#'where did you even get these??' 'found em!' 'yeah be where?' 'oh ya know... around.' '?????'

[skeletboi]

Part 11 of the Intridimensional AU!

New to this? Start here!

Previous /// Next

_________________________________________

Fiddleford opened the door to see Ford half-dragging Stan towards the house.

“Lemme help ya, Ford, those stairs are gonna be a doozy.” He said, making his way towards them.

“We got it. I feel like I would crush you if I fell over.” Stan responded before Ford could say anything.

“Hey now, I'm a lot stronger than I look.” Fiddleford said with a bright smile.

“It's true.” Ford added. “He's like an ant, I've seen him carry things ten times his size without even breaking a sweat.”

“Smart, strong, and a southern accent? Where did you find him? College? Maybe I should go to college.” Stan said, half to himself.

Ford let up his grip on Stan, nearly knocking him over.

“Right, right! No hitting on the assistant.” Stan mumbled as he attempted to catch his balance.

Fiddleford chuckled as helped them up the stairs.

“Ya never told me he was a charmer, Ford.” He said as they made it to the door.

“That's because he isn't.” Ford deadpanned.

Stan opened his mouth to respond, but forgot what he was going to say as they entered the house.

“Damn. This is exactly what I should have expected.” He said as the other two helped him sit on a nearby chair.

“What's that supposed to mean?” Ford said, at the same time Fiddleford said “That's ‘zactly what I said when I came here!”

Ford and Fiddleford looked at eachother and Stan laughed.

“Anyways, lemme get a look at yer injuries. Ford told me he tried ta patch ya up, but I've seen his work, and I ain't impressed.” Fiddleford said, grabbing a nearby first aid kit and putting on a pair of rubber gloves.

“Hey!” Ford said, defensively.

“Ya know what I mean, Stanford. Go fetch me some of that magic goop yer always usin’.”

Ford frowned, but left to go find said ‘magic goop’.

“Damn, he never would of listened to me if I said that. He really does like you.” Stan mumbled.

Fiddleford ignored that, but Stan didn't miss the way his cheeks reddened.

“I'd really rather you'd go to a hospital, friend. This really ain't lookin’ good.” He said instead.

“Yeah, yeah. Hospital-schmospital. What are we going to tell them? We were just fucking around and I lost my leg and got a bullet in the arm?”

“Bullet in yer arm? I thought it was jus’ the leg.” Fiddleford said with a frown as he looked up at Stan.

“It was just the leg when Ford found me, but then we got shot at near the border of Arizona.” Stan explained.

“You-” Fiddleford started, then sighed. “Does catastrophe run in the family?”

“Yes.” Ford and Stan said at the same time as Ford reentered the room.

Fiddleford huffed out a laugh.

“Well, least I know what to expect, then.”

“That makes one of us.” Ford mumbled handing a small unmarked container to Fiddleford.

Fiddleford put it to the side and started to unwrap the gauze on Stan's leg.

“Take yer jacket off, I gotta check on that bullet wound, too.” He said.

Stan did as he was told and watched with mild interest as Fiddleford finished removing the gauze.

“Darnit, Stanford. All them PhDs and not a single one of ‘em in medicine.” He mumbled as he opened the unmarked container.

“I had better things to do.” Ford responded.

“Doncha always.” Fiddleford mumbled, and Stan didn't miss the fondness in his tone.

Fiddleford took some of the substance from the container and made to put it on the wound when Stan stopped him.

“Wait, wait! What the hell is that shit?” He asked, put off by the substance's eerie glow.

“That's quite interesting, actually!” Ford said, his face lighting up. “It's a healing potion I received from a forest nymph after they found me passed out in the woods a few years ago!”

Stan frowned, but nodded to Fiddleford, letting him know he could apply it. Fiddleford did so, and Stan let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

“What the fuck, Ford?! That shit is amazing! Why didn’t you bring it to New Mexico?!” Stan said, looking from his leg to Ford.

“Oh, right. I wasn't sure if I should bring it on the plane, it emits a small amount of radiation that has the potential to mess with certain radio signals.” Ford explained.

Stan glared at him.

“It's perfectly safe! I've used it dozens of times!”

“That doesn't make it safe, Stanford!” Stan responded, nonplussed.

“That's what I'm always sayin’, but stubbornness also runs in the family, I reckon.” Fiddleford said.

“Fiddleford refuses to use it, but I find it quite helpful.” Ford said.

“Whatever.” Stan said with a sigh. “It's probably just as bad as any other substance I've used, so it doesn't really matter. At least it works.”

“That's the spirit! Now lemme get a look at yer arm.” Fiddleford said, moving to Stan's side to start unwrapping the gauze there.

“That one isn't too bad, probably doesn't need radioactive magic goop.” Stan said.

“Ain't too bad?! I reckon the bullet is still in yer arm, Stanley!” Fiddleford said, moving Stan's arm this way and that as he looked for an exit wound.

“Probably, but I doubt those assholes are smart enough to poison their bullets, so it's fine. I’ve had a bullet in my thigh for a few years now and I barely notice it anymore.” Stan said.

“Jesus fuck, Stanley.” Ford mumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Language, Stanford.” Fiddleford responded.

“Language?! Stan hasn't said a single sentence without a swear word since we arrived!” Ford said, sounding a bit like a petulant child.

“He's missin’ a leg, Stanford. That’s a purdy good excuse.” Fiddleford replied.

Ford frowned, but didn't bother arguing.

“Lemme go grab the smaller magnet gun prototype, I betcha I can remove it that way.” Fiddleford said, standing up and removing his rubber gloves.

“That sounds fucking awful.” Stan replied.

“It's either the magnet gun or tweezer and a scalpel. Your choice.” Ford said.

“Right, nerd magic it is.” Stan sighed.

Fiddleford huffed out a laugh and left to grab the magnet gun.

“So he's cute.” Stan said when Fiddleford's footsteps faded.

“Fuck you.” Ford said, burying his face in his hands as Stan laughed.

“Ya know, married or not, I'm pretty damn sure he has a crush on you, too.” Stan said as his laughter died down.

“That doesn't matter, Stanley. I told you he would be moving back to Palo Alto soon enough.” Ford said, dropping his hands from his face with a sigh.

“All grown up and becoming a homewrecker, who coulda guessed.” Stan mused.

“I swear to god, Stanley…” Ford started, but stopped when he heard Fiddleford's footsteps down the hall.

Stan smiled innocently as Fiddleford rounded the corner.

“I was gone for one whole minute and y'all already fightin’?” Fiddleford asked.

“Not fighting, really, just disagreeing.” Ford said, sounding tired.

“Well, close ‘nough. Now looky here, I got the magnet gun, but I also brought my blueprints for a robit leg. I'll hafta take some measurements, but I think I was purdy darn close already.” Fiddleford said, setting the magnet gun down on a nearby shelf and handing the blueprints over to Stan.

Stan unfolded the paper and grinned.

“Peg leg! Hell yeah! How did you know?!” He asked, squinting at the design.

“Yer brother told me you'd prefer that over my usual designs.” Fiddleford said, putting on a new pair of gloves.

Stan glanced over at Ford, who was staring at the far wall and pretending not to listen. He shook his head and smiled as a warmth bloomed in his chest, but turned his attention back to Fiddleford when he heard a low hum.

“This is gonna hurt, but it'll only take ‘bout a second.” Fiddleford said, gently taking Stan's arm and holding up the magnet gun.

Stan nodded, setting down the blueprints and clenching his fist. He motioned for Fiddleford to continue.

Fiddleford looked a bit like he was about to pass out, but his hands were steady as he lined the magnet gun up with the bullet wound.

There was a click, a whirring sound, and a shot of white-hot pain, then it was over.

“That wasn't so bad.” Stan said, but the pain in his voice said otherwise.

“Sorry, Stanley. I jus’ gotta clean it up a bit then we can use more that magic goop.” Fiddleford said.

He sounded so genuinely apologetic that Stan was sure he could hear a layer of ice crack around his heart.

“No worries, Fidds! You can always kiss it to make it better!” He replied with a laugh.

“Stanley!” Ford said, his voice cracking.

Fiddleford just laughed it off and started the process of cleaning around the wound.

Stan used his free hand to pick up the blueprints again, looking over them carefully as Fiddleford worked. He glanced up at Ford when he felt eyes on him and motioned for Ford to join him when he saw the curious look on his face. Ford obliged and stepped behind Stan to look over his shoulder at the blueprints.

“Impressive as always, Fiddleford.” Ford said, and Stan didn't miss the way Fiddleford's hands stilled for a moment at the compliment.

“Thank ya, Ford. I'll prolly have a prototype by tomorra that we can try out.” Fiddleford replied with a nervous smile.

It took all of Stan’s willpower not to roll his eyes.

Running from gangsters might actually be less painful than dealing with the unresolved tension between these nerds. He thought idly, but he couldn't deny that he felt more at home here than he had in years.

___________________________________________

Oh, these boys. I love them.

That's all I got.

Previous /// Next

Also on ao3! Here!

[monty-glasses-roxy]

Horsies in the Plex if Roxy is a horse lover before she knows they've ever existed here is really good honestly. She's off exploring, finding random horse themed things and immediately drops what she's doing to run over to Vanessa with it like "LOOK WHAT I FOUND!!!" cause Vanessa also likes horsies and is the reason Roxy likes them so much in the first place.

Like it starts with a prop horseshoe or something. Then she's finding plushies and building a little collection of them, making sure to give Vanessa one every time she finds a new one. Then she finds a random ass saddle or a bunch of prop hay bales or something. A bridle. Some bit pieces. A harness for a wagon. The wagon itself. Horse action figures. Whatever else. She's been excited about every single thing she's found so far and wonders how much more there is to find...

Opens a new storage room door and she finds actual fucking horses. Deactivated, dusty as hell, animatronic horsies.

Fucking grabs Vanessa and takes off running into areas Vanessa is absolutely not allowed to be in at all to show her all the horsies sndjjd like "VANESSAA!!! THERE'S HORSES!!!! NESSA HORSES ARE REAL!!! THEY REALLY EXIST NESSA LOOOOK!!!!"

[ythankucaptainmccoy]

The Cowgirl and The Aviator Ch9

Cranking these chapters and y'all are in for a treat next chapter ;). @smoothdogsgirl WARNINGS: Verbal abuse, Fighting and mentions of birth.

The barn brought back all of the good memories when you used to compete. All the late nights under the bright arena lights galloping around barrels and you teared up. “You alright?”, Jake questioned. “Yeah just remembering what it used to be like when I competed in barrels back home”, you replied. Your smile made Jake’s grin turn into a full blown smile. Damn you loved the way this man smiled at you. “You can pick any of the horses in here”, Colton informed you. You looked back at Jake as he nodded for you to go ahead. 

You walked down the row of stalls until you came to a stall that held a beautiful Kiger mustang. “What about this one?”, you asked. “That’s our newest edition. Only been ridden for thirty days. He’s still green but you're more than welcome to ride 'em’. We call him Rebel “, Colton explained. Jake seemed uneasy as he picked his horse a beautiful sorrel with white socks and blaze. You moved slowly and kept your voice calm as you haltered him. 

You took your time with him as you groomed him then saddled him. You could tell by his facial expression he was nervous and you took a deep breath and exhaled letting your body relax. Jake and the others headed out of the barn as you made your way to where they were waiting on horseback. You patted Rebel’s neck as you grabbed mane and hauled yourself up and into the saddle. You breathed in deep and exhaled slowly again to relax your body which in turn seemed to relax Rebel.

You noticed Annabelle was trotting in a circle waiting on the three of you. Colton held Georgia in front of him on his horse and you swear it was the cutest thing ever. Jake kept watching you making sure the horse you were on wasn’t going to freak out. You all headed out and before too long you were in the middle of nothing but grassland. “Let's go”, Annabelle said. She kicked her horse and took off at a canter. Jake looked back at you as Colton made his horse go as well. “We don’t have to if you don’t feel comfortable”, Jake said.

“I have ridden lots of horses Jake and trained all kinds of horses even mustangs I know what I’m doing”, you tell him. You asked your horse to go and boy did he as he lunged forward at a full gallop. It startled you at first but then you gave him some rein and let him go. Jake had to kick his horse to go following behind you. It didn’t take you long to catch up to the others as you slowed your horse, but he didn’t want to slow. You pulled on the reins and sat against him as he decided to throw a small buck.

“Oh no ya’ don’t”, you told him as he tried to keep going. That’s when he went into full bucking mode. “Yeah ride ‘em!”, Colton yelled. Jake was gripped with fear as he watched you ride the bucks. It took a few minutes, but eventually he decided to stop. “Well Jake I gotta say your girl knows how to ride”, Colton said. “I can’t believe you let her get on that horse”, Jake huffed. “She did perfectly fine. I’m sure she wouldn’t have gotten on if she couldn’t handle it”, Colton told him. 

You trotted up and stopped right in front of Jake’s horse. “That was the most fun I have had in such a long time”, you laughed. Jake’s mouth fell open slightly as you said something about going again then he smiled. “Come with me (Y/N) I know where we’re going”, Annabelle told you. You followed after her as Colton and Jake rode side by side. “I think you picked a good one Jake, she's a keeper”, Colton said. “Yeah she is”, Jake replied. “I was gonna’ wait to tell ya’ till after the ride, but your father found out you’re back. He has invited himself over tonight for dinner”, Colton informed. “Can’t that fucker just leave us well enough alone”, Jake sighed. “Bad unc Jake”, Georgia stated. “Sorry Georgia”, Jake replied.  “He knows that you brought a woman back with ya’ so you know how this is probably gonna’ go”, Colton explained.

“Well I’ll let (Y/N) know and we will just have to deal tonight”, Jake said confidently. He was anything but confident right now. He knew what was in store at dinner and he was praying that you wouldn’t decide to leave him. He pushed the thought to the back of his head and enjoyed the ride. Between the three of you the cattle were safely moved and on the ride back Annabelle wanted to race. “I’m out, you know your momma doesn’t like me racin’ with Georgia”, Colton said. 

“What about Jake and (Y/N)? We only race to the next gate.”, Annabelle asked. “I’m in”, you responded looking at Jake. “I don’t know it wouldn’t be fair for you two ladies”, Jake boasted. Colton snorted a laugh and shook his head. “There is that cocky pilot attitude”, you say. “I’m not cocky I just know I’m that good”, Jake grinned. “How about a bet”, you said. “What kind of bet?”, Jake questioned, remembering how the two of you met. “Well if you win I’ll take care of your horse when we get back, but if I win you have to take me out line dancing”, you say.

“Deal. Alright Annabelle let’s line up. Your dad can tell us when to go”, Jake said. “Annabelle gets a head start”, Colton said knowing that you two would pass her quickly. Annabelle took off and you kept looking at Jake who smirked that cocky way that you hated to admit that you loved. “On your marks. Get set. Let ‘em go!”, Colton yelled. Both horses launched themselves forward as you made your way to the next gate. You were both neck and neck, but you were still holding the reins on your horse pretty tight as you both passed Annabelle who yelled, “GO (Y/N) BEAT JAKE!”. 

“See ya at the finish line darlin’!”, Jake yelled. You let him believe he had it, but continued to hold your horse back until the last quarter mile. You let the reins go slack and squeezed your legs. Rebel got the message and bolted ahead gaining quickly on Jake. When you passed him Jake had a look of shock as you laughed. You let out a joyous cry as you passed the open gate and slowed Rebel down. Jake wouldn’t admit but when he watched you canter back he was imagining you riding him like that. 

“I believe you owe me a line dance”, you say coming up beside Jake’s horse. You patted Rebel on the neck as you waited for Annabelle and Colton to catch up with Georgia. Once back at the barn you untacked your horse and groomed him. Glancing at Jake every once in a while as he took care of his own horse. “Colton if you want we can take care of everything here in the barn”, Jake announced. Colton got the hint and took the girls inside  as you and Jake put the horses in their respective stalls.

“Jake, do you think Colton and Evelynn would let me enter the rodeo with Rebel?”, you asked. “He is green and doesn’t even know how to run barrels”, Jake replied. “I can train him within our stay period if that’s okay with you”, you say. Jake can tell that it means a lot to you. “I’ll be okay with it as long as Colton and Evelynn are alright with it”, he tells you. You smile and lean up to kiss him long and slow. “You still owe me a line dance”, you laugh. “That I do, but I think you should ask Colton about Rebel first”, he says. With the affirmation you jog to the house where Evelynn and Colton are more than happy to lend Rebel to you, and before you leave with Jake you register for the rodeo.

Jake, true to his word, takes you into Austin to a bar that has line dancing. You both have a few drinks and you're surprised when he shows you he can in fact dance, but at one point they play George Strait’s song “The Chair”. Jake pulls you in close as you both slow dance and mouthing the words as the next song is another George Strait song “Carrying Your Love With Me”. He loves the content smile as you lay your head on his chest. As you both sway to the music Jake in this moment realizes that not once have you ever turned him away.

Even as he cried in the kitchen after losing Banshee and Fluke you were there to pick up the pieces. “(Y/N)”, he whispers. “Yes baby”, you reply, looking into his eyes. “I love you”, he tells you. At that moment you swear you see his heart and soul being poured out in front of you and you can’t help but kiss him slowly ro reply with, “I love you too Jake”. When the next song comes on you decide you want to go home. You get into the truck to head back to the ranch. “Jake can we camp out under the stars tonight?”, you ask. 

“Anything for you darlin’ “, he responds. You both stop at the house to grab blankets and pillows. When you reach the pond Jake starts a fire as you set everything up in the bed of the truck. Under the stars you look at Jake who is looking at you like you’re the most beautiful thing in the world. “You know I was supposed to bring you to dinner tonight. My father was there to meet you”, he told you. “Why didn’t you?”, you inquired. “I promised to take you line dancing and you will always come before my asshole father”, he explained.

You smiled as you kissed him and pulled his shirt over his head. He grunts as you take a nip at his nipple before you go to his belt. That night you both spend time making each other cum with your mouths. Eventually Jake pulls you over him completely naked and covers you both as you both fall asleep. The night passes peacefully and you both startle awake when the truck’s horn blows loud and clear. Jake looks for the source and spots his father as he places you behind him. “What the hell do you want?”, Jake seethes.

“We need to talk”, Jake's father says. Jake looks at you as you nod to assure him you will be okay. His dad walks away as you both get dressed. You watch as Jake goes to talk with his father, but stay put and listen in as best as you can. “Why weren’t you at dinner last night boy?”, his father sneers. “I took my girl into town since I made a promise to take her out”, Jake replied. “Family is always first. I taught you better than to be disrespectful since your sister made dinner”, he said.

“She knew I wasn’t going to be there as I discussed it with her before we left for town. She was fine with us not being there so cut the shit. You are the one that feels disrespected because I put someone before you”, Jake accused. “Don’t think that your slut of a girlfriend won’t leave you like the last one”, his father digs. “She isn’t like the last one”, Jake defended. “Whatever you want to believe, but your sister is going to make dinner again tonight and I expect you to be there”, his father announced. 

Jake’s father tipped his hat at you and got into his truck and drove off. “Jake, are you okay?”, you ask. “Yeah I’ll be fine. I’m sorry if you overheard what he said”, he apologized. “No Jake, Never apologize on your asshole fathers behalf. He doesn’t deserve it”, you reply. Jake smiles at that knowing you're in his corner. “Well let’s get to the house so we can get ready for the day. I want to help Evelynn with dinner since we missed last night”, you told him.

The drive back to the house you could tell Jake was nervous and tense. After your showers and getting ready Jake took you up to the main house so you could help Evelynn. “You know you don’t have to help me”, Evelynn said. “Well I feel like it’s the least I could do”, you replied. “Since you have met my father already I’m sure you have already judged what dinner will be like tonight. The last girl he brought home left crying and a couple days later she packed up and left”, Evelynn says. 

“I wouldn’t leave Jake to fight this battle alone”, you assure. Evelynn smiles at that knowing that what you say is true. “You both are a great match”, she laughs. “Well I felt like whatever happened happened so fast. Hell to some it seemed too fast”, you sigh. “Well I only dated Colton for a year and look where we are now”, Evelynn laughs. It makes you feel better now to know that piece of information. 

The day was spent helping Evelynn to get the dinner together as Jake, Colton and the girls had decided to go riding. When they got back everyone seemed to be bracing for the arrival of Jake and Evelynn’s father. He showed up a few minutes late, but no one said anything about it. You sat beside Jake and once everyone was sitting Colton said grace. The dinner table was quiet other than Georgia asking for help to cut up some of her food. “When are you coming back home to take over the ranch”, Jake’s father says. 

“I’ve already told you not anytime soon”, Jake snaps. You knew this was going to be an intense dinner from the start. “Well at least your sister is finally having a son. I may leave everything to him”, his father states. “My son will not be saddled with that ranch’s name”, Colton speaks up. “So what your going to give him this ranch?”, he sneers. “He can take over this ranch, he can go to college or anything else he wants to do, but I won’t force him to take over anything if he doesn’t want to”, Colton replies. 

“I always knew you married a weak man”, he says to Evelynn. It continues on for a few minutes as Jake is becoming more agitated. “I think the only weak man is you”, you blurt out at Jake’s father. “Excuse me, but I didn’t ask for your opinion”, he snarks. “No you didn’t but you’re gonna’ hear it anyway and I don’t give a damn how you feel about it. From what I can tell you can’t stand the fact that you aren’t in control of anyone anymore and it pisses you off”, you state. Jake is staring at you wide eyed as you square your shoulders.

Jake’s father glares at you as you hold his gaze. “You have some horns on you girl, but you will show me respect”, he states. “I only show respect to people who have earned it. I don’t just give it for free. So far tonight I have seen nothing you have done that would earn my respect”, you respond. Evelynn announces she is going to take the girls upstairs for a bath and leaves. Colton says something about going outside for some air. 

Once outside Jake’s father picks his fight with you again. “I don’t think you’re the type I want dating my son”, he huffs. “Why because I speak my own mind and not afraid of a horrid old man that used to hit his wife”, you spit. The next thing you know Jake’s father throws a punch your way, but it never lands as you hear a grunt then a full on scrap. Jake had tackled his father and was now scrapping with him on the ground. “Jake”, you cry, but Colton grabs you as you try to go help him.

“He needs to do this (Y/N)”, Colton says. You watch as they trade blows, but it is clear that Jake is winning. Within ten minutes it’s over as Jake stands over his father. “Don’t you ever try to put your hands on my woman again. If you ever hurt her I’ll kill you old man. Now leave and don’t ever come back to bother me or this family ranch again”, Jake growls. Jake’s father is heaving as he is trying to catch his breath. Colton lets you go as you run to Jake to check him over, but he only pulls you into his side. 

All three of you stare down the old man as he curses you all as he gets in his truck and leaves. As soon as he is gone you fuss over Jake’s face and his split knuckles. He lets you lead him into the kitchen where he pulls you into his lap as you try to ice the bruises on his face. “I love you”, he whispers. “I love you too, but you didn’t have to do that”, you reply. “It was a long time coming and I should have done it a lot sooner”, he tells you. You kiss him tenderly as you tell him to continue to ice his face while you help clean up the dinner table.

When Evelynn comes back down she asks Jake what had happened as he explains. Evelynn tells him how proud she is and that she was waiting for the day he would finally take his frustration out on their old man. Colton hands Jake a beer and they head outside as you help Evelynn with the dishes. “You know he loves you right”, she tells you. “I know he does, I can see it every day”, you respond. “You’re the first girl he has brought here since college”, she mutters. “What do you mean?”, you ask.

“He brought his ex down here, and she cried when my father came to dinner. Then a week after they went back Jake found out that she was cheating on him with his roommate. He was shattered when he found out because he had bought a ring to ask her to marry him. He hasn’t had a real relationship since then and that was years ago”, Evelynn explained. You looked out to the front porch where Jake was still talking with Colton. “Most people never give him a chance. I know he can be cocky when he is on base, but no one really knows him like we do”, Evelynn says.

You file away that information as you finish up. When you and Jake end up back at the house you're staying in you show him how grateful you are by giving him a massage. “Thank you for protecting me”, you whisper. “I would do it anytime for you darlin’ “, he whispers back. That night you relax by watching a couple of old westerns until you fall asleep. Jake feels liberated after all these years of taking verbal abuse and sometimes physical abuse from his father. He smiles down at you when he recalls Colton telling him you were ready to jump into the scrap to help him.

The week is much the same, but you spend most days training Rebel and within the week he has it down. The rodeo is a week away and you are getting more excited as Jake watches you train. He has to admit he likes watching you ride even with being thrown a couple times. Each time you were thrown he would run into the arena checking you over. You would just laugh and tell him it was part of the process especially with a green horse. The days wear you out, and you are usually asleep by the time Jake slips into bed.

The next week goes by smoothly until Wednesday as Colton comes tearing down the driveway. “Evelynn thinks it’s time to go. Can you take the girls and meet us at the hospital”, he rushes. Jake agrees as the girls get out of the truck and come to stand with you. Evelynn is in the passenger seat cool as a cucumber. “Are you okay?”, you ask. “Yeah this is my third kid I know what to expect now. He is a little early, but it’ll be alright”, she tells you. Colton hops back in the truck and floors it out of there.

“I think he is more worried than she is”, you laugh. “Yeah you should have seen him with Annabelle”, Jake states. You get Georgia into the truck in her car seat and Annabelle gets herself buckled in. Three hours and you're in the hospital waiting room as the girls try to keep themselves entertained. Annabelle decides she wants to go for a walk around the hospital so you all decide to go. Georgia is smiling as she points at the ducks on a small pond by the hospital.

“Uncle Jake, can we go get something to eat?”, Annabelle complains. “Yeah we can walk down the street and get some Mexican food”, Jake says. Annabelle lights up at the prospect and Jake explains that Mexican food is Annabelle’s favorite. The meal is delicious and you help Georgia with her cheese quesadilla. Jake can’t help but watch you anytime you interact with the girls. He knows that you’re good with kids and if he plays his cards right he hopes someday you both can have some kids running around. 

When you all got back to the hospital it was late evening when the nurse came out to inform you that Evelynn and the baby were doing great. A couple hours after that another nurse came to ask if anyone wanted to go see the baby. Annabelle was excited as she pulled on Jake’s hand as you held a sleeping Georgia. “Go meet your nephew I’ll stay here with Georgia”, you whisper. He leaned down and kissed you then headed to go meet his nephew.

When Jake comes back he has tears in his eyes with the goofiest grin on his face. “Are you okay?”, you ask. “Yeah it was just a lot”, he says. “He was so small”, Annabelle says. “You used to be that small when you were born”, Jake says. “How do you know?”, Annabelle questioned. “Because I waited in this same hospital and held you after you were born”, Jake muses. Georgia was still asleep and Jake had said that Evelynn and the baby would be home by Friday. “Do you mind if the girls come back home with us?”, Jake asked. “I don’t mind baby”, you tell him. 

When you reach the house Jake goes to the empty room that you hadn’t been in. There were two twin beds and you could tell this is where the girls would stay when he was here. You carried a still sleeping Georgia while Jake carried a now sleeping Annabelle. They looked so peaceful and Jake turned out the light grabbing your hand and leading you to your room. You both lay there as Jake holds you. “He was so small and I can’t believe I have a nephew. I wish you could have seen him”, Jake sighs.

“I’ll see him soon enough”, you tell him. You both fell asleep, but it didn’t last long as you felt a tug on the back of your shirt. You rolled over and came face to face with Georgia, tears streaming down her face. “Oh what's wrong sweetheart?”, you ask. “Stom”, she hiccupped. About two seconds later the sky lit up and thunder boomed outside as Georgia jumped clinging to you. “Darlin’ what’s wrong”, Jake yawned. “The storm woke Georgia up”, you relayed. “Do you want to sleep in our bed?”, you asked. She nodded as you pulled her up and in between you and Jake.

“It’s alright Georgia you're safe here with Uncle Jake and Aunt (Y/N)”, Jake hummed half asleep. You froze as Georgia curled up between you as Jake’s words sank in. You watched as she snuggled into you and clung to your shirt. Jake smiled and threw his arm around both of you as everyone settled in. Jake and Georgia went to sleep first then you drifted off soon after. The next morning Georgia and Jake were gone and you could hear giggling coming from the kitchen.

When you walked in there was pancake batter all over the counters. Annabelle was giggling as Jake was making pancakes. “Aunt (Y/N)!” Georgia squealed. She ran to you and hugged your leg and you instantly started to tear up. “Darlin’ what’s wrong?”, Jake asked. “I have never been called Aunt anything”, you said. “I thought your brother had kids”, Jake stated. “Yeah but he never let me see them”, you replied. 

Jake stopped what he was doing and came over to pull you into a hug. “Well you have a family here if you want it”, Jake told you. You let the tears fall as you heard those words and next thing you knew Annabelle and Georgia were hugging you too. “Uncle Jake is right, we can be your family. “Thanks now let’s try and clean up this mess”, you sniffled. As Jake finished the pancakes you and Annabelle helped clean up.

[luvrsux]

“Maze”

word count: 3.7k

summary: you and your long term crush go out to a horror maze for halloween as well as his friends. it just so happens that you both get wrapped up in a secluded area alone together… and he’s also the flame emperor Sabo

cw: slight NSFW, barely proofread, grinding

If the shrieks of consumers wasn’t enough, being chased by actors in masks and makeup was surely going to send you to your grave.

Luffy was overflowing with excitement, though, meanwhile the rest of your party was more nonchalant than anything. Being close with the ASL brothers was a blessing on certain days but a curse on most days, especially this one. You question yourself on how exactly you caught tangled in this situation in the first place. Tracing back to it, you really should’ve reconsidered your decision.

“What are those?”

You peeked over the brunettes shoulder that was bare as pure usual. In his hand were several tickets of some sorts. You began to filter your brain with exciting possibilities, like a concert or a fair. He turns back to you with a devilish smile.

“Tickets” He says which causes you to frown. Of course he was being not only secretive, but also a complete smart ass. Not surprising from Portgas Ace himself.

“Oh, you got the tickets already?” Sabo chimed in from beside. His words left you clueless now that you were completely isolated in thought. The two brothers shared mutual fond thoughts about said tickets that you had no recollection of.

“Sure as hell did! When you showed me that flyer I just had to get em’” Ace beamed, his excitement pouring out from his eyes and tongue from the way he spoke. Sabo and him exchanged laughter, and hearing it made your heart begin to melt.

Sabo and you have been tied to the bone since the first memory you can remember. As time grew, you noticed that Sabo was starting to make you gush and blush at the smallest things, like helping with errands or even the slightest compliment. With agonizing days of denial, you came to the sudden conclusion that you had fallen for your best friend just a few months back. Ace, who can’t seem to not be nosy, is the only person in your close circle who knows—and he can’t stand it. He feels like he might as well grow gray hairs from the stress you out on him. Constantly making excuses to avoid explaining your feelings to Sabo, and so on. You began to think that those infamous tickets wrapped around Ace’s fingers had something to do with your little crush.

“How many did ya get? Enough for everyone?” Sabo asks, peering down at his hand that had every ticket tuckered behind one another that created an illusion that there was just one. Ace flipped through each one with a finger.

“One, two, three, four… Six! Yeah, got enough for everyone. Luffy asked for a plus one” Ace replied. Sabo’s smile was the equivalent of the sun on a summer afternoon. It was so bright and full of excitement, you found yourself gazing for a moment before displaying your complete confusion.

“Woah, where are we going?” You finally ask abruptly. The two brothers shift their overbearing excitement to you. Their eyes flicker amongst themselves before landing on your puzzled face once more. It’s as if they telepathically pondered if they should even enlighten you.

“We’re goin’ to a Fright Fair next week” Ace presented. Your mouth went agape and you blink rapidly. Surely, this has been an ongoing plan since forever and you seemingly never knew, which is exactly what they wanted.

“Woah, huh? I never agreed to that!” You snatch a ticket out of Ace’s hand that was now yours. You read the printed text on the paper to get a little more information, but was left with just the address, date and time.

“Because I knew you’d be a pussy and back out” Ace scrunched his nose up immaturely. You snarl and prepare a come back before a hand rested on your shoulder. Your eyes trail from its fingers to the face.

“(F/N), it’ll be fun! Promise” Sabo’s voice was like butter on toast with the way it was so smooth. All your tense emotions driven by Ace was now completely gone just by his tone. Boy did he have you in a trance. “You’re grouped up with me”

“Oh thank god. If I were to be grouped with Ace, I think I might drown in his ego” You cross your arms and strike a smug look at Ace who gasped dramatically. He ran his fingers through his rather messy locks dramatically.

“If you can’t handle this overwhelming handsomeness, just say that”

And there you were. In the middle of the park, ready for your demise.

The air was frostbite whenever you inhaled. Your body was thankfully covered in warm clothing other than your palms. Each time you spoke or exhaled, you’d accumulate smoke from how shiver the temperature was. Winter was sure coming in ironically hot.

“Oooh, Oooh! Let’s do the corn maze!” Luffy was practically jumping to the moon with his finger pointed out and his other hand resting on Zoro’s shoulder, his plus one. You could faintly hear Zoro scold at Luffy for trampling on him.

“I heard the corn maze has people in it that chase you” Ace wriggled his fingers in your face in an attempt to scare you but to no avail. You replied with the most unamused face you could muster before Marco gave him a knock on the head.

“Stop being a weirdo” He had a smirk plastered on his face while Ace scolded at him for hitting him. The entire group approached the maze that not many people found interesting. You might as well be the only party daring to go in.

Sabo was beside you closely. Too closely. Your shoulders were grazing upon each other while you waited for your tickets to get verified to enter. When the staff was explaining the rules and guidelines of how to be safe inside rambled on and on, it was blurred out due to the fact that your crush was so close to you. At some moments, you two would brush finger tips against each other but quickly retract. Until you heard the words ‘find your partner’, that immediately birthed eye contact between you two.

“C’mon, don’t be chicken” Sabo spoke with that smirk. That smirk that’d immediately send shivers down your spine when he grabs your hand to pull your forward into the horror attraction. You both locked hands for a few moments while inside until Sabo went to detach himself from you to mess with his younger brother.

The entire group decided to travel in one, but with space in between. Eventually, Luffy noticed Zoro had vanished and went on the search for him. Ace swore he saw something pass by and wanted to check it out, thus leaving you and Sabo alone. Together. Together alone.

You internally cursed at Ace for having to be alone with someone like Sabo, a man who made your knees weak by subtle gestures. Of course, you two being friends and whatnot, you maintained conversation with the blonde like he was any other guy. Deep inside, though, you felt like you were going to burst. On the bright side, this maze was just a regular night stroll. The alleged actors didn’t seem to exist, so having this moment to walk around and talk with Sabo was extremely refreshing.

“You remember when Ace drank milk and he laughed so hard it came out of his nose?” You giggle, barely being able to finish your sentence without laughing halfway. The memory made Sabo laugh equally as hard. Neither of you were taking this horror attraction seriously.

“You shoulda’ saw it when he drank booze for the first time! It was hilarious” Sabo cleared his throat to prepare himself for his award winning Ace expression. “‘Sabo it burns! It burns!’”

You both sprout in laughter in unison, practically shedding tears from it. You both took mindless turns and directions just to spent more time talking with each other. Even the voices of your beloved friends began to vanish. It was silent besides the hopeless laughter between you and Sabo.

“I got one! Do you remember when Luffy-“ Sabo began but his sentence was quickly cut in half when the rustling of the corn didn’t sound like the wind grazed upon it. Your smile quickly dropped, your cheeks feeling sore from how hard you were previously smiling. Sabo’s locks danced in the wind as he stood tall to sense anyone nearby.

“You heard that too, right?” Sabo asks, his face now deathly serious. You slowly nodded. Of course, this was expected. Although, you and Sabo have been strolling about without a care in the world for the last twenty minutes without anyone scaring you. You thought the whole “chase you down” thing was just a flux.

The rustling only got more and more intense the more it crept closer. With the low amount of light, you couldn’t tell which side was moving. All you could rely on was your fight or flight at this current moment—or Sabo. Your backs faced each other while the two of you began to eye the walls of corn until the rustling abruptly stopped. The rapid pumping of your heart began to slow once the anticipated jump-scare was absent. You exhaled.

“Probably was a stray cat or something” You shrug but there you saw Sabo still tensed and expecting something else to happen. Your defense was down and you smiled up at Sabo.

“(F/N) I don’t think it was a-“ Sabo began before a deep, growling roar came jumping from out of your side of the maze. The person wore a mask with fake blood on it and a knife that might as well pass off as a real one. You shriek louder than you ever have, surely your throat would be sore after. Just as his foot stepped out to begin his pursuit, Sabo grabbed your hand once again to make a run for it.

You were still in a state of shock to even realize Sabo’s hand was comfortably wrapped around yours. You knew Sabo was fast, but you turned back to see the actor miles away trying to keep up. Sabo took mindless turns to avoid the running actor, not even caring to look at the helpful wooden direction arrows planted around the maze. Eventually, Sabo yanked you into a secluded corner of the maze that had a wall of plantation covering the entrance. It seemed like this miniature area was supposed to be apart of the attraction but the growth of the corn had accidentally covered part of it. Sabo covered your mouth to suffocate your heavy breathing while he heard the actor run close and closer toward your location.

Your face was covered in red with the way Sabo’s hand was planted over yours. Not to mention the unknown hand that managed to rest at the crook of your back. Eventually, the thumping footsteps of the man that chased you down began to vanish off to look for its new victim, leaving both you and Sabo alone. He formed a pearly smile and removed the restraints off your mouth.

“Guess we’re safe now” Sabo breathed. You managed to form a smile of your own from your sheer amount of adrenaline. Your heart was racing hundreds of miles an hour. Sabo then began to burst in laughter. “The way you screamed was hilarious though!”

You playfully punch his chest but that didn’t budge his arm around your back a bit. Sabo didn’t seem to notice the grip he had against you until you stared up at him helplessly. His laughter died down when he caught himself lost in your own eyes. Smoke from your lungs were intertwining with each other with each breath.

“Oh- My bad…” Sabo stammered, quickly detaching himself from falling further in the trance you dwelled upon him. Your chest felt a sting once he separated from you.

“Maybe we should… Relax here” You say in attempts of transitioning the topic. Your chest was still heaving from the marathon Sabo put on you. “My heart is still racing” You giggle.

Sabo formed a smile and nodded, taking his fingers to comb through his waved, golden locks. He let out one exhale before facing you again. “Yeah, sounds good. I’m sure the others are having fun”

Sabo crashes down on the floor and rests his arms on his propped up knees. You sat closely by next to him, practically brushing shoulders. You two shared an awkward state of silence, hearing nothing but heavy breathing until it steadied.

“You have soft hands by the way” Sabo blurted out from nowhere, causing you to look rather perplexed. Sabo’s face then seemed to flood in with pigment and he quickly avoided eye contact. “Sorry! Felt like I need to uh-… Mention that”

You blink. ‘Stunned’ wasn’t even the word to describe your current state. You managed to giggle at his newfound flustered state which you found more than adorable.

“You think so?” You say, extending your hand to invite the blushing blondes. Sabo smiled and rested his own in yours, feeling the plush flesh on his finger tips more thoroughly instead of dragging you around the maze.

“Yeah, geez. What lotion do you use?” He snickers. His fingers still graze your palm, causing him to make you flinch a bit from being ticklish at his touch. Your hand goes from horizontal to vertical and Sabo follows.

“Your hands aren’t so bad yourself” You graze your fingertips against his palm for a moment to feel his own skin. It wasn’t the softest, but it wasn’t hard concrete. It was a mix of both. For a man like Sabo, who trains from day to night and was a bungling kid who practically lived in the forest as a hobby, his hands were quite comfortable.

Your fingers go from his palm to match his fingertips. They stay stuck together for a few seconds before the two of you are inching to interlock fingers between each other. When they fluently latch in between together, you felt a tingle from your palms to your chest that flared your cheeks with heat. Your eyes avert from the hand holding to Sabo, who coincidentally did the same thing.

The eye contact would’ve been enough to kill you, but the inching of his face postponed that for a moment. You believed that this was a dream and you desperately wanted to pinch the plush of your skin with your might to jolt you awake but, fortunately for you, it was reality. You reciprocated and maintained eye contact with the blonde until his lips were dangerously close to yours. The flickering of your eyes that went from Sabo’s to his lips did something dangerous to him. With a hand latching to the back of your head and one separating from your hand to connect to your cheek, you were now smashed against your long-term crush by the lips.

You let out a soft whimper from surprise once you two connected but it didn’t take long until you melted into his embrace. Your body was pulled in closer than you ever thought you’d get and, surprisingly, your lips synced together fluently. Your body took upon itself to climb and straddle Sabo, cupping his face while his hands rested on your hips. From what went from a soft, passionate kiss quickly swifter to a more rough and tender make out session.

Sabo’s fingers gripped the plush of your hips, his body itching for more of you but decided to be patient and let you take over any initiative. Your tongues began to swirl and dance with each other as time passed and the two of you were growing hungrier and hungrier for each other. Although, you finally parted lips to refill your lungs that have gone shriveled from the long make out session.

“Y’know I’ve liked you for a while now, right?” You finally confess. You felt as if you might as well rip the bandaid off considering you were now on top of him and devouring his lips. Sabo was heaving and licked his lips to savor the taste of your own.

“Wait really?” He says, a tinge of excitement buried in his heavy voice. He blinks and clears his throat. “I mean- I bet I’ve liked you longer”

“It’s not a competition Sabo, just kiss me” You smiled, adoring his competitive personality that he would pour out onto his two brothers continuously. The blonde had a beaming smile like a kid at a candy store before latching his hungry lips onto yours once more.

Sabo’s hand traveled along your back, slighting snaking up behind your light jacket and shirt to feel your bare spine. The coldness of his finger tips caused you to release a soft noise while in between his lips. Your mouth moved on its own and you realized you were now giving love to his neck. His neck had a practical necklace of pinks and purples along it. You swore you were about to tear off his clothes with the small moans and whimpers we released when your lips went down on his neck and collarbone.

You felt Sabo buck his hips against your sex, causing the both of you to begin dry humping from excitement. Your heavy breathing and whimpers were right beside Sabo’s ear. You gave him a nice bite of the lobe only for him to roll his eyes back and bite his lip. He never wished to be in his bedroom with you so terribly in his life.

The blonde’s hands began to clench the fats of your ass tenderly. His bulge was driving in your core and your growing anticipation to rip his jeans off was getting worse by the second. You pressed your forehead against his own to stare deeply into his eyes. Seemingly Sabo longed to see your face again, as a growing smile cracked in his moaning lips as soon as you locked eyes.

“I love you” You whisper with a smile.

“I love you, (F/N)” He breathes, itching to feel your plump lips again.

Your bodies rocked against each other rougher and rougher. You both were practically moaning and whimpering in each other’s mouths, screaming for more. The maze was still oddly quiet aside from the background noise from the other attractions.

“Quit movin’ like that before I tear your clothes off” Sabo chuckled while in between your lips. His remark made you form a giggle. You pull away and stare deeply within his eyes. You rocked your body against his now rock hard bulge slowly and roughly.

“What? Like this?” You murmur. You heard the blonde hiss and grip on your sides. You let out your first actual moan aloud when Sabo synced with your movement. His bulge grinned against your clit in just the right spots, you immediately wondered how it would feel inside of you.

“Sabo~…” You say before his hand quickly latched onto your mouth to seal it. Of course he wanted to hear you, but that meant only he could hear you—no one else.

“Shh, you’ll get us caught” He smiled. As he stared up at your flustered face, his hand slithered down to your sex only to rub it through the cloth of your clothes with his fingers. Sabo’s hand shifted from a hand to his two fingers to which you wrapped around your lips and swirled your tongue on his digits.

“I think I might just fuck you right here and now” Sabo breathed, completely aroused by the way you suckled on his fingers almost immediately. You nodded and whimpered, not even caring about the consequences.

“Sabo!? (F/N)!?”

The voice echoing your names was scarier than the actual attraction. You both jolted and your souls might as well be coming off your body. Sabo slowly slid his fingers out of your mouth, leaving a string of saliva connected together.

“I think that’s Ace…” You breathe out, not only from sheer terror but complete arousal. Your juices might as well travel down your thigh.

“We have been here for a while, huh?” Sabo laughed. The moonlight shined upon his face just enough for you to catch a glimpse of his rather adorable red cheeks.

“We should get going” You say, sliding yourself off of Sabo’s hot lap and standing on your feet. Your eyes widened with how large the log in his pants were.

“Yeah, you’re right” Sabo grunted as he lifted himself off the ground. He adjusted his bulge in his pants to make it less visible but it seemed to be rather difficult. You then felt an arm slither to hook your waist.

“But as soon as we get back home, I’m fucking you into next week” He growled in your ear and shivers went down your spine. Sabo went from an adorable, flustered boy to such a hungry dog in mere seconds.

His lips pecked your cheek to soften that tension he put on your shoulders and he went to interlock your fingers. Your face was speaking for itself; flustered beyond belief.

“C’mon! Let’s meet the others!” He said cheerfully, as if nothing happened in the last few seconds. His body jerked forward to escape the concealed alley you two resided in.

To both of your surprises, Ace and the entire rest of the group were not far from where you two almost sinfully danced in. Ace immediately laid upon you and came running, like he hadn’t seen you in eons.

“There you two are! It’s been ages, me and Marco beat the maze already” Ace smiled brightly. Luffy sprung up behind him like a jack-in-the-box.

“Zoro got us lost and almost left the whole park!” Luffy laughed, only to receive a nice knock behind the head by Zoro from his complete embarrassment.

“Hey are you two-…” Ace pointed at your hands that was comfortably latched with the nonchalant blonde that also had bright red cheeks.

“Ace lets go, Im starving here” Marco knocked Ace on the head to interrupt the upcoming fiasco that was about to erupt just by you and Sabo holding hands.

“Yeah… I’m pretty hungry” Sabo smiled, giving you a quick side eye glance with half lidded eyes that spoke numbers. The group figured he meant food like a normal person but you knew otherwise.

You blushed further, knowing exactly how your night was gonna end in just a few moments.

[the-fiction-witch]

GIRL P1

Media The Artful Dodger

Character Jack Dawkins (Younger Jack Navy Years)

Couple Jack X Reader

Rating Sweet

I sat on my bed inside my cabin and tossed my lucky coin between my fingers my book in hand tried to get this damn reading done but it wasn't exactly going well. A dirty grimy head pops around the door, "You comin'?" Mick asked with a wide enthusiastic smile, "No thanks," I told him, "Jack. Come on." He whined as he leant on the door frame, "Don't be borin'," "I'm fine being boring," I shrugged, "Yeah, and I ain't. Come on! I'll buy ya a drink?" "I'm fine Mick really," "When did ya last get your sorry blonde butt off this boat?" "…uhhh…" I honestly didn't remember, "When did ya last have some beer that weren't watered down?" "You think it isn't at the tavern?" "It'll be less watered down," "… Maybe six months," "We've been at sea longer than that ya lil shit," "Then I don't know," "When was the last time ya even sniffed a girl?" "uhh… I think I saw a girl last time we docked, don't think I was close enough to sniff her though…" "Jack, let's go. walk or I shove ya." "Fine," I rolled my eyes and set my book down, "Yes! Come on I'll buy ya a drink," he said as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder so I couldn't get out of this, "Where are we going then?" "Ahh there is this amazing place me and the boys know just down the street we'll be plenty close to the ship, the drinks are strong, the pies are full and the girls…. are gorgeous," He explained as he led me up though the ship, "And trust me ya'll be close enough to do more than sniff 'em, Jack," "Ohh Eerrr…" "What?" "Nothing I just uhhh… I don't think I'll take up on the girls," "Ohh? No?" He asked, "They have boys too?" "No. No, I just…" "Wait," he smirked, he fully stopped as we got on deck and turned to me with this smirk, "Jack?" He smirked as he narrowed his eyes and I just stayed silent sheepishly, "… when did Grimm bring you on? How old were ya?" "…14." I gulped as I prayed he wasn't going to catch on, but his eyes lit up.

"And you're an anti-social little shit ya never come off the ship with us? "Yeah…" "so…" "No." "Oh my god…" "Don't." "You're a- "Don't! Say it!" "No… no… ya can't… you're a-" "Don't. Say. It. Mick." "Okay… okay, our little secret," he laughed, "Okay, thank you." I nodded, "let's just go for a drin-" I began, "Jack's a Virgin!" Mick yelled at full volume which made everyone stop and look at me, "Thanks, Mick," I sighed, "You're welcome," he smirked, At that moment everyone else still on the ship banded together and forced me off the ship, I knew I wasn't getting out of this I could have weaselled out with just Mick but I knew I didn't have a choice now. They all but dragged me down the street all while making jokes at my expense until we reached a little hole in the wall Traven 'The Maidens View' and I was kicked inside. Everyone found somewhere to sit and I tried to hide in the corner but Mick forced me to sit with him at the bar. Mick bought me a drink as I looked around, the place was clean, tidy the scent of beer and smoke was in the air, and I admit the girls were… pretty. Honestly, they didn't need to be I can't even remember the last time I was this close to a girl. Everyone made jokes at my expense and tried to get me interested in one of the girls but I was too blushy and embarrassed to even talk to them. "Come on! ya, pick. Anyone you want. me and Sam are going in," Mick laughed as he sipped his drink,

"What?" I blushed, "we'll pay for it come on it's your first," Sam chuckled as he shoved my shoulder, "I don't know…" I said sheepishly, "Come on, any of them take ya fancy? if not we can go down the street there are a hundred whores places like this." Mick explained, I sighed and for the first time, I actually looked at the girls rather than merely being blown away by them, none of them… really seemed all that interesting, "No," I shrugged, "No? alright, we'll finish up and take you somewhere else." Sam laughed, I nodded as I had some more of my drink kinda half hoping I could keep bar popping with them until they were too drunk to remember about all this and honestly I didn't much like any of the girls here they all seemed like… I don't know, like when you look at an old bed and you can just tell how many other people have laid in it and it just makes you… not wanna lay on it for fear of it breaking, or being gross. But… unfortunately, I stopped short as I glanced up across the tavern and saw a girl, she couldn't have been much older than me in a little sage green dress that she adjusted up her shoulder where it had fallen down her arm, her hair in a sweet braid wrapped around her head, she came down the stairs and grabbed some tankards that she began to take to tables. She was very cute, quite pretty, and… had a little bit more of a refined way about her I guess. the unfortunate part is that as I noticed her pretty much everyone noticed that I noticed her and began their jokes and playful encouragement.

And before I even had time to attempt to protest Mick and Sam were talking to the bartender and paid him. So… I'm not getting out of this. She finished up with the drinks and returned to the bar setting her tray down, where the bartender spoke to her and she nodded. "Which of you was it?" The bartender asked, "This strapping lad here." Mick laughed giving my arm a playful punch, She nodded and smiled as she came and stood in front of me, she offered her hand and for a moment I was too nervous to move, but I took her hand and let her lead me up towards the stairs as I heard everyone from the ship encouraging and making jokes at me, "Take good care of him!" Mick yelled as she took me up the stairs and into a little room with her.

[tgrailwar-zero]

hey izou, this is a longshot, the longest shot of all longshots but, your summoning seems more stable so...do you have any weird dreams? dreams about fighting a caster and his shades in a church? or brawling with a rider who had no confidence? scolding a master for even thinking about alliances with rider in the middle of a war? fighting saber in the street at night? losing at gambling, coming home late, and nursing a horrible hangover? almost choking on bubble tea? killing a golden berserker in his own home? being trapped by a witch in a school with that rider we formed an alliance with? talking on the roof of a bar at night under the full moon?

He was quiet for a moment-- much longer than you'd expect for a yes or no question. Slightly, almost imperceptibly, his eyes narrowed- before he responded with a casual huff.

IZOU: "Servants can't dream. Anyways, we should get going."

DURYODHANA: "I see, well, that's a shame. I suppose the next time we meet, we'll be rivals. If you can impress the Boss, that is. Otherwise, have fun in the minor leagues."

KOMA: "...Koma should get going as well. Master Rikyu will be upset if I lose any more money at this gambling parlor. May we meet again."

With that, you, IZOU, and MUSASHI stepped outside, with NERO taking the Room Key to head back upstairs on her own. The cool, salty sea breeze chilled the air. Night had fallen quicker than you expected, though it wasn't too deep in the night to worry about shops closing- if they ever did close.

IZOU: "I'll get you signed up first. Then we'll take a walk around. We might be able to catch the person I'm lookin' for before she leaves for the night. Boss is hard to impress, but she's got a real eye for battle talent."

He walked you to what seemed like a large, arena-like building, leading you inside. It was quiet, astoundingly so as he looked around. He seemed frustrated, as you gathered the feeling that whoever he was looking to talk to wasn't here anymore before he suddenly exclaimed.

IZOU: "Ah-- caught her!"

He pointed at a woman leaving out one of the doors, jogging over.

IZOU: "Yo, Boss. Found some new blood!"

Turning to look at the 'Boss' in question--

That was JAGUAR MAN.

Sure, the aesthetic was different, but… that was her. You watched as she furrowed her brow, looking between you, MUSASHI, and IZOU.

MUSASHI: "Oh, hey! Long time, no see!"

JAGUAR MAN: "Tch. Well, ain't we friendly, Miss Fancy Pants?"

MUSASHI: "Uh, what?"

JAGUAR MAN: "It's late, Man-Kisser. This little kitty was on her way back home, not trying to fill out paperwork."

IZOU: "Man-Slayer, and I know, I know, but--"

JAGUAR MAN: "--Kissin' men, slayin' men, who cares? In this day and age they mean the same thing. You couldn't do this tomorrow morning like anyone else who felt like cutting it close? We already had one more late arrival, I don't wanna make this a habit."

IZOU: "C'mon, I'll owe ya' one. Promise. Just give 'em a look-over. I wouldn't just bring ya' some punk off the street."

There was a long moment of silence as JAGUAR MAN slowly paced around you three, looking up and down.

JAGUAR MAN: "Hm… well, just from looks alone, they seem like 'A+' competitors…"

She paused, before suddenly yelling--

JAGUAR MAN: "Meaning AMATEUR PLUS!"

JAGUAR MAN: "…"

JAGUAR MAN: "As in SLIGHTLY BETTER THAN AMATEURS!"

JAGUAR MAN: "..."

JAGUAR MAN: "As in--"

MUSASHI: "YEAH. WE GOT IT."

IZOU: "C'mon, Boss! Saber's good, I promise. She can handle the big leagues."

She tapped her naginata on the ground, pursing her lips as if she was in deep, intensive thought, red eyes boring into you and your Servant. She sighed, clicking her tongue.

JAGUAR MAN: "So, normally I'd toss you in the minor bracket, where you can just mess around with the would-be's and has-been's for a smaller pot… But, we've got an open spot in the major bracket. One of the fighters called in sick last-minute, caught a virus. But I'm not just giving it out to just anyone, I need the competitor to be someone that can fill seats. Someone with a story that'll capture the hearts and minds of viewers! We need ticket sales and thrilling fights, got it?"

She locked eyes with you.

JAGUAR MAN: "You're Miss Dual-Wielder's manager, right? Give me a backstory that'll sell seats, and I'll consider giving you this open spot in the main bracket with the big-leaguers. As long as you can afford the 400 PPT entrance fee."

MUSASHI: "I don't totally get what's going on, but... just tell her something she likes so we can get to the fighting part?"

[jujumin-translates]

Event | 7th Anniversary: All Actors Aboard! | PR 1: An Important Notice from Veludo Town

Izumi: (Well then, now that I’m done with outside work for today, I’ll do some shopping for dinner and then head home.)

Sakuya: Director!

Tenma: Good work.

Izumi: Good work to you too. Huh, did you guys have a leaders’ meeting?

Tsumugi: We all happened to have the day off, so the four of us went out together.

Izumi: Fufu, how nice. Where did you guys go?

Banri: We’ve been hangin’ around Chiyomi Station.

Tenma: There are a lot of shops in that area due to the redevelopment.

Izumi: Oh yeah, I remember seeing something about that on TV recently.

Sakuya: There were so many big commercial places and stylish restaurants that we could’ve spent the whole day there!

Izumi: Wow… Ah, they just opened a new theater there too, didn’t they?

Tsumugi: They did. I would’ve loved to see a play if the timing was right, but unfortunately, nothing was running at the moment.

Izumi: I wonder what kind of theater it is. Maybe I’ll be able to go there soon too.

Banri: If that’s the case, then we can give ya our recommendations of the places we found today. We’ll send ‘em to ya on LIME.

Izumi: Thanks!

*Phone buzzes*

Izumi: Huh, it’s the manager. I wonder if he has some kind of shopping request or something.

*Beep*

Izumi: Hello. Ah, I just got to the station, but is there something you want me to buy?

Manager: “S-S-S-S-S-So-b-b-b-b-b-b-ba.”

Izumi: Soba? But we just had curry udon yesterday…

Manager: “C-Chi…!”

Izumi: …Jjigae?

Tenma: Oh, are we having Korean food tonight?

Manager: “Abababa!”

Izumi: Can you please calm down? C’mon, take a deep breath!

Manager: “Phew-- haah-- phew-- haah--.”

Izumi: Have you calmed down? Now, about your dinner reque--.

Manager: “Now’s not the time! Anyway, please get back as soon as you can!”

*Beep*

Izumi: He hung up. He seemed kind of panicked, I wonder what’s wrong.

Banri: It’s the manager, so it’s prolly nothin’ we need to worry about.

Izumi: Hmm, I mean, that’s possible, but… he said to hurry home as soon as possible, so we should probably get going.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

*Door opens*

Izumi: We’re home.

Manager: Director! What took you so long!?

Izumi: What’s got you so panicked?

Manager: T-This…!

Izumi: A neighborhood notice? Umm… contact us to schedule a neighborhood-wide clean-up…

Tsumugi: Ah, when is it? Maybe I can help out this next ti--.

Manager: Not that! Futher down!

Izumi: Notice of the discovery of a lost cat…

Sakuya: Waah, I’m glad they found it!

Tenma: Maybe it’s a cat that Misumi knows. I’ll ask him about it, just in case.

Manager: I’m glad about that too, but that’s still not it! The thing after that!

Izumi: Umm…

Izumi: “Notice of the Redevelopment of the Veludo Station Area Project”...!?

Banri: For real? We were just talkin’ about the redevelopment of the Chiyomi Station, and now this.

Sakuya: That’s incredible timing…!

Tenma: I didn’t even realize there was talk of redeveloping the area around Veludo Station…

Tsumugi: Ah, it looks like there will be an information session being held soon.

Manager: Director, can you attend the session on the company’s behalf?

Izumi: Understood. I’ll go.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: (Phew, I heard them talk about it at the information session, and I kind of got an idea of it, but… I still feel like I don’t really know what it is exactly.)

Izumi: (In the meantime, I’ll have to head back home and share the information with everyone.)

???: Um… Excuse me, would you happen to be MANKAI Company’s Taichibana-san?

Izumi: I am… And you are--?

Okimoto: My apologies. I am Okimoto, board chairman of the Veludo Town Promotion Association.

Ekinaga: And I am Ekinaga, the person in charge of the railroad company. Thank you very much for participating in today’s information session.

Okimoto: We apologize for doing this right after the session, but do you have any time to spare at the moment?

Izumi: Yes, I do, but…

Okimoto: Actually, there is something we’d like to discuss with you--.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

Izumi: Looks like everyone’s here.

Sakyo: Yes, everyone is present.

Izumi: Well then, let’s begin.

Izumi: I’m sure you’ve all already heard the rumors, but the redevelopment project for the area surrounding Veludo Station has been decided on.

Izumi: I went to the information session on it today and I have some information to share with you guys.

Tsuzuru: Redevelopment, huh… so like what happened with Chiyomi Station?

Sakyo: Chiyomi Station, huh? I was just there recently and a lot sure had changed since I was a student.

Omi: Oh, that’s right, that’s around where you went to high school, isn’t it, Sakyo-san?

Azuma: Chiyomi High, correct?

Azami: That delinquent high school, huh…

Citron: Ooh! Did you have the tan-ran, bontan, regent delinquent style!? (1)

Sakyo: …Shut your damn mouths.

Izumi: Originally, they just planned to rebuild the building of Veludo Station and the surrounding deteriorating buildings, but…

Izumi: Veludo Way has recently become more lively, with more and more people visiting the area, and it seems that they have now proposed a community revitalization project.

Hisoka: …There have been leaks at the station recently.

Misumi: Seems like the station staff would have a hard time during a typhoon~.

Yuki: Plus the ticket gates are old. There’s always something wrong with at least one of them.

Itaru: That reminds me, I used the stations for the first time in a while yesterday, and one of the trains was broken down and undergoing maintenance. That’s def not good cost performance.

Tasuku: And compared to a few years ago, there are a lot more people here, even on weekdays.

Homare: I see, no wonder there is talk of redevelopment.

Izumi: So far, the major changes would just be around Veludo Station and the plaza in front of the station.

Izumi: It looks like the roads will be cleaned up and various shops will be attracted along the tracks.

Izumi: The theaters of Veludo Way are historic, so they said they basically wouldn’t touch them.

Chikage: Wow, I appreciate their understanding and consideration of the essence of Veludo Town.

Muku: I’ll admit, I’m a little relieved. It’s not like everywhere is going to change.

Izumi: And today at the information session, there were no objections to anything said and it seems that the necessary explanations and approvals have already been given to the necessary parties.

Izumi: It looks like they’re going to move forward with it, but it will be a few more years before construction and such begins, and it will be done over the course of several years.

Kumon: I wonder what it’ll be like~. I can’t wait!

Taichi: I hope they build a massive movie theater or something!

Izumi: And… I actually have one more important thing to report. These are the documents, but…

Guy: “About the Redevelopment Project Commemoration Event”…?

Izumi: With the announcement of the project, they are going to have a commemorative event around the station to promote the future while enjoying the current Veludo Town.

Izumi: And-- MANKAI Company will be the ambassadors and navigators for that event.

Sakuya: HUH!?

*Flashback*

Izumi: You want us…?

Izumi: I’m honored, but… there are many other well-known theater companies, so why us?

Okimoto: Well, you are one of the most well-established ones on Veludo Way…

Okimoto: And the real reason is because of your contributions to the community, such as being on the cover of “VELUDO” and helping out the local community.

Izumi: (Well, it seems like the steady activities that we took for granted have paid off…)

Izumi: …Thank you so much! Please let us do it!

*Flashback end*

Izumi: …I accepted the job on my own. Sorry.

Kazunari: What are you saying, Director-chan!? That’s like totes incredible!

Juza: Yea, ‘course we’re gonna accept.

Masumi: It’s okay, I’ll do anything for you.

Sakuya: This means we get to give back to Veludo Town! I’ll do my best too!

[ Next Part ⇢ ]

• • •

T/N:

(1) This is a very dated sort of Japanese delinquent style. Tan-ran and bontan are variations of the top and pants of the traditional gakuran uniform respectively, and regent is a type of hairstyle that’s basically what I guess would be considered a pompadour hairstyle in English.

[canaryshall]

RHYTHM • TOURISM

"You can go wherever your next whim wants to take you to most, and I’ll follow."

Characters: Izumi Sena, Leo Tsukinaga, Shu Itsuki

Season: Winter

Location: Airport

Izumi: Finally got it… Those suitcases were just not moving, I was almost sure these found their way to lost luggage.

We wasted so much time with that too, what a pain.

Leo: Wahaha! Why didn’t you take a page outta my book and bring a carry-on then~?

Izumi: No~ way. I mean, sightseeing in Paris? You don’t know what you’ll buy.

If anything, your luggage’s way too small. Are you sure that’s good enough?

Leo: Even if I forgot something, all you really need is a phone and a passport! Plus, if I get into any trouble, I just know Sena and Shu will come straight to the rescue…☆

Oh yeah, I should give him a call now that we’re here.

Beep boop beep boop beep…☆ Heyo, Shu? It’s me, it’s Leo!

…Yep. We just got here! What about you?

Mm. You’re running late 'cause you’re still in class, and want us to wait at the airport café?

H~mm... That’s real boring, so how about we go into town and do some real sightseeing instead? We know where you’re staying, and we’ve gone sightseeing a lil’ bit before. Besides—

Sena was all excited looking at all these touristy spots~. Doesn’t that just really make you wanna take him to all of ‘em right away?

Izumi: Haa? Just what do you think you’re saying?

Leo: Fufun~. You were all smiley while staring at your phone the whole way here, y’know? I saw you~♪

Izumi: I was not all “smiley”. Soo~ annoying!

Leo: What’s that, Shu? Want me to hang up before we get into a lovers quarrel? Whoops, my bad!

I gotcha, I’ll make sure we don’t go too far. See ya!

Two hours later

Izumi: …I don’t remember seeing this here? Doesn’t look like it’s on the info site, either.

Did I pass by it last time? It’s right up my alley, I definitely would’ve noticed if I did.

Hey, Leo-kun, this place—

…aaand he’s not here. Where did that guy go? He~y, Leo-ku~n?

? This sound…

Leo: ♪~♪~♪

Izumi: …Found him. Playing the piano and singing to his heart’s content over at that storefront…

Leo-ku~n. Quit playing that piano, it’s time to go!

Leo: Uuu~, don’t you try to yank me away from the piano! I wanna keep jamming! GRRRR!!

Look around! Everyone’s loving my performance! C’mon, Sena, you have fun too!

Izumi: You know, I really didn’t come to Paris for this kind of entertainment.

…Ah. I’m getting a call from Itsuki. Hello?

Yeah, know that place downtown… the one with the street piano? That’s where we’re stuck.

…Right, because of Leo-kun. How’d you know?

The same thing happened to you when you went out and about with him? That guy’s just a walking disaster, huh…

Yeah, I’ll wait. I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to, anyway—Ah, wait a minute. Why’d you call my phone?

Because Leo-kun just completely forgets about his when he’s absorbed in something, huh. You sure know him well…♪

Alright then, see you later… Wah, the crowd got even bigger while I wasn’t looking.

Well, since someone’s playing the piano this hard, it’s really no surprise. Besides—

That guy’s singing isn’t bad at all…♪

After a little while

Leo: ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

(There’s people who don’t even know Knights’ name stopping by! They’re looking at me all full of interest! And they’re clapping! Wahaha, this is great!)

Izumi: …...♪

Leo: (Even the completely dumbfounded Sena is tapping his fingers along to the rhythm…♪)

Sena, come here! Sing with me!

Izumi: Haa? Why me…?

Leo: C’mon! The people around us are all waiting for it, too!

Izumi: That’s just 'cause you’re drawing attention to us on purpose, isn’t it? Geez… Alright, I get it. But only one song, understood?

Leo: Yep, just the one! Everybody, clap your hands ☆

♪~♪~♪

Izumi: ……~♪

A few minutes later. Once they’re done playing the Street Piano

Leo: Thank you, thank you~! Thanks for all your applause! We’re Japanese idols, so thank you for supporting us~!

Izumi: You do realize they’re not gonna get a word you’re saying if you say it in Japanese, right?

…Ah, Itsuki.

Shu: A Knights show in Paris, is it? Not bad at all.

Leo: Shu!? How’d you know we were here!

Didja sniff us out by our scent? Just like a doggie, wahaha! ☆

Shu: Comparing me to a dog is plain crass. It was Sena who told me.

If that’s all, I will be showing you to your lodgings. …Do you have any arrangements from hereon?

Well, you did say you would be going wherever Sena desired to go.

Izumi: Right, then. Wherever Leo-kun wants is fine by me.

Leo: Huh, wherever I wanna? Why?

Izumi: You’re always doing whatever you please instead of sticking to a plan, y’know? I’d rather not stress you out with something like that.

Strolling around Paris is fun enough on its own, and it’s not like we’re only here to visit tourist spots all in a hurry.

You can go wherever your next whim wants to take you to most, and I’ll follow.

Leo: Wherever I wanna go most, huh~ I didn’t really think about anything besides meeting up with Shu, so… U~mm…

Oh, I know! What’s Shu’s suggestion here? I’ll go wherever he recommends!

Shu: Good grief. I suppose those who come to Paris to spread their wings will always look for recommendations. However, I am not a tour guide.

Hmph… Well, given we’re on the topic, the biggest book fair in France is being held in Paris right now.

It is said to be an enormous event, attracting tens of thousands of professionals from all around the world. Does that raise your interest?

Leo: Where’s it being held? Is it over there? Or over this way?

Shu: Non! Control yourself for a moment, Tsukinaga, I still need to put my luggage down!

writer: yuumasu (ゆーます) jp proofing: amberhoneybee eng proofing: ixcarus_

[fanimesenseiwrites]

Long time no write. Not sure what compelled me to finish one of the 50 million wips in my notes, but I did. So here ya go!

Mammon was in his room counting some freshly acquired Grimm when Asmodeus burst in.

"Mammon!" Asmo screeched as he entered the room.

Mammon jumped, startled by his intrusion. "Asmo, what the hell do ya think you're doin'?!"

"What are you doing, Mammon? Counting some money?" Asmo asked, his tone sarcastic and scathing.

Mammon looked at him suspiciously. "Uh, yeah...?"

"And where did you get this money, Mammon?" Asmo asked as he walked closer towards his brother, his threatening demeanor on par with Lucifer's.

Mammon took steps back as Asmo took steps toward him. "Uh... w-why...?"

"Did you perhaps get it from selling the diamond earrings that I left on on my vanity?" Asmo's tone was suddenly very severe.

Mammon swallowed thickly, terrified that he had now been found out.

"Well... uh... yeah..." Mammon stammered.

Asmo suddenly grabbed his collar and pulled him close. "You idiot! Hoshiko gave those to me!"

Mammon stared at him briefly. "... Are ya tellin' me that those earrings are from the human world? I could've gotten twice as much for 'em..." He mused.

Mammon winced when Asmo suddenly smacked him upside the head.

"Are you even listening?! Hoshiko gave those to me to borrow."

"Oh..." Mammon finally realized how badly he had fucked up.

"Those earrings were an heirloom from their great aunt," Asmo further informed him.

"Oh......" He had fucked up even worse than he originally thought.

"Yeah, 'Oh'," Asmo mocked him. "Now you're going to go get them back." Asmo shoved him back then examined his nails to make sure he hadn't ruined them.

Mammon stumbled back a bit before catching his footing, then straightening out his jacket. "Yeah, yeah. Let's go." Mammon walked towards the door.

"Us? Why should I go with you?" Asmo asked as he perched his hands on his hips.

"Because..." Mammon looked back at Asmo. "You haven't told 'em yet; and ya don't want 'em to find out that they're gone. So ya definitely don't wanna be around when Hoshiko starts asking for 'em back."

Asmo bit his lip nervously. "... Okay let's go."

Mammon sighed coolly, glad that Asmo hadn't called his bluff.

They headed out together and Mammon led the way to the pawn shop that he had sold the earrings to.

Asmo grimaced. "A pawn shop? Really?"

Mammon looked at him. "Oh shaddup. Let's just get this over with."

Asmo huffed but followed Mammon into the shop without another word.

"Hey, hey, hey! Basal! My man!" Mammon exclaimed excitedly as he walked up to the counter.

The demon behind the counter looked up at his name being called. "Mammon, back again so soon?" He asked with a knowing grin.

"Yeah... so here's the deal," Mammon spoke as he leaned on the counter. "Those earrings I sold to you earlier? I, uh... I actually need them back."

Basal glanced at Asmo briefly. "Do you now?"

"Yeah, I do. So if we could just make a little trade, that'd be great," Mammon was trying not to sound too desperate.

Basal shook his head. "Sorry, no can do."

"What?! Why not?" Asmo exclaimed.

Basal looked at Asmo. "Because I've already sold them."

"How?! It hasn't been that long since I sold them to you," Mammon pointed out.

Basal looked back at Mammon. "One of my regulars came in right after you left. As soon as he saw the earrings he just had to have them. He didn't tell me that he knew they were from the human realm until after I had the cash in hand, sneaky bastard."

Mammon snorted. "Right, so who'd ya sell it to?"

"Nuh-uh, I'm not telling you that. They're still a loyal customer and I'm not gonna let you go and harass them," Basal insisted.

"Basal, man, I don't think you understand. I need those earrings back or my human will kill us," Mammon had stopped caring about not sounding desperate.

Basal couldn't help but grin. "Oh yeah? Did those earrings belong to your master?" He teased.

"Hoshiko ain't my master!" Mammon was quick to argue.

Asmo rolled his eyes and walked over to the counter and pushed Mammon out of the way. "Basal, sweetie," Asmo spoke sweetly as he leaned closer to the demon.

Basal raised an eyebrow. "I'm not telling you who I sold it to either."

"Why don't you look into my eyes and tell me that again?" Asmo purred as his eyes started to glow a bright pink.

Basal couldn't help but to be enchanted by Asmo. A stupid grin grew into his face. "Tell you what, beautiful?" He asked as he leaned forward a little bit.

Asmo grinned. "Tell us who you sold the earrings to."

"Oh those? I sold them to Azazel. What else do you need, gorgeous?" Basal asked, with a lovestruck look in his eyes.

"Nothing more, thank you," Asmo told him as his eyes quit glowing and he released Basal from his charm.

Mammon grinned wide. "Nice goin' Asmo!"

Basal groaned and rubbed his eyes. "What the...?"

"Yeah, yeah. Let's just go!" Asmo exclaimed as he ran out.

Mammon quickly followed him.

"So... now we just gotta find Azazel," Asmo declared.

"Don't worry, I know where he lives," Mammon told him as he took the lead.

"How do you know that?" Asmo asked as he followed him.

"I've picked Hoshiko up from his place before," Mammon answered, sounding annoyed.

"Wait, Hoshiko is friends with Azazel?" Asmo asked, suddenly worried.

"They're chemistry buddies," Mammon told him in a mocking tone.

"Mammon, that's bad."

"I know! How dare Azazel try ta swoop in and-"

"Mammon!" Asmo interrupted. "What if Azazel knows that those earrings are Hoshiko's? What if he-" He stopped when Mammon's DDD started to ring.

Mammon stopped walking and pulled his DDD out of his pocket. He paled when he saw who was calling, then slowly answered the call.

"H-hey Hoshiko, what's up?"

Asmo's eyes widened in fear when he heard Mammon say Hoshiko's name.

"Oh me? I'm out... with Asmo. We're uh... shopping!"

Asmo stepped closer to Mammon and leaned his head towards the phone to try and hear Hoshiko as well.

"You wanna go on a date? Tonight? Oh well, I'm a lil short on cash... Oh? Your treat? Well... shit, how could I refuse?"

Asmo smacked his chest.

Mammon winced and rubbed his chest but managed not to make a sound.

"What was that?" Mammon asked into the receiver. "Earrings? What earrings?"

Asmo gave Mammon a severe look.

"Ones you let Asmo borrow? Oh... lemme ask... oh look! He's wearing them now. He'll give them back to you when we get back."

Asmo sighed and ran a hand through his hair, relieved that Mammon had come up with a believable enough lie.

"Yeah, yeah... love you too, see ya later." Mammon hung up his DDD and breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright, I bought us a little bit of time."

"Yeah, but we gotta hurry!" Asmo goaded.

Mammon nodded and led the way to Azazel's house.

Mammon knocked on the door when they arrived.

A yellow-eyed demon answered the door with a devilish grin. "Mammon! Ready for me to kick your ass in poker again?"

Mammon just grinned, trying to appear friendly. "Hey Azazel, how'ya doin' man?"

Azazel raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "Why're ya being so cordial?"

"Alright man, Ima cut to the chase. A lil birdy told me you just bought some earrings from the pawn shop."

Azazel grimaced. "What? You got your crows following me around?"

"What? No, its just an expression," Mammon explained.

Asmo groaned. "Azazel, look. Those earrings you bought, actually belong to Hoshiko. So we really need them back."

"Really? Damn, I wish I'd kept them now. I could've been their hero, returning their stolen earrings back to them." Azazel grinned teasingly at Mammon.

Mammon growled and lunged at Azazel.

Asmo quickly grabbed his brother and kept him from attacking Azazel. "Wait... did you say 'you wish you had kept them'?"

Mammon immediately calmed down. "Do you not have the earrings anymore?"

"Yeah, it was the weirdest thing actually," Azazel started. "So I'm headed home, and I run into the demon prince."

"You ran into Lord Diavolo?" Asmo asked for clarification.

"Yeah! Weird right? I'm like 'what's he doing on this side of town?' But he starts talking me up and I figure he's trying to be the cool prince or whatever. So I tell him I just bought these awesome earrings and he's like 'cool! Can I see?' So I show him and he's instantly in love with them, he's gotta have them. I'm not so sure but then he says he'll pay me double what I paid for them! And who am I to deny a hundred percent profit? So I sell him the earrings."

Mammon groaned. "Fuuuucccckkk..."

Asmo sighed. "Well, thanks anyways." Asmo started to walk away.

"Yeah, no worries. Tell Hoshiko I said hey!"

Mammon growled and lunged for Azazel again.

Azazel quickly closed the door in Mammon's face.

Asmo groaned. "Mammon, let's just go. We gotta get to the palace."

Mammon huffed and walked over to his younger brother as he straightened his jacket.

They started walking to the Demon Lord's Palace together.

"... look on the bright side," Mammon tried to console Asmo.

Asmo scowled at him. "What exactly is the bright side here?"

"Diavolo's not strapped for cash so there's no reason he would sell the earrings off to anyone else. The trail should end with him."

Asmo sighed. "True."

Mammon stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked quietly until they reached the palace.

Asmo went to knock on the front door of the palace when they arrived, but Barbatos opened the door before they could.

"You know it's really creepy how you do that, right?" Mammon asked him.

Barbatos just smiled at them with a smile that seemed to know too much. "Can I help you with something?"

"Yes, is Lord Diavolo here?" Asmo asked him.

"He is. Do you wish to see him?"

"We do, please."

Barbatos nodded and stepped aside so that they could walk in. "Come in and I will go announce your presence to the young master."

The brothers walked in and waited in the foyer while Barbatos went to go talk to Diavolo.

"... ya think Diavolo will be mad at us?" Mammon asked quietly.

"It's definitely a possibility," Asmo replied tersely.

Mammon pursed his lips together and nodded.

They both looked at Barbatos when he entered the room again.

"The young master will see you now," Barbatos announced before leading them to Diavolo's study.

Mammon and Asmo followed Barbatos to the study.

Diavolo was in there, sitting at his desk, working on some paperwork. He looked up when Barbatos and the pair of brothers entered.

Diavolo smiled at them. "Mammon, Asmodeus, to what do I owe the pleasure?"

The brothers looked at each other, unsure of how to approach the topic.

"So... Azazel told us that you bought some earrings off of him..." Asmo started.

Diavolo raised an eyebrow. "Now why would he tell you that?"

"Because..." Asmo looked at Mammon.

Mammon sighed. "Lord Diavolo, look. Those earrings are actually Hoshiko's, so we need them so we can give them back to Hoshiko."

"If they belong to Hoshiko then how did Azazel end up with them?" Diavolo asked curiously.

"Because he bought them from the pawn shop..."

Diavolo raised an eyebrow.

"That... I sold them to," Mammon finally confessed.

"Ah, I see." Diavolo looked at Asmo. "But how do you fit into all this?"

Asmo blushed. "Hoshiko let me borrow the earrings, and I just didn't want them to know that I lost them..."

Diavolo nodded. "Interesting... Don't you think so?" Diavolo asked as he focused his gaze beyond the brothers.

Mammon and Asmo turned around to see what he was looking at.

Hoshiko was standing there in the doorway wearing a beautiful black party dress and the diamond earrings. "Yes, very interesting," Hoshiko's tone was cool enough to send shivers down the brothers' spines.

Hoshiko walked over to Diavolo's desk and sat down on it, making sure not to block Diavolo as they did.

"Alright, what do y'all have to say for yourselves?" Hoshiko asked as they crossed their arms and their legs.

Asmo looked at Mammon expectantly.

"Asmodeus, what do you have to say for yourself?" Hoshiko asked him directly.

Asmo looked back at Hoshiko. "I'm sorry I lost your earrings but it's really not my fault, if Mammon hadn't-"

"Wrong answer," Hoshiko interrupted.

Asmo scowled. "What? What do you mean?"

"Why didn't you tell me as soon as you noticed the earrings missing?"

"Oh, well... I was afraid that you'd be upset with me," Asmo averted their eyes.

"I definitely wouldn't have been happy, but I would've been way less mad than I am right now. If you had been forthcoming with me I could've fixed this sooner, but now you're got yourself all caught up in Mammon's shenanigans and so you're in the dog house too."

Asmo whined.

Hoshiko turned their sights on Mammon. "And you," their voice was dripping with venom.

Mammon swallowed thickly. "Y-yes?"

Hoshiko just stared at him for a moment, unsure of what to say.

Mammon became more and more scared the longer Hoshiko was quiet.

Hoshiko sighed. "I don't even know where to start with you. I'll have to talk to you later." They stood up and looked at Diavolo. "Do you have anything you want to say?"

Diavolo shook his head. "You're in charge on this one."

Hoshiko nodded and looked at Barbatos. "Do you have some chores or something they can help you with?"

Barbatos grinned. "There's always work to be done."

"Excellent." Hoshiko looked back at the two brothers. "You will help Barbatos with whatever he needs help with for the rest of the night. Diavolo and I are going out to dinner."

"What?!" Mammon exclaimed, equally upset about having to work for Barbatos as he was about Hoshiko going out with Diavolo.

"But, Barbatos is just as sadistic as Lucifer!" Asmo argued.

"I know," Hoshiko replied plainly.

Diavolo smiled slightly and stood up. "Ready to go, Hoshiko?"

Hoshiko looked at Diavolo and held a hand out to him. "Yes, let's go."

Diavolo took Hoshiko's hand and led them out.

Asmo and Mammon watched them leave.

"Are we ready to get started, gentlemen?" Barbatos asked.

Mammon looked at him with a grimace.

Asmo whined.

Lucifer was pacing in the foyer of the House of Lamentation, continuously checking his DDD, when Hoshiko and Diavolo walked in.

Lucifer looked at them. "Where have you-"

"Luci!" Hoshiko exclaimed as they threw their arms around Lucifer.

Lucifer wrapped his arms around Hoshiko and studied their face. "You're drunk."

"Drunk on your love," Hoshiko sang.

Lucifer suppressed a grin then looked at Diavolo, expecting a explanation.

"They talked about you the entire way here," Diavolo told Lucifer, careful not to sound disappointed. 

"I missed you!" Hoshiko told Lucifer.

Lucifer looked down at Hoshiko. "I missed you too, I was worried about you."

"I went out with Diavolo. We had dinner and then went drinking and dancing. Did you know that Diavolo has started importing alcohol from the human world down here to the Devildom?" Hoshiko spoke as they tried to dance with Lucifer.

Lucifer let Hoshiko swing his arms but didn't move his body. "Yes, I did." He looked at Diavolo, seeming a little annoyed.

Diavolo grinned sheepishly.

Lucifer looked back down at Hoshiko. "You should go get ready for bed. I want to talk to Diavolo alone."

Hoshiko pouted. "Will ya come snuggle with me afterwards?"

Lucifer smiled slightly. "Yes. Now go get cleaned up."

"Okay!" Hoshiko stood up on their toes and kissed Lucifer's cheek before sauntering off to their room.

Lucifer watched Hoshiko leave before looking back at Diavolo. "Alright, what happened?"

"I had to help Hoshiko retrieve their heirloom earrings because your brother sold them for some quick cash," Diavolo informed him as he crossed his arms.

Lucifer furrowed his brow. "Mammon stole something of Hoshiko's? He usually leaves their stuff alone."

"Well apparently the earrings were in Asmo's room when he stole them. Hoshiko had let Asmo borrow them, but then Asmo didn't tell them when he noticed the earrings missing. So he's in trouble with Hoshiko too."

Lucifer sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Where are Mammon and Asmo now?"

"At the palace doing chores under the supervision of Barbatos. Hoshiko had intended on taking Mammon out on a date tonight but obviously they didn't want to do that after they found out that he had stolen their earrings, so they asked me instead."

Lucifer nodded. "And after the day they had they wanted to drink."

Diavolo nodded. "I kept an eye on them and made sure no one took advantage of them," Diavolo knew Lucifer needed to hear that to feel at ease.

"Thank you." Lucifer ran a hand through his hair and sighed. "I'm sorry you were caught up in my brothers' nonsense once again."

"Don't worry about it. All's well that ends well."

Lucifer snorted. "If you say so."

Diavolo chuckled. "Well I'll leave you be. Have a good night."

"Good night," Lucifer replied.

Lucifer closed the door behind Diavolo before going to check on Hoshiko.

Hoshiko's bedroom door was open and music was drifting out into the hallway from inside.

"Hoshiko?" Lucifer called as he entered the room.

Hoshiko's dress, bra, and heels were on the ground, obviously left exactly where they were taken off at.

Lucifer shook his head and picked up the garments and put them away; after he finished, he followed the music into the bathroom. "Hoshiko?"

Hoshiko was sitting on the edge of the tub, face in their hands, crying.

Lucifer frowned and walked over to them. "Hoshiko?" His voice was gentle.

Hoshiko quickly wiped their eyes. "Lucifer! I... I thought you'd talk to Diavolo for longer."

"And I thought you had a good time tonight."

"I did, Diavolo is fun to hang out with..." Hoshiko didn't look at Lucifer.

"So why are you crying?"

Hoshiko sniffled, but was otherwise quiet.

Lucifer leaned over and picked up Hoshiko. "Could it perhaps have something to do with the fact that Mammon stole and sold your heirloom earrings?"

Hoshiko sighed. "Yeah..."

Lucifer nodded. "I thought so." He walked over and set Hoshiko down on the counter then took off his gloves.

"You're too smart sometimes..." Hoshiko told him as they turned off the music that was playing on their phone.

Lucifer chuckled. "Too smart?" He picked up a pink bottle that was sitting on the counter. "This one for eye makeup, right?"

Hoshiko looked at the bottle. "Yeah."

Lucifer opened the bottle and poured some of its contents onto a cotton pad. "Do you want to talk about it?" Lucifer asked he grabbed Hoshiko's chin. "Close your eyes."

Hoshiko did as they were told. "What is there to say? Mammon took something that wasn't his, again."

Lucifer hummed as he gently wiped the cotton pad over Hoshiko's eyelids. "Yes, but this time it was something of yours, which I believe is a first for him."

"I mean, he's taken like pens and pencils from me to sell once he figured out I had a fan club at RAD."

"Hoshiko, you know what I mean," Lucifer chided.

Hoshiko sighed. "Yeah..."

Lucifer threw the cotton pad away. "Now we need to wash your face."

Hoshiko opened their eyes and looked at him. "I can do it, you don't have to help."

"I don't mind helping you, especially if it keeps you from being irritable in the morning because you forgot to take off all your makeup."

Hoshiko pouted. "I don't get irritable over that."

"I once heard you and Asmo get into it because you didn't remind each other to take off your makeup after a night out," Lucifer reminded them as he grabbed a wash cloth and wet it.

Hoshiko sighed.

Lucifer ran the wash cloth over Hoshiko's face, making sure their face was thoroughly dampened. "How upset are you with Asmo?"

Hoshiko closed their eyes again. "Not terribly, I'll get over it soon enough. I'm just upset that he wasn't up front with me."

Lucifer rinsed out the wash cloth and grabbed Hoshiko's facial cleanser. "And Mammon?"

Hoshiko groaned. "I don't know... I feel like I'm a hypocrite if I stay mad at him because of how much shit I give you guys for not being understanding of his sin..."

"But...?" Lucifer knew Hoshiko had cut themself off. Lucifer squeezed some facial cleanser onto the wash cloth and then started to gently scrub Hoshiko's face with it.

"Being on the receiving end of his deviance isn't fun. I feel really betrayed, even now... Lucifer, if I didn't get my earrings back, I was ready to break our pact."

Lucifer stopped what he was doing. "Hoshiko."

Hoshiko opened their eyes and looked at Lucifer. "I know, it's extreme and irreversible but that was how I felt. I thought I was special because he hadn't stolen from me before, and it turns out I wasn't... maybe I'm just stupid and naïve."

"You're not stupid," Lucifer assured them.

"... just naïve?" Hoshiko asked teasingly.

Lucifer hummed as he rinsed out the washcloth again.

"Hey!" Hoshiko smacked his arm playfully.

Lucifer chuckled. "I have no doubt that Mammon cares for you and would not have stolen those earrings had they been in your room and not Asmo's."

"That doesn't make it hurt any less," Hoshiko argued.

"I know," Lucifer replied as he used the washcloth to remove the suds from Hoshiko's face. "I just think you should keep that in mind when you talk to him again."

Hoshiko was quiet and didn't look at Lucifer.

"I also think that you should tell him how close he was to losing you," Lucifer continued.

Hoshiko grimaced. "You don't think that seems kinda mean?"

Lucifer shrugged as he rinsed out the washcloth for the last time. "Perhaps it will shock some sense into him."

"You think so?"

"Maybe, I've tried everything at this point; the only thing that makes him any better is you."

Hoshiko sighed and nodded.

"Moisturizer?" Lucifer asked as he pointed to a particular squeeze bottle.

"That is the moisturizer, but I need the toner first," Hoshiko told him as they pointed to the clear bottle next to it.

Lucifer grabbed the bottle they pointed at and picked it up questioningly.

"Yes, that one," Hoshiko verified. "You put it on a cotton pad too."

Lucifer nodded and did as they instructed. "But this goes all over your face?"

"Correct."

Lucifer wiped the cotton pad all over Hoshiko's face.

Hoshiko smiled at Lucifer. "You're so good to me."

Lucifer kissed Hoshiko's forehead. "I know."

Hoshiko chuckled. "Alright, now it's time for moisturizer and then we're done."

Lucifer nodded and handed Hoshiko the moisturizer. "I think you can handle this one."

"Oh yeah? Ya think so?" Hoshiko asked teasingly as they took the bottle from him and squeezed some moisturizer onto their fingers.

Lucifer pinched Hoshiko's thigh. "Behave," he warned.

"But whenever I look at you, I just wanna be bad," Hoshiko told him with a grin as they spread the moisturizer all over their face.

Lucifer smirked and leaned closer to Hoshiko, placing his hands on the counter on either side of them.

"Yes?" Hoshiko asked as they started to loosen Lucifer's tie.

Lucifer glanced down at their hands briefly. "You are a brat," he declared.

"What are you gonna do about it?" Hoshiko asked with a grin.

Lucifer hummed thoughtfully. "I will-"

Then there was a knock on the door to the bedroom. "Hoshiko? Are you in there?" Asmo whined.

Hoshiko groaned. "... can I just ignore him?"

"You could," Lucifer murmured as he dragged a finger up the center of Hoshiko's torso.

Hoshiko shivered.

"Hoshiko!" Asmo whined. "I can hear you in there!"

Hoshiko sighed. "But he's only going to get more annoying."

Lucifer snorted. "Yes, he almost definitely will." He stepped back from Hoshiko.

Hoshiko slid down off the counter and headed into the bedroom to answer the door.

"What do you want?" Hoshiko asked as they opened the door.

"I wanted to... apologize..." Asmo's eyes trailed down Hoshiko's body as he realized that they were practically naked.

"... You're doing a great job," Hoshiko told him sarcastically as they crossed their arms over their chest.

Asmo's eyes snapped back up to Hoshiko's face. "I can't help that you're just so sexy," he told them with a grin, trying to save himself.

Hoshiko rolled their eyes. "Okay, I'm not really in the mood to talk right now."

"No wait, wait, wait! I really do want to apologize! I feel really bad about everything that happened earlier. I don't want you to be mad at me," Asmo whined.

Hoshiko sighed. "Look, I am still mad and I don't think I'll stop bein' mad at least until tomorrow morning."

"Oh..." Asmo teared up. "Okay."

Hoshiko frowned. "Hey, I don't want you to worry though. I just need a little more time to feel my emotions and then we can talk and it'll all be okay, okay?"

Asmo smiled slightly. "Okay."

Hoshiko smiled back. "Good night, Asmodeus."

"Good night, Hoshiko," Asmo told them before leaving and going up to his room.

Hoshiko stepped back into their room and closed the door.

Hoshiko sighed and looked at Lucifer who was standing in the doorway to the bathroom.

"I suppose I'll leave you alone to 'feel your emotions' then," Lucifer teased.

Hoshiko walked over to him and rest their forehead against his chest.

Lucifer stroked their hair. "I think it's time for you to go to bed."

Hoshiko sighed. "Yeah."

"Come on." Lucifer guided Hoshiko over to their bed, then tucked Hoshiko in.

Hoshiko smiled up at him. "I love you."

Lucifer smirked. "I love you too, sleep well." He turned and left, making sure to turn off the light and close the door behind him.

Hoshiko's sleep that night was restless and intermittent.

When Hoshiko decided to get up the next morning, they had to practically drag themself out of bed; the thought of coffee in the kitchen being one of the few driving forces behind them actually getting up. 

They pulled on their robe and slipped on their sheep slippers, not caring for much more clothing than that.

When they opened their door to leave their room, they were met with a vased bouquet of Hellfire Roses and Sunflowers sitting right outside their door.

Hoshiko looked down at the flowers, then looked both ways down the hall to see if anyone was there before bending down to pick them up.

"These have got to be from Asmo or Mammon... but where did they get the sunflowers?" They asked themself quietly as they gently caressed the petals of one of the sunflowers.

They carried the bouquet with them as they walked into the kitchen, where they were greeted by the smell of breakfast being made.

Mammon was in there, currently making pancakes.

Hoshiko walked in as quietly as they could, hoping to not disturb him, but they were no match for Mammon's demon ears.

Mammon turned to look at Hoshiko almost as soon as they walked into the kitchen. "Hey! Ya found your flowers, good."

"Well, it was kinda impossible to not see them..." Hoshiko told him as they went and sat down at the island.

"Right..." he turned his attention back to the pancakes. "Well I'm making blueberry pancakes right now, but there's plenty a' breakfast already ready for ya if you're hungry."

Hoshiko looked at the spread that Mammon had already prepared, and was actually pretty impressed. They grabbed a piece of bacon and started eating it. "Oh... this isn't shadow hog. This is pork bacon, like from the mortal realm."

"Yeah, everythin' for breakfast is from the mortal realm," Mammon informed them.

Hoshiko looked closer at all the food and discovered he was right. "Oh..."

"I wasn't sure whaddya want ta eat this mornin' so I just grabbed everythin' you ever told me ya liked," Mammon's voice sounded a little shy at saying that.

Hoshiko looked at the food again and noticed that it was all only stuff that they liked. "I see biscuits... do you have gravy?"

"Yeah, it's here on the stove stayin' warm."

Hoshiko walked over to the stove and lifted the lid on the pot with the gravy in it to inspect it. "White gravy with sausage in it, good."

Mammon smirked and finished up the pancakes.

"So... how did you get all this stuff?" Hoshiko asked as they sat back down.

"I uh... did extra work for Barbatos."

"Oh okay."

Hoshiko jumped when the oven timer went off.

Mammon put on oven mitts before pulling a nearly whole salmon out of the oven.

"Wha... Is that salmon?" Hoshiko asked, thoroughly confused.

"Yeah," Mammon replied simply as he set the pan down. "There's also rice in the rice cooker and the scrambled eggs were s'posed to be omelets like you said ya dad made but they didn't quite work out." He chuckled nervously.

Realization ran through Hoshiko like a bolt of lightning, and they teared up from it. "Wait... you... you..." They couldn't hold it in anymore and just started crying.

Mammon started to panic. "Hey, wait, why're  ya cryin'?" He walked over to Hoshiko. "Did I mess breakfast up?"

Hoshiko shook their head. "You did really good... but I..." They wiped their eyes even though they continued to cry. "I don't even remember when I told you about my dad making breakfast, but you did."

Mammon grinned and blushed. "Well... yeah."

Hoshiko sniffed. "... you really love me."

Mammon's blush spread to his ears. "What? No, I... The Great Mammon-" He looked away,  seemingly unable to decide on how he wanted to address the accusation.

Hoshiko just watched him quietly, their crying finally ceased. 

Mammon glanced at Hoshiko. "I do. I do love you."

"Then why did you take my earrings?" Hoshiko asked, almost too calmly.

"I didn't know they were yours, I swear!"

"That doesn't make it okay! You shouldn't be taking anyone's things!" They yelled as they jumped up from the stool they sat on.

Mammon took a couple steps back, suddenly afraid of Hoshiko.

"Your actions make it hard to believe your words because they so often contradict each other. How can you say you love me and your brothers and continue to cause us so much grief?!"

"But, you-" Mammon started to protest.

"Don't talk," they commanded, calling on their pact to make him be quiet.

Mammon's lips pressed against one another against his will.

"I go up to bat for you so much, I have done everything to try and help you... and I get repayed like this..." Hoshiko covered their face with their hands when they felt tears well up in their eyes again.

Mammon stepped close to Hoshiko and gently grabbed their shoulders.

Hoshiko sniffed. "Why...?" They moved their hands and looked up at Mammon, tears streaming down their face. "Why would you betray me like this?! I feel so hurt and sad and angry and... and... I wanted to hurt you, I wanted to break our pact." They looked down at the ground.

Mammon's eyebrows shot up and he squeezed Hoshiko's shoulders.

Hoshiko wiped the tears from their face. "I don't anymore, but I was really upset. I felt like I couldn't trust you so what was the point in having a pact with you?"

Mammon whined through pursed lips.

Hoshiko looked back up at Mammon. "Oh shit, I'm sorry. You can talk," they released their hold on him.

"I'm so sorry!" Mammon exclaimed as soon as he could move his mouth again. "I didn't mean to hurt ya, please don't break our pact!"

Hoshiko reached up and held his face in their hands. "I'm not going to break our pact. But you can't do this anymore."

Mammon pulled Hoshiko into a tight and desperate embrace. "I won't, I swear."

Hoshiko laid their head on his chest. "I don't just mean for me, you can't be stealing your brothers' things either."

Mammon laid his head on top of Hoshiko’s. "I gotcha, no more stealin'."

"Pft, how long do you think that'll last?" A voice quietly asked from just outside the kitchen.

Hoshiko narrowed their eyes and looked towards the door.

Mammon looked with them.

Hoshiko pulled away from Mammon and walked out into the hall, with Mammon following close behind.

Asmodeus, Satan, Beelzebub, and Lucifer were all in the hallway eavesdropping on the conversation.

"What in the seven hells do you all think you're doing?" Hoshiko was livid.

"Oh! Hoshiko! Uh..." Asmo looked to Satan for help.

"We were just waiting for you to finish your conversation before going in to get breakfast," Satan supplied. His tone was cool, but wavering, revealing his nervousness.

"Uh huh," Hoshiko didn't quite believe him. "Well your commentary isn't necessary." They looked at Beel. "You can go ahead and eat."

"Yes!" Beel cheered quietly before going ahead into the kitchen.

Hoshiko looked at the rest of them. "And you can all serve breakfast to me and Mammon."

Lucifer, Satan, and Asmo all grimaced.

"You can't be serious," Lucifer stated.

Hoshiko looked up at him, eyes glowing blue. "I most certainly am."

Lucifer rolled his eyes. "And what would you like to eat, Master?" His tone was venomous.

Hoshiko still grinned wide at being called 'Master' though.

Asmo looked Hoshiko up and down before going into the kitchen with a soft giggle.

"I want the scrambled eggs, rice, and salmon please," Hoshiko told Lucifer.

Lucifer looked at Mammon expectantly.

"Oh! Uh, I'll just have tha same as Hoshiko."

Lucifer nodded and went into the kitchen.

Hoshiko held out their hand to Mammon.

Mammon took it without hesitation.

Hoshiko led him to the dining room, where they took a seat at the right-hand of the head of the table.

Mammon sat down next to them.

Satan, Asmo, and Lucifer all attended to Hoshiko and Mammon, bringing them food, drink, and silverware before getting their own breakfast.

Hoshiko thanked each of them as they sat down to eat.

"I'll get you back for this later," Lucifer replied, though his tone was much more good natured than earlier.

Hoshiko chuckled. "I'm sure you will, you big softie."

Lucifer rolled his eyes before beginning to eat.

Levi and Belphie made their way down to eat after a little while.

Hoshiko looked around at their family eating and conversing, and smiled.

Mammon grabbed their hand gently.

Hoshiko laced their fingers together and leaned on his shoulder.

Mammon grinned and laid his head on top of theirs.

Hoshiko hummed happily.

[totally-not-deacon]

WIP Wednesday - Time for something a little different!

Tagged by @dalishthunder! Gonna tag... @singleteapot, @throughtrialbyfire, and @electricshoebox, if ya wanna.

I finally have something this week! It's... not fic, though, but a little story I'm working on for future Follower-Marasa to (drunkenly) tell the player, should they ask for one. It's still a little rough, and formatting looks a little odd rn, as I was making sure the line lengths would fit in the CK properly.

Under the cut for length!

Player: Can you tell me a story? [INN ONLY]

Oh, you want a bedtime story now? Fine, how about this? [NIGHT]

Huh, not many people want me to talk more. Well, alright then, how about this? [DAY]

You ever been to Cyrodiil in autumn? Stomped around the Great Forest to see the pretty leaves? Don’t. It’s cold, it’s wet, and it’s miserable.

So, imagine you’re me – you’ve been marching since the Dawn Era, it’s pouring rain, and you were dumb enough to drop your day’s rations in the mud.

As you can imagine, I was having the time of my life.

So we’re marching. And marching. And – you guessed it, marching. All damn day, and we don’t even find any Imperials to kill!

Then all of a sudden, like being blessed by the gods, the clouds part and our superiors finally tell us to start setting up camp.

I could’ve kissed them, I swear. Well, if I could’ve reached, that is. And if I didn’t value my life.

You think the Justiciars here in Skyrim got sticks up their asses? You haven’t seen nothing.

Anyway, we all go about setting up tents and whatnot.

Takes forever, the whole ground feels like it’s nothing but rocks with a thin layer of leaves on top. I’m telling you, place was miserable.

We knew none of us were gonna sleep comfortably, not that any of us cared at that point.

Really, you could’ve strung us up by the toes if it meant we’d get a break from officers barking out orders.

Player: Can we come back to this later? [EXIT]

Wow, alright. I’m sure we can come up with a time that’s more convenient for you.

Player: Are you going to get to the story part soon?

Okay, rude. As I was saying, before being interrupted, these weren’t just rocks under the soil. They were bricks.

We were setting up camp on top of some old town, or something. Wasn’t on our maps, so it must’ve been gone a while.

Lots of places got wiped out by the Oblivion Crisis, so it was probably just one of those, right?

Still didn’t stop a few of us trying to scare the new recruits making up ghost stories about the place, haha.

One of em swore up and down, he knew the name of the place. I can’t remember what he said, though.

Something about dirt, I think? I have no idea. Guy probably took one too many blows from a warhammer to the skull.

As luck would have it, I found what seemed like the one flat spot in the entire clearing. The second my canvas was up, I was out.

Surely I’d sleep straight through the night, right?

Wrong.

Player: Was it the Imperials?

Was it the – who is telling the story? Huh?

Yeah, that’s what I thought. Hmph.

So I wake up all of a sudden, cold sweat and all. It’s still dark out, almost dead silent, but I knew something was up.

It felt like there were eyes on me, from – from every direction. I’m thinking we’re about to be ambushed, but I can’t even reach for my sword.

In fact, I can’t move at all. It was like I’d been paralyzed, but this was no spell. At least, I don’t think it was.

So I’m stuck there, waiting for what must be the Imperials about to storm from the treeline at any moment.

But that’s when I hear it…

Whispering.

At first, I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. It felt close, really close, but I still couldn’t make out the words.

It didn’t sound like it was coming from outside the tent, or even gods forbid, in the tent, but… beneath it.

Player: Now I know you’re making this up. [1]

Look, I know how it sounds, but for once I’m not messing with you!

Player: How much did you have to drink that night? [2]

Dead sober, sadly. We were all still pretending to have some level of decorum within earshot of the officers.

Player: Then what happened? [3]

Finally, someone actually listening for once!

… [cont.]

As you could guess, I didn’t do much sleeping that night. I was already packed by the time the sun started to rise.

Couple of the others were up as well. I think we could all tell, none of us had to say it.

Weird thing was, we were all spread out through the camp, but somehow we all heard the same thing.

Once we were about to move out again, I look back to where my tent was to make sure I got everything.

That’s when I see one of the new recruits walking my way. And then… I didn’t.

Guy was gone. Apparently fell through some rotten boards and down an old well. Right where my tent had been all night.

Someone threw a torch down, trying to see how far down he was, but…

It never seemed to reach the bottom.

[deke-rivers-1957]

Yeses do a fic of it! That's what I meant.

To this day I'll never know why those tornado sirens didn't go off. If it did maybe all the trauma we all endured would've been prevented. Even though no one died as far as I knew, it was still a traumatic event for all. I remember it like it was yesterday.

I have no idea why my class had to go all the way up to the top floor of a Chicago skyscraper in a room that had nothing but glass pane windows. It's almost like our professor wanted us to be in danger.

Somehow I'm the only one actually facing the window while everyone else was facing the door. That means I'm the only one actually paying attention to what's going on outside. Sure I'm facing the professor as well but I'm not listening to him.

I'm more worried about the sky that keeps getting even darker over time. It's so ominous that I feel like I'm in a nightmare where I'm the only one who can sense the impending danger quickly approaching us.

I end up being proven correct when lightning flashes and I see a man's body being tossed around in the air and a large funnel cloud rapidly forming. I stand up out of my seat so fast, my chair falls over.

"Jacklin what on earth are you doing?"

I point at the window.

"There's a funnel cloud heading right towards the building! We need to get out of the room now!"

I immediately start running out the door to find shelter from the incoming tornado. Then I go back to the room.

"Get to the bathrooms. It's the only place big enough!"

I see my professor lead the class out of the room. That's when I turn and see Jodie staring right out the window.

"Jodie get away from the window!"

He doesn't move and I remember something very important. Jodie has never heard of a tornado. He never learned how to stay safe when there's a tornado warning or what a tornado siren would sound like. Speaking of that, why haven't they gone off?

"Jodie! Move now! The glass is going to cut you to shreds!"

He looks like he's frozen in fear. In the blink of an eye, I manage to get him out of the room and into the hallway just as the tornado hits the building. A bunch of debris falls on top of us and I manage to shield Jodie from it just in time. I don't remember anything after that.

Time Skip

I wake up in the hospital with a cervical collar and oxygen tubes in my nose. I'm not sure what happened to my throat but I can't really talk. I see Jodie and Toby by my bed. It's incredible to see how Jodie is a complete wreck while Toby looks unbothered as usual.

"Oh mah god yer alive!"

Toby turns to Jodie.

"Course she'd be alive Jodie. Ya heard what all 'em doctors said."

"Yeah Ah know but..."

He buries his face in his free hand. I see that his right arm's in a sling. Something very bad must have went down.

"You 'member shieldin Jodie from debris fallin don't ya?"

Ah give Toby a thumbs up.

"Well all 'em first responders found ya an they said all that debris fell right on yer back. Broke a buncha bones in yer spine. Includin the ones in yer neck."

That would definitely explain the cervical collar.

"Jodie got a broken arm cause some debris landed on it but outside a that ya saved him."

Jodie looks up and I can see the tears streaming down his face.

"Don't ya ever do that fer me again! Ah don't want ya ta ever get yerself killed cause a me!"

He gets up and leaves the room. I can't really move my neck but I can hear Toby sigh and sit down in the chair.

"Don't worry bout Jodie. He ain't been doin good bout the whole thing. Feels like it's his fault ya got hurt. Don't seem ta realize that if ya didn't say there was gonna be a tornado headin our way, we all woulda died. Cause that room ended up bein a complete mess wit all the windows bein blown out."

He pats the bed and gets up.

"Better go an make sure he don't hurt himself. Gonna take a long time ta get over this."

I don't know if Toby was actually disturbed by what happened or not. But I did notice that his hands were shaking slightly. Either way he's right. It's going to take a long time to recover. Might as well start now.

An: Thanks for requesting this anon! I had an original draft that got erased because of temporary computer issues so that slowed things down. I had to completely start over.

Tagging: @smokeymountainboy, and @vintagepresley.

[itsparis-07]

welp here's the script i was hyping up, sooo i want you guys to treat this like first fic and I don't minds some tips and other comments and such...but anyways enjoy!

Brooklyn’s Kidz 

By: itsparis!!

INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

MONIQUE, a short,brown skinned,and fairly chubby girl with short black and red dreads sits on her bed, waiting for something to happen. She looks at her phone.

As MILES, a tall,brown skinned, with twin braids, was drawing a portrait of his crush at his desk, he stops and dials her number.

Monique picked up her phone and pressed the answer button.

MONIQUE 

Hey Miles, I was hoping you’d call me earlier than this.

Miles

I know, it’s just that unc had me out there on patrol and well you know how that goes.

MONIQUE 

Right, so did you hear about the trip to Florida. It's for juniors this time.

MILES

Mhm… I’m going, don’t worry ma.

Monique smiles while playing with her dreads and kicks her feet back and forth. Miles adjusted himself on his bed against a pillow and sighs.

MILES

I'm guessing you’ve found someone to sit with?

MONIQUE

Nah, I wanna sit with you, that's why I didn’t ask anyone today.

MILES

Don’t play with me.

MONIQUE

I’m not,think about it Miles we’ll be in the middle and not in the back like last year.

MILES

Wait, why aren’t we sitting in the back again?

MONIQUE

Dude, what do you think happens in the back seats on a field trip with no teachers until we get to the hotel on a bus filled with juniors?

MILES

Oh. . . right, those kids go back there right?

Monique laughs, covering her face with her free hand and turns over to the left side of her bed and sighs to catch her breath.

MONIQUE

Bruh, sometimes I wonder how you got into visions with a brain like yours.

MILES

Maybe, it’s because I didn’t get in because of some program unlike some girl I know.

MONIQUE

Okay, and who helped you out in Spanish when your mom found out you almost got a C?

MILES

Aight, you got that one I’mma let it slide.

MONIQUE

(She sighs in pure bliss)

I love using that against you, speaking of your mom, how is she and your uncle?

MILES

They're okay, Ya know maybe we should bring some snacks and stuff for the bus ride.

MONIQUE

You mean like right now or tomorrow, because I was gonna go to theo’s after I called you.

MILES

Right now is fine, we can just walk there and you and I can just hang out in my room if you want.

MONIQUE

Yeah, I'm down.

She presses the red button to hand up, and puts her phone into her left pocket while getting off of her bed. She tied her high tops and walked out her room door. Miles does the same and walks out of his room letting his mom know where he’ll be until dinner.

FADE OUT :

INT.  SIDEWALK - EVENING

Monique stands outside of the store waiting for Miles, tapping her foot impatiently. She tucks her braids behind her ears. Miles crosses the street walking towards her. Monique looks up joyfully.

MONIQUE

Way to keep me waiting, And don’t use that “time is relevant” line because I will smack you.

MILES

Hey,You know that lines work, you laugh at it everytime.

MONIQUE

God, how are you from brooklyn and you're this corny?

MILES

 Just shut up and go in!

They walked in the store and looked at each other then looked around for snacks. They stopped at the drinks and both grabbed root beers.

MILES

So what else should we get, I mean food stamps can only get so much you know.

MONIQUE

Yeah I know, but some candy should do it or maybe some chips?

MILES

Hot cheetos!

MONIQUE

(She shivers)

EW, those things are practically made out of wax!

MILES

Huh?

MONIQUE

Remember in third grade, when you melted one on the playground and it actually happened?

MILES

Oh yeah, I forgot about that well whatever I’m still gonna eat em’.

MONIQUE

You're so disgusting.

Monique picks up a bag of sea salt chips, two cans of pringles, and a ginger ale, as Miles gets a bag of hot cheetos, some skittles,and some orange soda, as they both walk to the checkout counter Miles followed right behind her and paid for their stuff, they walked onto the sidewalk and continued walking forward down the sidewalk.

MILES

So, your place or mine?

MONIQUE

Yours,Anyways don’t you think it’s weird how we’re getting this high class trip to Miami, I mean like where did BVA get the money from to do these trips?

MILES

I mean it is a boarding school, so maybe like public funding or government funding?

MONIQUE

Yeah,sure. . .

MILES

So, who do you think is gonna be your roommate?

MONIQUE

I was hoping for you, but it’s obvious that we’re all going separated by gender and I don’t blame them.

MILES

What, You think some kids have the balls to sneak into each others rooms just to fu-

      (Monique covers his mouth mid sentence and lets go.)

MONIQUE

Stop and think for a minute, what happens when two idiot teenagers are alone with each other in the same room at night?

MILES

Okay but we’re young, it’s bound to happen plus with no teachers on the bus… yeah it’s not gonna go well.

MONIQUE

Ya think?!

Miles and Monique walked into a rooming house and shut the door behind them walking up to door 208. Miles opened the door greeting his mother RIO and closed the door behind him.

RIO

Miles, is that you?

MILES

Yeah, I’m back from the corner store with monique. 

RIO

Good, dinner should be done in a little bit. Monique, it's nice for you to come over again, how's your mother?

MONIQUE

She’s alright, I’m just over here to talk to Miles about the school’s trip to Florida. The school is giving the juniors a chance for a trip.

RIO

Right that trip, I’m just counting on you to keep my son in good shape and out of trouble.

MILES

Mami,I’m not a little kid any more I'm 16,Entonces no preocuparse por favor. 

RIO

Cortar el afuera mijo, don't tell me not to worry for your safety.

MILES

Ma,don't worry about me. I'll call you when me and monique get on the bus and when we get to the hotel,yo promesa.

Miles and Monique eat dinner as they finished they helped Rio washes dishes, afterwards They enter Miles’s room keeping the door creaked open sitting on his bed.

MILES

Aight, did we get everything for the trip tomorrow? 

MONIQUE

Yup, snack wise but everything else is up to us on what to pack like hygiene and clothes, but I mean this is our first trip till we’re seniors and the only time we won’t be wearing our uniforms.

MILES

True, so what time do you need to head home again?

MONIQUE

Before the streetlights,speaking of that rule, haven't you wondered why that was our curfew growing up?

MILES

I don't know, but I'm thinking about seeing all the pretty girls out there…

MONIQUE

Um, hello you have a girlfriend sitting dead in front of you!

MILES

Right, my bad mi vida.

FADE IN :

INT. IN THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL - DAY

Miles, Monique, and other kids of the school stood outside waiting for the buses. Monique held Miles’s hand while on her other hand she was  biting her nails.

MILES

You're holding my hand a little tight there, you good?

MONIQUE

Yeah, it’s just what I’m feeling right now, I don’t know if I should be nervous or excited.

MILES

(spoke with a smile on his face)

You’ll be fine ma, you're sitting with me in the middle and I’ll just give you my earbuds.

MONIQUE

(sighs)

Thanks Miles, but I’m fine I just haven’t been on a trip in a minute ya know?

MILES

I get it, just take a deep breath and wait for the bus.

MONIQUE

(with a calm yet nervous tone)

Okay, I’ll try to calm down.

The school buses pulled up to the front of the academy. After every group got done with attendance from their teachers, each class walked on the buses and sat down in a seat with their baggage, Miles and Monique sat in a random three sitter in the middle row and sighed.

MILES

Well, this is it. I'm hoping we can go shopping or head to Universal or Disney world.

MONIQUE

And where’s the money to do all that Morales?

MILES

I have a job, it ain’t like I’m broke or something.

MONIQUE

(she says while laughing, she rolled her eyes and looked at him shaking her head.)

That doesn't mean you're rich either,look I have enough money for shopping but knowing visions they’d probably give a free trip to disney like they did with the seniors last year.

MILES

(He puts his earbuds in and starts a playlist called “MM ♥ ️ MJ�� holding one out for her to take.)

 So, you wanna listen with me or do you wanna hear the yelling of screaming banshees?

MONIQUE (she takes the earbud and put its in her right ear and puts her head on his shoulder, she sighs as the bus starts to move looking out window. )

So you're not gonna call her yet, I mean your mom is still worried about you. 

MILES

Yeah I know, but… I’ll call her when we make it to the hotel or something.

MONIQUE

Alright, but can we please stop listening to post malone? like play some tyler or just anything else?

Miles rolled his eyes as he chuckled to her and put his hands on her waist. Monique smiled at him tuning out the rest of their class all at once and focusing on him.

FADE IN :

INT. A Gas station - EVENING  

A group of students were hanging around the gas station or going to the bathroom, miles and monique walked into the covenant store looking around.

MILES

So you gettin’ any snacks or drinks, because I got enough for a little something if you want.

MONIQUE

Maybe, but we still got the stuff we got from theo’s and that should hold us off for a bit.

MILES

Right, let’s go outside and wait till the bus is fueled up I guess.

They walked outside the store sitting on the curb, Monique pulled a blunt out her pocket lighting it and taking a small drag passing it to him.

MILES

Hey I wanted to ask, what did you see in me to like ask me out and stuff?

MONIQUE

Well, I mean you and me are like out of at least 15 other the only black kids there at visions,but besides all that I like that you're a geek and you're pretty,and your freckles are like stars in a way I don’t know but I'm bound to you.

MILES

Wow I mean, I like you too and that beauty mark of yours yeah I know about it you don’t even have to hide it,and if you’d let me can I take you out during the trip?

MONIQUE

(She scoffs at him, while taking a drag she passes it back to him.)

In your dreams Morales, but hey game recognize game don’t think I don’t know bout it.

MILES

 (He takes the last puff and steps on it, putting it out on the sidewalk and standing up with Monique.)

Yeah, whatever you say.

All the students got back on the bus and in their seats,as Miles and Monique went back to the middle row and sat down listening to their playlist getting lost in their own little world and the bus was back on the road again.

FADE OUT :

INT. HOTEL HALLWAY - NIGHT

Monique and Miles walked in the hallway until they stopped at a door with the numbers 103, and with a keycard she opened the door and let themselves in sitting on the bed.

MONIQUE

So, let’s fill out the plan sheet tonight then tomorrow we'll know what to do that day so we won’t be lost.

MILES

Do you ever not use a planner sheet? Monique, come on, at least try to have actual fun.

MONIQUE

But Miles I just wanna be sure. Also, did you call your mom yet because she called me and texted me “thanks for picking up and telling him when he gets back, we’re gonna have a talk.” 

MILES

(He sucked his teeth as he sat beside Monique on the bed.)

Wow, yeah that sounds about right… So do you wanna stay up or?

MONIQUE

Do you even have to ask?

They spent the whole time talking about anything yet nothing at the same time, again getting lost in their little world as the Florida rain fell from the sky hitting softly on the ground while the streetlight shining through the window.

Fade out :

Time lapse throughout the whole trip from different places from the mall, disney world, universal, and now it’s the last day after packing their things Miles and Monique joined the rest of their class along with teachers still doing attendance. The buses pulled up to the front of the hotel and all the students got on the bus and sat in the same seats that sat on the way there.

INT. IN FRONT OF BVA - AFTERNOON

After all the students got off the buses everyone’s parents came to pick up their kids, as miles and monique waited for miles’s uncle AARON to pull up and as if right on que he pulled up on the curb and the two got in the back.

AARON

So who’s this girl? I thought it was just you I was picking up.

MILES

Oh, this is my… partner Monique. She’s Ms.Jackson's daughter and they live on the same floor as me and mom.

AARON

And y'all haven’t?

MILES

 Just drive!

AARON

Alright alright, how was the trip? y'all had fun?

MONIQUE

Yeah, Florida was nice and didn't worry him and I didn’t get in much trouble.

AARON

Good, somebody has to keep a good eye on him if I’m not around and you seem to fit the role very well if his mom trusts you that much.

MONIQUE

Wow, so you are the problem child. I had a feeling about that.

MILES

(He playfully hit her shoulder while he laughed.)

Shut up, that was one time and one time only!

MONIQUE

Uh-huh, keep telling yourself that miles I mean whatever helps with the denial.

Fade in : 

INT. THE ROOMING HOUSE - EVENING

Aaron’s car pulled to the rooming house as Miles and Monique got out of the car they walked to the door, Miles pressed the buzzer letting his mom their back and Aaron's car pulled away and the two went inside and walked up the stairs and to their doors.

MILES

So, I’ll see you on monday?

MONIQUE

Dude, it’s not like I can skip school plus you're kinda the only reason I go anyways… Goodnight Miles.

MILES

Right, good night Moni.

She walked up to him giving a small kiss on his two toned lips, as they broke the kiss she smiled at him and walked inside her apartment, Miles doing the same.

[crustaceanchauffeur]

Howdy there Oftcas, its me! You! Now a lil fella sent in a good ol ask to us quirked all up, @ and all, and that ain't so safe! Lets do em a favor and ask that questie for em.

Tell us about the sixty-nine-no-sign himself, Kankri Vantas the Sufferer!

What's good listners! Its chagirl live from the Warren, Oftcas!. Now here we got a letter from a goo' ol listner at home- Oh woulja lookit that! 's me!

Why thank you, Oftcas. Remember grubbins and nubbins at home, you only got one life. I didn't live to be this old by doing things all fast an feckless.

Now yall kick out the lawn seats and strike up that fire cause its time fo' a real banger of a story.

 A long, long time ago right here on Alternia, before we apostrophe dults were booted right on out, before them caverns were swarmin with spawncampers and the empire was straight up hands off, a Jadeblood found a grub. Now this jadey, Mother Maryam, she was a real pitious type- to pity others, not to be pitied, and she felt her pusher get stabbed right in the feels when she saw a wriggy right on outside them caverns with not a lusus in sight and no sign at all.

No sign? Yeah infantastic fellas out there- this grubbin wasn't one of your regular hues, he was bizzare. A hue like no other. A red I only seen in stained glass an' prophecy. More red than burgundy or fuchsia alike. Cherry red. Candy red.

Now again, this was a different time. The caverns weren't so much of a institution. Empy was way more hands off. Momma Maryam still shoulda squashed that bright ruby boi the second she rendered that tone, but she weren't the mean kind o' jade, nah. She were a real bleeding pusher, she. She saw this lil man all squirmin' an starin' with them big red peepers an scooped him right on up. Said, “lets blow this pop-sickle stand,” an went full lusus-mode.

We don' know much bout what our boy Kay Krizzle went up to after that. We know he got his name, Kankri Vantas, we know he didn' die, an' we know he had visions, Dreams. He could see how the world could be, in spite of the way that it is.

History's ganderbulbs find him again when he starts to preach.

All over Alternia our man Kankan got up to some wicked yappin' and all round where he did them yaps trolls started pressin' + Yeah! He inspired slaves to free themselves with them sick notes of equality. He preached forgiveness and this thing called 'compassion,' a platonic pity for all trolls.

His preachin got him mad follows from all around the galaxy, an' this 's when the big purple guy and the pink fish witch got real nervous. Ysee, they was outnumbered- real horde battle goin' down. An' highbloods might be stronger, but no muscles gonna save ya from a big ol' laser hole thru the dome or gettin' chucked right on out the airlock with tcha mind powers. 'N as the word spread, more 'n more of they inferiors n spectrum went n' jumped ship. Straight up requeued an autobalanced they way to the red team.

You mighta noticed sumthin' though. We ain' livin in a world that remembers K.K. slizzle. They say it took th' empress herself to get to him, but they did. Put him in iron shackles, sign of extermination from cullin' long passed, shot em, whipped him, burned him.

That endless compassion tho, at the end it transformed. Like the flames surroundin' him, he burned hot, red hot, and all that compassion went up like a lake of fossil juice. An' he screamed out a cuss so long an' elaborate that it shook th cuffs round his prongs an' they sang with him. He woul' forgive everyone, even all they who built this world that traps us, an' this is how it ended. That Vast motherfuckin' Expletive, they say, has the truth in his teachin's. That limitless rage as bright as th' sun, brighter still, carries his burden. The Signless became th' Sufferer, an' then his sufferin' was ended. Arrow through th' thorax. The flames consumed him, till all twas left were bright red irons. A burnin' promise.

His followers didn' fare much better. Freed slaves were put under a yolk twice as heavy. Loud fighters silenced with louder shots. Only one of his inner band survived, Saint Meulin, the Disciple. She was there for all of it, youth t' fire. She was special, he was a quadmate but none know which quad, all of em? none? In an act of repentance by the Executor who stuck down the Krizzle, our girl up fuck and darted. Where others fought and failed, she fled and lived.

Saint Meulin painted everythin' she learned, pages and pages walls and walls. She's how we know-a-him tnight. It's one a the tenets of survival. Secrecy, discretion. There's a time for loud and a time for quiet. It's always time for quiet, you'll know when it needs to get loud.

Ehem.

Anyhow thats the beat! Thems text chats an screenshots all metaphorical style are th' receipts as we know em! Thems apples got plenny o diffrent dialects an' disgressions, but the one I got here on my desk is th' Saint Meulin edition. That's right, straight up OG transcription, as good we got it. Went back 'n learned some real old lingo to get that all a parse'n. None too confident a' my translation, so I do have plenty o copies of your more standardized versions. Tchagirl likes to compare 'n contrast. See if she can find anythin' those who came before overdiddly-ooked. I don't do much these days, so it keeps the mind busy.

Workin' on my own transliteration to the tation. Less a translo more a... conglomero... Ykno, that thing where a fella gets all the stuff they can find on a subject 'n packages it all up int' one big ol boy. Who knows if I'll see the end 'a it. No clue how old my blood gets.

One more thing before we go- now yall might see my symbol up there. Thats a modified Sign of the Signless. Some of you all may know each Signs got a patron Signbearer. This one's the K dog. Its called Cancer, its real old. We in the off-caste community who want to show our alignment behind closed doors, or just want a symbol our own after growin up where they say you are y' symbol. We use it.

Now I said it's modified yeah? Most a us dont use it straight on. Feels wierd, that sign's ment for the K dog's descendant, yknow? So some a us will instead fill in the holes, we twerent th one in shackles after all, an' paint em in our own blood, somethin' significant to us. Some add the link in the middle to symbolize solidarity.

Now thats about all the time I got for ya for tonight- Les hope y' ol' lady didn' bore you TOO bad with all that blandtastic lingonacular. I feel the subject needs a bit a decorum I lack.

Stay livin' Oftcas out.

[thebigfudanshi]

So this is a really stupid idea for an origin. Bite me if you make fun but all the rest a yas (like one person) can keep on if you'd like to. You can skip to the part in brackets for all RAE but there's an explanation for Dook's behavior in my idea below this.

So I have a poodle, this comes into play. So my dog, Phoebe, she acts completely normal around me, and for the most part the rest of the family. She gets a little excited to see her human "grandparents" but nothing too bad.

But... Here's the thing. Everybody in my house is under 5'6 and we're all AFAB. So we all have quite feminine voices still. Whenever cis men come in the house, I've seen this with three people, Phoebe goes insane. The first issue with that is peeing everywhere but that's not gonna pertain to my idea. But whenever someone, say my best friend comes over, she gets super excited, and she runs over and she pees, yes, but what catches my eye is how her floppy ears slick back, and her tail goes crazy, and she gets all haunched and stuff and she'll even sit down despite, the mess, just to get smaller. My best friend is literally like, 5'9, he is goddamn massive to me (5'3) If the guy makes even a little movement that isn't slow and calm as much as he tries, she freaks out and she runs off and continues the mess.

I know exactly what the behavior is. It's submission. Normal dog stuff for her, it's something I'm working on with positive training.

(Okay here's the RAE part)

I feel kinda terrible I wanna do that to Dook. Like not me doing it specifically, but I wanna like. Write it. Beach Bear is tall as shit, yeah? So is my best friend. You see where I'm going?

My idea is that it's around whenever Dook would've joined. I imagine he's the last to join because he was drawn as dingo in certain showbiz pictures and a mug or two with his beta design. Anyway, if he was the last to join, I could honestly imagine he found the gig in a damn newspaper, or one of the group walked up to him like "you look like you play drums. You play drums?" And he's like "aww yeah I play some slamming drums." And Fatz I guess is just like "cool, come play and we'll see."

So Dook like, walks into the place where they record, and he's getting introduced like "that's Mitzi. Touch her and you die." And little Mitzi's already making herself comfy with Dook by like, petting him or something like kids (11 yr olds?) Would do. And Rolfe's all snarky with his meeting cause that's just his default demeanor, and I feel like that's where Dook and Rolfe would start a friendly canine rivalry. He remeets fatz under his own description as the leader, all puffing out his suit coat. And Billy bobs all nice and sweet and takes his hand to greet him like he did all the others like "great to meet our new drummer." And he picks up Choo Choo's little hand cause he's holding him, and Dook takes his tiny hand to shake because mans adores kids, And Dook's all caught up with the rest of them and meeting people, and he's seen Billy Bob so, here's all the band.

And then Fatz points literally a foot to his side and hes like. "Oh yeah, and that's Beach Bear." And Dook turns to him, like to his leg essentially and he's like. "Yo I thought you had weird decoration skills. You name em too?" And Beach Bear like, whacks an ear like "I am very alive."

And Dook looks up at him and he's met with the single tallest mf he's ever seen in his life, and he just, goes completely submissive because 'Jesus Christ that's not weird decoration?' And then 'oh my god I've been standing next to someone and ignored them for like ten minutes' and also 'HOLY FUCK THATS A BIG BITCH!'

So Dook's like mentally devolving and at the same time he's unconsciously like, trying to look smaller, and his ears are like, swaying all wonky cause they can't figure out whether to cower back or bounce around like mad, and they slick back, and he's all wagging and confused and hunching into himself but he's literally smiling like crazy and Beach Bear's like 'Dude, you look like youre gonna throw up, are you getting vertigo just lookin' at me?' And he's all joking and flirty because he deals with this with every new person he meets, and Dook's like "nah I'm getting butterflies just lookin' at cha what the fuck? How??? You are massive! Oh my god you're amazing. Amazing tall!" Just waving at his fucking everything cause hes GIGANTIC. And I feel like Dook's gotta have a thing for tall people, because he dated a pitbull and those are definitely bigger then cavaliers/beagles and I hc he loves poodles too because 80s and jgjhebdigns

Basically Dook falls head over heels instantly and he's doing the whole run and dance of the submission thing (minus the gross parts), and I feel like ROLFE would be the one to point it out. Because he's a bit of an ass sometimes, but I also feel like Rolfe knows everything about wolf/dog mannerisms specifically to not get caught doing them. So he'd point it out like "Did you seriously not see him? That's the first thing I saw when I came in. Are you gonna start freaking out when I stand next to you too?" Cause Rolfe's like 6'0 and Dook goes all indignant, crossing his arms. "I saw him! And I thought he was a lamp. Big deal. I'm not freaking out. Youre the one whos- staring." And he like, grabs his tail cause it's swinging like crazy but he keeps fuckin missing it and Rolfe's smirk just progressively smears wider and Dook's going red cause he can't grab his goddamn tail and now Beach Bear's looking at him funny and he just gives up, stamps a foot and crosses his arms and he's like "I don't appreciate how I'm being treated."

And Billy Bob starts laughing and he puts an arm on Fatz shoulder. "He's gonna fit right in, don't you think?" Fatz says and Billy bobs nodding like, "yeah, he's gonna get right under Rolfe's shirt like the other two." And he's pointing between Dook, beach and Mitzi who have kinda crowded on one side, and they're devolving into fucking with Rolfe and Rolfes fucking with them back, and Mitzi's like, switching between hurling words at Rolfe to visciously question Dook and he doesn't have time to answer any of them because she's swapping like a multitask queen, And Looney Bird pops out his can blazing drunk like "WHOOOO ROCKAFIRE EXPLOSION!"

and that's how the origin goes ppbt.

[bafflement]

Deaged Oz AU [continued]

Emerald Pine sighed as she noticed that her scroll was ringing. Who could it be at this time of... oh. Qrow. Hopefully he wasn't drunk again... Picking up rather hesitantly, she could hear his voice on the other side. He didn't sound drunk, weirdly enough. He just sounded... panicked. "Hey, Em? Y'know ya said I could always come lay low at your place if I needed to? Well... we need to." "... we?" "Yeah, we. I'll tell ya when I get there? Bit busy trying to keep the kid alive right now." "... kid? Qrow, did you kidnap a child?" "S'not that simple... you'll see. Besides, ain't your nephew there? Maybe he could use a friend..." There was a desperate hint of hysteria in his tone, as though whatever it was that had happened had well and truly upended Qrow's world view. "This child you found, they're not dangerous, right? And where are their parents?" "As said, tell ya when I get there." Qrow muttered something too low to be easily picked up through the scroll and the connection cut. Em sighed as Qrow rang off. Well then, that was obviously as much information as she'd get out of him... she didn't even know if the kid in question was a boy or a girl. Oscar came through into the room, looking curious. "Who was that, auntie Em?" "Oh, just an old friend, he's bringing someone to stay with us for awhile. Mind sharing a room for a week or two?" "Huh? Who're they bringing?" "I don't know, Oscar. All they said was that they're a kid. Qrow's a huntsman, though, so whatever it is can't be that dangerous?" "A huntsman? A real one? Here?" Oscar sounded excited 'Can I meet him? Can I ask him stuff? What's he like?" "Qrow is... Qrow. Hard to describe, really. No idea who trusted him with a child, but I might need to have words with them, too." Qrow breathed a sigh of abject relief as he came to the door of the farm. The bundle in his arms hadn't moved once since that terrifying moment he'd first found him. He was breathing, but he was so frightfully still in his arms, pale skin even paler than normal, moonlit hair half burned off. Em came out to meet them, glancing with concern at the boy in Qrow's arms before her eyes widened slightly. Looking back up into Qrow's face, all he could do was nod as he lay them down on the sofa. Their clothing was mostly rag, bits of it seemed to have flaked off in some terrible heat, but the boy himself seemed untouched. Em wrinkled her nose slightly at the smell of blood and burnt hair, but tucked an old blanket around him anyway, Qrow tucking something familiar beneath it, wrapping one tiny hand around the hilt. The boy wasn't very old. Ten, maybe? It was a bit hard to tell, but he was definitely younger and smaller than her nephew. This was all absolutely impossible, of course. She'd wake up from this at some point, but for now... "Qrow?" She bit out. "Explain. Is that... what happened to them?" "Magic bullshit, Em. I don't have anything better. Maybe he will when he wakes?" Oz moaned as he came to, the light bright against his eyes. He groped for glasses that he couldn't find and winced. He tried to ascertain if there was anyone else, if he'd become just a voice in their head but was met with silence. A slightly sleepy murmur that he knew to be Ozymandias, but beyond that, nothing. So, this was likely still his body, then. "Where am I? Qrow? What happened. What happened to my students, to Beacon, to..." "It's okay, Oz. You're alright, you're safe for now." "Maybe but... everybody else? This feels odd, it's still me but everything seems far bigger than I think it ought to. If I died, I don't understand how I'm still here." He raised a hand in emphasis, blinking at just how small it looked. "... Qrow? How old would you say I am? Physically, at least? Because on one hand I am so incredibly glad that my curse has not claimed someone else, but on the other, I sincerely doubt that this was Miss Fall's intention."

[digitalsatyr23]

Get to know my OC

This sounded like a really fun one! I got tagged by @gummybugg, so go check out their version of the post here.

RINA! RINA GET IN ‘ERE!!!

An alligator-tailed girl with shaggy brown hair and blue overalls walks her way into the interview room, leaving water where she goes. Given that she’s dripping wet and smells like a bog, it’s likely that she just came by from a swim. She hops up onto the stool provided for her and rests arms between her legs, gripping the top of the stool while kicking her feet back and forth.

“So uh... What’s this about now?”

1. Are you named after anyone?

"I don’t know anybody else named Rina, that’s fer sure! Oh, you must mean my family name! Well o’ course I got the same last name as mah family. It’d be mighty odd if I didn’t!” Rina turns to me and asks, “Did I do that right?” After giving her a thumbs up, she turns back to the interviewer.

2. When was the last time you cried?

“Oh, that’s easy. Yesterday! Had a big ol’ cry. No shame innit.”

3. Do you have kids? Do you have any friends?

“Well yeah, o’ course I got friends! There’s my ma, my pa, Lafayette, Scarlet, Kara, Chloe, uh...” Rina pauses, counting on her webbed fingers. “Eli... I think all my neighbors count... There’s them other gals not from ‘round here too. I think they prefer anonymi... Ana... They like to keep private! So I won’t share their names unless they give me the go ahead.”

4. Do you use sarcasm?

“What’s a sarcasm? Sounds fancy! What can I trade ya for it?” I whisper into Rina’s ear what sarcasm is, and she slaps her knee, chuckling. “Ah gosh dang it, I didn’t know that was a turn o’ phrase! Nah, I don’t use sarcasm! I don’t have a sarcastic bone in my body!”

5. What's the first thing you notice about people?

“Their smell. Human folk are really stanky. Mostly sweat, but sometimes they smell a bit more... Salty? Yeah.” Rina sniffs the air, saying, “and you, Mr. Fancypants interviewer smell like shampoo!”

6. What's your eye color?

“Wha? What kinda question is THAT? Of course I know what my own eye color is...” Rina sneakily reaches into a pocket on her overalls, pulling out a very tiny mirror. She slips it back into her pocket, snickering mischievously. “It’s green!”

7. Scary movies or happy endings?

“My ma doesn’t let me watch them scary movies with the screaming ladies on the covers so I wouldn’t know. Even so, why wouldn’t I pick happy endings? Everybody likes happy endings!”

8. Any special talents?

“Let’s see... I can play the banjo! I’m learning to cook from my ma! And uh...” Rina scratches her head. “Is fixin’ things a talent? One time when I was out on this reeeeeal long roadtrip with my buds - which I can’t name - their car broke down and I managed to fix it! Well sorta. It’s more like I realized what was wrong, so we dragged it around until we found this village with these little people with big ol’ BEARDS and, oh, that’s a bit off topic, ain’t it?”

9. Where were you born?

“In Bebop Bayou of course! That bein’ said, I don’t exactly ‘member where I was when I was born... That was a long time ago, you know?”

10. What are your hobbies?

“Fightin’ things, solvin’ problems, helpin’ Lafayette find treasure, and let’s see... Ooh, I like makin’ friends too! That’s a hobby, ain’t it?”

11. Do you have any pets?

“Oh yeah, I got a big ol’ catfish! I feed ‘em all kinds a junk, and he eats it up, too! O’ course this unsettles Big Pete - he’s a catfish guy in the bayou - so I try not to talk about my pet much ‘round him. You know, I heard a long time ago there weren’t always beastfolk like us in the world, and then we just sorta... Appeared! Wild, ain’t it? I don’t understand much about the history of it an all, but I know somethin’ big happened way back when. Like... Poof!”

12. What sports do you play/have played?

“Is fishin’ a sport? Ha, I’m just messin’ with ya! I’ve played rock toss before with my friends in the past. What, don’t know what rock toss is? It’s where ya throw a big ol’ rock around, and ya run with it, and if you cross a line with it, you get a point! Or somethin’ like that. It’s been a while since I played.”

13. How tall are you?

“I’m less than half the size of my ma and pa. I’m still growin’, though! I tell you what, once I grow up like my folks, why, I’ll be the biggest gator in all the bayou!”

14. Favorite subject in school?

“Haha, that’s funny. Nah, we ain’t got a school ‘round here. We tried to fix up an old burnt one outside the bayou, but that... Did not go well last time.”

15. Dream job?

“Wrestler! No, action movie star! Chef? Professional fisher? No no wait, a wrestler movie star that uses fish and cookin’ to beat up the bad guys in their movies!! Ah, this interview was too easy, chief! You gotta come up with harder questions next time!”

As was promised to Rina prior to the interview, I treat her to “free ice cream”. And by “free”, I mean I pay for it. I don’t mind though. After she gets her treat, she wanders back over to the bayou to gloat about how easy it was to get her free ice cream to her friends, who she is certain will be super jealous of her.

Tagging (This is totally optional, so don’t sweat it): @scarlett-olivier, @space-writes, @helioscenic, @withlovelunette, @minutiaewriter, @aether-wasteland-s, and anyone else that’s interested in doing it!