#<3 loved seeing the responses to ch 1 again btw.

[aranarumei]

the anomalous agate (part two)

now: here's what some of you actually wanted to see yesterday.

a quick rundown for anyone who has no idea what this is: here's ch 1 on tumblr and ao3. I posted an updated version of ch 1 yesterday that flows a bit nicer, and recommend checking that out if you haven't already.

and, while it's even less necessary to do, consider checking this post out, too. the context in which it was written is kind of... irrelevant to this fic, honestly, but it provides a bit of background that I think enhances some of what's going on in this chapter and the next one (that I haven't written yet).

with that out of the way, this chapter is over 7k, so here's the ao3 link if you prefer. (there's also a bit of a longer author's note there at the end) if you'd like to stick to tumblr, follow me under the cut.

edit: part three

case 2-x: the anomalous agate (part two)

Even the usually oblivious Tanimoto-san noticed my listless mood in the following days. It wasn’t unusual for me to worry or speculate about my clients—everyone who stepped into Richard’s store certainly had some kind of interesting quality, but something about Hanzawa tugged oddly at my chest.

To complicate matters, I was pretty sure I wasn’t the only one feeling that way. Richard had spent Sunday carrying on as usual, but every once in a while, he’d drift into his thoughts and his brows would furrow like something was bothering him. This wasn’t a trait unique to Hanzawa’s presence, but this was possibly the first time I’d seen Richard look genuinely unsettled instead of troubled.

It wasn’t an expression I liked seeing on his face.

“Seigi-kun, you seem deep in thought,” Tanimoto-san said. “Something on your mind?” 

Class had ended. I flipped aimlessly through the pages of the book on gemstones I’d borrowed from Richard before tucking it into my bag. Somehow, I didn’t quite feel as if I could meet her eyes. “You mentioned there were many gems that did heat treatment, right?” I asked as we began to shuffle out of the classroom. 

She responded with less cheer than usual, and I felt dejected to be the cause. “Oh, yes… not just corundum,” she said. “Beryl and quartz, too. That encompasses a large quantity of jewels which are just named as different forms of these materials, really… heat treatment is used often to change their color. Apart from deepening the red of a ruby, there’s aquamarine—a type of beryl—which is most commonly green-blue. Heat treatment tends to enhance the blue color and really give it that expected ‘aqua’ color. One of the most dramatic transformations, to me, is amethyst—it can turn a deep orange when it’s treated with heat.” 

“Ah—I saw that last weekend,” I said. “It’s meant to mimic citrines, right?”

“Citrines tend to be a paler yellow, actually,” Tanimoto-san said. “But they’re rare—especially ones with a deep orange color. That’s why heat-treatment of amethysts is so common.” She sighed, gaze drifting off in space as we headed to her next class. “When we think of the term ‘citrus,’ the first thing that comes to mind is often an orange, despite the variety of citrus fruits in other colors. Sometimes I wonder if that’s the reason people mistake amethysts for citrine so easily.” 

“It fits with their preconceived notions, huh?” I said, earning an approving nod from Tanimoto-san. “I still remember what you said before—about wanting to appreciate the stones as they were without heat treatment. I thought that was a really beautiful idea.”

She smiled. “I’m glad you think so, Seigi-kun,” she said. We came to a halt in front of her next classroom, but she didn’t go inside just yet. “But we’d talked about this already… is there something else you wanted to ask me?” 

I swallowed around an uncomfortable bit of air. We were early for her class—it wasn’t a particularly long walk from classroom to classroom, but I liked spending time with her—but she usually went directly inside. It’s so nice of her to take time out of her day to worry about me, I thought. But again, I knew that I must have been really out of sorts for her to notice. 

“It was just mentioned in passing,” I said at her prompting, “But… well, a client was discussing agate, and I heard that some of them were dyed. Is that a common process?” 

Her expression immediately soured. For a minute I thought I’d stepped on some kind of conversational landmine, but though she looked unhappy, she spoke without malice. “It’s—not uncommon, no. Agate is porous, so it absorbs dye well, as do any stones like it.” I could see her turning over her words with care. “But… while heat treatment is an irreversible process, dyeing tends to be less effective. The color can fade over time, especially under sunlight, and it may not stain evenly. And depending on what dye is used, it can be removed with solvents like acetone… so it’s a process that’s much less certain.” 

“So, they’re kind of fragile,” I observed, “even if they’re made to look nicer.” 

“Well, they certainly look pretty—the bright colors can enhance how distinct the banding is, so you could argue the dye only enhances the best features of agate and other types of chalcedony, but…” 

“…But?” 

“Dyeing stones is really common for selling fakes,” she said. “And well—I just think that’s inexcusable, to conceal the truth like that. Even though dyed stones can be detected, that’s usually only after they’re sold, right? And this often happens with online purchases, so… I can’t help but feel resentful.” She frowned. “And every time I’ve traveled to see something related to rocks, the gift shop always carried those tumbled and dyed stones! It’s hard to find anything else…” 

“That must be tough,” I said, though it was hard to suppress a smile at the thought of Tanimoto-san scowling in the middle of a gift shop. She usually seemed so magnanimous, and it was nice to see that she had her weak points, too. 

She pouted. “I know it’s a petty reason, okay!” she said. A touch more melancholy, she added, “But every time I see them, I want to stand up and yell at everyone that rocks and minerals are more interesting than that, because it feels like these polished stones and other kinds of jewels are the only kind of beauty that people care about. For all kinds of rocks and minerals… I don’t think they possess a beauty that is just skin-deep. But when you limit the conversation to just rocks, because they look so different, the interests just don’t overlap…” She glanced up at me, seemed to realize that the type of person she was talking about was right next to her, and hurried to clarify. “Ah—I didn’t mean that as a strike against you though, Seigi-kun.” 

“No, I totally understand,” I quickly reassured her. “I mean, in an ideal world, that’s how we want to think of other people, too, right? Without judging based on the outside alone. And I think anyone would want to share their interest with more people. So, if what you like is rarer, or unappreciated, it feels sad, right?” 

“Right,” Tanimoto-san said. She smiled. “…I really am glad we get to talk about gemstones. I always feel like I end up hearing something interesting.” 

Not for the first time, I thought that Tanimoto-san was some kind of angel. I truly didn’t have any questions about rocks to reciprocate with, except— “There’s a few rocks that do count as gemstones, right?” I asked. “Like lapis lazuli.” 

“You remembered!” Tanimoto-san exclaimed. “Lapis lazuli’s a particularly special rock, you know,” she said, a gleam in her eyes. “Historically, it was used to make this very expensive blue paint…” 

“Ah—ultramarine, right?” 

“Exactly!” Tanimoto-san said, clapping her hands in excitement. “Seems like you’re already an expert on it, Seigi-kun.” 

“I just heard it in passing,” I explained sheepishly. “That customer from before—he and my boss talked about ultramarine for a bit.” I paused to recollect the various times I’d spotted the stone in Jewelry Étranger. “Though, the stone looks so unbelievable to me on its own that it feels strange to think it would ever be used for paint…”  

“It is one of the beauties of metamorphism,” Tanimoto-san agreed. Or at least, I was assuming she was. 

“Sorry, but… what exactly is metamorphism again?” I asked. “I feel like I’ve heard the term before, and I just don’t remember.” 

Despite the various expressions I’d put on her face today and in all the other conversations we’d had, this was the first time I’d ever seen Tanimoto-san look truly dumbfounded. It took me a while to even realize that was the expression on her face, until she cleared her throat and said, “I guess you said yourself you didn’t know much about rocks, but… well, I thought this was common knowledge, and maybe it… isn’t?” Worriedly, like she’d just learned she was privy to a secret for which she hadn’t voluntarily been made a confidant, she asked, “I mean, everyone knows that the three common classifications of rocks are sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic, right?”  

“…That rings a bell?” I said unconvincingly. 

Her eyes flickered towards the classroom—she had only a few minutes before her next class started, so I imagined she would head inside, but instead she squared her shoulders, formed a distinctly “Golgo” look on her face, and said, “Well—metamorphic rocks are basically a type of rock that’s actually a combination of other rocks and minerals. So that’s how lapis lazuli has that beautiful gold coloring—it comes from the pyrite that’s part of the rock. The main blue comes from lazurite, but there’s many more mineral components that are mixed in with an average lapis lazuli.” 

“And metamorphism is how these rocks form?” 

“Right,” Tanimoto-san said. “Basically, they’re put under a lot of heat and pressure, and because of that, the composition of the rock ends up changing—so, for lapis lazuli, all these separate things fuse—or the crystal structure shifts, which is a kind of complicated thing to explain… But by the end, the new rock is distinct when compared to the simple sum of its parts. Something like marble or slate… you wouldn’t call simply a combination of other things, right?” 

“I would never have known unless you told me… that’s amazing,” I marveled. “In a way… it’s kind of nature’s own heat treatment, huh?” 

“That’s true,” Tanimoto-san said. “Just one without any motivation.”

This was something that had always fascinated me regarding jewels. Of course, it was untrue that they existed without human involvement. But before any human had laid eyes upon it, lapis lazuli had always been that brilliant combination of blue and gold. That, to me, was something like a miracle.

“You must have had an interesting customer this week, right?” Tanimoto-san guessed.

I shook myself out of my thoughts. “What?” 

“Well, Seigi-kun, you’re always curious,” she said, “So maybe it’s nothing. But this time you look like you really want to say something to someone.” She tapped the space between her brows. “Don’t let it give you wrinkles, though!” 

With that, she hurried into class, taking her seat just a few seconds before the professor began her lecture. I was left standing dumbly in the hallway, stuck with my swirling thoughts. Though I’d glossed over it at first, I supposed I was of the same mind as Tanimoto-san; dyeing stones felt more like concealment than enhancement. And then I remembered what I likely wasn’t meant to hear—surely that dyed agate is prettier—and reached up to my forehead.

Sure enough, I was frowning. I wanted to pull out my phone and text Richard something along the lines of This is your fault, but that would be truly nonsensical, and really, what I wanted wasn’t to assign something like blame. But since I couldn’t just run to him, I decided to follow Tanimoto-san’s advice and smooth out my expression. 

———

“Ah… Nakata-san?”

Richard had said that most serendipitous encounters were just a natural consequence of learning more about the world, but I was pretty sure this situation was the exclusive work of strange fortune. Though I doubted this surprise encounter would go as badly as the last one had, the sharp sense of déjà vu kept me wary.

Still, I inhaled a breath of crisp morning air, and replied, “It’s alright to call me Seigi.”

I was looking up at the face of Hanzawa Masato, who truthfully had been the furthest thing from my mind in the past few days. That space in my brain had been usurped and summarily overwhelmed by the tedium of classes and assignments. If I had to learn how to draw another kind of economic model using another set of conditions and parameters, my head was going to burst. In fact, my head ached at the thought alone.

Now that we were face to face again, though, the rigamarole of university had all but disappeared from my mind, and I watched his face contort into an expression halfway between awkwardness and concern. The awkwardness was a given—I hadn’t expected to run into him either. Half the reason for his concern was a girl from my university who I’d just learned was called Kaede. And the other half of his concern—a quarter of his total expression—was in response to seeing me, who’d just been shoved into the side of a building.

Maybe that was the reason my head ached. It was certainly the reason I was sitting down and staring up at him.

“Are you okay?” Kaede fretted. She had sunk into a worried crouch in front of me, hands hovering around my head like she could divine the nature of my injuries. 

I pressed a hand to my cheek, which was stinging, but didn’t feel scraped, and hauled myself upright. Any dizziness I’d felt had faded, and though one of my arms felt numb, I’d gotten worse injuries doing karate. “I’m fine,” I said. “It’s just a surface-level injury. Probably looks worse than it is. Are you alright?” 

“I’m fine—not a scratch!” she reported, standing up to demonstrate her lack of injury. “I had no idea he would do that, though. I’m so sorry—” 

“Don’t be,” I cut in before she could self-flagellate. “It’s not your fault at all.” 

Were I feeling charitable, I’d point out that I didn’t think the guy in question had even meant to push me into a wall—he’d just meant to push me and bolt. But he was also the kind of asshole that cornered people against the side of a building, so I wasn’t going to defend him in the slightest. 

“What happened?” Hanzawa asked.

I felt a little ill-at-ease seeing the sheer expressiveness on his face. Of course, it made sense that he’d be so frazzled, considering what had just happened to his friend, but it was uncomfortable to see his lack of composure. Like this, he looked like an ordinary, unremarkable teenager.

Kaede wrung her hands, stumbling through her words. “I—you know that senior who was bothering me? Well, he cornered me, and we started arguing, and then”—she gestured in my direction—“he hit him and ran away.” 

“I heard shouting, so I came over here,” I added when Hanzawa looked to me for further explanation.

It was really as simple as that. After exiting a horrendously early class, I’d heard arguing near the shadowed side of the building. And once I’d seen Kaede telling the other guy to leave her alone, I’d intervened without hesitation. He’d started aggressively posturing at me before shoving me to the side and running away.

The sharp spike of adrenaline I’d felt at the time was now wearing off, and my injuries began to twinge. I took a deep breath, and in an effort not to dash after the guy, I suggested, “We should make a report or something.” 

“Oh, right,” Kaede said, fishing out her phone. “There’s like… campus administration or something, right? Let me find out wherever it’s located.” She paused in thought. “Wait… do you two know each other?” 

“We just met by coincidence once,” I said, figuring that Hanzawa would value his privacy.

It was enough of an answer for Kaede, who just laughed and said, “Masato-kun knows, like, everyone, so it’s not really a surprise!” 

I was relieved to see that she didn’t seem too shaken by everything.

Soon enough, we were pointed the way of campus authorities, and I learned the full story while Kaede made her report. Apparently, this guy had been bothering her for a while after they’d met at a mixer—he’d seen her waiting to meet up with Hanzawa, and then blown up at her when she declined to spend time with him. Since he already had quite a few conduct violations on his record, the administration assured us that they’d act quickly. 

Their urgency might have also been prompted by the blatant injury on my face. Every time someone turned to face me, they would reflexively wince at the circle of reddened skin on my cheek. I’d seen it in a mirror while getting my injuries checked out—I was officially deemed concussion-free, which was a relief—and had flinched at my own reflection in surprise.

Amidst the commotion, Hanzawa stayed level-headed, guiding Kaede through the motions of making a report. Even though he wasn’t a student at my university—a fact which was strangely relieving to confirm—it was like he’d gone through this process before. I thought he’d escort Kaede home, too, but once everything had been squared away, she called some of her university friends to pick her up. They arrived with a slew of inventive insults that seemed to cheer Kaede up in an instant. She thanked me again as we swapped numbers, and then she waved us goodbye as she was whisked away by her friends. 

“You’re not going with her?” I asked. 

“Her other friends will be much better at taking her mind off things,” he said. “Besides, they all go to your university, so they can accompany her during classes.” He turned to face me as he spoke, and though he didn’t wince, his gaze lingered on my cheek.

“I’m alright,” I said. “I even got an ice pack when we were making the report.”  

“Still…” Hanzawa said. Hesitantly, he asked, “Could I treat you to lunch? Or a coffee?” 

The sun was high in the sky. On one hand, I wasn’t particularly hungry, but coffee sounded nice, and I didn’t have classes until later this evening. On the other hand, Hanzawa looked like he was already regretting the offer.

But Tanimoto-san was right; I had a few things I wanted to say to him. And despite his hesitation, it looked like Hanzawa felt the same. 

“Sure,” I said. “You can pick the place.” 

———

Hanzawa’s coffee order was a little more complicated than mine. Hearing him rattle off his order made me realize that Richard was right to only offer tea at his shop. The café he’d picked out was like many of the other cafés I’d been to—peaceful, atmospheric, and a neutral ground for conversations. Once we’d taken our seats, we each waited in a brittle kind of silence.

Hanzawa began to fiddle with his phone, and I took it as a clear indication he wasn’t ready to talk. My coffee arrived first, so I savored it while gazing through one of the café windows. Outside, the weather had snapped into a bitter frost, as it seemed wont to do whenever I wasn’t looking. I shivered a little—even inside the temperature-regulated café, I’d dressed a little lightly for the cold—and let the coffee’s steam curl against my skin. Though I couldn’t call myself a connoisseur, I’d begun to appreciate coffee for more than its caffeine. 

It was just one more thing I’d learned how to treasure since I’d met Richard. Thinking of him, I reflexively touched my face. We weren’t anywhere near Ginza, but I could imagine the shop’s entrance in front of me as I stared out the window.

“Is there something you’re worried about?” 

I started, noting that Hanzawa’s coffee had appeared between his hands. He held the cup strangely, his fingers curled around the sides without any pressure; I worried that it might slip from his fingers if he tried to lift it. Still, the pose seemed so natural for him that I wondered if he’d held the tea at Jewelry Étranger the same way, and I just hadn’t noticed. Like that time, any initial hesitation of his had melted away into a self-assured grace.

“I was just thinking…” I replied, tapping my reddened skin, “it’s going to bruise.” 

“Ah,” Hanzawa said. His eyes darted around the room—he could probably sense the curious looks I’d gotten, too, but that wasn’t my main concern. “You’re worried about your weekend work, I assume?” 

“No, it’s—actually, yeah, I am,” I said, cutting off my instinctive denial. First Tanimoto-san, and now Hanzawa… I wondered if my face was just becoming easier to read. 

“I doubt a bruised face is good for customer service,” he added, clarifying exactly where my thoughts had headed.

I explained, “I’d rather not scare the customers, and it’s something I’ve done even without my face like this, so…”

“That would be troubling,” Hanzawa said. “I’d apologize for the situation, but…”

“There’s no need for apologies,” I stressed. “You and Kaede already thanked me, and there’s no need to apologize for someone else’s mistakes.”

Still holding the cup as if it were air, Hanzawa slowly sipped his coffee. My attention was drawn to his fingers, which were exceptionally long, and neatly trimmed at the nails. “I’m glad you think so, Seigi—it’s alright to call you that, yes?” When I nodded, he set his cup down and made a confession: “I’m not entirely without ulterior motives, though—it’s not every day you meet someone with your job, you know? I like hearing from interesting people, so this is just me indulging in my curiosity, really. What was the application process like?”

“Ah… I didn’t quite apply,” I answered. Maybe I’d just developed a streak of cynicism, but I didn’t believe that he had invited me to coffee out of pure curiosity. I briefly imagined someone taking my place—making tea, talking with Richard, and learning about our clients—and felt a wave a jealousy so strong that I added, “I don’t really think he’s looking to hire anyone new…” 

Hanzawa laughed. “Don’t worry, I’m just asking out of curiosity. I’m not looking for a job right now.”  

“Ah,” I said, and drank some of my coffee to cover my embarrassment. “Anyways, even when we first met, I don’t think he was looking to hire anyone.”

“Is that so?” Hanzawa asked, a clear prompt for me elaborate.

I had no desire to do so. Instead, I was distracted by the thought of Hanzawa as an employee of Jewelry Étranger. He seemed like he would excel at any job related to customer service, particularly when it came to making conversation. Even now, though I was conscious of the fact that he was leading the conversation, it didn’t bother me. But he wouldn’t know what sweets Richard liked best, or how to watch his expressions to figure out if he was enjoying them. And he wouldn’t know how to brew royal milk tea—not that I’d known that, either…

“I approached him about a family heirloom of mine, and he offered me a job afterwards,” I finally summed up.

Thankfully, Hanzawa didn’t pry any further. “I can see why,” he said. “Something about you must have been unique enough to convince him, right?” 

“…You think so?” I asked, ducking my head. It was amazing how one word—unique—was enough to dispel my worries. Saying I had a talent for recognizing beauty—that already made me feel like the most special person in the world. The implication that Richard recognizing that had been a testament to my uniqueness was unbelievably flustering. Rather than think about it for too long, I downed my coffee. 

“I just thought that if he wasn’t looking to hire someone,” Hanzawa said, “it means that you must have been important enough to ask for, anyways. The atmosphere at your store would make one think you two had been friends for years.” 

I felt warmer than usual. “I just… guess we aligned somehow,” I murmured, feeling a need to deflect the compliment. As much as I privately liked to think of our meeting as “fate,” hearing it from a veritable stranger was something else. “Richard is—he’s almost too incredible, I think. I’m lucky to work there.” 

Hanzawa considered my statement carefully, and then asked, “Is it—and I could be overstepping, here, but—is it kind of a… scary feeling?” 

“No, you’re right,” I said, feeling a euphoric rush of shared understanding. “It’s—I’m happy, of course. It’s impossible not to be. But it almost makes everything else pale in comparison—” 

“And you begin to wonder where you’d be without it,” Hanzawa concluded, perfectly reading my mind.

I sighed. “I mean… it’s not like this will be my job forever, you know? But still, compared to going to university, whenever it’s the weekend, I feel like I’m ten times as real. Like I exist as… I don’t know, more than I am.” 

“As in… you’re able to express yourself more?” Hanzawa asked. 

I shook my head. “No, it’s like… I’m a more impressive person, even though nothing about me changes,” I said. “It feels like my actions have more meaning. And my world keeps expanding, each time.” When he didn’t respond, still wrapping his head around my words, I added, “…It might be a bit strange to blabber on and on about my job satisfaction. But I really think that being able to work where I do is a miracle of some kind.” 

“I see what you mean,” he finally replied as he sipped his coffee. “In a way, Richard-san’s store feels like… a place that’s too good to be true, it could be said?” 

“That’s exactly it!” I exclaimed. “And then once you meet Richard, it’s like… he’s a fairy prince or something that’s descended on the mortal world…” 

Hanzawa fell into a sudden coughing fit. 

I scrambled out of my seat, but he weakly waved me off, and so I stood over the table, watching him regain control of his throat. “Are you alright?” 

He took a few deep breaths. “I’m fine,” he said, though he looked obviously embarrassed as he met my eyes. “I was just—taken off guard, I guess. You must really respect Richard-san. Have you… told him this?” 

With a new understanding as to why Kaede had so uselessly hovered around me, I slipped back into my own seat. “Well, of course,” I said slowly, wondering what I wasn’t getting. “I needed to express my gratitude to him.” 

Hanzawa stared up at the ceiling like he’d received some kind of divine revelation. “And he reacted… well?” he ventured. 

I suddenly remembered the many, many times Richard had scolded me for speaking without considering the implications, and I grimaced. “I’m not great with words, so I’ve definitely put my foot in my mouth a few times, but… sincerity is worth the embarrassment, I think,” I said, refraining from adding that I liked to think it was at least part of the reason he’d hired me. “And, though he’s annoyingly mysterious sometimes, he’s sincere to me, too.” 

“How nice…” It was impossible not to hear the wistful edge in Hanzawa’s voice. He seemed to hear it too, because he added, “Well, I do wish you two the best,” with a knowing smile. 

It wasn’t hard to pick up on the distance in his voice. Despite talking about Richard and the shop, Hanzawa hadn’t once mentioned his own visit or his upcoming appointment.

Before I could prod him about it, Hanzawa cleared his throat and asked, “You’ve finished your coffee?”

I looked down at my cup, which had been empty for quite a while. “Yeah,” I said, bracing for a quick goodbye.

A strange look passed over Hanzawa’s face as he drained his cup, and he set it down on the table with a soft clink. His gaze moved sideways—I followed his line of sight, but it led nowhere. “If—if the bruising is a problem,” Hanzawa haltingly began, “I could… I might have a solution.” 

The words looked painful for him to say. “You’re already treating me to coffee,” I assured. “There’s no need to do me another favor.” 

He shook his head, firmer. “This… as I said, this was kind of a selfish request, anyways. If you’re willing, I’d be happy to help.” 

I wasn’t about to turn down the chance to hear him talk. Maybe, if I gathered enough courage, I’d even be able to ask him about dyed stones. “Well… what did you have in mind?” 

��——

Much like the first time I’d visited the jewelry section of a department store, I was beginning to feel overwhelmed. This time, it wasn’t at the sight of diamonds as far as the eye could see, but of the bright lights, glossy photos, and shelves upon shelves of products I wasn’t sure how to name. I half-recognized some of the brand names scattered around the store, but otherwise felt wholly out of my depth. 

Were it not for the presence of a guide, I’d have never come here. But Hanzawa was shifting his feet next to me, a skittish look in his eyes like he was convinced I’d back out at any moment. That was the same way he’d broached the subject, too, saying, “Well… you could probably cover that bruise with makeup,” in a tone so soft I’d barely heard him.

“How?” I’d asked, pouncing on the option a little too eagerly. 

Hanzawa drummed his fingers against his empty cup. “It’s pretty easy,” he said. “I could teach you, but we’d have to buy some products, because we don’t have the same skin tone.” He mulled over his next words.

“There’s a department store near here,” I offered. 

At that, he seemed to relax. “My older sister is really into makeup and costuming,” he said with a light laugh, “so I ended up being forced into knowing a few things myself.”

Things moved quickly after that. He paid for my coffee, and I followed him to the nearest department store before he could have too many second thoughts. It wasn’t like I didn’t understand his hesitation—we were still practically strangers, and this was an offer that required considerable involvement on his part. Still, more than anything, I didn’t want to skip work. And as little as I knew Hanzawa, he seemed like the kind of person who would never suggest something that wasn’t an actual solution. 

“You’ll have to lead the way,” I finally prompted.

Hanzawa paused and corrected his posture. “Right,” he said, picked up a basket near the entrance, and then struck a path through the various displays, waving off staff with a polite, inscrutable smile. 

For all he’d been hesitant, Hanzawa navigated the store with a brilliant kind of confidence. Apart from the two of us, there were barely any men in the store, but Hanzawa didn’t look out of place in the slightest. Soon enough we were left to wander around unapproached. 

Finally, we came to a stop in front of a display that carried a variety of tubes in a variety of skin tones. Hanzawa leaned forward to inspect them, and I caught sight of the barely visible piercing holes in his ears.

“You’re not wearing earrings,” I observed. 

He answered me without turning his head. “I suppose it’s a leftover habit from high school,” he said thoughtfully. “I didn’t wear them in class, because—well, it’s a bit of a delinquent look, and I was the president of the disciplinary club.”

That explained why he’d been so composed when helping Kaede earlier. I wonder if he’d acquired that sense of reliability from his time in the club, or if had been the reason he’d joined. “What… am I supposed to get, here?” I asked, pointing at the display.

“To cover your bruise, we’ll need concealer, foundation, and a setting spray, probably? So right now, we’re looking for foundations that match your skin tone. What color do you usually bruise?” 

“…Purple, I guess?” 

“Then we’ll get a yellow color corrector to offset it,” Hanzawa said, plucking a foundation from the shelf. He held it up to the light—the color was kind of close to my skin, I supposed, but there were a lot that looked just like it. 

“How are you supposed to figure out the right color?” I asked. 

“Oh—you can sample it,” Hanzawa said, and he motioned for me to hold my hand out. We swatched various foundations on the back of my hand as Hanzawa explained to me the basic methodology for covering a bruise. The color corrector would negate the purple hues of my bruise, concealer would properly cover it up with my actual skin tone, and foundation would provide a smooth cover that blended with the rest of my face. The setting spray was just to make sure everything held for the entire time I was working. “You’ll probably want makeup brushes, too,” Hanzawa said as he explained how to apply everything. “We can buy some, or I could maybe lend you mine…” 

I could see him trying to work out how to lend me makeup brushes in a way that wouldn’t require an additional meeting. “No, I’ll get one of my own,” I said. 

“You sure?” he asked. 

I nodded. “It’s kind of weird to say this, but… somehow, I feel like this may not be the last time I need something like this?” 

Satisfied with the last foundation we’d tried, Hanzawa showed me how to remove all the makeup on my hand before leading me to another display. There he found a standard set of makeup brushes and gingerly placed it into his basket. “Well, I suppose you do lead quite an exciting life,” he commented. 

“This is the first time I’ve gotten injured,” I said. “But there are a lot of interesting people at Richard’s shop, so I guess I do end up having interesting experiences.” I paused. Like this, actually, I didn’t say, and instead asked, “You mentioned your older sister taught you this?” 

“It’s not really that I was taught,” Hanzawa clarified. “It was more like… a natural consequence of existing around her? I ended up knowing a lot of the terminology, and I’d get dragged to places like these, too. At that point, you have to at least learn the basics.” 

I’d never had a sibling before, so I wondered if it was natural for everyone to pick up skills from their family like this. With my mother, we’d always maintained a certain sense of distance, and with my stepfather overseas, the only one who could maybe qualify as family was Richard. Who I had, indeed, learned a lot from. “And you learned more on your own, afterwards?” 

“Well, at my high school, our cultural festival holds a cross-dressing competition each year—it was an all-boys school, hence the tradition—and I ended up learning a bit more because of that. One of my classmates actually attends cosmetology school, now, which is where I learned how to do this.” He gestured in the direction of my reddened cheek. 

I reached up on instinct, suddenly conscious of the fact that I was walking around with such an obvious injury. I’d attributed the stares of passerby to the fact that I looked out of place in a makeup store, but this was probably the real reason.

Hanzawa studied my face, and his tone gentled. “It’s been a valuable skill to me,” he murmured. “Makeup gives us the ability to beautify.” 

Hand still pressed against my cheek, I confessed, “I’d never really thought of it that way, before. Though I don’t really know anything, really. But I’d always thought of it as… having something to hide, I guess.” I felt like a fool as soon as the words left my mouth.

“Well,” Hanzawa said, still low and quiet, “I suppose we are aiming to hide that bruise of yours. But there is value even in concealment, I think.” A wry smile graced his mouth. “Speaking of.” 

We’d lingered for too long in one place, and so we moved to collect a bottle of setting spray and a pale-yellow color corrector before stopping to search through a row of concealers. As we compared various shades on my hand, I recalled the conversation I’d had with Richard about tiramisu.

“…Don’t people also value the truth, though?” I asked. 

The shade Hanzawa had tested was far darker than it had looked in the tube. He paused over my hand, and without lifting his head, said, “Perhaps I’m being cynical… but I think most people only value the truth when it is beautiful.” He paused to dab a different concealer on my hand. “I don’t think you’re wrong—people do value authenticity. That’s exactly why so many makeup advertisements discuss how to achieve a natural look, or how to enhance your natural features by smoothing out ‘imperfections’… we’ve defined a kind of beauty that is meant to emulate reality, but that doesn’t mean it is reality.”

Though I couldn’t see his expression, I could hear the raw sincerity in his voice. Something clicked into place, and I realized that for Hanzawa, enhancement was the same as concealment.

“The kinds of beauty we recognize are usually just skin-deep, huh…” I said, echoing the conversation I’d had with Tanimoto-san.

“And everyone prefers to be beautiful,” Hanzawa said.

Yamamoto-san, too, had thought that beauty was a great advantage. “Doesn’t beauty come with its own disadvantages, though?” I asked. At Hanzawa’s curious look, I paraphrased how Richard had described his own experiences. “Like, if you’re so beautiful that people think you’re unapproachable, isn’t that hard?”

“I suppose so,” Hanzawa said. “You’re talking about a kind of… unreal beauty, right? Like your boss.”

“Ah… was it obvious?”

Hanzawa smiled. “A little.” He hummed for a bit in thought, and then said, “In either direction, I think there’s a fear of… standing out, or looking odd. That’s why we’re here. Though I suppose there might be some people who have enough pride to eschew standards.”

The shade he’d just tried was a perfect match. “When you put it that way… there’s definitely times I don’t want to say everything about myself,” I conceded, remembering how I’d felt when confronted by Mami-san’s deep, uncomfortable sense of shame. “Having that kind of pride is… an ideal, but just that.” As much as Richard liked to ask if I had ever decided to think before I spoke, I, too, had things I found hard to say. 

“That’s everything, I think,” Hanzawa said, adding the concealer to the basket. “I’ve got makeup wipes with me, so you can just have them. Since we’re here, though, do you mind if I make a quick detour?” 

“Go ahead,” I said, and Hanzawa drifted through the store at a leisurely pace, inspecting different products. I took the time to observe the various advertisements pasted around the store, noting that Hanzawa’s description hadn’t been incorrect. Then I observed the array of colors scattered around the store as Hanzawa inspected different kinds of eyeshadow. “I guess blue is rare here, too.” 

“Hm?” 

“I was just reminded of ultramarine,” I said, pointing towards the overwhelming set of pinks and reds in a collection of lipsticks. “It was prized not just because the stone was precious, but because blue was a rare pigment color, right?”

“…Lapis lazuli sure was a precious stone,” Hanzawa replied. “In addition to blue’s rarity, I’d think it would be hard to collect pieces without significant gold spots. When ground into pigment, those colors would muddy the blue. If one needed to source pure blue lapis lazuli for ultramarine, that would only further increase its rarity and value.” 

 “Wait, are you majoring in economics?” I blurted out, a little bewildered by the clarity of his explanation.

Distracted from his inspection of an eyeshadow palette, Hanzawa turned to squint at me, bemused. “No, I’m not,” he said. “Are you?”

“I am, yeah.” I floundered, wondering how to explain that for just a moment, Hanzawa had reminded me of Richard. Maybe he was training to be a diplomat—that would explain why even when he spoke casually, every word felt measured. He was certainly better at speaking than me, who couldn’t figure out how to casually ask him what he was actually majoring in.

At my lost expression, Hanzawa laughed and went back to searching through eyeshadows. “…You actually remind me of someone I know.”

“How so?” 

“A few things, I think,” Hanzawa said. “You’re both… open to many new experiences.” Though the fondness in his voice was palpable, it was deeply careful, like he was letting me know the shades of some terrible secret.

“You don’t find them exciting?” 

“And equally likely to be hurtful,” he rebutted, though not aggressively. 

Hanzawa took my answering silence as agreement—which it partially was—and continued looking around the store. Conscious of the time we’d spent wandering, he explained, “The color I’m looking for is uncommon. Eyeshadows have more variety than lipsticks do, but the majority stay within the range of pinks to browns.”

“Even though it’s not a problem to make blue pigment anymore, it’s still a matter of supply and demand, isn’t it?” I surmised. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone wear blue lipstick.”

“The kind of people that do are amazing to me,” Hanzawa said. “Whether it’s simply a matter of liking it or wanting to be deviant from the norm—I think there’s a great strength in accepting oneself as anomalous.”

Finally, he picked out a sparkly lime green eyeshadow, and after holding the color up to the light, tucked it into his basket. It was no wonder he’d spent so much time searching—while accompanying him, I hadn’t seen a single product that looked like it.

“You really are fond of that color,” I noted. 

Hanzawa froze for a moment. “It’s for—the cultural festival, actually,” he explained. “I’m helping them out.” 

“Oh, I do something like that too—it’s with the karate class I used to attend back in middle school, though,” I shared. “You must be close with your juniors?” 

As we entered the checkout line, Hanzawa said, “I think it’s something like a leftover sense of responsibility. That guy… we used to be in the same club.” 

Before I could ask him what that guy meant, our attention was redirected to the cashier in front of us. She looked surprised to see two men in front of her, but quickly began scanning the items before her. “Picking up products for your girlfriends?” she asked with a smile, clearly hoping to ease our nerves. 

Hanzawa stepped forward, partially obscuring my view. “It’s for my older sister, actually,” he replied, the same smile mirrored on his face. “I just hope I’ve gotten it right!” 

Caught up in his mild, inconsequential lie, I stood there, hands hung limply at my side, as I realized that apart from her initial shock, she hadn’t once glanced at my cheek. To be accurate, Hanzawa hadn’t let her. This was probably what he’d meant by the value of concealment. It was like when Richard had pretended not to speak Japanese at that department store. While it wasn’t the truth, it was the option that limited any unwanted misunderstandings.

…Was it really because of his older sister that he’d learned how to do makeup? Or was that just the easiest explanation?

We exited the store with our purchases, and I handed over the eyeshadow to Hanzawa. He slipped it into his messenger bag, and in return, produced a pack of makeup wipes for me to take. “If you forget what to do, there’s a bunch of tutorials online,” Hanzawa reassured, gesturing to my bag of makeup.

“Thanks for the help,” I said. “I had a nice time, too—I feel like I got to hear from an interesting person, as well.”

“Don’t think too much of it—I was really just rambling,” he said dismissively before offering me a tight smile. “I do hope work goes well for you this weekend.” 

“…You’ll know, won’t you?” I asked, summoning a bit of courage. “Since you’ll be there.” 

“Ah,” Hanzawa said, and stilled before giving his confirmation. “…Yes, I will.” 

With that promise exacted from him, we naturally said our goodbyes and parted at a nearby street. The early morning chill had faded somewhat under the sun, and as I made my way back to campus, I thought about the many ways Richard’s face might change upon seeing Hanzawa arrive at his appointment. He wouldn’t give me a raise, but I’d get something out of it, nonetheless.

[shat-on-the-dick]

Hi. I saw your call for an ask!

I haven’t read ch 2 of your fic yet but from what I remember of ch 1, Pauline is from Paradis and met Reiner in the Training Corps?

Did she join the Survey Corps?

When did her and Reiner get together?

What made them fall for each other?

What’s her best skill from training? (Like ODM, leadership, tactics, sword play, hand-to-hand fighting, etc)

This is @onlyymirknows btw 😊

@onlyymirknows THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ASK!!!

1) she joined the military for a pathetic goal: she didn't care about the training or fighting anything, she wanted to find a husband - preferably in the military police (it has to do with trauma in her childhood), drop out of the military and go live a safe life (not comfortable) in the inner circle.

But, after her time as cadet, having met everyone, having met Reiner and Annie (who is a huge role model to her, much like Reiner to Eren) and reevaluating what she really wanted in her life, she decides to join the Survey Corps

2) They got together around the second year of training (that is, after she gave up on the idea of finding a husband in the military police and giving into his advances) - I'm thinking about the idea of making they meet earlier, one year before they enlist, she spends some time with Reiner, Annie and Bert in a settlement since she is all alone but idk

3) when she enlists, Pauline wants to find a husband who will take care of her, keep her safe and stable, smth she never had growing up (her parents were survey corps, so they rarely stayed home for a long period of time with her, she never knew if that could be the last time she'd see them, she never knew when they'd leave her again to fight titans. She resented them a lot, so she never wants to be left out in the cold like that again. When they die, she thinks nothing is worth fighting for, pushing against the circumstances only brings suffering, so she settles for ignoring the world and finding someone who CAN keep her safe like she never felt)

Bc of that, Pauline often victimizes herself and acts helpless and naive so people will want to coodle and feel pity for her.

That attracts Reiner, since he is so lost in that big brother protective persona, he wants to be the knight in the shining armor, saving the damsel in distress.That feeds his ego. Dysfunctional af, I know

However, when they begin to spend more time together, their personas begin to crack, Reiner sees her act and she sees his, but they don't judge the other. That brings them closer and that's when they fall in love. They can be who they are, Reiner can be vulnerable and afraid, Pauline can be fierce, protective and caring, bc they know the other won't leave bc of that

4) Pauline is amazing with the ODM gear (but she doesn't brag about it like Jean) Back when she acted helpless, she only felt like herself when using the ODM gear, effortless, elegant, resourceful and corageous. She prefers flying close to the ground when fighting titans, their response time is slower, their hands can't reach her so kickly and easily, she slashes their toes and finishes them off on the nape when they fall. She is really good. She is also showy with the acrobatics, she looks like a ballerina when flying

Plus, she is very emphathetic, she understands people and really sees them. Opposed to Armin, who sees people in a broader light, she deals with people very well face to face, serving as a mediator, she is calm and collected, always ready to listen and offer advice, calming the others and de-escalating emotions in dire or tense situations.

PHEW I WROTE A LOT, SORRY THIS WAS SO LONG!!!

TY FOR READING AND SENDING THE ASK!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[sapphire-writes]

Okay, since you're invested and Im too lazy to study for my Theory presentation tomorrow (but somehow awake enough to do this- God gives his hardest battles to his stronger soldiers) let's go! I also realised after writing this whole thing that it's too long to be an ask but i couldnt copy it as a post and.. ive come too far for anything else! ch.3

“Found him,” Aemond said.  Aegon trails behind him, looking disheveled.  “Where was he?” Baela asks.  Aemond glances around the room.  “Y/N here?” 

MY BABY!!!! he knows it's gonna devastate her to be yet again faced with aegon's complete disregard and shitting all over their relationship and still he's being so careful and tactful and thoughtful!

His tongue pokes at his cheek, as he watches you. His sapphire eye catches the light from the kitchen, sending geometric shapes on the wall.

this was such a good line tho! like, you can imagine the little light shapes around the room moving around whenever he tilts his head or turns his head. such a good visual! (the V on the sweatpants as well but for now im keeping it classy)

“She’s single, I’m single,” he says, no growls, at you, “it's not a big fucking deal.”

imagine having to defend to your crush why you fake shagged sb and having to argue that you're not dating anyone so you're allowed to have ALL the fun!! Yay such joy!!

also btw!! why lie in the first place? just to spite her? maybe......... to see how she would react?.... i mean... there's a saying in my native language : "you fish with empty nets hoping to get full ones" dude was baiting her? wishfully baiting her? crossing his fingers baiting her? and it fucking worked too? what a mad lad

“Fuck, Aemond,” you want to keep yelling at him. You want a reaction from him, some remorse, something besides that cold look, “you really are heartless.”

Aemond turns his head to you, purple and sapphire eye aglow with anger. He pushes off the counter, striding towards you. 

“Go to bed, Y/N,” he says in a voice dripping with disdain, “you’re not my friend, you’re not my girlfriend. Stop acting like one.”

“I’m not staying.” A flicker of confusion dances across his sharp features.  “Why?” [...] Aemond stays eerily still. His eye searches your face, taking in the look of acceptance that follows the words you speak. 

“So after the party, you won’t have to deal with me anymore,” you tell him, the bitterness evident in your voice. 

see previous gif

Aemond’s eyes light up as you fail to answer, the beginning of a smirk pulling at the corner of his mouth.  [...] There is a look in Aemond’s eye, reminiscent of a rabid dog.

no comment... i just love those lines... pay no attention to me

I have to wonder... how many times in the past had Aemond fantasized about waking up, going to the kitchen to have his morning coffee and toast and whatever and then her showing up, all warm and lazy from her sleep. how many times did he do the do thinking about lifting her on that very counter and fucking her just like he did irl? because you know since those mornings have been established as a sort of "them" time, you know he latched onto that and used it as jerking off material.. also those morning showers? i bet you my left lung he did. (please dear author.. what Does he think about while getting himself off?) also you have to love how open and responsive and vocal he is! all the love! all the kisses!!!

He fucking ripped your stockings holy shit. 

you know he'd been thinking of doing that for a looong ass while

Aemond blinks to look up at you, drinking in the hedonistic expression on your face. 

i love it when dreams come true. very heartwarming ya know....

“You gonna cum for me?” he asks, his voice rough as gravel.

God, you want to smack that stupid self-indulgent look off his face.

if only she realized how much he risked -like emotionally- by kissing her and making that first move...

now some ch. 1 because i MUST

Aemond nods, flagging down the bartender.  “Yeah 'cause you’re acting like an idiot.” [...] “No you’re an idiot,” he faces you, a sick smile on his face. He often gets that wild look in his eye when you start arguing. 

it's the attention.. he's a lovesick fool. pay him no mind

“You’re a very smart girl,” he says leaning closer, “but you’re not acting like one.” “You don’t get it,” you tell him[...] Aemond chuckles [...] “I live with you fuckers,” he says, taking a sip from his drink, “I know everything that goes on, princess.” [...] “Don’t you think you deserve better?” [...] “You’re not my friend Aemond,” you snap, “you’ve made that quite clear the past couple of years. So stop acting like one.” His eyes bore into yours. [...] He doesn’t say anything, he only hums deep within the back of his throat before tearing his gaze from you. 

and one last line from ch, 4

Aemond’s silk shirt is open at the top, revealing his chest. He wears a different chain tonight, nothing hanging from it. You swallow hard.

let the chain be a main character! it has all the potential, we want her, we love her, she is stunning, amazing, showstopping...

IM LIVING FOR THIS COMMENTARY FRIEND 🫶🏻

As for lying about Rhaena: yeah he lied, knowing it would start a fight, he was totally baiting her. He just went along with it because she was like "seriously?? you fucked Rhaena??"

You've hit the nail on the HEAD! As for what he thinks of when he ya know 💦 😏 ofc he's thinking about the reader, those moments in the kitchen, the moments when they argue just grabbing the back of her neck and kissing her, breaking all his rules and going for it.

and then he finally does 🥹

[charnelhouse]

Hi. I’m a fairly new reader. I’m in love with your writing. There’s is something so gut wrenching & oddly nostalgic in the way you write grief, sadness and loneliness. But also…you know how to make a character absolutely hilarious ! Anytime you drop something new, me and my friend rush to tumblr like fans—proud fans btw. I’m currently enjoying WYS and I’m only at chapter 6. I have a few questions so bear with me :

1. I read all your TF stuff FIRST and now I’m reading your WYS au story. Are the character traits/personalities in the TF universe the same for the guys in the WYS universe? I see some similarities but I just wanted to know for sure. Like I noticed that Will is a bit closed off (so far) in Wys, similar to TF. Is this intentional?

2. Once again I’ve only gotten to chapter 6 but is pope interested in Faire? Or will he become interested in her romantically and or physically ? So far he’s a bit cold (which I understand completely) and that’s why I’m asking.

3. I really love how inclusive your stories are. I don’t feel alienated as a reader when I read your stuff. I noticed that you have a Pinterest board for faire. Does faire have a specific face claim or do you leave that up to interpretation? I noticed you had Lori Harvey, Sza and Blake lively (and more) under the faire board. So I’d just like some clarity on that.

4. Do you have guess at how many chapters there will be in total for WYS? Sometimes I like to wait until updates are finished to binge but I’m way too hooked tbh.

5. Girl what is your zodiac sign?! If you don’t believe in that stuff I totally get it. I’m just nosey and want to know. Idk…maybe the way you write angst just makes me want to know what zodiac sign is responsible for making me CRY like this !!! lol!

Hiii omg thank you!!

1. I’m not sure they have a ton to do with each other. Will is very closed off, but I’d say he’s more sane in the TF Poly fics. Frankie is similar. Benny is similar. I didn’t really intend to connect them because the WYS characters have been raised completely differently (they’ve never gone to war, etc). I had my own headcanons for the TF guys and I transferred some of those traits to WYS.

2. Pope is definitely interested in her, but right now he’s trying to create boundaries. He does not spend time with her. He is doing his damndest to not view her as anything, but Charles Faire’s daughter because he’s got ISSUES. He acknowledges that she’s extremely pretty (to him) in the beginning, but then builds a barrier up – avoids her. You’ll see that by Chapter 10, he does like her/feel an interest in her.

3. I’ve tried to be careful about giving her a specific face claim since people like to pretend. Obviously – I have an idea of who I see her as. She definitely has a lot of hair (bc i talk about it a lot during certain acts). Blake Lively is the face claim for Theo (who you meet in ch. 8 i think). If she was in the "Faire Vibes" folder, it's probably because I dug her outfit haha. Honestly – I sort of see her as a Margot Robbie/Ana de Armas combo/mixture. She’s a bunch of things in my head and it tends to change (see below for some vibes)

4. TBD on an exact count, but I highly suggest that you read it with the updates and not wait.

5. I’m a libra haha.

[nanabansama]

Ask Round-Up 1/?

I've recently gotten a lot of asks in the past week or so, which has been pretty fun! But it's a bit intense responding to all of them individually, and I have been wanting to try and respond... so I thought this might be an easier way to do so, by putting them all in one post!

I don't have as much to say about most of these also, so I figured a quick response like this was better, instead of multiple small posts. 🎶

So, without further ado...

Ask No. 1

I think Hanako is incapable of "showing his limit" at the moment, for one. The seal on his cheek seems to seal his own power away (a thought I explore in this post btw), weakening him and preventing him from using his true power. Beyond that, Hanako is plenty strong enough to deal with any enemy thrown at him so far, so there hasn't been a need for him to go all out.

I also suspect that Hanako may have some reservations about showing his real power if he has trouble controlling it, or it makes him look scary. If that's the case, his worry about what Yashiro may think of him could definitely be holding him back! We just have to see. 🎶

Ask No. 2 (I'm not sure if they're connected but I am assuming yes?)

Hmm... well, I do think the twin's relationship is clearly abnormal, especially since one killed the other. But I don't think the blushing Amane does during PP is of much concern; it comes across as a guy who is embarrassed of his clingy younger brother.

As for other occurrences, like in Ch. 16 when Amane finally meets Tsukasa again, I think Amane is just upset. Blushing can be seen when people cry, too, and it’s upsetting seeing your dead brother who you murdered.

As for Tsukasa... I do think he's a victim like Amane, in at least one way! If Amane had parents or guardians that didn't care about the scars on his wrists, then Tsukasa is also probably a victim of parental neglect. Maybe he’s not AS victim as Amane is, but he’s a little bit victim.

Ask No. 3

I'm not sure! But I think it might have to do with the current arc. Aoi said she wants to go "far away", so maybe Aoi wanted to confide in her friend about her feelings? Aoi seems to feel disconnected from everyone in her life, even her best friend Nene, so she might've wanted a friend to just... listen to her. :( It could also have to do with how Aoi could see supernaturals, maybe...?

Ask No. 4

In Japanese media, there's a popular trope of The Seven Mysteries, which is represented in Hanako-kun. You can read about it on tv tropes here!

I link this, because there doesn't have to be an Eighth Mystery. There certainly could be, but the whole gimmick of it is that there’s Seven, not Eight. :D I think the only way we are going to get an Eighth Mystery in Hanako, it it even happens, is through Yashiro. But it is also possible that maybe the God of the Seven Mysteries could count as the Eighth...? (Just a wild guess!)

Ask No. 5

I'm honestly not sure. I'd personally just say they're there to accentuate the character's personalities. Yashiro is a (former?) mystery-loving highschool girl, with a love of cute and creepy things (she has skeleton plushies in her bedroom!). Sakura is a refined lady who holds fancy tea parties, so of course she'd have a lovely gem brooch!

If I had to go with something a bit more theorize-y, the skull could represent how Yashiro is going to die soon, and maybe the gem on Sakura holds magic properties? XD Like how people believe crystals hold hidden powers... I dunno!

Ask No. 6

I love the pilot too, I'm with you there! I'm ultimately happy with the current Hanako we have, but there's parts of it I liked better. In particular, the concept of Hanako going to hell and being punished with marks on his wrist were pretty interesting. And AidaIro's old art is such a treat to look at!

And thanks so much! I blush. 😊

I got into Hanako-kun in November, after seeing the first animated trailer for it! It's so nostalgic watching it now, hehe. An artist I liked retweeted it on Twitter, and then I decided to read the manga! And then I made this blog after reading the manga in two days. XD Fun times!

Ask No. 7

I feel very bad for Sumire! I think it's awful that she's been forced into boxes her whole life (and afterlife); first she was chosen to be a sacrifice and only had No. 6 for company, and then she died and was forced to stay in a timeloop of her own death as No. 6's yorishiro. I'd really hate if she ended up dying again if her yorishiro is destroyed, because her life is sooo unfair; so I'm purposefully hoping that Yashiro's crazy plan will work. XD

I'm not sure how much Yashiro can "save" Sumire, but maybe Sumire and No. 6 can make up and live happily ever after together. :) Wouldn't that be nice?! Maybe if we wish hard enough it will come true. (Lol)

And that's an interesting idea! Perhaps Sumire and Tsukasa went to heaven, and the yorishiro copies are just clones of the memories that No. 6 and No. 7 had of them. If that's what you mean, anyways? But yes, it's strange how yorishiros live a life of punishment of living through their deaths, if that's also what happened to yorishiro!Tsukasa... how needlessly cruel, when they’re supposed to be precious objects!

Ask No. 8

I am good, thanks! :D

At first I thought it was an alternate timeline, but now I do think Nene actually time-travelled to the past, since Hanako acts weirdly around her after seeing her in the yukata. I figure Hanako just couldn't remember her very well, or perished the thought of them being the same since the girl was from 1964, not 2015+! And I'm unsure if young Amane's wish to meet her again is the cause of everything happening, but it would be awfully ironic, huh? 😅 The kid should've done the astronaut wish like she told him to! (Sheesh!)

Ask No. 9

This ask was in reference to this post!

I think this is a solid theory! If there were three Hanakos (the original, another, and then Hanako-kun), then Sakura seems like the most obvious choice for being the second one.

And yes! The girl does look like Sakura. Although, she is wearing a middle school uniform (I think?), and the hair doesn't match exactly... but it's something interesting to at least consider!

I'm unsure if she got removed from her job because of her wish to Tsukasa, though; I feel like Hanako would've had her position before she made a wish, especially since Tsukasa's wish-granting powers seem to be linked to Amane's powers as “Hanako-san of the Toilet”. So she must have done something else to get fired, I think!

--

Well, that wraps up this first Ask Round-Up. I’m not sure if I will be making this into a thing or not, but it was fun! Hope it was enjoyable. Bye-bye. :D

[nine-mp3]

Your Neighbor Sungho | Ch. 3

Photo Credits:

- left hand corner, @116page - center, @newat_rie

Rie (sungho) x (female) reader, fluff, slice of life, semi-angsty (?)

appearances of other OnlyOneOf and Dreamcatcher members will occur

hey so I rolled a wheel on who to write a fanfic first and got rie plus picked out a prompt to write from

warnings: alcohol, getting drunk; this fic is PG-13, some light cursing occasionally

btw i’m pretty sarcastic, there’s sarcasm thrown here and there, hope you enjoy

Description: your neighbor, sungho, from the day you've moved in has kept you up countless nights with their significant other. dancing, muffled long conversations, and amongst other noises you wished you could wipe from memory. one day it suddenly stops. those days become months.

This is Chapter 3. Chapter 1 & 2 is linked below.

Chapter 1, Chapter 2

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Sungho brings you to a diner somewhere in the city, not too far from your apartment. It was retro, old school themed. Booths and single counter top seats that stretched to the end of the building. You have heard of this place from a friend, but never came to ever try it out. The two of you picked out a seat at the booths next to the wide window view that looked on to the city streets. It’s a cozy environment, the breakfast hours being rather quiet on a Sunday morning. Hushed voices spoke, the smell of coffee yet again filling in the air, the sound of cooking in the background, the chef yelling orders, and the occasional ding of a bell to let the waiters know a dish was ready. You never thought this would be a place Sungho would like. In reality you weren’t sure what to think at all since little is known.

“You can buy as much as you’d like to eat,” Sungho said, passing you one of the menus from the side of the table.

“And that’s what I like to hear,” you said, taking up the menu gratefully.

Not too long after deciding what to order, a waitress appears to come take your orders. Not noticing at first, you realize that the waitress is one of your friends.

“Yooheon?” you exclaimed, staring at her in surprise.

She jumps, looking up from her notepad upon hearing her name.

"y/n! Oh my god!"

You’re standing up to hug her immediately. She reaches out to return it briefly, both your voices in excitement from seeing each other.

“What are you doing here? Of course, to finally come visit this diner I’ve been telling you about right?” Yooheon said, poking you with one end of her pen to your shoulder.

“Ow! Sorry, it’s been very busy. Please don’t kill me,” you said, rubbing the spot, and holding your hands up to defend yourself.

"Yeah, yeah. Save your excuses. I knew you would have come eventually."

She takes notice of Sungho, seeming just as alarmed. The other male simply gives a small wave in greeting.

“Sungho?! You’re here...and with y/n? Wait, you guys know each other?” Yooheon asked, looking back and forth from the both of you.

“I was about to ask the same thing. But please, give me my usual coffee.” Sungho mentions, folding his hands on the table top.

“Alright, Mr. Demand. As for the one who’s been ignoring my messages for the entire month. Are you...doing okay?” she asked as she scribbled down the note, concern showing on her face.

They...know each other, you thought.

“I’m fine. Just...take our orders, would you?” Sungho said bluntly, averting eye contact now.

Yooheon’s a bit taken back by his sudden attitude. You gave an apologetic look to her, mouthing one too.

“Uh, ahem. We’re neighbors, for context. Small world right? Anyways…” you said, scratching at the side of your neck nervously.

Once Yooheon has our orders and Sungho has another cup of caffeine, there’s a silence filled with unnecessary tension. You’re stirring your own iced coffee with the straw, watching the ice cubes in the glass spin.

“Sorry,” Sungho said suddenly to you.

He’s gripping at his cup handle somewhat, moving around the cup slightly in his hands. Was it a nervous habit?

“Hey, stop saying sorry to me. Who you should really be apologizing to is Yooheon,” you tell him, gesturing to the female in the distance.

There's a pause, as if Sungho was thinking again, before he nods in understanding. You hoped that your message was clear and he wasn't only nodding to get you to shut up.

“How do you know Yooheon?” he asks, eyes lifting up to meet yours now.

“Old friend from high school. You?”

“Friend of friends and... this diner. I come here a lot, if it doesn’t show.”

You nodded to his explanation, taking another sip of the ice coffee from your cup. There were a million questions to ask. It wasn't exactly proper to ask about the relationship just yet, so you were deciding on an ice breaker question. Well, Sungho beats you to it in the end.

"I know what you want to ask...about what happened with them...and I," he said, grasping the cup tighter in his hands.

"Huh? What are you talking-"

"It's fine. The walls are thin, I know. That you heard us," Sungho said, cutting you off. "And the sudden silence too."

There wasn't any point in pretending now that he brought it up.

"Okay, you got me. I am curious," you admitted, still stirring your glass nervously. "You really don't have to tell me if it's personal. The details and all. Really, it's none of my business."

"I just...want to tell you for some reason. Especially since we both were a nuisance most of the time. And yes, I was very well aware they did not like you for some odd reason. Gave them more or less reason to be louder than they already were..." Sungho explains, his eyes focused on the surface of the table. "Anyways, not the reason why we broke up. We had a small argument over something so miniscule, insignificant. They made a big deal out of it and ever since that, they haven't returned. It's been a month now. Which explains the silence and my behavior."

It was your turn to nod then, taking another sip of cold coffee. You listened carefully, keeping your eyes on Sungho to let him know that you were listening. Not that he was making eye contact with you, but you found it important in conversation. There's another silence that fills up the air. Just as you were about to speak, Yooheon arrives with the food that was ordered.

"Okay, meals coming up! One for the irritated man and one for my lovely friend, y/n!"

"Thanks Yooheon," you said, smiling up towards her.

"You can say thank you by leaving a good tip! Enjoy!" Yooheon said cheerfully, turning away on her heels to continue her job.

Once Yooheon was out of earshot, you recalled what you were able to say to Sungho. His explanation, of course, was as how you thought it went down. In honesty, someone who threw childish glares at you for only greeting their boyfriend was also on the line of making petty arguments, followed by them throwing it out of proportion. You felt bad for him.

“All I can say is...that I’m sorry this happened. Though the silence wasn’t bad for me…haha...” you responded, smiling playfully.

Sungho scoffed, but there was a laugh along with it. He began to cut a slice of the waffle he ordered. It was topped with whipped cream, strawberries, and syrup. You had the same, but pancakes.

“Yeah, yeah. I know you were probably so happy that you didn’t even check up with your lovely neighbor,” Sungho said, joking along with you as he took a bite of waffle.

“Uh-huh. Lovely. Anyways...I was worried. Kind of. It was at the back of my mind. I totally did have a nice time finishing all the work I was thrown in the past month. It was the busiest time of the year. I didn’t have time to think about anything. Luckily, we’re in the eye of the storm now. A calm point and all deadlines have been met,” you replied, grinning.

“I’m curious, or have been actually. What’s your occupation?” the other asked, changing the topic now.

“Just some office job that pays alright. I write a lot of reports, sort out files, and all that jazz. The most important thing is that I can live and feed myself currently. And you, lovely neighbor?”

Another smile dances across his lips, possibly from the nickname.

“Ah, well...I work as a barista at a coffee shop in the city. It’s a small shop, but customers fluctuate occasionally. Because people can’t live without their coffee. I’m one of said “people.” Guilty of having one too many cups a day.”

“Well, don’t worry. Same here. Whatever gets us through the day, right?” you said with a grin.

The both of you continued to eat, continuing to talk casually and forgot about the subject of his ex-significant other. Through this conversation and a meal, you felt like you learned a lot about Sungho. The both of you had similar interests, with a few sprinkles of differences like the pancake and waffle debate right in front (and it was discussed, each person telling their reason why they thought pancake or waffle was better). Yet, he respected your opinion in the end without any further arguments. This was only the surface of everything. There was more, always more. But you were glad that maybe, just maybe, after this you could finally call your neighbor a friend.

After your meals were finished and the last drops of coffee were gone from both of your cups, the bill was called for. Keeping his promise, Sungho paid for your meal. You can’t help but feel a little guilty watching Yooheon ring up his card. Then you were reminded that he needed to also apologize to the female.

“I didn’t forget, don’t worry. Also, don’t feel bad. Did you forget that you literally took care of my drunk self yesterday?” Sungho said suddenly, as if he read your mind.

“Right...okay, I don't feel guilty. Nope," you replied, sitting up straight and proud. "Hey, wait...was it that obvious of what I was thinking? How did you know?"

“Your face says it all,” he said as Yooheon comes back, handing him back his card.

“y/n’s emotions are always on her sleeve, so easy to read,” Yooheon added in, despite not knowing what the conversation was about.

“Excuse me?”

Yooheon and Sungho laughed at your response. You couldn’t help but to feel flustered suddenly, yet shocked. That wasn’t even a joke, yet they both thought something was funny. Was it your face? Huffing and rolling your eyes, you gathered your things and stood up from your seat. But you felt relieved to see them laughing together.

“Alright, alright, enough laughing at me. Sungho has something to say to you. I’ll be standing by the door and just come over when you’re done,” you said, pointing, before turning to walk away to give the two their personal space for a minute.

Sungho watched you head down the aisle, going to observe the rest of the store, as now he was going to execute an apology. Not for you, of course. For Yooheon and himself. He agreed with your words, that it was right to apologize. Afterall, he was being unnecessarily rude. That response was a result out of fear. The fear of facing people again after so long. Yooheon was one of his good friends that always checked up on Sungho. Seems like he did take it for granted. Even though he didn’t say anything yet, she knew what it was about. Glancing around, the woman checks to see if there were any new customers. There wasn’t. Her manager wasn’t in view either, so she took a moment to take the seat where you had been sitting.

“So, y/n said you had something to tell me?” Yooheon said, with an expectant look on her face.

“Uh, right. I just wanted to say I’m sorry. For how I acted before and...for the entire month prior to today. Thanks for checking up on me throughout that time period. I didn’t say anything, but I’m grateful to have a friend like you,” Sungho said genuinely.

“Aw, Sungho...it’s okay. I accept your apology, of course. I understand. It was hard, breakups are never easy. Especially when you’ve been with the other person for a long time. Together, happy...ahem. Anyways, like I’ve been telling you. Don’t keep it to yourself. Why else do you think Jisung and I wouldn’t stop knocking on your door every single day to make sure you were okay?” Yooheon said gently, adding one of her comforting smiles. “You don’t need to thank me. What are friends for? But now...just take it easy and...try to climb back into the way of your life. Without thinking about them. Screw them. You definitely deserve better. As of right now, don’t forget to take care of yourself too. You’re as important as anyone else.”

Yooheon reached out to hold Sungho’s hands, patting them. He would’ve cried there and then at her words, tears of joy mixed in with his sadness. Except it was a public area, so he held them in and moved to hold her hands back just as tightly. He nods simply, showing that he was grateful for her words. She pulled her hands away then, her eyes still wary of her manager coming out. It wasn’t the first time she’s sat down here to have a conversation with him on a slow day. Yooheon noted how you were idly standing in the distance, staring at the wall menus, and deciding what to try the next time if you were to come here.

“So, how’d you meet y/n? Was today like a random hookup or date? Looking at other fish in the sea now, eh?” Yooheon asked, leaning in closer towards him with interest.

“None of the above. y/n’s my neighbor. We barely know each other, actually. Today’s the first day we finally had a proper conversation,” Sungho said, making a face towards his friend now. “You remember right? How they didn’t let me talk to anyone. Not you, not Jisung, for even a minute. Sounds bad now that I’m only realizing now. The only time I was alone was if they were at work and I wasn’t…”

‘Wow. y/n’s your neighbor?! Talk about a small world! Anyways, I was only kidding. Focus on yourself first before anything, like I said before. And I remember that. Possessive they were. We tried to tell you, but no one sees anything when they’re too lost in love. It was bad, yes. Toxic relationship is what Jisung and I agreed on. You didn’t believe it though,” Yooheon said, sighing at her last sentence. “Anyways, we can talk more another time or…. later today? You’re free right? We can catch up with Jisung. What do you say? Just don’t want to leave y/n hanging any longer over there.”

Yooheon was right yet again. Sungho had been too caught up in love to realize the relationship he was in was toxic. A common problem in today’s society. People always attached themselves to people that weren’t good for them and weren't aware till the damage was done. He wasn’t the only one who fell into the statistics though. Outsiders could only do so much. It was always up to the person themselves who had fallen into such a relationship to pull themselves out, or not. As for his case, the one who was toxic left. So he was lucky that they weren’t in tbe picture anymore.

“Yeah...I really didn’t believe it, did I? And right, let’s talk another time..."

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After you and Sungho said your goodbyes to Yooheon, (she also did not forget to nag you to come for the coming weekend get together as she was also amongst that circle of friends), and let her resume her work, the two of you headed back to the apartment building. Standing in front each other's respective doors, facing each other, there was an awkward moment of silence. Each person wondering what to say now that the out was done and favor was fulfilled.

"Uh, so...thanks for breakfast...again. I had a fun time," you said, giving him another bright smile.

"I did as well. I'm glad that I finally can get to know my neighbor for real. Not exactly the way I  thought, as in you having to deal with me drunk," Sungho said, chuckling.

"Consider it forgotten, Sungho. Don't worry about yesterday anymore," you responded.

"Sounds like a plan. Oh, let's exchange numbers? We're friends now, right?"

You pretended to think as you fished out your cellphone from your bag. Honestly, hearing Sungho asking that made you...happy. As you had hoped back in the diner, it was spoken thought into reality. Your neighbor, a friend.

"Hmm, I don't know about that..." you joked, as you opened the phone screen.

The other simply returned another smile, going along with your joke again. You had eventually lost count of how many times he smiled today. It was definitely a lot more than in the past month. From this, you made the conclusion Sungho looked the best when he was happy. He took your phone and dialed his phone number in for you, evening naming the contact for himself.

"Lovely Neighbor Sungho, seriously? Funny. You're really funny," you said as you hit the call button so he could get your number as well. "What are you going to put my name as?"

"Lovely Neighbor y/n of course. Consistency and now matching nicknames," Sungho replied.

He picked up the call, even though he was right across from you. With another hand, Sungho searched for his apartment keys. Just to humor him, you putting your phone to your ear as well.

"Anyways, I hope you have a great day y/n. I have an apartment to clean. Shall we hang out another time again?" Sungho said, his voice echoing through the speaker of your phone as well.

"Yes, of course. I would love to."

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Author's Note: Hello! Sorry for this long gap between chapter 2 and 3. I was a bit busy for some time. Now I'm free again, so hopefully there won't be another long gap in between chapters again. The ending should be at chapter 5, but that is yet to be determined. I tend to write without an ending in mind, a flaw of mine...but don't worry! There is one for this story. Anyways, thank you for reading as always! I hope you enjoyed. Please look forward to chapter 4 ❤️!

[jess-rewatches-prodigalson]

Episode 18: Scheherazade

This episode is wonderful. Here are my thoughts.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

0:12 - Sooooo did Malcolm convince Gil to let him take the Surgeon case files from the precinct?

0:32 - Malcolm was eating Chinese take out? IDK. That stuff is pretty greasy. Something tells me that Chinese take out is not a good food to eat if you have a sensitive stomach.

1:24 - To be clear - Eve and Malcolm are not dating in this moment correct? They broke up last episode? Am I wrong?

2:04 - So Malcolm did want to go to this thing right? He genuinely likes ballet and his mom decided to make it a mother/son date. Ugh. So freaking adorable. <3

2:10 - Listening to Jessica talk on the phone is really interesting here. You can see that she’s embarrassed that she’s there alone and annoyed that Malcolm stood her up. She’s trying to be quiet and discreet on the phone so none of the nosy rich people notice but - of course - you can see them all looking at/talking about Jessica  in the background. I feel really bad for Jessica here. She doesn’t belong in the average person world because she’s rich and she can’t hang out in the rich people world because they’re all a bunch of overgrown high schoolers with the bullying and cliques to match.

2:24 - Look at how excited Jessica is initially - when this woman b**ch starts talking to her. Jessica looks hopeful that someone is going to actually be nice to her. Her gorgeous face drops when this Cricket woman starts being a b**ch. Props to Jessica for dragging this woman about the admissions scandal though.

2:53 - Ok. I immediately don’t like Endicott. Why? He clearly only saved Jessica because he wants to get in her pants. However, I love the way Jessica looks at him. She’s hopeful, flattered, and grateful. She almost never looks this happy and it’s a damn shame.

3:35 - Quick side note: Jessica looks amazing in that dress. Blue looks good on her….wait. Do you think she wore a blue dress because it would look good with Malcolm’s eyes? Not in a creepy incest way - just in a “I’m matching with my son” because we have a close, non-sexual relationship way.

4:50 - hahaha Cricket got blood spatter on her face. She deserved it.

5:00 - “You know your Mom called this in right?” - I love this. Jessica didn’t call 911. Before anyone could even think of calling 911 - I promise you Jessica was on the phone with Gil. Because Gil has always protected her family. She trusts Gil despite the fact that - like her son - she trusts almost no one since Martin was arrested.

5:02 - Again. I LOVE THIS TEAM. Talk about character/relationship growth. Dani and Malcolm making lighthearted banter. JT being really forward about telling Malcolm to go and check on his mother (who just witnessed a murder). I love that we are now at the point in this team’s relationship that JT and Dani love Malcolm so much that they worry about Malcolm’s Mom. <3

5:16 - Props to Edrisa. She’s a little neurotic and often anxious. BUT check out the way she laid down the law with that dude who was touching evidence. This girl is great.

6:00 - “Welcome to 2020. Can’t rule anything out.” - Can we just appreciate this line. It was probably written in late 2019 or before the whole COVID-19 nonsense in 2020. What a timely, well-delivered line. They probably writers probably did it by accident too. They were probably trying to allude to the craziness that was about to unravel with Endicott for the rest of this season. I love this show.

6:15 - JEALOUS GIL ALERT. Honestly - this was amazing. Gil is so jealous (not hiding it well btw) but he’s trying so hard to be a professional.  ALSO - check out the way that Endicott is looking at Gil. Endicott knows that Jessica and Gil have feelings for each other. He also knows that Gil suspects him as a murderer (for this case and the 1x19 case). Yikes. If Endicott has Gil injured, maimed, or killed in 1x20 I WILL THROW HANDS.

7:07 - This is cool to me. Jessica is mad at Malcolm but she doesn’t call him “Malcolm Whitly”; she calls him “Malcolm Bright”. This implies that Bright might be Malcolm’s legal last name. If it’s not - it means that Jessica respects her son. No matter how angry she might be at him - she would never intentionally harm him. She’s a good mom. (ALSO EDRISA’s REACTION ahahahaha and the way that Malcolm closes his eyes when he hears Jessica’s voice like “Aww shit. I’m in trouble.”)

7:30 - Honestly, I think it was both. From what we learn in this episode - Malcolm likes ballet. He’s probably sorry he missed the murder (because you know he’s Malcolm) but I feel like he was also looking forward to the event. Even if it meant that he would have to schmooze some rich people and listen to his Mom be a little nervous and a lot extra throughout the night.

7:45 - YES. YES. This is the perfect reaction to Eve. One that I’m sure a lot of fans can relate to. Yes - we hate the fact that Eve manipulated her way into Jessica and Malcolm’s lives. We hate that she broke both of their hearts. However, we sympathize with her brutally dark childhood and the loss of her sister. You can hate someone’s actions without hating the person as a whole. AND RIGHT HERE you can see that duality on Jessica’s face.

8:08 - At least Malcolm isn’t lying to Jessica? But dang. He looks so guilty about telling his Mom that he’s planning on visiting Martin. Probably because he knows Jessica will worry about the meeting, Malcolm’s mental health, and all other potential fallouts of Malcolm’s “plan”.

9:15 - Look at Malcolm here. He’s staring at Eve with a mixture of fear and concern. For once - he’s not focused on Martin. Malcolm’s concern for Eve and Eve’s pain is overpowering the discomfort and anxiety that Malcolm experiences when he sees his father.

9:20 - “You’re prettier than I imagined.” Ugh. Go to hell Martin. Malcolm looks so freaking ashamed to be Martin’s son right here. Look at his sad little face. :(

9:38 - What a toxic parent. He’s a serial killer and he’s still trying to make his ex-wife seem like the bad parent. Martin needs therapy.

9:45 - Holy hell. Malcolm looks terrified…..actually Martin looks a little scared too.

9:52 - I love this. Malcolm is so afraid of what Martin might do to Eve that he jumps over that red line. Also - take a second to notice how Malcolm grabs Eve. It’s not intimate. Definitely not the way you’d grab a significant other or a close friend. His hands aren’t touching her. He has his hands clasped around each other and his arms wrapped around Eve’s shoulders. This is a very gentlemanly way to grab a lady - even in a panicked, dangerous situation when he’s probably acting on sheer instinct and fear. Malcolm’s not thinking of where his hands are positioned. This is how he reaches for her instinctively and I respect it.

10:05 - Malcolm looks so scared here. Eve slapping Martin was definitely not part of the plan. Eve is improvising.

10:40 - Again. Check out the way Malcolm grabs Eve’s shoulder. It’s not the way you’d put your hand on a significant other’s shoulder. They are not dating here.

10:43 - Look at Martin’s face. It’s twisting in disgust. Is he actually feeling guilt for being a terrible father? I thought psychopaths couldn’t feel remorse? Maybe he’s just disgusted that his son is in a relationship with a woman who would have the nerve to insult Martin to his face?

10:50 - “I’ve told you all I can.” Martin’s eyes show fear in this moment. After watching 1x19 - I see why.

11:09 - The way that Martin shouts “Malcolm” is haunting. You can see it upsets Malcolm too by the way he grips his head. I wonder if Martin used that tone of voice with Malcolm as a child? Martin supposedly acted like a perfect father but what if Martin was verbally abusive to Malcolm when they were home alone together? Maybe this is how he conditioned Malcolm - like with that “Boy!” in 1x14, right before Malcolm stabs Martin. What if he drugged Malcolm to make him forget then too? Is that why Malcolm looks like he’s having a traumatic response to his name being called in that tone?

11:16 - Malcolm is impressed by Eve but also a little scared of Eve. Her performance was alarming to him. He didn’t expect her to be that angry.

12:04 - Edrisa is a national treasure. “I disagreed” bahahahaha. OMG. Even Gil looks amused at this one.

13:15 - “To maintain a comfortable lifestyle”. Seriously - do the writers want me to suspect Endicott? I seriously pinned it on him the whole time I watched this episode for the first time. Now I know better - but he’s still a sleaze bucket who has killed people.

13:34 - I love how no one on the team is buying Malcolm’s “my rich Mom took me to watch ballet as a kid” act. They know there’s more to it than that. They know Malcolm well enough to know when he’s lying.

13:40 - Gil is like “I’ve known you since you were 10. Jessica did not take you to the ballet for as long as I’ve known you. I would’ve heard about it.”

14:05 - I wish Malcolm always looked that happy when he declines one of Martin’s calls.

14:26 - This is seriously disconcerting. This is the most sincere and serious behaviour that we’ve ever seen from Martin. Martin is scared. Now that I’ve seen 1x19, I understand it. He’s afraid for himself. Of what Endicott may do to him if this gets out. I still can’t quite figure out if Martin actually cares about what happens to Ainsley, Malcolm, and Jessica though. I don’t think he’s capable. I hope I’m wrong.

14:32 - Soooo Mr. David doesn’t know about this. That makes sense. Did Mr. David see Martin get slapped? Are these phone calls recorded? Is that why Mr. David gives Martin that look? To remind Martin to keep quiet about the slap because it could cause Mr. David to lose his job? Are they friends? Ugh. This relationship is so fascinating to me.

15:33 - Look at Gil. He does not like the catty attitude of these ballet dancers.

15:45 - OMG. JT looks like he’s watching reality TV. He’s amused, a little confused, a lot shocked, and he can’t look away.

16:00 - I don’t like this Joesph dude - because he’s a jerk. BUT he has a point. These ballerinas seems very unstable. In the emotional sense.

16:12 - Dang. This is brutal. I didn’t like the way this girl was acting - but no one deserves this.  

16:53 - “I’m right here. I’m right here.” UGH. Gil saying this is so freaking sweet. All I can imagine is Gil saying that to Malcolm as a kid when Mal wakes up from a nightmare. <3 Ugh. The thought is warming my cold, dead heart.

17:15 - It’s a little concerning that Malcolm looks so excited about being in the same building as an active killer. ALTHOUGH - he regularly visits his serial killer father. Maybe he’s so used to being afraid of killers that he doesn’t even register it anymore? He’s so focused on solving the case that his own safety doesn’t even register as a concern?

17:23 - Papa!Gil is angry. I’m picturing him giving Malcolm a lecture in this tone of voice after Malcolm did something stupid when he was a teenager.

18:00 - Malcolm is having the time of his life. Look at this boy go. He has a group of suspects to profile and they’re all standing right in front of him. Life can’t get much better.

19:30 - Yep. This dude is a jerk. Also - Malcolm looks tiny next him. How tall is that dude? I know Tom Payne is short but damn.

19:36 - Question: why wasn’t Fiona in this group that was initially being profiled? Was she not in the building?

19:55 - Look at this. Jessica totally wants to talk to Martin. She is so pleased that she finally has something to rub in Martin’s face to make him jealous/angry. Also - can we all just appreciate how Jessica picks up the phone?!? When she’s addressing Mr. David?!? hahahaha comedic GOLD.

20:12 - Martin is losing his marbles. He really is an attention whore. Dang.

20:18 - “Martin stop being a helicopter parent.” - Yo. Jessica, I love you but you are a hypocrite.

20:30 - And this was the moment that Jessica forgave Eve for betraying her and Malcolm. Hahaha look at how absolutely delighted Jessica looks when she finds out that Eve struck Martin. hahaha

20:35 - Look at the way Martin glances over at Mr. David as he asks Jessica if she’s paying attention to him. It’s as though he’s reigning himself in because he knows Mr. David will hang up the phone and leave the cell if Martin loses it. Martin is so desperate for attention that he’ll take a bad phone call with his ex-wife over being alone in his cell. I almost feel bad for him. Almost.

20:43 - Huh. Do you think Gil saw that photo? How do you think our jealous cop reacted?

21:03 - Ok. So, in this scene Martin is chained to the wall. He’s talking on the phone. Mr. David is in the room. NO one else. WHAT ARE THE PARAMETERS REGARDING WHEN MARTIN GETS CHAINED TO THE WALL?!?!? There have been so many scenes when Martin is not chained to the wall and he’s alone with Mr. David. I have so many questions about how this works.

21:06 - Martin’s toddler-esque hissy fit is freaking hilarious. This dude is unstable.

21:24 - Martin’s flashbacks have to be true. Right? So we can all say with 100% certainty that he took Malcolm to the cabin and held a girl (Sophie) in the cabin.

21:43 - Poor Mr. David. :( He looks so done with Martin’s nonsense. Why doesn’t Mr. David quit? He could easily get a position guarding a less insane prisoner. He’s been with Martin for 20ish years. At this point he’s either a) friends with Martin, b) developed some sort of twisted Stockholm Syndrome, c) working for Endicott, or d) getting paid a lot of money.

22:34 - Fiona is a nasty Queen B and I’m annoyed that Gil can’t arrest her on principle.

23:25 - “He upset some very powerful people. They made his escape from Cuba possible.” ….Soooo Endicott is definitely a shady dude. I still think he had something to do with Javier’s death.

23:40 - “Jessica’s friend?” - Dang. Gil, you’re jealousy is showing. <3 hahaha also he looks so freaking unsurprised. Gil’s like “I knew he was shady. I KNEW IT!!” And I find it really interesting that he refers to Jessica by her first name in front of Malcolm. Usually, he’ll say “your mother” or “your mom”. This indicates that Gil currently feels personally involved in Jessica’s life. This is a situation that is affecting him as opposed to Malcolm so he’s referring to her as “Jessica” instead of “your mother”.

24:02 - OMG. Gil, please stop being so obviously jealous of a woman in front of her son. Her son is a profiler. He can see through you and you’re probably making him uncomfortable (look at the way Malcolm looks down and smirks after Gil does this he knows). Regardless, this is the single funniest thing Gil has ever done on this show.

24:15 - Are Endicott and Gil really having a weird, not-so-subtle “guy-off” over Jessica while talking about the investigation?!? Malcolm looks hella awkward. He’s like “Fake-Dad vs. suspect/Mom’s crush. What do I do?”

24:43 - ENDICOTT DO NOT PRETEND THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW MALCOLM WAS HER SON. Your shady ass has totally been keeping tabs on her whole family for the past 20 years.

24:50 - DANG. Check out that look that Jessica gives Malcolm. It’s like “Do not embarrass me in front of Nicholas. Do not tell your sister what you’ve seen. Do not discuss what you just witnessed with me. Ever. This did not happen.”

24:54 - Gil, buddy, I love you but looking at your watch is super obvious. Please reign it in. Your jealousy, while hilarious, it not attractive to a woman.

25:09 - I feel so bad for Malcolm throughout this whole scene. He’s clearly still interested in solving the case but he has this confused, slightly disturbed look on his face as he watches the whole love triangle fight go down.

26:06 - Once again, the whole “guessing JT’s name” is my favourite running gag on this show. Look. Even JT is into it now. He used to be super annoyed by it. This is how much JT and Malcolm’s friendship has grown. I’m so proud of these losers.

26:20 - OMG. hahaha “Posion.” Is Gil considering poisoning Endicott because he’s really that jealous?!!? I doubt it. More likely - Gil is suspecting Endicott of killing Javier. HOWEVER, I also think that this is a very subtle hint by the writers that Endicott is going to poison Gil in the season finale. I DO NOT WANT TO BE RIGHT - but I have a horrible dread that I will be.

27:00 - Seriously? Martin gets an iPod too? Is he really a prisoner?!? This dude lives better than me.

27:30 - So Martin is mad at Malcolm here. “Kids.” Huh. So did he actually try to kill Malcolm that night? Or did he chicken out when he got up to the cabin?

28:13 - HOW THE HELL DID MARTIN GET EVE’S PHONE NUMBER?!? Magic? Does he get internet access? A phone book? He has Mr. David find it for him?

28:25 - Check out Malcolm’s face. He looks longingly and sad as he stares at the ballerinas. He stares at them with respect too - not lust. He really likes ballet. <3

29:00 - Is Malcolm projecting here. “You took a chance on him when no one else would.” Did he quit dance because of how people treated him after Martin was arrested? Does Malcolm identify with Javier?

29:10 - Listen to how Fiona praises Javier’s work ethic. It almost feels like she’s talking about Malcolm. Of course, she isn’t, she doesn’t know Malcolm. BUT the writers know Malcolm. Is this a subtle hint that Malcolm is not a killer? That he’s incapable of being a killer? I mean - they even go so far as to have Fiona say that something about Javier’s performance was off - not his work performance but his personal performance. Is that a reference to Malcolm’s deteriorating mental health? Maybe I’m reading way to much into this…

31:14 - Does Malcolm even know he’s projecting here?! I don’t think he does. Gil sees it though. Damn. I’m surprised he didn’t challenge Malcolm on it. Or hug him. Ugh. My heart is broken.

33:05 - Is Malcolm so shocked that he doesn’t move? Or is this just Malcolm’s passive suicidality at work here? Watch Gil tackle him to the ground though. <3 I’m in love. This is the father Malcolm deserves.

33:36 - hahaha look at Malcolm’s precious little ballet jump. Gil sees it too. Gil is like “Wtf? This kid totally did ballet at some point. How did I not know about it?”

35:15 - Look at how freaking proud Gil is of Malcolm. Gil - a man who likes classic cars, has sports trophies in his office, and drinks fancy liquor. Gil is, in a lot of ways, stereotypically male. He finds out that his dorky pseudo-son did something as stereotypically feminine as dancing ballet (and enjoyed it) and Gil doesn’t bat an eye. He doesn’t get mad. He doesn’t tease Malcolm. He just looks at him with pride. We need more men like Gil in this world.

37:00 - Anyone else extremely upset by the idea that Martin put his son to bed like a Good Dad before going downstairs with the intent to murder a woman?

38:25 - I feel really bad for Sophie. :(

39:20 - Soooo is Sophie still alive? Or did Endicott have her hunted down and killed?

40:29 - This isn’t the first time in this series that Martin has bashed Jessica’s parenting skills. Or the first time he’s hinted that Jessica did something bad to the children. Given Jessica’s behaviour toward Ainsley and Malcolm - I doubt it. That woman adores her children. However, she does have a drinking problem and I’m starting to wonder what Martin thinks makes Jessica so bad. Is it simply because she divorced him? Or that she kept the children from him? Or is it something more?

40:50 - Well at least Malcolm knows Martin has been gaslighting him. :(

41:06 - Soooo Mr. David totally heard that conversation. Makes you wonder if Mr. David is working for Endicott. The things that Mr. David knows…

41:50 - So Eve definitely broke up with him here. Again? Honestly - I have no idea when these two were actually together.

43:21 - I do not like that monster inside the Whitly house. No no no no.

Well. Thanks for hanging out Prodigies. See you next time.

[vydante]

ey babe! i jus wanna ask, how’s restart? ya wanna share any plans you have for it for the future? and btw, i love the story and your writing!

Hi hun!

It’s- honestly?

Ch.11 went a whole different route than what I was planning on doing (hell, I’ll even put the TWO whole ass drafts under the read more; warning, it’s SUPER long and I’m never using it so no losses on my part) but I’m happy it went the way it did haha. I finished it in 2 solid days, even if it took me months to update.

Uhh, as for future plans...?

*SPOILERS FOR RESTART? But not really?*

Next two chapters we (SHOULD BE, NO GUARANTEES) are gonna be dealing with CA:TWS... Then, right afterward, we may or may not have a filler chapter, and then we’ll dive into a certain Sokovian base (wink wink). As for AOU... Hm. ;)

AAAH I have so much stuff I wanna tell you guys about :,)

Well, so far that’s what I (canonically) have lined up.

As for other junk: I have 4 specials drafted, 2 What If’s (not canon, but mainly for filler and exploring unused ideas :D) and like, a couple out of place chapters that I wanna slide in the future arcs.

BTW, I have a question to ask: if I had any trashed drafts or whatever, do you guys wanna read it? I’ll post it all in one post (other than Ch.11, I don’t have any other trash right now, but still), probably here.

Anyways. Below cut is the cut draft PT.1 for Ch. 11. WARNING: it might be super incoherent.

Admittedly, Project Renaissance was a huge file.

Of course, it wasn't just all about one particular thing. No, there were files and files that lay underneath it, but even then each one was just as large as the other.

There were ones like 'World Domination', where it was just filled with new projects and products for Stark Industries, like prosthetics (SI really branched into the medical field after your dad made Rhodey his leg braces) and newer editions of tablets, phones, and laptops, too. Hell, even your car and motorbikes blueprints were on there, too- something SI had never dived into up until you had taken over. Improvements in cleaner energy were also there, but that's been the main target for SI for years, so that didn't really count.

Then there were files like 'Supernova' and 'Milky Way', which were a bit more important than others. Project Supernova had to do with Extremis. You wanted to stabilize it as much as possible, then throw it into the darkest corner possible and never have to look back at it; you only wanted it to serve as a... The last resort, of sorts.

Yeah, sure, Tony had a stable version of Extremis locked and loaded, hidden deep into the Tower's database, but it was barely usable. And as for Project Milky Way, it's more or less a Stark Internship program. It'd be really beneficial to high school (and maybe middle school) students, so you suppose...

("More like an excuse to properly recruit that Parker boy," DAHLIA snarks. Brat.)

But what had your constant attention were the big dogs, which, if you remembered correctly, should be happening quite soon.

Files like 'Snakes In The Grass' (S.H.I.E.L.D.-RA), 'Hot Tub Time Machine' (Sargeant Barnes), and 'On Your 6' (Project Insight) all had your attention right now, and for obvious reasons, as you nervously glance at your calendar.

3 more months. 

That was about all the time you had left before the big day was supposed to happen, and you were nowhere near as prepared as you should be. 

Sure, you had lots of contingency and protocols planned out already, but there was only so much you could predict what would happen. 

God, it sucks that you're not 21 yet, because your mind sure is buzzing for some Jäger right about now. You're not an alcoholic by a long shot but... You glanced at a picture of you and your dad.

You sure as hell understood alcoholics, though.

And for that, you needed to get your hands on B.A.R.F. All you need is to remember that one guy's name...

"DAHLIA, pull up the files for, ah... What was his name? Quin... Quincy? No, no... Gw- Quenti- Quentin Bank- Beck? Beck. Quentin Beck- give me his file."

"I was worried you were having a stroke."

"I will if I don't see his file in T-minus 1 second."

You wiped your jittery hands clean of any leftover muck, definitely feeling 5 shots of espresso and 2 hours of intermittent sleep finally taking its toll. You glanced through the files that she had pulled up. There were the basic files: his biography, works, and reports, but those weren't what you were interested in.

"Filter it for anything regarding- uh- B.A.R.F. Like- eh- Binarily Augmented Retro-Framing."

All of the files slimmed up to where it was all organized in one, neat folder. You quickly skimmed through all of it, but it all seemed to be experimental work. For now, anyway.

"Progress on B.A.R.F.?"

"Mr. Beck and his team are currently

There he was, in all of his glory. Though he was immaculately dressed in all black, just as you remembered when you and your dad had to clean up the mess that was the fight on the highway. 

God, he's even bigger in person.

"Identify yourse-!"

As much as you didn't want the room to look like a hospital room, you hadn't exactly had all the time in the world to prepare the room for the man of the hour. 

Still knocked out, 

"Hey, Jon Snow. You 'wake?"

Taking a closer look at him, he looked a lot more worse for wear than you had remembered him being. Then again, the Barnes you saw was completely free of the brainwashing, a-la Princess Shuri and the Wakandan scientists.

(You knew eavesdropping was wrong. It didn't need an explanation as to why.

But despite all that, you made no effort to walk away from listening to the conversation that was going on between your dad and Prin- King T'Challa. It was obvious to you and your dad- along with anyone else with a brain in their skull- that the ex-Avengers (or, at least, Barnes)- was in the nation that was Wakanda. You didn't know how your dad had managed to skirt around that with T'Challa, but you didn't really care.

You just wanted to know what they're gonna do about it.

"Are you sure you want to do this, Dr. Stark? While I know that I, along with Mr. Barnes as well, would appreciate your more than generous offer... I also understand that there is... Tension between the two of you..."

Generous offer?

What the hell is T'Challa going on about? What offer?

"Just... promise me one thing."

"Just... I don't want him to- to try and find me. And if you can't do that- then... Then at least make sure he doesn't get near (Name)."

You bristled.

What?

"(Name)? Your son?"

"Yeah."

"If you could oblige me, may I know your reasoning?"

You strained your ears to the best of your abilities, but even your dad's murmuring was too intelligible for you to make out any words.

"I... I see... If those are your terms, then we will graciously accept the use of your Binarily Augmented Retro-Framing technology for Mr. Barnes's recovery..."

What?)

Your dad was more than happy to not take partial credit for Barne's recovery, so long as it was kept a promise that Barnes stay every little bit away from him (and you, surprisingly enough).

So, it was really unfair that you pitted 2023 Barnes against...

That.

Blank eyes stare directly in front of him, and interestingly enough, he doesn't make an effort to look you in the eye. He's strapped in his chair for extra precautions, but the lingering resignation in his eyes, no matter how blank they are, makes you want to vomit. It makes you sick, knowing that after each mission he's sent out on, he's probably getting strapped back into a goddamn chair and getting his whole hard drive wiped and reconfigured...

You glanced away from him, subtly bringing your hand up to your mouth. You coughed, praying that nothing comes up to your mouth as disgust fills your gut.

"Mission parameters incomplete."

His voice was quiet, for what it was. You weren't sure what you were expecting, but the softness of it was a surprise.

"Excuse me?"

"Mission parameters incomplete."

"Ah, man..."

"Yeah, no, how am I not surprised...?"

"Uh, hm. Hm, hm, hm..."

You pursed your lips.

He visibly perked up- either that, or you're kind of losing it.

"Oh well, that doesn't matter, I can fill the air with my gibberish anyways."

No response. Just a bleary and blank stare.

At least he was looking at you.

You smile.

"That's fine. Either way, as long as I have a say in it, you're not going back to HYDRA. I'll make sure of that, Barnes."

[strawberries-n-sugar]

Sound Waves ch 3 pt 1

Summary: Poor Tom, things just keep getting more awkward. After helping you get to go and see your kids on Megan's birthday you get a sudden boost in your mood and confidence but despite that he is happy to see you and Rebecca rebuilding your relationship

Warnings: uh super fluffy adorableness with Logan and Tom, Logan being a dumbass, , Megan is proud of herself becoming a woman and you have no part of it, Logan not telling you about Kennedy thinking that he is protecting you and not wanting to break your heart, Rebecca laying down some blunt painful truth

(Photos from Pinterest)

Ch 2

Tom strolled towards his room whistling and dancing to throw together what he would be wearing to an event this evening. He had gotten a green tuxedo for the main event in honor of Loki and needed to decide what to wear to the after party. He was thanking maybe just a normal black and white tux. He reaches for his room key in his pocket and slides it on the door before stepping in. 

He heard you laughing and stopped as he goes in, the past few weeks he had been thankful that your walls were thin because since he pulled strings to make it possible for you to see the children and go to Megan’s birthday party you had been laughing much more and he loved hearing that. He had now met Logan and Megan and he adored them, he thought Logan had begun looking up to him and they had become close like friends; Tom felt Logan allowed him to be immature as a teenager and he was helping Logan become a gentleman, and Megan, bless her heart, like many girls her age she had a harmless crush on him. He had met Paul as well, he really didn’t care for him. Tom tosses his phone onto the sofa and sheds his shirt. 

“Alright, the green one and-,” he stops turning to see his phone had received a text from Logan. 

I’m doing a get help~

Tom shakes his head at the message,

 We are not doing get help. It is humiliating, you mewling quim, what is it?

I’m stuck

Stuck? 

Yeah, how do I change a tire?

Can you make it home? Are you alright? Where are you?

Chill mom. Yes, I am at home already but I am stuck here, yeah I am okay

Good, I could show you this weekend

Thankyou, so much less embarrassing than asking mom besides dad won’t let us see her anymore and he is too busy. By the way thanks again for arranging it so we could see her on Megan’s bday. 

It was my pleasure, tell Megan I said hello

Sure thing. Man, Beck is so lucky she lives on her own, she can see mom whenever she wants. Bitch

That is your sister, I understand you miss Y/N and if it is any consolation she loves you dearly and she has been much happier since seeing you and Megan

Beck said she was going to the event tonight with her gtg btw my friend said mom was a milf tonight. Don’t. think. about. it. 

Tom tosses his phone onto the bed and shakes his head then begins plundering through the wardrobe in his closet. A moment later the phone vibrates again. Picking it up he sees a selfie Logan sent of himself with Megan, they looked to be relaxing on the couch with a little girl on Logan’s lap with a message saying Meggy says hi too and Kennedy wanted to take a picture so she snatched my phone #UncleLife

Tom could only think of one response. Hello, and adorable. I wasn’t aware you were an Uncle?

Yeah, don’t tell mom please

Why?

I don’t want to break her heart anymore

At that moment Tom heard you laughing again next door and wholeheartedly agreed with him. Now he was curious as to what was making you laugh, he didn’t hear a tv. The question is answered almost immediately. 

“Shutup!” It was a voice he hadn’t heard before but it sounded like a female so it must be Rebecca

“Shut doesn’t go up, my ass does,” he hears you retort.

“Mommy, stahp! No seriously, stop! Stop. Stop it. Stop twerking! I will spank you!” 

He can’t help the twitch in his ears as they tune in and his one eyebrow that arches impulsively, or listening in, maybe imagining as his mouth goes dry. 

“Oh, please do. Don’t tease”

“Mommy, you whore. Bad girl! And, you are just as bad at twerking as I remember,” Rebecca laughs

“Come on, let’s get ready. We’re wearing the green ones first and then what did you get me for the after party? Which green one is mine?”

“The sparkly one and close your eyes”

“Rebecca,” you say sternly in a worried tone, “why do I need to close my eyes?”

“Just do it”

“Fine, fine” 

“Tada!”

“Oh dear lord Beck, that belong’s not in public”

“Good thing it is a private after party then”

“There is no way I can fill that out” 

“Ten years ago, I would have agreed, but you can now and you should. You are gorgeous and-”

“and married”

“Really? Are you? ‘Cause last I checked he screamed  fuck you get out at you for the millionth time and you left but you are still waiting out for him and he ignores you. Or have you forgotten? I haven’t, I know Logan and Megan don’t remember but you and me do.....mom, please, wear the dress- just try it on and see if you like it”

“alright......has Paul thought about it?”

“try on the dress”

“How are you and your boyfriend doing?”

“Fiance”

“Oh, excuse me~......I....not gonna lie, I love it,” that hurt to your core, mixing this experience with both of your girls, but, Megan wanted no part of you

“OH! Speaking of which, please make your child stop sending me pictures of her boobs, she thinks it is okay because I am her sister, apparently that means I want to see all of her training bras” 

“It does, just bare with her.....”

You and Rebecca slip into your matching green Loki tribute ensembles. Hers was a silk and yours a satin and covered in sparkles with splits up to their hips. You applied a almost matt pink plush lipstick. The dress your daughter so graciously chose for being the one you were wearing to the after party was a black lace corset piece that ended just below your thigh and was tight and form fitting, revealing your breasts and it had thin straps at the top. She was right, with how small you were 10 years ago your bosom would have never filled it out but it looked damn good on you now. You and Rebecca make your way into the hall, you being unaware Tom had listened in and heard all of that.

“Hello ladies,” he finished around the same time and caught up to you in the hall, “May I escort you? Y/N, is this is your sister?”

“Hi Tom,” you kiss his cheek, “No, this is my baby Becca”

“Oh, I have heard about you. You girls look absolutely stunning,” he smiles giving you both a twirl.

“Thankyou, Beck, this is Tom.”

“Hi, mom why don’t you walk ahead? We will catch up”

“Okay?” You wave as you leave Tom behind with her as confused as you were, the two of you sharing a shrug

[spidermecc]

Unintentional love (Elu fake dating AU) Ch. 3 - Never again

Elu fake dating AU chapter 3 is up. As always, comments and feedback is very welcome. I hope you enjoy, let me know what you think. Find it on AO3 here.

”Oh my God Lucas, just pick a fucking shirt, they all look the same” Basile grunted.

The boys had spent the last hour in the same mens-wear shop, trying to find a new shirt for Lucas to wear to the party tomorrow.

”Honestly Lucas, you’re already dating the guy, why are you so stressed out?” Arthur asked sympathetically, while Yann picked up two shirts and headed for the dressing room.

”Fuck off, I just thought it would be nice to look good for once, it has nothing to do with him” Lucas said, not completely being able to hide his blush.

He had never been the type to care about what he was wearing, but even though he’d rather eat dirt than admit it, he was probably trying harder because he wanted to impress Eliott. He knew he didn’t stand a chance anyway, and Eliott was just helping him out to be friendly, probably because he didn’t have many friends at his new school, but he couldn’t help but want to look a bit different at the party, and maybe, just maybe impress Eliott a little bit.

“Fuck it, I’ll just wear the same shit I usually wear, let’s go get something to eat, I’m starving” he said, giving up on trying to find anything nice. Everything he’d tried on was either way too expensive or way too .. not him.

“FINALLY, I was beginning to think I’d have to eat the granola bar that’s been in my bag for four years” Basille exclaimed, almost running out of the shop.

“Yeah, let me just pay for this and we can get out” Yann said, fishing for his wallet in his bag.

After they exited the shop, they found a nice little café with cheap pizzas and beers to hang out at. It was nice to chill with the boys, they didn’t do this kind of stuff often, but when they did, Lucas always enjoyed it, even though they drove him mad half the time. This time was no exception. They’d all been grilling him about Eliott all week, and Lucas had successfully avoided the topic every time.

“So tell us something about this mystery guy” Yan said, while cutting his pizza with the shitty plastic knife and fork the café had given them.

“I already told you guys a thousand times, there’s not much to say. We’ve just hung out a few times and well, yeah we’re seeing each other I guess” Lucas answered, trying to avoid the topic yet again.

“Nu-uh” Basile said taking a sip of his beer, “you’re not getting off the hook so easy this time. Tell us something about him, I mean how did you manage to hook up with him? He looks like an actual model, if I was gay or bi or whatever, he’d be on my TO-DO list” he said laughing at his own joke.

Lucas couldn’t argue with that. Eliott did look like a model. His perfectly messy hair, his signature brown jacket, and those eyes.. those eyes that Lucas saw every time he closed his eyes, were out of this world. But what did Lucas actually know about Eliott? He knew that he was absolutely stunning, that he apparently was interested in the foyer, he had no social media (none that Lucas could find anyway) and that he drew weird looking rats in the library alone. It wasn’t much to go on, and if this whole pretending to date thing was going to work, he needed more. He pulled out his phone and found his newly added contact: Mon mec <3

Lucas: Tell me three things I should know about you

As soon as he hit the send button, he started worrying. That was a weird text to send out of the blue right? Shit Eliott didn’t even have his number, he should probably tell him who’s texting.

Lucas: This is Lucas btw. Lucas: Your pretend mec, haha

Read

Putain, what the hell was that mess? He’d sent three incoherent messages and not surprisingly Eliott left him on read. Fuck, was he even going to show up to the party tomorrow after Lucas sent him weird ass shit like that?

“Are you texting your boyfriend?” Arthur asked, mouth full of peperoni pizza, oil dripping down his chin.

“Nah, it’s Mika, he forgot his keys, so I have to head back, see you guys tomorrow” he said, desperate to get out of there, go home and bang his head against the wall until brain cells, that he obviously didn’t have, magically started to appear.

“Okay, see you tomorrow man, can’t wait to meet Eliott” Yann said, with such an honest smile that it broke Lucas’ heart. He really hated lying to his friends, especially Yann.

“Yeah, he can’t wait to meet you guys either” he answered, putting on his scarf, feeling like an absolutely horrible friend.

____

When he finally got home he threw himself on the bed and yanked his phone out of his pocket. Still no answer from Eliott. Of course not, why would he answer such silly messages from a complete stranger? While Lucas was contemplating how to tell the boys that Eliott would not attend the party tomorrow, without letting them know that he’d been lying he heard a pling.

Eliott: Phew, you just go straight to the personal questions, huh Lucas?

Shit, he’d offended Eliott. Of course he had. He could have at least started off with a ‘hey’ or a ‘thanks for agreeing to be my pretend boyfriend and going to a party with a bunch of people you don’t know’.

Lucas: I’m so sorry, I know that was totally out of the blue and weird

Eliott: Hahah, I’m kidding Lucas.

Lucas felt a weight lift off his chest. So Eliott wasn’t upset with him?

Eliott: I’ve actually just spent the last hour thinking of a good answer and I think I have it, are you ready?

Lucas: I’m ready, hit me

His heart starting racing out of nowhere. The prospect of getting to know Eliott, even if it was just three facts, had him sitting on the edge of his bed, tapping his foot on the floor in pure anticipation.

Eliott: 1. My spirit animal is a raccoon. 2. My favorite music is dubstep. 3. You’ll have to earn the third.

Lucas read and reread the message for what might have been ten times. Dubstep? Really? How was this mystery guy, who looked and talked like an actual angel, into freaking dubstep? Also, a spirit animal? Lucas had never even considered what his might be, but God, Eliott was an actual dork.

Lucas: How do I earn the third?

Eliott: I’m sure you’ll figure something out.

Shit, was Eliott flirting with him, or was Lucas just imagining things? He decided not to dwell on it and continued tapping on his phone, forming a response quickly, so Eliott didn’t think he’d left him on read.

Lucas: So those rats with masks on them that you were drawing in the library were actually raccoons?

Eliott: RATS?! Wow Lucas, you’re already breaking my heart and we’ve only been dating for a week.

His heart started racing. He felt kind of sorry for teasing Eliott about his drawings, but he couldn’t help himself. He wondered if Eliott also had a huge grin plastered on his face right now, because Lucas sure as shit did.

Lucas: I’m a real heartbreaker, sorry

Eliott: Yeah, I noticed at the bus stop, no mercy huh? Eliott: So it’s your turn now, no?

The grin that had been dominating his face during the entire conversation fell as soon as he saw the message. Eliott had probably, maybe, meant it as a joke, but the prospect of Eliott thinking he was cold hearted, made him want to cry.

Lucas: Actually, I’ve got to go, I have a ton of homework. See you tomorrow at the party.

Eliott: Okay, see you tomorrow.

He threw his phone on the other side of the bed and buried his face in his pillows. He definitely wasn’t ready for tomorrow.

______

Lucas was standing in front of the bathroom mirror trying to tame his hair. He’d been in need of a haircut for a while now, but he barely had money to pay the rent, so spending money on a haircut was the furthest from his mind, when Mika barged in. “Looking good kitten, meeting up with your new man?” he said, toying with Lucas’ hair. “Yeah, we’re going to a party tonight” he answered, swatting away Mikas hands. “Bring him over to the apartment some time, I have to approve before you take the next step you know” he said, still playing with Lucas’ hair, not getting the hint. “Need to see what his intentions are with our little kitten” he continued, laughing. “Gosh, can you please fuck off Mika, the last thing I need is you scaring him away with your sex talk” Lucas answered, starting to get slightly annoyed. “Gee always so touchy, you know you have to loosen up a bit, or you’ll never get any dick” he exclaimed, finally pulling his hands away in defeat. “Have fun, remember to use a condom” he finished with a wink, leaving Lucas’ hair in a worse state than it was to begin with.

As soon as Lucas left the apartment he regretted not bringing his scarf. The cool night air was already starting to sting, and he could feel his ears starting to cramp from the cold. He’d agreed to meet Eliott halfway, so they could arrive together, making the whole thing seem more believable.

“Salut” he heard a voice from behind. There he was, Eliott Demaury in all his glory. He looked stunning as always, wearing a white t-shirt, a skin tight leather jacket and skinny denim jeans, showing off his perfect figure. Lucas was pretty sure his mouth was starting to water, but he tried not to dwell too much on it. “Salut” he answered, trying to sound nonchalant, and probably failing miserably. “Let’s go” Eliott said as he started walking. Lucas was struggling to keep up, seeing as Eliott’s legs were much longer than his, almost jogging next to the taller boy.

As they walked, it almost felt like they’d known each other for ages. Lucas kept joking about the raccoon drawings, while Eliott dramatically clutched his chest, as if Lucas was breaking his heart all over again. They talked about music, which subjects they liked and disliked, which movies they liked (Eliott’s favorite was Titanic, how cliché), until they finally circled back to the drawings.   “You know for someone who looks so innocent, you sure can be a sarcastic little shit” Eliott laughed, after Lucas, once again, had made fun of the drawings. “I’m sorry. And I don’t look innocent” he said, another laugh escaping him. “Yeah you do. You’re short but spikey” Eliott said continuing “you know what you remind me of?” “What?” Lucas said, looking up at the taller boy, clinging on to every word he said. “A hedgehog” he said, bursting into giggles. “A what?! I do NOT look like a hedgehog” Lucas exclaimed, trying to look upset, but he was pretty sure the huge ass grin on his face gave him away. “Whatever you say, but I’m pretty sure that a hedgehog is your spirit animal” Eliott said, lightly puffing Lucas shoulder. Lucas couldn’t help but smile at how cute Eliott looked when he was smiling and joking and he wished that they could just keep walking for hours, talking and laughing.

As they reached the apartment, Eliott swung his arm around Lucas, who involuntarily flinched. “Calm down, it’s just for show right?” Eliott said, seemingly amused by the expression on Lucas’ face. “Yeah, sorry” he answered, staring down at the ground. As soon as they entered the smoke filled apartment, they were greeted with his loud friends. “LUCAAAAAAS” Basille screamed, trying to drown out the music. Yann shook Eliott’s hand, introducing himself as Lucas’ best friend, and Lucas felt a pang of guilt wash over him again. He really hated lying to his friends.

After the boys had introduced themselves, they all went out onto the balcony, where Arthur was trying to roll a joint, but failing miserably, having drunken one beer too many. “Here, let me” Eliott said, reaching out and taking the paper and weed from Arthurs trembling hands. “Damn, good looking and good with his hands, what a catch Lucas” Basile exclaimed, and Lucas had a sudden urge to throw him over the balcony. “I’m the one who got lucky” Eliott said with a wink, not taking his eyes off Lucas. He couldn’t help think of, how in another universe, they were actually dating, and he was happy and contempt with his friends and his gorgeous boyfriend getting along. But right here, right now, it all felt a little bit too much, and Eliott’s gaze made him feel sad about all the things he wished he could have but didn’t.

“It’s getting pretty cold, I think I’m going to head inside” Lucas said, grabbing his beer from the balcony floor. “I’ll go with you, here you go” Eliott said handing over the joint to Arthur, “nice to meet you guys, we’ll catch up later” he continued as he swung his arm around Lucas, and opened the balcony door for him. They had only been doing this for an hour or so, but it was already proving very difficult for Lucas to handle it. Every move Eliott made, seemed effortless and natural, he almost let himself believe for a second that they weren’t pretending.

They headed inside, and got comfortable on a couch in the corner. “Your friends are cool” Eliott said, taking a sip of his beer. “Yeah they’re great, they can be a pain in the ass, but they’re really the best friends a guy could wish for” Lucas answered honestly. “I’m jealous of you, you know” Eliott said, staring intensely at Lucas. “Huh?” “You have these great friends, and I can tell how much they care about you just by the way they were trying to impress me, it’s adorable” Eliott said, his smile dropping faintly. “I’m sure your friends are great as well” he answered, trying to cheer Eliott up, desperate to see him smile again. “Yeah, something like that” he said, putting the beer bottle to his mouth, almost finishing it in one sip. “I’m gonna get another one, can I get you anything mon mec?” he asked a playful smile lingering on his lips. “No I’m good, thanks” Lucas said, a faint blush appearing.

Eliott had been gone for almost twenty minutes and Lucas was starting to get worried. As he was getting up to look for him, a guy came over and sat down next to him. Lucas looked at him, and got the feeling he’d seen the guy before, but he couldn’t quite make him out. He had long blond hair, tied up in a tight bun, wearing a navy blue shirt and a silver necklace around his neck. “Salut, I’m Curtis” he said, handing Lucas a new beer. “Salut, Lucas” he answered, still scanning the room for Eliott. “Why do I get the feeling that I’ve seen you before?” he asked, confirming Lucas’ suspicion that he looked familiar. “I’m not sure, but I think I’ve seen you before as well” he answered, not fully committing to the conversation, still concerned about Eliott’s whereabouts. “I’m friends with Idriss, maybe you know Imane?” the guy said, scanning Lucas’ face, trying to catch his eye. “Are you looking for someone?” he finally asked. “Yeah sorry, I’m looking for my uh.. my-my boyfriend, Eliott” Lucas said, feeling awkward saying the lie out loud to a stranger. “Eliott is your boyfriend?” the guy asked, looking surprised. “Yeah, uhm why- do you know him?” Lucas answered, nervous that he’d overstepped, by calling Eliott his boyfriend to someone who might actually know him. “I don’t know him personally, but Idriss mentioned him a few times” he said, continuing “but uhm I saw Eliott on my way over here. He went into a room with Lucille, his ex-girlfriend” he said, looking slightly uncomfortable. “His what?” Lucas asked, his heart stopping for a few seconds. Eliott had an ex-girlfriend? Here at the party? Why hadn’t he told him? “Yeah, I recognized her from some photos Idriss showed me of them a while back” Curtis continued. Lucas could feel the heat rising to his face. He felt like he’d been completely fucked over. If Eliott wanted to hang out with his ex, which probably wasn’t an ex anymore if they’d spent such a long time alone in a room, he could have just told him.

“Hey, come on, I’m sure they’re just talking” Curtis said, trying to cheer Lucas up, who was now busy fiddling with the sticker on his beer, trying to hold the tears at bay. Why was he so upset? Eliott had upheld his part of the deal, he’d met his friends as Lucas had asked, so he probably thought it was done and over with. “I have an idea, let’s get some shots huh?” the blonde said, getting up and pulling Lucas up with him, dragging him into the kitchen.

Ten minutes and five shots later, Lucas was absolutely fucked. His vision was blury and he could feel himself babbling, not sure what words were coming out of his mouth, but apparently Curtis, who hadn’t stopped laughing for two whole minutes, found it very entertaining. “Can I tell you a secret” Lucas said leaning into Curtis, almost whispering in his ear. “Yeah, shoot” “Eliott and I aren’t actually dating” he said bursting out on laughter. It all seemed so funny and stupid right now. They hadn’t even been able to keep up the act for one night before Eliott was off with his ex and Lucas was spilling the secret to strange guys. “Come again?” Curtis said, seemingly confused. “Yeah, we’re just pretending, it’s aaaaaall fun and games” Lucas continued, still laughing like a maniac. “But why?” “Was trying” he was literally struggling for air, it all seemed so silly right now, he couldn’t stop laughing, “to get rid of a girl” he finally managed, taking another shot, almost spitting it out in the process, not being able to contain his laughter. “Wow, that’s.. that’s a relief” Curtis finally said. “Huh?” Lucas had finally stopped laughing and looked at Curtis, for the first time tonight he noticed how he was actually quite handsome. Not Lucas’ type at all, blondes just weren’t his thing, but he was definitely good-looking. “That means that I get to ask you out, what do you say” Curtis said, flashing a smile at Lucas. Lucas wasn’t sure what was happening, but he found himself giggling “suuuuure thing” he managed, between giggles. He was definitely too drunk, because this guy couldn’t actually just have asked him out right? And what had he answered? He suddenly couldn’t remember anything. But before he had time to process what just happened, and what he’d said, he felt his stomach turning. Without a word, he ran to the bathroom, knocking over some girl in the process, desperate to reach the toilet before he spilled his insides all over the floor.

After five minutes, Lucas had thrown up everything he’d drank all night and probably all of his meals the past five days. He managed to get up and wash his mouth and face, and got out of the bathroom, desperately looking for his jacket. He needed air, he needed to get out of here, when a hand touched his shoulders. “Eliott?” he said turning around, not able to hide his disappointment when he saw the blonde guy before him. “Hey are you okay? You just ran away, and locked yourself inside the bathroom, I was getting worried” “Yeah I’m f-fine” he managed “have you seen Eliott?” “He left with Lucille, I think” Curtis said, not meeting Lucas’ eyes. “Oh.. of-c-of course.. I should go as well” “Want me to walk you home?” Curtis asked, hand still on Lucas’ shoulder. “No, no, I’m good, I’ll see you later yeah?” he said, grabbing his coat from the couch and practically sprinting out of the apartment.

He wasn’t sure how or when he got home, but he finally managed to get to the apartment and throw himself on the bed, not bothering to take off his clothes. ‘Never drinking again’, he thought to himself, closing his eyes, trying to will the room not to spin, never again.

[manifestoonmoralmanlove]

Soulless Riffing: Brainless Ch. 2

I got a supernatural action/romance book series as a gift that’s just riddled with stuff that I hate….and as a steampunk Victorian London action romance story filled with werewolves and vampies…it’s yeah gonna be easy to poke fun at.

I just want to say, it’s totally cool if you like this story or ones like it!  It’s certainly a better caliber than a lot of what I make fun of….however…I can’t help but want to make fun of it.

Over here for the 1st chapter

SO FUCK IT HERE GOES!

Chapter 2

An Unexpected invitation FOR ME TO RANT ABOUT EXPOSITION!

Before I get into the meat of this chapter, allow me a bit of ranting time about some exposition we get in both chapter 1 and 2 here.

Even though Alexia was told she’s a rare and super cool SOULLESS when she was 6 years old. NOBODY IN HER FAMILY knows she’s Soulless. And I’m sitting here like…

????????????????????????????????????

There’s no fucking way any 6 year old can keep the secret that they have cool powers for longer than 10 minutes.  Especially if they weren’t told it was something to keep quiet about, and especially, ESPECIALLY if you’re telling a girl who grows up to be an out-going woman who’s confident about defending herself.

It’s as if there is some dramatic reveal on the horizon where her family finds out and is mean to her for being born BADLY.

SPEAKING OF BEING BORN BADLY this bit of characterization burns my biscuits a big one.

Alexia is considered unfuckable for a few reasons.

1.)    Big Nose, face isn’t considered traditionally pretty. – Okay that’s a good addition

2.)    She’s too STRONG-WILLED – Okay sure

3.)    She’s half Italian.

Woah hold up there…

Sorry, not sorry, but I hate this cowardly, cynically pandering horseshit.

Can that make sense in this pseudo-bullshit historical setting? Sure.  But we also have fucking werewolves and vampires.  The fact that they chose for her ~lower status~ to be tied to the fact that she’s A DIFFERENT KIND OF CAUCASIAN is deliberate and pathetic. They author wants to pander to women who feel like they’re…

“NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS” but at the same time don’t want to risk the book not selling if HEAVEN FUCKING FORBID there was a BLACK AND/OR FAT AND/OR TRANS AND/OR LIVES WITH A DISABILITY woman on the cover.  It’s just pandering to that extra shitty part of white people that’s like, “I’M A SECOND CLASS AMERICAN CITIZEN BECAUSE MY HERITAGE IS IRISH AND A LONG TIME AGO THE IRISH WERE TREATED SHITTY!”

Were the Irish and the Italians treated shitty in historical contexts?

Oh absolutely!  

Problem is this woman published a Victorian styled book that’s full of steam punk, yiffable supernatural vampires, in 2009. When you write it in the modern era and it’s full of fantasy bullshit and you want to make commentary about discrimination and prejudice? Don’t try to jam that in with a leading woman who’s an upperclass, straight, able-bodied, neruotypical, white, skinny, cis-woman but like THE BAD KIND OF WHITE!

Is it a book written from a problematic perspective? Not necessarily, but it’s fucking cowardly and you can get the hell out of my face with that gutless trite.

I have a feeling this is going to be an on-going theme too. People being discriminated against EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE COOL!  This chapter already implies that Vampires, Werewolves, Scottish People and YES even Scientists (for reasons) are discriminated against even though ALL OF THE ABOVE are well represented in the upper echelons of high society.

Can you be rich and respected but still be discriminated against? Yes, of course, but…it’s very hard for me to picture any of these groups as hugely oppressed when they’re dripping in money and good social standing. I’m so dreading the scene where somebody says something blatantly and maliciously racist about her powerful, wealthy werewolf boyfriend and Alexia stands up and GIVES THEM WHAT FOR cause she TOO knows what racism feels like cause a dude she asked out once was like, “Eww ur half-Italian no way lawl.”

I’m white, but Jesus Christ, fucking white people.

So with a page of me bitching about exposition out of the way….Alexia, her mother, her 2 half-sisters, and her step-father are all gossiping it up at the breakfast table. And boy howdy is it apparent what the author and by extension, what she thinks her audience would find shitty.

YES YOU GUESSED IT! Her younger half-sisters are

PRETTY BLONDE GIRLS!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HOW COULD THEY!?!?!??!?!?

But they do have the negative trait of being SHALLOW!

Yes Alexia stand in judgment of those women who care about how they look.  Let’s ignore how every outfit you don, is lovingly described in detail, and that there were at least 3 separate situations last chapter where you fussed about how you looked.

Just to be clear, I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with the author happily describing elaborate, Victorian outfits, or a woman fussing over her looks. I’m saying it’s bullshit that she snidely calls them shallow and insipid from atop her ~NOT LIKE OTHER GIRLS~ throne while engaging in the same fucking behavior.

GO TO HELL ALEXIA!

So,

There’s an article in the paper about the dead vampire but there is no mention of Alexia in it. When asked if she knew anything about it she derails into huffing about how she wished she said more mean shit to Lord Macaron. When like…I’m sorry? You both said some sassy stuff, but HONESTLY? You violently killed a man at a ball, and got out of that REALLY FUCKING EASY, and while Alexia insulted Macaron to his face the worst he said to her was she was as covert as a sledgehammer and immediately apologized for it. (BTW, he said this in response to her DEMANDING to be given a job that doesn’t exist but she will get one like it in t-minus 5 chapters.)

Shouldn’t you be…I don’t know…a bit more concerned that a mysterious man attacked you last night, and there could be more like him out there RIGHT NOW rather than you didn’t have enough witty one-liners on hand? Get over yourself Alexia.

So let’s settle a bit.

She goes out huffing on a walk with her Bff Ivy Hisselpenny to calm herself down.

Even if Ivy is also an outcast due to voluntarily wearing SILLY HATS!  I’m calling it now she is a cinnamon roll that must be protected from Alexia’s “I’m best girl” narrative.  May I say I find it a gross misuse of time to use a paragraph to explain the difference in French/English Fashion by their introduction but spend 2 words, “Hideous bonnet” on describing the silly hat? FOR SHAME!

Thankfully Alexia doesn’t’ incessantly tease poor Ivy…yet.  On their walk they are stopped by Mable Dair who tells Alexia her Vampire Matriarch, Countess Nadasdy, wishes to see her.  

Everything about that situation screams bad fucking news for her.  Again, thankfully, Alexia has enough brains to try to determine HOW BAD that situation could be.

So she sees token gay and vampire friend Lord Akeldama.  The author makes no qualms about characterizing him as the floucniest priss that ever ponced a sissy.  Now, I’ll confess, I have a guilty pleasure for fictional gay stereotypes that bleed into problematic territory. 

EH-HEM!                        

Yet Lord Akeldama is not doing it for me.  It might be the fact that since this is kinda Young Adult territory that you can’t be subtle. But I can’t help but feel condescended to with the tons of IMPLIED nods to how gay he is. I’d almost rather she just come out and say, “THIS MAN IS SOOOOOOOOOOOO GAY…HE IS A DICK WITHIN A COCK WITHIN A PENIS! HE’S LIKE A TURDUKEN BUT IT’S A DICK-COCK-IS!” Instead I’m tapping my fingers going, “Oh this new line of dialog now makes it the 67th new cutsey flower-based nickname he’s calling Alexia by! Thanks cause, I missed all the previous 66 of them!”

To be honest, I might be being a bit too judgmental here.  Like with all things I love a lot, I can be a bitter opinionated bitch about what I consider good and bad versions of it.  So anyway Akeldama doesn’t have much to add besides

“Create more sexual tension with that Hunky werewolf wiener”

BOY HOWDY AM I LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE SEXY AND ROMANTIC DIALOG LIKE…

“UR A BIG STINKY FART-FACE!”

“I KNOW WHAT YOUA RE BUT WHAT AM IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII? NEH!”

Say something Nice Faps:

Lord Akeldama being interested in Alexia makes some sense due to her soulless ability. The author makes a point about how he likes holding her hand and feeling human. So even if Alexia is insufferable or nothing special otherwise it makes sense that this vampire would enjoy her company for that at least.

They describe Mable as both chubby and very good looking. CAUSE TURNS OUT YOU CAN BE BOTH!

As I said, Alexia at least has enough brains to get some info before driving straight into the fire here.

[littleredroseonthevalley]

Red Rose - Chapter 5

Prologue Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3 Ch. 4 CH. 5 Ch. 6 Ch. 7 Ch. 8 Ch. 9 Ch. 10 Ch. 11 Ch. 12 Ch. 13 Ch. 14 Ch. 15 Ch. 16

Summary: It is finally the day of the Derby, and an unfortuitous meeting sends Riley to the edge.

Rating: T - Content not suitable for children.  Suitable for teens, 13 years and older, with minor suggestive adult themes.

Notes: And we’re back on track! My beta is back from their extended medical leave and we’re coming back with full force. BTW, when I was researching for stills for this cover, I saw Daniel diTommaso’s butt. I’ll leave it at that. Who’s Alexander? And his wife? Any guesses? I’d love to hear them!

Hippodrome Colline de Miel, Phoenike, Cordonia, Fall 2015

After a three-hour car trip through a sinuous, unkempt road up the mountains, the Beaumont family finally arrived to Phoenike, a town some forty kilometers off the border with Greece.

Again, Riley was impressed by the thermal shock of Cordonian weather. Halfway through the journey, while they were passing through Argyrocastron, it was snowing softly, while in the racetrack the women were fanning themselves to relieve the suffocating heat.

Over there, aside from the ruins of an ancient Epirote city, there was the biggest and most traditional race track in the country. The Colline de Miel was off an apple orchard, an Art Deco with a glistening white façade, with great glass windows and marble interior. The place was 600.000 sq. mts., and the main race was to be disputed on a two and a half kilometers sand track.

Still in the car, Maxwell was revising her etiquette. “At the cocktail,” He says. “You’ll have to eat with perfect civility.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’ve got this, Maxwell. I won’t stuff my mouth, pick my teeth or stab Drake with a fork.” She says. “As much as the last one might tempt me.”

“Right.” Maxwell says. “Bertrand said I should go over everything. Speaking of which, how would you address Bertrand?”

“He’s a Duke. He’s supposed to be addressed as ‘Your Grace’.”

“Right!” He celebrated. “And, just in case it comes up, his full title is Duke Bertrand Beaumont of Ramsford.”

They parked off the main building, and Bertrand, insisting on traveling alone, entered the car.

“Maxwell,” He greeted. “How’s progress?”

“As planned!” Maxwell was overjoyed. “Riley and I were just about to review her entrance to the Derby and how to get out of the car without flashing the press.”

“Adjust skirts before moving and keep your knees and feet together while swiveling out.” She recited, beaming.

Bertrand, however, is less than impressed. “Anyone who can run an internet search can spout off that kind of protocol. We’re asking you to be a lady. Maxwell, I hope you don’t mind if I take the liberty of testing Riley myself.”

“Pretty sure it doesn’t actually matter whether I mind or not…”

“Indeed.” The older gentleman smiled wolfly. As he turns to the woman. “Riley, let us pretend I’m meeting you for the first time.”

“Will you demean my profession again?” Riley asked, snarky.

“Just play along, girl!” Bertrand chastised. “Hello. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Flowers.”

“The pleasure is all mine, Duke Ramsford.” She says, as she curtsies. The man takes her left hand with his right hand and kissed it.

“Now, what I did wrong?” Bertrand asks.

“You used the wrong hand.” She said, defying him. “You should have taken my hand with your left hand, otherwise it is an insult.”

“Very observant of you.” He commended.

“And there you were, thinking I wasn’t listening to you.” She says, smug.

“Don’t get too complacent.” Bertrand warns. “You’re only ever one mistake away of a scandal.”

“Gee, Your Grace, can you be a little less alarming?”

“Nothing but the truth.” He shrugged. “Now, as I’ve mentioned earlier, how you come across the Cordonian people is very important, and the press can make it or break it with you.”

“It is a sad day to western society when the future of a nation is decided on the yellow press.” Riley thought, acidic.

She tried to pay attention to the Duke. “If the people love you, then it’ll be easy to convince them you deserve their Prince.”

“So, you’ve got to impress the press!” Maxwell beamed. “You’ll be surrounded by them as soon as we pull up to the Downs.”

“All right!” Riley said, excitedly. “Let’s get the show started!”

“I hope your confidence won’t be your downfall.” Bertrand sneered.

“Well,” Maxwell tried to be supportive. “I believe in you!”

“Thanks, dearest!” She squeezed his hand, pulled the door open and gracefully got out of the car.

In the glass entrance of the downs, under a brass insignia of an Apollonian horse, the only breed indigenous to Cordonia, she remembered, and a Merovingian bee, a symbol of the Bonapartist royal rule; the social press of the realm convened, battling for a photo or a statement.

In fact, Riley barely puts her two feet on the concreted walk before a swarm of microphones and a sunshine of camera flashes hit her straight on the face.

“Over here! Donald Brine from the Cordonia Broadcasting Center! We’ve heard about the new lady on the social scene! What’s your name?”

She flashes a smile. “Lady Riley Flowers of House Beaumont.”

“Our viewers care about getting the real story. Tell us about yourself!” Another one said, in the back.

Her smile didn’t betray her thoughts. “Real story. Riiiiight.”

“I’m just that, a mystery!”

Some of the buzz dies down, in confusion. “Most of the ladies can’t wait to talk our ears off.”

“Well, I’m not like everyone else.”

The reporters seemed dazzled. “A fascinating spin…” One said.

“Lady Flowers! Lady Flowers! We heard you were Prince Liam’s favorite. What do you think makes you stand out?”

“I believe he enjoys my company because he can’t figure me out.”

“Lady Flowers, a photo, please!”

She made her best impression of Queen of England, which seemed to please the photographers. “Wonderful, wonderful! You are very photogenic.”

“Lady Flowers, Ana de Luca on behalf of Trend. Your dress is truly spectacular.”

“Thank you!” She beamed.

“Lady Flowers, as an outsider, what do you think of Cordonia?”

“It is a country full of charm and wonder.”

“Our readers will be most pleased with this! Lady Flowers, what qualities make you fit to rule Cordonia?”

“The people can trust me to look out for them and to keep a cool head in times of crisis. I also consider myself brave, caring and honest.”

“How would you handle a low crop yields from the Cordonian apple orchards?”

“I believe a statement should, hypothetically, be issued right away, as in to assure the people of the security of the country’s agrarian policies. The apples are an important part of Cordonia’s culture and economy and deserve a serious answer of the Crown. Beforehand, of course, is the job of the monarchs to charge their government the responsibility to promote actions which protect the poorer farmers and the solvency of the economy.”

The social columnist seemed baffled by the answer, not sure how to retort. In her silence, Riley could hear voices shouting in Greek from the back of the crowd.

“Madam, madam, please, for Dēmokratía!” He shouted. “What do you think of the Cabinet’s proposal to privatize the port of Avlonas?”

Riley was momentarily taken aback with the question. It was a tricky one. “The Cabinet is concerned with the improvement of the infrastructure, but there must be provisions as in to protect the jobs of the people in the capital and surrounding towns as well as the environment, especially around Sason Island.” She said in Greek, as well.

Not the best, most specific answer, but it was an answer. As not to let the reporter ask yet another question, she slipped into the venue.

Inside the opulent and air-conditioned building, the European aristocracy is convened. The Derby is part of a continental championship, and the athletes, the sponsors and wealthy fans of the sport, or of the gambling involved, were mingling amongst themselves, drinking champagne and eating fancy hors d’oeuvres. The ladies vying for the Crown also were around, scouting either support or a fallback plan, together with models, social-climbers and bookies.

As she roamed around, looking for a familiar face, she did find one, though none that she would like to meet.

“Crap.” She thought. “Crap. Crap. Crap. Crap. Crap.”

Riley did not think she was seen right away, but she needed an escape plan right away. She looked around the hall and suddenly she was hit with an idea.

The black-haired walked discreetly, though hurriedly to the doors to the stands by the tracks. They were open, with only a velvet rope and a sign: “Fermé. Prochaine Course 14:00”.

Turning her head left and right, Riley tried to determine if she was being watched. As the coast seemed clear, she jumped over the sign and went down the bleachers, trying to find somewhere more out of view. As she was running down the bleachers, she heard two men talking in the distance. It was Drake and Liam.

If they saw her, they surely would ask what she was doing, something she wasn’t willing to share. As the voices were coming from behind the wooden structure, and they seemed to be coming closer, she jumped the orlop into the tracks.

Crouched, she started run as fast as possible to the stables, where she believed to be the safest. The horses are supposed to be all in their pens, ready for the racing, so the grooms would either be at lunch or at the tracks.

A bell rung on the distance. According to her wristwatch, it was two in the afternoon, time for the races. The attendees are starting to fill up the bleachers. Riley couldn’t see the person she was running away from, so she felt more at ease.

She opened the door to one of the stables, going silently in. Most of the pens, as she expected, were empty, except for one. The occupant retreated further, as she approached.

“Hello?” Riley asked, out loud, as to check if she was actually alone.

Nothing answered her but a gust of wind. It, however, shut suddenly the door to the stables, scaring the horse.

As it was natural, it started neighing and kicking. One of its kicks blew the door to its pen off the hinges.

Seeing a way out, the horse started running to her general direction. Riley tried to calm down the horse, but, as it doesn’t know her, it only picks up speed. She started running herself, but she was too slow.

Riley tripped near the door to the stable. She screamed and closed her eyes, sure it was her end.

Theodora loved the Downs.

The horses were most beautiful, running in the tracks. They were exhilarating! And she quite enjoyed going back to the stables to pet the animals.

Between the end of the races and the time her father would take her to the stables, however, was very boring. Her parents were some feet over, talking to yet another boring adult about things she neither understand, nor care to understand.

Needless to say, she was very bored. There weren’t other children around, and her siblings were off somewhere she did not know.

Done with waiting, Theodora decided to go herself to the stalls.

A few wrong turns later, she could find her way to the stables. It was completely devoid of humans, though filled to the brim with horses. Some of them neighed happily with the company, others seemed to look suspiciously at the intruder, and the rest hadn’t acknowledged the stranger, as the day has been long and tiring.

There was one horse that was particularly likable, its stall close to the door. Theodora approached it and started talking to it, as if it was an old friend. She also managed to find the treats hidden in some armoire.

Between talking, petting and feeding the horse, Theodora hadn’t noticed how late it has gotten, nor whether her parents would worry or not.

Imagine her surprise when her mother came after her at the stables. “Theodora? Are you there? Oh, Lord, why must they like horses? Couldn’t it be cats?”

“Mother?” She responded.

“Good grief, Theodora! Can you imagine how worried I was about you?! Don’t run off like that!”

The girl looked down, ashamed. “I’m sorry, mother. It’s just that I was too bored to wait for father to bring me, so I came alone, I know the way.”

Her mother sighed. “I see, sweetheart. But let’s go, your father is worried about you too.”

“Okay, mother, just let me say goodbye to the horses.”

She smiled uneasily. “I’ll be waiting outside. Be quick.”

Hippodrome Colline de Miel, Phoenike, Cordonia, Fall 2015

She screamed and closed her eyes, sure it was her end.

She waited for the impact. That never came.

Confused, Riley opened slowly one of her eyes, trying to see what happened.

“Whoa, there! Whoa!”

Her eyes widened to the sight of the person helping her. Drake tangled his fingers in the horse’s mane and gently pulls its head down, as in to see him eye to eye.

“Nothin’ to worry about, big fella.” He said, soothingly. “I’ll get this girl outta here for you.”

Drake leads the horse to a stall, and then turns to Riley.

“You okay?” He asks.

“Drake?!” She was still very shaken. “You saved me!”

“Really? I thought I was saving this horse… these Derby runners are like athletes. Can’t risk an injury tripping over a stray human.”

“Oh, charming!” She demeaned. “Did the horse knock your manners out or have you ever been this sweet?”

“Nah… I’ve got out without a scratch.”

“Shut up and give me a hand to get up.” She lifted her hand.

“Get up yourself.” He shrugged.

She moaned. “It’s hard to walk on those shoes, okay?! Please, give me a hand before I rip my skirt.”

“Why haven’t you said so?” He laughed but gave her a hand.

“Thanks.” She sneered. “Why are you even doing here?!”

He passes a hand through his hair. “Look… I…” He sighed. “The truth is, Liam told me to keep an eye on you and make sure you don’t end up in the wrong place… Exactly like now.”

“That must what they were talking a little earlier.” She thought. “He asked you that?” Riley asked, meekly.

“Yeah, good thing I followed his instructions, huh?”

She huffed.

Drake went on: “Speaking of which, you should go back to the racetrack and your adoring fans…” He spat the last word.

“I’d love to, but I’m lost!” She moaned, trying to play the stupid girl card. “Maxwell told me to look for some tents.”

“Noble people would never sit on the grass.” Drake snorted “You’re supposed to wait at the cocktail, then go to the bleachers. How the Hell did you get here in the first place?”

“There were some stairs, I went down. I couldn’t find anyone, so I kept walking. I thought somebody was bound to be looking after the horses. I guess I was wrong.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter now. Anyways, the races are about to start, just walk to the bleachers, can’t miss them. Bye.” He was exceeding unpleasant, while walked to the door.

“Wait!” Riley called after him. “Aren’t you supposed to go that way too?”

“No.” He said, smugly. “I’m due to meet Liam. The royal family has their own booth at the tracks.”

“Careful, Drake, you seem to be looking forward to schmooze with royalty.”

“Har-har.” He was ironic. “But you’re right. Me and Liam usually just hang out there and get some drinks, watch the ceremonies, place our bets on the horses… It is pretty sweet.”

Riley quickly formulated a plan. “In that case, I’m going with you.”

“What?!” He exclaimed, outraged.

“It sounds more fun where you’re going.” She said, simplistic. “Take me with you.”

“I don’t think you’re supposed to…”

“Boo-hoo.” Riley mocked. “What are they going to do? Throw me in Princess Jail?”

She marched to the door. As she noticed Drake wasn’t following her, she looked back and said: “Chop-chop, let’s go.”

He shook his head and went after her.

As they arrived at the entrance of the booth, a tall, strong man from the Guard motioned to her and said, “Invited only.”

“Let me handle this,” Drake said, pointedly. Then, in Greek, full of innuendo, he told the man: “Please, Prince Liam asked for her.”

The man widened his eyes and let them pass. When they were out of earshot, Riley elbowed him. “You had to tell him that?”

Drake smirked. “You’re the one who wanted to tag along.” He pointed to the refreshment table. “You go ahead, I’m going to get some beers.”

As he left, Riley calls him back. “Hey, Drake?”

“Yes?”

“Thanks,” She told him with a smile. “I’d be positively miserable over there with Olivia.”

“Don’t mention it.” And with that, he left.

Over at the railing, Liam was staring intently at the tracks. Riley had a wicked idea. She puts her hands over his eyes, saying softly: “Guess who?”

He tenses at the loss of his sight, but relaxes and smiles to the sound of her voice.

“There’s only one person who could sneak here and sneak up on me.”

“Which is?” She laughed.

“Riley.” He said, softly.

She took her hands from his eyes. “Correct!”

“However in the world did you manage to get in here?!” He asked her.

“Drake was kind enough to get me in.” She said, and then frowned. “Even if he might have suggested to the bouncer over there I was some kind of courtesan.”

Liam seemed extremely displeased with her statement. “Riley, as much as I am glad for you to be here, I am really sorry that you had to go through this. I’ll see to Drake doesn’t…”

She cut him off: “Would the guy let me through had Drake told him the truth?”

“No,” Liam conceded. “But…”

“But nothing, the important thing is that I got in, not how I got in.”

“I… suppose. But you shouldn’t have to go through this kind of embarrassment.”

“I was a waitress, Liam.” She laughed, dismissively. “That was nothing.”

The prince was feeling more at ease with the situation, even if it was aggressive to his morals.

“Speaking of Drake,” Riley continued. “I had a funny conversation with him about you telling him to look out for me.”

“Ah… right. I guess you caught me.” He didn’t seem much repentant. “I did say that to him.”

“Liam,” She said, rather sternly. “I understand you did this out of care, and I do appreciate it, but don’t you trust me to take care of myself?”

“Honestly, you seem the one of the most capable people I’ve ever met.”  He says, with that kind of shyness reserved to the guilty. “It is only that I know these events can be chaotic, intimidating. I hate the thought of you feeling lost when I can’t be there with you. I hope you’re not terribly offended.”

“Look, Liam, I know what I’ve said at the night of the Masquerade, about me feeling overwhelmed, and I get your point of view, but if I thought it was too much for me to handle, I’d had left a long time ago.” She took his hand. “I can do this, don’t worry so much about me.”

She kissed his cheek, as in a way to put him at ease. His face, however, tinted in a deep scarlet.

As to change the subject as quickly as possible, he pointed at the gates. “Look, they’re leading the horses to the start already.” He smiled softly. “I love watching the horses.”

“They are majestic creatures, indeed.” She said. “But, especially with those race horses, I can’t shake the idea of them feeling trapped. Here we have the fastest ones in the world, but there they are, running in circles, just to return to small, uncomfortable pens at night.”

“I… never thought that way before. If it is of any consolation to you, I’ve visited where some of these horses spend their days, and the fields are magnificent.”

“That’s something, I suppose.”

“Nothing like a little gilding to make a cage bearable.” He said, with some assertiveness.

Riley rose an eyebrow and seemed ready to ask something, but just then she was interrupted by Drake letting himself into the booth, holding three glasses of beer.

“Hope I’m not interrupting anything.” Drake says, as he handles a glass to Riley.

“You were.” She said, playfully. “But I’m glad to see you anyways.”

“You are?”

“Why would I lie?” She asked.

“And you’re just in time!” Liam told Drake excitedly. “The last race is about to start! I say Twilight-Dash takes the crown.”

“That’s not a bad prediction,” Drake concedes. “But I’ve been studying the stats. My money’s on Mirabelle’s Dream.”

“Want to bet on that, Drake?” Liam challenged.

“Sure. The usual?”

“What’s the usual?” Riley pondered.

“Ever since Drake and I were kids, we’d bet each other push-ups.” Liam told her.

“Not just any push-ups.”

“Yes. Push-ups while the other person sits on your back.”

“That’s so cute!” Riley exclaimed.

“It’s not ‘cute’. It’s rugged. And manly.” Drake, revolted, retorted.

“‘Homoerotic’ might be the word you are looking for.” She showed him her tongue.

Liam laughed, and said: “So, Drake, do we have a bet?”

“You’re on.”

“Except perhaps one change to the usual.” Liam proposed. “I think we’d be incredibly rude to leave out Riley. Maybe she should be the one to sit on the loser’s back.”

“Riley Flowers, gym weight extraordinaire.” She smiled.

“There we have, then.” Liam said.

“Drake,” Riley asked. “Which horse is which?”

“The 8 is Twilight-Dash and the 12 is Mirabelle’s Dream.” He provided.

She looked at the horses and had a cold dread fall upon her stomach. “Who’s… Who’s the man riding the 12?”

“Alexander Rosenberg. He’s an Austrian rider and nobleman. If I recall correctly, he’s the Marquess of Krumau. Mirabelle’s Dream is probably his horse, he is racing this afternoon.” Liam said.

“And the woman?” Her lip trembled.

“It must be his wife. He married recently.” The blond shrugged and then wondered: “Why do you ask?”

“No…” She said. “Nothing important. I just thought I knew him. It must be a mistake.”

Riley receded into her thoughts, coming back to reality when the shot signaling the opening of the gates. The two men leaned forward in anticipation to the winner.

Despite of herself, Riley was rooting for the midnight-black horse. And, as a prophecy, Mirabelle’s Dream, despite tough competition, wins the race and is taken to the side and covered in roses.

“Liam,” Said Drake, smugly. “I believe you’re up.”

“Well, here we go…” He said. “If you excuse me, I can’t get those clothes dirty and sweaty.”

As he takes off his shirt and blazer, Riley takes off her hat and her heels, as in not to lose balance.

“Riley,” The prince called. “I believe I need your assistance here.”

“I’m on it.” She smiled and propped herself down.

“Is that all?” He said. “I barely feel a thing.”

“Keep telling girls that and they’ll line up to date you.” Riley said. “On a second thought, haven’t they done such thing already?”

As soon as she finished talking, Liam started his push-ups.

“Oof!” Riley almost, comically, fell from his back with the first sudden upward movement.

“Too easy!” Drake mocked.

“Thank you, Drake. That’s the kindest thing you told me this week.” Riley said.

“…And ten.” Liam laid on the floor. “Done.”

Riley gets off him and he stands up. Already dressed, he said: “And it shall never be said I back off bets.”

“And you lose all the time, so that’s really saying something.” Drake teased.

“I must’ve done something very wrong at some point for you to be my best friend.” Liam teased.

“Amen to that.” Riley agreed.

“I think it’s part of my job to keep you humble. Hard to do that with all those gorgeous women chasing after you.”

“Speaking of which, now that the races are over, it’s probably time to go back to the social barrage. I should go down and congratulate the winner of the Derby.”

At the mention of the marquess, she felt her face go blank. She should get out of there as fast as she could.

Luckily, her appearance played right into her hand when Drake looked at her and said: “Hey, are you alright? You seem awfully pale.”

“No, I feel a little dizzy…” She said.

Liam tensed at that. “What happened?” He asked, in half desperation.

“I don’t know!” Drake exclaimed. “She just got white suddenly.”

“Go fetch Maxwell!” The blond commanded, and the brunet disappeared through the door.

“I really shouldn’t, but it has to be done.” She thought. “Okay. One, two, three, now!”

She faked a faint.

Palace of the Brigades, Avlona, Cordonia, Fall 2015

After Riley faked her fainting, Maxwell came running with the car to take them back to the Palace. Lucky for her, Phoenike wasn’t much of a big city and they couldn’t find a trustful doctor who could attend to her right away.

Halfway there, she ‘woke up’ from her faint, faking confusion. Maxwell was alone with her in the car. She was informed Drake went on ahead to alert the royal physician, while Liam was kept behind by protocol.

As they arrived at her room, the doctor examined her and said her ‘fainting spell’ was more likely a result of exhaustion, bad nourishment and a climate which she was not used to. She was prescribed bedrest for a few days.

As Maxwell lead the doctor away, Drake kept her company for a few more moments.

“Hey, Drake.” She called.

“Yes?”

“Thank you. For the books, for the booth, for getting me a doctor and for the horse.”

“I know I’m a jerk, but I’d have to be a really low-life to let a horse trample a girl.”

“Either way, thanks.” She said, sincere.

Maxwell let himself in again. “Okay, Riley. You heard the doctor. Try to have a good night’s sleep.”

“If only that was the answer to all there’s wrong with the world!” She exclaimed, teasingly. “Good night, Maxwell, Drake.”

“’Night, Flowers.” Drake said as they left the room and closed the door.

As soon as she was alone, she jumped out of the bed and went to her trunk.

Behind her, a voice tutted: “Leaving so soon? After so much they’ve done for you? How nasty!”

Riley froze at the sound.

“No greetings? Well, I suppose we are past that, though I would like at least a hello. After all, we’ve been apart for so long, and we were so close.” They teased.

“Wh-what are you doing in here?!” Riley stuttered.

“No clue?” They smiled, wickedly. “I’ve come to fetch you! They’ll be so happy to see you again!”

Red Rose - Masterlist

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[junkobears]

Here Lies Dreaded V3 Discourse

So I have seemed to cause a huge kerfuffle in the hardcore Ouma conspiracy theorists standom, and a banal (if condescending, but seeing the response to it honestly justifies it more than anything now. “Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it”, you better believe I can take it and will now PROPERLY dish it out right back at you) comment about one of Tsumugi’s anime references has led to someone launching a hilariously personal attack at me for Daring To Disagree With A Theory That Was Posted On A Public Website. Someone who I wasn’t even initially responding too, at that. And has now blocked me before even allowing me to respond and clarify my original comments. Don’t want to deal with the consequences of being a repugnant, rude person I guess? Shock and surprise for Tumblr.

The link to the post is here, but I’ve taken the liberty to screenshot it just in case it gets deleted later, in hope that maybe there’ll be some reflection on this person’s part that this really is not an acceptable way to respond to people who have a dissenting opinion? Anyways, I will be responding to the personal attack post and that will be the last time I interact with this group, because clearly it’s not worth it to actually have a discussion about our respective ending theories. I ain’t got time beyond this for tedious insecure fucks these days.

Anyways, my response is under the cut to save my poor followers’ dashes. Sorry to drag drama onto my blog but I can’t really let this slide. I’m also tagging @jacks-plays-drv3 just because I assume the twin comes with the other with these two, and I want my response to have been seen.

Screenshot In This Link - This post is long enough without the image taking up more space, haha.

Let’s start with this mess, shall we? And I will go into painstaking detail.

Paragraph 1: So this already starts off with a whole lot of needless aggression and projection. So I’m not even going to attempt to be nice back. But: maybe I haven’t proven anything because I literally had not typed up a response to clarify my original comments @ Jacks yet before the rabid attack dog was unleashed? Like, there was literally no attempt from you to have a discussion that was a genuine offer from me, I was not out to get you actually. I also honestly just laughed at being called shallow, JUST LIKE THAT HORRIBLE CHARACTER TSUMUGI SHIROGANE right off the bat as well. That’s a compliment really, honey. Weirdly I don’t share the same opinions as you do. Tsumugi is my fave and unlike you I actually think about and HAVE analyzed/discussed her character in detail previously, which I would’ve been happy to share had you not immediately went into Blind Raging Idiot Mode. Guess we can’t have it all, huh?

As for needing proof that she makes the Flashback Lights... nevermind the CG that literally shows her making them during Chapter 6, but do you have proof that Monokuma is the person who makes the Lights instead of just placing them for the students? I doubt it, somehow. Cuz a lot of your theories don’t actually have any concrete proof. Quelle surprise. Probably why anyone not immediately on board with your headcanon gets you so goddamn angry, huh? Cuz it’s completely baseless and you know it at heart.

As for the Ouma comments, actually I have read the assorted creator comments regarding his character even if you like to believe I’m a slobbering moron who turned my brain off as soon as I finished V3, so yes I already know that his name was chosen to sound mastermind-like. Maybe this was to emphasize and make his fake mastermind reveal appear more legit on first read? JUST A THOUGHT, SWEETIE. You know the entire fucking point of Chapter 5? You’re so slavishly devoted to your theory that you actually are incapable of reading the basic fucking text from the actual game, but again. Not a surprise. Considering what I’ve read from your blog (really, who are you again? I only knew Jacks’ blog from before all this, so you taking such a personal offense at my comments is honestly hilarious but baffling at the same time. It ain’t all about you, babe.)

As for the lab door, here’s an simpler explanation (Occam’s Razor, look it up): The star sign constellation pattern was there as a hint for the player to connect Ouma’s messages from his dorm room to the vault in Amami’s lab once its opened and you can see the star signs in there. Or perhaps it was designed like that by TDR to make the students make that connection as well in the original script and think that Ouma was the mastermind cuz of the connection to Amami’s lab? Literally, there are a lot of possibilities, cuz it’s a NOTHING DETAIL THAT DOESN’T ACTUALLY MATTER IN THE BIG PICTURE. Considering Kodaka’s track record with writing these games I don’t actually believe it’s anything major, personally. He doesn’t really strike me as the type to hide this completely separate story underneath the actual story we got, and with such vague nothing “”””””””””””clues””””””””””””. You and Jacks do yourselves (well you already do cuz you love to jack yourselves off with how CLEVER AND BETTER you are than the rest of us plebs), sure, in believing otherwise (You have way too much faith in him as a writer. Or you’re desperately trying to pretend V3 wasn’t poorly written cuz you don’t like the Ch. 6 twist) but also realize that its nothing more than extrapolation on your part that it actually means anything beyond the.... SHALLOW (horror scream) connection given in-game.

And really, who the fuck cares if it doesn’t match the title of ‘Supreme Leader’? It’s already a ridiculous talent as it stands already. The entire point of his character is that everything about him, his motives and his talent is contradictory and weird. That’s why I like him, actually. He isn’t an abused martyr who never lies like you goons believe and he also isn’t the evil monstrous chessmaster some of the fandom thinks. It’s Complex Motives™ .

Anyways moving on. Pointing out an anime reference =/= DISREGARDING PEOPLE’S ANALYSIS. Pointing out that most of the plot leads up to and supports the fiction twist =/= uncritically agreeing with everything Tsumugi says. Actually, after examining the game’s story for myself I came to the conclusion that all the clues in it really only support her version of the story, really. There are a few things I think she lied about, but it is not CONCLUSIVELY proven she lied in my opinion and so I don’t really give a fucking toss until new canon comes out and reveals more of the V3 story. Oumatwin don’t real, gurl. If there was actually anything in-game beyond one obvious joke line in the NON-CANON!!!!!!! bonus mode supporting that he existed, maybe I’d respect your theory more. Even though you don’t deserve respect after your little tantrum. 

Paragraph 2: Jesus I already am investing way too much time into this response at people who don’t actually deserve it, oh well. But laughing hard at the attempt to try and act as if you weren’t being a snobby asshole with your comments. Again, HUGE AMOUNTS OF PROJECTION at me about things I literally have never done and said. I have never interacted with you or Jacks prior to my initial comment. No fucking clue why you brought up the SaiOuma shit, cuz I don’t even LIKE Saihara as a character and don’t like that fujobait ship in the slightest? But I guess it’s easier to assume that all your critics are the exact same fucking person with the same opinions, so you can feel more persecuted, huh? You literally did not even wait for me to respond or check my blog that would’ve easily disproven these dumb-as-fuck assumptions. And get off the fucking high horse (pun completely intended), you lot are not the only people in this fandom who are capable of critical thought. How completely self-obsessed can you be? 

For someone who claims to have a lot of critical thinking skills compared to this nasty fandom, you really are terrible at parsing other people’s words. You fucking know when I said “group of anime fans” that I was referring to Team Danganronpa, the organization literally mentioned in game as running the game. The group Tsumugi is part of. She literally has a company badge FFS. THEY ARE ANIME FANS. THEY ALL STARTED KILLING GAMES CUZ THEY ALL LOVE THIS SHITTY SERIES. I can’t believe this had to be explained. And the rest of this paragraph word salad is the most pedantic argument. It’s really not hard to believe an organization in this series would have access to all this tech. And yes, it’s a popular TV show in-universe, of course it’ll have funding. And the whole damn point of the ending is that the V3 world is consuming fiction the wrong way by having real-life killing games, missing the entire point of the DR series and fiction in general? What’s your actual point?

Paragraph 3: Again more assumptions, I wasn’t ‘crying’ about being called gullible. I was just pointing it out as part of your extremely unnecessary smug dismissal of my post. That you really haven’t disproved at all, btw. Honestly the childish response you both had to me just makes me laugh out of pity more than anything. And if I was really upset I wouldn’t have offered to have a discussion with you or even continued to reply after Jacks initial (vague) post about what I said. So don’t put words in my mouth. And yes my analysis was not completed in my initial comments. It’s Tumblr fucking replies, I can’t fit the entire fucking dissertation of Tsumugi opinions in there for you to jeer at in there. Again, I offered to share my opinions and got this as a response, so lol. You are your own worst enemy when it comes to trying to get people to take you and your theories seriously. 

Paragraph 4: Especially since you immediately jump to PULLING THINGS OUT OF YOUR ASS (seriously, fucking snorted at this part. I want this whole diatribe on my fucking gravestone. It’s by far the most hilariously petty thing ever said about me on this site.) instead of letting me explain my position. If you just want to be in the creepy cult Oumatwin echo chamber you should’ve just said and blocked me ASAP instead of word salading vague bullshit justifications for why actually people who disagree with you are just stupid crybabies who can never hope to understand your genius. Again, my initial comments didn’t whine about not being taken seriously at all, I was pointing out the hypocrisy/rudeness is all. And again, get off the high horse about critical thinking. I have thought about Tsumugi’s character and how she relates to the over-arching plot and how truthful it is, and the overall ‘mystery’ of V3 (spoiler: there is none. it was all solved by chapter 6). I have thought about this game. In fact I dedicate too much time to critical analysis of this series that doesn’t actually deserve it cuz lately I find Kodaka to be a hack writer. Your assumptions are flat-out wrong, dear. And AGAIN. I WOULD’VE. SHARED AND DISCUSSED IN MORE DETAIL HAD I BEEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY. But rude fucks gonna vomit shit out of their mouth cuz they have literally no self-control and have meltdowns at the slightest difference of opinion, I guess. 

Your extreme hatred for Tsumugi as a character truly shines through. Clearly no thought has been put into her from your end, even though you and Jacks rage about people not taking Ouma seriously as a character. Double standards as always with fujos. Nothing I’m not used too, she is incredibly unpopular in this fandom. And everyone is entitled to their own opinions. So I’m not even mad at that. I have never said otherwise. Even you and Jacks are valid in having your own theories and thoughts. The ending of V3 is designed entirely so everyone can analyze the game for themselves and draw their own conclusions about the story and themes. That’s the whole point. Even though I personally dislike that as a writing decision on Kodaka’s part because I would prefer the story to be conclusively ended and the epilogue is a giant turd that misses the entire point of Chapter 6 and enables shit (anal pun intended, dumbass) like this to start spreading as “Analysis”. But hey, to each their own.

However I will not be interacting with either of you again after this post though, even though I was willing to discuss beforehand, because you both have shown yourselves to be incredibly vile with the way you approach other people in this fandom, and especially those who don’t share your conspiracy theory. Despite the absolutely ironic comments I’ve seen from Oumanous in their later, also terrible posts about how you need to understand your opponent before engaging, which they literally failed entirely to do before engaging the firing squad at me and other commentators who responded. So much for the sanctity of discussion, huh? Enjoy your circlejerk. Everyone else who follows me in this fandom though? Please consider blocking these two if you are also a sane human being who is capable of polite discussion/disagreements. They are not worth your time otherwise. They were really not worth my time writing this post, but I felt I had to say something.

In conclusion: Out with the both of you.

[johobi]

This is my response to @lthyl‘s series of asks about When You Least Expect It. Which, btw, is so staggeringly accurate that if you’re confused about anything, I hugely recommend reading!

You’re basically right on every single point you’ve made, so this will probably just be a list of me agreeing with you!!

1. YES YES YES!!! (I told you lmao) Everything you say about Tae and his friendship with Y/N is SPOT ON. He isn’t a bad guy, and he always has her best interests at heart, even if it pains him. But he is pretty obviously possessive, indeed, and because he’s never really had anything threaten the bond he has with her, he’s probably feeling conflicted as fuck about feeling that way. Because as a genuinely nice, level-headed guy, he knows being possessive is wrong, unhealthy, and he’s trying his hardest to keep it in check (their conversation at the cafe in ch. 7, for example. He wanted to give them space, not only for their sakes, but to try and acclimatise to being, essentially, the third person in a two-person relationship. You can see his pettiness there, though, because he snaps at her that she didn’t reach out to him, either. He really is trying to fight it). 

2. I’m so, so glad you picked up on the fact that he introduced her to Jungkook because he cares so deeply for her, and not because he has some ulterior motive (another theory I’ve heard, which is interesting! But if we look at his treatment of her up until that point, it’s safe to assume there isn’t any malintent there. He treasures her SO much). AND ALSO YOUR INTERPRETATION OF WHY HE ASKED HER THAT QUESTION AT THE END OF CH. 8 *flails*. I can’t confirm nor deny, of course, but my reaction probably gives it away LOL. Your interpretation of that part got me the most hyped :’DDD.

3. And YESSS, absence of communication is taking its toll. Tae has always been a very open person, but Y/N is notoriously not so inclined. But now the question of ‘love’ and crossing boundaries is in the air, he’s also clamming up, and it’s eroding the foundations of their friendship. Previously, he’d talk to her about anything, and he could usually pry stuff from her. But she would never let him pry this from her.

4. A quick break to say thank you for your kind words!!!!! ;; I can’t believe my story can inspire such impassioned theorising bUT I FUCKIN LOVE IT GURL THANK YOU!!

5. Yes, yes, YES! Jungkook wears his heart on his sleeve, and he’s not afraid to make it known how much he’s attracted to/head over heels for his noona. Also, although I set out on this story unbiased, I have a weakness for Jungkook’s sweetness. >-<; Tae, I think, as you say, is not as perceptive of her needs as Jungkook, even though he does try. And that’s why she also questions how she ever thought he knew her so innately. Maybe as kids, sure, but as adults, they’re so much more complex now. 

6. As to Jungkook’s future interactions with/about Taehyung... well, you’ll see. They’re gonna be something lmao. There’s a bit of a curveball coming that’s gonna shake everyone and their dynamics up, but I won’t say more than that.

7. *thumps fist on table* YOU GET Y/N SO WELL!!! Thank you for understanding just how much strength it took for her to break that kiss and walk away. I probably didn’t make this too clear in the chapter, but she is invested in her romance with Jungkook, and that was a huge influence in the aftermath of her walking away. Maybe not so much during the kiss, because she was caught off-guard, but the thought of him was the ultimate reason for her stopping it before things got out of hand.

8. And 100% YES, she doesn’t view Kookie as a rebound or second choice. Him and Tae are two very different people, who invoke very different feelings. The feelings for Tae are more intense, and definitely bordering on infatuation for the immensity of her desire and love for him, but, it comes with an assload of cons. Her yearning for him hugely impacts her mental health in a negative way (and no, it’s not entirely his fault - she’s always been susceptible to anxiety/depression, but he definitely compounds it). With Jungkook, however, the feelings are fresh, alien, but wholly pleasant. He’s comforting, calming, encouraging. She feels something growing for him. Could it be a less destructive type of love? Or just a fondness for a sweet guy? WE’LL SEE.

Again, thank you so much for sending this to me. It was so much fun (and restored my faith in my own storytelling, bc I was afraid it was too ambiguous) to read and respond to. I hope I can continue to meet your expectations (though I’m a lil nervous about an upcoming development that I don’t think anyone will see coming *cough*)

[fauzhee10069]

Caato Higashikata, 34 chapters (8 volumes) MIA and still overhyped

Warning: this post was written when chapter 96 was the latest chapter of JoJolion and edited when chapter 98 got updated, therefore I’m not responsible for the new chapters after ch-98 that potentially be contradicting with this post.

Yeah, there are still many people who believe that she will be the big villain, despite her total absence in 34 chapters (8 volumes) of JJL!! (though she was occasionally mentioned).

I did list some common reasons of how she could be the main villain (see the related post) & put my thought about those, but there is something I had missed, thanks for the discussion with one of the Caatofags. Here is the argument:

About Caato’s past:

It is a backstory for both of them, but when you look at it, it is moreso for Cato. Look at how the chapter is framed and how each character is used. The chapter starts with Tsurugi explaining the dilemma of Higashikata parents and Cato being worried about Jobin, the middle is about Cato healing Jobin by sacrificing the kid, and it ends by focusing on Cato going to jail. You bring up FV's childhood, but 1. I think Diego's backstory is a might have been a better parallel for the point you were trying to make and 2. In that story, the focus is clearly on FV.

But then we look it again, Diego and Valentine didn’t share the same backstory, unlike Jobin and Caato. Sure, obviously it is because the later are family (and I do like that flashback), but it’s still more about the introduction of Jobin’s character development, so that we know him even further even when we already familiar with him. And yeah, both Diego and Valentine’s flashbacks were childhood flashback, like Jobin’s… not the motherhood flashback of Caato.

In this chapter, the focus is almost always on Cato. You bring up Jobin appearing more, but you should be looking at how he is used instead. Whenever Cato is onscreen, she is the one who gets the most focus, with Jobin being used as Cato's motivator. When Jobin takes the focus, it is always to bring focus back onto Cato. He almost kills the bully, causing Cato to act.

The character development of how Jobin is ambitious and justifies any means… is because of this flashback. Yeah, there is also a little character development of Caato as the mom who desperately wanted to save her son, yet she hesitated in the way in which she had to sacrifice herself so when the opportunity came without having sacrificing her own life… she did it… immediately. It’s just by the name of mother’s love.

He is strangely healthy, causing Norisuke to look to Cato.

Norisuke IV’s suspicion of why Jobin healed without anyone in the family dying and the suspicion was confirmed when she was busted by the police.

Speaking of which, even the art supports this by heavily focusing on Cato.

Yeah, this is Caato:

And this is Jobin:

Same screentone btw.

And sorry, that’s the way the fanatic fan would answer.

While this is definitely an important moment for Jobin, he is a passive entity for most of it, with Cato being used to frame and end it, commit the defining action, and receive much of the focus.

Okay, if that is your answer after you compared Jobin’s backstory with Diego's one, then you may say that in Diego's backstory, it’s actually about his mom too (which a shame that she wasn’t named), of what had happened to her and what was her action & reaction, because his mom is the MVP who did most of the action. Look at her (Diego's mom’s) panel, she got some big panels & focus too (though I’m not showing that here, just look at the chapter by yourself).

SBR chapter 30: Scary Monsters - Part 3

Even though the story mostly focused on his mom, the backstory still belongs to Diego. You can say that both little Jobin and Diego were observing their moms’ actions then got inspired, that’s why Jobin becomes ambitious (climbing higher) and justifies any means and Diego maintains his pride and will not let anyone look down on him.

I still see that the flashback for Caato was more to resolve the mystery of her character (of why she was in prison). I hope she gets more flashback if she really has to be the MV, perhaps something outside her identity as the Higashikata ex-matriarch, her childhood perhaps, what was her birth family like or why she got married to the Higashikata, what was her expectation and how she reacted when she discover the hereditary rock disease, did she already know prior to the marriage? Whatever because I still more familiar with Jobin than her.

Clashing motivation with Josuke:

Also, you bring up JJL being about Josuke wanting to heal Holly, but there is a deeper motivation to him. Josuke's goal, at its core, is about wanting to regain the life he lost and find a family. Healing Holly is how he will get there, but taking back his life and finding people to care about him is the heart of his character and his goal. You know who else shares that goal? Not Jobin, he already has all of that. It's Cato, a woman who had her life taken from her and wants what she has lost. But unlike Josuke, she feels it is owed to her, and does not seem to want to earn it, but to take it. Cato works as a much better foil for Josuke than Jobin, who is moreso a foil to Norisuke, because she is like a dark reflection of his goal, which is what all JoJo villains are to their respective JoJo.

When Josuke's identity discovery would make a good parallel with Caato's identity recovery, that still wouldn't make a direct confrontation compared to "saving my mom” (Josuke) and saving my son (Jobin)", because the later requires the same objective to fulfill it (The New Locacaca fruit) and whoever obtains it first could be the winner, thus confrontation would likely happen. Then again, when Josuke's other goal is to discover his identity, didn't he already get that and accept it? Yet last time Caato declared what she really wants (fortune & rights), she doesn't even take a single action yet. Her action & her further background is still in the dark. There are already Josuke & Jobin's clash moments and the closest Caato clashed with Josuke is when she called him freeloader (LOL).

I’m aware that JoJo fan nowadays are too obsessed on the “parallel thingy”, whereas the more important aspect in story-writing (that we should give more attention to) is when the two events/actions collide (regardless of the reasons of why they happened) and makes a great conflict or an impactful event.

I guess with that kind of answer, you prefer anything with deep meaning to structural and impactful events.

I think at this point it's hard to tell what she will do, but there is a lot there that points to her being main villain material. The only thing working against he is the fact that she is barely around, but she'll have to pop up again soon.

At least you admit that she is still lack in action, then keep dreaming LOL (joking). While it becomes a mystery of why Caato is still MIA (missing in action), there is still a bigger mystery of why Kyo (as Holy’s daughter) is still MIA as well. In fact, I think that Kyo should get a greater priority to have any action rather than Caato, due to their relationship with their respective family. There is still zero interaction between Caato and Tsurugi compared to Kyo who clearly showed that she cares about her mother. Why doesn’t she (Kyo) show up at the hospital? Visit Holy? Meet Josuke? Then (perhaps) help him? Where the hell is she right now? We still know nothing about the relationship between Caato and Tsurugi, especially of what Caato thinks about her sickly grandson, in contrast to Kyo’s feeling about her mom, Holy.

Caato is not completely forgotten (or gone... like Kyo), I’m aware. She did get mention sometimes between her last appearance to chapter 98. However, none of the mentions were about her current action or her whereabouts, but rather her as the “cause and reason” (Jobin’s questionable action that is for the good cause he said was based on like she did in the past, the bully of Tsurugi due to Caato’s murderer background and Maako’s interest on that past rumor), all of them are in the past and tied to the same one event: The Backstory of Mother & Child chapter). Although this can still be counted as foreshadowing for Caato to be the big villain, that claim is still weak by the lack of her current action during this climax. Unless if there will be another (one) arc after this Dangerous Pursuit with The Head Doctor and the race for the ultimate Locacaca, where Caato will shine, but I doubt it because JoJolion had already surpassed Steel Ball Run in the chapter length. I am sure we are heading towards the end of JoJolion right now.

Still, my best bet is that Caato will be Jobin's Yoshihiro in a much better way.

Now, this is my hypothetical scenario of how Caato was supposed to be set up as the original ally (or mastermind… whatever) who collaborated with Damo’s group:

Jobin’s involvement with Damo’s group confirmed:

JJL chapter 63: Dolomite's Blue Lagoon - Part 5

The revelation of Jobin as merely a gofer (right after his childhood backstory):

JJL chapter 64: Mother and Child

But then, Dolomite hesitated to say more like… “I know nothing more, in fact I feel safe if I just let myself to be kept in the dark.” So, the real player he meant must be more dangerous than Jobin.

JJL chapter 64: Mother and Child

“This isn’t about Jobin anymore” said Dolomite, “This is about someone more dangerous than him, which actually led to his mom, Caato” said any Caatofags.

Nah, but this weird though, why would Dolomite hesitated (and was afraid) to sell Caato’s name if he felt safe enough to sell Jobin’s name which literally her son. Why would he let Josuke know about Jobin (which might cause Josuke potentially confront him)? Will Caato sacrifice her own son after just a few pages flashback ago she literally saved his life?  I’m sure had Caato heard that Dolomite was about to selling Jobin’s name, she would immediately prevent it by killing Dolomite on the spot.

Also, this chapter should be a great timing to reveal her as the true associate of Damo’s group, just after her backstory had just been told, a great momentum to start set up Caato as the big villain like what Caatofags suggest.

The “one group of people” Dolomite was talking just after he said that Jobin was not a real threat, do you seriously believe that the group is the one that is being led by his mommy (Caato)? Nah, I’m sure he was talking about “The Locacaca Organization” led by The Head Doctor. Though of course Caatofags still theorize that HD (and Tooru sometimes) is either part of her disguise or her decoy. Silly...

The introduction of The Head Doctor (mentioned only) after the investigation of the connection with mysterious ambulance during Ozon Baby’s Pressure arc (chapter 76):

JJL chapter 83: The New Locacaca

The Head Doctor’s introduction was 19 chapters (5 volumes) after Dolomite’s confession and 7 chapters (3 volumes) after the ambulance scene, still in a reasonable interval to introduce the big villain. Then after that, the Dangerous Pursuit arc featuring The Head Doctor began.

So much had already happened, but you can’t deny that there is not a single action yet from Caato between those events.

I’m not saying that Caato can’t be… and won’t be the main villain, NO! It is still possible. However, the claim to say that she definitely will be the main villain is too early with pretty weak proofs to back it up (and then they make theory… theory… and theories with revolves around “parallel” shits). What Caatofags got so far is still mainly just clues which are still unconfirmed. While they think that her backstory & personality (then motivation… they say) are legit, her actual action tied to the current climax event is still nonexistent.

This worries me even more of how fanatic Caato’s supporters are. Already gone for 32 chapters (8 volumes), they’re keep saying that she will be The Main Villain, rather than focus on talking about Jobin and The Head Doctor for a while, who currently are very active players or maybe even Caato’s possible action & her role placement. They are only keep saying that “Caato will show up and be the big player, Ha Ha EPIC!” I can’t even imagine what will happen once a single panel of Caato appears in the upcoming chapter.

I hope I don’t end up hating Caato just because how annoying, loud, gullible and delusional her supporters are.

Sister post: Caato Higashikata, 36 chapters (9 volumes) MIA and still overhyped

Related post: JoJolion Cardspiracy: Caato & Damokan group

Related to:

Caato Higashikata, the case of a character getting overhyped

The legit hype Caatofags once had

See also:

JoJolion timeline LOG

JoJolion: The Main Villain and The Red Herring

Edited:

Changed the spelling of 「Kaato」 into 「Caato」because it’s Caato, not Kaato.

[foulfurywombat-blog]

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So to make this easy, I'll give a basic idea of what happened. I was driving a friends car that I got into an accident with. My friend has liability insurance and everything to cover the damage of the other vehicle. Now, the thing is I personally do not buy car insurance. The car that I drive is insured by my parents, but I am not named in their insurance policy. So my first question is, when filling out a motorist report, what do I fill in for the section under MY insurance, since I don't buy nor am I under anyones insurance policy. Second is there any way my parents premiums will go up?""

Auto insurance question (Mitsubishi Lancer?

I can call Allstate and find this out. However, I don't feel like staying on the line forever. Is the Mitsubishi Lancer consider a sports car according to auto insurance poilcy or is it just your average everyday sedan?""

Car insurance rough estimate?

55 years old, recent drink driving conviction, Mazda sports car worth < 2K.""

my friend wreak my car and he has full coverage with geico but does his insurance cover my car to. he wants ?

my friend wreak my car and he has full coverage with geico but does his insurance cover my car to. he wants to pay for it without calling his insurance cause he wants to pay cash it has been over a month. nothing has been done to fix my car. He did give me his car to use till this is settled but can i contact his insurance to see if i can get a claim to have my car fixed as soon as possible. called and they said that no information can be released without insured consent. in Yahoo! Answers

Can a car insurance company find out when you were first issued your license?

I know its wrong to lie, BUT ,my insurance would be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much lower if I had been driving for longer. I didn't get my license until I was 22 and I'm 23 now, but they give me the rates of a teenager. I pay way too much!""

Muscle Car Insurance Rates?

Well, I'm an 18 year old male and I've managed to stumble across a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda being sold for a reasonable price and in pretty good condition. It's been my dream car for a while and I was just curious if I can get some estimates on how much I'll be paying for car insurance? I live in British Columbia Canada if that makes a difference. I've taken driving school and I've heard good grades can lower rates as well, which I have. Oh yeah, its got a 440 4 bbl :). Thanks""

Is it possible to get Mexican insurance (not tourist) for US plated car ?

I have a US plated car (calif plates) not currently registered in the US, Not currently insured in the US. I am in mexico on FM2. Car has been here for over 4 yrs with temp permit. Is it possible to get insurance in mexico? For tourist policy I have been told car must have current US registration and insurance, For mexican policy I have been told need to have mex plates. Anyone with US plates been able to get Mexican insurance (not tourist) for their currenlty unregistered un insured US vehicle in mexico? If so what is your insurance company. Thanks""

simple term life insurance quotes

simple term life insurance quotes

How much is car insurance for teens ?

I live in California

Health Insurance coverage?

My husband's Cobra coverage lapsed. He has been turned down by two insurance companies for health insurance because of low testosterone levels. Any advice on where or how to apply for health insurance? He is self-employed; we live in TX.

How much should I expect to pay for flood insurance in michigan?

I am purchasing a cottage for about $60k in Michigan. It is on an inland lake and is in an AE flood zone. How much should I expect to pay in flood insurance?

What is the best insurance for new drivers?

I am 19 and I just got my driver's license (better late than never). I need car insurance asap and am looking for suggestions fo cheap insurance for new drivers

Can I take a life insurance policy on my 80 year old father who is excellant help without him knowong?

Can I take a life insurance policy on my 80 year old father who is excellant help without him knowong?

What car to get for cheapest insurance after crash at 17?

Im 17, 18 on october 1st. I crashed my car in january, claimed for write off and got given 3000, i put that in premium bonds, i ahve that money sat there to but a car with. I want to get a car on my 18th, what car should i get, bearing in mind ive had a crash, then claimed? the cheapest ive seen is 3470 a year for insurance. thanks.""

What is an affordable health care provider with low deductable?

What is an affordable health care provider with low deductable?

So is there any health insurance for those with serious medical conditons?

My younger brother who's only 20 years old has a host of serious illnesses: crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and a few more conditions that has constantly kept him sick for a good portion of his childhood. He's missed at least half a school year on a number of occasions, and despite his maturation he's still heavily affected by his conditions. Obviously, it's practically impossible for him to hold a steady job, he'll work for a while and then he'll have to take off a month or two just to deal with his illness, with that said he surely won't have employee health insurance. Currently, he's using our state's medicaid, however once he turns 21 he's no longer eligible for medicaid. With the health care system being the way that it is, is there any possibility that he could continue receiving health care despite his ineligibility? He takes a ton of drugs daily, and even takes some of the same medications that our grandparents take lol. I know some of you heartless conservatives believe he should provide his own health coverage, but how? His drugs cost thousands, and he's in the ER constantly, thus making his health-care only affordable to extremely rich individuals. When healthy, he does contribute as much as he possibly can, however for someone in his condition it would be downright shameful if he can't continue to receive any healthcare.""

""I have just bought a Moped - JMSTAR 50cc, where can I get insurance from? apart from rampdale? x x x Thanks?""

I have just bought a 50cc Jm Star Madness 50QT moped and im looking for insurance, the cheapest ive found is 290 with Rampdale and the most expensive was 490, Its a chinese import so not alot of companies insure them Can anyone help? and recommend a cheap insurance company which will insure chinese imports? THanks x x""

Price for insurance for car?

i am looking to buy a car for around 2000 dollars. its a dodge dakota not sure the year between 1995-1999. but how much am i looking at to pay monthly if i create my own insurance plan?

Car insurance - does everyone that drives the car have to be included?

I've been driving my grandmother's car for about a year. She has insurance on the car, but my name is not on the insurance. I am wondering if I would be covered if an accident occurred. The insurance is liability and uninsured motorist if I remember correctly.""

From Whom can I purchase health ins over 65 years & not eligible for Medicare?

My spouse is over 65 and will be getting residency USA and is not eligible for Medicare nor am I. From whom can we purchase health insurance?

Car insurance for a 17year old help?

I just went online and was quoted 8grand to get insured to my dads 1.9 tdi VW Bora, would it be cheaper to buy a cheap car for a grand which is a 1.2 petrol engine and get that insured or should i stick to my dads car which cost 8 grand to insure? which one would end up being cheaper for me?""

If i get insurance for a car that is registered to my father can I get plates from DMV?

If i get insurance for a car that is registered to my father can I get plates from DMV?

Where can I check and insurance company's ratings?

I am shopping for life insurance. Where can I check out an insurance companies ratings and credit ratings? I am thinking about the following companies: Northwestern Mutual State Farm Stifel Nicolaus ING New York Life TIA

Which auto insurance company will NOT check my credit?

I saw an advertisement for one, but forget which one it is. I have pretty good credit, but I do not believe in their correlation between credit & driving skills. I also do not believe that they should penalize people with bad credit under the assumption that these people will file a false claim. These insurance companies have all the incentive to damage people's credit files so they charge more for their products. I also pay in full, so they will not be extending credit to me. Even if the policy costs more, I do not wish to reward bad behavior by doing business with the big insurance companies.""

Does anyone know ANY affordable dental insurance or affordable/reasonable dentists in San Antonio TX?

Hi im looking for an affordable, dental insurance because it seems as though every where i look i can't get help because i'm not considered needy . And most health insurances have huge monthly payments without really any coverage. I think i need to get my wisdom teeth pulled and i have several cavities so if anyone can give any information on good dental coverage or even reasonable dentists' prices in san antonio, TX it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance.""

How does exhisting back injuries affect your insurance health car life?

I was hit on the head with a 68lb box. I have 3 herniated disc in my back, major nerve damage etc.... How does this effect my car insurance? If I get in a wreck am I not covered because ......What if the meds I'm on or my vertigo is the cause? I'm screwed right? How does this effect health insurance... am I un-insurable? Any web link would help. I'm 26 and its been 7 months... I still cant lift over 5lbs.""

How can i get cheap car insurance in the UK?

hey people, i have tried getting cheap car insurance for a while n i have had no joy. the cheapest i have got it is about 2,897 that is ridiculas for a 18 year old male at college who hasn't got a penny spear! i got a car givin to me a 1998 ford fiesta 1.25 zetec and i need help pritty bad. please help me!!!!!!!!!!""

College Student transferring from VA to SC - do I have to get new car insurance?

I am a college student in Virginia and in August I will be transferring down south to South Carolina (USC). I have a great car insurance quote at the moment. Geico would give me around $155/month just like esurance, progressive and the like. Though, the local statefarm agency said they'd give me a quote for half that much. Is there a way that I can keep my Virginia Insurance in South Carolina? I doubt that I will ever get a quote like that again in a big college town. Thanks for the advice!""

How do insurance companies insure replica cars?

i am looking to buy a replica lamborghini because i don't have an extra 200,000 dollars layin around. but i know that insurance is a ***** if you own a lambo. The one i am looking at has a bmw V12 engine. so would it be considered a bmw or...?""

Where can I get babysitting insurance in the UK?

I have scoured the internet but keep being told they won't give me babysitting insurance unless I am a registered childminder. Help please?

Average car insurance for new driver?

I'm 16 and I can get my liscence sooon... but I need to pay for car insurance... how much on average will I be paying for a 1996 camry?

What are a few cars that are cheap to insure and cheap to run for a 17 year old?

Wanting to know 4 or 5 cars that you think are ideal for a 17 year to insure and be able to run?

What are some good affordable dental plans for an individual?

I currently have no dental insurance and I need something really affordable. Serious answers please

simple term life insurance quotes

simple term life insurance quotes

Car insurance in California?

If you insurance cancels your policy don't they have to notify you, your lien holders and the DVM? And if yes then how long do they have to do that? Days? Weeks? Months? I had an accident friday and called them and they said I had been canceled on May 29th. That they sent a letter, but I never got a letter. I never received anything from my finance company or DVM either. Any Suggestions?""

""I bought a car off the lot, and two days later on my way to get insurance I got in an accident (my fault)?

In california isn't there a law that states you have to have insurance before u leave the lot?

Taken out insurance?

I am 63 years old own my house with a mortgage, I'm disabled and on benefits which I don't like. I can't get lower than that but I can afford insurance on my contents so why should the goverment bail out those people that haven't got contents insurance what do they want from the goverment new furniture what a cheek I say. If they do get that it is not fair for the people that pay for insurance's. After all they have to get it on there cars and when they travel abroad.""

""So i have a full coverage on my car insurance, and now this situation, need advice?

The insurance estimator guy told me that i can only take my car to a specific place to be repaired OTHERWISE he is going to tell me that the car being ruined was my fault (it ...show more

Computer experts: tips on how to insure the longevity of ones computer?

System Properties: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 2 Dell Dimension DEO51 Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.53GHz 2.53 GHz. 768 MB of RAM AT&T Yahoo service provider - MODEM Speedstream 4100 My Comp. Tech told me he had tripled the memory; so the above specs. may not be accurate with regard to this. When not in use, I always put it on Stand By . Disk Fragmenter: when should I, and should not, utilize this? I'm 74 yrs. old, and had never even touched a computer til I retired; and have no formal education in computer operations. So please delineate your responses in layman's terms. Any recommendations so as to insure my computer's longevity would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Alberich""

""Cheap car insurance for a 17 year old, impossible?""

I need insurance for a job & i can't afford insurance.. So expensive atm, last year was about 1700 now its 4000 for 1L? What they playing at, anyone insured anyone recently with cheap car insurance at 17, i don't want to know why it is expensive thanks!""

What will happen to my insurance rate?

I'm an 18 year old driver with geico and I have just been in an accident (my fault). My tires skid as I braked and I hit the stopped car in front of me. Nobody was hurt and the other car's back bumper suffered some scratches. The bumper was still intact and the only thing noticeable is the paint transfer. The police came and he offered to not involve insurance but the other person insisted so now my question is, how much will my insurance go up? Cause I've heard the geico is pretty notorious for jacking up rates alot . Thanks""

Do i need condo Insurance?

I have a condo in a six unit building in south florida that is being rented out. The building is insurance by the HOA master policies (windstorm and liability). My question is do I still need to insure my unit? Thanks.

Can you recommend a really inexpensive but still decent car insurance company?

I'm a student on a budget in difficult economic times. I'm Looking for affordable auto insurance in Chicago.

What are the typical insurance rates for small retail businesses?

I'm planning on opening a small book store in East King County, WA in the next year or two. The store will be about 1,100 - 1,200 square feet. Does anyone have an idea of what the premium would be for general liability insurance? I can't get a quote because the store doesn't exist yet, but I need the info for my business plan. Help!""

Is it legal for auto insurance companies to adjust rates based on where you live?

I live in California, and I thought it was now illegal to charge more or less based on where you live. Does anyone know the laws regarding this?""

How much would my car insurance cost?

All I need is an estimate. Well Im looking forward to buying a 2005 honda civic 4dr & it has a salvage title

Do I need insurance to drive. Or is it fine if the car has insurance?

Do I need insurance to drive. Or is it fine if the car has insurance?

How to get the best damage offer from insurance company ?

I am a university student in Toronto(Canada). I saved up $5,000 and bought myself a car in 2006 -- a 1991 white Acura Legend in excellent condition with only 140,000 km. No major repairs were required up to now. I T-boned a car which was making a left turn this Saturday; my car is now totalled. The other driver will be charged by the police with making an improper left turn. I only took out liability coverage (no collision coverage); my own insurance comp is offering me $1900 for my damaged car, but I would like $2500 as the loss of my car is totally not my fault. My adjuster said that the insurance is quite firm on the $1,900. I would like to know what will happen if I dispute this amount? What can I do to get more than $1,900? Can I get compensation from the other drivers insurance company since she was at fault, if yes, how do I go about? I need a car to drive to school due to the distance. Thank you very much.""

Car accident in dad's car. What will the insurance cover? Should I get a lawyer?

I was involved in a 3 car accident. The car behind me hit me twice (once on the back right and once on the side as he swerved and lost control) causing me to hit the car in front of me. I was driving my dad's car for the summer because I'm doing an internship away from home. Since my dad's car is useless now, I needed to get a rental car. I would also like to get some medical expenses covered because I am experiencing back and neck pain. My questions are: Will the other person's insurance cover the cost of the rental car although the car is not mine but I am the one using it for the summer? And should I get a lawyer to handle this situation? (Also, my dad is 8 hours away from here and the car is still in the tow lot since I am staying at an extended stay hotel and have no where to keep the car.)""

Lying to insurance company?

The other night I hit into a pole in a parking lot and no one saw, and caused the pole no damage. However, the front of my car has a small damage. Money is tight. What if I were to tell my insurance company that I did not know how it happened and I'm looking to repair it...""

UK car insurance groups?

Is there a website or some kind of directory that will tell me the costs of different insurance groups? I'm shopping around for a second-hand car and a lot of cars are listed as insurance group 7 or insurance group 14 etc etc, but I don't know what that means, I've been entering the details individually of cars that I'm interested in, but that quite laborious.""

What's the best site for Cheap Car Insurance?

Besides progressive and esurance... Anyone know of a better site or sites regarding Cheap Car Insurance Online? I just got my first car, it's got a salvage title so I'm choosing a one-way liability. I'm still in H.S. with a part time job, so it would really help if you guys can help point me in the right direction to a site that's cheap and affordable on a minimum wage budget. Thanks ya.""

Can a 19 year old get cheap car insurance?

I just turned 19 and got my first car. I've been looking around for auto quotes and the lowest I've seen is $300 a month which is still too much for me. My parents won't let me be on their insurance policy for some reason and now I have to look all on my own. The vehicle is a 2000 ford focus. What I would like to know is is there any body out there around the age of 18 or 19 that has cheap auto insurance without being on their parents policy? And if so how did you get it? Thanks

Is it illegal to drive without auto insurance in Fla?

Someone told me that I absolutely need insurance on my car or I could face charges. Is this true?

How much to get a 2007 BMW 335i insured?

I have been looking for a beamer recently and I found one it's a 2007 BMW 335i blue coupe and I was wondering how much insurance is for it in California.

""Car Insurance - 18 Year old added as a driver to parents car Insurance cost, high?""

My mum who doesn't drive very much is considering selling her crappy car which is probably gonna fail the MOT. But since I have a reasonably good paying job at 18, I thought, may as well spilt on a car, get something I want and will maintain, and she can use it as long as long as part of the insurance is paid off. So my mum pays around 50 a Month on a Daewoo (very small and crap car, 1.0L) I have a motorbike, so experienced on the road (could count towards a discount), but only got my driving license fully a week ago, passed with flying colours. So my mum with like 4 years no claims, and an 18 year old on a Subaru Impreza? What you reckon?""

""How much does horse insurance cost you a month, year, etc.?""

I know I could call for a quote, but I'm 13! I really want a horse and my mom said I might be able to get one if I made sure that she wouldn't have to pay thousands of dollars in vet bills. So I know how every horse is different and the price depends on like how old the horse is, but I basically know nothing about insurance!!! I want to know if it could somehow be added on to our medical, car, house, etc insurance. I also want to know how I can get full coverage, but not pay too much. Around $10-$20 a month is the highest I can go. So who are you insured with, how much do you pay, if you have more than one horse round the price up for one, what do you think I should do??? Thanks!!!""

""On average, how much is motorcycle insurance?""

Let's say for instance I owned a road bike with 750 cc's, how much would insurance be? Or at least AROUND how much?""

What is a good and cheap insurance for a Acura Rsx 2002?

I just recently got my license and want to know of good and cheap insurance for my car.

simple term life insurance quotes

simple term life insurance quotes

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