#Anyway gotta go to church now see y'all later

[prorevenge]

Screw me? Screw you; I want my money.

This is a revenge in multiple parts and apologies up front for the length.

About 30years or so ago I was 17 and about to head to University. An acquaintance through my parents church offered me a job working with him learning to be a pizza chef. Awesome, I'd need money for Uni and I'd already had a stack of jobs, so working hard was nothing new for me, but being a cook certainly was. My experience with Italian was limited to Pizza Hut. So I accepted that at the start I was a liability, not a help.

I started work, and to start with I worked free. Cool, but when it got to the point about 3 months later that I was opening by myself & taking whole shifts by myself, well, I should be paid. I screwed up all of my 17yr old courage and confronted the owner, let's call him Nick (because that was his name). He huffed and puffed and tried to tell me how terrible I was, but I stood my ground and now I'm on minimum wage. Not bad in my eyes at the time.

I worked there for another 3years, through most of my Uni degree, often putting in 30hrs contact at Uni, 30 hours at the restaurant and 30 hours of study, it was hectic, but just became the norm.

Towards the end I became a lot more savvy, and started researching labour laws, keeping records of my pay packets and end of year tax receipts and realised Nick (& other co-owners) were screwing me. I wasn't on the correct rate, they weren't deducting tax correctly and a couple of other accounting "oversights".

By then I was working with my (at the time) mate, let's call him Girlfriend Creeping Dickhead (GCD).

It was Sunday night - the place was packed I had tickets all the way down my line and GCD and I were pumped. We had a new boss (NB) who'd just bought into the business who thought he was the King Of the World because he was now a "restauranteur", a right wanker, but after years of having to stay back to cook pizzas on world cup nights for the bosses friends, or Chirstmas, NYE, etc I was sorta used to the grandstanding chest puffing behaviour.

The night in question the new boss would *not* let me start the second pizza oven (think a two tier oven - I was only allowed the top tier on) because it "cost too much". So here I am, oven FULL, two pizza chefs running full speed and we're only falling behind, because one oven wasn't enough and it was starting to cool down from being so full and opened so frequently.

NB gets a couple of tables of mates in. Instead of just asking us to cook some comp garlic bread or whatever, he starts loading up trays himself and putting them in the oven, not the worst crime, but because he had NO idea what he was doing, every 30s he'd open the oven to check them, cooling the oven down even further, potentially ruining the food we had in there and slowing us down measurably. I had the Head Chef chewing my ass out as his food was ready to go but my food on teh same tickets wasn't. It was hectic and not fun.

This Garlic Bread Bandit shit had to stop.

me: NB - Stop fucking with my oven. If you want garlic bread - just ask - I'll get it done immediately for you. NB: What? Huh? me: You're messing with my oven - you're cooling it down and we're too busy for this shit - just tell me and I'll make it. NB: Ok.

Did he do it? Nope, he kept on. Queue the same conversation another 2 times, the last time I told him I'd blow my stack if he did it again. You see where this is going. He did it again.

Now - after being consistently ripped off and abused (so many kooky stories from that place) for 3 years, my time was up there anyway, and this was the time to do it.

I looked at GCD and said "Yo. We out of here?" he looked back and simply said "Yup". We stripped our aprons and in front of the entire restaurant (pizza kitchen was in full view of the entire restaurant) threw them on the bench and told NB "We quit - All this, all these tickets, all the food in the oven you've fucked up, and your mates shitty garlic bread - this is all yours now - good luck"

Then we walked out - got some coffees from the baristas, sat in front of the Pizza area and watched him absolutely FLOUNDER. He had *no* idea what he was doing and there was literally no one else there that could help him. We could see food coming out from the kitchen, but the pizza on the same ticket was taking 20m or more longer to come out, tables were hopping mad - we could hear the grumblings all around us. I'll admit it was dickish, but undeniably satisfying to behold.

That's not the pro revenge though. The Pro revenge was that I'd been stealing my timesheet every Sunday night, photocopying it and then replacing it Monday mornings. I'd been doing that for over a year. I'd also told GCD to do it.

Monday I walk in and Nick was there and was *FURIOUS* at me, as I walking in you could see his chubby face turn bright red as he bellowed across the restaurant floor "What the FUCK do you think you're doing here? Get the FUCK out and never come back".

me: Nick - we've gotta talk. We can do it here or we can do it in your office, but trust me, you want to have this conversation privately. Nick: Fine - You come with me then (desperately trying to gain the upper hand back) and he storms to his shitty little office out the back Nick: about how he's going to withhold pay and a whole heap of other illegal hot air. Me: You done? Good... Here - read this:

I hand him a print out of an excel spreadsheet, a stack of photocopied timesheets, a stack of photocopied payslips, printed copied of the wage awards, all of which detail the amount he's ripped me off for.

Me: You owe me 6 grand. I'll take cash or a cheque now.

Did I mention he and the other bosses had *just* been simultaneously raided by the tax office and that they and the business were all on thin fucking ice? Yeah, bad timing for Nick the Dick.

Nick: Spluttering, wringing his hands "But, but, I can't afford it! Look I'll show you my bank accounts" as he physically starts scrambling to find his bank statements. Me: Nick I literally don't give a shit about you, your bank accounts or your situation, you owe me 6 grand *TODAY* or I take all of this to the Tax office and all of the other relevant government departments that will be *very* interested in this, because Nick... I have a feeling if you're doing this to me, you're doing it to other staff here as well huh? As for not having the money, well, again, not my problem, but you just bought a new $60,000 Pajero, so if you have to run that down to the car yard and sell it, again I don't give a shit but I get 6 grand TODAY.

He literally teared up a little, I'm not sure why, maybe through frustration, rage or just being screwed by someone he though waaaaay beneath him. But seeing a grown man who's abused you for many years cry at your hands is a pretty beautiful thing to behold as a 20yr old kid.

I got a cheque that day for my whole 6 grand (and yes, it cashed), but the best was walking out of his office with GCD standing there who deadpan just looked him in the eyes and said "Nick, we need to talk..." and in they walked in to do the same thing. $10k he "lost" that day.

The best part? A few of my friends at the restaurant caught wind of the fact that I had *enraged* him and asked what it was all about - I let them know how they were being screwed, how to take copies of all of their timesheets, and where to find the relevant laws. I know of several other people who did the same thing to him.

And that was how I left the hospitality industry and started working in my field of study, never to look back.

Hope you enjoyed my cake day present to y'all!

(source) story by (/u/faidel)

[risingmoonyue]

Batman/P5 Crossover

-Sometime before Akechi but after Futaba or Haru

-Damian is sent to Tokyo to check it out for whatever reason (maybe they had a fight, or he’s going stir crazy, or he’s just the only one they can send at the time and didn't bother with all that "you're not old enough" business)

-Dami is younger than Futaba by a year or three or four

-He is baby

-He is transferred to Shujin as a child prodigy where he also immediately joins the "outcast" community because of his attitude and intelligence

-Talia goes too, manages to cut off all his communications with the Batfam, and is planning to take him home in a month whether he likes it or not

-For whatever reason, Batfam doesn't realize this??? (Like, either she's faking reports or they're too busy (think fight or chaos in Gotham scenario maybe???))

-Anyways, obviously Dami doesn't want this

-Somehow the Phantom Thieves hear about the situation

-Maybe he was assigned to shadow Makoto for a while, and they managed to overhear a phone conversation either to Talia or Dami trying to get in touch with the Batfam and nothing really working

-And eventually they outright see him fighting with his mother with him at some point (either in person or over a phone call) mentioning that she already disowned him, he's happy with his Father's family, and that he will head her family business over his dead body—and oh would you look at that, you already managed that, care to try again Mother?

-The PT's are understandably alarmed

-And learn her name from Damian (from Makoto maybe or someone else he bonded a little with) (MORGANA) (THEY GAVE HIM MONA FOR A DAY AND NOW THEY KNOW EVERYTHING FROM HIS MANY PETS TO HIS LEAST TO MOST FAVORITE SIBLINGS STARTING FROM TIM TO DICK TO HIS FAVORITE FOODS TO EVERYONE IN HIS FAMILY’S NAMES TO HOW STUPID HE FINDS EVERYONE AND WHY THEY'RE STUPID TO HIS FAVORITE MUSIC TO WHY ANIMALS ARE SUPERIOR TO HUMANS AND MONA’S LIKE OMG TMI BUT LOVED IT THERE BECAUSE HE WAS PAMPERED LIKE NO TOMORROW GOT ONLY THE BEST FOOD AND THE BEST BEDS AND TOYS THAT HE GOT TO TAKE WITH HIM BACK TO LEBLANC AND NOW AKIRA AND SOJIRO ARE LIKE DUDE WHY AND MONA’S LIKE IM KEEPING HIM THIS HUMAN IS GOOD SORRY AKIRA YOU’RE DEMOTED)

-The palace is basically a fortress full of assasin ninjas and clones

-Dunno what her keywords are tho

-Or her what her palace actually is

-Help?????????

-Cognitive Bruce, Ra's, Damian, Dami clones, and Jason (maybe rest of batfam??? Idk)

-Long story short, the traps are so assassin-y that they need someone who knows the actual Talia because egads, this is the closest they have all come to actually dying

-And they didn't really want to do it and were just gonna power through

-But Dami manages to find out and get in and of course uses his background to help out whether they like it or not

(-he's slightly off put by Joker's name, but then decides to just solely call Gotham!Joker "The Clown")

-At some point they are captured by the Shadow Talia who is decked out in super fancy traditional Arab clothing and probably every conceivable hidden weapon known to man

-Talia says Damian won't and can't ever change from who he "is meant to be", referring to him as her Alexander and basically brutally addresses all of his insecurities concerning the batfam and people and society in general

-And all this is kinda killing him cause he still loves Talia despite the fact that she killed him and had a violent citywide custody battle with Batman but he also loves the batfam too even if he would absolutely never admit it (except to maybe Grayson)

-Joker does his emotional kick-start thing and/or Dami is like Makoto and just gets so mad he triggers it himself, but either way, lo and behold, Damian is now a persona user, usurping Futaba's place as the baby of the team

-The outfit is kinda inspired by his future adult league outfit with the top and bottom and gold jewelry, but has a raggedy cloak with dull gold edges, a Robin mask and gauntlets, and his main weapons are batarang-sword hybrids

---acknowledging his past and moving on with his present

-Persona: Aladdin, Tsun Zu, Ali Baba, somone else???? Need ideas plz help

-Probably the fastest member of the group

-His small body makes his hits not as strong, but hoo boy can that kid move around

-Hits a lot and dodges most

-Most of his Persona abilities are physical and have high crit and/or are status affects

-Downside is he has not a lot of SP (compared to the rest of the group)

-And he has pretty good HP

-Those good ol' “superior genetics” have to be good for something after all

-Anyways they escape to find the treasure another day

-And Dami is all smug because HA you definitely can't stop me now

-And the PTs are just resigned to keeping an eye on the extremely competent snotty assassin/vigilante child

-They do like him though so it's not too bad (comes with learning all his darkest secrets via his mother and thought processes that tends to accompany watching someone at their lowest get a persona)

(-They do manage to temper him a bit and help him adjust better to actual society too that's nice)

-As such, they also know about Batman and Robin and his whoooole family. Both sides.

-Damian decided not to tell batfam because he does agree with the whole "most adults suck" mentality that the Phantom Thieves have; despite his deep, deep respect for his father and mother and Grayson, they all do kinda suck

-And he’s rather not get pulled out as he surely would if he told them

(-On a side note, he likes Sojiro

-The man gives him coffee, curry, and leaves him mostly to his own devices

-Instant win)

-He is dubbed "Mockingbird" apon return to the metaverse because of his freaky talented vocal skills in mimicking anyone and everyone's voice

-Eventually, they beat Talia

-She doesn't publicly confess to all her sins unlike everyone else

-PTs don't realize it worked until Damian came into school with a genuine smile on his face, and more relaxed than he'd been since he got there

-PTs are confused until Damian's like, this works out because hey, don't want to have several people assassinated and draw the entire freaking league to Tokyo

(-Which was probably why Talia didn't)

-They agree

-But she does break down to tears in Dami's arms and promise to ACTUALLY TALK CIVILLY with Bruce to try and make up for everything and try to fix up the league

-He stays for the rest of p5

-But steers all his reports very much away from the Phantom Thieves

-If anything, he downplays absolutely everything, and makes it seem like it's nothing super big but he's gonna stay a while to keep and eye out because y'alls are busy and I like it here and I haven't gotten expelled so there

-The PTs like to add funny stuff on there just to see if they’ll notice

-Like, Akira likes to have Dami describe his day in excruciating detail. Like, recounting the entirety of his nine or so months to Sae during police interrogation, excruciating

-Mona is pushing for the shiny stuff

-Yusuke just likes to put in bursts of randomness (Dami once mentioned that an acquaintance made another acquaintance T-pose in a church for art lol)

-Ann loves to rant about food

-Haru is always insisting on about feelings

-Ryuji likes to complain about everything and puts in ridiculous requests

-Futaba is just putting in every gen-z thing ever

-Makoto is actually responsible and tries to get him to talk about his progress in school and his social life

-And Akechi is absolutely nowhere near any of this and doesn’t know it exists

-When they have the Tokyo/Japan-wide calling card, Batfam sees it too because let's face it, that's totally the sorta thing that they would keep an eye out for even if he didn't look at the news in the entirety of the time Dami was in Tokyo

-And they send a message to Damian (the first actual communication they've had since before Talia) saying "WHAT THE HECK IS GOING ON OVER THERE????"

-And with the entirety of the Phantom Thieves looking over his shoulder, Damian's just like "Chill dudes, everything's fiiiiiiiiiine"

-And they're like "UH WHAT PART OF THIS IS FINE????" because they've dug around a bit and found every news report, and oh hey, this isn't anywhere near as calm as Damian described and he’s being super OOC and what’s going on?!?!?!?!?!

-And Damian, being egged on by the most of the PTs, just sends a winky face

-Just

-😉

-And he's smug, because it's still chaos over there so they can't actually come get him and try to pull him out because he's being super ooc

-Which means he's free to do what he wants/needs in the meantime

-Cue the end of the game

-And Dami is going with them on their summer road trip and cackling because the batfam is scrambling to find him in Tokyo but lol nope he's in a van the Japanese government tried and fail to follow

-And he found all the trackers like, a year ago

-Every

-Single

-One

-They eventually track him down to Akira's house where they're calmly eating dinner (and they've been expecting this for the past week so Mona was keeping watch just so they could pull this off) and talking about how uneventful the school year was

-Cue mass confusion in the batfam

-As the PTs enjoy just confusing them so much

-By talking to Mona

-Talking normal then crazy then normal again

-And just generally being their normal selves lol

-They explain absolutely nothing beyond gushing about how much progress socially and academically he’s made (gotta embarrass the baby of the group somehow) and making sure that if Dami absolutely has to go home that he's able to stay in touch

(-Later, Damian forms his own hero persona outside of Batman and Robin)

(-He names it Mockingbird)

(-Batfam proceeds to have a brain aneurysm while the PTs dab their happy proud tears out of their eyes on their regularly scheduled tea time at the Wayne Manor)

(-Damian sends a private plane every week or two lol)

(Bonus: ARTTTTTTT)

(Psst if you guys have ideas for art, outfits, interactions or scenarios, let me know)

[punkscowardschampions]

Bea & Fraze

Bea: What are you going to wear to Ro's birthday? Fraze: Pick whatever you like for this fantasy where I'm going Bea: You have to Bea: you have no excuse not to Fraze: I don't need an excuse now that I'm too big for my ma, or da come to that, to drag me anywhere Fraze: I don't wanna, I don't have to, end of Bea: It's still family regardless of anyone's ability to literally make you Bea: anyway, she needs the numbers Fraze: I don't hear her begging Bea: She's not about to, is she Bea: you know what she's like Fraze: And you know where to find me when you've had enough of what she's like Bea: Well if you must know I don't think I'll bother to come back either then Bea: why should I make any effort Fraze: 'Cause you had a solid enough argument there with the family obligation bullshit, even if you lost it with the part about keeping numbers up Bea: Joe isn't coming, you aren't Bea: so fuck it, clearly Fraze: She ain't our sister, she's yours Bea: Seriously Fraze: Come on Fraze: I know you didn't expect a different answer Bea: You know literally nothing Bea: How can I lecture her about being part of this family if that's how you feel Bea: and how can I expect her to feel like a part of it if she isn't, apparently, for fuck's sake Fraze: She is with the rest of them, don't start Fraze: How can I act like it's all that black and white when the only thing that is, is how I feel about you? Fraze: we've been over it Bea: You can't pick and choose Bea: that's not how this is meant to work Fraze: Well it's too fucking late Fraze: I already did Bea: Great, so she gets to be right Bea: fantastic, thanks Fraze: What do you want me to do? I can't unlove you Fraze: I have tried, like Bea: Have you? Fraze: What was most of our childhood if not that? Bea: This isn't relevant Bea: I need someone there Fraze: You asked, I gave you an answer Fraze: she's got Ali and Tommy, that other one he used to dance with Bea: Because I can ask any of them what she was like and get an honest answer Bea: there's a divide, you said it Fraze: You'll get a brutally honest answer off ma if that's what you want Bea: I want you to do this one thing for me Fraze: is that as nice as you're gonna ask? Bea: I'm not playing games Bea: I'm not in the mood Fraze: Christ's sake Fraze: alright then Bea: Thanks Fraze: whatever, I'll do it for the pleasure of you owing me Bea: you can check my calendar to cash that in Fraze: give me a chance to check my own first, Red Bea: I assume you have a handle on your own schedule Fraze: I ain't never been able to stop your assumptions Bea: You should be grateful I'm giving you that props Fraze: Oh cheers Bea: You're welcome Fraze: yeah, open arms at this party Bea: I doubt she's got a candle for you Bea: you'll avoid that Fraze: Jesus Bea: Yep Fraze: I ain't going to church, fuck that Bea: I think only Ali is doing that anyway Fraze: gutted she still ain't getting sainted for her patience Bea: Pretty sure you have to be dead for years before they get 'round to it Fraze: Trust you to know that, babe Bea: It's common knowledge Bea: Teresa was an exception Fraze: common knowledge to cunts thinking that far ahead Fraze: let me get to grips with my fucking uni schedule Bea: You gave yourself away Fraze: you wish Bea: I'll take my props away now Bea: You've been back nearly a month Fraze: And I've had fuck all to do, it ain't Cambs Bea: All the more time to work out your schedule Fraze: Worry about your own Bea: I am Fraze: You gave yourself away there Bea: Ha Fraze: you're not in the mood, I heard you the first time Bea: Good Bea: I'll leave you to it then Fraze: Alright Bea: [Skippity skip?] Fraze: [makes sense] Bea: [okay, turn up with ya BFF as a hot ass mess to this stale ass party] Fraze: [he'd be shook and fuming in equal measure, imagine his face please] Bea: [aren't we all tbh like join Ro at that table lol] Fraze: You could've said something Bea: I posted on my stories Fraze: Like I said Bea: It wasn't planned Fraze: And it ain't the longest plane ride but you had enough time to tell me you were coming Fraze: it becomes a plan once you've bought a ticket, like Bea: Hardly, it's not like it sells out, or there isn't one an hour later if it does Bea: we turned up, end of Fraze: You know what I mean Fraze: I turned up here for you, the least you could've done was said I didn't have to Bea: I'm late, so I did need you here Fraze: what's his excuse? Bea: ? Fraze: Why do you need him here? Bea: He suggested I come Bea: I still wasn't sure Fraze: hand holding then Fraze: how sweet Bea: Fuck off Bea: She's my sister, I should be here, regardless of how unwelcome I am or want to be Fraze: gladly Fraze: and yeah, no shit, I told you that Bea: It's not an original concept Bea: is this all the people that showed or have people left? Fraze: I'll be the first out the door Bea: Tragic Fraze: What else did you expect? Bea: She was making such a fuss I thought perhaps she'd put a bit more effort in this time Fraze: only setting yourself up with that kind of thinking, babe Bea: More her problem than mine Fraze: Yours if you care Bea: Whatever you're trying to imply with that is stupid either way Fraze: I'm not implying anything, I said it in a dead straightforward manner Bea: Either that I do or don't care Fraze: I know you care, you wouldn't be here if you didn't Bea: If I cared I would have just showed up Fraze: you have Bea: Not before telling her I wouldn't and having an argument so Fraze: Exactly, you didn't have to and you still did Fraze: she ain't gonna appreciate it and it weren't easy for you in any sense Fraze: so you care and you're fucked by it, end of Bea: Nah Fraze: Yeah Bea: I literally just wanted to piss her off but alright Fraze: that's an added bonus Bea: If you like, Fraze Fraze: it ain't about me Fraze: but you can have pissing me off too if you like Bea: Why would you be pissed off at me Fraze: Think it through like you reckon you ain't fuck all else Bea: You were meant to be here regardless Bea: and now you can go Bea: nothing lost Fraze: it's nothing to do with any of that Bea: I'm not in the mood for guessing games either Bea: tell me or don't Fraze: Forget it Bea: Alright Bea: enjoy the rest of your evening then Fraze: I'll take my odds of that over yours Bea: I'll survive Fraze: I know Fraze: my offer still stands though Bea: I'm just here to see Ro Fraze: You're leaving tomorrow then? Bea: tonight by the looks of this Fraze: Yeah Fraze: I doubt it'll be a late one Bea: Surprised she's still here honestly Fraze: I'm surprised any of this went ahead in the first place Bea: Sure she's been planning it since her last Fraze: don't mean she wouldn't cry off it on the night Bea: You can go tell her you're proud of her if you want Fraze: fuck off Bea: 😏 Fraze: [IRL 😏 at her] Bea: [LOOK back] Fraze: [always gotta return a LOOK] Bea: [but go get a drink with Bronson, obviously] Fraze: [go get your own because you're fuming at that and also I need a reason for you not to leave thank you] Bea: [you can force Tommy to dance with you and dance with Bronson] Fraze: [just like 👀😒 downing this drink haha] Fraze: [we both know he's eventually cutting in though there's only so much looking on either of them can take] Bea: [saying something about not dancing with Fearghal and Rocky yet like wait ya turn but 😏 again] Fraze: [we're having this moment ™ because this party is too dry to deal with] Bea: [you wanna see some romance hen] Fraze: [giving Laoise's brother ideas and the confidence to 💋 with their energy LOL] Bea: [I snorted, oh lord] Fraze: [like we said before, going from that long summer to nothing when they're back at uni would be a killer so the vibe is strong] Bea: [excuse us everyone that'll be awkward to see for you] Fraze: [I hope y'all are busy having your own fun and in Ro's case getting smooched so] Bea: [y'all be trying anyway, God bless] Fraze: [mcvickers having their own dance because they don't wanna be here either, awww] Bea: [das cute] Fraze: [we should've given Laoise a little sister for Rocky to have a childhood romance with, that would've been so cute cos the fams hate each other] Fraze: [maybe there can be a girl at the caravan park cos always there with his bff Carly] Bea: [I like that idea, v cute] Fraze: [look at me getting derailed as per] Bea: [my bubba] Fraze: [go get another drink and calm down a shade please boy] Bea: [you could get away with this extraness if it wasn't such a dry party alas hensss, I should probaby think about what present you're throwing at Ro] Fraze: Do you want me to tell you I'm proud of you then or what? Bea: For what? Fraze: Doing the dance rounds, how well you wrapped that gift, take your pick Bea: I don't think that'll make me feel any better, but you go ahead if it will you Fraze: Nah, not really Bea: Don't bother then Fraze: consider it not done Bea: Then we're all happy Fraze: No need to take the bullshit that far Bea: That's what her happy face looks like Fraze: Christ Bea: Told you it was tragic Fraze: I didn't dispute it Bea: Do you know the neighbour kids name? Fraze: Is that a trick question? Bea: Um, no Bea: I want to look him up Fraze: 'Course I fucking don't Bea: 🙄 you're so helpful Bea: bet you know the sister's name Fraze: don't be placing bets about me and girls my sister's age Bea: Lighten up it's not like she's a kid Fraze: She was Ali's friend when she was a kid, hardly a turn on seeing her trying to catch frogs or cast spells Fraze: but cheers for your permission Bea: Unlike our sisters, respectively, I'm sure she's grown up some since then Fraze: Like I said, don't bet on it Bea: Whatever, I don't wanna fuck her Fraze: Me either Bea: Cool Fraze: [go and do your theft of the church wine boy because this party is still not it] Bea: [go find him but under the guise/that's not a total lie doe of needing a fucking break] Fraze: [have another moment in that confined space] Bea: [drink that nasty wine, not even asking just taking it] Fraze: [letting it happen cos she needs it more than you tbh] Bea: [swigging way too much of the blood of christ before passing it back with a shrug like whoops, so soz] Fraze: [giving her a look like steady on like this wasn't your idea] Bea: ['you act like you come up with every plan' ref-ing to doing this as kids, obvs] Fraze: ['I do' that's a barefaced lie sir] Bea: [scoffs like oh please] Fraze: [scoffs himself to show what he thinks of her ideas in reference to this messy uni era that he's acting like she's solely responsible for] Bea: [takes the bottle back like if you're gonna be like that] Fraze: [takes it off her so he can actually get some] Bea: ['you did not have all the good ideas'] Fraze: ['Alright, you can credit him one for bringing you'] Bea: ['I thought you reckoned that was your idea too'] Fraze: ['Point is, it weren't yours'] Bea: [🙄 'I'm fine with being here not being my idea, tah'] Fraze: ['Unlike me being here' like there you go another bad idea] Bea: ['doesn't bother me' like unlucky] Fraze: ['You came to find me, not the other way round, babe'] Bea: ['I came to get away from everyone else, there's a difference'] Fraze: [looks around like there's loads of places to do that which is true cos there's literally no-one at this party] Bea: ['if you want me to go, say it'] Fraze: ['If I did, I would'] Bea: [a look like shut up then] Fraze: [shakes his head in an affectionate way like fuck knows why I want you around] Bea: [just like likewise with her everything] Fraze: [offers her a 🚬 like they're not indoors in the tiny priest cupboard] Bea: ['a way to get more guests' like when the firemen show Fraze: [a fearghal style big lol 'see, I'm full of good ideas'] Bea: [can't help but smile even if we're like mhmm] Fraze: [smiling because we made her smile, it's a lil moment] Bea: ['why haven't you left?' but soft not like accusatory or like get out] Fraze: [looking at her like you know why and we're stealing her words ''if you want me to go, say it' in a tone which obvs makes it clear that's not what we want] Bea: [says nothing to say it all] Fraze: [turn that look into a LOOK boy] Bea: ['why are you mad at me?' whilst casually getting on his lap to make sure he can't be] Fraze: ['why did you have to bring him here?' but everyone knows he's not that mad anymore because she's literally in here with you sir, priorities] Bea: ['see what you'd do' like we're joking but not not true either, just tracing all his features with your finger right now like it's been FOREVER since you saw each other] Fraze: [There's a time and a place' like I'm not gonna beat the shit out of him at this fam function even though I want to but also please don't bring him to fam functions ever again thank you] Bea: ['Maybe I didn't feel like being alone'] Fraze: ['You're not' pulling her even closer to him for emphasis] Bea: [a NOISE like 'scuse me 'not now'] Fraze: ['you're not alone ever' could sound creepy but we mean it in a loving and supportive way] Bea: [a look like we both know that's not true] Fraze: [a look like we both know it's always gonna be me and you, no matter what] Bea: [shakes head like that's not what I mean/the point] Fraze: [softly cups her face so they have all the eye contact like I mean it but you can still tell me what you mean] Bea: ['if we weren't ever alone, none of this would be happening'] Fraze: ['I don't regret that this is' like we're joking about being in this priest cupboard having a throwback moment but we're also saying that we're glad she's here and glad of any time we have rn so] Bea: [shaking our head and breaking eye contact as we get off him] Fraze: ['Shit's always gonna happen, we can't stop it' you can't save anyone vibes 'I only know one way that comes close, like'] Bea: ['what's that then?' but we're already not listening properly and getting up to go] Fraze: [a KISS to stop her in her tracks because it's that, like they are stopping time for a sec] Bea: [have your moment lads enjoy it been a long time coming] Fraze: [literally would feel like it's been forever anyway and even moreso because they are both having a shit time rn] Bea: [you can't get carried away, I vote the fun people at this party start playing hide and seek so you gotta break it up hens] Fraze: [I love that because I would suggest murder in the dark cos spooky girl energy but Ro's scared of the dark so we can't until she has left] Bea: [lol it's so against your everything to be scared of the dark that amuses me] Fraze: [she would play hide and seek though if only to get away from her bf] Bea: [so lowkey everyone will be playing therefore you must play lol] Fraze: [literally because Rocky, Ali and Carly have probably made mcvickers play by ganging up on them haha] Bea: [the entire guestlist hen, everyone else would be down, soz baze looooooooooooooooooollllllllllll] Fraze: [he's so just staying in this priest cupboard and we all know it] Bea: [such an obvious place boy you'll be seeking so soon, you better go find Bronson hun] Fraze: [likewise will just go for a 🚬 when he's supposed to be finding people because we're playing under duress] Bea: [we know you don't need to keep this close a watch on him like he'll be down but you know, moment gone here] Fraze: [good luck acting like you're not fuming that she went straight to him even though staying with you wasn't really an option] Bea: [this should be made into/they should play a different team game and be on opposite teams 'cos so competitive] Fraze: [always a mood so I 100% agree] Bea: [like idk what but take it way too seriously when no one else is lol] Fraze: [literally does not matter because like you said nobody else cares and you two are just on your bullshit, who should we say wins?] Bea: [i think firstly it's who gets Ro] Fraze: [he should because we don't need a beeline brawl] Bea: [you can have Rocky then Bea as they are equally as big a handicap so that's fair] Fraze: [lbr nobody is as big a handicap as Ro but he can have Ali who's great at everything to balance that out] Bea: [then she should have Tommy and Carly and he should have Bronson and Kayne] Bea: [Meena go where you like lol] Fraze: [he will be THRILLED to have Bronson on his team lol] Bea: [ha I know, like did that so you have some decent peeps but also for the awks] Fraze: [please don't brawl lads we can't be having that] Bea: [focus on winning, Fraze probably should] Fraze: [yeah otherwise he'll sulk haha] Bea: [and he already is so that would be rude] Fraze: [true enough] Bea: congrats Fraze: Say it like you mean it Bea: I don't so you know Bea: forced sportsmanship is all you're getting Fraze: come on, babe Bea: shut up Fraze: Don't be a sore loser Bea: you're so annoying Fraze: Nah, that was the team I had Bea: like mine was any better Fraze: Like you wouldn't rather have your sister, who you reckon you're just here to see, and your boyfriend Bea: I've seen her Bea: if you're hoping for a reunion beyond that, I'd stop Fraze: If you reckon that's even crossed my mind, you're losing your touch at more than kid's party games Bea: I'm saying I reckon that was a poor attempt at a dig, is all Fraze: you started it, like Bea: did I fuck Fraze: what else do you call that piss poor attempt at a congrats? Bea: sportsmanship Bea: I told you Fraze: Bullshit Bea: 🙄 fine, don't accept it Fraze: I don't Bea: so don't Fraze: Alright Bea: [drinking moodily like 😒] Fraze: [go for a smoke and calm down boy] Bea: [thank the lord this shit show is winding down, reminds me] Bea: Did Ro and Ali just walk past you? Fraze: Yeah, she said she's taking her home Bea: Wow Bea: I thought they were getting air, or some other stupid thing for another stupid ritual Bea: is she for real Fraze: Are you really that surprised? Bea: Pissed off and surprised aren't the same thing Bea: she actually got me to fly out Bea: for this Fraze: Do you want me to go after 'em? They only just went past Bea: No Bea: it's her party to ditch Fraze: at least you can too now though Bea: yeah, I really fancy the airport right now Bea: never mind getting back to Cambs just in time for rush hour Bea: fuck this Fraze: Then don't go to the airport Bea: This has been a massive waste of time Fraze: Cheers Bea: Come on Bea: you didn't want to come either Fraze: when I thought you weren't Bea: no, and before Fraze: Come on Bea: find you when I was done, if I recall Fraze: whatever, that's not the same as you shitting over all my attempts to make this bearable for you Bea: because you tried really hard to do that Fraze: obviously not hard enough, yeah? Bea: You said it, not me Fraze: Fuck's sake Fraze: forget it Bea: Done Fraze: Grand Bea: ['cos what you really need is to go out and get messier, lol, so rude not even gonna help everyone else clean up this shitshow] Fraze: [we all know he ain't staying to help either soz lads] Bea: [lol @ everyone else doing that work] Fraze: [do you wanna skip to later when they are both messier or go straight to the aftermath of this if she's going to the hotel?] Bea: [I vote still go home 'cos wasted enough money coming here it isn't like student funds goes that far Ro, gotta save for xmas too] Fraze: [honestly legit Ro you rude hoe] Bea: [we don't even need to be getting a travelodge honey, the sofa can stay so yes, we can skip] Fraze: [oh the joys, you messy bitches, so tempted to have him bring someone back for the drama] Bea: [that would kick off big time 'cos he's not allowed people at theirs 'cos it's their bed and she'd have to burn it lol, but he could not come back for drama but less than that if you wanna] Fraze: [good idea we don't wanna cause Bea to have a breakdown] Bea: [like I assumed you didn't wanna go that far lmao] Fraze: [I'm not that evil] Bea: you got your keys Fraze: I don't need 'em Bea: you aren't here, I had to go in and get some PJs Fraze: you don't need my permission to go in your own room Bea: I know, but I know you aren't back yet, is my point Fraze: By the time I am ma or da will be up, was my point Bea: alright Bea: I'm locking the backdoor too, as we're in the lounge Fraze: Don't be stupid Fraze: there's an empty bed, there's no point you sleeping on the sofa Bea: I've not slept in worse places Bea: it'd be rude to leave him on his own Fraze: and you wouldn't wanna be rude to him Bea: obviously not Fraze: obviously not Bea: How gone are you? Jesus Bea: well I've told you, so don't come through waking everybody up later Fraze: I've told you I won't Bea: you don't need my permission Fraze: I'm not asking for it Bea: then go do whatever you're doing Fraze: We can't even talk now Fraze: this plan of yours is fucking epic, like Bea: If you wanted to talk right now, you wouldn't be wherever the fuck you are Fraze: Nah, if you wanted to talk I wouldn't be Bea: 'cos that makes any sense Fraze: you couldn't leave fast enough, how else do you want me to take that? Bea: that wasn't about you Fraze: I never said it was, I said you don't want to talk to me Bea: would I have specifically taken a flight to come talk to you, when I'll be back for Christmas in a month? no, probably not Bea: that hardly means I don't want to talk to you Fraze: Do it then Bea: that's how conversation works now Bea: you demand it, I jump at the chance? Fraze: at least I'm making demands Bea: really Bea: how's that working out for you? Fraze: as well as the opposite is for you Bea: I don't want to talk to you, apparently Bea: nothing to not demand Fraze: you reckon you apparently do, there's loads to demand Bea: yeah, 'cos talking in circles with you right now is really thrilling Fraze: Thank Christ you've got him to talk to Bea: he's asleep Fraze: that makes sense if fuck all else does Fraze: 'course you'd leave it til then to say anything to me Bea: because I was going to go to bed and wanted to lock the door Bea: it's not anything more or less than that Fraze: so go to bed Bea: yeah, you aren't telling me what to do Fraze: I'm telling you to do yourself a favour Bea: you say what you like Bea: I don't care Fraze: I don't need your permission for that either Bea: then say something worth hearing or piss off and leave me alone Fraze: I meant what I fucking said, I don't wanna leave you alone Bea: Well good job because I am Bea: and no one has said fuck all to me today about it Bea: not even my sister Fraze: I'm sorry Bea: Yeah Bea: you've got loads to say? bullshit Fraze: There's fuck all I can say about this, we both know that Bea: No, there's fuck all you want to say about it Bea: 'cos no one wants to talk about it, so I don't get to regardless of if I might Fraze: Don't Fraze: you know me better than that Bea: Well why ain't you then? Bea: you're the one banging on about it, as if you've actually tried Fraze: I don't wanna be the cunt backing you into a corner and I know you better than to reckon that'd work Bea: This is working amazing then, alright Fraze: Well I reckoned you'd eventually come to me, more fool me Fraze: shit's changed Bea: Right, 'cos you made it so obvious you were up for talking Bea: saying you weren't coming Bea: it's encouraging, my mistake there Fraze: It should be obvious that you can talk to me about anything Bea: When Bea: you aren't here now either Fraze: whenever Fraze: you know nothing's more important than you Bea: okay Fraze: Say it like you believe me Bea: I can't Fraze: Bea Bea: I'm sorry Fraze: Don't Bea: you said things have changed Fraze: 'Cause they clearly fucking have Bea: They were bound to, I suppose Fraze: you could've warned me if you knew that Bea: What do you think taking a break was Bea: for you to figure out what you wanted Fraze: Don't blame me, I know what I fucking want Bea: Do you? Fraze: nothing's changed for me Bea: you can say that Bea: but this all points to the opposite, doesn't it Fraze: Bullshit Bea: You aren't here, we can't even talk Bea: nothing's the same now Fraze: What did you expect me to do? You pissed off with him, there weren't no invite going spare Bea: because you're an arsehole to him, I drag him here for the shittest party ever and then make you two have an even worse night out? what would be the point of that? Fraze: I'm not gonna cosy up to him, you do enough of that for the both of us Bea: I get it, you don't like him, that's why you weren't invited Fraze: You brought him, knowing I don't fucking like him, don't make me the cunt Bea: I'm allowed friends, no matter if you like them or not Fraze: we're both allowed to do whatever the hell we like, I ain't forgotten the rules Bea: as I'm not fucking him, the rules have nothing to do with it Bea: I never told you to not hang out with your mates Fraze: I'm not telling you what to do either, I'm telling you why I ain't there Bea: that's ridiculous Fraze: Fuck you Bea: it is, for Christ's sake Bea: he's asleep on the sofa not fucking me on our bed Fraze: you don't believe me, why should I believe you? Fraze: it's ridiculous that you brought him here in the first place Bea: I'd have time to be messaging you Bea: you're just being stupid now Bea: how is it ridiculous? Fraze: You've already made me look stupid Fraze: did it make you feel any better? Bea: To who, your brother, my sister? Bea: I couldn't be on my own today Bea: I tried and I couldn't, that's all it is Fraze: You don't need him, you've got me Bea: I'm not meant to come to you for everything, I'm meant to give you space Bea: give each other Bea: that's what this whole thing is about Fraze: this whole thing is bullshit Fraze: and even if I reckoned it was a good idea I'm not just gonna pretend your parents didn't die today to go fuck a Trinity student Fraze: there's a time and a place, like I said Bea: Fine Bea: well he's here now, what do you want me to do about it? Bea: I can't send him home Fraze: There's fuck all you can do, other than don't lock me out Bea: I knew you didn't have your keys Fraze: you do still know me then, yeah? Bea: If you hadn't forgot, you'd have lost them Bea: should probably change the locks, honestly Fraze: if you don't keep me out, I'll keep any robbing cunts out Bea: I'm not going to lock you out Bea: you don't need to promise heroics Fraze: I know you can't sleep, I'd be a new level of callous bastard if I gave you anything else to worry about Bea: it'd be a distraction Bea: doubt your parents would appreciate it though Fraze: Well I can easily give you one of them Bea: not that you rate yourself or anything Fraze: it starts with me, yeah, no fucker else is volunteering to sing my praises right now Bea: Poor boy Fraze: Don't rub it in how skint I am as well Bea: well you and me both Bea: be eating plain rice when I get back Bea: at least your ma makes sure you have decent food still Fraze: I'll send you something to put on it Fraze: or something to drown your sorrows with Bea: where do you think all my money goes, like Fraze: you and me both, babe Fraze: these Trinity girls aren't cheap dates, like Bea: My sympathy can only extend so far Fraze: the night off from it is appreciated enough Bea: uhuh Fraze: you don't believe me, I heard you the first time Bea: it was never part of the deal that we had to talk about it Fraze: I know Bea: so I don't want to Fraze: I'm shutting up and coming in Bea: Good Fraze: come and have a drink Bea: [does, of course] Fraze: [giving her the bottle for the mems of Jesus blood and always] Bea: [take a big swig like you need to remotely lol 'thank you' with sincerity at last] Fraze: [shamelessly checking her out in whatever pjs she's wearing obvs, though I vote she's wearing at least one item that belongs to him so he's like 😏 and gently pulls on whatever it is like that's mine without saying so out loud] Bea: [deffo, and has done it without even noticing so it's like oh, raising a brow like you want it back?] Fraze: [yassssss because they are that coupley goodbye but he shakes his head because looks better on her anyway and takes the bottle instead] Bea: [even though it would've been ages since you did that it's just habit, shrugs like 😏 your loss] Fraze: [such a LOOK of course] Bea: ['where'd you go?' like where did you go drink, not WHERE WERE YOU vibes] Fraze: [telling her the name of somewhere studenty with his own shrug, I like to imagine he's like casually getting ready for bed here also as a habit because it doesn't feel awkward to just get topless or whatever] Bea: [casual face of disdain but 'makes sense'] Fraze: ['nothing happened' because even though she said she didn't wanna talk about it and neither do you, you want her to know that and you're drunk enough to just say it] Bea: ['doesn't matter if it did' blatant lie but okay] Fraze: [a look because we know it's a blatant lie but we're coming to put our arms around her cos it's been such a shit day] Bea: [big sighs] Fraze: [just having a snuggle and it will forever fuck me up cos he's so tol and she's so smol] Bea: [OG tol and smol, we mumbling into his chest like scuse you what you saying] Fraze: [she's like me and Clove, failing to thrive honey, so if you think he's not cradling her like a little Clovey you'd be incorrect] Bea: [just have this moment of softness, gotta allow it] Fraze: [very deserved and needed] Bea: ['this is such bullshit' like true but specifics where] Fraze: ['I know' because you don't need specifics cos everything is for you too like you literally thought she was slipping away from you same as Joe did and you've realised you hate uni it wasn't just 1st year being crap] Bea: [that must happen so much 'cos allegedly everyone hates 1st year but then it just carries on like oh] Fraze: [it really does happen a lot hence he's like well shit it's not that and I don't actually wanna be doing this] Bea: ['there's fuck all to do, is there?'] Fraze: [repositioning however necessary for eye contact because there's always something they can do, that's like their entire mantra and we don't need to express that with words] Bea: [gestures like ugh I know that but seriously, right now, this has been hard since this time last year] Fraze: ['if you wanna throw all these bullshit rules out, tell me' like ldr exists babe we don't have to get randoms involved] Bea: [shakes his head 'it's about what's right and needs to be done'] Fraze: [kisses her like you can't tell me this isn't right gal] Bea: her* scuse me Bea: [going in on that kiss, not just so we don't have to sort this out but you know lollollol] Fraze: [likewise allowing it and not only from the standpoint that we need them to be messy and struggling for a while yet but also because he would] Bea: [deal with some of this tension hens] Fraze: [it's the first real chance you've had so I'm not gonna stop you] Bea: [it'd be silly to say it wouldn't happen so we cannot sorry] Fraze: [exactly] Bea: [okay, so obviously we're falling asleep together and equally as obviously you still have to be back asap for school etc so you're probably leaving early AM, not just for the drama of it lol] Fraze: [makes sense but I vote he brings you breakfast in bed before Bronson wakes up because 1. cute 2. you don't have to deal with Ro who's always up ridiculously early lurking and he remembered what you said about eating rice when you get back] Bea: [you've probably not had breakfast in a thousand years so that's a novelty] Fraze: [like it probably wouldn't be good cos he'd accidentally burn the toast or whatever thanks to how messy they were last night but the romantic gesture has been attempted] Bea: [tis the thought that counts henny] Fraze: [my thoughts exactly, just trying to look after her but keep it casual so she's not 😒] Bea: [we can't get too mad over some toast, even if we'd probably try not to eat it at first like g2g] Fraze: [gal you know he can keep you in that bed, don't test him] Bea: [or do, depending how much time you've left yourselves lol] Fraze: [mhmmm] Bea: [either way, you're leaving and you're gonna be folorn] Fraze: [literally would take all his willpower to not just come with you cos uni sucks but as you've not talking about it yet and can't really have the convo now that ain't happening hun] Bea: [soz babe, not at that realisation for a while yet but you did a good job sowing seeds] Fraze: [didn't wanna go too heavy handed with it because not gonna trump dead parents but like it is happening so] Bea: [you wanna end this here or do a bit of aftermath] Fraze: [I think we've covered a lot so tbh unless there's anything we want to specifically address in the aftermath it's probably good]

[flamegatorwrites]

Death on Two Legs (Jotaro/Kakyoin)

Chapter: 4/?

Warnings: none

Spoilers: none

A/N: hey y'all! I'm sorry this took like a month to write haha. I've been so busy with school and band and everything. thanks for being patient, though! I promise I'll try to update more, this chapter was just so Hard for me to write because I just felt like it wasn't good? Anyways, pls enjoy :-)

-

Kakyoin nervously straightened out the collar of his shirt. He examined himself in the bathroom mirror. He and Jotaro had decided to hang out today, and he was terrified. He wore his favorite cherry patterned button up over a white T-shirt, paired with some slightly baggy lightwash jeans he'd rolled up at his ankles. He probably looked insane to other people- he definitely didn't look like he was going to be a priest within the next few months (nor did he want to)- but that was the least of his worries.

He and Jotaro had exchanged phone numbers after he'd fallen last week, after finding out they had similar interests. They'd talked every day, eventually deciding upon meeting up at a local arcade to play a new game that was arriving today. Jotaro wasn't too into video games, but Kakyoin had convinced him he would like this one.

To be completely honest, he didn't know if he would like it. Hell, Kakyoin had never even played it before. He just wanted to see someone that wasn't a member of the church. At least, that's what he'd convinced himself.

He didn't want to admit that he just wanted to see Jotaro again. He believed if he told himself he was just tired of seeing the same faces over and over again, he'd be less embarrassed. It wasn't anything other than the fact that he was just worried. He knew the past two weeks haven't been the highlight of Jotaro's life, and he was hoping to help try and make him feel better.

Jotaro, on the other hand, barely managed to get out of bed on time. He slept in 30 minutes later than he was supposed to, only waking up because his phone was ringing in the living room.

He sat up, groggily, and trudged into the living room. He picked up his cell phone, taking it off the charger and checking the caller ID. When the name registered in his mind, he answered almost immediately, hurriedly placing the phone up to his ear.

"Avdol?"

"Okay, I need you to listen closely, Jotaro," Avdol whispered urgently.

"Okay..."

"Polnareff and I have been doing some research, and we've discovered that there's an stand user in your town. He's an American man, and we have reason to believe that his power can manipulate emotions. If you're leaving your home today, please be on the lookout."

"What do I do if I find him?" Jotaro yawned, running his fingers through his messy hair. Deep down, he knew what he would do. He would eat, and hopefully not feel guilty about it.

"Well... we're about to board a flight to Japan. We've discovered something huge, and we can't tell you this over the phone. We currently have one of the workers from the Speedwagon foundation handling Iggy for the flight. For the time being, just... just defend yourself, in any way you can."

"Wait, shit! I am leaving today! Thanks for the help, but I've gotta go."

"Jotaro, wait! Whatever you do, do not let anyone else get inv-"

Jotaro hung up and tossed his phone onto the couch in front of him. He grabbed his discarded black skinny jeans he took off the day before off the floor, sliding them up his legs in record time. He then ran into his room, jumping across his bed and opening a drawer on his dresser, blindly grabbing one of his many plain t-shirts. He put on the deodorant he had placed on top of his dresser and pulled the shirt over his broad shoulders. He shoved his feet into his boots and tied them.

After he brushed his teeth, he grabbed his cell phone off his couch and shrugged on his denim jacket, then grabbed his old, ripped up hat and placed it on his head.

He finally managed to shut and lock the door to his apartment. He jogged down the hallway to the elevator and pressed the button. Thankfully, it opened right away, making his exit at least 2 minutes quicker.

He pressed the ground floor button and waited, anxiously tapping his foot.

He knew Dio was going to start getting stand users ready again, but he didn't expect it to be so sudden. It had only been two weeks since his grandfather's demise, and Dio certainly hadn't been healed from his own critical injuries that quickly.

The elevator opened, allowing him to jog through the lobby and out the main entrance. Thankfully the arcade was only a 5 minute walk away- but he could make it in about 2 minutes if he ran.

He burst into the arcade, out of breath and thankfully not sweaty. The cold air outside helped him that much, even if he was cold. He shivered, the warm air of the arcade hitting him like a punch to the gut.

He locked eyes with Kakyoin from across the room. The different video game themes playing from large, bulky machines that were lined up in rows filled the arcade, along with the dozens of people crowded around a certain spot in the back. The redhead blushed furiously, briskly walking towards Jotaro.

"Sorry," Jotaro coughed. "I had a phone call."

"It's fine! I managed to order us a pizza, and I remembered you liked pepperoni so I just got that."

Kakyoin led Jotaro to a booth near the back of the room, the video game noises growing quieter the further they walked away from the annoying machines.

Why had he agreed to this? He hated being in public, he hated people, and he didn't quite enjoy the loud, repetitive music that seemed to blare through the entire building. Kakyoin just had this influence over him. He couldn't think straight when he was around him, his heart would pound and his head would spin and he just felt so odd. But there was also something... powerful about the smaller man. There was something pulling the two together, like magnets, or like-

Like stand users.

A stand user that could manipulate emotions. That was why Jotaro felt all weird and nervous and anxious- it had to be. He knew there was something off about Kakyoin from the start. The fact that he didn't even look like a priest should've been enough to warn him, but, of course, since he had the emotional manipulation powers he didn't feel like he usually would.

He could always tell when he was in the presence of another stand user. Looking back at the past few times he'd been in contact with Kakyoin, he could remember feeling that faint mental connection he'd felt with the crusaders, with all of Dio's stand users.

Jotaro sat down and eyed Kakyoin suspiciously. He had to admit, the guy had a decent cover. But he saw right through it.

"Is everything okay over here?"

Kakyoin glanced up at the waitress, a look of concern replacing the smile he wore before.

"Uh, are you okay, miss?"

Jotaro looked up at the waitress. She glared down at Jotaro with bright red eyes, the hatred she radiated was almost tangible. Her eyes bore holes into his own, and for once he felt uncomfortable.

"Kakyoin," he said, not breaking eye contact with the woman. "It's been three weeks since my grandfather's death. Couldn't you have at least waited a little longer?"

"What?"

Jotaro began to feel uncomfortable. It wasn't like he normally felt around Kakyoin, this was different. It was the feeling you get when something bad happens at a friend's house, or when someone you know does something absolutely stupid and you can't help but close your eyes and hope it's not real. It festered inside of him, clawing it's way deeper and deeper into his chest.

In an instant, everyone in the arcade was motionless. It was as if someone had stopped time. But he, kakyoin, and the waitress were still moving, the waitress's gaze becoming more and more terrifying. 

"Jotaro Kujo," the woman said, in a voice too deep to be her own. "Lord Dio has requested your company. If you refuse, you will perish."

"JoJo," Kakyoin whispered, "this isn't funny."

"Will you accept this offer?"

Jotaro stared at Kakyoin. There was no way he wasn't a stand user, he knew that much. But was he the enemy? Avdol said the stand user was an American tourist, and Kakyoin didn't really fit that description.

"Star Platinum!"

Just as Star appeared, the woman punched Jotaro- hard enough to draw blood. He felt the familiar sting of an open wound on his cheek, the warm, thick blood slowly dripped down his face.

Kakyoin's eyes darted from Star to Jotaro, then to the woman. He was clearly a stand user, but was he the enemy? Did he even know he was a stand user?

"Jotaro, I think I should leave," Kakyoin said shakily. The woman grabbed a chair and threw it at Kakyoin as if it were as light as a feather. The minute the chair left her grasp, a green tentacle shot out from somewhere behind him, grabbing the chair right before it hit his head.

-

After they found the enemy stand user hidden inside one of the video games, they decided to just go back to Jotaro's apartment. Kakyoin was in shock. He helped fight off the man, but he was so afraid while doing so and Jotaro felt awful. He decided to bring him home and tell him about everything- stands, enemies, even Dio. He told him everything except for his own secret, out of pure shame and self-loathing. 

They had been there for about 2 hours now. Kakyoin wasn't safe anywhere else; there could be a stand user anywhere, and considering he didn't even know he had a stand, Jotaro knew that it would just end in Kakyoin's death.

"So," Kakyoin cleared his throat, "How did I get it? Is it like a disease? It can't be an STD, can it? Oh, no-"

"Good grief," Jotaro huffed. "It's not a disease, and how the hell would you have an STD? Aren't priests, like, virgins or some shit?"

He let out a sigh of relief, then registered what Jotaro said. He blushed, sending a playful glare in his direction from the opposite side of the couch.

"Deacons," he corrected, "and yeah. But it's still scary, like, what if it's airborne?"

"Wait, STDs can be airborne?"

"Well I sure hope not. I've got 3 months left until I can become an actual priest, and that would be a little hard to explain to everyone."

"Well," Jotaro said, "It's not a disease. Have you been shot recently?"

"What kind of question is that?" Kakyoin laughed.

"I guess not then. You must've been born with it, it just fully... awakened today."

Jotaro checked the time on his phone. It was 3 pm. Avdol and Polnareff wouldn't be there for at least 2 more hours if they were taking one of the private jets from the Speedwagon foundation.

"So what's the deal with your... stand?" Kakyoin asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Like, can I see it?"

Jotaro summoned Star Platinum. The purple figure loomed over the both of them, awaiting Jotaro's command. Kakyoin stared, in awe. He stood up and walked over towards him, his head barely meeting the stand's chest. He neared 9 feet tall, which made even Jotaro himself feel like a child.

"He's kinda cute."

Star did something Jotaro had never seen before- he blushed. He disappeared into thin air. That was... new. Knowing that someone thought his stand- his nine foot tall, beefed up, purple stand- was cute was a bit disgruntling.

He glanced over at Kakyoin, who was blushing again. He picked up his soda and took a long drink- probably to hide his face.

He didn't realize he was staring until his phone rang. He was getting a call from Avdol, which he answered almost immediately.

"Avdol, I ran into the stand user today. He wasn't just able to control emotions. This man could literally possess people."

"Is he dead?"

"No," Jotaro sighed. "But we kicked his ass. He's crawling back to Am-"

"Who is we?"

"Oh..." Jotaro took a deep breath. "So I've met another stand user, and he just found out that he has a stand today. He's got... potential?"

He looked back at the smaller man, who was playing with one of his stand's tentacles. It seemed to have two forms- a more humanoid form, which was good for fighting; and a bunch of tentacles, which were good for a more strategic approach to things.

"Jotaro, what did I say?" He sighed. "I specifically told you not to get other people involved, and what did you do? You got someone else involved. This isn't a game. He could be targeted because of this- killed, even."

"If I wanted a lecture, I'd bring the old man back from the dead."

"Well, actually, that's what I'm calling about."

Jotaro's eyes narrowed.

"What the hell do you mean?"

"Jotaro, your grandfather is still alive."

[dixongrimestrash]

Service

Daryl Dixon/OC

It’s the first time Alexis sees Daryl since he has been taken by Negan while the saviors start to wreck havoc into Alexandria.

Part 1: Last Day On Earth

Part 2: The Day Will Come When You Won’t Be

It’s been a few days now since our encounter with Negan. The mood in Alexandria has shifted, everyone is tense and on edge.

I didn’t like being all alone in the house without Daryl. Waking up in an empty bed made me feel really angry. I was angry at Negan for being such an asshole, I was angry at how everyone is acting like we have to just lay down to them. I was angry at myself for fighting with Daryl before he left that day, not knowing if that was our last conversation kills me.

Today Rosita, Spencer and I wanted to go out and scavenge for the saviors. Rosita drove up to the gate, “Eugene open the gate.”

Eugene was busy working on some sort of radio to even look up at us. “Eugene.” Rosita said more annoyed.

“Yeah?” He asked shyly looking up from his… whatever he was working on.

“Open the gate.” Rosita pointed more annoyed then before.

“We are going out to see if we can find anything for when they come.” Spencer spoke up from the front seat.

“Wanna help?” Eugene looked to the three of us and shook his head.

“I don’t believe I’d be up for that.”

“Yep sounds about right.” Rosita mumbled.

I sat up from the back seat to where Eugene could see me, “it’s fine Eugene.” I said trying to make the poor guy feel better.

“I’m repairing this portable audio system for them, living perfectly music player for when they arrive. I’m doing my part to give them what they want.” None of us responded when we heard the roars of trucks pull up behind the gate.

The three of us got out of the car and walked a little closer. I stood by Spencer and saw Rosita glance back at me. The sound of whistling sounded behind the gate, and we saw a silhouette appear.

The sounds of Lucille hitting the gate made me jump. “Little pig little pig! Let me in!”

Rosita nodded to Spencer and he went over pulling back the chain link revealing Negan himself.

“Who are you?” Spencer asked.

Really Spencer?

“Oh you better be joking!” Negan laughed. “Negan, Lucille I know I made a pretty strong first impression.”

Rick walked past us and over to Spencer and Negan. “Well hello there.” Negan smiled, Rick was holding everything in him back to not kill Negan right then and there. Rosita and I walked closer and that’s when I saw him.

Daryl was standing there in a beige jumpsuit with a big better ‘A’ on the front and back looking beat to hell. I could tell he hasn’t showered, his messy hair almost covered his eyes, his face was bruised and busted up. I don’t even want to know what they have done to him.

“You said a week, you’re early.” Rick said pushing the gate open.

“I missed ya.” Negan smirked.

The growling of a walker made Negan turn around, “Oh Rick, come on out here watch this. Callin it!” Negan swung his bat knocking the walker to the ground. “Ha-Ha! Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Alright everybody let’s get started.”

I looked to Daryl and he looked away from me. My heart broke at the sight of him being physically broken.

“Hey Rick, you see that? What I just did, that is some service! I mean we almost get turned away at the gate.” He pointed to Spencer, “who is that guy anyway?”

“Do I get mad? Do I throw a fit? Do I bash some gingers dome in? Nope! I just took care of one of these dead pricks that could’ve killed one of y'all.” Negan did a sarcastic little bow, “Service.” Negan handed Lucille to Rick and walked past us looking all around at Alexandria.

“Hot diggty dog! This place is magnificent!” Negan smiled. All the saviors piled in and Dwight pushed Daryl right in front of Rosita and I.

Rick looked over to Daryl and took a step toward him, “Daryl, hey-”

“No. Nope, he’s the help. You don’t look at him, you don’t talk to him and I don’t make you chop anything off of him.” Negan said cutting Rick off.

“Same goes for everyone.” He said turning around to me and Rosita. She rolled her eyes and walked past him but I stayed with my arms crossed looking up toward him. “Right?” He asked.

“Why the hell’d you bring him if we can’t even talk to him?” I asked bitterly, I felt a gun pointed to my back but Negan waved them off.

“Oh shit I forgot! You and Daryl were together. What’s your name sweetheart?” He asked leaning down making his face closer to him.

“Alexis.” I answered.

“Well Alexis, I’m gonna put this the nicest way possible. Daryl here, works for me now and what that means is until he wants to man up and become a solider for me he doesn’t get the privilege to speak to anyone here. But you can come back with me if y-”

“No way in hell, just take your shit and go please.” You said cutting him off, Negan smirked and took a step back from you.

“You heard the lady. Arat…” He said looking toward a women in the back.

“Move out!” Yelled the women whom I’m guessing is Arat.

All the saviors started making their way toward town. Negan walked over to Daryl placing his hand on his shoulder which made Daryl flinch. “Now I know why you like her so much. I love a lady who is hot and can take charge.” He smirked looking back at me.

Daryl had his fists clenched and was shaking from anger.

“Well Rick, you gonna show me around or what?” Negan asked, then the two of them started making their way toward town.

I walked back over toward Rosita and Spencer as they were getting into the car. “Hey, I think I’m gonna stay. You guys go and find some stuff, I need to be here if they do anything to Daryl.”

Rosita nodded, “do what you gotta do.”

Dwight approached us and I instantly wanted to punch him in the face. He was wearing Daryl’s vest and had his crossbow slung over his shoulder.

“Rosita! Where are you and your friends going?”

“We were j-”

“You know what? I don’t care.” Dwight said looking at Spencer.

He grabbed Rositas gun and put it in a bag. Then he looked toward me and Spencer and opened the bag up for us to put our guns in. Spencer put his in but I was still glaring at the scard face man.

“C'mon Alexis, don’t make us kill Daryl.” He said motioning toward the bag.

I rolled my eyes and took my gun putting it into the sachal. Dwight then took the rifles out from the back seat of the car.

“Now that that’s all settled. I got a job for ya. Go get me Daryl’s bike.” Dwight said to Rosita.

“It’s not here. You should know.” I said earning a chuckle from him.

“Well you know where it is, so go get it.” He said. Rosita pushed pass him and Spencer walked to the other side getting in a driving off. I looked to Dwight and just shook my head at him.

Once back at my house I saw a bunch of saviors talking all the furniture out from the living room and Daryl and I’s bedroom. I looked down the road saw Daryl, Rick, Father Gaberial and Negan talking in front of another house.

~~~~~~~~~

It seemed like hours watching all the saviors destroy my house. They took our beds, couches, medicine, pretty much everything except the clothes off our backs.

A gun shot a few houses down made me stand up off the curb I was currently sitting on. The sound came from the infirmary and I took off toward the house.

A few saviors had gathered in front of the house as well. My heart was beating out of my chest thinking the worst. What if they hurt Daryl? What if they killed another person?

I saw Rick and Negan walk out of the infirmary and over to Olivia’s house where the armory was.

They started loading all our guns into the back of a van. Daryl hauling guns back and forth. Negan grabbed a hand gun and pointed it at Daryl. My breath hitched and Negan shot above him, hitting the window.

A few moments later Arat pushed Olivia out of the house. They were all talking about something then Olivia started crying. Rick quickly walked over toward me, “get everyone in the church now.”

I nodded and started going by and telling all Alexandrians to go to the church for a meeting.

I sat next to Carl while his dad paced in front of the church. “I thought about hiding some guns. I did before, I figured I could bury some out there maybe we don’t touch them for years. But what if those saviors find those guns? What if we run into them when we have those guns on us? One of us dies.”

Rick stared walking up and down the isle past everyone. “Maybe more then that maybe a lot more. Doesn’t matter how many bullets we have it isn’t enough. They win, it’s that black and white. Hiding a couple of guns isn’t the answer, not anymore. We don’t have to like it, but we need to give them over. Glock 9, and a 22. That’s what they are looking for. Who has it?”

Everyone looked at each other. I wish I had the guns so I could kill Negan myself. But Rick was right, we have to play safe for now.

“If we don’t find them, then they are going to kill Olivia. They’ll do it.” Rick said looking out at all of us.

“Most of you weren’t there, you didn’t have to watch. You can look away now and someone else dies or you can help solve this. We give them what they want, and we live in peace.”

“Say we find the guns.” Eric said standing up behind me. I turned to look at him. “How are we gonna get out of this Rick?”

I turned back around and saw Rick walk toward us, “there is no way out of this. Let me put this all to you as clearly as I can. I’m not in charge anymore, Negan is. Now who has the guns.” I looked to Carl who was just looking at the ground.

“Not everyone’s here.” Eugene mumbled from the back row. I looked around and noticed Rosita, Spencer, and Michonne missing….

I was with Carl while some of the others went looking for the guns in Spencer and Rosita’s house. We were watching a savior talking to Enid about her green balloons.

He dropped them toward the ground and Enid quickly picked them up. Carl looked back at his father who had joined us at watching the scene happening in front of us.

“They’ll be gone soon.”

I followed Rick, Aaron and Gaverial over to Negan. “Whatcha got for me Rick?”

Rick handed over a small bag and Negan opened it revealing the two missing guns. “Well would you look at that. They were here all along. Funny how a little holy shit someone’s gonna die lights a fire under everybody’s ass!”

Negan looked to a relived Olivia, “so tell me Rick, which one of your fine people almost cost Olivia her days?”

“Doesnt matter anymore.”

“No it matters, see you need to get everybody on board or we just go right back to square one.” Negan said motioning for the back of the van to be shut.

We made our way back to the front gate and all the saviors started to leave. We saw Spencer and Rosita come back and Rick also saw Michonne.

Negan let Rick go talk to Michonne for a second so now I was going to try my best to get Daryl to stay.

“Negan?” I asked taking a step toward him. He looked at me with a wide grin on his face. “Can Daryl stay? Please.”

“Now Alexis that’s just adorable. I like you, I really do but Daryl needs to know his place. Understood?”

I looked to Daryl sadly and finally he was looking back at me. “Yeah understood….”

Rick and Michonne came back and Rick handed Negan a hunting rifle Michonne had used. They exchanged some words, I started to zone out. Seeing Daryl like this and not being able to hold him or tell him I love him is making me sick.

Michonne had an angry look on her face when Negan made her give up the deer she has caught. She walked away and the rest of the saviors piled into the trucks. I watched as they pushed Daryl into the back of a truck. They drove away and me and Rick were left standing there watching them take Daryl away again.

“C'mon.” Rick said putting his arm around me and giving me a small hug. Rick lead me back to my house before going back to his.

When I walked inside it didn’t even feel like home anymore. The place was wrecked, the chairs the saviors didn’t take were turned upside down, all my books on the were scattered all over the ground, pictures on the walls were broken, most of the kitchen was still in tact. Except for all the plates and silverware, they were gone. I trudged up into Daryl and I’s bedroom and saw that was bed was missing.

Our nightstands and dressers had been rummaged through, all the blankets were on the floor, the picture frame containing a picture of the group when we first arrived at Alexandria was broken into pieces.

Tears spilled from my eyes, everything was different now. It was getting harder and harder to keep hope of ever getting Daryl back. I slept on the ground that night covered in blankets and holding onto one of Daryl’s shirts for dear life..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

TAGS: @jodiereedus22

@iminlovewithasuperboy

@judymosali

[downbythewater-beachblondee]

15 | Water lillies

May 20th 1994

Pastor kept lookin' at Aaliyah weird. Maybe he wasn't. Maybe I was just hungry cause mama was rushin me and Aaliyah that morning. Maybe I was dreaming cause I was sleepy and Lord knows mama would smack me a good one if I shut one eye while pastor was preaching.

He kept saying, "Will a man rob God..."

Maybe I was a complete nut...

Maybe I wasn't.

After doing all I could not to completely collapse on the red velvet benches, the organ chimed and the call to discipleship was spoken. Service had finally come to closure.

Me and Aaliyah followed behind mama, as always while she chatted up the ladies who wore fat pink hats.

Finally, us kids could eat candy. So we asked mama if we could go to the bathroom. Oh, and we ran to the bathroom. We ran like we was racing horses.

When we got there, Aaliyah kept playing in the water.

"Stop." I chided.

We was playing and laughin'...

Then pastor came out of one of them rooms they told us kids to stay out of.

"What y'all kids doin up here?" He asked, grinning like some feline.

"Just gettin some water, sir. How bout yourself?" Aaliyah responded. She was such an outspoken child.

You would think, morning could swindle her.

He nodded, skimming her white dress.

"Y'all sholl look pretty this evening." He complimented.

"Thanks. We bout to get going now." I interrupted, grabbing Aaliyah's arm in the direction we came from.

"Wait," he stopped. I felt him holding Aaliyah's dress, hindering her from walking away.

"Miss Zipphora, I have something for your aunt. Come by my study right before she leaves. Don't bother her about it, hear?"

"Okay, pastor." She affirmed.

"...wouldn't wanna worry her..."

After that, we went to the car. Momma told me to carry sister Saulsberry's famous greens and cabbage plates to the car. My hands were full and before she could give Liyah a task, she ran back inside.

"Pastor told me to get something for you." She said.

Mama, oblivious to the innocence of the issue, waved her off.

I bit my lip.

I made a mental note in my head to go with her.

I ain't trust pastor.

He was weird to me.

The way he talked. The way he walked. He was weird.

I bit my lips.

Aaliyah bit hers until it bled.

I remember when we got home and her sheets turned red. Mama blamed me for doing nothing even though I saw what they couldn't see.

If would be months before she ever got out of bed...

☾

Sanaa

☾

The way he breathed into my neck drove me wild. Especially when he would lick it teasingly when I thought he was fast asleep. Then he would laugh, giving it away. The little trickster.

Boy, did I have him sprung. Sometimes...it baffles me. Me? Little old me? When could I ever do such a thing? The way he grabbed onto my hips and everything else his rough hands could grab...drove me insane.

No, it wasn't just him...it was his hair that I needed to oil and braid after one long night of good lovin...

It was his eyes that looked at me without asking and his nose that got in battles with mine when we were really at it. His lips...they were sweet like the honey that bees left in their hives.

"It's morning?" He asked.

All I could do was gaze at him. I finally found it. Yep...this was my prize. My decision. Mine.

"I don't know, morning glory." I replied, softly palming his red bone face.

He shook his head, smiling.

"Check that nice phone of yours."

I did as I was told, flipping the bedazzled object.

"It's 7:26."

He arose, eyebrows laden with stress.

"What's wrong?" I consoled, trying to caress his unknown worries away.

He stood, fully exposing his staff. His skin mounted perfectly in front of the sunlight.

"Baby-"

"Fuck," he cursed, retrieving his phone from his pant pocket.

"It's Esther. She's been blowing my cell up. I'm sorry baby but I gotta work and see whatever the fuck they need at the house."

He tussled and tossled, settling into his clothes haphazardly.

"Let me come with." I suggested.

He rolled his eyes.

"Baby...no."

"Why not?" I asked, growing even more frustrated with each word he spoke.

"Sanaa..." He tsked, grabbing me by my shoulders. "Remember what we talked about yesterday?"

I nodded.

"It's complicated...here," he said, pulling out a twenty. "Get home safely. Don't forget to call me, Okay? I'll see you later."

He kissed me, smiling afterwards.

With that, he ran off quickly towards the direction of P. Harris medical, leaving me naked and alone atop a pallet.

He never ceased to frustrate me.

I sneered, flipping my hair to the side. See, this...this always seemed to happen with him. His life was always way more important than mine. I mean, did he even think of me? Was I just a hit and run to him? Seriously...I'm beginning to think that all we do is fuck and eat. That's ridiculous and I'm not going for that. He's supposed to be mine...whatever we have...he's supposed to be mine and set in stone. Not Esther's, not his mama's, not that stupid hospitals; mine.

I positioned my loose green dress back on from last night.

Ahead of me the flowers swayed. I laughed at them and the way they danced.

Poppy leaves and dandelions. They blew me away. Then, something buzzed from between my breast's.

It was my phone.

Better yet, it was TheBestEva.

"I thought I told you to stop calling me." I greeted, smirking to myself.

"Woah, we never made that agreement."

"I did."

"So you're making decisions without me now?"

"Been doing that before you even got here."

"My bad shawty."

I beamed at her attempts at chatting me up. It was cute.

"So, What are you calling me for anyway, Rosie?"

She paused.

"Because I want to...and I was hoping that maybe I could hang out with you...soon."

My eyes tightened as I thought about the consequences of my actions. But then I realized: Elijah had a life. Why couldn't I?

"There's this place...ya know...it's down by the water."

_______________

"You smoke?"

Rosie was a wild girl. Wilder than I, most definitely. She may have looked like she had a calm, collected persona but it was only a mask. On the inside, that girl was every woman.

"Nah...never have." I responded.

"Never? Oh come on you look like the type that would."

"Oh," I chorused, clutching my chest. "Is that supposed to mean something?"

"Yeah...it means you fly." She purred.

I mugged her, lightly punching her in the stomach.

"Ouch. Girl. Take this blunt and pass it on back. You need it."

I pouted, hesitantly grabbing the brown object between my fingers.

"Go ahead," she urged as I continued to stare at it.

"Here goes nothing..."

My lips formed an O around it.

"I don't get it," I interrupted. "What am I supposed to do?"

Rosie laughed.

"You breath in. And hold it."

I nodded, committing to what was told. I tried it. The hot air entered my lungs, swelling my gullet. I felt like a dragon.

"Ewww!" I snorted, breathing out, allowing the white smoke to pipe around the trees.

"Good job, you dragon." She congratulated.

"I feel more like a pollutant than a dragon."

"Oh, shucks. You're really growing up, little one." She simpered with that strangely attractive dimple of hers.

I rolled my eyes.

She tucked her finger under my chin, bringing me closer to her lips. She succeeded with her plays. She kissed me. Then, she went in for another.

And another.

And another.

Then, her phone buzzed.

"Prolly just my nappy headed brother." She groaned, flipping the cell open.

"Hello?...So you need me to do that? Okay, nigga. Bye. Love you."

She clapped it closed.

"You didn't tell me you had a brother."

"You know now...old Eli."

"Who's that?"

"My brother. His names Eli."

"Oh. Cool name. I know someone with that name."

"Cool name for a cool dude. Ya know, I missed my brother. He's the only reason why I came to Cabasas."

"Really?" I listened.

"Yeah. My dad...he used to own this church down in Mississippi. He went bankrupt. Turns out daddy and his entourage was stealing money. Anyway, we're here now with the little bit that we do have staying at my bro's place."

"Hmm..." I pondered, looking at her. Really looking at her.

Eli...Mississippi...staying at brothers house...

It all sounded so...familiar.

"What did you say his name was again?"

"Eli."

"No, I mean...full name."

"Why?" She queried.

"I just want to know." I replied.

"Oh, I know...you just want to find out what your last name will be when we elope."

"Yeah...that's it. What is it, Rosie?" I asked, growing impatient.

"My name is Rosetta Tobias, baby. And don't you ever forget it."

"Tobias..." I stuttered. "Tobias...Tobias..."

Again, I looked at her and the resemblance finally showed.

The same eyes, same nose, same face, same lips...

"Oh my God." I stammered. "Oh my God!"

"Oh you're God. What is it?"

"Oh my God." I repeated, backing away from her. "You're Elijah's sister?"

"Well...Yeah. Why?"

If my breathing could catch up with my feet I would've became an equilibrium and turned into a bird. I would have flown far far away. Scandalous. I was a tramp. I was a freak; Lady of the midnight and the wee hours of the morning. No wonder this shit keeps happening to me. I wasn't anything like I planned myself to be. The more and more I tried running away, The more and more it caught up with me. I couldn't be a bird: I didn't have any wings.

My phone buzzed from my pocket.

"Hello..." I answered, still walking briskly into nowhere.

"Naomi. It's your sister..." she stuttered. "Look behind you."

[kaedekisaragi]

Kaede Kisaragi Watches The Flash S4E01 - The Flash Reborn

SAY HELLO TO MY FLASHY FRIEND!

"My name is Iris West... And I was supposed to marry the fastest man alive, but six months ago he left."

Welp... Let's open with a heart breaking scene, why not?

"I promised him I'd run, so that's what I've been doing these last six months, running as fast as I can."

Iris, in a new haircut that looks lovely, oversees stuff at the lab, while Vibe, Kid Flash and Joe-on-the-car hunt down Peekaboo. Also, Kid Flash, seriously, people don't say "duck" to refer to an avian unless they add "roast" on it, nowadays. The hunt continues, Kid Flash showing off all he can do as he pursues our meta teleporter. Iris sagely figures out that peekaboo is teleporting to every third rooftop, and the team does an awesome takedown of our little fugitive, with the finishing blow by Joe and the CCPD... Also, Kid Flash, sitting down, hugging his knees and tapping his feet together in amusement. Dunno, just adorable.

Ooh, new logo.

So, anyway, 1 out of 3 metas escape nowadays, the team not having the old catch rate. And Joe West makes his feelings clear to Wally: "Nobody feeling 'team kid flash'". I agree. Team Joe West is more like it, am I right? As it turns out, Iris is no longer a fun person, becoming religiously devoted to protecting the city and even programming training sims for Wally. Cisco says it as it is: we're one man down.

At the West home, cecile is discussing her box-moving to the west house, and steps on a landmine when she asks Joe to get rid of his record collection.

"They'll be buried with me when I die." "Maybe we can bury them now and you join them at a later date!"

Cecile's savage, y'all.

As it turns out, CCPD thinks Barry's on a sabbatical. With Julian's departure (awww :( no more malfoy jokes), they need a new forensic. Iris is positive Barry is not returning and tells as much to Joe, who is not happy with Iris's not coping with her feelings about losing Barry. I'm sensing a pattern here, I mean, I just had to watch Kara Danvers try to be Oliver Queen and Batman all at the same time, and it was painful. Don't make Iris do this too, okay show?

Iris returns to her apartment. We find she's... pretty much in grieve mode 24/7. She sleeps in the couch and has her photo of barry facing down.

AND THEN A BIG BOOMING SOUND AND SOMETHING RUSHES BY THE WINDOW!

THAT TURNS OUT TO BE A FLYING SAMURAI...

...This show takes me to weird turns of phrases sometimes.

Then Kid Flash talks japanese to the guy (because we need to make Cisco have funny reactions) and the samurai makes clear: he wants the Flash, not second-best. Ouch. Vibe mocks him for wanting to fight them with a sword. So he does a massive shockwave by plunging the sword down. Cisco, don't mock the villains, that's how they get the jump on you. Also, please tell me I'm not seeing them reference superfriends with a flying samurai.

So, it's been 6 months, and people wonder where The Flash is. And Cisco says they got no choice, they gotta bring Barry back, but the whole team is against it, since the speed force would go kablooie on the city once more if they do that. Cisco however has an idea he's been working on with pretty much the entire CW-verse collection of geniuses, which might stabilize the prison and free Barry. Iris is fully against it, saying she's positive Barry is dead and refusing to even allow herself a single glimmer of hope.

So Cisco goes drown his sorrows... at the bad guy bar... where CAITLIN is bartending. Didn't take the show long huh? She's still clearly refusing to return home though, even though she can apparently control herself now. She knows Barry is trapped in the speedforce. And as Cisco continues to try and talk to her, a guy with an emo hair and a white eye comes into the fray. Someone who Caitlin seems nervous to be around. She does agree to help her friend... Wow, that was a quick resolution.

Iris comes to the lab, but no one is there. She pinpoints the van's location, where the whole team is united to do the thing and bring Barry back (nervous about Caitlin aside). Joe does hug Caitlin and shows he is willing to forgive her. Cisco's plan? The speedforce bazooka. Which will fire a sphere attuned to Barry's genetic code and trick the speedforce into releasing him. The team fires up the energy... the bazooka fires... and there's a system failure.

Uh... what? Umm... Okay... Guess that's that. Iris arrives just in time to give a disapproving look.

...until a speed force gate opens in the middle of a street... and a golden lightning flies out of it... until it slams against a car... Showing a glowing and very naked Barry. With a beard. Who passes out.

Iris chews out the team for trying to save Barry saying they could've killed the city. Chews out Caitlin for running off. Cisco finally flips at her and says: "It's like you don't even want him back". But they get interrupted when cecile calls... The CCPD received a delivery from outside the city: Barry. Who is doing a wall-of-crazy on the CCPD, writing all sort of symbols on the wall. And who is talking... gibberish. Speaking disconnected phrases. So... it appears he may have gone insane. Speaking phrases from all previous seasons mixed up out of sequence. They put him to sleep and take him to the lab, where Caitlin says he's actually scarily healthy. She has two theories: either he's suffering from schizophasia, assigning wrong definitions to words. Cisco thinks he can translate his weird symbols into a message with the proper algorhythm. The other theory? Barry might've been stuck in there for over 10 millenia and gone demented.

Cisco's idea to wake Barry up with Lady Gaga? Best idea ever or best idea ever? XD But Barry continues to speak nonsense. Iris asks to be left alone with Barry. She breaks down on her own denial to accept his being gone, and now that he's here... He briefly glances over her, interestingly enough. Her urging him to become her Barry again causes him to vibrate and rush off, creating a whirlwind inside the labs, sending everyone flying. Caitlin ends up using Captain Cold's gun to freeze Barry. Just in time for Samurai to return. Wally has a plan though. Dressing up as Flash and using his vibrating to hide his face and skin color? Really? He faces off the Samurai, but the Samurai sees through the ruse, giving Wally another beating and putting him out for the rest of this episode with a pierced fibula.

Cisco still is trying to figure out whether barry is trying to give them the answer to life the universe and everything, but Caitlin doubts Barry wants to tell them 42 (I giggled, seriously). I missed Cisco and Caitlin being a duo. Caitlin says it's all greek to her, which makes Cisco both have an idea and quote two comic companies at the same time: "Great Caesar's Ghost" and "Excelsior". The symbols must be like greek writing, not like your regular alphabet. And the code says...

"This house is bitchin'?"

...

*facepalm*

Cisco is depressed he may have wasted his time building the new flash suit. Caitlin tries to comfort him. He says he didn't do it because he wanted to save the city... He just wants his bro back :(

Joe gently shaving Barry's face inside the pipeline... So sweet and sad. Joe and Iris both sit down, unsure how to proceed. Joe admits he's gone back to going to church on Cecile's suggestion, to help him find his way. One thing he heard in there was perfect for him: "Strength means nothing without faith". Cecile told him to have faith, for his strength alone won't do it. And he believed. Iris just needs to find her little faith. Samurai's 24 hours are up, so Joe leaves Iris alone with Barry.

SO IRIS GOES AND OFFERS HERSELF AS HOSTAGE TO THE SAMURAI, BECAUSE SHE BELIEVES FLASH WILL COME FOR HER. THAT'S BOTH STUPID AND AWESOME. IT'S AWESUPID.

Joe desperately urges Barry to save Iris. It doesn't work, Barry still raving, but when he hears Iris is gonna die, Joe is blasted aside when Barry speeds through the pipeline containment... How much strong is Barry now, if he can do that? The new suit is also gone, mind you. And he's running faster than anyone has ever run. Samurai flies through the wind farm, with Flash chasing him closely. As he runs, we can see this new suit is similar to the one from the future, with gold lightning details and a golden belt. Flash runs up a falling wind tower, jumps from it, lands on samurai, grabs iris, disarms his wings, and leaps off... all in one movement. And the Samurai? A robot.

Iris "Barry, you came back to me." Barry "...Always."

THE FLASH IS BACK! FOR REALS!

Caitlin marvels at Barry's super health, and assumes he must've soaked up speed energy, which explains why he's faster now than ever. And the team has a consensus: we are NOT Team Kid Flash, Wally! But we still got the mystery of the Samuroid (thank you based Cisco!). Barry can't explain how he knew Iris was in trouble, nor he remembers his gibberish moment. But he is very happy to be back. Caitlin says she's back too, to Cisco's glee.

Caitlin goes back to the bar, telling the emo guy from earlier to 'tell Amunet she's out'. When he tries to stop her... She goes full Killer Frost on him, giving him a real brainfreeze, and walks off. But by the time she's out, Caitlin fights back to control of her body... She has no control over it.

At their apartment, Iris says how hard it's been for her. Barry says this maybe was a blessing, saying that he feels like everything that was wrong on his life doesn't hurt him anymore... All gone. All he sees is their future together now. They kiss. Police Sirens. Flash goes off to do his thing.

Stinger. Samuroid assembled by a woman scientist. Her boss and her apparently fully intended to bring Flash back. Her boss, a borg-looking guy in a chair, tells he's still... thinking... their next step.

And we're back folks! And what awaits us for this season? We got a good look at our new villain, The Thinker, and his intentions remain a mystery, but if past seasons proved, Barry will have a big challenge. Thing is, he might not have much problem dealing with these challenges with his new badass speed levels and his carefree new mind. But is he really all that carefree as he says? Is this really the arrival of the truly happy and confident Flash we're all hoping to see?

And what about Caitlin, how many times has she lost control of herself like that? What if she loses it altogether?

And when will we get our new Wells? ^^

All this and much more, this season!

[edelmansgirl11-blog]

Alexandra Kaine‎ to Jaime Edelman The first day in Tennessee had included applying for their marriage license, which was now validated and ready to be signed by an officiant three days later. The morning had been a distracting one at the very least, but eventually the two made it to getting dressed and out the door. On the car ride over, she could be caught eyeing her fiancé several times over, knowing after this afternoon, he wouldn't be her fiancé any longer. When the car came to a stop, she was all too eager to get out of the car, stealing several kisses from the man on the way to the building before them, each kiss claiming to be the last as his fiancé, yet there was endlessly another behind it.

Jaime Edelman Knowing what happened next would be hit or miss, he pressed his lips to hers. Only hoping this sort of thing would not horribly back fire on him. "Ready?" He'd ask playfully, knowing she's not be ready to come face to face with the woman before the courthouse.

Alexandra Kaine "Never been more ready," she offered honestly as there wasn't a doubt or reservation within her as she drew in close to his side. "You ready to be stuck with me in holy matrimony?" She asked, teasing as she glanced up towards him while approaching the building.

Jaime Edelman "Better believe it but...there's probably something I need to warn you about..." he began, footsteps slowing. "I think I'm bisexual..." letting it fester, he'd shake his head. "Just kidding." He stated, gesturing towards their guest there before the courthouse expecting their arrival.

Alexandra Kaine As he said there was something she should be warned about, she eyed him, not knowing what to expect. "Ohhh. I know better than that," she teased in return as he gestured forward where her eyes would follow. "Is that my..." she began. Knowing all too well that her mother was in the States, she couldn't imagine how this was happening. The woman looked as though she were straight from the pages of a magazine as she walked down the steps to properly greet her daughter with a light embrace and a kiss to the cheek. "I don't understand," she confessed easily as her mother stated that Jaime had invited her. Alex looked over to Jaime instantly, surprise there in her eyes as her hand found his. "Got to be out of the hotel by noon today, huh?" She asked as it all came together.

Jaime Edelman "It is." he confirmed as he watched the two, releasing his fiance for the moment before the confession was made and her eyes met his. "Yeah..." he stated with ease, teeth finding his bottom lip as the silence lingered for but a moment. "I figured i got alot of people to prove wrong by doin' all this...might as well start from the top, respectively." he offered her mother, as even though the two were not exactly seeing eye to eye, he still would not disrespect her. "So she's gonna' be one of our witnesses today."

Alexandra Kaine Alex honestly didn't know what to say or do. It was just days ago that she'd sat at a table in a restaurant defending this situation to her mother. She drew a breath as her mother offered a similar greeting to Jaime, ever proper no matter her feelings on things, truly only wanting to see her only daughter happy, knowing this man did it for her. "Thank you," Alex whispered to Jaime a moment later, knowing he was facing things here that even she didn't feel he should have to, but ever grateful just the same.

Jaime Edelman "Don't gotta thank me. I want both y'all to be good and I know I got some makin' up for." he stated, glancing over where her mother seemed to wince with every uprising of his accent which would make it difficult not to be amused by it. Lips tightening as he looked back towards her. Knowing now he was going to lay it on thicker. "Ready when y'all are."

Alexandra Kaine Hearing Jaime attempt to own up to his parts here, it turned her stomach. He had done all of that already with her and it was in the past. She wouldn't hold him to that shit or she wouldn't be able to be where they were right now, firmly believing that people do change each and every day and to stand still was to die. She didn't feel he had to be held to a cross for it and he certainly didn't owe her mother anything. As he said he was ready when they were, Alex leaned into his side, eyes shifting from her mother up to his. "I've been ready," she promised easily as it was true. Her mother nodded her own agreement and took those first steps up towards the courthouse when Alex suddenly stopped. "Mother, if you could excuse us for a moment?" she asked, finding her mother's pause before she nodded and assured that she'd be waiting inside. Stopped on the steps, Alex waited until her mother was out of earshot before she was looking up to Jaime's eyes once again.

Jaime Edelman Already knowing that he was in for it as she pushed off her mother for the moment, his eyes finding hers as she looked at him. Head tilting as he awaited his ass chewing. "What?" he'd ask curiously.

Alexandra Kaine There was to be no ass chewing as she looked up at him. Lifting her hand to find the side of his face where she'd remain silent for a long moment, searching his eyes as the windows to his soul, needing to know for sure. "Is this what you want? Really and truly? Me, you, and my mother? No one else. Without your family and friends and without the full production?" Her own feelings on the matter had long ago been put out there, leaving no room for doubt, but in this final moment before their appointment within, she needed to know that the man held no reservations and that he in no way felt cheated by the way they were doing this.

Jaime Edelman "My family wouldn't recognize it anyway." he'd remind her, as if he wasn't getting married in a church to a member of the church then it wasn't to be accepted. He had wiggle room with his mother but he knew where the rest of them all stood on it. "Your mom is the closest thing to family either of us are gonna' be able to have today and...we kill two birds with one stone." he added, not liking people who doubted him as it was at that point that he had something to prove.

Alexandra Kaine As he spoke, she knew it all to be true, but even still, she wanted to be sure that he was wanting it exactly like this. The last had been so different and although she felt that something quiet like this suited them much better, as they weren't at all about the show in their private lives, she had to be sure he was okay with it all at the same time. Turning her head slightly, she'd catch sight of something she'd seen on the way in, now standing out to her even louder. With him in his suit and her in a sundress, her mother dressed to the nines somewhere in the courthouse, she drew her eyes back to him. "Wait here. I'll be back, I promise," she assured, leaning in to press her lips fully to his in a firm exchange before she was drawing back. Leaving him in the moments before something like this did not prove well for them in the past, but her trust in him would be shown here in her ability to ask him to stay, to wait for her, and trust that he would.

Jaime Edelman Hearing her her mention that she'd be back, pressing his lips back to hers as curiosity found him. Now knowing what it might have been like to be left at the alter as she went off to do what she needed to do. Hands finding his pockets as it was there he'd be left and there she'd find him.

Alexandra Kaine She wasn't leaving him. It was anything but that. But there was something she needed to do first that she wouldn't have known until they were standing there on those steps. Their kiss held her promises to him that she loved him and she'd be back. As she disappeared within the walls of the courthouse, she was gone for what may have been twenty minutes or so before she'd come out alone. A moment later, her mother walked past the two of them, making her way back to the vehicle she'd arrived in where her driver was already waiting. "Walk with me," she offered, her hand slipping into his as she returned to him, glad to find him there where she'd left him, though it was clear something had happened inside that courthouse.

Jaime Edelman Taking a seat in the meantime and bored as all get out, he'd watch the woman leave and was immediately confused. Even more so as she'd exit and state her piece. Standing up slowly as his brows admitted his confusion while all knowing her explanation would soon follow as his hand would find hers.

Alexandra Kaine As he stood up there beside her, her hand within his, she leaned against the arm of his jacket as she took those first steps away from the courthouse. Her mother's driver pulled away and they were left to themselves once more, a space where they always seemed to do well. Within a minute of walking down the path, she'd make a turn to head down the busy street with him, where they might be easily recognized, but she couldn't be bothered with it, acting as though neither of them held any celebrity about them and were just a couple walking down a street. "I asked my mother to take care of something for me," she confessed, though it was only one working part of just what she had accomplished inside of the courthouse. "It'll take about an hour or so, so we've got a bit of time to kill."

Jaime Edelman Definitely confused as he was led away from the courthouse as she held to him. Hearing her confession which had him glancing down towards her as the time frame was odd at best. "So I'm not gonna' get any hints?" he'd ask, seeming like she was keeping this one to herself.

Alexandra Kaine Her eyes met his as the two walked, giving up a simple shake of her head as this one was her own secret and he'd just have to wait. "Nope," she offered conclusively, her hand tensing in his. "But you just scored an extra hour with a fiancé and another hour to look forward to the rest of your life with your wife," she added, meaning all of those final fiancé kisses had been far from the truth. "Are you hungry?" she asked, thinking it might be a good way to pass the time as her mother worked at her mission.

Jaime Edelman "That even a question?" he'd ask, as the man was always hungry but would get hotter and hotter in the get-up meaning some AC would be appreciated as he reached up to undo the top few buttons of his dress shirt. "You lug me out in the heat, the least you can do is feed me..."

Alexandra Kaine The woman would have no choice but to laugh at his response, already knowing it to be true. "Alright," she agreed through her laughter, leaning into him for a moment before spying a burger joint halfway down the block. "Jaime Edelman in a burger joint... the locals won't know what to think of that," she offered teasingly as the man's name had become synonymous with such a food item.

Jaime Edelman Already knowing what he wanted as she didn't seem to bother asking much now days either. A shake of his head. "No, but one place up in Boston got a burger named after me. It's two pieces of chicken, the falcons, surrounding me, the burger with lettuce, tomato and somekind of Jack Daniels sauce ontop." he informed her honestly, as that was making it in his mind.

Alexandra Kaine As he spoke, she could nearly sense his tongue salivating at the mention of it, knowing the man's love for the food item. Continuing to walk with him, she would pause outside of the burger joint as she turned to look up at him. "Do you know just how much I love you?" she asked, her eyes to his as her hand found the familiar position at the side of his face. Not at all wanting him to think she was putting off or stalling with what they were attempting to do that day by her moving it an hour or so later. The question may have seemed out of place, but it was absolutely on time as it was in these little moments that she'd feel it the strongest, when he was just simply talking about something that most anyone else might not have cared about, yet it was there that she'd find the greatest focus with him as she let him show her the world through his eyes through the words that he'd speak on. It was there in those moments that she'd realize she had the greatest seat in the house, next to the man that was nothing like people would assume, and only she got these glimpses that people would pay large sums of money to have.

Jaime Edelman "Uh, I suppose not." having no clue where that came from when he was just talking about burgers, he met her eyes as she turned to face him. Smirking softly as he had no damn clue what she was going for here but he knew he'd soon find out what he had done to earn her love, affection and the mention of it.

Alexandra Kaine She didn't need for him to understand, but she did need to know if he knew just how much it radiated through the woman, consuming her entirely. Leaning in, she pressed her lips to his easily as she'd offer him no further explanation before she was drawing back to head inside of the burger place.

Jaime Edelman "I love you more, by the way." dropping that one in her ear just before the hostess would ask them if it was just the two of them, he'd nod. She had been interrupted and thus, he'd win. Flashing her a gentle smile as the two were seated somewhere in the back as the woman seemed to understand their position within the world without making it obvious.

Alexandra Kaine She'd grumble her response as he won this round, but he hadn't won entirely. As they walked to their table, phones were lifted randomly and it was easy to assume they'd been found out, at least for where they'd taken that flight to. Alex had to laugh as she and Lucy had just been checking online the night before for this exact thing, though now she knew the cat was out of the bag. Although they wouldn't know what the two were there for, they'd at least know where they'd gone. "Trending by six pm," she teased as they took their seat towards the back, shaking her head.

Jaime Edelman "No doubt." he stated simply as they found their table, pulling the chair out for her before finding his own on the opposite side of the table. Thanking the woman who seated them before looking over the menu.

Alexandra Kaine As he pulled out her chair, she'd take her seat with a thankful exchange there at her eyes. With him seated there across from her, she'd watch as he looked over the menu, not bothering to do the same with her own as she already knew she'd be able to ask for exactly what she wanted as there wasn't anything special about it.

Jaime Edelman Paging through as he felt her eyes on him, still curious of the menus contents as he usually did try something different in every place. Or at least attempted to. Teeth to his bottom lip in thought before glancing over towards her. Knowing this was never difficult for her.

Alexandra Kaine As his teeth found his lower lip while his eyes were there to the menu, she couldn't help but wonder what he was deciding between. Knowing well his attempt to sample a bit of everything as to broaden his burger horizons, she couldn't help but laugh as his eyes met hers. "So what do you have it narrowed down to?" she asked, only able to wonder what might have caught his eye.

Jaime Edelman "I'm not sure yet." he stated honestly, needing sometime to think it over before the waitress approached for drink orders. Getting some variety of a gourmet burger he'd forget the name of by the time it arrived and a beer to wash it down.

Alexandra Kaine Her own order was placed for a simply traditional burger and a bottle of water, knowing all the while that Jaime could have quoted her order without her even being present as it was always the same. Once the waitress slipped off, she'd hear an alert on her phone with a message from her mother. A smirk drew at her lips as she typed back a quick reply before settling the phone on the table beside her. "Thank you for inviting my mom here," she offered, knowing how difficult it all was, but wanting him to know just how much she appreciated the gesture.

Jaime Edelman "Yeah..." he stated simply as he watched her phone go off and clearly he was not to be invited to the contents of which. "I think you should give me an idea of what you got planned for us today though..." he began, crossing his hands infront of him at the table as if on a business meeting and being thorough in negotiations.

Alexandra Kaine Eyeing him as he took a professional stance with her, she'd do the very same as she leaned in slightly. "Well, you see, I looked it all over and something wasn't quite right. So a few adjustments and we'll be on our way," she stated back, as professionally as she could, a smirk finding her a moment later that would give her away.

Jaime Edelman Watching her mocking his position, a brow would perk as he thoughtfully pursed his lips. "You're somethin' else, you know that?" he teased, a follow up smirk. "You see your moms balls shrink into her body when I was speakin' earlier? Find it so funny."

Alexandra Kaine As he shifted the conversation, she'd find that smirk to his lips as she nodded her head. "She doesn't know what to say to you. Like she wants to think this one thing and you make it absolutely impossible to think it. I loved every minute of it," she stated honestly as seeing her mother as anything but the picture of perfection was entirely too entertaining to the woman. "She literally had nothing to say. But you got her. So good in fact that she's..." She paused, realizing she almost went too far. "She's helping me with something and didn't have any lip about it at all."

Jaime Edelman "I meant my accent. She can't stand it." he stated honestly, as the woman literally died inside with every word spoken though he got a bit more information out of that considering what she was offering up. "Which is?" he'd continue, thinking he could chip away at her eventually as his beer arrived.

Alexandra Kaine "Ahh," she returned, realizing a moment too late what it was he had been speaking of where she was focused more on his words that had been offered in the moment they were referencing. "Nice try," she offered, seeing him for what he was trying to do there, but the woman would have tighter lips for the near slip. "Drink your beer," she stated with a smirk as she collected her own bottle of water from the table's top, bringing it to her lips a moment later.

Jaime Edelman "You drink your beer." knowing she didn't have one but still using it all the same as his lips found the glass. Glancing around as he did so towards some TVs in the back which held his attention momentarily before back towards her.

Alexandra Kaine It wasn't long before both plates were brought to the table and another text had come through on her phone that would prompt a smile from the woman before her eyes met his once more. "This is water, Jay. You want my vows to be spoken clearly and not slurred, yeah?" she asked, teasing him as if one beer could do that to her, when it really was more like three.

Jaime Edelman "I forget all three pounds of you can't take a beer." he'd return as she continued at her phone without fessing up. Watching as their meals hit the table and he was already at the fries on the side as he reached for the ketchup.

Alexandra Kaine "I can, to a degree," she argued, though it wouldn't be much and they both knew it. With the plates on the table, the woman wouldn't be shy as she reached for her knife to cut her burger in half before lifting half to her lips to bite into it. Humming to the taste of it as she chewed that bite with no need to say anything more as she took the next. Some women wouldn't eat in front of their significant others in this manner and with such enthusiasm, but she wasn't like most and would not hold back here.

Jaime Edelman He could never tolerate such a woman for a long period of time considering the man's enthusiasm for food and he'd refuse to be judged for it. Opening the bun of his burger where he gave a dense roll over of the fluid. Always being told he applied entirely too much ketchup to everything as he pressed the bun back down knowing this was going to be a messy one that he might have to cut in half to avoid getting anything on his clothes. "You gonna' still marry me if I have ketchup stains?"

Alexandra Kaine As he prepared his own food, she'd take no mind to it as it was commonplace and wouldn't strike her as anything else. As he was accustomed to her ability to put away some food, she was used to his ways as well. Meeting his eyes as he spoke, she finished chewing the bite in her mouth as she shook her head no. "No way. I draw the line there. Best keep those clothes clean somehow, Mister," she teased, though they both would easily know it wasn't true.

Jaime Edelman "But...I'm wearing white." he reminded her as he glanced down, having no clue how he'd manage this as he reached out to cut it in half in attempt to keep it together. Picking up the burger as he'd make his attempt as he was far too hungry to get fussy over it.

Alexandra Kaine As he offered his reminder, she had a laugh at her lips, knowing a stain would do nothing to stop their plans for the evening, but letting him think it might just the same. "Better be careful," she offered, taking another bite of her own burger as she watched him trying to take care with his own.

Jaime Edelman "Just gonna' have to get married naked." he'd tease though clearly not too upset at the idea of it considering where his naked ass found itself now days as he took a large bite. Doing his best but there were still no guarantees.

Alexandra Kaine "That might be a problem," she teased as she glanced towards the front of the establishment, eyes fixated on the window as the day turned to late afternoon, dark storm clouds providing a darkness that was unnatural for the time of day. Glancing back towards him as she took another bite, she washed it down with a drink from her water bottle. "No naked grooms. Not today," she offered, a smirk there to follow. "I will, however, be glad to get you naked not very long after," she promised as that much she'd assure easily.

Jaime Edelman "Oh yeah?" He asked, as if surprised that the woman wouldn't miss any chance. "Tell me more of this..." he began, not having any issues with speaking and chewing all at once unlike his better mannered fiancé.

Alexandra Kaine "Noooo," she argued, not even about to get on with that until after they both had rings against their fingers. "Let's just say, it's going to be naked. Very naked," she assured as if there were any doubt at all. Returning to her burger a moment later, she'd finish what she was going to eat of it as a text came in from her mother, letting her know that things were handled and to let her know when they were heading out. Typing out a text in return, she'd place her phone down with a smirk to her features.

Jaime Edelman "Why you keep telling me no today?!" He asked, outraged as he was once again denied as she went back to her phone. Growling low under his breath.

Alexandra Kaine "Because I'm saving the positive 'yes' or the variant of 'I do' for later!" she teased in return as she leaned back in her seat. "Would you rather get a yes now or later?" she asked, as if that was even a question, her hand slipping down over her stomach, feeling entirely full in the moment.

Jaime Edelman "You've told me no twice today." Not accustom to it with her let alone twice in about 10 minutes as he took another bite of his burger. One half being decimated in about three bites as a whole.

Alexandra Kaine "I'm going to spend the rest of the night saying yes. Oh yes. Yes baby. Yes please. And I'm sure several other variations of the word. And there's a glimpse into later too, which partially takes back the no from earlier, so you're at one and a half no's and a night full of yeses to come." Nodding her head as she drew a deep breath, knowing she'd eaten too much too fast, but not at all sorry for it.

Jaime Edelman Groans at her as he finishes one half of his burger and reaches for his beer. "Poor Edelman." He stated, sympathy for himself and his station in this life.

Alexandra Kaine "Jaaaaime," she whines, shaking her head as she reaches forward for her water, taking a sip from within as the check arrived at the table and the waitress asked if they needed anything else. "I'm good," she assured, not sure she could manage another bite of anything.

Jaime Edelman "Whaaaat?" He asked before the waitress arrived, her attempt to whine like a tactic out of his own damn book yet done better as he worked at his fries. Finishing his beer up with a proud burp.

Alexandra Kaine "Poor Edelman..." she reminded him, her whine not far off as she could literally taste it on her own lips as she watched him finish. Drawing the napkin from her lap, she'd place it to the side of her plate a moment later. "Is poor Edelman ready to promise his life to his negative fiancé who can't seem to say anything but no today?" she teased.

-July 20 ,2017

[veritas316]

Bullets and Bandages

Good morning everyone. This is my first story containing the beloved characters we know as the Musketeers. The are not mine, unfortunately. I am just borrowing them from the BBC. This is a modern AU where our boys meet each other for the first time while serving in the Military. This is only the first chapter. If y'all like it, and I get enough requests for another chapter I will definitely post more. ____________________________________________ The sound of the alarm going off for the millionth time reminded him he had to be at roll call in 15 minutes. He closed his eyes and wished not for the last time that he had chosen a different profession.

He laughed to himself as he finally got out of bed and stretched his muscles. He had always wanted to become a priest, but after he discovered the opposite sex he didn’t think joining the church would be a good idea.

He grabbed his watch to check the time, 0500 Great, the Sergeant was going to be here in ten minutes, and he hadn’t even shaved yet.

He grabbed his pillow and tossed it at his bunk mate. “Hey, Porthos! Wake up mon ami; we have roll call in ten minutes”. Porthos sat straight up and looked at his watch, swearing under his breath. He turned and shot Aramis a withering glare,

“Why didn’t you wake me earlier ya bloody idiot! We barely have time to get ready for inspection!”

“Relax Porthos, my friend,” Aramis replied, “I know how to get us out of trash duty this time”.

“Uh huh, that’s what you said last time Mis, we had trash duty for a week.” Porthos replied with a growl.

“Well, this time will be different my friend, because I have some rather interesting information about our dear Sergeant that I’m sure he won’t want to get out.”

“interesting information, Porthos mumbled, how may I ask did you acquire this information Aramis?”

“Well,” Aramis grinned, if you must know I got this information from his wife.“

“ARE YOU CRAZY!” Porthos screamed, “You’re sleeping with the Sergeant’s wife?!”

“Well, the sergeant doesn’t have to know WHERE I got the information,” Aramis replied with a sly smile.

“Well, don’t tell me what this information is, I don’t want to be caught up in your web of lies,” Porthos said with a sigh. Porthos moved to get out of bed as the barracks door screeched open and their sergeant entered with his trademark scowl and bad temper, “Alright, ladies, bedtime is over!” At the sound of their Sergeant entering the room, Porthos, in a hurry to get out of bed, got tangled up in his sheets. He ended up in a crumpled mess on the floor, with Aramis doubled over in laughter.

At the sound of Aramis’ laughter, the sergeant marched over to stand in front of the two men, “What’s so funny gentlemen? Are you laughing at the fact that both of you are neither dressed, or shaved this morning?”

“No sir!” Aramis replied, with a twinkle in his eye, “I’m laughing at the fact that we’re not doing trash duty ever again.”

The sergeant crossed his arms and laughed, “Oh? How do you figure that corporal?”

“It’s easy sir,” Aramis replied with a grin, “all I have to say is one word.”

The sergeant laughed, “Oh yeah? And what word is that?”

“Mulligans” Aramis said, with a smirk on his lips.

The sergeant’s face went pale, the expression on his face turned from a glare to a look of panic.

“You’re not gonna tell my wife, or the captain, are you?” The sergeant asked, a hopeful tone in his voice.

“Well, I suppose I could be persuaded to keep this very important secret if Porthos and I say, never have to do trash duty, or KP again,” Aramis said with an innocent smile. The Sergeant’s face turned beet red. “Is that all?” he replied.

“For now, unless I think of more later,” Aramis replied. The sergeant turned on his heel and left the barracks, slamming the door behind him.

“You know that’s gonna come back to bite you in the ass, don’t ya?” Porthos replied.

“Not if we play our cards right, my friend,” Aramis laughed.

“I gotta know now Mis, what kinda dirt did ya dig up on the sergeant?”

“Well,” Aramis replied, “as you know I am well acquainted with the sergeant’s wife.”

“Yeah yeah,” Porthos moaned.

“Well,” Aramis continued, “She’s known for a while now that our dear Sergeant has been cheating on her with the employees who work at Mulligans. And Mulligans, as I’m sure you know, is a rather seedy Gentleman’s Club. Anyway, the sergeant doesn’t know his wife knows, and she was kind enough to impart to me this important information.”

Porthos sighed and hung his head, “You’re gonna get us both killed some day with your shenanigans Mis.”

Aramis laughed as he reached down to grab his boots hidden beneath his bed, “Don’t worry my friend, I have the whole situation under control. Now hurry up, we’re going to be late for muster.”

Aramis and Porthos were the last to arrive. As they got into position the Sergeant started calling out the names of the men in the unit while glaring at Aramis. Porthos leaned over and whispered into Aramis’ ear, “Do you see the look on his face? You better steer clear of him for a few days Mis.”

“Don’t worry my friend,” Aramis replied with a laugh, “Like I said, I have the whole thing under control.”

Porthos huffed under his breath and turned back to face the front.

As the Sergeant finished roll call, his face turned into a serious frown. He looked down at his feet and took a deep breath before facing his men. “Gentlemen, I heard from command this morning that our unit has been called to active duty. We’re being sent to Afghanistan to aid the humanitarian efforts, and to give the guys over there some relief,” he stated grimly. A hush fell over the unit, each of them lost in thought, wondering if this was the last time they would see their families again. Aramis and Porthos glanced at each other silently, both knowing, they would always look out for each other, no matter what.

The soldiers were wrenched from their thoughts by the commanding voice of their Sergeant, “We ship out in three days men!” The Sergeant turned on his heel and looked over his shoulder. “One more thing,” he stated, “You’re all meeting your new Lieutenant tomorrow at muster. So, I suggest you all be on time!” He glared at Porthos and Aramis as he said the last sentence. With that, he turned to leave.

As the unit started to disperse, Aramis and Porthos headed for the mess hall, hoping their favorite cook was on duty this morning. Serge, an old Army vet, who never failed to regale Aramis and Porthos with his wild exploits from his time serving in Vietnam. Serge was also the base gossip. He knew anyone and anything that was going on at the base, and hopefully, Aramis thought to himself, He would know the identity of their new Lieutenant.

As they entered the mess hall, they were happy to see Serge standing behind the counter. Serge saw them come in and grabbed two trays from behind the counter and placed one in front of each man as he sat down in a chair at the head of the table. “Well, what say you, boys? How’s the day treating you?” Serge asked with a smile.

“Great, now that I have my breakfast” Porthos replied as he dug into the meal in front of him. Aramis laughed and patted Porthos on the shoulder.

“Forgive him, Serge, he’s not himself until he has his morning meal,” Aramis said with a laugh. Porthos gave Aramis a dirty look but returned to his breakfast. Aramis took a drink of his coffee and turned to look at Serge with a playful smile on his lips.

“My dear Serge,” Aramis cooed, “I was wondering if you could give us any information on the new Lieutenant we’ll be meeting tomorrow.”

“Yeah,” Porthos replied with his mouth still full of breakfast, “What have you heard?”

“To be honest, Serge replied. Not much”. “All I know is his name, and that he graduated top of his class at West Point.” I only found out that bit from eavesdropping on the captain.“

"Really?” Aramis asked with a look of surprise on his face. “You usually have way more info than that Serge.”

“Yeah”, Porthos replied. Wiping his mouth on his sleeve, and pushing his now empty tray towards the center of the table.

“Hey now boys, I tried”, Serge stated. “If there is anything on him, it must be good, cause his record is sealed up tighter than Fort Knocks”.

“To be honest,” Serge replied, “Not much. All I know is his name, and that he graduated top of his class at West Point. I only found out that bit from eavesdropping on the captain.”

“Really?” Aramis asked with a look of surprise on his face, “You usually have way more info than that Serge.”

“Yeah,” Porthos replied, wiping his mouth on his sleeve and pushing his now empty tray towards the center of the table

“Hey now boys, I tried,” Serge stated, “If there is anything on him, it must be good, cause his record is sealed up tighter than Fort Knocks.”

Aramis rubbed his chin and stared off into space. “Interesting,” he replied. Refocusing his gaze on Serge he asked, “Well, what is his name then?”

“Olivier, I think,” Serge replied, “Yeah, that’s it. Olivier d'Athos, that’s his name. But everyone just calls him Athos,” the cook replied. Aramis and Porthos looked at each other, then back at the old cook.

“Are you sure that’s all you have?” Aramis asked, “You’re not giving me much to go on.”

“Sorry boy, that’s all I got, guess you’ll have to find out tomorrow like the rest of the men.”

Aramis shrunk back in his seat with an annoyed huff. Porthos laughed and slapped him on the shoulder. “Poor Mis”, he laughed, “Not used to disappointment are ya?” Aramis shot Porthos a withering glare then went back to staring off into space. “Athos”, he whispered under his breath, “Who are you?”