#ugh... and this is coming from a spinner fan

[epickiya722]

Not even surprised people are still bashing Izuku for not saving Tomura.

"Look, Spinner is---"

Stop! Spinner spent time with Tomura so he's gonna to have a different view than Izuku does.

But the fact some of you are acting as if Izuku isn't feeling anything from this is wild to me.

"He killed Shigaraki!" Okay, and Tomura killed people, too. If he was saved, he would have been locked up and you know it. What? Did you think he was going to roam free? And given this chapter and how the civilians are talking about him, you think he was going to be able to live in peace?

In this chapter, Izuku is actually hearing Spinner out about Tomura, getting his point of view about Tomura. He delivered Tomura's message to him and he didn't have to do that.

But no, he's still getting criticized.

Acting as if Izuku isn't regretting saving Tomura or doubting himself because of everything that has happened. Hell, all Izuku ever does sometimes is have doubts and regrets!!

[moonsb1996]

MHA 243…

What the fuck? The heroes attack the AFO so they don't know where Izuku is coming from. Fighting and fighting, AFO's body (Shigaraki) begins to decay. Hero: "Yay! We're about to win!” AFO: "No! The Demon King is the best! Give your powers to other heroes and steal their bodies. Izuku came in and sent his power to take over that bastard's body!" And yes, and yes… Kuroboro enters the field! LOV's mama won't let Shigaraki is sure to die, his friends are waiting! (We never saw Shigaraki mention Kuroboro when he was captured and handed to the police. LOV fans are probably in tears right now. (Sarcasm) Kuroboro is gone!! What the heck again!! Bakugo! Ideok Baku (F@UK) Go! You won't show up to steal the MC light. Is that so difficult? Horikoshi Kohei, if you don't let him (Bakugou) show up or be mentioned, will you die of a heart attack? And then enter the same circle. The villain is mentally and physically destroyed by the reverse power. LOV fans, woohoo! Tomura-kun hits old AFO with Deku, yay!! (And Horikoshi has a face to add the power of Ying Yang (white and black) even though he never brought it up to play with from the beginning. Ugh) Tomura: Deep inside I am a crying child. ME: And all the people who died, how will you (all LOV members) pay for it!!! Going to prison and complaining that he doesn't want the death penalty anyway! (I won't forget what you said, Toga!) Ha ha ha! If Spinner doesn't die, tell him, "Tomura Shigaraki tried to destroy everything until the last second." Ha ha ha (What the fuck?!) This is the second time! At Izuku and Shigaraki they talked after the mall! Very deep, very deep! (throws table) in the end ! Fuck, the episode is over. What the fuck!

Thanks to the owner of the picture (my sister). This is how I feel about MHA. Alright, I'm going to wait for Kaiju number 8.

[wondereads]

Personal Review (10/31/21)

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Why am I reviewing this book?

Technically, I read this book back in middle school, but I didn't remember a thing. It was chosen by my book spinner, but I also know it's been gaining popularity lately, so I've been looking forward to rereading it.

Plot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Juliet has been kept locked up for years. Her touch drains life of whoever she comes in contact with, so it's a surprise when she gets a roommate. It's even more unusual that said roommate, Adam, is someone from her past, before she was taken away. The new regime has use for Juliet, and it might be her only chance at freedom.

This starts with a good idea, but I'll be honest. It's slow. I very nearly put this book down many times because, while it has a decent beginning and end, the middle drags horribly. The prison cell and the Reestablishment at the beginning and the resistance at the end are good, but the middle is essentially just Warner and Juliet playing a game of cat and mouse while Juliet and Adam pine for each other. It really just needed more in the middle.

I think it would've helped to add more worldbuilding and tension. I never really got a grasp on what exactly the Reestablishment's goal was or how they were going about it, and therefore I didn't really feel the need for Juliet to get out of there. I vaguely knew they were bad, but there was no urgency.

Characters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The characters were pretty good in this book, which is really what kept me from leaving it unfinished. Despite Juliet being a very typical YA protagonist (quiet and reserved and basically lacking autonomy until the "big fight"), I did appreciate that she was a genuinely kind person. A lot of YA protagonists are portrayed as cold-hearted and ruthless, which isn't a bad thing, but Juliet being someone who has the potential to be a remorseless killer and instead choosing to be good and kind is a breath of fresh air.

I can see why people go crazy over Warner. While I'm not a fan of the war crimes, he and Juliet did have a lot of chemistry, and I'm really interested in his backstory, especially with his parents. I wanted to like Adam, I really did, but I just can't trust him. He seems too good to be true, and at this point I'm just bracing myself for the betrayal.

In terms of side characters, this book is pretty lacking. There's Kenji, who seems to be the comedic relief, and James, the lovable child, but they don't have much development in the book, probably because they aren't introduced until over halfway through, which is partly the fault of the pacing.

Writing Style 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Ugh. I really hated the writing style of this book. It reminded me very much of poetry, and, in my opinion, it detracted from the plot and worldbuilding. I felt like Mafi was so focused on sounding "meaningful" and "poetic" that the information necessary for a dystopian setting like this was lost in translation. There's far too much attention on Juliet's self-hate and counting obsession and not enough on the actual plot, and it relies a lot on telling rather than showing. This is the main reason I had to force myself to finish the book. If an almost-poetry style appeals to you, maybe you'll like it more than I did, but I just could not get into it.

Overall 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

This book is hyped up a lot in the YA community, so I was disappointed. While I liked the characters, the plot needed more, well, plot, and the writing style threw me off. I'm not sure if I'll continue this series, but if I do it'll probably be for the romance and not really anything else. Give this book a try if you're looking for a typical YA dystopia or if you're interested in an unusual writing style, but I personally found it lacking.

The Author

Tahereh Mafi: American, 32, also wrote Furthermore and A Very Large Expanse of Sea

The Reviewer

My name is Wonderose; I try to post a review every two weeks, and I take recommendations. Check out my about me post for more!

[siesiejoongie]

Miss the Misery

Dabi x Singer!Reader

Warnings: Language, blood, smut, pet names like slut, daddy kink, biting, squirting.

It was the usual at your house. Your brother, Keigo Takami who was also pro hero hawks was on a mission. You was in my studio, singing a song you've been writing. " I've been a mess since you stayed, I've been a wreck since you changed. Don't let me get in your way, I miss the lies and the pain, the fights that keep us awake, Now I'm telling you! I miss the bad things, the way you hate me. I miss the screaming, the way you hate me! Miss he phone calls, when it's your fault, I miss the late nights, don't miss you at all! I like the kick in the face, and the things that you do to me! I love the way that it hurts! I don't miss you, I miss the misery!" You kept on singing oblivious to the person standing in my doorway. When you finished you reached over to grab my glass of water and that's when you saw him. You dropped the glass cup on my bare foot and screamed as it shattered, sending glass shards into your soft flesh. Scarlet blood dripped down onto the carpet. " Fuck! What the hell are you doing here you bastard." He smirked " I just wanted to drop by and see how you are doing." You sat down and clutched your foot. " Now I'm hurt because of your ass! Can you just leave please?" He ignored you and knelt down to look at your injury. " It's not that bad, just a scratch." " Are you fucking blind?! There is glass in my foot!" " Well do you want me to leave you alone?" " Yes!" " Okay, then get the glass out yourself." " No! Wait please. I don't want to do it myself. Please stay." " You hated how vulnerable you sounded and how you were practically begging, but you really din't want to pull all the glass out yourself. " Try to pull some of it out yourself, I'll watch and help you if you need it." He sat down and crossed his legs. Putting your foot on your lap you began to gingerly pull out the glass. " Ow ow ow! Can you help, it hurts really bad." He stood up and came over, kneeling down in front of you. He plucked out glass a lot faster than you, but it hurt a lot more. And you had to admit it, he looked so damn hot on his knees with his eyes focused on your foot. " Ugh! Can you stop ripping it out so fast?" " No."

After about 30 minutes of torturous glass pulling, your foot was cleaned with rubbing alcohol and was wrapped. You limped with him down the hall towards your bathroom so he could wash the blood off his hands. Once he finished you leaned against the wall in the small hallway, his body and yours only a few inches from touching. You could smell his favorite cologne, axe body spray. You looked at your ex. " Why are you really here Touya?" He knew you were infuriated as to why he was here. He treated you like shit and even hit you once.

He was coming back from attacking UA and was tired as hell.He didn't want to talk to you or even see you, so when he opened the door and saw you there he already knew what was happening. " Hey babe! How did it go?" You asked with a smile on your face, hoping that he said it went good and that he kicked some ass. But all you got was the close of the front door and him walking past you with nothing to say. Your smile faded and all though he didn't show it, he was upset to see that your always cheerful smile was replaced with a frown. It broke his heart. " Babe?" He hurried his pace and once he got to your shared bedroom he slammed the door right in your face. You had no quirk so all you could do was pound on the locked door. " Touya! open the damn door!" He pulled the door open and screamed " Will you shut the fuck up! You are such an annoying piece of shit!" tears streamed down your face. " Oh don't even pull that crying crap on me." " All I wanted to know was if it went well! You don't have to be such a bitch about it!" Red covered his vision and the next thing he knew was that he was punching you repeatedly. He punched you in the face, stomach and chest. " Stop! Stop! Touya please stop! I'm sorry!" He stopped mid punch. You were huddled in the corner of the room with your mouth bleeding, your nose bleeding and big ugly bruises were already forming. When you opened your eyes he was gone. All he left for you was a first aide kit.

He snapped out of the thought. " Well, why are you really here?" He sighed " I wanted to apologize about the way I treated you." " you never apologize, did Spinner or Toga send you here?" " Yeah." " look, I'm going to except that apology, even though I am still mad at you. I'm gonna give you 4 weeks to think of something to make it up to." " Okay, I love you. I got to get going." You sighed. " I love you too."

4 weeks later your foot had healed and you were still waiting for Touya to show up. You never liked calling him Dabi, because it wasn't the name given o him at birth. A knock on your door sent your nerves prickling all over. You opened the door and found him standing there. " Well, come on in." He stepped in. " He was awfully quiet. " So, did you think about how to make it up to me?" " Yes." " Good, how is that?" " By treating you right. By treating you like this." He started walking back towards you. You were now pressed against the wall with both of your bodies only inches away. He closed the gap between you and put his hand on the wall, right next to your head. His warm breath fanned out across your face that made you tingle. You knew what was going to happen. You have had sex before and that was at least six months ago. He slammed his lips on yours and cupped your face with his free hand. He was surprised that you kissed him back. He slid his tongue in your mouth and moaned at the feeling of your new tongue piercing. He pulled away. " A tongue piercing huh?" " I-I got it 2 weeks ago." " It suits you." He bit your collar bone and earned a moan. You tangled you fingers in his black hair. " Let's use that pretty voice of yours to see what you can do hm?" You nodded and wrapped your legs around his waist. He carried you to your shared bedroom, setting you down on the black sheets. He played with your breasts while kissing you and biting your lips. " Touya." You moaned. His dick grew hard faster than you can count to 3. " Fuck! I've missed your voice." " I want you to touch me Touya. Please." He smirked. " Are you begging my little slut?" You grew wet at the pet name. " Yes daddy. Only for you." He stripped you and himself of clothing and began licking your wet clit. " Fuck daddy! I'm close!" " Come for me baby girl." an orgasm wracked through your body, so intense. One you have never felt before. You screamed as your juices were released. " Fuck! Daddy, pound into me! I need you inside of me. I want your dick inside of me." " Your such a good slut. Begging and coming like a good girl. He lined himself up with you and pushed himself in, groaning at how tight your hole was. He began pounding into you with such force that your bed rocked. " Your so fucking tight for me." You whimpered as he hit your G-spot. " Right there daddy." His thrusts became sloppy and your breaths were shortened as you approached your climax. " I'm gonna cum Touya!" " I know y/n, me too. Just hold on a bit longer." Moments later he pulled himself out and came all over your stomach and into your mouth. You came all over his chest. He laid down next to you after gently cleaning you up. He pulled your naked form close to his. " Was this enough to make it up to you?" " Yeah."

This took 3 and a half hours to do. Hope you enjoy our favorite fire villain.

[pbandjesse]

I am having a weird time!!! I feel pretty good right now. Im clean and showered and I dont feel sick for once. Amazing. But also I did not go to bed last night until 6 am! It was a weird time. 

I couldnt sleep last night. I was to hot. I was to cold. I was clamy and sweaty and felt bad! I tried so hard to fall asleep but I just couldnt. I tried laying in other rooms. I tried putting the fan on or off. Nothing helped. So around 330 I was like. Fine. I will play pokemon. I had some cereal and played pokemon until I heard James wake up at 545. 

James thought I woke up before them and wasnt happy that I had just never gone to bed. But it wasnt for lack of trying and I knew I had to get some rest. So after some hugs I finally laid down and fell asleep as the sun came up. 

I slept until around 10. So at least I got some sleep. 

I felt alright when I got up. I had already gotten dressed when I decided to play pokemon. So I just needed to wash my face, brush my teeth, and put on makeup. 

I had half a baked potato and got myself ready to go to work. The sky was getting very dark. And I was annoyed when it started raining just as I had to leave. So I had to tie up my pants and put my rain coat on. And it wasnt a terrible walk over, but then the really bad rain stopped as soon as I got to work. Of course. 

It wasnt a bad day though! No adults! Again! Except now my manager was not there. And Travis was still not there. ugh. 

The morning teacher stayed two extra hours, and there was a sub. So I wasnt alone. And the sub was great and was really great with the rowdy boys. 

We had some troubles today. Mostly because there were the three sets of brothers and they were a lot with eachother. Its hard when the brothers bicker and then when a brother from a different set says something the other brother freaks out for someone talking about their brother and Im just like. Guys. WTF. 

But it was still a nice time. Even with a lot of tears from some big emotions. But it worked out. The kids made spinners. They played dodgeball and no one tried to kill anyone. We played and had a pretty good day. 

And I got to go home at 530. Excellent. On the way home I saw a girl roller skating and chatted with her for a few minutes and she was so great. I hope I see her again. Make a skating friend. 

I got home and James was freaking out because The Orioles was doing a game and the other team didnt get one hit the entire game. And this was the first time that happened on this team since 1969. So James was screaming and scared the shit out of me and sweetP when they won. It was so nice seeing them so excited though. 

We had pizza for dinner and I did some sewing. I got my hammock set up in the studio and then we had dnd. 

And it was a good time! I had fun casting my spells. We get to level up next time so I hope to switch some of the spells out that I havent used. So Im excited. 

I got a shower after that. I wet my hair again because I am still learning how to take care of my hair and am trying to dry it differnt. I was still very happy with it today but I think it could be better. 

Now I am again going to try to sleep. I can already feel that it isnt going to come easy. But by god well try. 

Goodnight everyone. Sleep good. Sleep at all! 

[sin-of-jess]

Tomura Shigaraki

Type: Smut

~

I sat at the bar, tracing the rim of the glass with my middle finger. After an exceptionally stressful job with Spinner, I was left feeling on edge. Being the healer of the League of Villains had its perks, but my quirk aquarevivel left me drained if used too much. Having Spinner's reckless ass bouncing around and getting unneeded injuries had done just that.

"I mean... I can't heal the fucking dead Kurogiri." Said man nodded, well aware of the antics of his fellow members. I downed the last of the clear liquid, pushing it towards Kurogiri and patiently waiting for the man to refill it. The pattern repeated many times, til I was heavily drunk.

"I think it's about time to turn in [y/n]" Kurogiri spoke with what could be considered a concern.

"y'know what Kuro-chan? The boss is hot." As expected, the man didn't respond. "I don't know what made me first wonder, but it's a mix of his looks itself and his personality." There was something about how Kurogiri always seems to listen that drew me into her speech. I frankly didn't care, too drunk to stop myself. "I mean he screams power to me. He knows what he wants, he's smart and just ugh." I let my head drop to the counter.

"Is that so? Interesting to know [Y/N]"

I felt my heart drop. I try to turn slowly, but all I end up doing is nearly falling off the barstool. Standing up, I look to see the man I was just gushing about standing at the doorway. Between his hair and the disembodied hand, it was impossible for my drunk eyes to see his face.

"She's very intoxicated, I'll send for Twice to collect her."

"No need, I'll take her myself."

The way it sounded in my drunk mind practically flooded my panties. I let the boss lead me out of the bar and towards the back rooms we slept in. There weren't enough rooms for all of us to get our own rooms, so I bunked with Toga.

The entire walk I found myself eyeing the front of his jeans. I wonder how big he is...?

"Big enough."

Had I said that out loud? I let out a whine, "I'm sorry..."

He didn't answer, instead he turned me so I was facing him. He leaned in, "Go play with yourself if you're so riled up." With that he opens the door and pushes me in. I land on my butt, and when I look up he's gone.

I crawl into bed and decide to do just what he told me. Shifting my shorts off my body, I immediately shove my hand into my panties. I take a look over to see Toga asleep in her own cot faced away from me. I close my eyes as I drunkenly fumble with my clit. Spreading my juices around, I'm already sensitive.

It doesn't take long for me to reach my orgasm, biting my lip as I whisper Shigaraki over and over. Toga grumbles and rolls over, but her close eyes and drooling mouth tells me I didn't wake her.

My hand stays in my panties as I fall asleep.

Waking a while after, I can still feel the alcohol in my system. I needed to pee, and there was no way my bladder was going to let me just go back to sleep. It's hard to navigate the dark hallway in my sleep, but I find the bathroom and do my business. Not liking the taste in my mouth, I decide to mouth wash while I'm in here.

Content to go back to bed, I notice farther down the hall there's a door cracked open. Curiously I go over, wondering who would be awake at this hour. It was late when I was still drinking, and I had no idea how long I had been asleep, but it was still dark.

Peeking in, I see Shigaraki sitting on the floor, playing an online game. I was personally a fan of the game myself, so I stood there for a while watching him play.

"Being nosy [y/n]?"

I yelp, shocked at being caught. I guess the alcohol made it hard to be stealthy.

"Sorry sir, I like the game is all."

"Come sit."

I'm surprised, but I do as I'm told. Sitting next to the boss, I was pleasantly surprised by a bare face. I'm so used to the hand placed on his face, I was never given the chance to really see his face. I was captivated by his eyes, which to me look like rubies.

"Did your orgasm feel good?" I stare open-mouthed at the man. Did he know, or was he teasing me about his earlier statement? "I'm surprised Toga didn't wake up when you kept saying my name."

So he did hear. I stuttered a few times, not sure how to respond to being caught.

"Do it again." The entire time he kept his eyes on his game.

"S-sir?"

"Take your panties off and rub your pussy, or go back to bed."

I couldn't believe it. Shigaraki wanted me to play with myself right next to him?

Maybe it was the alcohol that hadn't fully left my system, maybe it was my attraction to the man; probably both. Slipping my panties off, I do what I'm told. Slowly rubbing my pussy, I'm not really sure where to look. I decide to lean back, using the bed behind us to prop myself as I massage my breast with my free hand.

I can feel my juices dripping onto the floor when Shigaraki finally dies in the game and he turns to acknowledge me. I have a finger in my pussy, a slow but steady pace as I make eye contact with my source of attraction.

He stands up and faces me, "Take everything off."

I'm quick to do so, and I'm rewarded with Shigaraki undoing his pants. He fishes his cock out, and I let out a tiny moan at seeing his cock the first time. It's an average length, but he's thicker than my wrist! He strokes it a few times, then releases it. "Suck it."

I do so immediately. I take just the tip in, giving a gentle suck. Flicking my tongue around, I pull away and take a good breathe in before taking him as deep as I can into my throat. I don't have much of a gag reflex, and I wanted to show off to the man in my mouth. I can take three-fourths of it before my airway is plugged off. I begin to bob my head, hoping to take him fully in.

"Keep playing with your pussy."

I bring my hand to my clit, moving in fast circles as I speed up on his cock. The speed I'm at makes me gag a bit, but I faintly hear a moan above me when I gag. I force myself to down his cock, gagging at the sensation. With my nose touching his pubes, I try to stay there as long as possible.

My lungs at zero, I pull off of him, moaning loudly now that my throat is empty. I go right back to it, bobbing as fast as I can while still rubbing my pussy. I don't realize an orgasm is coming until it hits me. I moan around his cock, shaking and humping my fingers.

"Did you fucking cum?"

I pull away, a string of saliva connecting his cock to my red lips. "Yessir."

He yanks me up and pushes me onto his bed. Being the boss meant he had the only real bed, while the rest of us had cots, but I wasn't complaining as my naked body hit the soft sheets. He pulls his shirt off and takes his pants fully off, taking a moment to stare at me as he rubs himself.

"You want this cock?"

I nod my head, "Yes sir! Please I need it."

Not waiting any longer, the man bottoms out in me. I let out a guttural moan, it's been a long time since I've felt this full. He drops down, his hands resting on each side of my head as he finds a good pace. I'm moaning already, grabbing onto his upper arms for leverage as I try to match his pace.

Ripping one of my hands off, he puts his hand to my throat, only his pinky still in the air. His thrusts speed up, and my moans grow louder despite my airway shrinking from the choking.

"Dirty little whore, that's what you are. Playing with your pussy thinking of me. You do that a lot?"

I can barely nod my head as an answer. I can feel another orgasm coming already, his dirty talking getting a rise out of me.

"Bet you fuck yourself all the time thinking about it. You're gonna be my little cock slut, right [y/n]?"

"Yeeeesss!" I wheeze out, his grip tightening on my throat.

"You better be quiet, wouldn't want the whole league to know what a little whore you are."

That's what does it, I cum again, his name a mantra on my lips. Shigaraki releases my neck, straightening up and hooking my legs onto the crook of his elbows. This new angle hit's just right, and being quiet is the last thing on my mind.

He's pounding into me, my entire body bouncing as he ruthlessly fucks my pussy. I grab the bedsheets, needing something to anchor me as I'm used by my boss.

His thrusts turn sloppy, "Cum again, fucking do what I say and cum on my cock you filthy fucking whore."

I do just that, this time screaming incoherent gibberish as he fucks me through my third orgasm. Just as I finish my own, Shigaraki stills, a whine on his lips. Once he's emptied himself, he pulls out. I can't help but moan as I feel his cum dripping out of me.

Crawling onto the bed, Shigaraki situates himself on the bed and pats the spot beside him. Wanting to be around him longer I do what is asked of me. He grabs the blanket that had been on the floor since I first come in, he covers both of us before turning away. "When alone, call me Tomura"

~I don't know about y'all, but I imagine Shiggy is the type of guy who dirty talks a lot when he fucks. Like another way to take control ya know? Anyways feel free to make requests!~

[bucky-of-the-opera]

Twist and Shout

Pairing: Steve Harrington x Reader

Summary: Steve and Y/N play a game.

Warnings: language

Word Count: 2,077

It was Friday night; Robin had just finished her shift at Family Video, so she gave you a call.

“Hey, Y/N. Are you still coming over tonight?”

“Yeah, I’ll be there in a bit,” you answered.

“Just a heads-up, I invited Steve.”

“What?” you said a little too loudly. “Why did you do that?”

“Because he didn’t have any plans for tonight, and he’s kind of my friend now, or whatever.”

You groaned. “But I don’t know what to say around him.”

Robin laughed. “Have you met Steve? He doesn’t know what to say when he’s around anyone. I promise, you’ll be all right.”

“Fine. I’ll be over soon.” You hung up and finished getting ready to leave.

Since you lived in the same neighborhood as Robin, you decided to walk over to her house. You knocked on the door, and she swung it open.

“Hey, you actually made it,” she said.

You rolled your eyes and walked inside. Robin headed towards the living room with you trailing slowly behind her. She lay down on the couch with her arms crossed behind her head. When you sat down next to her, she dropped her feet onto your lap.

You fanned your face. “Robin, your feet seriously stink.”

“They do not!”

“Oh, they totally do,” Steve said as he entered the room with a bag of chips in his hand.  “At least you don’t have to work with her all day,” he said to you.

Robin pointed at Steve. “Pipe down. I invite you into my home, let you eat my chips, and this is how you repay me?”

He stopped chewing. “Well, yeah.” He sat down on the other side of you, shaking the bag in your face. “Want some?”

Your eyes widened. “Um, no. No thanks.”

He shrugged and shook the bag again, letting the chips fall into his mouth.

“You’re cleaning up your mess when you’re done,” Robin said as she grabbed the remote and began flipping through the channels. 

“Yeah, yeah,” Steve mumbled though a mouthful of chips. 

Robin nudged your arm with her foot. “Doesn’t he look like a chipmunk with his cheeks stuffed like that?”

You turned your head to look at him as he glared at the two of you. “He totally does.” You tried to hide your smile behind your hand.

Steve swallowed the food in his mouth. “Chipmunks are cute, so I’m taking that as a compliment.”

Robin rolled her eyes and continued channel surfing. Moments later, she groaned and tossed the remote onto the coffee table. “I’m bored and there’s nothing on TV.” She picked her head up to look at you and Steve. “Aren’t you both supposed to be entertaining me?”

“What would you like us to do?” you asked.

She leaned back in thought until an idea came to her. She sat up, grinning at you the two of you. “Let’s play a game.”

“We’re not five, Robin,” Steve said. 

“My house, my rules.”

“Whatever. What did you wanna play, anyway?” he asked. 

“Twister,” she stated. “I’ll man the spinner. You two will do the twisting.”

You crossed your arms. “No way.”

“Why not?” Robin asked. “Are you afraid you’ll lose to Chip ‘n’ Dale over there?”

“I am not,” you answered. 

“So, what’s the problem?”

She was egging you on; challenging you to say more than you were willing to reveal. You bit your lip, unsure of what to say. Luckily, Steve butted in.

“Robin, she doesn’t have to play if she doesn’t want to. We all know I’d win anyway.”

You stared at him. “Excuse me?”

“It’s true,” he shrugged. “I’m an athlete; I’m perfectly in tune with my body.”

You scoffed. “Dribbling a ball has nothing to do with being able to contort your body. You just have to be flexible.”

He arched his eyebrow. “Oh, and you think you’re more flexible than me?”

“Steve, you’re about as bendy as a brick.”

He smirked at you. “Get the mat out then, and let’s see.”

“Fine,” you said as you got up to search the closet for the game. You brought the box into the living room and laid the mat on the floor where the coffee table previously sat. 

Robin snatched the spinner and sat back down on the couch. “Now, both of you face each other and place one foot on yellow and the other on blue.”

You did as she said; your right foot was on yellow, while his right foot was on blue. You stared each other down, waiting for Robin to call out the first move.

“Right foot, green.”

***

“Give up yet?” Steve asked.

“You wish.”

Your back was facing the ceiling; your left foot and hand were both on blue while your right foot was on green, and your right hand on was yellow. Steve mirrored you, with his stomach pointed towards the ceiling.

“Okay, you both lasted way longer than I thought. Can one of you fall already so I can pee?” Robin asked.

“You started this,” you said to her. 

Steve grinned. “And now, I’ll finish it.”

“Ha! Dream on, Harrington. Spin the arrow, Robin!”

She groaned and flicked the arrow. “Left foot, red.” She spun again. “Right foot, yellow.” Robin threw her feet over the back of the couch, her head dangling above the ground. “Right hand, blue.” She placed the spinner on the ground behind her head. “Left hand, red.”

Steve moved his hand to the spot behind him. Meanwhile, you were trying to figure out how in the hell you were going to reach red. The closest spots were occupied, so the only way you could make it was if you went over Steve.

“Damn it,” you muttered, before you launched yourself forward to get your hand to the red. You were splayed across him; you glanced at his face and saw that his cheeks were almost as red as the spot your hand was touching. “What’s wrong, Steve? Can’t stand the heat?”

He blushed harder. “I’m great; thanks for asking.” He looked at Robin. “Spin the damn thing, Buckley!”

“Fine, ugh! Right hand, green.”

“Shit,” you and Steve said at the same time. Green was on the complete other side of the mat. You stretched your arm as far as you could, just barely reaching the green spot. Steve stretched his arm out underneath you, reaching the spot much easier. 

You noticed his arms were starting to wobble. “You all right there, Harrington? You’ve been stuck in that crab walk position for a while.”

Steve slowly exhaled. “Don’t you worry about me, Y/N. I’m the reigning champion when it comes to the crab walk.”

You chuckled and waited for Robin to call out the next directions. When she didn’t say anything, you looked up at the couch to see that she was no longer there.

“Uh, Steve, Robin left.”

“What?” He looked up to where she was sitting before and groaned. “What do we do now?” he asked. “Do we wait for her to come back?”

“Who knows when she’ll be back. Let’s just call it a tie.”

“Okay. I guess we can get up then.”

“Yup,” you said. 

Neither one of you moved from your positions.

Steve cleared his throat. “So, uh, are you gonna get off of me, or?”

“Why don’t you move first?” you suggested.

“You’re the one on top of me, so how about you move?”

“What if we both get up at the same time?”

“Sounds good to me,” Steve answered.

“Okay; on three. One, two, three.”

You both continued to stay perfectly still.

You clicked your tongue. “Well, I guess we’ve entered the sudden death round,” you said, craning your head to look back at him. 

He smirked. “It would seem so.”

“First person to fall loses?” you suggested.

“You’re on.”

You took a deep breath, preparing yourself for the homestretch. The shaking in Steve’s arms became more intense; yours started to shake as well.

“You know, I think this is longest we’ve ever hung out together,” Steve said. 

“I think you’re right.”

“We should do this more often.”

“What, play twister?”

He chuckled. “No, hang out. Just the two of us.”

“Like…on a date?” you asked, unsure. 

“Yeah, I mean, if you’re okay with that.” He said quickly.

You considered his offer for a moment. “Tell you what; if you surrender, I’ll go on a date with you.”

“You really wanna win that bad?”

“I do; I really do.”

Steve sighed. “All right, you’ve got yourself a deal,” he said before collapsing onto the mat.

You came toppling down seconds after he did. His arm was trapped underneath you, while your arm was still strewn across his stomach. You both lay there motionless, trying to regain the feeling in your limbs.

“I won,” you mumbled, with the side of your face pressed into the mat. 

Steve smiled. “Congratulations. Can I have my arm back now?”

“Can’t move.”

“That’s all right, I guess. I didn’t really need it anyway.”

Neither one of you moved until Robin returned.

“The game’s over?” she asked. “Who won?”

Steve answered before you could even open your mouth. “Y/N did.”

“Cool,” Robin responded. “Remember to put the coffee table back where it was after you put the game away.” She sat down on the couch and turned the TV back on.

You rolled off of Steve and moved the table back while he folded the mat and put the game back in the closet. Robin put her feet up on the table as you came over to sit next to her. Steve made his way over to the couch and sat down next to you, closer than he had before.

Robin eyed you both. “So, did you guys have fun?”

You blushed, folding your hands in your lap. “Yeah, it was a good game.”

She smiled knowingly at you both before turning her attention back to the TV and sinking further into the couch. Steve nudged your thigh with his own and left it pressed up against yours. You glanced at him to see him smiling back at you before he too, turned his head back towards the TV.

***

Robin was curled up in a ball, fast asleep. You grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and draped it over her.

“Um, I should probably head home,” you said to Steve as you stood up.

“Are you okay to drive? Not too tired?” he asked. 

“I’m fine; I walked here.”

Steve got up off of the couch and grabbed his keys from his jacket that was hanging in the hallway. “Let me drive you home then.”

“Oh, you don’t have to do that; I live in the neighborhood.”

“You shouldn’t be walking around alone at night. Plus, it’ll make me feel better, knowing that you got home safely.”

You looked up at him as he waited for your answer. “Okay.”

The two of you walked down the driveway to Steve’s car. He held the passenger door open for you, so you could climb in. When he got into the driver’s seat, he looked over at you. The temperature had dropped significantly throughout the night, so you rubbed your arms to try and warm yourself.

“Here, put this on.” Steve took off his jacket and handed it to you.

You stared at it for a few seconds before finally taking it.

He smiled at you. “Damn, you look better in that thing than I do.”

You giggled as he started the ignition and drove down the street. He followed your directions and stopped in front of your house, turning the ignition off. Steve unbuckled himself and got out of the car, walking around to your side to let you out.

“Are you escorting me to the front door?” you asked. 

“I said I’d make sure you got home safely.”

You took his outstretched hand and let him lead you to the door. You started pulling the jacket off when he stopped you.

“Keep it; you can give it back when I pick you up tomorrow night. Let’s say, six o’clock?”

“I can do six.”

“Great! So, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He stepped closer to you. “Goodnight, Y/N.” He leaned in and kissed your cheek, and then walked backwards towards his car, grinning at you.

You wrapped your arms around yourself and spoke just loud enough for him to hear you. “Goodnight, Steve.”

[physicistdyke]

Voxman Teacher AU Ch 1

Notes: This is an AU where both Lord Boxman and Professor Venomus are teachers at a highschool. It’s meant to be a lot more realistic and slice of life then the show so some things are different. Venomus is not the tall purple snake boy he is, but probably a tall jewish boy now. Boxman has a prosthetic arm and glass eye from a collage accident. And all the other fun sci fy fantasy cool stuff will be translated as such. Hope you all enjoy!

"Jesus, how does a kid think like this?" Boxman mumbled to himself as he sits alone in his room grading quizzes. "I gotta switch to quia or something." He stands up from his desk and stretches, this had been the third lunch this week he's spent in his classroom, doing work. It hasn't been easy, teaching high school physics/technology and trying to go back to night school himself. Most days would be filled with coffee, algebra, and confused teens, like this one. He looks back down to the paper on his desk and gives a sigh. "Have any of these kids even had geometry yet?" The physics papers were the worst, maybe a small break would ease his mind. Besides, he had a freshman class next hour, he needs this. He walked through the science hall and turned into a “secret” (janitorial) passage to enter into the back of the teacher’s lounge without having to interact with anyone. Nice, Boxy. He gave a sigh of relief as he was in the cushy safe haven of soft drinks and occasional pastries. He made himself a coffee, and sat down on the 50 year old couch that had been purchased before even he had started working here. He gave a deep breath over his coffee, sometimes just a change of scenery was nice. "That stuff’s gonna kill you, Boxman." Boxman jumped a bit as he looked up to see the gym teacher, Ms. Carol, winking at him as she grabbed an electrolite-filled beverage. "Ugh, come on Carol, I'm just trying to relax" "And you think you're gonna relax with that? It's caffeine Boxy, that's not gonna do you no good!" She takes the towel from her shoulder and places it on the counter. "You know, I always offer an after school workout program for the faculty and it's quite popular!" Boxman gave a shudder at the thought of having to take PE again, gym clothes, gym locker rooms. Boxman rushed to think of an excuse. "Oh no, I'm sorry Carol, I have the classes I'm taking down at the university. I've been stumped with work." Nice, Boxy. Carol gave a laugh. "Alright Boxy, but one day you're gonna run outta excuses and then-” she went into a power stance, "-Push Up time!" Boxman was terrified and Carol could tell. She laughed and said "I'm just messing with you, you'd only do what you'd want to." "Alright, but social pressures would tell me that I'd have to do it, so..." Carol chuckled. "Touché, Boxman." She put the towel back over her shoulder and started to head out "See you soon!" "See you, Carol." he said as she walked out. He gave a relieved sigh, talking with Carol was, a workout in itself. He snuggled his way back into that perfect groove in the couch and started to enjoy his coffee. The period wouldn't be over for another, 30 minutes? And most teachers didn't have a prep this hour so he could enjoy his alone ti... the door opened again. Boxman gave an internal sigh. He looked up to see who was there and was thrown off when he saw before him new Biology teacher, Dr. Venomous. He had only ever seen him in a few meetings but had never been personally introduced. Venomous was, impressive to say the least. He was younger than himself, and had been able to get a doctorate. Not to mention he was,, aesthetically admirable. Boxman shuffled in his seat and straightened his back a bit. "Hello there, Venomous, was it?" He managed to get out. Venomous turned his head to him "Yes, hello, Mr. Boxman," Damn, he nearly forgot about his voice too. The man could melt Gallium with a voice that warm. Venomous headed for the Mr Coffee and filled his thermos. "Is this seat taken?" He asked as he approached the couch and gestured to the opposing corner. "N-no, not at all!" Boxman said, surprised by the sudden interaction. "Well, you know, I'm still pretty new here and I'd thought I should get to know some other adults in this place." He gave a smirk. "I honestly think I'll pop a blood vessel if I have one more conversation that includes anime, fidget spinners, or sarcasm." Boxman chuckled at the comment, oh had he been there. "I'm so sorry, usually the first few years here you get a lot of freshman classes. I think it's the collective way to see if a teacher can handle the education profession or not" Venomous smiled back. "Or nah, as they would say." They both gave a pained laugh at the bad and obscure meme humor of freshman. High schoolers in general. But particularly freshman who couldn't quite get the jokes right.

“Heh, well I'm glad you've finally found an adult to talk to.” Boxman said. It was strange, he usually didn't warm up to people this quick. “You teach, biology right? That's a fun subject”

Venomous settled into his cushion. “Yeah, but I wish I could could actually teach them the good stuff. Besides just telling them ‘the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell’, I mean come on. At least let me talk about ETP or something more than that.”

Boxman rolled his eyes, “I know right? I mean how do I get it across to them that vectors are going to be important if you want to learn about the really cool stuff. At least I have the AP class that's actually excited about physics and my tech shop classes.”

“You teach tech shop as well? What do you do in there?” Venomous asked, intrigued.

“Well, you know, it's a separate room, we share with the wood shop kids, but I teach more about circuity and metal working then the other mediums. It's only for upperclassman but all the kids who take it really tend to like it.” Boxman looked over from his coffee to see a beaming and curious biology teacher looking back at him.

“That sounds great! It's amazing they can have that at the high school level. I didn't even step into a lab with a good microscope until college.”

Boxman gave a soft laugh. “I'm glad you think that way.” He looked down at his watch. Still 20 minutes left to the hour,

“Would you like to see it?”

Venomous looked enthralled by the offer but returned to his calm demeanor. “That would be, very nice” he said blushing a bit, letting his nerdiness get the best of him.

They walked side by side down the open hall. Not a soul around except for them and the occasional kid going to the bathroom. Each class they walked past gave an insight onto a new subject and a new 30 set of kids bored to death by it. They reached the room at the end of the hall opposing the art room and Boxman took a key from his pocket. He unlocked the door, lead them both in, and then flicked a switch. Lights came on and a large ventilation fan started humming loudly.

“Sorry for the noise, it’s kinda set so that if you want the lights on and to work in here at all, you gotta have the fan on too.” Boxman said.

“It makes sense, safety you know.” Venomous commented as he looked down and smiled at the man.

Boxman gave a blush and looked to the floor “Hah! Yeah well I was actually the one who did the electric work for that and,, man you don’t know how many kids I get complaining.”

“I don’t think they’re old enough to see quality work when they see it.” Venomous gave a wink. Damn that man was smooth.

“Oh, oh yeah! Yesthankyou we can proceed with the tour!” He guided the taller man into the room further as he tried to hide the rouge he gained from that sick compliment he just received. He got more comfortable as he entered into his element. “Yep! We have everything here from mass blank blue prints to an industrial sized soldering iron! As long as the kid can show they can do something safely and have an idea, we let them go nuts!”

“Wow! That’s really cool how they can have an opportunity like that at such a young age!” He said as he admired the equipment around him. His eyes lit up with excitement, “IS THAT A 3D PRINTER?!?” He looked down to Boxman who was beaming at his own excitement. He gave a stifled cough and walked over. “Heh, why does it have the word ‘Jethro’ engraved onto it?”

“Oh, well after we got the printer, my AP design class decided we had to name it. You know how kids are with their creativity.”

Venom gave a snicker. “Hm, yep, it’s our job as the public school system to crush that.” he said jokingly to Boxman.

Boxman laughed “Hah! Yeah well this class found it particularly important and somehow decided on the name Jethro. So I real quick engraved it and he’s been Jethro ever since.”

“Charming.” Venomous said with a smile.

“Thank you!” Boxman said.

Venomous leaned back against a desk and looked at Boxman. Oh shit, is he checking me out? “I gotta ask, and if it’s not too rude,” Venomous made a motion pointing to his left arm and eye.

“OH! Yeah that,,” Boxman trailed off as he realized Mr. Hot Teacher was Not checking him out.

Venomous gave a panicked look “Oh I’m sorry if that was a sensitive topic! I was just cur-”

“No it’s ok! I’m willing to talk about it,” Boxman gave a laugh and leaned against a desk of his own. “You know I don’t even consider it most of the time unless I’m scaring freshman to follow lab safety procedures.” What the two men were referring to was the glass, mildly red tinted eye surrounded by burn scars, and a left hand made of a simple metal rig instead of flesh. “You see, it was my senior year of college, I was up late in the workshop finishing my final. While I was soldering I hadn’t realized some potassium had mixed in with my soder god knows how. And this particular invention was suppose to hold water, so when I filled it in to test and checked inside the cartridge to see what was making a sound… Well, the rest is chemistry.”

Venomous gave a shudder. “Jesus thats a lot, I’m so sorry, Mr. Boxman.”

Boxman looked up and gave a slight smile. “It’s really ok! It didn’t stop me from getting a degree in engineering or my teaching certificate! And please, call me Boxy.”

Venomous reddened a bit at the sweet genuineness of the man. Even though he was probably in his mid 40’s, and not the most conventionally attractive guy, he was still pretty damn cute. Venomous’ gay thoughts were cut off by an abrupt bell.

“Welp, heh, end of this period I guess. It’s been fantastic talking with you!” Boxman said as he started out the other door that lead to the science hall. Venomous followed to get to his own class.

“Yeah, it’s been great talking with, you.” Venomous trailed off as the two headed in separate directions. He had never felt so immediately felt comfortable with someone like that, and neither had Boxman. They both had the feeling though that this would lead to something great.

[maya-matlin]

Degrassi TNG, Degrassi, Degrassi Next Class

Thank you.

Degrassi TNG:

What OTPs in your fandom(s) do you just not get?* This is hard. I understand where most fans are coming from when they like some of the more popular ships and can appreciate parts of the couple’s relationship even if I can’t stand them together. But I’ll admit Cranny and Crellie are lost on me. I think Craig treated both of them like dirt and Craig benefited much more than either girl did by being with him. 

Are there any popular fandom OTPs you only BroTP?* Palex. I try to get into them whenever I rewatch the episodes. It seems like it would be a great relationship, but they are so incompatible. The chemistry is there and I love their interactions mostly in season 4, but once they become romantically involved, all the mini fights they had where Paige was accidentally condescending and judgmental towards Alex increased. I want to like them, but both deserve someone who truly gets them. 

Have you ever unfollowed someone over a fandom opinion? Not for anything TNG. 

Do you have a NoTP in your fandom? Are they a popular OTP?* Plenty. Some of them are, but most are ones everyone else also dislikes. 

Has fandom ever ruined a pairing for you?* Not really. I may like Semma a little less now, but that’s about it. 

Has fandom ever made you enjoy a pairing you previously hated?* I’ve read arguments that made me reconsider my stance on couples and that caused me to give them another chance. 

Is there anything you used to like but can’t stand now?* Ugh, yes. My opinions changed many times because I was younger when I watched the early seasons. Cranny, Crellie, Parcy, Declan.. 

Have you received anon hate? What about?* Almost never for TNG. I remember one anon jumping on me for not still being upset about Spinner and Jay’s role in the shooting like 11 or 12 years later. 

Most disliked character(s)? Why? Declan. He’s a creepy rapist who thinks he’s entitled to whatever he wants. 

Most disliked arc? Why? It’s hard to say, so I’m just going to list the ones that come to mind. The end of season 4 was pretty bad. The Kevin Smith arc was misguided and I’m still bothered by how Joey and Caitlin were broken up. But other than that, it felt like I was watching a different show and everything felt too over the top. Even for Degrassi. :p I also hated Sean’s return to the show, including his reunion with Emma and the triangle with Peter. It felt like a waste of time and a total waste of Sean’s potential. I have no idea who season 6 Sean was, but it wasn’t seasons 1-4 Sean. By the end of season 6, I wasn’t that sorry to see him go. He only existed to be Emma’s boyfriend and I’m glad he was able to do his own thing for once. Thirdly, seasons 5/6 Crellie and how Ellie’s character was altered so it would make more sense. Lastly, the Spemma marriage. It’s not even about being upset about Semma or Spane. It’s just it made no sense for those two characters to get endgame under those circumstances and the writing did not support it. 

Is there an unpopular character you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why? Ashley Kerwin. I honestly have no idea. I just do. She seems pretty inoffensive to me and I consider her to be a relatable character. 

Is there an unpopular arc that you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why? I’ve seen a lot of backlash through the years for the adult story lines, i.e. Joey/Caitlin and Snake/Spike. Jaitlin is one of my favorite couples and I watched the original series, so their presence on the show never bothered me. I liked the handful of story lines they received. But it’s best they stopped featuring them after a while because no one wanted to see Snake cheat on Spike or Caitlin fool around with Jesse. 

Unpopular opinion about XXX character? I feel like the only one that was never attached to Terri. She was a sweet character, but kind of dull. Probably one of the more forgettable characters from the early years. 

Unpopular opinion about your fandom? Maybe that TNG had flaws and it’s unfair to criticize seasons 10-14 and NC for supposedly being inferior. I won’t argue the earlier seasons were the most real, but this show has had many ups and downs. No one is going to tell me seasons 8 and 9 are better than Next Class. Or even 6 over season 12. It’s all a matter of opinion, but like I said, the show has had a lot of ups and downs. But there’s never been a point where it’s incapable of being great. 

Unpopular opinion about the manga/show? ^^

If you could change anything in the show, what would you change? Keeping many of the characters past their time. I don’t think any of the character returns (ex: Sean & Ashley) were successful and everyone knows the college story lines were awful. 

Instead of XYZ happening, I would have made ABC happen… I mentioned this to you before, but instead of Paige’s story line in Degrassi Goes Hollywood, I would have had her plot focus on discovering she’s HIV positive and how she’s going to deal with that. It would be sad to see it happen, but they left that plot thread dangling and Paige’s actual story line caused her character to regress for no real reason. 

Does not shipping something ‘popular’ mean you’re in denial and/or biased? Of course not. Different people are going to interpret things differently. Even if you don’t hate something, sometimes you just don’t feel it. 

What is the one thing you hate most about your fandom? I feel like I’ve answered this question twice already. But something different is wishing there was more variety in opinions. 

What is the purest ship in the fandom? Sellie

What are your thoughts on crack ships? They’re fun? 

Popular character you hate? Declan

Unpopular character you love? Ashley

Would you recommend XXX to a friend? Why or why not? Yes. Some of the later seasons are hit or miss, but overall it’s a fairly realistic show that focuses on topics almost all the other teen dramas avoid. And if they do focus on them, the story lines are sensationalized. 

How would you end XXX/Would you change the ending of XXX? Honestly, I’m okay with Degrassi continuing for the next few years. The show is very good at reinventing itself. Whenever it does end, I don’t even know that I’d want it to have a huge finale. Yes, they could blow up the school like Stefan or whoever suggested, but I feel like Degrassi is forever. There’s always going to be a group of students at that school getting into drama and having the shittiest luck in the world, even if we’re not seeing that. So maybe I’d have one class be the final graduating class we see attending Degrassi and then end it. 

Most shippable character? Spinner? Paige, Darcy, Holly J, Terri

Least shippable character? Other than characters I hate, oddly enough, Manny. Just because I love her so much that I feel like no one is good enough. :p 

Degrassi:

What OTPs in your fandom(s) do you just not get?* Matlingsworth. Yeah, I’m biased, but I feel like Maya and Miles were very miserable together. They could never get on the same page about anything and I think it’s notable the Maya who was with Miles felt the least like Maya. It felt as if she was trying to be something she wasn’t and they make even less sense together when you remember the people they became in NC. Like if they were meeting for the first time during those years, I can’t imagine there being much chance they’d get involved. 

Are there any popular fandom OTPs you only BroTP?* Bhandallas. I don’t have much reason other than I thought they were more fun to watch before it was established Dallas liked her. 

Have you ever unfollowed someone over a fandom opinion? Yes. I’m petty like that. 

Do you have a NoTP in your fandom? Are they a popular OTP?* Matlingsworth. Thankfully, no. 

Has fandom ever ruined a pairing for you?* Yes. Camaya. 

Has fandom ever made you enjoy a pairing you previously hated?* No. 

Is there anything you used to like but can’t stand now?* Declan, Katie, Cam, Camaya & Zoe/boys

Have you received anon hate? What about?* LMAO. Plenty of things. 

Most disliked character(s)? Why? Luke is my most hated character from any season, but that’s a given. Eli is my second most hated. He’s just the worst. I don’t feel like I have to go into detail. Just read a summary of all the terrible things he said and did to other people and that will explain why I hated and still hate him. Other than that, the fandom hyped him up so high it makes the blind love of any super popular NC character seem tolerable. I’m very glad he’s gone. 

Most disliked arc? Why? PARIS. 13A. Because it was terrible. Most of it felt vapid. I still can’t believe we went from Zombie to the Miles/Zoe/Maya/Tristan love square and endless Alli/Leo plots. Not to mention Adam’s death. 

Is there an unpopular character you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why? I’ve noticed him getting more love now that his character is off the show, but Drew. I see in him what I see in Zig. Like Zig, I think he’s someone that makes a lot of mistakes and is often ignorant, but he means well and never wants to intentionally hurt anyone. I always root for him to succeed. 

Is there an unpopular arc that you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why? Cake’s relationship? They were sweet. They made each other happy. I hated how it was retconned that they were never in love. It’s fine for Eli to have loved Julia, but god forbid Clare love anyone except Eli. Even if you didn’t buy they were in love or disliked them, it still bothered me and Clare’s reasoning never made sense to me. If Clare didn’t know what love was during her relationship with Jake, she didn’t know what love was during her first relationship with Eli. 

Unpopular opinion about XXX character? Cam wasn’t that great. Dylan did great with the role of Cam and his suicide story line was memorable, but Cam the character doesn’t compare to most of the other Degrassi characters. He definitely left an impact, but I also think Maya’s depression/suicide story line was better than his and she had better development. 

Unpopular opinion about your fandom? I don’t think so. I think it’s generally agreed that our fandom can be terrible. 

Unpopular opinion about the manga/show? Season 12, not season 10 was the best out of seasons 10-14. Also, 14B > 14A. 

If you could change anything in the show, what would you change? I wouldn’t know where to begin. They made a lot of bad choices in season 13, so I’d rewrite most of that. I think actual focus on more than four characters would have helped and no one would have gone to Paris. That was silly. Adam would have become a foreign exchange student or volunteered in Kenya instead of being killed off. No love squares. We would have actually SEEN Zig getting involved with the gang and he wouldn’t have been absent for half the season. Etc. 

Instead of XYZ happening, I would have made ABC happen… ^^

Does not shipping something ‘popular’ mean you’re in denial and/or biased? See answer for TNG

What is the one thing you hate most about your fandom? I think the fandom can be really hateful and unfortunately, it’s easy to get caught up in that and be rude back. It’s virtually impossible for all of us to get along and instead of one fandom, you end up with various cliques. 

What is the purest ship in the fandom? Jonnor

What are your thoughts on crack ships? Like I said for TNG, they’re fun. 

Popular character you hate? Eli & Katie

Unpopular character you love? Dave

Would you recommend XXX to a friend? Why or why not? I would for some of the same reasons I’d recommend TNG. In some ways, I think the last few years before the cancellation were better about representation. 

How would you end XXX/Would you change the ending of XXX? See answer for TNG

Most shippable character? Dallas

Least shippable character? Luke, Eli & Katie

DNC:

What OTPs in your fandom(s) do you just not get?* Hollingsong & Yunter

Are there any popular fandom OTPs you only BroTP?* I don’t care if they’re friends, but Mola. I think once things got physical, it became complicated and Miles did not handle ending their fling well. 

Have you ever unfollowed someone over a fandom opinion? Rarely because the show is only on for two months out of the year, but sometimes over the top hate can be a turn off. 

Do you have a NoTP in your fandom? Are they a popular OTP?* Yunter & Hollingsong. I wouldn’t call either popular. Almost no one ships the former and while the latter has fans, I wouldn’t call them popular. Most people ship Miles with Tristan or Lola. 

Has fandom ever ruined a pairing for you?* Nothing I already shipped

Has fandom ever made you enjoy a pairing you previously hated?* It made me reconsider Frankie/Esme. I never hated them, but I disliked it because Esme pretty much manipulated Zig and Frankie and their poly relationship was a joke because of the context and due to how long it lasted or didn’t last. Anyways, now I can see that Frankie/Esme has potential and even though I’m almost positive they won’t make Frankie anything but straight, I like the idea of them together. Esme did seem to care about Frankie as much as she could and I personally wouldn’t be that surprised if it came out Frankie had feelings for Esme just based on the way she sometimes acted around her. I don’t think she was remotely into the relationship due to any feelings for Zig. 

Is there anything you used to like but can’t stand now?* HUNTER. He’s pretty much been dead to me ever since 106. 

Have you received anon hate? What about?* Yes. Different things. I’ll admit a small amount of it I brought on myself, but usually it’s just illogical stuff like going off on me because I dared to complain about the way Zig was being written. 

Most disliked character(s)? Why? Hunter. I don’t like Vijay much either, but Hunter is one of my most hated Degrassi characters, period. 

Most disliked arc? Why? Maya/Zig/Zoe/Grace. All of it. I’ve accepted it now, but I still think having Zig cheat on Maya was a cheap way to break them up and not much else. I especially resent the aftermath, but I’ve whined about that too many times. Then there’s Gracevas. The writers knowingly queerbaited and kept the audience in the dark up until after Zoe and Grace had sex and only then did we find out Grace was straight. I think it was a huge betrayal to Zoe and don’t think Grace was ever properly held accountable all because of how Zoe responded. Then there was the Grace/Zig mess. Practically no one bought that Grace had been into Zig whether they always thought Grace was gay or not. The story line almost tainted the rubber room kids’ friendship permanently, IMO, and I can’t believe I had to sit through Grace yelling at Maya all because Zig turned her down. Instead of, you know, fucking Grace and “trying” for her. Anyways, it’s no wonder the show never even hinted Grace had liked Zig after 209. Lastly, the mess with Maya/Zig/Zoe specifically. Maya and Zoe had been rivals in the past and while they didn’t always see eye to eye, I feel like they’d gotten to a place of understanding and it sucked to have all that development taken away for plot convenience. I can’t be totally happy they’re now on good terms again. Even if I do trust that Zoe isn’t going to screw Maya over again, I still wouldn’t rule it out TBH. And Zig/Zoe. I don’t know what happened in the woods. I don’t think the writers know, either, but whatever awful thing they did, Zig did not deserve to be filmed without his consent and that was brushed off so easily. It was sick. I blame the writers much more than I blame Zoe, but still. Anyways.. the actors tried, but this arc was trash and it’s a miracle most of these four characters ended the show on good terms. 

Is there an unpopular character you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why? Goldi. I’m not passionate about her character and don’t feel like she ever fully lived up to her potential, but I think she was an enjoyable character. I don’t have specific reasons. 

Is there an unpopular arc that you like that the fandom doesn’t? Why? Not any arcs, but there are some plots I like more than other people do. I really enjoyed Zig’s plot in 208 because it focused on his low self esteem and it was a necessary plot because we needed to see Zig finally attempting to move on from Maya. 

Unpopular opinion about XXX character? I love Zoe, but she did not deserve to be valedictorian. 

Unpopular opinion about your fandom? See answer for Degrassi

Unpopular opinion about the manga/show? I haven’t heard anyone saying this in a while, but (1) I don’t hate the theme song (2) this show should never, ever, ever go back to having 40 episode seasons. Seasons 13 and 14 should explain why that’s a bad idea. 

If you could change anything in the show, what would you change? Other than the godawful Maya/Zig/Zoe/Grace arc, I’d probably extend the seasons by two episodes. I think they mostly do a good job with covering all that needs to be covered in 10 episodes, but I think having a little more breathing room might make things feel a little less rushed. 

Instead of XYZ happening, I would have made ABC happen… Instead of the writers “going there” and making Grace straight and into her best friend’s boyfriend, she should have been asexual and Gracevas should have become canon at the end of season 2. As much as I loved Zasha, they just didn’t have the connection Zoe had with Grace and it would have been amazing to see them getting endgame. 

Does not shipping something ‘popular’ mean you’re in denial and/or biased? See answer for DTNG

What is the one thing you hate most about your fandom? See answer for Degrassi

What is the purest ship in the fandom? Zasha & Laad

What are your thoughts on crack ships? See answer for DTNG

Popular character you hate? I don’t think I hate any popular characters. 

Unpopular character you love? Tristan, Goldi & Zig (depending on the season)

Would you recommend XXX to a friend? Why or why not? YES. Next Class still has its flaws, but the show has improved a lot since its move to Netflix and the show has taken advantage of being able to tell their stories in a more mature way. 

How would you end XXX/Would you change the ending of XXX? See answer for DTNG

Most shippable character? Zoe

Least shippable character? Hunter & Vijay

[scribbles-by-kate]

Thoughts on 6.13 “Ill-Boding Patterns”

A great episode, featuring one of the strongest flashback sequences we’ve had in quite a while. It told us a lot, if we didn’t know it already, about who Rumple is at his core. I was pleased with this episode for the most part, and what I didn’t like wasn’t anything to do with Rumple, RumBelle, or their family.

My Fan fiction My Once Upon a Time episode reviews, essays, and meta

The opening sequence - I think was just an excuse for them to have a big battle scene. They’d never really had one before. You’d have to have known about the contents of the episode in advance, though, or be a longtime viewer, to know that that was Bae in the first Ogres War. The fact that it’s a new actor probably threw a lot of people, and his name isn’t spoken by anyone until the bit in the tavern with Rumple, so I think if they’d had Beowulf say ‘Where do you think you’re going Baelfire’ that would have clued people in more quickly to what this was and what was about to happen. I have to say, though, I did really, really like how they held Rumple’s appearance back for a few minutes to really give him that hero moment. The way he just appears in the lull of battle and just snuffs out the ogres was really well done. I really did enjoy that moment.

So, Hrunting is really just a placebo? - Bewoulf goes on about how it’s destined to be wielded by a hero and it’ll win them the war, but, really the sword is meaningless, isn’t it? I mean, I believe Rumple when he says the sword never actually worked. It reminded me of the helmet the witch gave Merida’s father last season. If he’d used that, he wouldn’t have won the right way, and Beowulf wouldn’t have won the right way either. The sword maybe would have given him a confidence boost, but other men and boys would have died. And the sword obviously didn’t make him a good person. He didn’t have the heart of a hero: he was selfish and jealous and petty in the end. And,, on another note, I do believe this makes Hrunting Rumple’s first magical artefact, the magical thing he’s had the longest, besides the dagger.

Is Archie really encouraging Hook not to confess? - Dude, what happened to listening to your conscience? I hate Hook’s man pain in this episode, really hate it. And, ugh, you think you’re ‘broken’ because you’re thinking of doing the right thing? Blech.

Even though Rumple hates Blue - and fights with her and blames her for losing Gideon, he still only reluctantly tells Gideon he needs her blood to fix the sword (and the fact that he’s reluctant as he’s being commanded really indicates he doesn’t want to tell, that he doesn’t want her hurt), and he still apologises to her when he takes her magic, and he still keeps her in the shop and promises to return her magic. And…he’s a terrible person who can’t change? Ok, sure… Like, he could have let her die. He would have let her die in season four. This shows he’s changed.

Rumple is hailed as a hero - and he looks so happy and pleased! Aw! I love that talk with Bae about the magic as well. Rumple was so open with Bae about the magic in the early days: he was honest about needing it and it being part of him, but he was still brave enough to say ok, no more magic. And he really, really tried. He went back to his spinning, left the magic behind, agreed to go after Grendel because he thought it would help him and Bae be accepted, and when Bae was upset that he brought the dagger, Rumple didn’t hesitate to give him it, knowing it was the only way he’d be able to face Grendel without magic. He was so strong and so brave! I love that Bae understood where he was coming from as well, but I think it was Bae’s actions that really put that barrier up between them, because Rumple was never that open with his son again, and he was never that brave about resisting the dark magic again.

Magic may come with a price, but it was Beowulf who ensured it would. Killing the villagers and tricking Rumple was the real price, and that wasn’t Rumple’s fault. If Beowulf hadn’t been so petty and jealous, everything would have been fine, but there is nothing that can ruin things more effectively than the darkness in men’s hearts.

Rumple and Gideon in the clock tower - I love how Rumple just wants to help, to know how things were for Gideon, and I love that Gideon opens up and tells him. One of the striking things about Gideon is that, for a child who was sent away because his father was being a bastard (so his mother believed at the time), he doesn’t actually hate his father. He’s so willing to open up to Rumple, so willing to be vulnerable, and that reminds me so much of Belle. For all that she’s been hurt by Rumple, she keeps coming back, keeps opening her heart to him. Gideon is very like his mother, and so like his father too. He’s a really interesting, beautiful mix of both his parents. I love that he kept her book and I loved Rumple stroking the cover and acknowledging that it’s Belle’s favourite - ‘Your mother’s favourite’ - awwww! I suspected Gideon was going to get his hands on the dagger, so I was prepared for it. I understand why Rumple wanted to erase his pain, but I’m glad it didn’t work, because he was erasing a part of Gideon then, and, while it may have been right to erase Bae’s memory of what he did (to protect his soul), Gideon’s trauma was different and shouldn’t have been something he could get rid of. I love what Rumple was trying to do, but it was just too easy, and I like that Gideon was pissed about it, because I could see he was reading it as Rumple trying to make him what he wanted him to be, like the Black Fairy. I like that he wants to stop the Black Fairy - he’s so like his mother in wanting to be a hero…and so like his father in believing he’s a coward :(

I embraced darkness for good, but it never made me a hero - I’ve spoken about this already. I still say I disagree with Rumple. It takes a special kind of hero to do something bad so someone else doesn’t have to, to be willing to wreck your relationship with your child so that that child will remain in the light. Rumple is a hero. He just walks the grey line more honestly than most of the other characters. He’s more open about the fact that dark and light depends on your perspective. Yes, he’s done some heinous things, but he’s also done some very heroic things that he doesn’t get credit for because he’s ‘the Dark One’, as if being that and being heroic are mutually exclusive. Rumple shows that they’re not, not at all.

Rumple doesn’t want the destruction of the Black Fairy at the cost of Gideon’s soul - that’s really powerful. I just love how his first priority is protecting Gideon’s soul and everything else is secondary. Of course he has reason to want his horrible mother destroyed, but the cost of Gideon’s soul is too high. I love how he tells Gideon there’s good in him and not to put out the light in his heart. It’s like Belle is in his head in that moment. It’s so powerful: she’s in the scene without being physically present. She’s influenced him so, so much. I love the way he talks about destroying the Black Fairy not being where it ends: ‘that’s never where it ends’. Rumple understands darkness so well, because he’s lived it, and he’s trying to impart his wisdom to his son, who is hearing him, but doesn’t want to listen right now. I love how far he’s willing to go to protect Gideon from darkness as well: I love that he’s willing to do the bad thing so Gideon doesn’t have to. That scene by the lake is so powerful, because Gideon sees that his father does love him, and it amazes him, I think.

Gideon handing back the dagger - says he doesn’t want to control his father. He’s already different from his older brother, stronger, less prey to his own darkness. And it’s amazing because, if anything, Gideon should be more prey to his own darkness than Bae. Bae grew up, for a good chunk of his life, with a father who loved him: Gideon didn’t have Rumple around at all, and yet it’s Bae who falls under the spell of the dagger, not Gideon. Gideon is like Belle, who returned the dagger in the Underworld, who didn’t actually want to keep it until Rumple pretty much convinced her to, suggesting it helped him for her to have it. And, when she kicked him out, she hid the dagger away. I wonder if Gideon is stronger simply because he’s Belle’s son too. I don’t think Milah was good like Belle. Maybe Bae got some of his mother’s traits. Gideon definitely got some of his mother’s strength and goodness. We’ve seen Dark Ones obsessed with the dagger, staring at it, having to have it near them at all times, and we saw Bae in this episode staring at it, drunk on the power it gave him, about to fall further into darkness with his possession of it, but Belle and Gideon are not like that: they don’t actually want to control Rumple: they don’t relish the opportunity to do so. It’s a really significant moment when Rumple hands over the sword and Gideon hands back the dagger. They’re beginning to build trust, and that’s more than Rumple was able to do with Bae. And I really have to wonder which is the blade of the hero: Hrunting or the dagger? That’s a really symbolic exchange of blades, I think, because it’s a show of trust that Rumple hasn’t had with anyone else. Belle handed it back in the Underworld and hasn’t tried to use it since, but this moment between Rumple and Gideon is even more significant because it tells Rumple his second son is different from his first, and that they can have a different, stronger, more trusting relationship.

Rumple is really, really smart - he realised when he saw the ogre horn that it was a trap. I love how he just realises that and is able to put the pieces together. It’s interesting because Rumple was a humble spinner, so I’m sure he wasn’t expected to be intelligent, and he really is. It kind of surprises me sometimes how smart he is! He’s a good strategist, and he can spot other people’s strategies, like he’s able to do with Beowulf. I love how he calls Beowulf out, saying everyone would have died and that he’s just upset that he wasn’t the hero of the war, and doing this now won’t make him one. Rumple is really ten times the man Beowulf is. I also love him telling Bae to run and get help: he never would have done that later on.

Rumple doesn’t give in to Beowulf’s taunts - I love that he’s the strong one. Bae is upset and unsure when he sees that Beowulf is not a hero, and even when Beowulf taunts them about Rumple being feared by the villagers, it’s Rumple who says they’ll find a new village. He wants to do it the right way, and it’s Bae’s fear and anger that ruins everything.

Bae’s surprising act - obviously shocked and upset Rumple. That Bae gave the command to kill even after Rumple said don’t nearly broke my heart. Rumple so clearly didn’t want this, was so clearly shocked that it had come to this, that his goodhearted son could be tempted by darkness. That pained cry when he went to snap Beowulf’s neck - he was so distraught at Bae’s command, so upset. I don’t think it damages Bae’s memory, though. I think Bae becoming the man he became still stands. It was Rumple erasing his memory of that moment of weakness that made Bae the hero he became. Rumple sacrificed his own soul so that Bae wouldn’t follow him into darkness, and he sacrificed their relationship too. To be honest, I do think this explains some things about Bae, such as why he demanded the Dark One dagger as proof he could trust his father in Neverland, and why he was so quick to latch onto the ‘my father is the king of loopholes’ idea at the vault. There were moments where his weakness for darkness showed, where he made some iffy decisions. He wasn’t immune to darkness, but that does not take away from the fact that he became a hero and that he was a good man. He was a good man because his father ensured it, because his father didn’t let him fall into darkness, because his father made the ultimate sacrifice to save him: he sacrificed his son’s love for and trust in him.

Bae’s behaviour helps explain so much about Rumple and the dagger - it helps explain why he just couldn’t give Belle the real one. If she ever gave a command like Bae gave, that would have destroyed him. Her commands were never to hurt people, thankfully. She wanted him to help her help Anna, then she wanted to protect the town from him, and then she wanted him not to hurt Gaston. She was trying to do good when she used the dagger, real or fake, but I’m sure Rumple feared her ever giving a command like Bae. Perhaps he thought if his pure-hearted son could command such a thing, Belle might too, and he couldn’t risk it. He didn’t want her falling into darkness too. Indeed, he was distraught when she pushed Gaston in the river to protect him. He never wanted her to know darkness like his son had, and like him, because he knows darkness is a slippery slope, hard to resist, and I think it would have killed him to see that happen to Belle.

One of us has to be strong - I’m sure Rumple was talking about Bae here, but I think Rumple was really the strong one, in the end.

Belle and Rumple - I love that she says he made the right choice, and that hug was epic. The fact that she wants to be in his arms says so, so much about her feelings for him. And I loved his face. He looked so grateful and relieved and emotional. I think this is my favourite of their hugs, because you can see them finding comfort in each other, finding their way back to each other, and if they can feel this way, it means they can be happy together again: it means the love is still very much there. I also loved Rumple being nervous about saying he did that to Blue, but still admitting to it. He wasn’t keeping anything from Belle. And I loved how they gave each other hope and comfort. Such a lovely scene.

The proposal - belch. Just a watered down version of the RumBelle proposal, really. I found it interesting that the proposal with a secret came after the open, honest RumBelle scene. I have to wonder why Emma was snooping in Hook’s things. What, does he use his chest as a laundry basket or something? Was she picking up his dirty washing and found the ring? Yeah, unlikely. And what the hell was the ‘are you mad’ bit? You’re asking the man you purport to love if he’s mad at you? Seriously? And this is a healthy relationship? Sure… At least it wasn’t Belle being oblivious and Rumple looking guiltily over her shoulder this time. And of course this ‘drama’ won’t last as long as RumBelle’s, because this is CS and the drama is as fake as their chemistry.

New Robin is snarky - and I love it. Happy for Sean that he gets to play a different version of Robin.

Regina accepting she can’t escape her darkness - good! And I like her accepting that it’s what she did, not the queen alone. And, of course, the queen de-snakes herself, because of course she would!

[theguywiththesixthsense-blog]

PRE exam stuff

Woke up about an hour ago its 11:13am now. I normally leave house for jummah around 11:30 so i should be having breakfast now or something but meh blogging is more fun. Sis has an exam today so every one left and im the only one home, which i don’t like at all. Reasons being 

1) i never like being alone

2) Being alone makes me loose control of myself even more easily 

Most of the time what i do is play games or keep myself busy to pass this alone time until everyone is back home so i can go back to my normal life and that’s totally okay with other days but today first of all its Friday and i have to read surah Kahf and secondly i have a huge exam on sunday so yeah when i come back from jummah i am quite sure i won’t be able to study or anything until everyone is back home so hopefully inshaAllah won’t cause that big of an issue. As for surah kahf ya Allah please give me enough strength to fight shaytaan’s whispers and finish Surah kahf for you today. 

For the exam on sunday i have gone through like skimmed through almost everything while studying with salah but some of those lectures were a long time ago so have to study them again.It’s mainly anatomy of course cz MSK but also because our professor decided to go on a conference in the middle of a block and we didnt have any anatomy class for one week. On top of the annoncement from the Government to finish everything before Ramadaan starts, this was a huge pressure on us. So basically theres a shit ton of anatomy we took over a really short time so some lectures are so vague as in like the professors tried to make stuff easy for us since so much pressure and all and they omitted some stuff and made some topics simpler and all which is just like a huge cluster of NOPE for a person like me who gets so annoyed and bothered when things aren’t all organized and perfectly arranged in front. So yeah that’s one of the train of thoughts in my head right now. 

I was never a fan of planning because when i couldn’t work according to my plans it just killed me cz like i said again perks of being a freaking perfectionist, 

Anyways, i just feel so lazy whenever im alone its just annoying and scary at the same time. Hopefully inshaAllah i don’t fuck this exam up. I got 19.3 out of 20 in the first mid exam and this is the second mid exam. So far so good because i really need that A+ in this block. I haven’t told my parents about my grades for the HMIM block i got a C- or something. i mean honestly all i could think of when i heard my grades was ALHAMDULILLAH i passed lol. That block was just a whole heap of mess. 

Yesterday, was another one of those really strange days. I feel so unstable during these days. Like one minute im all super hyped up and the next i just want to go home and play games with some friends online and laugh with them and spend some time where not everything around me makes me want to rip my heart out. 

Oh I got one of those fidget spinner things, i’ve read about it online the other day that apparently it really helps people with ADHD. Like it makes your brain focus on something which is small and since its insignificant and small and quite satisfying your brain doesn’t loose the focus from it cz its one of those instant gratification things and since your brain is now in this state of continuous focus and attention you can focus on the main thing without loosing concentration so quickly. I don’t really know how much of it is true but i’ll try it out from sunday.

11:31am Gota run now. I really have something very important to say about intentions. i shouldve actually started with that now instead of this crap ugh anyways i’ll make sure i do as soon as i come back from jummah. wanted to talk about how easily intentions change and so the point of the action you are doing changes as a whole which is really dangerous especially in what decision me and her have taken and what we’re doing now.

[mysnarkyslytherinsecret]

HC that once Snape hears that Harry's coming to Hogwarts, he goes into Dumbledore's office to threaten the Sorting Hat: "I swear on Merlin's beard, if you put James Potter's child into my House I will personally rip out every single one of your seams with a pair of dull pliers."

For once, Severus Snape was glad that Albus had given him a password to get into the Headmaster’s office.  The old man was nowhere to be seen, and Severus let out a sigh of relief.  The Headmaster spent his Sundays at the Hogshead Inn visiting someone “important” so Severus knew that he’d have at least a few hours undisturbed.  

He felt bad about doing this while the old man was out, but it couldn’t be helped. He had to take this chance. This year was going to be hard enough as it was, without him having to worry about an extra bit of bullshit.

“Surely you don’t mean to put me on,” The Sorting Hat said from the corner, where it hung on a hook.

“I’m not here to make the phoenix cry, I’ll tell you that,” Severus replied snidely. 

Truth be told, he hated magical objects that talked. They had enough of a mind to think they knew better than others, but not enough of a brain to understand their limitations. They were often spelled to sound clever without actually telling people what they needed to know.

And the ones that spoke in riddles were the worst.

“The only advice I have to giveIf you wear the Sorting HatIs that I can only see your mindEven a dunderhead knows that.”

“Ugh, just shut it already!” Severus hissed as he pulled the singing headwear from the hook. “Don’t make me rip you apart thread by thread.”

 Looking at the ugly thing with a sneer of disdain, he put the Hat on his head.

“And here I was, thinking you might have been a good Ravenclaw, but that was really quite the opposite of clever,” the Hat replied from on top of his head. “And you’re terrible at threatening people. I can tell that, and I’m not even a person. You should have been a Hufflepuff.”

“Shut up!” Severus yelled, forcing himself to dig his fingers into his legs instead of ripping the hat off of his head. “Now, read my mind.  I’m going to show you a very specific image and you are going to look at that and that alone, and then I’m going to tell you what you are going to do.”

“I don’t really think you really ought to be telling me what to do,” The Hat replied indignantly, “I do have the ear of Albus Dumbledore, the strongest wizard in the world, and your boss, if I’m remembering properly.”

“Hmph, that doesn’t scare me,” Severus replied. “If he kills me, it’ll just put me out of my misery.”

The Hat appeared to think on this for a long moment before replying. “I could horrify you instead. After all, the Headmaster does often like prancing around in his office wearing his softest wooly socks-” 

“That’s not horrify-ow!”

“Don’t interrupt,” the Hat said, squeezing Severus’ head until he let out a pained grunt. “As I was about to say, he prances around in his socks…and nothing else.”

Severus let out a horrified gasp. “You wouldn’t.”

“I am but a simple Sorting Hat, Without much of a brain, But even I can tell that sight, Might drive a man insane.”

The Sorting Hat let out a high pitched laugh that was partially in Severus’ mind and partially echoed in the Headmaster’s office.  Fawkes ruffled his feathers and made a disparaging squawking noise.  He obviously wasn’t a fan of the noise either.

“Now you listen here you little-” 

“No, Severus Tobias Snape of Spinner’s End. You listen to me,” The Sorting Hat’s whispery voice filled his head and he felt himself falling into his memories. The Hat’s Legilimency plucked him out of his present-day state and shoved him into his tiny six-year-old body as his father chased him angrily through the house with a bottle in one hand. Though Severus knew it wasn’t real, the surge of fear made his heart race and his breathing was labored as he tried to calm himself to no avail. As if turning off a switch, the Hat let him open his eyes to see the Headmaster’s office once more.  “You have had a hard life. Not as hard as some, but harder than most. Yet you are clever and resourceful in ways I have not seen in a wizard in many years.  I placed you in Slytherin not because you begged me to do so, but because I could see your ambition and your need to achieve greatness. And yet, what have you to show for it? Certainly not the stain on your right forearm or your penchant for scaring first years.  Indeed, I already know what you want from me. You’re easier to read when I’m not atop your head. It’s about the boy- the skinny one with glasses who’s nearly as small as you were when you started your first year at Hogwarts.”

Severus winced, remembering.

“So, you won’t put him in Slytherin, then?” Severus asked, his voice still somewhat shaky as he caught his breath.

“I never said that,” the Sorting Hat replied.

“I could rip you apart stitch by stitch,” Severus hissed venomously, his anger returning, “A Slicing Hex would be far too kind for the likes of you.“

“His parents were both Gryffindors, so I expect he’d be Gryffindor as well,” the Hat continued absentmindedly, and Severus could tell that it was distracted. He doubted that it had even heard his threat.  Before it could clamp down on his head once more, he pulled it off and tossed it onto the desk with a snarl.

“Hey! No fair!” the Hat pouted. “In any case, you shouldn’t blame me for your stupidity. You put me on, after all.”

Severus said nothing to this. The Hat was right. It had been foolish of him and he hated feeling foolish.

“You know what? You’re right. It is stupid to try and argue with you. Incendio,” he breathed, pointing his wand at the Hat, which promptly caught fire.

“Hey now…hey! Hey! Hot! HOT! Ow! Stop! Stop it!” The Hat began to shriek, hopping slightly about on the desk, but the magic that gave it some semblance of life was not strong enough to gift it with full movement.

Severus sneered down his nose with a grim sort of enjoyment at the suffering of the damned thing. He was so distracted that he didn’t hear the door open behind him.

A blast of freezing cold water hit Severus in the back and gushed over the desk, extinguishing the Sorting Hat and forcing Severus to his knees as he coughed and spluttered horribly.

“Torturing inanimate objects, are we, Severus? That’s low even for you,” Albus Dumbledore tsked as he moved around the desk and sat down in his chair.  Severus stood, the top half of him drenched and dripping with water, his expression dark with mortification.

“Ahh, thank you Headmaster,” the Hat said somewhat smugly, as Albus picked it up and cast a spell that cleaned most of the soot off the fabric before levitating it back to the hook on the wall. Then, with a practiced motion, he slid his hand over the burnt spot on his desk and when lifted it from the surface, there was no sign that the wood had been singed at all.

“I only wished to…ensure a certain outcome,” Severus grit out from between his teeth after a long, awkward silence. “I…overreacted.”

“Ah. And have you achieved the desired result?” Dumbledore looked over the tops of his half-moon glasses.

“That remains to be seen,” Severus replied, looking away, shamefaced.

“While I know that Fawkes has a proclivity for pyrotechnics, I should like to remind you that you are not to set anymore magical objects, beings or people on fire,” Albus said, his voice growing stern. “Severus. You know better than this. You cannot let your anger get the best of you so often.  It’s not healthy.”

“I never tried to argue that it was,” Severus replied, hating the sullen sound in his voice. “I just don’t want the boy in my House. I know it’s too much to ask not to have him in my classes, but please, I can’t bear the thought of looking at her eyes staring out of the spitting image of James Potter’s face every day! I wouldn’t be able to bear it.”

“Very well,” Albus replied, shooting a pointed look at the Sorting Hat, who tipped its cloth forward in a little bow. “We are all in agreement, then.”

“Menace and power are one thing,But we all know who settled the score,I defer to the Headmaster’s Judgment,Harry Potter will be Gryffindor.”

The Hat sang its song and Severus turned, grunting with disgust.

“I shall see you at supper, Severus,” Albus said, summarily dismissing him. “And before you go, I meant it about the fire thing. Keep your temper in check, or I will be forced to take drastic measures.”

“Yes, sir.” Severus turned and marched away, slamming the door behind him.

But that night, he tossed and turned in his bed, his dreams torn between memories of the boy he’d been and thoughts of the boy he would be forced to protect in the years to come.

[bluewithpurplepolkadots]

Sporking The Half-Blood Prince (2/30)

Chapter 2: Spinner’s End.

 In which Bellatrix is a stand in for a passionate fan at a filmed interview and Snape is Rowling’s self insert all while Narcissa desperately tries to help secure her sons’ future at this parent-teacher conference.

Warning: certain things after a Cursed Child rears its ugly head while I read this.

Chapter one: The Other Minister: [here]

--

Many miles away the chilly mist that had pressed against the Prime Minister's windows drifted over a dirty river that wound between overgrown, rubbish-strewn banks. An immense chimney, relic of a disused mill, reared up, shadowy and ominous. There was no sound apart from the whisper of the black water and no sign of life apart from a scrawny fox that had slunk down the bank to nose hopefully at some old fish-and-chip wrappings in the tall grass. 

Overall, I’d say this is kind of a sterotype many have of previous industrial cities.  Once a major hub for industry (probably textiles), but now no longer and now it’s ugly and it smells and nothing is invested in.  According to google this fictional place is apparently set in the Midlands (Oh hi, I live there currently) so I’m sure all the fans from there can also swell in pride along with everyone who thinks the ‘wretched’ President the muggle prime minister was referring to in the previous chapter was referring to their own.  Rowling so loves her fans.

Rowling herself apparently invented a town called Cokeworth for this street to sit in, but since it’s not a name in the books it’s not exactly canon all in all. 

And I’m kind of glad, because the chapter never mentions they’re in England either (I guess you can argue the mist but god have we had a lot everywhere this Christmas on both Islands), and there’s a place called Coagh (pronounced ‘Coke’ and I even thought it was spelt like that back then) back in my home country of Northern Ireland. So I’m pretty sure my dyslexic ass  would have twisted the name and thought that meant that that all this time Snape sounded a little bit like this:

And like some people like our accents (for whatever reason) but it certainly means that whole first speech about potions in first year probably sounded less impressive if that was true. “Ensnaring the mind, bewitching the senses, oh god it’s desperate.”

It also sort of sounds like people make or sell cocaine there but whatever. 

Still, aw look a fox. I love little urban critters honestly. 

Anyway the fox is soon disturbed by its hope for a meal by humans appearing out of nowhere and through its yelp ends up being offed by Bellatrix (who is overly paranoid):

"Just a fox," said a woman's voice dismissively from under the hood. "I thought perhaps an Auror--Cissy, wait!"

(What a horrible nickname to give your sister. So it actually seems like something a sibling would do. Well done Rowling).

Also, given the fact that foxes sound like this:

It actually says a lot that Bellatrix thinks an Auror, or any human really, sounds like that. She must be used to people barking/screaming at her on sight (which y’know, probably) and running on all fours.

But then I remember animagi exist and the cousin who she killed a few weeks ago here could turn into a dog so it makes a bit more sense. Still, I think my idea works too.

R.I.P dear fox. Hopefully Sirius will be nice to you and not chase you around.

Anyway Narcissa doesn’t have time to contemplate this kind of thing unlike me and could give two fucks about her sister, (and the Dark Lord’s lieutenant), trying to stop her, and while they are siblings it is a little impressive. Especially since Bellatrix later waxes about sacrificing her own hypothetical sons (read: any family member) for the cause and Narcissa probably knows this.

They observe the ugly landscape:

"He lives here?" asked Bella in a voice of contempt. "Here? In this Muggle dunghill? We must be the first of our kind ever to set foot--"

I’d argue the point that Snape living there means that obviously they’re not the first of their ‘kind’ to set foot there but whatever honey. ‘Cissy’ didn’t ask you to come. But before knowing its Snape here the reader may wonder if it’s some Squib or even a muggle they’re meeting but nah. (That would be interesting, well mostly confusing, but yeah.)

Bella starts arguing with her about who she is going to and that they can’t be easily trusted. Cissy fires back that Bella’s (ugh) boyfriend Voldecakes trusts him too but Bella horror of horrors says that she thinks her honeybun might be mistaken on this guy. (Isn’t that sometimes the way? The boyfriend/girlfriend/whatever hates your friends and won’t place nice with them. How rude.)

Narcissa eventually has enough of her sister trying to block her:

"Let go, Bella!" snarled Narcissa, and she drew a wand from beneath her cloak, holding it threateningly in the other's face. Bella merely laughed. "Cissy, your own sister? You wouldn't--" "There is nothing I wouldn't do anymore!" Narcissa breathed, a note of hysteria in her voice, and as she brought down the wand like a knife, there was another flash of light. Bella let go of her sister's arm as though burned.

Bella please you have no right to be surprised given your own attitudes to family vs the cause. But still this all does kind of connect with Deathly Hallows in the end. And while I still maintain it was ridiculous Voldemort didn’t check Harry was dead himself as Narcissa hated him at that stage, it is at least a connection. Another example of a mother’s love messing things up for him, and she’s a bad guy! I do like that as an idea at least

Anyhow Narcissa finally, finally gets to her destination and who is she going to meet but Severus Snape.

Who apparently has been shacking up with Peter Pettigrew and yet everyone calls ‘Wormtail’ for some reason.

It’s kind of weird actually that the death eaters do that since that was a nickname his friends at Hogwarts used. Probably it could be handwaved as a way to mock him in-universe. But out of universe I think it’s probably Rowling removing any potential last scrap of possible dignity from him. 

I mean look at how she describes him:

The man crept, hunchbacked, down the last few steps and moved into the room. He had small, watery eyes, a pointed nose, and wore an unpleasant simper. His left hand was caressing his right, which looked as though it was encased in a bright silver glove.

I also find it odd, Rowlings almost insistence through narrative tone of Peter being incapable of anything (even being socially pleasant let alone magic) when he found Voldemort and nursed him to health. Voldemort might piss and moan about the care being clumsy in GOF but Peter accomplished what countless others failed to do. What Dumbledore and Snape who is also a former Death Eater on the light side failed to do: find Voldemort. 

But I also have to, to this day, question why he did this though. I get why he betrayed the Potters. I really don’t get why he brought He-who-can’t-smell back to strength given how he’s usually treated. Is it because he was such a pureblood that surviving in the muggle world was next to impossible as a prospect while being a rat in a wizarding household was fine? Idk, it doesn’t make sense otherwise. And why didn’t he run to Wizarding America, a lot of Nazis did that after WW2 to escape consequences, the war these books continually try to ape.

Anyway.

Snape is a dick to Wormtail and orders him around and Wormtail is described as ‘squeaky’ and incapable of being a good host so Snape has to order him to get the ladies drinks (honestly Peter this is basic etiquette).

Peter then leaves and it seems like the conversation is finally about about to start but then:

Snape held up a hand to stop her, then pointed his wand again at the concealed staircase door. There was a loud bang and a squeal, followed by the sound of Wormtail scurrying back up the stairs. "My apologies," said Snape. "He has lately taken to listening at doors, I don't know what he means by it... you were saying, Narcissa?"

And honestly my eyes boggle. Here we have a real and actual missed opportunity. This isn’t like me waxing about getting muggles involved in a war which targets them. Those are just nice, if random, thoughts. But here we see a legitimate set up with no pay off at the end at all given Deathly Hallows. Why is he listening? Could this be useful for Harry? The life debt in PoA to be fulfilled?

Peter listening at doors of course never came to anything though. Right from PoA everyone was hoping for something interesting with Peter, for Harry’s life debt on him to mean something. To perhaps be instrumental to Voldemort’s downfall if in a small way. So this got people excited.

Aaaand then in Deathly Hallows all that happens is that he hesitates in killing Harry and his silver hand kills him instead in the last battle. Anti-climatic and ultimately unsatisfying. God Peter, you can’t even die right, like by idk, helping Harry out.

In any case the conversation finally continues but Bella interrupts again, because she doesn’t trust Snape, which y’know is technically right, but I find it kind of amusing that she’s so hard on the guy given that her brother in law Lucius wasn’t exactly winning loyalty points before he rose again. (Though Snape does point this out later). 

Anyway she breaks down her many grievances:

"Where to start! Where were you when the Dark Lord fell? Why did you never make any attempt to find him when he vanished? What have you been doing all these years that you've lived in Dumbledore's pocket? Why did you stop the Dark Lord procuring the Sorcerer's Stone? Why did you not return at once when the Dark Lord was reborn? Where were you a few weeks ago when we battled to retrieve the prophecy for the Dark Lord? And why, Snape, is Harry Potter still alive, when you have had him at your mercy for five years?"

And this and all the answers Snape gives all kind of reads a bit like Rowling  interview questions, with Bella as an angry fan. Basically it’s all these questions about why Voldemort still trusts Snape and the chapter attempts to make sure it doesn’t look like some 1980s Megatron/Starscream problem. 

I can’t say I tend to care for this kind of thing in stories. It’s telling people things and not letting them think at all, and it gets a bit tedious honestly even here. And we just had a series recap chapter.

 But y’know, in this case, while it begins to outstay its welcome, it’s not like immediately shit and boring like in Deathly Hallows.

You know: when the trio were basically all saying ‘We will not do this action and here’s why’ as if it’s a proxy!interview instead of y’know the book showing them doing the thing and having them fail. Because doing things? In an action series? What a joke. We’ve got mushrooms to poke at. (You can tell I’m bitter can’t you.)

In any case this chapter seems to work better than that, even if it’s not great.. (Mainly I guess because with Bella there’s at least the threat of getting attacked to keep things exciting if she doesn’t like the answer).

Snape instead seems half amused by all this though as he puts on the Rowling!hat Dumbeldore lent him, and perhaps in retrospect we all should have guessed what side he was on because of that attitude. A truly loyal guy might have gotten angry at such things being flung around.

In any case Snape is all very... prepared for these questions which seemingly come out of nowhere. Which is probably the dream of Rowling at the height of her fame instead of having the  interview questions in advance in reality or whenever she came across what angry fans said about her work online. (God Snape you’re such a self insert Mary Sue.).

Bella also doesn’t take kindly to the implication Snape throws out that her... honeybun... doesn’t trust her with all the information.

"He shares everything with me!" said Bellatrix, firing up at once. "He calls me his most loyal, his most faithful --"

Ew Bella I don’t want to hear about your pillow talk.

 Still, communication is... the basis of a good relationship I guess? Perhaps you should go into counselling? But I don’t think the Wizarding world is up to date on mental health and you’d rather diiiieee then ask help from a muggle I’m sure. And y’know you’re married to someone else which I’m sure is frowned upon.

Anyway the proxy!interview finally, finally ends when Bella runs out of things to say and Narcissa  gets to say her piece. The reason she came here after so many interruptions. We are all on tenterhooks I’m sure:

"The Dark Lord has forbidden me to speak of it," Narcissa continued, her eyes still closed. "He wishes none to know of the plan. It is... very secret. But --" "If he has forbidden it, you ought not to speak," said Snape at once. "The Dark Lord's word is law."

Assuming you don’t throw your book in the corner in frustration at this further delay, Snape actually claims he knows the plan anyway. Though I have a sneaking suspicion that he really didn’t. We never get him giving juicy details himself, instead leaving Narcissa to gush some of them out. (Say what you will, he plays at the spy pretty well). I’m sure he managed to wangle out it was killing Dumbledore a few moments after all this. 

 We generally get the first instance in which a Malfoy is protrayed by the author as sympathetic in the books as she cries, though Bellatrix herself is unmoved.

"Draco should be proud," said Bellatrix indifferently. "The Dark Lord is granting him a great honor. And I will say this for Draco: he isn't shrinking away from his duty, he seems glad of a chance to prove himself, excited at the prospect --" Narcissa began to cry in earnest, gazing beseechingly all the while at Snape. "That's because he is sixteen and has no idea what lies in store! Why, Severus? Why my son? It is too dangerous! This is vengeance for Lucius's mistake, I know it!"

Ah the old lie dulce et decorum est.

Though actually it’s Draco dying for a bigoted cause his parents fed into him with a silver spoon from birth so I will admit it does dampen the sympathy down a little.

Lady, if you and your husband hadn’t been bigoted fools and then pretended Voldemort was a hero in little Drakey’s bed time stories this wouldn’t have happened (And honestly she never seems to get that it’s also her own fault this happened). But I never took latin anyway so I don’t know how to write all that out. Still, he is just a kid, and her fear and tears certainly still feel real.

Bellatrix continues to be a hardass:

"You should be proud!" said Bellatrix ruthlessly. "If I had sons, I would be glad to give them up to the service of the Dark Lord!"

Or daughters Bella? (Oh lord.)

But seriously why ‘sons’: why not ‘children’? Is Bella one of those people who thinks all women should be tied to the kitchen and not join rampantly bigoted magical terrorist organisations? Except for her because she’s special somehow? I don’t get it. Though actually I guess its one of those things Cursed Child may have gotten right in retrospect. She’s just so passionate compared the other DEs because she wants to defend her man. 

Okay then.

Anyway, Snape is convinced to make an Unbreakable Vow and ends with this:

"And, should it prove necessary... if it seems Draco will fail..." whispered Narcissa (Snape's hand twitched within hers, but he did not draw away), "will you carry out the deed that the Dark Lord has ordered Draco to perform?" There was a moment's silence. Bellatrix watched, her wand upon their clasped hands, her eyes wide. "I will," said Snape. Bellatrix's astounded face glowed red in the blaze of a third unique flame, which shot from the wand, twisted with the others, and bound itself thickly around their clasped hands, like a fiery snake.

Anyway, we’re never told what the plan is at all. And the few who haven’t been driven off by proxy!interview bullshit are probably interested if a tad miffed at this.

Next time: We find Harry sleeping but he’s artistically arranged newspaper articles for us around himself, just in case we need... yet another recap. (Sweet lord).

[tessatechaitea]

Star Trek: The Next Generation, S1, E4: "The Last Outpost"

"She begrudged her lover nothing and now, finally, it was time to offer him The Last Outpost." For some reason that would be inexplicable if you were living in the actual world of Star Trek: The Next Generation but is entirely understandable when you view it through the lens of a story written by humans about humans, every single Godlike creature in the universe seems to put humans to the test to find out if they're heedless barbarians who care for nothing but their own enrichment. It's one of the reasons I'd rather view Q as tormenting the Enterprise not because he's testing humans but because he loves Jean-Luc (there's additional proof of this in the episode "Hide and Q" when we see Q seems to be acting against the general Q Continuum consensus). I'd rather he be a romantic interest and not just another smart ass alien testing the humans to make sure they're allowed in space. But maybe humans bring it on themselves. It is possible that humans are the most arrogant race (species?) in the entire universe. One species (race?) has to be; why not humans? And every other alien race that has come into contact with other races always discuss how terribly arrogant and ambitious those humans are, with their weird emotions and concept of "love". And since humans write these stories, seemingly with the assumption that humans are somehow unique and special, the "humans must prove themselves" becomes an easy trope to slip into any plot. But before the test begins, this episode starts by introducing audiences to the Ferengi, the boot sale merchants of the universe. They're played as if the sellers at your local dirt mall inexplicably developed the technologies for space travel and teleportation and instantly launched into space to find deals and cheat people. Data explains that their entire cultural belief system is built on the motto, "Caveat Emptor." As a space faring race which interacts with other races, I can see the appeal of introducing this kind of alien characterization. Little House on the Prarie and Grizzly Adams and even Anne with an E relied on the plot of the traveling salesman character. But imagine the Ferengi homeworld before they ever left the atmosphere! Nobody trusting anybody else while everybody trying to profit over everybody else! What a terrible bunch of Boomer pricks! I wonder if there's a whole offshoot of Ferengi flower children and democratic socialists who fucking despise the way the rest of the universe views them? I suppose if there is, I'll see evidence of it in Deep Space Nine when I get around to it. I bet Quark has some family members who are all, "Ugh! Dad is such a capitalist asshat!" Seeing the Ferengi in this episode made me want to dress up as a Ferengi every Halloween for the rest of my life. Not because I love the way they look but I fucking fell in love with how they hopped around like children who just sucked down two pounds of pure cane sugar. I suppose they were supposed to look like monkeys in the zoo, incapable of standing still. But I fucking loved their fidgeting and bouncing around. Why did they drop that aspect of the character?! It's fucking endearing! I wonder what would happen to the Ferengi race if somebody sold them a cargo hold full of fidget spinners? This is yet another episode that culminates in a terrible anti-climax. The Enterprise and the Ferengi ship are locked in a force field around a planet of a long dead space empire. The crew of the Enterprise agree to work with the Ferengi to search the planet while the Ferengi cross their fingers behind their backs and plan on acting as despicable as possible. On the planet (after some minor skirmishes between the two crews), a man named Portal puts them to the test to find out if they're worthy of existing in the universe. Why does he get to decide? I don't know! I guess because he's so fucking powerful. The anti-climax comes because Portal doesn't put them through any trials or rigorous intellectual tests. He just accidentally quotes Sun Tzu and Riker is all, "I know the response to that quote! Boom! I'm interesting, right?!" And Portal is all, "You amuse me. You shall live." Aside: the man who plays Portal also played Mimo on Villa Alegre. While the Ferengi insist that the humans are liars and jerks while taking no responsibility for their own actions, Riker quotes some Sun Tzu because every nerd in the world knows that philosophical thought about strategy and diplomacy has never outdone The Art of War. Portal is suitably impressed like any space nerd would be. He not only decides to spare the humans but becomes best friends with Riker. Only a human mind could be so unique and interesting to a creature of such knowledge and power! We're so awesome! Everybody in space should embrace our quirky ways! Even though the Ferengi behave abominably, Portal lets them live because Riker points out that they'll never learn any other way. Also, I think he just thinks of them as gnats. People might be annoyed by gnats but you don't turn the full force of your intellect and emotional fury on the entirety of their species just because they're bothering you. You swat at a few of them, curse a bit, and then fucking forget all about them. I think every episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation has a moral but sometimes I can't be bothered to understand it. Especially when I'm several episodes ahead of the one I'm currently writing about. They all kind of get jumbled together. This one probably has something to do with keeping an open mind and not judging too swiftly. I only say that because I think that was the moral of the Farpoint episode and maybe the moral of all the episodes I've written about so far. And what better way to get that moral across than by making the Ferengi as obviously underhanded and treacherous as possible? Maybe they shouldn't have made them so childlike and lovable as well though. Perhaps that's why they stopped making them all bouncy and fidgety. Because it was too adorable. I would have kept that aspect of them but also made them constantly hold open switchblades. Aside: Armin Shimerman who also plays Buffy's high school principle portrays the Ferengi Letek. Oh, he's also Quark in Deep Space Nine. And he's the face of the wedding gift box in Haven. Also he's the voice of Andrew Ryan from the Bioshock games (get it? "Andrew Ryan"? Ayn Rand? It's such a good game about objectivism!). It's possible part of my problem with this show (at least so far) is the pacing of the plot in regards to the theme. I suppose, taken as a whole and being charitable, what happens in many ST:TNG episodes is that the initial introductory story usually isn't the real story and often either gets ignored or is resolved in a boring or anti-climactic way (because it wasn't the meat of the theme and didn't really matter. Like the virus in "The Naked Now"). In this one, the introductory story is that the Ferengi have stolen something from the Federation. The Enterprise is tasked with getting it back. Which they do at some point but that story doesn't matter by the time they're trapped in the forcefield. It's like that thing that famous guy said which I think I mentioned in a previous review (unless it was in a comic book review) about how life happens when you're planning on some other kind of life. Star Trek: The Next Generation made a career out of it. Some people refer to these things as the "A" and "B" plot. But I don't think ST:TNG gives enough time to the initial plot to even consider it a parallel story line to the main plot. Maybe the writers get better at this as the show progresses. But even if they don't, it's not that big a deal. I get it! You need to have the crew doing something when the major shit hits the fan. And that shit doesn't have to come out of the first thing they were doing at all, although it would be nice if, just sometimes, it did. Like maybe Wesley Crusher is studying for exams and he has the replicator make him a copy of the Necronomicon after which he unleashes Hell aboard the Enterprise. Then at the end, he fails his test because, you know, it was about engineering and not raising the dead.

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 119

the calm before the (fire)storm

Takehisa: *sweeping...passes Maki's desk and spots something* "..." *picks up a small object in the shape of an '8'* *sighs* *walks...knocks on Maki's door*

maki: *YAAAWN* commander? *rubs eyes*

Takehisa: "You left this behind." *holds up the '8'*

maki: oh, thanks. im gonna head back to bed now. see you in the morning.

Takehisa: "..." *nods*

-elsewhere-

Gin: "Okay, Q is asleep, your sister is going to bed, and Ryu is finally taking a bath." *crawls into bed*

higuchi: *sigh* what a day...

Gin: "More dealings with the Lotus?"

higuchi: more or less...the hostages still arent talking.

Gin: "Hmm. I would've thought Kajii's tactics would have helped. Nothing Hirotsu found?"

higuchi: nothing yet.

Gin: "Won't someone miss them?"

higuchi:...i try not to think about it....

Gin: "...Get some sleep. There'll be more to do tomorrow." *sets her blades under her pillow*

-morning-

-rain falls outside-

kirako: *yaaawn*

Dazai: *snores, sprawled out*

kirako:....*small smile* (so he came in here again....) *gets out of bed*

Mii: *standing guard at the door*

kirako: good morning mii-chan~ *snuggle* good kitty.

Mii: >_>; *meow*

kirako: ^^

Dazai: *turns--and falls out of bed*

kirako: oh! good morning. ^^; need some help?

Dazai: *sits up* "I'm good..." *looking out the window* "..."

kirako: ....want some breakfast?

Dazai: "...Sure. Thank you."

-elsewhere-

sonia: papa? are you alright?

Chuuya: *looking out the window* "...Yeah."

sonia:.....*gets into the bed and feels his forehead*

Chuuya: =~=

sonia: do you need a day off?

Chuuya: "I can handle it..." *tries to get up--and loses balance, falling onto his pillow* "...Yes."

sonia: ok. i'll call grandma then and tell her.

Chuuya: "...Thank you."

-elsewhere-

Kurogiri: "--and there are holes in the TV remote."

Twice: "MY ELECTRIC RAZOR HOLDS NO CHARGE."

himiko: *spinning in one of the bar chairs*

NOS4A2: "Provide me with sustenance, and none of this would be a problem. Isn't that right, child?" *holding Fang*

fang: *babble*

NOS4A2: "See? The child agrees--I need electricity! And if you won't provide it to me, I'll seek it on my own. Where's your nearest electrical station?"

-elsewhere-

Inka: *enters an abandoned subway car* "Wow...Imagine what you could do with this thing. Got any gearheads in the Hoods?"

arrow: well......

Inka: "??? Do tell~"

arrow: i suppose giovanni counts....sort of....

Inka: "...Okay, good, but how about someone less freaky and just mad-scientist-y eccentric?"

-elsewhere-

miura: *making coffee*

Mori: "..."

miura: here. this should help.

Mori: "..." *nods, takes it...sip*

miura:....pardon me if this is a bit personal, but why is it so important that you have a child?

Mori: "...To continue."

miura: *listening*

Mori: "Everything that a human is, is contained in their DNA. Half of that goes to each child. The family line must persist--to achieve our goals."

miura:......

Mori: "Therefore, I imagine much will be accomplished by the next generation that I could not fulfill--and I'm curious to see what comes of young Sonia."

miura: even though chuuya made it clear he doesnt want you being involved in her life?

Mori: *slight smile* "You're much too literal. I can honor the spirit of the agreement, even as I bend the rules."

-elsewhere-

sonia: *puts a cool compress on chuuya's forehead*

miyuri: *drawing a fluffy sheep to act as a pillow*

Chuuya: =___= *coughs*

sonia: grandma said she was sending someone over to help out.

Chuuya: *groans* "O-Okay..."

miyuri: do you want an animal parade to make you better?

Chuuya: "...Sure?"

miyuri: *drawing tiny animals that then float around the room*

Chuuya: "..." *lies back, slight smile--coughs*

-elsewhere-

Izuku: *hands a fruit smoothie to Samidare*

samidare: *sips* ^^

Izuku: *smiles* *looks at Tsu* "You're parents are at work all day?"

tsuyu: yeah.

Izuku: *nods* "Mom's going to be busy, too. Maybe the kids want to do something? I had some ideas--" *pulls out a journal: "Summertime Activities for Children"*

-elsewhere-

ochako: *sitting in front of a fan and talking into it* ahhhhhhh~

Trixie: *rests her head on Ochako's lap*

yuu uraraka: im going to be heading out. yamikumo and i have plans today.

Mr. Uraraka: "I could drop you off."

yuu uraraka: thanks, uncle.

Mr. Uraraka: "Ochako, anywhere you need to be today?" *grabs the keys*

ochako: not really.

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "JUST PICK ONE. THEY'RE ALL RED." *points at shelf of hair dyes* "ALL OF THEM!"

eijiro: hmmmm. aha! this one!

Bakugo: "Ugh, finally--now get your wallet out to pay for it!"

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Zzz..."

{-rain is standing by the edge of a cliff-}

{Chuuya: "..." *runs*}

{rain:.....}

{Chuuya: "Rain!"}

{-she turns to look at him-}

{Chuuya: *reaches out a hand--*}

Chuuya: "GAHH!"

???: chuuya?

Chuuya: *stares up...looks around*

-tachihara is sitting across from him-

Chuuya: "...What're you doing here?"

tachihara: hey. kouyou sent me over.

Chuuya: "...Ah..." *sits up, trying to breathe*

tachihara: brought some soup.

Chuuya: *sniffs* "Thanks..."

tachihara:....so...*awkwardly scratches the back of his head*

Chuuya: "Hirotsu keeping you busy?" *spoons out soup, eats*

tachihara: decently, yeah. crimson lotus are _not_ fun to deal with.

Chuuya: "...That's pretty dangerous. They'll come after any prisoners."

tachihara: the gremlin's having a good time though. she actually calls them 'too easy', can you believe that?!....then again, she _is_ a veteran from the war...so who am _I_ to judge.... *he sounds a bit bitter....*

Chuuya: "...No one is judging you here."

tachihara:.....*sigh* sorry, the war's kind of a hard topic for me....but you probably dont need to hear me complain about my personal problems.

Chuuya: "...Not to dig in too deep, but maybe consider what she went through in the war. Or what a lot of us have gone through. You're not the only one with...baggage."

tachihara:....*sigh* i guess.....

Chuuya: "...Look, I'm not an expert on any of this either. Hell, I don't go to a therapist or anything, but...maybe if something's bothering you..."

tachihara: it's nothing....welp, im gonna check on the kids now, make sure they arent getting in trouble. see ya. *exits*........*bites his lip slightly* (dammit.....)

-elsewhere-

Centipeder: "And this is the commissary. Sir demands donuts set out at 8 AM, coffee with a little milk and two sugars."

melissa: *taking notes* understood.

Centipeder: "And most importantly..." *puts a pair of Groucho Marx glasses over her glasses* "Perfect."

melissa:...*blink blink*

Centipeder: "Sir values balance in all things--and given the seriousness of our work, he admires the art of comedy, to help alleviate people's concerns."

melissa: i see. ^^; i guess i dont know too much about him, even with the stories i heard from dad.

Centipeder: *nods* "Did Dr. Shield hang out with Sir? I mean, since Sir's falling out with All Might..."

melissa: occasionally, but apperantly mr nighteye wasnt too fond of dad.

Centipeder: "He...takes some time to get to know. But he does light up around certain people. And if he wanted you here, he must care quite a bit for your father and you."

melissa:...i suppose so.

Centipeder: "...Hang on." *looks into the hall* "Bubble Girl, do you know where Sir's photo albums are?"

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *tossing in bed*

sonia: *looks inside*

Chuuya: "Ngh..."

sonia:......*tucks him in*

Chuuya: *seems to calm down* "Ra..."

sonia:....*goes to get something*

Chuuya: "Nnnn..."

sonia: *returns with a stuffed animal and gives it to him*

Chuuya: *hugging the stuffed animal, instinctively*

sonia:....get well soon, papa.

Chuuya: "Zzz..."

-elsewhere-

???: *inside Atsushi's head* "Hey, question..."

atsushi: (yeah?)

Oda: "So, yeah, I'm kind of out of the loop on some things..."

atsushi: (like what?)

Oda: (Well, Dazai, for one, seems a bit out there. Is he worried about impending fatherhood?)

atsushi: (i guess so. i couldnt imagine being in his position...what advice would you give him?)

Oda: (...I'm at a loss myself, having...lost my kids.)

atsushi:......(sorry. i shouldnt have-)

Oda: (It's fine...Things don't always turn out how you expect. I guess if it was me, I would ask him to be a bit more cautious.)

atsushi: (i'll...keep that in mind.)

Oda: (You okay? A lot has been going on for you...)

atsushi: (yeah, it has been.) *sigh* ..... (cant believe it's been a year since i joined the agency...)

Oda: (Really? Huh. A lot happening for just one year.)

atsushi: (no kidding.) *sigh* (actually, i think it was around this time when i met kyouka.)

Oda: (...Her leaving the Mafia was for the best.)

atsushi: .....(if you'd met her, would you have taken her in?)

Oda: (I would hope so.)

atsushi: ..... (it's funny. you helped out dazai, then he helped me, then i helped kyouka, and now she's helping sylvia...)

Oda: (A real paying-it-forward situation. That's how you make things better)

atsushi:....yeah.

sylvia: m-mr atsushi?

atsushi: hmm?

Oda: (???)

atsushi: oh, right! crepes! ^^; (i totally zoned out, haha. n-no offense!)

Oda: (No rest, huh? Sorry--get back to it.)

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *approaches the underground cells*

*there's someone sitting in one, bandaged all along her arms*

NOS4A2: "???"

Queen: *staring at the floor* "..."

NOS4A2: "..." *sets down a tray of food* "So, meatbags keep their own cows."

Queen: "...The hell are you? A toaster?"

NOS4A2: "?! I am the most advanced robot in--"

Queen: "And back to the wall." *turns around, staring at the wall*

NOS4A2: -_-#### *sparking* "Rude."

spinner: yeah, she's a bit crabby, that one.

NOS4A2: "What's she in for? Is she a traitor?"

spinner: well, it's a long story.

-spinner explains-

NOS4A2: "...That's unbelievable. How did the hand man pass for a student?"

spinner: well, he's younger than he looks, and honestly, he's a total manchild.

NOS4A2: "You hardly seem like one, however--much too serious for this line of work."

spinner: >3<

-elsewhere-

Vulcan: "--but then Gramps got so drunk he reached for the candle--and tried to drink it like a bottle of beer. He stopped when the wax hit his lips."

shinra: ouch.

Arthur: "...Well? What did it taste like?"

Vulcan: "Wax. What else?"

tamaki: sounds painful.

Vulcan: "Ah, my family has always had a high threshold for pain! Need to the number of times you can damage your thumb on a hammer--" *holds up a crooked thumb*

tamaki: 0_____0

Arthur: "PUT THAT THING AWAY! YOU'LL SCARE CHILDREN! LIKE SHINRA!"

shinra: D8<

-elsewhere-

Shotaro: *rips a car door off a burning vehicle* "Come on--I'll get you out of here!"

child: *hanging onto him*

Shotaro: "Is there anyone else?!"

child: bobo!

-a stuffed monkey toy is inside-

Shotaro: O_O; "Oh-kay..." *Beak of the Octopus, as a tentacle reaches in, dodging the flames, wraps around the doll--* "Come on--"

*KA-BOOM*

mother: !!!!!

*The fire engulfs the scene...*

mana: come on, come on...

*something rumbles below the asphalt--before a claw pops out of it*

mana: !!!

*the asphalt pushes away, revealing the child, clutching their monkey toy, as they're pushed up into the mother's hands by claws...*

child: mommy!

mother: *hugging the child* oh thank the stars, you're ok! *crying*

*some spiny creature pops up*

Shotaro: *coughs* *Bone of the Echidna* "Goo-Good..." *drags himself out*

mana: *phew*

Shotaro: *smiles at Mana* "See? Easy-peasy--"

*then a fire truck slams into Shotaro*

mana: D8

Pan: "Damn it, Juria--I said brake!"

-elsewhere-

Shamrock: *arms crossed, brewing coffee...glances outside*

naho: *running through the sprinkler* WOOHOO!

Sakuya: *fanning himself* =~=

Shamrock: *small smile, as he opens the fridge and takes out iced tea*

Belkia: *pumps up a Super Soaker...*

tsubaki: ^^

Shamrock: "They seem to be having fun..." *sets out tea in glasses on a tray*

Belkia: *sprays Sakuya*

Sakuya: "?!!" *falls back*

-elsewhere-

Kid: *reclining by the pool*

Patty: *splashing in the pool* "Hee hee!"

stocking: this is nice and relaxing, huh?

Kid: *sighs happily* "Yes--" *stretches* "A welcome break." *smiles at her*

stocking: hehe~

Kid: *kisses her cheek*

-elsewhere-

sonia: papa? are you feeling better?

Chuuya: *yawns* "Better, yeah."

sonia: uncle hirotsu's downstairs making lunch.

Chuuya: "??? Oh, wow--that's a surprise." *follows her* "Wonder what he's making..."

miyuri: *watching* 0w0

Hirotsu: *chopping up vegetables*

miyuri: hiya papa! uncle hirotsu's making something called...uhhh....what's it called again?

Hirotsu: "Sukiyaki."

miyuri: yeah, sookie-yacky!

Chuuya: ^^; "Thanks for doing this."

Hirotsu: *nods* "You need to conserve your strength..."

Chuuya: "..."

mito: *nuzzles chuuya's leg and purrs*

Chuuya: *reaches down, pets her*

mito: ^w^

Chuuya: "I'll have to check on some lessons for the kids--I heard Kajii was busy."

miyuri: mhmm! he taught us about 'foto-sinthy-sis'.

Chuuya: "Oh, like in plants?"

miyuri: mmhmm mmhmm!

-elsewhere-

Asher: *curled up in an aisle of the library* "..."

hibiki: there you are.

Asher: "..." *pulls their hoodie over their head*

hibiki:...hey, you ok?

Asher: "Leave me alone..." *they look exhausted*

hibiki: ...you sure dont look ok. *sits next to them*

Asher: "..." *pulls back the hoodie--has a black eye*

hibiki: ....how did this happen? *her expression is very serious*

Asher: "...Bad argument at home."

hibiki:.....

Asher: "D-Don't tell her I'm here. I'm not going back."

hibiki:...let's at least get you to the nurse...

Asher: "...Fine."

-elsewhere-

Poe: *head on school desk* T~T "This is harder than I thought."

rowena: *examining a yearbook*

Jonas (Athlete Ghost): *looking over her shoulder* "Yeah, that was my homeroom teacher--and that's the coach. Wow, Lord Death looked so young back then..."

*It's a photo of Lord Death with an afro*

rowena:.... ^^;

Jonas: "What about finding my old girlfriend? She'd know something, right?"

rowena: what was her name?

Jonas: "Marilyn--the most beautiful angel~"

rowena: i...i see. ^^; and her surname?

Jonas: "Marilyn Mortensen."

rowena: *checks the yearbook*

*She placed well in Track and Field, although she had an injury that sidelined her to cheerleading for a bit...*

rowena: this is her, right?

Jonas: *heart eyes* "Yes, indeed!" *reaches for the yearbook--but his hand passes through* "...Oh."

rowena:.....

Poe: "..." *sits up* "I'll begin finding her recent addresses!"

Jonas: T~T

-elsewhere-

Kurogiri: "--and we've received the destination."

tomura: about time!

Kurogiri: "Good things come to those who wait, Shigaraki..." *passes the folder to him*

tomura: hmmm.....

Muscular: " 'Bout time--I'm getting tired sitting here. When do we kill them?"

tomura: that reminds me....*takes out a USB card* a little gift for the new recruit so he can know who's who.

Muscular: "..." *picks up the tiny USB card in his big hands--and struggles to put it into the laptop* "H-Hang on--I can do this--"

Kurogiri: "No, you got it--No, turn it over, it's the wrong way--"

Muscular: "I already did turn it over--it's still not going in..."

tomura: -_-# not you, the tin toy.

Muscular: "HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHO TO KILL AND NOT KILL IF I DON'T SEE THEIR FACES?!"

NOS: -_-# *takes the card--and eats it*

tomura: well?

NOS: "Hmm..." *smacks his lips* "Ugh--couldn't you have paid for one of the high-end USB devices? This one has that noxious arsenic aftertaste--"

tomura: -_-# i didnt give that to you just for you to bitch about it. you have the info now, dont you?

NOS: *adjusts his 'monocle'--projecting files on UA students, flipping through them before stopping on--*

Muscular: "Katsuki Bakugo...Wasn't he that kid who got slimed?"

tomura: he was also the winner of that sports festival.

NOS: "He looks...pleasant." *opens up PhotoShop on his OS, starts editing Bakugo's frown into a really cartoonish smile*

tomura: ......... -____-

-there are files on the other students as well-

NOS: "Tail person. Gremlin. Devil. Ha--green hair.."

tomura: *growls*

Muscular: "Oh, touch a nerve there, Handy?"

tomura: shut. up.

NOS: "Oh, you didn't touch it--you ripped it apart--" *pulls up files--* "...What the deuce is with this running man's eyes?!"

tomura: tenya iida? robotic implants after one of our colleagues blinded him by the light. literally.

NOS: "..." *vibrating*

tomura: *DUCKS*

NOS: *electrical discharge out of his mouth* "I MUST MEET THESE STUDENTS IMMEDIATELY! WHAT ELSE DO WE HAVE--" *flips through more--and stops at Kaminari* "... ... ..."

tomura: he better not explode.

NOS: "I-I'm doing my best to contain it!" >\\\\<

-elsewhere-

kaminari:....anyone else feel a chill just now?

Bakugo: "Yeah--you turned the A/C up too high!"

-elsewhere-

Yohei: "You're lucky you aren't dead."

Pan: "A thousand pardons--" *through clenched teeth* "Right, Juria?!"

juria: tch. im....*forced smile* solly.

Shotaro: *bandaged like a mummy* "I'm Shotaro! Pleased to meet you-- ...Wait a minute..." *looks at her face from side to side*

juria:...what?

Shotaro: "..." *bites on a dog bone--and assumes canine features* "WOOF!"

juria: !??!

Shotaro: "You're a dog person, ain't ya?" *pants, scratches the back of his head with his hind leg*

Pan: "... ... ..." *looks at his whistle*

juria: .////. >///< s-shut up! im going back to the van!

Yohei: *pats Shotaro's head* "You really need to work on your people skills."

Shotaro: ^w^ *bark*

Pan: "Maybe it's coated with something..." *rubs the whistle* "First fox goddesses, now this..."

-elsewhere-

Scorpio: "YOU'RE EATING US OUT OF HOUSE AND HOME, YOU DUMB CRAB!"

cancer: you saying im fat, scrub?!

Scorpio: "No, I'm saying you're an insane fatass who keeps eating our food!"

Aries: -_-;

cancer: WHY YOU LITTLE-

*suddenly, a giant sword swings down in between Scorpio and Cancer*

cancer: O-O

Scorpio: *leaps back, bumping into Virgo*

King Leo: "ENOUGH OF THIS! YOU THINK FIGHTING WILL MAKE THINGS BETTER! ...It'll make your muscles all stringy..." *slobbering, looking at them all...*

virgo: Q____Q;;;;;

Aries: "Not cool, Leo--cannibalism is a big no-no...Capricorn, could you pass the lobster bisque?"

-elsewhere-

Natsuo: *head down at the campus library* -n- ("This is soooooo boring...") *pulls out his phone* [yo sis--how's it going?]

fuyumi: [pretty quiet.]

Natsuo: [students giving you any trouble? need me to have a talking with them ; ) ]

fuyumi: [actually, my students are on break for the summer ^^; ]

Natsuo: "..." [sorry, lost track cause of summer classes. U KNOW WHAT--ROAD TRIP TO SEE ME AT COLLEGE1 lets hang!]

fuyumi: [i'll see what i can do.]

Natsuo: [sweet! say hi to Shoto for me!]

-elsewhere-

Yoh: *flipping through the newspaper* <Yep--that city is insane, man.> *shows a headline out of Death City: "Fire put out by vigilante; police investigating"*

friend: <are you really going?>

Yoh: <Got my passport--and I have questions, especially with what's been going on around here. You see what happened to Hongchang's farm? Thieves raided his storehouse--then blew it up.>

friend: <i heard about that. scary stuff.>

Yoh: *nods* <I think Mana would know something--she's like a Dokeshi expert now. And if those people are showing up here...>

friend: <i thought it was infernals.>

Yoh: <I hear you, and you'd think that given all the Infernals over in the forbidden land--but this looked planned: someone pulled all the food out first--you can see some of it littering their path. And the footsteps--none were consistent. Some human, some animal-like.>

friend 2: <_I_ heard it was talking moles!>

Yoh: <NO ONE WAS TALKING TO YOU, CHEN!>

chen: QwQ;

Friend 3: <Don't mind Yoh--he's just all persnickety because he misses his little sis.>

Yoh: -_-;

-elsewhere-

mana: *ACHOO*

Kepuri: *fixing circuits* "Don't get your germs on my circuits! WASHU, deploy face mask!"

WASHU: deploying~shu!

*a face mask collides into Mana's face*

-elsewhere-

Mephisto: *locked in the bathroom...looks at his shoulder...*

felisia: mephisto? is everything alright in there?

Mephisto: *pulls on his bathrobe* "Sorry, just admiring my handsomeness~ Just a moment..."

felisia:....

Mephisto: *inhales...pockets a vial and exits, arms outstretch* "And here I am!"

felisia:...*hug*

Mephisto: "..." *hug, strokes her head*

felisia: i worry about you, you know.

Mephisto: "I don't want you to..."

felisia:....

Mephisto: "..." *smiles* "Let's look forward to the future, okay?"

felisia:...right.

-elsewhere-

Ango: *sitting at a cafe* "..."

waitress: would you like to order?

Ango: "Just water. Waiting for someone."

waitress: coming right up.

Ango: *looks out the window* "..."

-in a bush across the street-

mizuki: -_-; i cant believe you convinced me to do this. this is embarrassing!

Murakoso: "Aw, come on--you know you're just as curious!"

Takuichi: *looking through binoculars*

mizuki: isnt this invasive?

Takuichi: "Consider it practice in surveillance."

Murakoso: "And making sure the boss is safe."

mizuki: -~-;

Ango: *checks his watch* "..." ("Where is he...")

???: sorry im late.

Ango: *looks up, slight smile* "Oh, hello." *gestures to the chair*

Murakoso: OwO "Ooooo!"

mizuki: *looks*

xinyi: *waves*

Ango: "You're looking well. How has work been?"

xinyi: you know how it is. same old, same old.

Ango: "I can imagine...Is that a new watch?"

Takuichi: "I don't recognize them--professional contact? Why would the boss meet with someone outside the organization?"

mizuki: he's good looking.

Murakoso: "That explains why Ango is meeting with him!"

Takuichi: "???"

mizuki: >///<; murakoso, not so loud!

Ango: *slight laugh* "They even throw in a free cookie with the drink, so I like it."

xinyi: ^^

Ango: "Sorry for the short notice--getting away from work was a challenge...As you can imagine." *his back is to the bushes, but his eyes dart there*

xinyi: i can relate.

Ango: "Oh? Coworker problems?" *sips tea*

xinyi: you could say that.

Takuichi: "Hmm...They seem to be talking about work."

Murakoso: >w> "Oh? Is he rich?"

-elsewhere-

Mori: *tapping a pen on the table* "...Bring him in. I'd like to have a word."

miura: right away, sir.

Mori: *flips through a book at his desk--"The Great War"*

tachihara: sir?

Mori: *stands up, looks out the window* "Are you keeping an eye on Hirotsu?"

tachihara: yeah, he's old, but he's more than capable of handling himself...sir.

Mori: "Oh, you know that's not what I mean...So stop lying."

tachihara:.....what's this about, sir?

Mori: "Look at the desk..."

*there are photos of Hirotsu and Dazai at a museum...*

tachihara:....what, gramps cant have friends outside the mafia? even if it is a traitor-

Mori: "These kinds of entanglements need to be noted. This is not the same as when the Mafia collaborated with the Armed Detective Agency against the Rats' remains. This was before the Guild attack...Remind me, what were you up to when that whale was about to crash-land onto Death City?"

tachihara: hey, that was like, what, almost a year ago? i was probably doing mafia stuff or something.

Mori: *turns--a cold intense stare at him* "..."

tachihara: !!!! .....

Mori: "..." *sweet smile, eyes closed* "How silly! Tachihara, we must do something about that memory of yours. Please remember your movements far better--" *walks over, pats his shoulder* "I need you to be my eyes for Hirotsu, Higuchi, and Gin."

tachihara:....what's this about, if you dont mind me asking?

Mori: "I think Hirotsu's relationship with Dazai is one worth cultivating. I hope one day he can convince our prodigal child to return as an executive."

tachihara:.....

Mori: "Will you help me fulfill that dream?" *slight shoulder squeeze*

tachihara:...i'll....see what i can do.

Mori: *lets go* "That's all I ask~"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *holding ice to their eye*

nygus: do you need me to call anyone?

Asher: "..." *shakes their head*

nygus:...if you're having trouble at home-

Asher: "JUST SHUT UP ALREADY!"

nygus: !!!

Asher: "...I have to go." *tries to get up--and stumbles*

nygus:......

-elsewhere-

haydee: *licking albert's head*

albert: *happy baby giggling* ^w^

Dumas: "..."

mercedes: *filming* i think he likes it. ^^

Dumas: *nods* "Haydee is good with children..."

mercedes: and she's a rescue, you say?

Dumas: "Yes--I adopted her after...after my departure."

mercedes: hm...

Cervantes: "...Just about done! No worries!"

Dumas: "..." *facepalm*

marquis: wow! you did such a good job, gigi!

eugenie: thank you! uncle lucy taught me how to braid hair. ^^

Bene: "Come on! Don't be such a baby!" *tugging on Edouard's arm*

edouard: i'll be out in a minute. i just need to finish this chapter, first!

Bene: >_< "What's so good in that dumb book?"

edouard: it's not dumb, the subject matter is rather philosophical if i say so myself.

valentine: come on kids, dont fight. ms mercedes invited us over to have fun and enjoy the nice weather.

eugenie: *rolls eyes* brothers. am i right?

marquis: cant say, im an only child.

Cervantes: "??? Really? I come from a big family--so big Mama and Papa ran out of names. That's how we got Andrés and Andrea..."

Dumas: *staring at charred kebabs* "...How horrifying."

mercedes: oh my, must be quite the household. ^^;

Cervantes: "It makes holidays a challenge--OH CRUD, I FORGOT MAGDALENA'S BIRTHDAY!" *pulls out his phone* "Hap...py...birth...day...And send!"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *walking through DWMA hallway*

nygus: *nods to him*

Spirit: "How's it going?"

nygus: it's been vaguely eventful.

Spirit: "That's...kind of vague. What do you mean?"

nygus: well...

-nygus explains-

Spirit: "... ... ..." *turns, seizes the door knob...then slices it with his hand*

nygus: !!!

Spirit: "...I'll send maintenance to fix that." *marches out*

{Spirit: *holding onto Mami*}

{mami:.....}

{Spirit: "I won't let you get hurt--just...don't give up, kid."}

-…-

{Spirit: *standing with Crona and Mami at Maka's grave* "..."}

{mami:....i really wish i could have been better friends with her.....}

{Crona: *wiping their eyes*}

{Spirit: *shaking, fists clenched*}

{mami:.....*hugs them both*}

{Spirit: *shaking and starts sobbing*}

{Crona: *losing it, holding on...*}

Spirit: *marches out the doors--and starts running down the DWMA stairs*

Asher: *sitting at the bottom of the stairs* "..."

Spirit: ("I'll find them! I'm not letting this happen again--") *and runs right by Asher*

Asher: "...???"

Spirit: *already across the street and down the block--then stops* "... ... ..." *turns back around* "...Oh, for f--"

*a car drive by, blasting its horn*

Spirit: "--sake..." *walks back...*

Asher: "...What the hell..."

Spirit: *walks up, panting, doubled over* "H-H...Hey..."

Asher: "...Hi, sir...You dying or something...?"

Spirit: *waves his hand* "I-I'm fine--just, you know, running..." *deep breath* "How're you?"

asher:....been better.....

Spirit: "...You hungry?"

asher:...*pulls their hoodie up over their face* i guess....

Spirit: "...What you feeling? Pizza? Sushi?"

asher:...cheeseburger.

Spirit: "..." *smiles* "You got it. Let me call Izumi..."

-elsewhere-

nozomi: mail call!

Arthur: "??? The courier was here? What did they bring?"

nozomi: a few bills, a letter for maki, a package for lisa, and some other things.

lisa: oh good. hey vul! the new parts are here!

Vulcan: "Sweet! Let's open them up..."

maki: *looks at the letter*.......oh...

Petra: "Fancy looking letter, Officer Oze."

maki:....*throws it in the bin*

rita: D8

shinra: ??? *opens the letter*

-seems to be from her parents inviting her to dinner at the oze estate-

shinra: ESTATE?!

Arthur: "CASTLE?!"

maki: 7__7 yeah, my family is rather well off...

shinra: that's surprising. you dont really strike me as the 'rich girl princess' type.

maki: *GLARE*

Arthur: "...Wait, the ogre is a princess--"

shinra: 0_0;;; IM JOKING PLEASE DONT KILL ME!

Petra: "..." *fast walks away*

maki: ....you can burn that.

Akitaru: *overhearing* "Hang on, Maki--this may be worth attending."

maki: if i dont want to go, i dont have to!

Akitaru: "..." *colder voice* "Come with me for a second, soldier."

maki: *pales a bit*...y-yes sir....

shinra: ._.;;

Arthur: "Dragon..."

Takehisa: *waiting in Akitaru's office* "..."

iris: i knew maki had problems with her family, but...

Arthur: "I didn't. She's always with her cousin and her cousin's cousin..."

tamaki: that reminds me. *sending a text*

Arthur: "?"

tsugumi: [hey tamaki! what's up? ^o^ ]

-in oubi's office-

Akitaru: "--so this is a good opportunity that the 8th can't pass up."

maki: ....

Takehisa: "Will you help us?"

maki:...ok. i'll go to the dinner.

Akitaru: *nods* "Thank you. This means a lot..." *glances at a photo on his desk*

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: hey anya? could i borrow some formal wear?

mio: ??

Anya: "??? Why would you need formal wear?"

tsugumi: tamaki-chan texted and told me that maki's been invited to her family's place for dinner. she asked me to go with her and help her out.

Anya: "Fufufu--how formal does it have to be if it's your extended family?"

tsugumi:... >w> welllll.....

-smash cut outside-

Eternal Feather: *sweeping--*

*a loud shriek is heard inside the dorm*

Eternal Feather: *her glasses shatter* "..." .____.;

-inside-

Anya: *sobbing into her pillow* "THIS RUINS ALL OF MY EXPECTATIONS!" >~<

tsugumi: *her hair has been blown back* ._.;;

mio:....you owe me new glasses, hepburn.

Anya: "..." *sits up, composes her, deep breath* "..." *intense stare at Tsugumi* "YOU. WE NEED MEASUREMENTS."

tsugumi: owo;

Meme: "?!!! WHO DIED IN HERE?!"

Ao: "Shall I call the cemetery?"

mio: meme? ao? that's you, right? i cant see for shit right now.

-elsewhere-

hito: cheers sir!

Honda: "Prost!" *sips, with pinky up on his tea cup* "Ah! Refreshing!" [[note; prost is cheers in german]]

hito: *sips* thanks for the invite, sir. hopefully this isnt seen as nepotism or something, haha.

Honda: "Perish the thought! I am checking with every single soldier as quickly as I can, tailored to their interests! I even went on that potato farm tour with Juggernaut!"

{Takeru: "WOO! IDAHO POTATO!" *chanting as the tram passes a single potato in a glass case* "IDAHO! IDAHO! IDAHO--"}

Honda: "...I am never getting those 4 hours back."

hito: *sweatdrop*

Honda: *sets down his tea cup, looks serious* "Is anyone giving you trouble?"

hito: not that im aware, sir.

Honda: "I just want to make sure. You know how hyper-masculine and gross the military complex can be."

hito: yeah, that's part of why im pretending to be a guy around the others. to be honest, a part of me is scared that they'll find out. even so, i wouldnt want to be in any other brigade. my family has worked with the military and the 2nd brigade, and it's only right that i follow that legacy as well.

Honda: "Highly honorable!" *pours another cup of tea* "You uphold your family's legacy well, soldier!"

hito: *smiles* thank you sir.

-elsewhere-

*someone sits at a police desk, staring at maps*

???: ("Got to memorize all of this...")

sansa: excuse me, mind if i come in?

???: "Hmm? Oh, sure." *turns around* "How may I help you?"

sansa: *hands him a letter* this came in the mail for you, sir.

???: "Thank you, Officer Sansa." *looks at the envelope--it's addressed to Takigi Oze* "Oh, it's from Mom!"

sansa: ah yes, your mother was part of the military, wasnt she?

Takigi: "...Yes, she was."

sansa: well, i'll be taking off on an evening patrol soon. you have a nice evening sir.

Takigi: "Thank you--good night..." *reading the letter* "..." *sighs*

-elsewhere-

izumi: ....

Asher: "..." *nom*

izumi:...thanks for taking us out, dad.

Spirit: "Happy to! You two look starved--eat up!"

izumi: *eating*

Asher: "...Thanks..." *wipes their eyes*

izumi:....hey dad, can asher stay at our place tonight?

Asher: "?!!"

Spirit: "Sure--Asher, up for that?"

Asher: "...I-I don't need that..."

izumi: you wont be imposing or anything.

Asher: *shaking their head* "I-I don't wanna...impose..."

izumi: it's fine, really.

Spirit: "Asher...It's an invite because we care about you."

Asher: "..." *nods*

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "NO, YOU MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS TOGETHER SEPARATELY BEFORE ADDING THE WET ONES!"

kirishima: right, right. ^^;

Tetsutetsu: "You are way too hardcore about this, man--"

Bakugo: *DEATH GLARE*

shouda: i've never made eclairs before, so i dont know how well they'll turn out.

Bakugo: "Jeez, you people are useless! You need to--"

Sato: "Now bring the wet to a boil--you're doing great!"

Bakugo: "..." *STARES AT SATO*

Hagakure: "Oh, it's looking good, Sato!"

pony: oooh, dat looks delish!

Bakugo: *shaking with jealousy*

Sato: "All through the power of collaboration! Oh, that reminds me--got to finish the chocolate glaze! Who wants to lick the spoon?"

itsuka: ^^; yours looks great, katsuki.

Bakugo: "Of course it does--I made it! I read the recipe! I memorized it and the whole dang book!"

Tetsutetsu: "Dude, breathe."

itsuka: ^^;

Hagakure: *has cake mix and flour on her face* "Thank you for preventing another Class A vs B rivalry, Itsuka."

Sato: *nods* "Baked good should bring people together--except on cooking shows. Then I will dominate."

itsuka: well, so far no one's gotten hurt-

momo: um, has anyone seen mineta?

jirou: *trapped him in the freezer*....no.

itsuka:....no one important anyway.

Bakugo: "..." *pinches the bridge of his nose* "Now we need to disinfect that thing..."

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: *hangs up the phone* "..." *covers his eyes* "Damn."

mitsuba: what is it?

Kimizuki: "Just...talking with my sister. She's going through a rough day..."

mitsuba: ....

Kimizuki: "...I got to head over tomorrow--UGH! No! Drills are scheduled--"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *on the phone* "..."

cassidy: oh my god, where ARE you?!

Asher: "At Izumi's..."

cassidy: would it have killed you to call me and tell me where you are?! do you know how worried SICK i've been?!

Asher: "...Stop yelling at me."

cassidy: *her voice cracks slightly* i just....i was so scared...

Asher: "...I'm sorry."

cassidy:....are mr or mrs albarn there?

Asher: "Yeah..." *hands the house phone back to Spirit*

cassidy: hello?

Spirit: "Hi, Cassidy."

cassidy: how's asher?

Spirit: "I honestly can't say how they are since they left home...They have a black eye."

cassidy: *covers her mouth* oh my god....

Spirit: "What happened?"

-meanwhile-

izumi: *putting a compress on asher's eye*

Asher: *tenses*

izumi: s-sorry, is that too much?

Asher: "I don't know--I've never had to tend to a black eye..."

izumi: well, mom should be getting home soon, i could ask her...

Asher: "Yeah, sure..."

izumi:...do you want something to drink?

Asher: "...Water."

izumi: ok then.

Asher: "..." *tries to close their eyes--and cringes*

-elsewhere-

sonia: *having her hair blow-dried*

Chuuya: "Feeling okay?"

sonia: mmhmm.

miyuri: *laying in bed* =w= nice warm fluffy jammies~

Chuuya: "That's good. You have really lovely hair."

Mito: *paws at Miyuri's blanket*

miyuri: *giggles*

sonia: hmm......

Chuuya: "Okay, just about time for sleep. You used the bathroom?"

sonia: mmhmm. and we brushed our teeth too.

Chuuya: "Good girl. Miyuri?"

miyuri: yep. *YAAAWN*

Chuuya: *tucks Miyuri in* "Get some sleep--tomorrow's another busy day."

sonia: good night, papa.

Chuuya: "Good night, Sonia." *tucks her in, kisses her forehead*

-elsewhere-

higuchi: um...gin? why is Q burning a minion plushie in the backyard?

Gin: "...Where did Q even get one?"

Q: there needs to be a sacrifice for a successful harvest.

Gin: "...Where did you hear that?"

Q: *doesnt answer*

higuchi:....yeeeah _that_ totally isnt unsettling at all.

Gin: "You hungry?"

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "Just about done cooking..."

izumi: ok.

sachiko: *enters* =~= *siiiiigh* FUCK. TRAFFIC.

Asher: *sitting on the coach* "..."

Spirit: ^^; "Hello, sweetie. We have a guest..."

sachiko: oh? ah, asher so good to- !!!! what happened to you?!

Asher: "..."

sachiko: do you mind coming into the kitchen with me for a moment?

Asher: *follows*

-elsewhere-

Lovecraft: *humming a lullaby*

lavinia: *sleeping*

ebie: zzzzz

dorothy: *asleep*

Steinbeck: *looking up at the Moon, lying on the roof of the RV*

emily: so, where are we going next?

Steinbeck: *nods* "We'll have to get by border security as well."

emily: right. and we'll need to stock up on supplies.

Steinbeck: "That'll take a bit more cash..."

emily: hmmmm. guess we're going to be doing some oddjobs then.

Steinbeck: "I always had other ideas...Could sell Twain."

twain: me or my services~?

emily: *jumps* OH!

Steinbeck: "I was thinking your organs. Your kidneys probably'll fetch a good price."

twain: OwO;;;;

Hemingway: "No, no, that's stupid--the brain is what fetches good money at numerous research institutions..." *sharpening a harpoon*

-morning-

Asher: *snoring*

izumi: *yaaaawn*

Spirit: *sips coffee, looks exhausted, while he flips the pancake over on the griddle*

izumi: *sniffs* ??? *heads downstairs* morning dad.

Spirit: "Morning..." *yawns* "Sleep okay?"

izumi: yeah. asher's still sleeping.

Spirit: "Got a sense how they're holding up?" *he's already made 3 tall stacks of pancakes...*

izumi: yeah, i dont think the futon was any trouble for them...

Spirit: "Well, you're on break today--better let them sleep this off a bit longer."

-elsewhere-

maki: ...... *looking at herself in the mirror, holding a dress up to herself*

*knock on the door*

Vulcan: *outside* "Some fancy wheels just pulled up."

maki: ?? *looks outside*

*there is a limo with the Oze family chauffeur*

maki: ?!?!? (i thought the dinner was this evening?!)

*out of the limo appears--*

Meme: *looking up at the 8th* "Wow!"

tsugumi: *looks up* !!! *waves*

maki: tsugumi?!

tsugumi: hi maki-chan!

maki: hold on! i got to get changed first!

tsugumi: ok!

tamaki: hey girls!

shinra: *looks in the window of the limo* woah. fancy.

Chauffeur: *slaps Shinra's hands away* "No touching."

Anya: *looks into the entrance of the 8th* "...I'll wait out here." -^-

Arthur: *walks by* "Oh, hey."

shinra: hey arthur, your ex is here.

mio: *wince* ooh, zing.

Anya: >_>;

Arthur: "Don't make this awkward, demon."

shinra: owo me? nawww~

Anya: "...You're looking well."

Arthur: "Thanks. That is a lovely dress."

Anya: "?!!!" >\\\\< "It's nothing special! I'm just wearing it to fit in! It's Tsugumi's fault for completely revising her back story at the last minute and compromising all my head-canon!"

tamaki: <-<;;; you guys want something to drink?

Meme: "Water's fine." ^^;

Ao: "I think Anya could use some as well for her thirst."

mio: *SNORT LAUGH* >3<

Anya: >\\\\\< *angrish noises*

Takehisa: *approaches with snacks on a tray...he's wearing an apron that says 'Oregon Men Are My Sweethearts'* "Snacks?"

mio: um.....what's with the apron?

Arthur: "The Lieutenant is fashion-blind. He has no sense of what makes for good attire."

Takehisa: *looks at Mio* "That is a lovely dress."

Arthur: "See?"

mio: >n<

Meme: *punches Arthur in the jaw* "APOLOGIZE!"

tamaki: .___.

Anya: D8

tsugumi: gagantous!

Vulcan: "...So, Maki will be a few more minutes. Please make yourselves at home." ^^;;;;;; "MEDIC NEEDED AT THE FRONT STEPS!"

-elsewhere-

sansa: *looking at headphones* hmmm...

*look to be a variety of brands: Haijima, Detnerat...*

Clerk: "Finding everything okay?"

sansa: yes, im looking for some headphones, but it's difficult to find ones for my particular head shape. ^^;

Clerk: "We are authorized by Detnerat to make modifications to some of their brands to suit a variety of ears." *picks up a pair* "These are very popular with people with prominent triangular auricula."

sansa: oh, these look very nice! do they come in navy blue?

Clerk: *types onto phone* "...Yes! In the back room."

-elsewhere-

Axel: *pours an entire box of cereal into a bowl--then grabs another brand of cereal and pours that into the same bowl--*

zeke: owo;

Axel: *pulls an entire jug of milk out of the fridge* "Okay--I think we're about ready. Got the stream open?"

zeke: stream is open and the nurse is on standby.

Kanin: [this seems kind of reckless]

Yafeu: [CHUG CHUG CHUG]

*timer starts*

Axel: *starts spooning cereal into his mouth*

hibiki: [at least zeke has 911 on speed dial]

Duncan: [20 bucks says he vomits]

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *nom*

sachiko: how's breakfast?

Asher: "...Good."

sachiko: glad to hear.

Asher: "..." *stares down*

sachiko:..sleep well?

Asher: "...No worse than usual."

-elsewhere-

Axel: X_X "I'm dead...Send my remains home to Dad and Mom, bro."

zeke: sorry for calling you so early for a house call, miss nygus. ^^;

Nygus: "What on earth did he eat?"

zeke:....weeeeeelllll... >w>;;;;

-elsewhere-

Gin: "Mmm..."

higuchi: zzzzz.....

Gin: *hug, cheek smooch*

higuchi: =///w///=

-elsewhere-

inko: we'll need more paper towels soon.

Izuku: *writes it down* "And milk, too."

-izuku's phone rings-

Izuku: "???" *checks*

-call from kaminari-

Izuku: "What's up, Kaminari?"

kaminari: DUUUUUUUDE look outside!

Izuku: "..." *looks out the window*

-kaminari and mineta are waving to him from across the street-

kaminari: get down here! we're going to the school's pool for swim training!

Izuku: "Oh! But...there's no school today? We'd need approval--"

kaminari: relaaax, we got it covered! we convinced yaomomo to put a good word in for us with the teacher.

{vlad king: well, if it's for training...}

kaminari: we're good as gold my dude!

Izuku: "Oh! But...I have to run errands..." *looks at Inko--with puppy dog eyes*

inko: well....*smile* you go have fun. errands can wait for now.

Izuku: "!!! Thank you!" *hug*

inko: *hugs* just remember to keep in touch, ok?

Izuku: "I'll have my phone with me! I'll be home before dinner--and I can bring back the groceries, too!"

-elsewhere-

ochako: hey, why do you think the swimsuits at school look like this?

hagakure: maybe it's something to do with aerodynamics! or should i say hydrodynamics?.....that's not even a pun, im legit asking.

Jiro: =~=;

mina: i dunno, maybe it's averting typical swimsuit fanservice gags.

ochako: what?

mina: what?

momo: in any case, we should probably start with some basic stretches while we wait for the others.

Tsuyu: "Good thinking...I do this one before aquatic work."

ochako: yeah, dont want to get a cramp in the water, that would just suck.

???: "GREETINGS, CLASSMATES!" *wheeling a cooler to the poolside*

ochako: oh, hey!

Iida: *waves* "Hello!" *he's in a speedo already* "Ah, stretching exercises--very important to protect your muscles!"

momo: O//////////////////////////////////////////O *steam is coming off of her*

Jiro: "...Yeah, we're averting a lot right now." *looks away* "Like my stare." -_-;

mina: who ordered beef? *giggles at her joke*

Iida: "Have the others arrived yet? ...Momo, you look overheated. I have cold refreshing fruit drinks."

ochako: we just got here.

Jiro: "Yes, Momo. Are you thirsty?"

momo:..thank you.

mina: *cackling*

Iida: "??? Is this an inside joke?"

Jiro: "..." *opens her mouth--then promptly shuts it* "Too easy."

sero: we're here!

Sato: "Hey there!"

Tokoyami: *hiding in the shade* =~=;

Aoyama: "Bonjour~"

sero: i think tokoyami's gonna sit this out, scared he's gonna molt.

Tokoyami: "Ha ha ha...You know the real reason..."

Dark Shadow: T~T "I need a hug..."

momo: *snaps to reality* oh right! pool safety rules!

Iida: "Indeed!" *holds up fingers* "Let's count them down!"

-elsewhere-

Aizawa: *reviewing files* "Okay, that finishes the remedial lesson plans. Let's go over the security parameters again."

midnight: right.

Present Mic: "HOW WE GOING TO TRUST THE BUS DRIVERS THIS TIME?!"

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *sips motor oil through a straw*

twice: sooooo what does energy 'taste' like. i always imagined it tasted like poprocks. BEST SERVED WITH SODA!

NOS4A2: "I was not programmed with 'taste,' but as I've heard from my creator, it's far less that tingly electronic sensation and more like feeling a flow of power surging through your orifice into your very circuits."

twice: .....SOUNDS KINDA KINKY.

NOS4A2: "..." *looks around* "Is he...Is he 'normal'?"

giran: 'normal'? in _this_ place?.....BWAHAHAHAHA! good joke, buddy.

NOS4A2: O_O; "...What mess did I step into..."

giran: you thought shit was bad NOW? you should have met that teddy-bear guy and his mute clown friend. _THOSE_ guys were fucked up.

-elsewhere-

ManBearFix: =~= "You can stop poking me, Doc--you already checked my reflexes there..."

-elsewhere-

Izuku: *has changed into his swimming attire* "This'll be great! Swimming is good for having water resistance--so I can keep improving my speed and strength while cooling off!"

kaminari: heck yeah!

Mineta: "After all, how else can we be Pro Heroes if we don't follow the Plus Ultra mantra!" *winks* ("Kaminari, if you can read my mind, you know we are about to be blessed with the sight of divine greatness--those shapely curves...")

kaminari: NIRVANA HERE WE COME! *slips and bellyflops into the pool*

*electricity crackles throughout the pool*

Mineta: OxO;

Iida: "NO RUNNING, KAMINARI! You could fry the entire class!"

momo: *holds up a '6' card*

Izuku: "Oh, hey, everyone! I didn't know you all were training here today, too."

ochako: yeah, that just leaves todoroki to arrive yet.

Mineta: -3- ("I know I should appreciate the school swimsuit, but not even one two piece? Weak sauce--")

Todoroki: *walks out of the boys' locker room--the door slamming into Mineta*

ochako: oh, hey todoroki!

Todoroki: "...Oh. H-Hi." *waves* "I only just got Iida's text message..."

momo: now that everyone's here, we should go over the pool safety rules.

Iida: "Indeed! As Kaminari has demonstrated, NO RUNNING AROUND THE POOL!"

kaminari: im okaaaaaay =~=

Mineta: XnX

Iida: "No eating before swimming to reduce risk of a cramp!"

momo: right.

Iida: "Stay hydrated! We have numerous nutritious drinks full of electrolytes and fruit juice in the cooler! I also have brought sunscreen at various levels of SPF!"

Hagakure: "Thank goodness!"

momo: we should also probably do stretches as well.

Kyoka: *in a sundress* "It's pleasant outside..." *opens a parasol*

sylvia: *also has a parasol and sundress, her skin covered with bandages* .~.;

Kyoka: *small smile* "You look lovely."

sylvia: t-thank you, miss kyouka! >///<;

Kyoka: "You're welcome. Where shall we go? The aquarium isn't far..."

sylvia: s-sounds f-fun…

Kyoka: "..." *offers her hand*

sylvia: .////. *takes it*

Kyoka: -\\\\\- *walks with her*

-elsewhere-

Spirit: *pulls over* "I can be back in about 2 hours--or do you need longer?"

izumi: we'll be ok, dad.

Spirit: "Okay...I'll see you in a bit. Keep your phone charged!"

Asher: "..." *steps out*

-elsewhere-

ochako: ok, so how are we gonna do this training?

Hagakure: "We've done enough stretches--how about swimming, or volleyball, or--"

*noise is heard coming from the boys' locker room*

sero: >->; um...

*the door kicks open*

Bakugo: "HOW MANY TIMES ARE YOU GOING TO GET US LOST?!"

eijiro: i found him!

Izuku: "Kachan! How's it going--"

Bakugo: "SHUT UP!" *walks by, his sweat is already crackling* "WHAT THE HELL KIND OF WIMPY TRAINING IS THIS?!"

momo: we're doing some poolside training and-

Bakugo: "WHAT'S THE POINT WHEN YOU HAVE A POOL WITH LANES IN IT! LIGHTNING CALVES, LET'S RACE!"

Iida: "..." *looks at his calves* "...Um..."

ochako: i volunteer to swim on iida's behalf!

Hagakure: "Neat-o! A battle of wills!"

Mineta: "Can there be a prize?"

Iida: "Yes! Pride for a job well done!"

Mineta: "..." *walks away, sits on a beach chair*

jirou:....mineta, do you see that? by the treeline, what is that?

Mineta: *turns* "What? Is it boobs?"

mina: *picks him up and tosses him over the fence* YEET!!

Mineta: "WAAAAAH!" *CRASHES*

Izuku: "...Okay, we have 5 lanes, so we can have 5 people compete at a time!"

momo: we have ochako and bakugou volunteering so far, so that leaves 3 more spaces.

Hagakure: "Count me in!"

Aoyama: "Exciting--I'll join as well!"

Ojiro: "I'm game!"

Bakugo: *looks at all of them* "..." *points* "Tail Guy is dead, Twinkle Stomach is dead, Invisible Girl is dead, Ururaka is dead."

ochako: oh it is on, bakugou!

Ojiro: ._.; "Why don't we get our real names?"

Aoyama: <The curse of being a side character~>

Hagakure: *already lined up* "Who's refereeing?"

Iida: "What a challenge, to serve as an impartial judge...I VOLUNTEER!"

-and so-

Iida: "On your marks..."

Aoyama: *sweating*

Iida: "Get set..."

ochako: *takes her stance*

Iida: *blows a whistle*

*The students take off...*

-elsewhere-

Takigi: "--and all the disappearance center around this area--" *circles the map* "--on the outskirts of Death City..."

takigi's partner: that is troubling...

Takigi: "It's largely deserted, and most people who disappeared were members of an excavation team to check in after the collapse of the Nether."

takigi's partner: ....

Takigi: "I don't like it...The Nether wouldn't have gone down if not for the 8th..."

takigi's partner: that's the brigade your sister is in, right?

Takigi: *holding a pointer stick--which he snaps in half*

takigi's partner: ._.;

Takigi: "That sniveling four-eye weasel Hinawa used bureaucratic pressure to coerce my innocent sister...The monster..."

takigi's partner: um-

Takigi: "And every report about the 8th shows them to be an undisciplined force just pushing its way through!" *opens up a file, laying out news clippings, official reports, police complaints, and photos--*

takigi's partner: ._.;

Takigi: "An untrained gopher for the traitor Giovanni, a former member of the Hoods, some mad scientists and bitter angry nun--THIS ONE'S A FLIPPING NUDIST!" *holds up a photo of Tamaki, who is somehow dressed in ribbons*

takigi's partner: i think you're blowing this out of p-

Takigi: *throwing up articles into the air* "A GORILLA! A DEMON! A WANNABE KNIGHT! A-A-A- ...The smaller nun seems fine. A HAIJIMA BOOTLICKER--"

Sergeant: *steps in* "How's the report coming along--" *sees the papers scattered and the photos of the brigade members* "...What the..."

takigi's partner: i think he might be having a psychotic break.

minoura: oze, would it kill you to quiet down? -_-;

Takigi: "I AM C-- ..." *pushes back his hair* "I am calm..."

Sansa: *picks up photos of Tamaki* .________.; "I'm pretty sure this violates multiple workplace codes..."

-elsewhere-

tamaki:....maki. when you see your brother, punch him.

Anya: "??? Is that a traditional family greeting?"

maki: um...tamaki? are you ok?

tamaki: just fine.

maki: *sweatdrop*

Petra: *opens up an old yearbook* "Hang on--Kotatsu, this was your school?"

tamaki: hm? yeah....

Iris: "Aw! This was before you started nun training? You were so cute!"

tamaki: 7///7;;;

{Student: "Wow, so you got fire abilities now?!"}

{tamaki: y-yeah, it just kind of happened.}

{Student 2: "Tch--before or after you hiked up your skirt?"}

{Student 1: "Hey! That's not nice..."}

{tamaki: c-can we drop that, please?}

{Student 1: *glares at Student 2* "So, Kotatsu, are you going to join a Fire Force platoon?"}

{tamaki: eh? well, was thinking of joining the 1st brigade.}

{Student 1: "The one that Brother Rekka works at?"}

{student 3: hehehe~ he's so cool isnt he?}

{Student 2: "Studly, you mean..."}

{tamaki: t-that's not the reason at all! >///< }

{*in the courtyard, Rekka is training, flinging flames as he practices martial arts...*}

{Student 1: >w> "Want to watch his training?"}

{tamaki: m-maybe some other time. *exits*}

{student 3:....ugh, who does she think she's kidding, huh?}

{Student 2: "She's just trying to act holier-than-thou so people stop thinking she's a floozy..."}

{Student 1: "...That's not fair..."}

{student 3: careful her bad luck doesnt rub off on you.}

tamaki:.....

Tsugumi: "It was weird when I learned about my weapon abilities, too..."

tamaki: *snaps to reality* wha?

Tsugumi: "Oh--sorry! I just started rambling about what it was like when I left my school for the DWMA. All of my classmates were really excited for me--it felt weird getting all of that attention." ^^;

maki: yeah, you stabbed a door, didnt you, tsugumin?

Tsugumi: D8 "I apologized to the door!"

mio:.. 7_7; did they know you were a weapon?

Tsugumi: "Not until my homeroom teacher announced I would be transferring, and kind of spilled the beans why..."

mio: did they treat you any differently?

Tsugumi: "Yeah--I was a lot more popular! Kind of sucked that only happened right before I had to move away..." ^^;

mio: ....well yay for you. 7__7#

Meme: "..." *pat pat*

mio: *wipes her eyes* well, what time is dinner?

Tsugumi: "The invitation said to arrive by 4...He's always punctual..."

-elsewhere-

Maid: "Are you sure you don't want help, ma'am? There are many guests, and that's a lot of cooking..."

madoka oze: i'll be fine. not the first time i've made this much food.

Maid: "It's been so long since getting to see Maki back home...Mr. Oze is still pacing the halls, instructing the staff."

madoka oze: *chuckle* classic danro....i just hope this goes well. last they spoke, they werent on the best of terms...

Maid: *nods* "When she transferred?"

madoka oze: yeah....that was years ago now...

{Danro: "I FORBID IT!" *his eyes are narrowed*}

{maki: but dad, this way i can help people!}

{Danro: "Oh, and you're not already helping people now for the army?!"}

{maki: well there isnt any emergencies going on, so we're hardly doing anything right now!}

{Danro: "We need you to provide support from the base! That is where you belong--giving the support to those who need to be out in the field!"}

{maki: but this brigade needs all the members it can get! they're good people that just want to help!}

{Danro: "You think _Hinawa_, who was drummed out after executing his teammate, is _good people_?!"}

{maki: ugh, you're being unreasonable! i know in the fire force, i can save people, that i can make a difference!}

{Danro: "No daughter of mine is joining! You're staying in the army, and that's final!" *EPIC EYEBROW GLARE*}

{maki: *bites lip* WELL MAYBE I DONT WANT TO _BE_ YOUR DAUGHTER THEN! *storms out*}

madoka oze:....

Maid: "Maybe this meeting can be an opportunity to heal..."

madoka oze: i hope so...

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "IN YOUR FACE!"

mina: =3=

Jiro: "Do you ever get tired of indiscriminately abusing your Quirk like that?"

Bakugo: "HEY! I ONLY HURT FEELINGS, NOT BODIES! DON'T LIKE IT? THEN YOU GO COMPETE!"

Jiro: "..." *lines up*

Izuku: .~.; *lines up*

momo: ready....set....go!

Izuku: *blasts forward with One for All*

momo:.....

Jiro: *smirks--as she vibrates the water with her new waterproof speaker support items*

tsuyu: is this regulation?

Iida: T~T "By this point, everyone is abusing Quirks and support items...So unprofessional..."

Ojiro: "Just take it as practicing Quirks and support items before using them in the field..." ^^;

momo: *sigh* alright. the final round will be a test of physical strength. swimming from one end to the other and back _without_ using quirks or support items.

sato: *sweatdrop* (why didnt you just do that from the start?)

Shoji: "Works for me..." *pulls on a swimming cap*

eijiro: hey sero, does the water affect your tapes at all?

Sero: "A bit, yeah, depending on what I eat--that's one of the things I'm trying to strengthen at summer camp, build up resistance."

eijiro: ah. makes sense.

mina: yeah, cause if the tape loses it's stickiness, you're basically flopping a long noodle around.

Sero: =~= "It-It could still be a deterrent!"

-later-

Todoroki: *stretching* "This is it..."

Bakugo: "PREPARE TO DIE." *lines up*

Izuku: ^^; "Good luck, everyone..."

momo: ready....set....go!

*The three boys leap--*

*Then something grabs them by the ankles*

Izuku: D8>

Todoroki: "?!"

Bakugo: "THE F--"

*SPLASH*

Aizawa: *has grabbed them by his scarves--and knocked them face-down into the water* "Time's up. All kids out of the pool."

ochako: wait. is it that late already?!

Aizawa: "School is closing up. Get out of here before the security bots start tasering you."

-elsewhere-

mio: so this is your house?!

maki: 7_7 yep. the old family homestead...

Meme: "Amazing!"

Anya: "...Seems quite small."

mio: HOW IS _THIS_ SMALL!?!?

Anya: "The family summer home is about 3 times this size."

mio: 0________________0 (these darn rich people!)

Maid: *exits* "Oh, Miss Maki--hello!"

maki: hey.

tsugumi: *waves*

Maid: "And Miss Tsugumi! Oh, this will be a family gathering! Takigi did say he will be a bit late, though..."

maki: joooy.

tsugumi: i brought my friends along. i hope that isnt a problem.

ao: good evening.

Anya: *small bow* "Hello."

Meme: "Hi-ya!"

Maid: "What a polite bunch!" ^^ "Come in--the heat is dreadful today..."

-inside-

mio: wow, fancy place you got.

Maid: "Your mother has made enough food to feed the army--so I'm sure--"

Anya: *studying the artwork* "Exquisite taste..."

maki: not much has changed, huh?

mio: *observing photos on the wall*

*Seem to be photos of children as well as some military photos...*

mio: huh....family resemblance....

*One man in them has...noticeable eyebrows...*

mio:...e-eyebrows.......*imagines maki with danro's eyebrows* >3< *stiffling a laugh*

tsugumi: ?? mio?

mio: IM FINE!

Anya: -_-; "Be on your best behavior..."

mio:....um, should i have brought a gift? is that a thing you're supposed to do when visiting a rich person's house?

Maid: "Your presence is enough--Mrs. Oze tends to be very particular about plans for the meal and...Well, Mr. Oze has so many collectibles..." ^^;;;;

maki: well, feel free to take a seat in the lounge, just leave your shoes by the door.

mio: kay.....!!! DUDE! YOUR COUCH IS AS BIG AS MY LIVING ROOM!!

Meme: "...Tsugumi, you've been holding out on us."

tsugumi: well, it's been a while since i was last here. ^^; i think i was like, 5 when i last visited. and last i saw them was when they came to visit for the holidays when i was 12.

Meme: "What're they like?"

tsugumi: well-

Danro: "MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAKI!"

maki:...... 7_7 dad...

tsugumi: uncle danro! *hugs him*

Danro: "TSUGUMI!" *bear hug* "Look how big you've gotten!"

maki: 737

tsugumi: hehe! ^^

Meme: *stares* "... ... ...So bushy..."

mio: hello sir, i didnt bring a gift so please accept this lightly used paper clip.

Danro: "...HA! A MIRACULOUS PIECE OF METAL-FORGED TECHNOLOGY, THE NOBLE PAPERCLIP! THANK YOU, SMALL CHILD!"

mio: um...yes.....memepleasehelpmeidontknowwhatimdoingsaveme.

tsugumi: right. uncle danro, these are my friends, Anya, Meme, Ao, and Mio.

ao: a pleasure to meet you sir. *bows*

Meme: "Hello, commander sergeant lieutenant, sir!" ^^; *whispers back* "I don't know either..."

*the door opens*

Takigi: "Man, what a day..."

Maid: *takes his coat*

maki: *rolls eyes*

Danro: "Takigi! Don't just stand there! Your sister and cousin have visited! With friends!"

Anya: >_>; *looks over--* "!!!"

Takigi: *slow-motion bishie turn in Anya vision*

Anya: .\\\\\\\\.

ao: my, my, yet another crush, anya? im beginning to lose track of them all.

Anya: *angry whisper* "You shut your mouth, damn you!"

Takigi: "Hey, shrimp, muscles. Still getting thick?"

maki: watch it, bro.

tsugumi: hey! i'll have you know i've been drinking lots of milk since last time i saw you, so i should be getting taller! >3<

Takigi: "..." *picks up Tsugumi*

tsugumi: DX<

madoka oze: now now, settle down.

tsugumi: hi auntie!

Takigi: *drops her*

tsugumi: woah!

-nice 3 point landing-

Takigi: "...That's new."

maki: woah.

tsugumi: see? i've been training. ^^

madoka oze: that's right, you're a DWMA student now, right?

tsugumi: that's right. ^^

Danro: "Ha! Never thought darling little Tsu-tsu would be trying to be a fighter! Haven't you met a nice boy yet?"

tsugumi: wellllll.... <w<;;;;;

mio: can we eat yet, sir?

Danro: "Not up to me, ma'am--that's up to the misses!"

madoka oze: of course, dear. dinner's just about ready now!

mio: sweet!

Anya: *still staring at Takigi* .\\\\.;

Takigi: *in Anya vision* "What's to eat?"

Meme: *sniffs* "Given the miraculous scents coming in, what _isn't_ there to eat? "

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: *walking with Eijiro* "SUCH BULLSHIT! I'd have won that match without Eraser getting in the way!" *his nose is bandaged*

ochako: well, it was still fun for what it's worth.

Todoroki: "I suppose so..."

Izuku: *writing notes in his journal* "Well, I have to run to finish errands."

-elsewhere-

Danzo: "--and when she was five, she used to demand piggy-back rides!"

maki: =~=;

Takigi: "She was a lot smaller then, and Dad's back isn't that strong..." *fiddling on his phone*

ao: my, how fascinating.

mio: *NOMNOMNOMNOMNOM*

Meme: "This is delicious, Mrs. Oze--thank you for letting us join..."

madoka oze: oh, it's quite a pleasure. im just glad the whole family is here...well, most of the whole family. speaking of which, tsugumi, how are your parents?

tsugumi: last i checked, everything's doing well.

Danro: "Has Osamu found himself a girlfriend yet?"

tsugumi: havent asked. ^^;

Danro: "That's disappointing--a boy his age should be TAKIGI, PUT THE PHONE DOWN!"

Takigi: *reading texts* "Ha! Oh, that's adorable..." *texting back*

maki: .....

madoka oze:....maki sweetie, are you alright? you've hardly touched your food...

maki:....*SIGH* im fine, mom.

Danro: "Don't insult your mother's cooking: you know how much work she put into it."

maki: i wasnt insulting it!

mio: and you shouldnt, this is hella good food!

Danro: "Don't yell at the table!"

Takigi: "..." *texts* [dad is freaking again]

maki:...im not feeling too good. im gonna lay down for a bit.

Danro: "..." *looks down* *grunts*

Meme: "..."

Takigi: "Probably for the best--looks like Sis has been putting on enough weight--"

maki: it's NOT fat! it's _muscle!_ there is a difference!

Takigi: "You sure?" *pinches her arm*

maki: OW! stop that!

madoka oze: takigi, stop picking on your sister.

Danro: "...Maybe it would be better if you tried to look a little more--"

maki: look a little more _what_?

Danro: "You know..." *waves his hands into a certain shape* "More feminine."

maki: oh WOW dad! picking up takigi's backwards way of thinking, are we?!

Danro: "You're getting old! You can't keep running around if you can't settle down--"

Takigi: "Backwards?! You're just pissed I found someone--"

maki: you _SAY_ im getting old, but you still treat me like im a child!

madoka oze: .......

Danro: "YOU ARE STILL A CHILD--MY CHILD! AND I WILL NOT HAVE YOU RUNNING SLIPSHOD--"

madoka oze: *slams fist down on the table* that's ENOUGH!! all i wanted was a _NICE_ family dinner! if you cant sit in the same room without fighting among yourselves I WILL PERSONALLY FORCE YOU TO RUN LAPS AROUND THE CITY UNTIL YOU PASS OUT, DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!

*everyone sits down or sits up in their chairs*

Danro: "..."

Takigi: Q__Q;

maki:.....

ao:.....

tsugumi:......

mio:........*nom*

Anya: "...The rolls are delicious, Mrs. Oze..."

-elsewhere-

Izuku: *carries groceries inside* "I'm home!"

inko: welcome back!

Izuku: *carries groceries inside* "I'm home!"

inko: welcome back!

mitsuki: oh my goodness, look at you!

inko: oh yes, katsuki's mom came over to drop off a hotpot-

mitsuki: *pinching izuku's cheeks* oh i havent seen you in ages, you've gotten so big! ^^

Izuku: ^_____________^ "Hello, Mrs. Bakugo--Thanks! How are you?"

mitsuki: oh i've been just lovely. and how are _you_?

Izuku: "Okay! Kacchan and I were just at the UA pool for exercises..."

mitsuki: and how has he been? he's not causing you too much trouble, is he? because if he is...-

Izuku: OxO; "N-Not at all, ma'am! Ha ha..." ^^;;;;;;

-elsewhere-

Bakugo: "... ... ..." *shudders*

eijiro: you ok, man?

Bakugo: "I just sensed a disturbance...and I think I need to punch Deku."

-elsewhere-

jirou: im home.

-loud swearing is heard in the den-

jirou: let me guess, dad's playing games?

mika jirou: yep.

Kyotuoku: "WHAT DO YOU MEAN I DIDN'T GET 3 STARS ON THAT ONE?! DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM, ROCK STAR FOR THE NINTENDO WII?!"

jirou: dad! you know your swearing is a bad influence on bowie!

Bowie: "FUCK THIS SHIT! CAW!"

jirou: see?

Kyotuoku: "...Well, this is easy to fix. You just need to teach 'em new words. Say 'arpeggio'!"

Bowie: "ARSEFACE!"

jirou:...work in progress i see.

-elsewhere-

Honda: *sitting at a bar*

*the door opens with a bell jingle*

miwa: we're here! and look who i found on the way!

himari: *hiding behind miwa* .~.;;;;;

Honda: "WELCOME! BARKEEP, A ROUND!"

bartender: *nods and sends a glass to him*

Konro: "Greetings. I'm afraid young master had another invitation..."

miwa: his loss.

Hibana: "Barkeep, wine list!" *looks at the chair* "..." *snaps fingers* "And a better chair--one that doesn't look so uncomfortable..."

Honda: "HA! You just haven't been at this bar long enough! Take this chair--my chair! I have been here so long as to set my groove into it." *shifts his behind on the chair*

kayako: .........i'll just have water, since im the designated driver. -_-;

Akitaru: "And we appreciate that..." *tips the bartender, takes his beer*

miwa: cheers! *sips* hoo-wah! that's good stuff!

burns: ....so how have things been for you all?

himari: TT~TT;; im hoping that the new commander arrives soon so that i can go back to being a secretary. i dont think im cut out to be a commander.

Hibana: "That'll be up to Haijima--and why are you tolerating crap off of your subordinates? You need to show them who's boss!"

himari: i dont know what im doing! >~<;;;

Akitaru: "Okay, calm down--think through what you have to do first. You got enough people in the 3rd still? Or do you need recruits?"

himari: well, i-i think we have enough people? but a lot of people give us nasty looks lately...

Honda: "What're they complaining about?"

miwa: probably giovanni...that bastard.

Hibana: "You're being too kind..." *pokes Akitaru* "You're supposed to be finding him! Why haven't you?!"

Akitaru: -_-; "Kind of hard when the Hoods have gone quiet..."

kayako: hmm....and the rest of you?

Honda: "The 2nd would, if drafted into the service. Without official orders, my hands are tied."

kayako: -_-; i meant anything new with the rest of you.

Honda: "Oh...I finished painting my new miniature tank collection!"

burns: we received some new recruits.

Konro: "Oh? How's it going whipping them into shape?"

burns: they have a lot to learn

Akitaru: "Throwing them into the deep end, huh? It takes a lot of work to integrate newbies--we had that challenge with the newer recruits."

-elsewhere-

Patty: *yawns, cuddles* =w=

takeru: .//////////////.

Patty: "You feel warm."

takeru: *gulp* t-t-t-t-thank you.

Patty: *interlocks her fingers with his before kissing his cheek* "So cute~"

takeru: .//////////////////.

Patty: *rests her head on his chest* "How's your mom holding up?"

takeru: much better now.

Patty: "No more potato thieves? Because I could send some bombs over to take care of them!"

takeru: ^^; actually, she made a separate field for them to have, along with some other veggies.

Patty: "Oh? What does she like to grow?"

takeru: i think this side garden has carrots, pumpkins, corn, things like that.

Patty: "Oh!" *claps her hands* "Jack o'lanterns! You do that back home?!"

-elsewhere-

Asher: "..." *opens the apartment door*

cassidy: *opens the door* oh thank god! *hugs*

Asher: "!!! ..." *pat pat*

cassidy:....mom's not home right now...

Asher: "...Good. I want to go to bed."

-elsewhere-

tsugumi: *has a video chat open*

Osamu: *yawns* <Tsugumi?>

tsugumi: <hey bro, are mom and dad there?>

Osamu: <Yeah? Hang on...Mom! Tsugumi's on the Skype!>

yukari harudori: *enters* <hi sweetie!>

tsugumi: <hey mom!> ^^

Tsugumi's Dad: <You're up at odd hours--everything okay?>

tsugumi: <yeah, just got back from dinner with uncle danro and aunt madoka.>

yukari harudori: <oh that must have been nice!>

Osamu: <How is everyone?>

tsugumi: <doing well.....how's everything back home?>

Tsugumi's Dad: <Pretty well, I'd say--your brother's just recovering from-->

Osamu: <Dad! I'm fine! Coach just said to take it easy...>

tsugumi: *listening*

yukari harudori: <oh, the Hanasaki's just had a baby recently.>

Tsugumi's Dad: <Adorable little thing!>

tsugumi: *smiles and listens to them talk.*

Tsugumi's Dad: *laughs a bit, then notices Tsugumi* <...Hey, sweetie? We miss you.>

tsugumi: <i miss you guys too.> *wipes her eyes*

Osamu: <Hey, don't get all misty-eyed--we're not that far away from you.>

tsugumi: <i-i know...>

yukari harudori:...<sweetie, if anything's bothering you...>

tsugumi: <i-it's fine. i dont want to worry you.>

Tsugumi's Dad: <...Well, you stay strong. We're proud of you, Tsugumi.>

tsugumi: <thanks, dad.>

-morning-

sonia: *braiding miyuri's hair*

miyuri: ^w^

Chuuya: *unboxing something...*

miyuri: what are we gonna do today, papa?

Chuuya: "Well, I'm worried Mito isn't getting enough exercise..."

miyuri: ??

mito: =A=;

Chuuya: *holds up the box, showing a floor-to-ceiling cat furniture/scratching post*

miyuri: ooooooh!! what is it?

Chuuya: "It's cat furniture--helps to encourage Mito to jump up high and even has a scratching post included."

mito: *rubbing against it* =w=

Chuuya: "Well, just need to assemble it: I'll just lift this piece to--" *dawning realization, as one piece is nearly taller than him* "... ... ..."

-elsewhere-

Dazai: "..." *starts giggling*

tanizaki: ??

Kunikida: -_-# "Did you eat the 'shrooms again?"

Dazai: "Oh, no--just thinking of something funny..."

naomi: hey bro, can you come with yosano and i today? we're taking maki on a shopping trip!

*lightning strikes--but it's sunny outside, with no cloud in the sky...Tanizaki looks shook*

Tanizaki: Q_______Q "S-Shopping? Again?"

Kenji: "???" *opens the window, looks up* "...The heck was that?"

naomi: maki had a bad evening yesterday, so we're taking her out to cheer her up. ^^ we invited naho too, but she said she was busy with something.

Tanizaki: "..." *sighs* "Okay...My poor arms will support the weight of many, many shopping bags." TwT

-elsewhere-

Honda: "GOOD MORNING, TROOPS!" *sips--from a big-ass mug of black coffee*

takeru: good morning sir!

Taguchi: "??? Hajiki! You're out of uniform!"

Hajiki: "Oh, sorry--I forgot..." *looks down--he's still wearing bunny slippers*

hito: *sweatdrop*

Honda: "No time for that--LET'S KICK OFF WITH SOME DELIGHTFUL JUMPING JACKS!" *leaps--and slams his head into the ceiling*

-elsewhere-

Fris: "Oh, God, she kidnapped another one. I'm going to be sick..."

kagu-tsuchi: ??

Bee: "She calls them 'fresh meat' and 'future TNT.'"

kagu-tsuchi:.....

*KA-BOOM*

kagu-tsuchi: ?! *turns her head to the direction of the sound*

Ritsu: *steps out, covered in soot and...blood* "That was a no-go..."

-elsewhere-

Takigi: *holds up the folder* "We got a case."

takigi's partner: hmm?

Takigi: "Get your flashlight--we're going underground."

-elsewhere-

Meme: "I'm sorry how last night went, Tsugumi..."

tsugumi: i-it's fine.

ao: if you ever need to talk, let us know.

Meme: *nod nod* "You're not alone."

tsugumi: *sniff* thanks guys.

ao: i can understand how you must feel, im no stranger to familial disputes myself...

tsugumi: i know...

Meme: "..." *looks down*

mio:...*holds her hand*

Meme: *small squeeze*

Anya: "Have you spoken with Maki?"

tsugumi: not yet.

Meme: "Maybe text her? Even if she's not up to talk..."

-elsewhere-

Haumea: "Hee hee~ All is ready...Great work, everyone! I'm sure the Preacher is pleased..."

guruna: kururu~@ ^^

Inka: "I can't wait to see things firsthand!" *she's still bandaged from the last encounter with the 8th at Haijima...*

ritsu: i'd request you sit this one out, lady inka.

Inka: "WHAT?! But I want to see the explosions!" >3<

Charon: *his torso is bandaged* *inhales* "Some of us are still too injured to fight."

Assault: X___X *still wrapped like a mummy*

kagu-tsuchi: charon, please rest...

Charon: "I will...when Inka agrees to retreat. But she's always been stubborn..."

kagu-tsuchi:...miss inka, please...

Inka: "What's in it for me?"

-elsewhere-

stocking: hmmm.....let's build a pillow fort, kiddo!

Kid: "Oh? You have the time?" *picks up a pillow*

stocking: yep! ^^

Kid: "Well then..." *tosses a small pillow at her*

stocking: ah! kid! >3<

Kid: "Hee hee...Just sending a building block to you..." *sets down a stack of pillows next to them--gives her a cheek kiss*

stocking: *giggles and kisses his cheek too*

Kid: ^\\\\^ "For structural integrity, perhaps begin with the wider pillows first..."

-elsewhere-

Shop Clerk: "Oh, that one looks lovely on you--and it's on sale!"

Tanizaki: *carrying shopping bags* TwT;

maki: thank you!

Yosano: *looking at a sun hat* "Match this up with the right swimsuit, and you'd turn some heads."

maki: you think so too, right?!

Yosano: "Hell yeah!"

Shop Clerk 2: *helping Naomi--* "And these are the matching earrings..."

naomi: oooh!

Shop Clerk 2: "Tell you what--you get these, I'll throw in the necklace for free."

-elsewhere-

naho: *typing*

Sakuya: *sets down tea and cookies*

naho: hey sakkun, would you proofread this chapter when im done?

Sakuya: "Me? Sure, though that's not my strongsuit...How's the chapter looking?"

naho: we're getting into the really good stuff. *wide grin* zepher's giving nero a reach around~

Sakuya: .\\\\\.; "...I see..."

belkia: *shocked gasp as he covers lilac's ears*

Lilac: "???"

belkia: such language, toguchin! and in front of the baby!

naho: >3< im 20!

lavender: *stiffled laughter*

Lilac: "WHAT'S GOING ON?! I CAN'T HEAR NOW!"

Higan: "Hey, don't censor her art, man..."

-elsewhere-

NOS4A2: *collapsed on the rug* =n= "My battery is worn down..."

tomura: quit your whining, we got you more, you freeloader.

kurome: ...

NOS4A2: "Feed it...to me..." *opens his mouth, tendrils with battery ports sticking out*

tomura: *hands it to him* alright alright.

NOS: "AAAAAAAH--" *noms--the tendrils wrapping around Tomura's wrist*

tomura: !!!

NOS: *sucks on the battery like a pacifier* =w=

tomura: *yanks back his wrist, snarling*

kurome:...uncle shigaraki doesnt like being touched.

NOS: *re-charging* "And I don't like human germs--they upset the integrity of my circuitry. And yet, c'est la vie."

kurome: i guess.

NOS: "Shouldn't you be studying with a teacher?"

kurome: im not in school, papa teaches me. and sometimes uncle giran does it.

NOS: "I see...How is your math?" *his...robot tongue starts "licking" static electricity off his arms*

kurome: i know how to do adding and subtracting.

NOS: "Hmm...I suppose multiplication is a ways off?"

kurome: i know a bit, i think. two times two is 4. two times three is 6, and so on. division's a bit harder, though.

NOS: "Oh, you humans lack so much--limited by only so much grey matter..."

kurome: ????

NOS: "...You have a brain. I have a hive-mind that can process more ideas more quickly by allocating the work to separate hard drives--"

tomura: she's a toddler, not a collage student.

NOS: "So she's a step up from you..."

tomura: !!!! why you-

magne: are you two bickering _again_?

tomura: HE STARTED IT!

NOS: "It's true--it's quite easy to get his goat." *holds up a goat plushie*

twice: AYYYYYYYYYYY! that sucked.

shaula: well he is a vampire, so that makes sense.

beatrice: well said, lady shaula.

NOS: "...Miss Magne, what is wrong with his head?"

magne: long story, hun.

twice: NONE OF YOUR BIZ!.....it all started when-

-elsewhere-

-a young woman waits by the square's fountain-

*hands cover her eyes*

Jonas: "Guess who~?"

woman: ah! jonas!

Jonas: "Hello, Natasha~" *cheek smooch, hug from behind*

natasha: hehe ^////^

Jonas: "Thank you for coming...I...Um..."

natasha: your commander? ^^;

Jonas: *nods* "He was quite passionate about our workout..." *rotates his shoulder* "Gonna be feeling that tomorrow..."

natasha: you're probably hungry after that.

Jonas: *smiles* "Have something in mind?" *rubs her hand*

natasha: i heard the crepe shop has ice cream sandwiched between two belgian waffles!

Jonas: *his stomach starts growling* .\\\\\.;

natasha: i bet you're dying to try it, arent you?

Jonas: *nods* "Incredibly so..."

-elsewhere-

sachiko: ma'am, you have a visitor.

anton: *wave*

Shelly: *sits up with a tired smile* "Ant..."

anton: how are you shelly? sorry i couldnt come sooner, commander had us running drills. are you feeling well? are your feet comfortable?

Shelly: *giggles* "I'm fine, really--you worry so much..."

anton: ^^; sorry, it's just, pre-fatherhood nerves, you know?

Shelly: "Aw..." *rubs her stomach* "Say hi to Daddy, sweetie..."

anton: ^^ do we know what they'll be yet?

Shelly: "Hey, we talked about this--I want to be surprised..."

anton: right, right. ^^; the anticipation's just killing me is all.

Shelly: "You thought about names, though? Maybe a few that could work regardless who they turn out to be?"

-elsewhere-

Hirotsu: *lights a match, brings it to his cigarette...exhales, looks at the slummy alley*

mafioso: nothing yet, sir.

Hirotsu: "Hmm...They used to monitor here, years ago..."

gin: *feeling along the wall* ......

*there's a small bit of spackle over the wall...it's still wet and loose...*

gin: hmmm.....

*it chips away, revealing a straight line, like the outline to a door*

gin: bingo... *slides her knife along the line*

*the door comes loose*

Hirotsu: "Good." *nods to others to take sides along the door*

-they do so-

*inside...is a chair...someone is tied to it*

gin: *looks to hirotsu*

Hirotsu: "...Likely a trap..." *shines a flashlight onto the person--*

Person: *muffled voice, gag around their mouth...and what looks like a bomb attached to them*

gin: !!!

Hirotsu: *bored sigh* "Typical..."

*BEEP*

*KA-BOOM*

gin: *cough cough* damn...

Hirotsu: *dusts himself off* *points to the remains* "They even left us a message..."

gin:....the guy was a lost cause, werent they?

Hirotsu: "Likely...The explosive was likely triggered remotely, which means..." *gestures to both ends of the alley, then the rooftops* "Follow the target."

gin: *nods and heads off*

Hirotsu: *exhales...then walks to the other end of the alley* "...I take it you find this amusing?"

???: "Hey, just giving you a heads up is all."

Hirotsu: "This is Port Mafia territory--tell your friends to be gone."

???: "Not that easy--they were staking out the basement for an access point. Tell your people to clear out...Can I bum a smoke?"

Hirotsu: "..." *hands it over*

Joker: "Much obliged~"

-elsewhere-

lina: and that concludes today's meeting. dismissed.

tsukasa: *yaaawn* that meeting took so looong! when are the magius going to get done with this 'pet project' of theirs anyway?

Demongo: *passed out inside a vial* *snore*

white feather: it'll be done soon, amane.

tsukuyo: hmmm...

white feather 2: is there a problem?

tsukuyo: 'invoking the essance of the holy maiden'...what could they have meant by that.

black feather: wait, you mean the holy maiden of kamihama?! i thought she was only a myth!

kagari: holy maiden? do elaborate.

tsukuyo: the holy maiden of kamihama was a magical girl who existed many years ago. she was among the founders of kamihama city, and was said to be very powerful, some even say she had the ability to bestow contracts much like the incubators can. one of the most famous stories is of how she faced off against an incredibly dangerous wraith known as 'Walpurgisnight'.

Miyako: O~O; "This sounds like bad news..."

Mio: "Tch. Sounds like over-complicated horror tales..."

white feather: of course, over the years, it's difficult to tell fact from fiction, but her legend is forever immortalized in kamihama, even as far as to depict her in the winter parade. *places an article on the table of mami playing the holy maiden in the parade*

Mai: *frowns at the photo*

tsukasa: wow, another great article courtesy of Ryou Midori.

ryou: ^w^

white feather: ?!?!? what happened to anonimity?!

ryou: that's only to outsiders. =3=

Miyako: "EEP! It-It's just a parade..." >~<

kagari: interesting......

-elsewhere-