#ugh i feel like something is missing but i can't figure out whAT AHH

[grex-statera]

Chapter 9: Home - Spring, Year 1

As per Robin's estimate, it would take her 3 days to finish the coop. Ellie helped her carry materials around and hold nails whenever needed. Robin was a fast worker.

Robin: I'd love to have Sebby work with me, but he's not exactly a morning person.

Ellie: Yeah, I figured. He has such dark circles under his eyes. Does he even take care of himself?

Robin: Oh, Ellie. You have NO idea how much I worry about him. He spends all day in his room, staring at that computer, and when he finally does go out it's to smoke a cigarette! I've been telling him to stop but he never listens to me. I don't even know when he started.

Robin said, sighing into her coffee cup. The two of them sitting on Ellie's porch, having an afternoon break.

Robin: It's like I'm trying to take care of a big teenager. He's 25! He should at least get his life together, like you.

Ellie tried to give a polite laugh.

Robin: Ahh, speaking of the devil...

Sebastian was walking toward them, carrying his mother's extra toolbox.

Seb: Sorry I read your message late.

It was around 2 pm but Sebastian still looked like he just got up.

Ellie: You okay, man? Want a cuppa?

Seb: A cuppa?

Ellie: Cuppa coffee.

Sebastian managed a snicker.

Seb: Yeah. I'd like a cuppa.

Ellie stood up, gesturing for Sebastian to sit down then went inside the farmhouse.

Robin: Alright. Thanks for bringing these, Sebby. You look exhausted. What time did you even sleep?

Seb: Sorry, mom.

Robin: Why don't you stay here for a while? The scenery change could be good for you.

Seb: ...Sure, I guess.

Robin: Tell Ellie I went back to work. Why don't you hang out with her for a while. Wanna come home together?

Seb: Ugh. I dunno, mom. I guess I'll just go home in a bit.

Robin: Alright, tell me before you leave.

She cupped Sebastian's face in one hand and walked away.

Sebastian sat on Ellie's chair - she placed a small table and two chairs on her porch. It was kind of cute.

He observed his surroundings while waiting for Ellie. The farm was nice. It was spacious and the whole area hasn't been used yet. The far side of the farm was littered with trees - Oak, Maple and Pine.

He looked at Ellie's farm plots. They were clean and organized. Near the main entrance of the farm, there were flowering bushes all around. He noticed that there were a lot of flower pots on her porch as well.

Ellie: Cuppa.

Sebastian jumped. Elliot laughed.

Seb, furrowing his eyebrows: Hey. Got your revenge?

Ellie: Haha, sorry, Sir Shocker. Today's not your day.

Sebastian smiled and took his coffee.

Ellie: I dunno how much sugar and creamer you want in there so just help yourself, alright?

Seb: Thanks. Nice farm you got here.

Ellie: Thanks, it was my grandfather's.

Seb: Really? Don't think I knew that... Or I dunno, maybe I forgot.

Ellie: That's alright. How are you? You look really tired.

Seb: Yeah, I... I had to stay up all night to finish something for work.

Ellie: Oh? You work from home?

Seb: Yeah, I'm a programmer. Freelance.

Ellie: That's cool. I don't really know anything about programming so can't say much.

Seb: It's alright. What kind of work did you have in the city? I mean, if you don't mind.

Ellie: Hmm, well I worked in an office. It was basically admin work. Y'know like filing papers, documenting stuff, attending meetings, answering phone calls. Ugh.

Ellie winced at the memory. Sebastian nodded, trying to imagine himself in the same position.

Seb: So... How was it?

Ellie: Sometimes it was chill, sometimes super toxic. Most times very, very boring. I feel like in the 5 years I worked for that company, I didn't gain anything. I don't really miss a lot from there, maybe just the internet and the pay.

Sebastian was silent, thinking about Ellie's experience.

Ellie: You okay, man?

Seb: Hm? Oh, sorry, I just... You know, I'm actually thinking of moving into the city.

Ellie: Really? Oh boy. I mean, that'd be cool, man. Uh, maybe just don't get eaten up.

Seb: What do you mean?

Ellie: I mean... I dunno. Are you workaholic?

Seb: Hmm... Yeah, I guess so.

Ellie: Yeah, 'cause like, if you're workaholic, I feel like if you work in a company they're going to take advantage of that a lot; work you to the bone.

Seb: Ugh. I don't really plan on working for a company. Maybe I could just continue my freelance work.

Ellie: Yeah, sure, maybe. But uh, you have to be prepared, I guess. The cost of living in the city is like, 10 times more than here in the countryside.

Sebastian looked at the ground.

Seb: Damn...

Ellie: Oh no! Sorry to dishearten you. I didn't mean to do that.

Seb: No, no. It's alright. I need these facts anyway if I really want to get out of this place. You're right, I have to be ready.

Ellie: I guess it could be fun, y'know? Try it out for yourself. It has it's pros and cons, but overall I think the city's quite nice.

Seb: Hmm... So which do you prefer more? The city or the countryside?

Ellie: Oh. Definitely the countryside.

Seb: Oh? Why's that?

Ellie: It's peaceful here. The city's nice, yeah. There's lots of places to go to or whatever, but I felt like a caged bird in there. It's noisy, it's polluted and you don't see a lot of greenery, unlike here. Here feels like home.

There was another moment of comfortable silence between them. Sebastian thought about all the times he pondered over moving to the city. She's right, he thought, here feels like home.

Sebastian turned the coffee cup in his hands.

Seb: Do you, uh...

Ellie: Hm?

Seb: Do you mind if you could show me around your farm?

Ellie chuckled.

Ellie: Not at all. (Ahem) Welcome to Kipling Farm! I'll be your tour guide for today, Elliot. Singular T. Not to be confused with the Elliott on the beach.

Sebastian laughed.

Seb: Alright, Ms. Elliot Singular T. Lead the way.

There wasn't much ground to cover, but Ellie did her best to keep Sebastian entertained.

Ellie: And these are my scarecrows! Let me introduce you to them: this handsome man is Quintavious, my first ever scarecrow. I made him myself!

Seb, clapping his hands: Very impressive. I like his smile.

Ellie: Thank you, thank you. This beautiful lady right here is Ms. Sandra, purchased from the beautiful flower dance. And this... raccoon-looking... friend is Carl - a gift from Mr. Gunther.

Sebastian laughed.

Seb: You name your scarecrows?

Ellie: Well, yeah! They're my friends, Sebastian. Don't be mean.

Seb: Hey, I'm not being mean this time, okay? That's actually pretty cute.

Ellie: Right? It's nice to have this kind of company.

Sebastian looked at Ellie with a softness in his eyes.

Seb: You know, if you want to hang out with us, you can just text us.

Ellie: Yeah, I know that. Ehh, I do have some days when I don't really wanna... Y'know... See people? I mean, ugh. I dunno...

Seb: Oh nah, I totally get you. I like having friends, but I also need a LOT of alone time to balance out the social stuff.

Ellie: Oh my God, right?? You DO get it!

Seb: Hah, yeah. Sam's the opposite, though. He goes crazy when he's alone for a long time. Can't sit still.

Ellie: Really? That's cute. You two are so different but you get along so well.

Seb: Yeah, mostly 'cause he's nice. And he can befriend anyone he wants.

Ellie nodded.

Ellie: That's cool. Wish I could be like that.

Seb: I think you already are. Maybe not as bubbly as Sam, but... You got the vibes, I guess.

Ellie: Why, thank you. That's such a high compliment from the guy who basically told me to get out of his room on day 1.

Both of them laughed.

Seb: Hey, man. I'm really sorry about that. I'm just really awkward and on edge most of the time.

Ellie: Haha, at least you're not as jumpy as me.

They approached Robin's work site.

Robin: Hey guys, came to visit me?

Ellie: Hi Robin! How's it going? Need help?

Robin: Ah, I'm almost done here. I just need to smooth out some areas and finish up with fire-resistant lacquer. How are you guys?

Ellie: Seb and I have been talking about stuff and he asked for a farm tour.

Seb: Uh, yeah. It's been fun, actually.

Robin: Really? That's good to hear. You oughta go out more often, Sebby.

Seb: I'll try, mom.

Robin: Alright, maybe I can finish this one tomorrow. Ohh, my back hurts.

Ellie: Alrighty, thank you so much Robin. Do you guys want to have dinner here?

Seb: Um-

Robin: Sure, Ellie. I can help you cook too. Come on, Seb.

The three of them walked back to the farmhouse, Robin dragging Sebastian by the hand.

+++++

Author's Note:

I dedicate this chapter to my friends over at Discord, who helped name my scarecrows:

[mzjmesa]

Out Loud | Chloe Decker

She was a good detective. Is. The pride of the office, the officer praised here and there. Your partner. Your bestfriend. Detective Chloe Decker. It wasn't because of her smart, genius mind that attracted you to her, no. Well, sometimes, anyway. But it could've been alot of reasons, loving Chloe Decker. And you would've loved any other reasons— to make this easier, to make the feelings disappear sooner. Because whatever the attraction was, it was unprofessional— Chloe never did unprofessional. And you fear if you couldn't hold it any longer, she'd run away from you.

You can't bear that.

But you loved Chloe either way. You loved her eyes, her kindness, that bright and knowing smile that goes with her eyes, you loved the way her lips part when she's about to say something defensive— you loved her. You loved her the most when she knocks at your door and asks how you're doing. You loved the late night talks and laughs about freshmen days which was rare, because she never spent so much time in highschool, she got unending stories about it anyway. You loved the way she listens. You loved her. You loved Chloe Decker. And as she passes by your desk, to the man she likes, you reminded yourself that it was wrong. Wrong because you were supposed to be happy for her.

A knock on your desk drifted your thoughts away, Dan. “How are we doing?” he asked, if he'd caught you staring enviously at Chloe and Lucifer, he hadn't mind.

“How are we doing?” You repeated stupidly, still hungover from yesterday. Which by the way was Chloe's fault, you just wouldn't admit it to yourself.

Dan shrugs, “Yeah? I sent you files to look at, remember?”

Oh.

You shake your head as though it would help you focus on the present and tried to remember where you had placed the papers. You checked your drawers, trying hard to block out Chloe and Lucifer's voices. You busied your hand flipping through dozens of papers, vividly remembering the file's name.

Jonathan Flinn's. Ahh. Case closed for 2 months, there wasn't much evidence of the murder, but the majority linked to him, and eventually the court pronounced him guilty. There had been questions left unsolved, and if Espinoza wasn't up to anything, it would've been left at that.

You sighed, “Have you talked to Chloe about this?”

“Yeah,” He looked past your shoulder to where Chloe was, then back to you. “she thinks it's a bad idea.”

Of course she did. You did, too. That was a thing between you two, something about your guts always telling you the same what's what. That's why you were partnered with her, and you would've loved to continue being one (although truth be told, you still were in papers anyway) but she'd found a consultant, a batshit crazy one at that. Lucifer Morningstar. Always telling himself he's the devil, going on and about his everyday life like anyone gives a damn, and always making everything about himself. If he wasn't charming, and a ‘friend’ of Chloe's, you would've hated him. Most times you did. But times when Chloe was down, he was always the first to cheer her up. You used to be the one doing that, until he came.

“You should listen to her, Dan.”

“Oh c'mon! I would've agreed with Chloe and wouldn't have come to you if it weren't so important. His mother is my god—”

“—mother. Yes, yes, I know that, Dan. I know you think this is a good idea to pay her back, too. But it's not, trust me. Trust Chloe.” You exhaled, feeling the weight of her stare on your back. “It could go worst anyway, what when we can't find any evidence or if we do, worst case scenario is it'll only lead to him. Again. We'll just worsen his situation.”

Dan sighed, massaging his jaw with exasperation because he knew you were right. And also because as much as he pretends not to care too much, he does. You loved that about him.

As you heard footsteps behind, you handed back the files to Dan who hid it behind his back, masking his irritation with a smile to Chloe.

You ignored her, lingering your eyes on the missing button of Dan's shirt.

“Ella found some prints, we haven't identified it yet but it's likely our lead.” Chloe started just behind you, and you knew Lucifer was beside her as much as you hated it. “In the meantime, Dan? I'd like to discuss to you about the Flinn case, Lucifer and I went back to the crime scene yesterday. We found nothing.”

Dan frowned. “I thought you said it was a bad idea.”

“I know, I know. I... ugh... well I went over it again, anyway.”

A small smile creeped on his face, and you were almost sure his eyes were watering when Lucifer jumped on the conversation about his father, bla bla bla. You couldn't care less. Chloe did, and that should be enough for Lucifer. She'd always been enough for you. You bit your lips, wishing you could busy your hands with something. Anything. But your desk was on your back, and oh, Chloe, too.

It felt immature and all, but you were hurting just knowing they were together, seeing them would break you.

“I'll check in on with Ella.” Chloe announced, “(Y/N)?”

“Are you having a stroke Miss (L/N)? Staying still like a trained robot, you're scarying me— and believe when I say I rarely get scared.” Lucifer added.

Oh you believe alright. And robots are trained?! Trying to hide your feelings with a forced smile, you turned around, making sure you weren't going to make an eye contact with a certain detective, and immediately grabbed a random paper and pen you can hold— scribbling anything. Anything at all.

“I'm alright.” You answered after a beat or two, still unbothered to look. Who would want to, honestly.

Chloe cleared her throat, whispered something to Lucifer, and then bid goodbye. It was then when you looked at them walking away. Lucifer's hand on her back, Chloe looking small beside him— your chest aching the same, if not, more.

You're definitely not gonna look again.

-

You had a week off work, and you'd almost fell to your knees thanking God when the lieutenant told you. You needed it more than you needed Chloe, which proves just how important it was— Chloe had been. Still is, by the way.

It was 8 am, by now Chloe would be at her desk, examining or making reports, or on a crime scene with Ella and, Lucifer. You snapped out of your mind, reminding yourself you'd needed the vacation because work and particularly Chloe had been stressing you out and very much so hurting you.

You'd hit the beach, go to the mountains for the view,— you didn't wanna hike though, you needed rest not making sweats— visit your sister and niece, and then finally bake while blasting Taylor Swift because admit it or not, you're much broken than your grandmother's vase.

When the water was hot enough, you took a bath and dressed. A peach-colored tank top that comes along with a brown mini skirt and a coat was your outfit for the day. Only, the coat reminded you too much of Chloe's. She liked coats. And that coat, back then warning you that she'd steal it eventually. So you changed with other coats, just didn't fit well with the shirt and skirt, so you gave in and left your hair untouched and untied. Grabbing your pouch and your gun— a licensed one, just in case. And opened your door. You would've preferred the bright sky and fresh air of the morning in LA. But Chloe Decker was standing there, fist on air as if she'd been ready to knock.

You froze.

Were you having a stroke? Most likely.

“(Y/N).”

“Chloe.”

Wasn't she supposed to be at work? You didn't mind either way, but it surprised you still, she hadn't been visiting much since... Lucifer. Everything's just been different since he arrived, not in a good way for you.

You stepped aside, not saying anything since you figured out a human wouldn't understand any word that comes out of your mouth. She went in, instead of sitting on your couch like the old days, she lingered on the living room, standing and looking at you.

Most times you hadn't mind.

She started, “How are you?”

“I'm good.”

“No, (Y/N). How are you?”

You didn't know what to say. Or why she'd ask a question as that. “I'm not—”

“Do you like me?”

What.

Your face must've given the shock, because she answered your unasked question. “Dan said some things. I'm-I'm not— you're not transferring, are you?”

Oh you're definitely gonna choke the life out of Dan. But knowing him, he wouldn't have spit it out too easily. He was probably drunk and didn't mean it. Still, you wished you said it to Chloe yourself. About the liking and transferring.

You remained silent, reading the expression on Chloe's face. Was she sad? Upset? After years of knowing her, you would've known right away. But now you couldn't. And you fear you might've forgotten the every detail of her face, too.

“(Y/N)...” Her voice gave out, carrying every sadness within. “Why didn't you tell me?”

“About what?” You answered stupidly in a whisper, fearing that if you came into your senses everything would feel too real.

“About everything! About— about your feelings for me. About Seatte. About why you've been so far from me!”

“You have been far from me, Chloe.”

She frowns, and you knew millions and billions and gazillions of questions where popping in her mind.

Tears in your eyes were forming, and you hated it, all of this. She wasn't supposed to know at all. She wasn't supposed to know you had immature feelings for her. Wasn't supposed to know you were transferring atleast 'till next month. But Chloe wasn't dumb, and you should've known that.

Chloe swallowed the lump in her throat, her breathing heavy. “We could've talked about it.”

“We haven't talked much at all these days because of—” you cut yourself off, rolling your eyes at how sick it feels. You hated yourself for it, but you continued anyway. “Because of Lucifer.”

She exhaled. “Lucifer and I are complicated.”

“I know that, Chloe.” You said firmly, meeting her gaze pitying you. Of course she pities you. “I also know you like him so much. I know you've been crying when he fake married that Candy. I know you've been sick worrying when he can't answer your texts or calls. I know you've gone lengths trying to understand him. I know. I know so much so that I didn't wanna be so selfish and tell you things you didn't wanna hear because it'll make your complicated relationship with Lucifer even more complicated. I fucking know. And I loved you too much.”

Chloe's tears were beginning to fall, one by one, slowly. And it hurts you to see her like this. Especially because you know you caused it.

“It was never my intention to push you away. You're my friend— can't we just stay like this?” She asked in a soft, breaking voice. And if it wasn't Chloe you would've said yes because people are easy to move on from. But it was indeed Chloe and she was... not like anyone you know. She was a missing piece of your puzzle. Only, you have never been a piece of hers.

“I love you, Chloe.”

It was weird, saying it out loud, to her. You never thought you could, knowing you were a coward than every cowards combined.

You did though, and that must've pulled something. Because Chloe approached you, side hugged, and then left.

So much for a vacation.

You spent the night crying.

Chloe Decker spent hers with the man she loved. And you were never that man.

[ccsthemovie2]

(I think it's a word over 500, but:)

"Speaking of Tsukishiro, how's he doing?", Eriol asks. Frying pan to fire to volcano.

"He's good," Touya says quickly, before Sakura can say anything. Yukito is not even in the ballpark of "good". Yesterday he called Touya and begged him to bike over and said it was important and when Touya showed up he was asleep, and stayed fast asleep right through to the next morning. He keeps trying to make appointments with doctors, and then falling asleep before he can call, or, when Touya calls for him, before he can make it out the door. Privately, Touya isn't sure how much good a doctor can do for him, but anything has to be better than this, right?

"Really? I'm glad to hear it." Ugh, how much has Sakura told him. Not that she doesn't have a right to talk to her friends, but, come on, would it kill her to least keep it between her and Tomoyo and the funny looking cat.

He's good, that's an obvious lie. Ruby has said Yukito could barely stand upright at school. Every inch of Touya Kinomoto is packed full of magic. Sooner or later, Eriol figures, either Sakura will be powerful enough to sustain him, or Yue will have to get over himself and just eat already. Touya can't actually do anything with his magic, so it's not like Yue, even weak as he is, will have to face much of a struggle to take it. (Aside from competition with Ruby, of course. There's something to that, right, articles and studies about animals being healthier if they need a bit of careful planning to get their food? Yes, so this works out nicely.)

Or maybe- oh, that's probably it. Yue's on to him, isn't he? He's just being stubborn as usual, figuring sooner or later Clow will appear via Eriol and save him. He can imagine how surprised, overjoyed, grateful Yue would be, if Eriol showed up and saved his life. He can imagine Yue's head resting on his neck as clearly as if he had kept Yue well-fed with magic a thousand times in his lifetime. It would be nice, in the short run, but it wouldn't be right, no. Clow is dead, and Yue needs to learn to live with that. If he knows what's good for him, he will take responsibility for his own life, and if he doesn't...

Ahh, well, maybe it's Clow's old sentimentality, maybe Eriol is just warming up to Sakura's moon guardian all on his own, but he can't bring himself around to the idea of letting Yue just die. He'd save him, if it came down to it. But, he tells himself sternly, only as an absolute last resort. He's just worrying because he misses Yue and wants to get to know him better all at once in that past-and-future way- it's worth a visit, soon. Yes, a nice little visit, and Yue will never even have to know it happened. Just to check in.

(sorry the formatting got weird when i copypasted lol!)

hiiii thanks for the ask!!!

if we talk about this convo we need to back up and talk about how it got here. this should give you some idea of how badly this needs to be under a cut for length lol.

so it all starts with the bit about how someone falling and being caught is something that happens a lot in ccs. how with eriol, it's purposeful, and with fujitaka (and i misremembered it but since found out she fell *on* him and not *caught* by him, which lolol i hope he broke a bone, but also its fine the fic's already marked canon divergent, or maybe the story gets misremembered, whatever, in any case), it's an echo of clowriol's intentional artificial-trustbuild-dangersaves but without the magic or purpose to back it up (just like fujitaka himself!), but it's a situation he quickly makes favorable to him, because it may be a blank slate but it's made of the same material.

this whole convo was part of one of the very first chunks written, but everything was going to go in a very different direction at first. (there's a lot of Cut Content from this fic, some that i just didn't like, some that wasn't connectable with the rest of the fic after it took the shape it took but might pop up somewhere else one day idk). in this particular bit i cut the later half of the conversation because i really didn't like what i'd written, but then even though the direction of the story changed the conversation was still going so it had to bounce somewhere else, so it bounced to yukito. here we are answering your ask 2 paragraphs in!

yukito, iirc in the anime, did catch her from a fall, (in the manga, which made way more sense for why she had to change her clothes and rest so much, he saved her from drowning, again iirc because who can trust a memory) and at a point where eriol still has some investment in making yuekito/sakura (ewwwww) happen, he's going to try and draw on that symbolism to nudge her in that direction, right?

so all this said, SPEAKING of yuekito. how are they doing.

bad, obviously. touya's freaking out. i imagine that part of what's stopping yukito from seeing a doctor is yue, though- he knows it wont help, and i dont think yukito has, like, person insides that will stand up to medical tests, and yue would pick up on yukito like, not wanting to be outed to the doctor as a magic construct because he, like, doesnt actually have a real heart that pulses, just a repeating heartbeat sound. doesn't for real have blood etc to test, just records of blood type (for personality reasons).

and also touya's a very like keep-ur-problems-not-everybodys-business type so hes like imagining sakura venting her fears to this weirdo and getting pissed off. but that didnt actually happen, eriol knew all on his own lolol. touya you have to say something nice should happen to sakura to make up for wrongly suspecting her now

and this bit on eriol's end is all wrong information and inaccurate conclusions and i was really worried ppl would take it at face value but i hope nobody did. in ccs we get moments where eriol wants sakura to take power, or to learn that power can be taken- his final battle with her, for example, where the answer to his light and dark puzzle is to use kero and yue's power, except that's not something she would ever Want to do or would even Occur to her to try. the power is gifted to her by kero and yue (and syaoran!) because they love her.

same concept, here- the answer to the 'yue is dying' puzzle is to eat touya's power, and he can't imagine the real reason why he won't just do that, and when he thinks about it too long it goes right to his ego- yue looovvvvesss clow, and by extension me. he wants meeeeeee to save him. he wants to neck kissy MY magic soo sooooo bad. but yue isn't considering any of that at all. he's thinking about yukito and what touya means to yukito and why that would make yukito hesitate to reach out, and that no way in hell will he just ambush his other self's crush down a dark alley and take his magic, even to save both their lives. he's a lot more selfless than clow and eriol ever realize. maybe- this is just a half formed thought right now, i dont know if im like certain about it, but- maybe they feel his devotion to clow was a form of selfishness, that he Wanted Love as a thing he could hold and own, whereas pretty much everybody else who meets him goes like YOU SELFLESS MAN YOU CANT JUST DIE FOR PPL YOU CARE ABOUT YOU GOTTA TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF TOOOO

and there’s also that bit of teacherliness intrinsic to the three of them again: im doing this to teach him a lesson. im letting ruby do her thing without telling her what’s going on to help and encourage yue, etc.

anyway, that (in terms of fic weaving itself into canon) solidifies his decision to do uhmmmm a thing that creeps me out real bad in the anime (knocking yue out to have a moment with him, and oh, ding, there's another 'you fell but i caught you' moment!). eriol loves this manner of hanging out with people, you see it later in this fic, even:

It's important to say what's in your heart to the people you want to say it to, even if you have to make sure the other person never hears it. It's important for your own emotional freedom.

he loves to spend time with people exclusively on his terms, to the point where the other party never even knew he was there, because he knocked them out, or because he was just staring creepily at the outside of sakura's house while she did homework, etc etc etc.

tldr: it's all connected, aaaaaaaaa

[kuronanox]

Hesitant - Ukitake Jushiro

(Your Name) and Ukitake first met when she graduated the academy top of her class. She  had happen to be put on a mission, it was a simple mission, the task was to eliminate hollows that were appearing in the forest near the rukongai district.

(Your Name) was about done with the last hollow and jogged to catch up with the rest of the team when she was then surrounded by a flock of hollows. Steadily she let out a kido to eliminate the ones behind her so she could find an opening to escape. With an opening appearing she lunges out the area but was pulled back by a hollows that had tentacles as it wrapped it around her body as she yelped in pain.

"Shit!" She cursed and tried to squeeze out but only to yell out in pain as the tentacles wrapped around her tighter.

Ukitake had gotten word from a few subordinates that the team who was in charge of the hollows around the rukongai district had got back but one of the girls was missing.

Kaien was already out in a meeting so it left Ukitake no choice but to go himself. "Don't worry I'll go." He told his squads members and rushed to the district. He found her body limped on the floor as the hollows were about to devour her.

"I can't believe I'm about to die like this... I'm so pathetic."

(Your Name) tightly shuts her eyes and was prepared for the worse but it was replaced by a warm body embracing her as she looked up to see her captain smiling down at her. She had been saved.

"Captain." She uttered out as Ukitake took her out of harms way and she watched as he cut down the hollows so easily, it almost made her embarrassed. After cleaning the mess up he carefully picked her up and carried them all the way to the 4th squad for medical attention.

"I-I'm okay." She stutters but he shakes his head. "You have internal bleeding in your body, if I was a second late you would be dead." He says to the smaller girl as she stares up at him.

(Your Name) didn't really know what the captain looked because he was always sick apparently, so she thought Kaien was the leader for squad 13 for the longest time. Never in her life she thought a man was so beautiful with his long locks of silver hair and gentle smile.

(Your Name) woke up in the infirmary with bandages all around her stomach and abdomen area. The nurse said parts of her ribs broke and some of her organs were getting crushed harshly. "Top of my class but still weak."

Lying down in silence a knock was at her door as she gently sits up and sees her Captain with a big smile on his face and sweets in his arms. (Your Name) tilts her head confused if he was here for her or someone else but she looked around to see no one else but her in the infirmary. "Captain?" She calls out as he happily pulls up a seat next to her.

"Ahh (Your Name) how are you feeling?" Ukitake begins to asks setting down the sweets in her lap as she looks down to see variety of chocolate and hard candy that looked tempting to eat but, she knew that the state she was in wouldn't allow her to consume such foods.

"I feel bruised up but resting makes it feel better." She honestly says.

"You were out for a week." He says to her as she noticed flowers placed on her stand. "Did Captain bring me flowers? I don't have any other close friends yet."

She was so embarrassed that she roughly opened up various candy trying to take the blush that was forming on her face away. "(Your Name) slow down the candy will be here." Ukitake says gently helping her open up the bags. She notice how soft his hands were as it lightly brushed against hers.

"I'm sorry Captain I'm just embarrassed." She admits as he chuckles.

"There's nothing to be embarrassed about, we all fall into trouble once."

"That's not what I'm talking about but if you say so Captain."

After another long week in the infirmary she was out and ready to work again. Stretching her body she smiles and embrace the sunlight. Ukitake visited her three more times after that. He was kind to her and it made her stomach filled with butterflies.

"Stop! He's like hella old and you're like really young." She says out loud as a gentle hand rested on her shoulder. "Who's old?" Ukitake teased from behind the girl as she jumps.

"C-Captain!" She blushes as he could only laugh because her expression were cute to him. "I heard you were getting discharged today so I came to walk you back."

Her eyes widen as she gives a warm smile and allows him to walk her back. "I'm giving you an month to rest, I know you are healed but that doesn't mean you should push your body to fast." Ukitake says in concern as she nods her head.

(Your Name) was slowly started to fall for the older Shinigami as time pasted by. Although there was moments she would rarely see him because of captain work or he was out due to sickness. She still would find the chance to talk to him once a while.

Of course Ukitake knew, he was alive for hundreds of years he could easily tell from the way she talked and her body language towards him. Luckily for her Ukitake also shared the same feelings but never got the courage to tell her just yet.

"I don't know she's really young, maybe she can find someone her age to make her happy, after all I'm just a sick old dude." Ukitake tells Kyoraku as the man in the hat sighs and pats him on the back.

"Ma, don't be so hard on yourself. This girl seems to really like you I'm jealous." He teased Ukitake as they enjoyed hot tea on a cold winter afternoon. "You were always popular with the lady, have our roles reversed?" He laughs as Kyoraku smirks.

"No I still am actually! But I think you should give it a chance. I mean who would wanna stick with a sick old dude?"

Ukitake lightly glares as Kyoraku laughs. "See, that's what I'm saying if she's willing to stay with you even if you are sick and older maybe you should give her a chance. It doesn't hurt to try. Plus I see the way you look at her. It's something I haven't seen before."

Ukitake sighs and looks up at the sky. "Maybe he is right."

It had been one of those good days for Ukitake his body was feeling light and he was energetic. It had been months since the conversation he had with Kyoraku played off but he wanted to take things slow. So he started to invite (Your Name) out for walks and to drink tea and once he took her star gazing.

She didn't know his feelings for her which made her frustrated as each day passed by.

"I don't know if he likes me but he's so nice, but Captain is always nice and kind to everyone. Ugh! This is frustrating!"

Casually she was trying to reach for book on one of the shelf but a taller hand had helped her reach for it as she felt the body heat from behind her.

"Is this what you are looking for?" Ukitake asks as she nods and takes the book from his hand. "Are you busy today?" She asks him as he shakes his head. "I secretly gave Kaien my papers today." He whispers to her as she laughs imagining Kaien trying to sort and figure everything out.

"Wait does that mean he made time to hang out with me?" She blushes and looks down to hide it but Ukitake can see clearly at it as he smiles down at her.

"(Your Name) I've been meaning to talk to you about something." He then says leading her to his office as she sat down on the couch comfortably. "Yes Captain?"

"My feelings for you are mutual." He begins to say as she sits quietly and hears him out. "What scares me if our age difference and my physical state I am in though. I really want whats best for you so I've been holding off on telling you how I feel."

(Your Name) eyes widen as she walks toward the older man and gives him a small hug as he hesitantly accepts and hugs her back.

"Captain is stupid, I don't care the age difference or if you are sick all the time. I like you because you were nice and kind to me and everyone else. You just make my day brighter and I wanna keep you by my side as long as I have you." She admits as Ukitake pulls her into a bigger embrace now.

She kisses his forehead.

"(Your Name) you will have me until the day I die and I will have you until we have to part." He says as they both smile towards each other.

"Don't be so humble, now I get to kiss you whenever I want!" She cheers getting him off the chair onto the couch and pushing him down. "Finally I can embrace you like this." (Your Name) says laying on him as Ukitake embraces her back with a smile.

[enbeast]

hey yall I noticed that there don't appear to be any transcripts for A Study In Ichor, so I figured I'd type some up, please note I am literally just going off the audio and I might get some stuff wrong.

mission 1

:readmore:

CLIP ONE

Workhouse Owner (WO): RUN FASTER, WORKER FIVE, THAT TREADMILL WON'T TURN ITSELF. As you can see, Master Yao, our workhouse not only provides food and shelter for three hundred inmates but makes a healthy profit too. For example, Worker Five has been running on one of Cubbad's “treadmills” for a mere twelve hours today and has already milled five hundred pounds of flour. Got the odd nail in it but it's good enough for the Rutherhive slums [laughs]

Sam Yao (SY): Twelve hours? Without a break?

WO: The alternative of life on the streets is an excellent motivator. And with your investment we will be able to build even more machinery, maybe even increase rations to three bowls of gruel a day.

SY: I want to use my inheritance for good, and if I'm honest, I have some concerns about your worker's wellbeing.

WO: Oooh I seee~ Yes, I suppose it is rather fashionable nowadays to worry about unfortunates, but I assure you Master Yao, once you've had to make your way in the world, like myself or your uncle, a fine man, you'll learn that revenue is the important thing, not how it's made.

(note, as Sam talks there approaching footsteps)

SY: Surely, there's a way to- OW!

WO: YOU THERE, IN THE CAP, watch where you're going, you just ran into a potential investor. Where's your worker number?

Pick pocket (PP): (in a stilted cockney accent) Sorry, Guv'ner.

SY: No, no, it's fine, I was in the way.

WO: It is not fine. Young lady, break time isn't for another three hours. Get back to work. (retreating footsteps from PP) I'm dreadfully sorry, Master Yao, this workhouse is full of ingrates.

SY: My watch! It's gone, the chain's been snapped...

WO: That worker stole it, she's a pickpocket! Worker Five get off that treadmill and chase after her DON'T COME BACK WITHOUT THAT WATCH!

SY: Uh, I'll come with you, Worker Five, I don't want to make a fuss, but that watch is important to me. Come on, let's run.

CLIP TWO:

SY: Hey, mind your step, Worker Five, I've heard about this, rows of people crushing animal bones to make fertiliser. Ugh, the smell is awful. Pickpocket just ran out into the street, we've got to follow her! Five, I hope you don't mind if I call you Five, through that door! (sound of door opening) There! I see her, she's heading towards the Temm's tunnel, it goes under the river from here to Whopee, an engineering marvel- a-apparently, my uncle's an engineer, he's building an underground railway. I try to keep up with the industry but... It doesn't come naturally... I mean, I-I know the tunnel was built using Bruno Cockren's tunnelling shield but I still barely understand what that even is, I don't ac-ARGH! Oh! (gasping) Five! If you hadn't pulled me aside that horse and cart would have run me over! Ugh, I-I'm sorry, I should have been paying attention, but well I-I don't often get to talk to anyone who isn't my uncle, or someone who's interested in my inheritance... Not that I need all that money, of course. I just want to be sure it's going to help people, it's what my parents would have wanted. That's why the watch is so important to me, it was the last thing they ever gave me before they died. Reminds me of what's important. If, if it was any other watch, I'd... just have let that pickpocket keep it, I'm sure she needs it more than I do... Ah, she's just hopped the barrier at the Temm's tunnel, it's in that round red brick building the entrance shaft is underneath, come on, Five, let's experience this engineering marvel first-hand, quickly, before we lose her!

CLIP THREE

SY: Ah, this tunnel is incredible, can you believe we're RUNNING under the Temms, makes me feel a bit funny... Mind you, we're here now that it's safe, uh, some of the people that built it died in the flood... Oh! Maybe I should spend my inheritance on something that'll make projects like this safer for workers, what do you reckon Five? Oh, Oh no... The pickpocket's already climbing the stairs! Ah- she's getting away! (panting) Whopping's all alleys, if she slips down a back street, we'll never find her! Up the stairs! Run!

CLIP FOUR

SY: (panting) And we're out of the tunnel, the pickpocket just ducked down that alley, after her. (Running sounds) Uh, we've got you cornered, now please. Give me my watch back.

Amelia Spens, formerly known as the Pickpocket (AS): Oh, I don't think so. Lads! (sounds of several sets of footsteps closing in) You're surrounded.

SY: Five, it's a gang of pickpockets.

AS: I'd have been happy with just the watch, but since you followed me, allow me to introduce the Abel Street Gang, they're all over the rooftops and they've all got knives.

SY: Please, don't hurt us, Five here has nothing to do with this!

AS: There'll be no need for bloodshed as long as you both give me all the money you're carrying.

SY: Five doesn't have anything, but, uh, (mumbling, followed by the sound of a heavy bag of coins hitting the ground) That's all of mine.

AS: W-he-hell, aren't we the wealthy one.

SY: I-I've got more! Lots more! And I'll give it to you, I promise, just please return the watch. It's my most treasured possession.

AS: I see! Not an especially experienced negotiator, are you. Hmm, let's take a look at this watch, see what's so special about it. Hmm, pearl face, silver plating, and... an engraving...

SY: It's uh... it's Chinese, those are my parent's names, and that's mine. Sam Yao.

AS: Y-you're not even going to try and make up an identity? What- (laughing) You're lucky I'm just a pickpocket and not someone REALLY nefarious, I- Helloo, what's this? (music starts playing)

SY: There's a tiny music box behind the face, that melody was special to them.

AS: Ooh, a bit twee if you ask me.

SY: So you'll give it back?

AS: I might have sold it back to you for a few sovereigns before you told me who you were, but as my luck would have it there just happens to be something that only you can do for me, Sam Yao. Your uncle's digging a railway underneath London, isn't he?

SY: H-how did you know that?

AS: I read the Society Pages, in my line of work one needs to know who's on course to inherit what fortune, and which Saloons they're likely to fall out of after one too many brandies.

SY: My fortunes from my parents, not my uncle.

AS: Yes, but you're his ward, or at least you were until you came of age recently, correct?

SY: Yes.

AS: There's something I want to show you. Follow me and keep up the pace. There are far more unsavoury types than me in Whopping and they'll take more than your watch. Run!

CLIP FIVE

SY: What's your name?

AS: I'm not telling you my real one, but you can call me Amelia.

SY: Uh, if you don't mind me saying, Amelia, you're quite well spoken for a pickpocket.

AS: Well, even an educated woman is not replete with options in this day and age. We might have a woman on the throne but I had to choose between penury, marriage to a seventy year old rector, or this.

SY: Well, it's not easy for me either, I'm lucky I have money because, well, being Chinese, people have misconceptions.

AS: Yes, you really should choose your friends wisely. Down this side street.

SY: Ugh, Mm. What IS that smell?

AS: Cover your mouths with your handkerchiefs, both of you.

SY: It's alright, Five, you can use mine.

AS: The smell is coming from that huge pipe, you see the emblem embossed on it?

SY: Ah! It's from my uncle's engineering company!

AS: That's right. The pipe is a ventilation shaft from his railway tunnel, now let's get away from it so we can breathe.

SY: (Gasping) Whoah, Oh that's better. What is going on down there?

AS: That's what I want you to find out.

WO (distant): MASTER YAO! WORKER FIVE!

SY: Ugh, it's the workhouse owner.

WO: (approaching footsteps) (panting) Master Yao, I followed you all the way from Rutherhive, one of my workers told me this woman is actually part of the Abel Street Gang! She only came to the workhouse to target you.

AS: This worker, was he a handsome fellow? Smarmy grin?

WO: That's right!

AS: Brent. (Sigh) That'll teach me to use former paramours as spies. Fine. (gun clicking) Hands up!

SY: Amelia! Don't shoot him!

AS: I'm not not aiming it at him, Sam, I'm aiming it at you.

WO: Steady on!

AS: Mr Workhouse Owner, unless you want future investors to know you got this one killed, I'd advise you to stop following us. Sam, Five, come with me or I'll shoot you both. Run!

CLIP SIX

AS: We lost the Workhouse owner, time to put this away (clicking sound)

SY: We would have come with you, Amelia, there was no need for the gun!

AS: Don't tell me how to take a hostage. Now listen carefully, for reasons that elude me, not everyone who falls on hard times opts for criminality, some people would honestly rather perform manual labour, and your uncle happens to be a proliferate employer of such eccentrics. I wouldn't care, except that many of his employees have family in the Abel Street Gang.

SY: I can ask my uncle to pay them more. But... He doesn't really listen to me. I'm Rather naive, apparently.

AS: Well, fortunately I have no need of your dreadful negotiating skills, I need you to solve an even stickier problem. Several of your uncle's workers have gone missing. Even though I've repeatedly explained to my gang that it's a waste of time caring about anything besides one's self, they're refusing to work until they learn what's happened to their loved ones. It's hurting my bottom line.

SY: That's awful... For the workers.

AS: Ahh, they're probably dead. If WE can barely breathe the noxious fumes near the ventilation shafts, what do you think it's like underground?

SY: I can't imagine! Those poor people... I'll stop what's happening, I promise, even if I have to spend every last penny of my inheritance.

AS: Do that and I'll give you your watch back.

SY: It's a deal.

AS: Mm, my favourite words. Righto, well, if that's settled then I'm off. There's a debutante ball this evening and I need to be in good time if I'm going to harvest some pearls. (retreating footsteps)

SY: There she goes. Look, Five, ah, I feel a bit awkward asking you this, but, would you maybe consider working with me? You were quick out there, really impressive, I've just moved into a house by myself and I could do with a hand. I promise it'll be a lot easier than the workhouse. I know it's been a funny old day, but for me it's actually been nice having someone to talk to. Talk at. Sorry, I know I go on a bit. But if you want to let's shake on it. You did save my life. Great! Now, I'm starving, how about some steak and oyster pie? Maybe we'll come up with some ideas about what happened to those missing workers over dinner., then tomorrow, we'll visit my uncle. Lord Earnest Van Ark.

[randomahjummafan]

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon

This is long overdue, (AND I HAVE A LOT) because this drama aired last 2017 and I just watched it. I decided to watch this because I felt like this is the right time and I already forgot all the spoilers I read. So, Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (or can be strong girl Do Bong Soon) is about a strong girl. Just take the title literally lol that kind of strenght runs in their bloodline where every girl in the family becomes strong.

I think the title was just amazing like they don't have to explain anything. Just watch the drama to find out what is this all about. Spoilers might be given.

Do Bong Soon is a petite girl and you wouldn't imagine that she can be that strong. Then there's Ahn Min Hyuk, CEO of Ainsoft, a place where Bong Soon wants to work. Due to unexpected events, Min Hyuk discovers her power. We also have In Guk Doo, the ultimate crush of our strong girl. Well, these 3 are the main cast, but supporting cast will also be mentioned.

While watching the drama, I just kept on thinking like how would Bong Soon would end up liking Min Hyuk. Since I was spoiled before I watch it so, this was the first thing that I thought while watching the drama. Simply because she like Guk Doo so much. I was so curious on how will she fall for Min Hyuk. If you will ask why I am not curious about Min Hyuk falling for Bong Soon, watch the first episode, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. HE WILL FALL FOR BONG SOON NO MATTER WHAT. I also like how there was no exact antagonist in the drama. I didn't considered Kim Jang Hyun as the dramas antagonist because he was just a criminal there who'd help our main characters get along. Well, we can say that he could be the antagonist but I just really don't think he was. Tho the crime he made was really...UGH!!!! There was also this gang under Baek Tak which is really just funny. THEY ARE REALLY FOR COMEDIC PURPOSES. Also, the one blackmailing Min Hyuk, it was simple tactic by his brother to give up the company of their father. Not so much of a big deal. Also, Bong Soon's parents are so funny. Especially how her mother would always make sure she ends up with Min Hyuk. I also like how his brother and father cherish Bong Soon so much. This drama is a not-so-light drama. I mean, it may sound light but there are some parts that I was a bit uncomfortable. But it was so limited, you can count it in your fingers. Also, don't be discouraged to watch it. The drama can also give you a good laugh!

So what was my favorite scenes?? I have to be honest I rewatched the drama because I can't choose (idk why too). But seriously, the drama would give you a good laugh but most of the time it would be because of the secondary characters. Kudos to the funniest supporting roles on this drama. I mean, ALL supporting roles were just funny. Especially those guys under Baek Tak, even Baek Tak himself is super funny. Also, the other policemen from Guk Doo's team, THEY WERE ALL FUNNY. Also, Min Hyuk's assistant, Secretary Gong and Team Leader Oh LOL. Just watch out for them. Okay, going back to our Minmin and Bongbong couple, they are so cute together. I really like when Min Hyuk can't control how kilig he is when Bong Soon does something. I love the part when Guk Doo just went to Min Hyuk's house as well to sleep over. When Min Hyuk and Bong Soon was not yet dating, Min Hyuk slept on the floor with no blanket and when Minmin and Bongbong couple happened, Min Hyuk was taken to bed and Guk Doo wasn't given a blanket lol. Petty stuff but really funny. Also, whenever Bong Soon is crying, I feel like I have to cry too. Just wait for the episode wherein there are bombs tied to Bong Soon. What happened was sweet but I cried. I just remembered, I also like the scene when they are eating lunch together. Like I also want and Ahn Min Hyuk in my life, not literally the CEO but a guy who’d love me like him. Ahh~ makes my heart flutter. LOL WHAT AM I SAYING HERE. Any, watch out for our Minmin and Bongbong Couple. In Guk Doo-ssi, himnae~~

My rating for this drama would be 9/10. I just don't why but I feel like something is missing. I just can't figure it out. I also can't think of stuff that I didn't like (simply because there is none). This is also another drama that you should watch as a whole. Don't skip a few parts. I swear you’d love every moment, from Bong Soon’s family to Min Hyuk’s and then to the people around these two.

Posting some of the scenes I really liked

Ahjumma