Recently, a growing number of senior citizens are reportedly choosing to age in a retirement community, a multifaceted housing specifically designed for elders that provide facilities and amenities for different activities and socialization. But before deciding to choose a retirement community for you or your loved ones, you may want to consider its advantages and disadvantages.

  Cost Of Retirement Community Living

  Retirement communities range from government-subsidized facilities to luxurious complexes. Nevertheless, aging in a retirement community entails financial concerns. Most retirement community arrangements include an entrance fee and a monthly fee. The cost varies depending on the type of housing unit and the amenities available. You should also consider the increase in cost every year. One problem that could arise in this type of arrangement is the refund when you choose to terminate the contract for one reason or another. In any case, the cost of living in a retirement community depends entirely on how you plan for your aging.

  Emotional Setback

  Leaving your own home for a retirement community can be emotional baggage. Understandably, you may be reluctant to move out from your home filled with memories and with family, friends, and relatives around you. Aside from this, elders might think that they are being sent to a retirement community because they become a burden to the family. This is where acceptance moves in. Somehow, you must accept the fact that changes occur as people age and that there are things that should be given up no matter how important they are. Your house may not be conducive for elders whereas housing in retirement communities provides a safer surrounding constructed ideally for seniors to cope with mobility pressures.

  Transportation Issues

  A substantial decrease in people’s reflexes results as they age, and driving is not highly recommended to seniors for safety reasons. If you live in an area where simple shopping for daily needs requires a mile or so of transportation, or access to medical and physical fitness establishments takes a toll on you, retirement community living is much more advantageous. Most retirement communities are equipped with amenities that elderly people need without the hassle of tiring transportation.

  Social Relationship

  One disadvantage of living in a retirement community is that sometimes, relatives and friends cannot visit regularly so the feeling of loneliness creeps in and that could sometimes lead to a serious depression. Aside from this, another worry of seniors living in a retirement community is the idea of seclusion, having no interaction with neighbors. Contrary to this misconception, you might find it more fun and exciting because the primary goal of a retirement community is to provide elders with activities that promote socialization. One disadvantage that you may experience is that there are peers who are hard to get by or become a nuisance. The primary key to a successful social life is the ability and readiness to adapt to new neighbors and new friends.

  Certainly, there are other aspects of living in a retirement community that can be advantageous or not. Once you decide that this arrangement is perfect for you or your elder, it’s time to look for one that poses more benefits. The retirement community has a wide variety of options, and the choice depends on your present condition with the future also in mind and of course, your financial capabilities.

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