#🗝; citizen

[fearcrowz]

⚰ Fear's Stories ⚰

💉 Knell

   A girl with chronic depression gives up the fight after a long and painful battle. When she wakes up, she is in a Hospital, but not the one she was in previously. Creatures roam these halls, patients and staff alike. A bell rings in the distance, beckoning something. Confused and fearful, the entities that live here will test her resolve.

🌿 Wiccar Briar

   A town called Briar rests in the old world, where magick still flourishes. A girl named Charice is the daughter of the late Great White Witch, but unlike her mother she is very sickly and has no magick. Her caretakers are a bird man, a wispy eccentric shade, and a demon cursed to be trapped in a book. Unsettling things are happening in the forest, and the past is rearing it's head.

🕯Nightlight

   A town of monsters and gods, guarded by a lighthouse away from the human world. Creatures from myths, legends, religions and more can be found here, trying to live a different life away from those who hunt after them. A halfling young girl named Maggie tries to find her human mother, in hopes she can find out why she was abandoned and why humans are a threat. (This story branches out to other smaller stories with it's characters)

🗡 Under an Ivy Crown

   A medieval fantasy themed story. A cruel King kidnaps the Queen of the Fae in hopes that her golden blood will make him immortal. His plans are ruined when a mischevious Halfling and an unusual Knight/Doctor rescue her and try and take her back home before the forests rot. They meet many friends, allies, and enemies along the way.

🚬 Not Dead Yet

   Garden City holds a machine called Eden's Core, which allows the essence of a person or animal to be stored into a capsule like core, and be placed into a new body, causing a remarkable scientific fusing of the two entities. When they decide to use inmates to clear out their prisons, and fuse them with more helpful objects for goodly citizens like a parole program, it turns sour as these criminal's new bodies are stronger and end up more dangerous. Laurie, a girl who has struggled all her life with a mission to find her father-who once worked at Eden's Core- stumbles upon one of these infamous criminals... A serial killer that was fused with a mascot suit.

💫 In Between

   Elise, a lazy, overly tired and grumpy girl lives a very boring and unfulfilled life. The only exciting thing that happens to her is she sees things, and has to take schizophrenic medicine to keep her visions and hearing under control. Turns out, she is seeing and hearing an actual problem, and Heaven and Hell want to get their noses into it?? A fallen angel and a demon end up fighting over her and makes her life much more interesting.

🦷 The Ones We Buried

   After a horrible accident that killed her family when she was 9, Lucia has lived her entire life in the Hospital, going through surgeries and rehabilitation. Badly scarred and cold, she lives a quiet and lonely life away from everyone. One day, after hearing her grandmother passed, the funeral home/mortuary that was family owned by her grandparents was bought by a mysterious man. Not understanding why they didn't go through her first, she goes to see who exactly bought it.

🗝 Witching Hour

  A fantasy world of monsters, wizards, witches and demons. There are two great trees, the Mother and the Father. The Mother births those of light and hope, while the Father births those demonic and dark. Wormwood's (a 1920s time period city) boss Sinclair hears word that after over a thousand years, the Mother tree has birthed a new being before withering away. The news has struck the three planes of this world, though some more secret than others. (Stonehearst, Wormwood, and the 6th Gate) A young woman has been born, with unknown purpose and power, and to protect her from the Warden of the 6th Gate and the Wizards of the Council, they disguise her and keep her in Wormwood, with a very crabby spider and a crow monster to protect her.

💥 Endworld

   There are 3 worlds in this odd existence. The Overworld, or what they call "Utopia", Limbo which is a dark world that is the great gate, and Endworld, a city of crime, monsters and sin. Genny, daughter to "God", the Queen of Overworld, hides a secret that could stain her mothers reputation and the perfectionism of this pure world. She is half Endworldian, and she wants to find her father. After sneaking out and falling to this chaotic world, she meets two con-men brothers and they get roped into more chaos than they are use to when the Overworld officials go after their Princess. Not being able to survive for long from this pursuit, they end up hiring an infamous mercenary group to protect them from Overworld and God's wrath and help Genny find her father.

[bremont]

(via (93) Pelegrín Castillo: No es una crisis de Venezuela, es una crisis del continente - YouTube)

Solomon "Gugenheim" DOCTRINE 🎨🖼️🎶🥿 Washington you have no choice/1823/ 2013 chavista✝️ religion ⛪ is no different than 70 AD ROME 410 AD ⛪✝️ and JESUS. CHAVEZ the MARTIR ✝️ It is a psychological invasion of the Americas psyche ✝️ by the MADURO 🧑 🚌 government ⛪ immigration as a weapon same as ROME 410 AD. Creating instability crimes confusion deceases drug traffic and corruption killing the enemy from the inside. "Psychological cancer" biometric passports cutting up citizens from freedom Wall Street might think 🏦🤑🤣 is a good deal to have the bus driver 🚌 MADURO however 🤔 is cancer in progress January 6 one example. Guaido another. Now you have MARIA 🩱 Corina 🥿 MACHADO 💪 1811 the liberator of the contient 🌎 on a women decade. China was not around in 1492🌎 in 2024 they are they are the 🗝 to the riddle of peace ✌ 🌎🌍🌏 Making Oceania at Peace with East Asia & EURASIA. Maduro goes to florida a home next to restaurant 🍴 a bus 🚌 and problem solve..🛡️⚔️⚖️

[mtnkat3]

10.12am. What's wrong my loves.....?

I am right here.

Just a chore I'm gonna have to deal with today.

Just like I gotta do cgm today too. Sigh.

[The adhesive & the setup is the issues.]

But I'm not gonna let anything stop me!

Because yes, there's much more scary things here, namely humanitys propensity towards doing things that are either outright evil or just lazy & do nothing.

The even sadder part is we feel we must hide our light under a bushel to either protect ourselves from violent repercussions or become violent. I guess theis is where my woman's heart is talking because I just wish there was a middle ground. But nearly 8 Billion people... how can there be.

This planet is being stretched worse than my childhood play-do puddy beyond its limits. It doesn't have a lotta snap back lift. At least I don't think. And I think it's been sending up thr white flags for a long time now.

Just my opinion.

This blog is my opinions only anyways.

I don't use the pound sign "#".

It is not "hashtag" that is British nomenclature. Done because of their unit of currency.

I am an American citizen, I will not change pound sign which signifies weights here because of that.

Again. My two cents.

Geeish t. Soapbox much.🙄🤨🤦‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Sheepish blushin grin.

I has my moments!

Lmao!

Now my loves.....

You.....each piece of you.....knows... I'd rather spend my time with you..... climb onto your laps..... stare into your eyes.....talk to your souls..... play only fun games like hide & go seek & tickle wars with you......maybe learn some board games from you..... yes, learn. Long story. Sigh. Relearn how to play uno & loads of others... but mainly... be with you..... be with your souls.....grow with you..... that's alllll I wanna do. Grow & love & laugh & build a life with you.....

So... may I dust the snow outta your furs & hug each piece of you close.....? Keep the hearth of our home warm & cozy & pray you.....always sniff your ways back to me... ?

Blushing shyly bowing my head chewing lips.

I miss you.....

I am Yours.....

Always.

Freakin always.

~Tijgeress kat Phoenix. 🌺✝️☸⚓⛓🔗🙏🤲👣🐾🦉🐯🐢🐛🌱🌟🗝🔱⚜💝🐻🦌🧩♠️❄💫♾🧭🕯

Fr.2.17.2023 10.41am.est.

[hee-blee-art]

Ooo for your dreamland citizen post: chaotic neutral, kaputar slug, 🗝 or 🗡, + weirdcore/slightly unsettling aesthetic

your citizen is silica! silica is a ghoul who works in private security in dreamland and has a very strong suction ability that allows them to climb virtually any surface with ease. they also refuse to use any weapon or equipment on the job other than their bronze keyblade.

[missingpostercollective]

REMINDERS ABOUT THE CURRENT SITUATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE:

TRY AND ONLY SHARE GOVERNMENT SOURCED OFFICIAL INFORMATION, THINGS LIKE CARRDS ARE NOT LIKELY TO BE FACT CHECKED

DO NOT MAKE JOKES ABOUT IT, THIS SHOULD BE COMMON SENSE, BUT TO ANYONE WHO FORGOT BASIC MORALS, PEOPLE ARE DYING, BEING DISPLACED FROM THEIR HOMES AND FAMILIES, DO NOT JOKE ABOUT IT, EVEN TO "COPE" YOU DO NOT NEED TO COPE IF YOU ARE NOT IN A COUNTRY DIRECTLY INVOLVED WITH THE CONFLICT

DO NOT GO AROUND SAYING THIS IS THE START OF 'WW3', THIS IS ONLY LIKELY TO INDUCE PANIC IN PEOPLE

DO NOT HARASS RUSSIAN CITIZENS ONLINE, ESPECIALLY THOSE ACTIVELY AGAINST THE CONFLICT, THEY DO NOT HAVE ANY SAY IN THIS

-🗝

[itoshit]

I was desperate to jump, but I've noticed how time passed, and how I didn't move. Thirty minutes after and I was still on the edge, feet dangerously close to the void. I just wanted to see Vee one last time, to hear her voice, to feel her lips on mine. To be with her. I knew I wasn't the best at expressing my feelings, especially positive feelings such as the one that I felt for her. That's also probably the reason why I was in this situation in the first place. I was dumb when it came to things like that. What would have happened if I decided to take her in my arms and tell her that I liked her? Instead of that, I made Vee hate me, because I'm a fucking bastard.

Sitting on the edge, feet dangling above the void, I closed my eyes.

If Vee was by my side, I could do it. But she wasn't, would never be anymore.

How did I end up like this? I would have loved to have, for once, someone who has stayed in my life. And I really thought she would be the one.

It was now 10 pm, an entire hour has passed, without me taking any decision. But why push the inevitable? Standing up, feet now halfway in the void, I closed my eyes again, feeling the strong wind on me, making me shiver a bit.

I seemed to hear a door open, and footsteps. But I wasn't sure, not that I cared anyway.

And as I was finally ready to let myself fall, I felt small arms wrapping around my waist, and pulling me to them.

Falling on the body, I could only hear cries and then, a broken voice.

You fucking idiot

Eyes opening wide at her voice, I straightened up, and turned my body, now facing her.

Vee...? What are you- oh. I see

Resting my head on her chest, I sighted, peaceful.

I'm already dead... and that's my last seconds. I've heard about it, people's brain still functions for a minute after the fall. Fuck that feels good to be in your arms one last time. You know. I always wanted to say it to you but never had the guts to, I love you. Or should I say I loved you? Since I'm not alive anymore. I wanted nothing more than spend my life with you but I wasted it away. I'm happy that my last breath is spent by your side.

Breathing deeply, I tightened my grip on her body, making sure to engrave every detail in my mind. The way her chest rose each and every time she was inhaling air, her scent, her voice, her hands on my body, and her heart beats.

Nuzzling my head deeper in her chest, I chuckled a bit.

God I miss you so so much Venus, if I had to redo everything, I would kiss you like there's no tomorrow in that hospital room. I would have taken you on that bed, and every morning, and every night of my damn existence. I would have never been able to assure you a happy and relaxed life, but what I've would have been sure of, would've been that: I would have feel you loved. I'm sorry, I probably don't have much more time. But be sure of something Venus, I wish you a lifetime of happiness.

I... you're not- Manji'. You're not dead...

-Mikey

So many 'would have', not even sure if I wrote them correctly lmao. Sorry for the long wait, I'm leaving tomorrow so I need to clean the place! And yeah I've eaten, hope you did too baby! I rlly loved your part 🥰

i love your part pls. this mf thought he died n went to heaven. boy open ur dumb ass eyes.

He really was stupid. Truly.

Staring at his hollow face, bags reinforced beneath his eyes—his whole hollow face, not deformed and warped from being split open on concrete, the fear of him dying seemed to vanish into thin air.

You’re so fucking selfish, Sano Manjirō.

He was about to confess he loved me, something I once would’ve died to hear come from his mouth, just because he thought he was dead? All that vulnerability, his deepest thoughts, supposed last moments and he thought because he was about to see God he should just air it all out now? It was cheap. So fucking cheap.

Were you just going to leave everybody here?

I pawed at my face furiously, trying to wipe away the tears that felt like magma streaming down my face. They didn’t stop. Neither did I.

What about your executives? Your allies? You think Sanzu’s equipped to run Bonten, especially after his leader went ahead and killed himself? Huh? That any of them would be ready to just keep going without you? Did you even think about them? Did you even think about me? How could you expect them to live with that? How could you expect me to live with that?

If Dante were to come up here, he would have most likely laughed. With me crying my eyes out and simultaneously shouting at Mikey from the top of my lungs and Mikey just looking dazed, slowly catching up to the fact that he was alive and I was really standing before him, we probably looked like a couple from a television novella.

But I wasn’t laughing. Mikey was just so selfish. He acted as if he was the only one who felt so strongly. As if he was the only one who was scared of what’ll happen to the people you cared for. As if he was the only one who loved hard and wanted to protect them. He was so selfless, he didn’t even notice when that warped into selfishness. I hated that about him. I hated how he carried the world on his shoulders, and I hated how he felt like only he deserved to do so. That only him needed to make sacrifices. I hated that he was about to end his life so soon because he couldn’t bear the weight alone. I hated that he thought he was the only one suffering these past six months. I hated that I still worried about him during that time, waking up after seeing his face in my dreams to reach over and pull him closer to me as if I could singlehandedly defeat anything coming to hurt him only to realize he wasn’t there.

I hated that I loved him still, after all this fucking time.

Leaning into his chest, feeling the steadiness of his heartbeat, a reminder of what he almost gave up, I shakily insulted him, throat burning with tears each time I slapped his chest. Idiot. You stupid, self-centered fucking id—

He cut me off with a kiss.

[bremont]

(via (93) ¡En Venezuela, una tercera guerra mundial no declarada! | Elvin Calcaño Ortiz en #McKinney - YouTube)

Washington you have no choice 2013 chavista✝️ religion ⛪ is no different than 70 AD ROME 410 AD ⛪✝️ and JESUS. CHAVEZ the MARTIR ✝️ It is a psychological invasion of the Americas psyche ✝️ by the MADURO 🧑 🚌 government ⛪ immigration as a weapon same as ROME 410 AD. Creating instability crimes confusion deceases drug traffic and corruption killing the enemy from the inside. "Psychological cancer" biometric passports cutting up citizens from freedom Wall Street might think 🏦🤑🤣 is a good deal to have the bus driver 🚌 MADURO however 🤔 is cancer in progress January 6 one example. Guaido another. Now you have MARIA 🩱 Corina 🥿 MACHADO 💪 1811 the liberator of the contient 🌎 on a women decade. China was not around in 1492🌎 in 2024 they are they are the 🗝 to the riddle of peace ✌ 🌎🌍🌏 Making Oceania at Peace with East Asia & EURASIA. Maduro goes to florida a home next to restaurant 🍴 a bus 🚌 and problem solve..🛡️⚔️⚖️

[mtnkat3]

12.43pm

Well my Love/s. You/Alll know my disdain for the irs, atf, nato, & anything really since prohibition. Because that's when we took back the British desire to tax & did it to ourselves! Really is retarded. Can't justify the government & spending so tax the people. I mean a $200 tax stamp. Better believe I guard mine!!! But yet to own any firearm "legally/legitimately" it is required. But yet the ones that are responsible for mass shootings find funds aplenty to buy illegally, get around us laws. Explain how this is justice or fair. But I do hate the "law abiding citizen" moniker. It is a guillotine. The country needs to shred this ... skin. Start anew. Back to the basics of the Constitution & Bill of Rights. Take back control from the conglomerates that break the law daily by monopolization of fair trade. Force the gas giants to split. Again. The phones. Again. There are many. But so are we. Republic Patriots.

I am a feminine woman, but I also have a warrior spirit, am a Christian, Constitutionalist & kinky.

Just trying to make all my pieces fit righteously.

Just my two cents.

I love You/Alll endlessly.

~Tijgeress kat Phoenix.

~Your's/s'. ~

DOne, DPOne, & Alll.🔆

🔱💝🗝🔆♾⚓🙏🙇‍♀️🌂🔗🧭🕯🤓💡🤔😌

12.58pm

[mtnkat3]

End CCP now!!!

endccp.com

The human rights atrocities of China are well known. But now... It's time to stop the hate. I think if the western world average citizens read how people are treated, how people are imprisoned for false crimes & treated so horribly they'd be shocked into action.

It really burdens my soul what humanity does to itself.

Please, at least read the website. Take that small amount of time to see what the real world is actually like. It's not all the silly stuff, the world is full of evil propagating itself. Can we stop some of it... please??????????

My two cents.

~Tijgeress kat Phoenix.

🤓🤔🙈🙉🙊🙇‍♀️😥🤐⚓🙏

Humbly, ~Yours'.

🤓💝🐻😌🙇‍♀️🗝♾⚓🙏

10.23a

[itoshit]

Time slowly went by, days turning to nights. And nights turning to days. That day, when I left Vee, I didn't think it would have been the last time I saw her. But she left. My men found her quickly of course, some even offered me to bring her back to me. But the whole point was to not be in contact anymore. I refused to see any picture of her, to see what she was up to. Ran's reports were enough for me. My heart was hurting me, especially when I learnt the existence of her friend, Darren. I was in the private room of one of our clubs, and Ran showed me a picture of them together. She seemed happy, healthy. And I was glad to be out of her life at that moment because honestly, I shattered everything and everyone that I touched.

It was not too long after I cut our strings. I remember that night vividly because that was my very first step to hell. Drinking to forget what I saw, I apparently passed out. Sanzu was the one bringing me back home. My place didn't look good anymore, but I didn't care. No one would stay here except me anyway. I wasn't even sleeping in my bed anymore, not that I was sleeping in the first place. But I couldn't do it. Too hard. Her scent lingered everywhere in my room, in her room. The small amount of sleep that I had was spent on my couch. Christmas went by too, and nothing happened. Her coat and the concert ticket were left untouched in my bedroom, in a random drawer. That evening, I stayed alone in my apartment, trying to imagine what it would have been with Vee around. We would have probably been drinking and laughing, making out on my couch. I'm sure she would have wanted me to buy a Christmas tree, and we would have decorated it together. And the night would have finished somewhere in my apartment, both naked and drowning in each other's touch.

Six months have passed. I tried so hard to forget her face with the many girls trying to get into my pants. I tried so, so hard. But I've never been able to touch someone else. Vee was like a drug, and I was experiencing it. But I was so content for her, she looked like she was finally balancing everything in her life, and she was probably grateful for that. She probably didn't want me back in her life, and I would never dare to enter hers anyway. She must felt relief after all that ended up.

I went back to the Mikey I was before meeting Vee, the cold; heartless man I used to be. My black hair was the only different thing from that past.

Every night I recalled our moment spent together, the only vestige of her was in mind.

Well, my vision seemed to be quite subjective and false, because on few occasions, the guys talked to me. Kakucho, Sanzu, Takeomi and Ran were the ones telling me how I changed, in a bad way. To them, I was more reckless. There were probably right, not that it mattered anyway.

Dante and La Cosa Nostra became close allies, the first trying his best to ease my heart. He presented me to his wife and children, and they were probably the ones who helped me getting through all that shit.

My life didn't make sense anymore. Without Vee by my side, I could finally say it, I was nothing. A dead man walking. While she looked so... full of life.

I saw Senju multiple times, and what I said to Vee was obviously completely false. I've never let myself be tempted with her flirt. The Yamaguchi-gumi stayed on the low for a while too, making their presence known from time to time.

They attacked one of our clubs once, and I almost died in the process. That's maybe what the guys reproached me when they said that I was reckless. Luckily though, Sanzu helped me. Got shot close to the heart, would have died if he didn't push me at the last minute.

The not so discreet scar that I had on my chest was a daily reminder that life was, even for me, something ephemeral.

Tonight was no different than the other nights. Would drown myself in work, files, alcohol and memories of Vee. That scared me because I was slowly starting to forget the sound of her voice.

Mikey.

Hm?

You can't keep doing that

Doing what?

You're not living, you're just... surviving. Amico mio, it's not good. Even Luka noticed your pain, shall I remind you he's only 8? You need to do something.

Look Dante, I appreciate your concern but I'm working right now. Did you call me to say something else?

Your girl has been-

She's not mine anymore. I lost her long ago.

... Venus is going outside tonight. Ran told me and as requested from you, my men keep an eye on her. She hasn't been outside since you stopped talking. You should come and-

Scoffing at him, I rolled my eyes, forehead pressed against my hand.

Dante, just... don't. She's clearly better off without me, and the Yamaguchi-gumi understood she wasn't someone who counted for -

But that was a lie! Manjiro. You could try again with her! We could finish them off, and you two could be happy together. It's just-

No we won't. They got the message when we blew their hideout up. No needs to start something big like this once again, especially when we all know the finality of it.

And what is if if you're so sure of yourself? You know what? I'm gonna bring her to you tonight. You're always staying at your office, expect her and I to be here.

... Venus doesn't need me. She realised she didn't miss me, and that I was only a cancer in her life. I need to go, don't call me again. Thank you for what you did back then.

Hanging up, I left my phone on my desk, leaving my office, but not before asking my executives to meet me in our meeting room.

What's up Mikey?

All sat around me, I looked at them first, before speaking.

Just, thanks for what you did for me.

Snorting, Sanzu stared at me, pupils dilated.

Why does it look like farewells though?

You can leave, you have your evening off. Find some pussy to fuck, get drunk, get high. Do what you want. I want you all to be here tomorrow before 8am.

Groaning, Sanzu stood up, and was the first to leave the room.

You okay?

Of course I am Ran.

Nodding, he patted my shoulder while Rindou simply smiled at me.

Koko had an eyebrow raised.

What's up with you Mikey?

Nothing. You can go Hajime.

Eh? First time you're saying my name. But alright, goodnight Mikey

Now alone with Mochizuku and Takeomi, I turned to them.

Guess I'll head to the strip club then.

Go ahead Kanji

Door closing, I felt Takeomi's eyes on me.

What?

What are you up to Mikey?

Nothing, just need a night away from work. Why aren't you leaving?

Raising his hands in defeat, Takeomi stood up, and as he was going to exit the meeting's room, he stilled.

Manjiro. Don't do anything stupid yeah?

No worries.

Eventually alone, I sat back on the chair, chin on my crossed hands. Would I regret what I was about to do? Probably not. Vee gave me hope, showing me some good time. But I wasn't destined to happiness. My place was in darkness, in hell.

An hour passed, and directing myself to my office, I checked the security cameras. It was 9pm, everyone left the building, as I requested beforehand.

Turning one last time to my office, I suddenly imagined Vee here, with me. Taking my gun off my hoster, I put it on my desk. Closing the door behind me, I went to the roof.

The last time that I've been here was when Sanzu surprised me, and when I said to him that if I happened to die, he would take the lead.

Guess nothing has changed since then.

Approaching my feet from the edge, I looked behind, a flash blinding me for a while. The good old days, when I was Toman's leader, Ken-chin by my side. Takemichi, Mitsuya, Chifuyu, the Kawata twins and the others were below, acclaiming me.

How were they doing now? Did they find happiness? I hope so. Vee crossed my mind too, leaving a warm feeling in my heart.

Throwing a glance at the concrete, I felt cold sweat on my forehead.

I'm sorry, Venus

-Mikey

TO EXPLAIN MYSELF - I wanted to keep the final scene from the manga, when Bonten Mikey is with Takemichi. It's not to destroy the good mood at all, but I do think Mikey is someone who's extremely tortured in his life (as everyone knows lmao) so in this case, where him and you were an item and he had strong feelings toward you, obviously it will destroy him more. Hopefully it's not a triggering subject for you, if it is, I'm sorry bby 😔

see now mod… *exhales*

Yeah, I don’t know about this, Dee.

We stood outside the bar, which from the outside, looked pack to capacity already. Apprehension consumed me. Darren noticed, taking my hand into his and squeezing it.

Do you wanna go home? he asked gently. We don’t have to go in if you don’t want to.

I shook my head. If I couldn’t do this, with my best friend no less, I probably wouldn’t be able to do any social event.

No, I’m fine. But we are leaving before 11.

He winked at me.

Fuck yeah we are.

We walked in together at that, arm in arm. Eyes flitted to us and then away when they realized we weren’t anybody of importance. A few lingered on me, recognizing me from the news maybe. I ignored them, allowing Darren to introduce me to his friends. He was right, they were nice. We shared a few drinks, me only having one beer to the others four. After Natalie, I just didn’t trust drinking anymore. Or people in general, always looking outside of people’s actions for their hidden motives.

We left at ten as promised. I shoved Darren and a couple of his friends into separate Ubers since they were way too drunk for me to even trust them driving. After I managed to get transportation for the final drunkard that I was with that night, I started walking toward my own car. But I noticed something. Somebody was following me. Clutching onto the pocketknife I started carrying ever since I got back home, I steeled myself with the thought of pulling it out and taking a life if needed be.

As the person neared, my grip on the hilt was knuckle-white and tight, with little to no chance of slipping off. When they touched me, I spun around fast, placing the knife right beneath their throat. I was smart enough to avoid streetlights.

Who the fuck are you? I snarled, pressing the knife closer with each word I spoke.

The man threw up his hands quickly, but made no move to disarm me. I’m with Dante of La Casa Nostra.

Who?

Me, somebody spoke from our left. I chanced a look and found a man sitting in the back of a heavily tinted jeep. My heart sunk. I learned a long time ago that tinted jeeps were the poster cars for criminal organization and gang leaders to move around in. My name is Dante, Venus, and I came to you requesting help.

Funny way of asking for it, I bit, throwing a look to the man who was following me. And besides, I don’t think I can help you.

It’s about Mikey.

I froze, unsure how to answer for a few seconds, then eventually came up with a, I don’t know a Mikey.

We were there with the Yamaguchis, Venus. La Casa Nostra was a big help in aiding Bonten in that victory. Our sniper was the one that saved your life. So technically, you owe me.

Could I even argue that? I had a feeling that even if I wanted to, there was only stalling I could do before he lost his patience and just forced me to do what he wanted. Powerful men weren’t used to being challenged, after all. Slowly, I placed my knife in my pocket, but always kept it ready to grab in case I had to run. I walked up to the Jeep and hopped in beside Dante, keeping my distance at the same time.

What do you want?

I wanted to get straight to the point, go home if possible.

It’s Mikey, he sighed, pinching his nose as if even the thought of the man pained him to talk about. He’s… not doing so well. Not sleeping, barely eating, wasting away.

Have you ever stopped to consider he was always like that?

It honestly sounded like he was behaving just as he was—

But that was before you met him, Venus.

I clenched my jaw, remembering how he had started eating and sleeping at my request, soon not even needing me to tell him to do either at all. A certain beach date flashed into my mind and I shook my head to rid myself of the memory. Dante observed my reaction, and I wanted to pinch myself for giving an observable one.

Either way, I’m worried, Venus. Mikey is a good guy, an extraordinary ally, but with the way things are looking…I don’t think he’s going to survive much longer to be any of both. Which is why I offered to take you to him as a last resort.

Without my consent?

With or without, he admitted with a laugh. I’m that desperate. He’s not well, Venus. Even my children are concerned.

I gnawed on my thumbnail.

Bringing me to him might not fix him. They might make things worse. For both of us, I wanted to say.

Or they might make them better, he argued.

You couldn’t possibly know that.

I’m willing to take that risk.

I couldn’t answer that. Few things could talk down a stubborn man. I wasn’t one of them.

You know, I really think you and Manjiro belong together. You’re both just too stubborn to see that.

I didn’t reply to that, either. I would’ve agreed once. Manjiro made sure I couldn’t.

We arrived to the building and I was astounded by how distinctly I remembered it despite being away from it from so long. My mind went on that nurse who helped me escape. I wondered if they fired her.

Dante hopped out of the car the same time I did, using a fancy keycard to gain access into the building. Walking through it, I realized I never took the time to appreciate how large the space was. We reached the room where Dante said he’d be— the meeting room.

Mikey, I’m here as promised, Dante announced and I held my breath. I hadn’t the slightest clue what to say when I saw him, or whether what I’d say would be the right thing. Probably not, considering I wanted to curse him like a dog.

I still had time to think of something though. When Dante opened the door, nobody was there.

Am I being pranked? I asked Dante whose eyebrows were furrowed.

That’s strange. He hasn’t checked out of the building at all today so he’s still in here.

I looked around for a bit, feeling something amiss, and then I found the window looking out over the city. Dante, is there any room in this place that has a better view than this one?

No, this is the highest floor in the building. No view comes close. Why do you ask?

They all had something in common. This room, Mikey’s house’s design, the hotels he booked, down to the dates he scheduled— there was one common denominator.

The view. I snapped my fingers. Mikey likes the views!

But there’s no better view than… the roof. He’s on the roof.

I wasted no time, bolting out of the door. The elevator stopped just to the meeting room floor. Only stairs could take you up to the roof. I sprinted up them by God’s grace, barely even winded by the time I opened the door.

Good thing too, because the sight of Mikey took my breath away. It was only his back, the same black hair I had seen him in the last time fluttering in the wind. What worried me most was not where he was standing, feet firmly planted on the ledge. What worried me most was how relaxed he was on the ledge, as if he wasn’t staring a certain death right in the face. A strong enough wind would send him right to it. I couldn’t witness that. My feet moved on their own, fueled by adrenaline. I had barely reached him when he started to push himself over the ledge, but I caught him in time, gripping my shirt between his fingers and snatching him back with all my might. He fell back easily, too startled by the fact somebody was there to catch him to brace himself. He landed right atop of me in a heap of limbs. My hands were trembling. It was as if I had just realized how close I was to missing that chance to grab him. Tears came into my eyes, but I didn’t know if they were from anger or from fear.

You idiot, I whispered harshly through sobs. You fucking idiot.

[itoshit]

Opening the door, I was met with Vee, laying on the bed. None of us talked, and as I noticed tears running down her face, I couldn't prevent the tight smile from showing up.

Hey Venus

I knew what I was doing. I knew Vee would be mad, but I also knew that I hadn't have any choice.

Your hair... you did it for me?

Yes I did

No I didn't. I just thought that I would be able to attract more chicks that way

You're funny Manji'

She cracked a smile at my reply, but I didn't reflect her expression.

Manjiro will do yeah? Look Venus.

Approaching her and sitting by her side, I turned to her, resuming my talk.

It was dumb of me. Everything really. I think... how could I put it. You're a nice girl, but I don't think you're a good match for me. I need my woman to be more courageous and less of a crybaby you know? So yeah, it was fun while it lasted, but I kinda grew tired of you. Not to be mean though, it happens every day. I don't want to waist more time on you, so as soon as you're healed, you can start your life again alright? Koko could help you with money, we'll buy you a new apartment.

Vee didn't seem to listen anymore, her eyes were on me, but she didn't look as if she was believing me.

You're lying

Guess I will have to be more convincing them. Passing a hand through my hair, I grinned at her.

Look Venus, the sex was good, but you're getting too attached. You even said to Kakucho that you liked me! Really? Baby I was keeping you around because I pitied you. To be honest, I wanna fuck other girls now.

I needed to hurt her. To make her let go of me.

Senju wanted to see me tonight so... yeah.

Vee started being more aggressive with me, explaining it by the request that I had for her to be mine and me to be hers. I knew all that, and of course I wanted us to be together. But it wouldn't work. Not with an angel like her.

Look Venus, don't be a bore yeah? Don't act like we were together or anything. I don't like you, I stayed because your pussy was good. End of the story! I need to get ready for my little date, so I'm gonna go now. So huh... have some rest yeah?

Patting her uninjured leg, I didn't wait for her to answer and I winked at her, exiting the room.

As the door was closing, I closed my eyes, breathing deeply.

I was used to all that, but this time, I would make sure that the person I held close to my heart would stay alive, regardless of my feelings.

Sacrificing my happiness didn't look that bad if that meant for Vee to stay alive. Would I be able to see her with someone else? No. Did I even have a say in the matter? No.

-Mikey

I- I feel so bad rn??😭😭

And I hope you ate after !

OHHH OKAY MICHAEL!

I don’t like you. I pitied you. I don’t want to waste anymore time on you.

I knew he was lying. I knew every word he said to me was nothing more than fabricated bullshit he probably came up with on the drive here. There wasn’t any way somebody could fake the things we said to each other, the things we did. I knew that. So why was there a small part of me that was hurt? Who was contemplating the possibility that they were true. Of course it wasn’t… right?

I waited in that bed, saving my forgiveness for when he’d burst through the door five minutes later groveling at my feet, begging for mercy. I waited, despite the tears on my face that somehow knew he wasn’t. I waited and waited and waited. He never showed. That’s when I sobbed, big, heaving, blubbering ones. I sat there crying for what felt like forever, until I couldn’t even produce tears anymore. And then I got angry.

Pressing my nurse’s button, I ripped the IV out of my wrist and the other machines checking my vitals, watching blood trickle all along the sheets. I didn’t care about it. I couldn’t stay another second in this fucking place. If Mikey wanted nothing to do with me after I healed, then I’ll do him something better. The nurse ran in panicked, eyes wide. I watched her gape at the sheets, at the flatlining monitors and then at me. I didn’t even give her time to speak. I had already begun to stand.

I need to get out of here, I told her, lifting myself up from the bed.

She charged at me, trying to push my shoulders back down but I wouldn’t budge. What are you doing? Your wounds haven’t healed yet!

I repeated myself, but she was still panicking, going off about something I refused to care about. Irritated, I take the collar of her scrubs and yank, bringing her close to me. Listen to me, I need to get the fuck out of this building and if you don’t help me, I’m going to find a fire escape and do it that way. Or maybe I’ll jump out of the window, break my fucking neck. Can you live with knowing somebody died on your watch because you wouldn’t help them? Would you be able to stomach it?

The words coming out of my mouth were unrecognizable to me. I got petty with my friends and said shit I didn’t mean, but this was cruel and excessive. I guess this what Mikey was turning me into.

I let her go only after she nods her agreement, looking ready to burst into tears by the second. First, I’ll need a disguise. No matter what Mikey had just told me, I knew he wouldn’t let me out of his sight if he caught me doing this. And being trapped around Mikey was not going to fly. Fuck no. Where’s the clothes you came in wearing?

I-In my bag in our locker rooms, she stammered.

Bring them. I need to change.

She went out of the room and came back, bag in trembling hand. I dressed quickly and keeping my head down, I allowed her to sneak me straight out of the building and around the back where her car was parked. Then I asked her to drive me somewhere.

What? I can’t d—

Why not? I asked without caring to consider her feelings. The poor woman probably didn’t get paid enough for this. Is there anybody else Bonten gives a fuck about that requires you giving them medical attention?

N-no.

Good. I grinned. That means you’re off for the day. Now drive. You don’t have to worry about Mikey, this is what he wanted. A half truth considering he certainly wouldn’t have wanted me to be out of his life this quickly, but I skipped a few steps for my sanity and his life. If I had to be in his vicinity I probably would have killed him.

We got in the car and sped off, me giving her directions as soon as she started driving. I watched the building grow smaller and smaller in the rearview, doing my best to ignore the thudding in my heart. The pain. The stress of everything I had been through on top of this bullshit. My thigh throbbed dully in reminder beneath the bandage. Eventually, we arrived at the destination of my choice, and I was sure to thank her for everything she did. I couldn’t give her anything but gratitude. I didn’t have any money. My phone was still in that torture room where I left it, and all the shit Mikey bought me most likely didn’t survive in that collision that got me kidnapped in the first place. I was grateful for that last one. I needed no reminders of him.

I quickly hopped out of the car, hobbling toward the door of the place I had requested to go. The nurse, who’s name I realized I never asked for, pulled out of the yard before I even entered the door. Couldn’t say I blamed her. I pressed the ringer on the door, pushing on it when it buzzed open. Immediately the stench of animal hit me full force. The sound of dogs barking and cats meowing brought a smile to my face.

Then I heard him. Who’s at the d- His words got caught in his throat, most likely at the sight of me.

Hey, Dee. I had cried all my tears out for the day in that bed. I could only express my emotions in humor. The boss hasn’t fired me yet, right?

Then I started to fall, but he caught me just in time, sobbing my name into my neck. I hugged him back tightly, heart bursting for an entirely different reason now. I was safe. I was home.

Six months came and went in a blur. I spent most of it being interrogated by police and interviewers alike. I kept my stories the same. I didn’t know my kidnappers. I never saw their faces. I never knew why I was kidnapped. Despite the fact that I could draw a detailed picture of Mikey’s face in my sleep, I didn’t sell out Bonten. I had gotten into the last predicament by them thinking I was an enemy, I didn’t want to prove that I actually was one. And besides, I wanted nothing to do with him or atleast that was the story I was feeding myself.

I never saw Natalie again. I didn’t know what Mikey did with her, and I didn’t have it in me to care. My conversations with Angel and Tati stopped a bit after they realized that too. I was glad. I was starting to grow tired of pretending I missed the traitor, and they were tired of pretending like they didn’t resent me for being the one who made it out.

Darren and I were practically inseparable. He had become my right hand, driving me around to physical therapy, helping me assimilate back into society, and still managed to keep the last bit of normalcy I had before I left during work, cracking jokes as if nothing happened. From the outside looking in, it almost was as if nothing did happen, but you had to look closer. I couldn’t sleep at night. Nightmares plagued my dreams every waking day, either of Koda, Mikey’s men who had groped me, or Mikey himself. The only time I managed to sleep was on my lunch breaks, much to Darren’s dismay. But other than that? I was okay, doing what I loved again and surrounded by genuine people.

Now Darren was convinced that what I was missing was a social life. Just come out with me, Vee. It’s just drinks at a bar with a few of my friends. We’ll even leave before 11pm.

Because your bedtime is 10, I teased, laughing when he nudged me.

I’m serious, he whined. It won’t be awkward I promise they already know- He cut himself off.

Perhaps that was the most awkward part of all of this. Everybody knew me now as the girl who survived her ‘kidnapper’. Imagine what they’d think if I told them that technically he wasn’t my kidnapper. They’d probably faint if they found out I fucked him too.

It’s okay, Dee. I was all over the news. They’re bound to know.

Still, they’re not assholes. They won’t treat you any differently. I promise. And if you’re still uncomfortable we could leave and I’ll never bother you about this again for the rest of my life. Pretty please?

I mentally groaned. Darren could get annoying when he was pleading, and it wasn’t like I had anything else to do. My routine consisted of home, work, school, occasional grocery store, gym and repeat. Nothing else exciting.

Fine, I relented, trying not to smile at his loud whoops. But I’m leaving at 10 alright?

Alright, he cheered, hugging me. Let me text the guys right now! This is going to be awesome! You won’t regret this , Vee.

I sure hoped so.