#I can’t believe they’re gonna graduate high school soon.. SCARY !!

[selfindulgentfandomstuff]

With regards to my last reblog:

These bitches

My brothers were basically forced, by their drama teacher, to play these guys in their drama’s Alice In Wonderland play and my GOD it was SO FUCKING FUNNY I’m not even gonna pretend like I didn’t enjoy the fuck out of it-

and I don’t even mean that in a “haha my siblings are suffering” sorta way. They genuinely did a STELLAR acting job, the both of them !!!

And yknow how the Tweedles are like. Short and round? Well my brothers are comically tall and skinny which actually made their portrayal of the characters WAY funnier than it had any right to be istg I wish I had videos for you guys 😭😭😭

[madneedshelp]

Be There - Steve Harrington x F!Reader

Summary: When a friends-with-benefits agreement leads to an unplanned pregnancy, you have to figure out how to tell Steve the news and plan for the aftermath.

A/N: Yeah pregnancy tropes can be annoying, but I was feeling domestic and dad Steve makes me wanna cry

"You don't look so hot, Y/N." Robin pointed out as she absentmindedly flipped through a magazine on your bed.

You groaned and flipped her off. “Thanks for noticing. I’m glad I look as shitty as I feel.”

Your friend merely shrugged at you, but you knew she was right. You looked like crap. You felt like crap. The past week or so, you’d felt nauseous and tired. Needless to say you didn’t have to energy to put any effort into your appearance.

“How long have you been feeling bad?” Robin pushed herself up onto her elbows.

“Um, I don’t know? A week?”

“Hmmm…”

“Hey, what’s that for? Don’t ‘hmmm’ me, missy.” You raise an eyebrow at her.

This time she sat up fully, her expression growing serious. “Okay, don’t get mad at me, but I think you should go get a test.”

“What?” She couldn’t possibly be suggesting…

“Taking a pregnancy test couldn’t hurt. I know you two thought you were being sneaky, but we all know about your situation with Steve. All I’m saying is maybe you should check. Listen, I’ll even go with you to buy the test, and I can stay while you take it if you want some moral support.” Robin elaborated.

She made too many good points. That was the scary part. She was definitely right, it wasn’t a bad idea to go get a test. After all the stress and chaos of the spring, with Hawkins almost being destroyed and all, you and Steve had found a sort of comfort in each other. The two of you weren’t dating, just close friends that happened to sleep with each other from time to time.

So, that was how you ended up sitting in your bathroom with Robin. The two of you sat anxiously as you avoided looking at the stick.

“You do it.” You blurted.

“What? Me?” Robin gaped.

You nodded quickly. “I can’t do it. You look. Please, Rob.”

Robin exhaled and nodded slowly. “Yeah, okay. I’ll look.”

She stepped over to the sink and glanced down in the sink, where moments before you’d placed the little white sticks. All she had to do was look at it and ensure you that they were still white, and hadn’t turned-

“Blue. Holy shit, they’re blue. Y/N, they turned blue.” She turned to you with wide eyes.

Oh fuck. Three pregnancy tests, you took three just in case, and they all came back positive.

You were pregnant.

Tears welled up in your eyes and soon spilled over your cheeks. “Robin, what am I going to do?! We just graduated high school! What about college? I can’t go away to school with a baby! Oh God…what about Steve? How am I going to tell him?”

Robin abruptly cut you off with a hug. It was a little awkward since neither of you were exactly huggers, but in that moment you clutched her back tightly.

“Y/N, listen, it’s gonna be okay. We’ve got you, I’ll be here no matter what. You want to keep it? I’ll help out. Give it up? I support you. End it? I’ll go with you to the appointment. And trust me, Steve will say the same.” Robin muttered as she rubbed soothing circles into your back.

You nodded, but you just needed a minute. You had finally felt like things were going back to normal. After graduation, you and Robin had saved up for months to get an apartment together. College was going to start soon, and you were both looking forward to it. It was perfect, young adult bliss. Just two friends in an apartment, working part time jobs and getting ready for college.

But then this happened. A baby. You couldn’t believe it. Yeah, you and Steve hooked up a lot, but you were careful. Apparently not careful enough.

“Thanks, Robin. For being here.” You whispered into her shoulder.

•••••••

It took you a week to work up the courage to tell Steve. You weren’t proud of that timeframe, but you needed some time to come to terms with things yourself.

You decided to keep it. For reasons you couldn’t comprehend, you wanted to have the baby. Sure you were young and not even with the father, but you were determined to make it work and even Robin offered to help. Now you just had to figure out how to tell Steve that.

He knew something was up, that much you could tell. You’d turned him down twice this week to hang out, and each time you sounded more panicked when you canceled.

You took a deep breath and knocked on his door. This was one of the few times it came in handy that Steve’s parents were always gone. Having this conversation with them present would be less than ideal.

The man in question opened the door moments later with a grin. “Hey, Y/N, what’s going on? Didn’t expect you.”

You shrugged with a nervous laugh. “Well, I just wanted to talk about something. You busy right now?”

Steve’s smile faltered slightly. “Uh, yeah no I’m free. Come on in.”

You followed him inside and into the living room. He sat down on the couch and you took a seat on the chair next to it.

“You want anything to drink or…?” Steve offered anxiously.

You shook your head. “I’m good, thanks though.”

“So, what did you want to talk about?” Steve blurted.

Cutting right to the chase. I mean, that was the whole reason for you being there, but you still dreaded the next part. Still, it had to be said sooner or later.

“Okay, here goes. I’m pregnant.” You stated. You had hoped to sound calm, but your voice was shaking slightly.

The atmosphere grew twice as tense in an instant. Steve stared at you in shock. No words. He just…blinked.

You decided to fill the silence with the script you’d mentally prepared with Robin earlier. Of course the script didn’t quite come out as rehearsed. “So, um, it’s yours. Well, I’m not saying you have to be there. What I mean is I’m keeping it, but you don’t have to be involved if you don’t want. This was just a fling, you didn’t sign up for a baby. But you can be around if you want to be. I just thought you should know, so you can do what you want with the information.”

As soon as the words left your mouth, you internally cringed. That was probably one of the worst pregnancy confessions to occur. You didn’t want to sound like an ass and keep him from his kid’s life, but you also didn’t want him to think you were trying to ensnare him in some scheme.

“You’re pregnant? Like, for real, being one hundred percent serious? We’re having a baby?” Steve rasped, still looking mildly stunned.

“Completely serious. I have an appointment with a doctor next week and everything.”

He was silent for another beat. “Can I go with you?”

“Oh, uh, sure.” You stammer, not quite expecting this.

“And not just tomorrow, like for all of it. I want it be there. I know we’re young and all, but I want to be a dad to our kid. If you’ll have me.” Steve looked over at you, and you could swear tears shone in his eyes.

You gave him a small smile. “Our baby will be lucky to have you, of course you can be there.”

“Is it okay if I hug you?”

The question seemed so odd, considering how physical your relationship normally was but you nodded with a chuckled.

As Steve embraced you, a small weight was lifted off of you. He took this way better than most guys you knew would. Probably because Steve was just a generally good person.

“Steve?”

“Hm?” He pulled away to look at your face.

“I’m glad it’s you. I know it’s all crazy and we're severely underprepared for this, I'm glad you're the one I'm doing this with." You admitted.

Steve grinned and kissed you on the cheek. "I'm glad it's you, too."

"Does this mean you'll go with me to tell my parents? Because I'm sure they'll be thrilled to know their first grandchild will be the product of a hook up." You elbowed him lightly in an attempt at some humor to lighten things up.

He chuckled. "Sure, I'll go. Hey, do you think it would help if the grandkid came from your boyfriend?"

You stilled. "Boyfriend?"

Steve sensed your wariness and gave you a little space. He cleared his throat before explaining. "Yeah, well that's what I wanted to talk to you about the other day, but you said you weren't feeling good and then we had bigger fish to fry today. What I'm getting at is it didn't exactly come up yet, but I wanted to ask you about it. I really care about you, Y/N. Obviously we have that spark, but it's more than that. You're incredible, you're funny, and you're so kind. I fell for you long before we started whatever this is, and I really hope you'd consider giving this a real shot."

Now you felt stunned. Sure, you had a little crush on Steve. That had just gotten a bit lost in your mind compared to the past couple days. But date? Right now?

"Steve, we're going to be parents by next year. Are you sure we should try this now?"

"No," He answered honestly. "But I'm more sure that I want you in my life than I am of anything right now."

Fuck if this man didn't always manage to pull at your heart strings. For now, you'd blame it on the baby hormones, you decided.

You could share his sentiment, though. While you were willing to do this alone, you'd love to have Steve there. There was nothing clearer in your heart. You fell for Steve long ago, you were having his baby, maybe dating wasn't too awful of an idea.

"Boyfriend does have a nice ring to it." You gave him a grin, which he returned with a slow, sweet kiss.

[writerofthecourt]

memories of what could have been

pairing: miya atsumu x reader

summary: seeing you in the stands, atsumu couldn’t help but think back on how your relationship got to this point

warning: inarizaki vs. karasuno spoilers, time skip spoilers

a/n: this was supposed to be short and sweet…what happened?? i’m sorry for any missed editing mistakes. inspired by this song by ito kashitaro. please give it a listen to after you’re done reading, it is such a good song!

The audience watched in nervous silence, waiting with bated breath as Atsumu stepped up to the line and prepared for his serve. The game had dwindled down to its final set, leaving both teams exhausted and sore from the constant rallies and unforgiving plays. If Atsumu could land a service ace now, it would mean the end of the game and victory for his team.

Looking at his teammates, Hinata and Bokuto both smiled at him encouragingly, while Sakusa’s glare told him not to mess up. Looking up to the stands, Atsumu found you in the sea of people, your lips curved into a radiant smile as you shot him a reassuring thumbs up.

Finding strength in the people around him, Atsumu released a shaky breath before tossing the ball up into the air, jumping after it to launch it into the opponent’s side of the court.

“Can I play?” a tiny voice asked from behind him.

Catching the ball that Osamu had just received, Atsumu turned around and raised a condescending eyebrow at you, his eyes scanning you with disdain and disinterest as you stared back at him with anticipation.

“No way,” he scoffed. “This isn’t a game for scrubs like ya.”

“That’s not very nice,” you replied, a frown now present on your face. “My ma told me that ya should be kind and share with everyone.”

“Yeah? And my ma told me not to talk with strangers,” Atsumu made a shoo-ing motion with his hands, “now go and play in the sandbox with the rest of the scrubs.”

Scrunching your nose in frustration, you stomped off towards the swing set where you had been previously occupying your time. “Jerk…”

Smirking in victory, Atsumu returned to receiving the ball back and forth with Osamu, letting out a gasp of surprise when the ball bounced off of his arm and went flying towards your direction.

“Oi, watch out!” Atsumu shouted to warn you.

Turning around, you quickly surveyed the ball before taking off into a running start. Jumping up into the air, you perfectly spiked the ball back to Atsumu, hitting him in the face as you gracefully landed on your feet.

“Wow,” you drawled out sarcastically with a smirk. “Sorry, my hand slipped.”

Osamu, who had been quiet up until this point, let out an uncontrollable laugh as Atsumu continued to groan on the ground, his face now red from where the volleyball had smacked him.

That was how you met Miya Atsumu.

The classroom was filled with hushed excitement as everyone anxiously waited in their seats for the lunch bell to ring. Today was Valentine’s Day, and all the students were once again ready to celebrate and revel in the traditions of the romantic holiday.

As soon as the bell rang, various female students ran up to Atsumu’s desk, showering him in a variety of wrapped and decorated chocolate confections. Despite only being second years, the Miya twins were the talk of their junior high, as their superior looks and athleticism made them the envy and desire of the student population, whether they wanted to be or not.

Looking over his large pile of gifts, Atsumu glanced at his brother from across the classroom, finding some sort of comfort in how Osamu also seemed to be struggling with his own horde of adoring fans.

“Atsumu-kun, please accept my chocolates.”

“I worked really hard on these, so please accept my feelings, Atsumu-san!”

“Atsumu-kun, are ya going out with anybody right now?”

“Oh, shuddup!” Atsumu snapped as he stood up from his desk, causing everyone to stare at him with surprise and fear. “I just wanna go out and play volleyball, but none of ya will let me leave!”

The girls around Atsumu’s desk quickly shrank back, some shuffling their feet in awkwardness, while others hid behind their friends.

“Yer a real jerk, y’know that?” Osamu sighed, shaking his head at his brother’s lack of tact.

“What did’ja say, ‘Samu? Say it to my face!”

Noticing movement from the door, Atsumu saw the top of your head peeking out from behind the door frame, your body obstructed from view due to the large number of female students standing outside of the classroom.

“Oi, [Y/N],” Atsumu called out, causing you to jump in surprise. “Come play volleyball with me and ‘Samu.”

“Uhh, sure,” you agreed nervously as some of the other girls began to glare at you. “I have something I gotta do first. I’ll see ya out on the field.”

“Sounds good!”

Turning around, you scurried down the hallway and rushed back into your classroom, hiding your box of chocolates away in the depths of your school bag.

Your friend, who sat in the desk behind you, raised an eyebrow at your suspicious behaviour. “I thought ya were gonna go confess to Atsumu-san? Ya said that’cha worked all night on those chocolates.”

“Haha, yeah. I’m chickening out,” you shamefully admitted, rubbing the back of your neck. “He was a little busy…”

“Figures,” your friend scoffed, rolling her eyes at your cowardice.

“Yeah. Good thing I bought those extra store bought chocolates, right?” you chuckled, trying to ease the pain. “Now it won’t be awkward if I only give ‘Samu his chocolates.”

Your friend sighed before shaking her head in pity. “I don’t know why ya fell for that idiot in the first place.”

“Yeah, me too,” you whispered, remembering all of the effort you had put into your chocolates the night before.

At the simple age of fourteen, you experienced your first heartbreak.

It was a tough pill to swallow, but it was the truth. Nobody expected a powerhouse team like Inarizaki to lose in their first match of the Spring High National Tournament, but Karasuno was an incredible team, managing to secure the victory after a tremendous three set game.

Days following the tournament, a sombre atmosphere could still be felt lingering in the halls of Inarizaki High. The third year volleyball club members were now retired, turning to focus their attention on studying and entrance exams instead. They would still occasionally show up to practice and mentor their first and second years, but it was clear that their time in their beloved club was over. Everyone was heartbroken, but no one was more upset about the team’s loss than one blond setter.

“Hey,” you greeted Osamu as he opened the front door. “How are ya holdin’ up?”

“Fine,” Osamu replied with a shrug. “Definitely a lot better than ‘Tsumu.”

You nodded solemnly, entering the quiet house and exchanging your outdoor shoes for a pair of house slippers. “Are yer parents not home?”

“Visiting family,” Osamu answered plainly, tearing open a bag of chips to snack on them. “Want some?”

Shaking your head, you politely declined his offer. After a moment of silence, you shuffled your feet and glanced up the staircase. “I’m gonna go check up on him.”

As you began to climb the stairs, Osamu called out your name, making you turn back to look at him. “Thanks. For being there when I can’t.”

You smiled, nodding to Osamu before letting your feet carry you through the familiar hallways of the Miya household. Soon, you reached your destination, stopping right in front of the twins’ bedroom door.

Gently knocking on the door, you alerted Atsumu of your presence. “‘Tsumu? It’s me. I’m coming in, okay?”

Hearing a grunt of acknowledgement, you entered the room before softly closing the door behind you. Shaking your head, you sighed at all of the clothes and manga books messily strewn about the room. Typical teenage boys.

There, securely wrapped in his blanket from head to toe, Atsumu lay on his bed, his back facing towards you as he stared off at the wall in complete silence.

“Hey,” you greeted softly, taking a seat next to him on the bed. “‘Samu says that yer not holdin’ up too well. Are ya okay?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” Atsumu mumbled, his nose stuffy and voice grating as if he had been previously crying.

“It’s okay if ya don’t want to talk about it,” you conceded, bringing a hand up to brush through Atsumu’s messy blond locks.

After a few minutes of silence, sniffles could be heard echoing throughout the room as Atsumu tried his best to muffle his cries into his pillow. With a melancholic smile, you continued to rake your fingers through Atsumu’s hair, staring out at the window to bask in the glow of the setting sun.

“Everything will be okay, ‘Tsumu,” you gently whispered. “You’ll be okay…”

Outside of the room, Osamu smiled as he heard your comforting words to Atsumu. He felt content knowing that the blond would be just fine now that you were here.

“Ahhh, I can’t believe we’re done!” you shouted in excitement, your eyes gleaming as you admired the piece of paper you had sacrificed three years of your life to obtain.

“Yer so loud,” Osamu grimaced as he stood to your left. Though, he also broke out into a smile once he saw how the happy expression on your face never wavered.

Graduation was both a joyous and scary occasion, as students now set off on their own paths towards an undecided future. Although nothing was certain, you weren’t scared. You were ready to take on whatever life threw at you.

“Hey, Osamu, come take a picture with us!” a couple of guys from the baseball club requested, shaking their phones for emphasis.

Shrugging his shoulders, Osamu left your side as you waited for Atsumu to finish his conversation with a couple of his female fans.

After snapping a quick photo with them, Atsumu waved his fans goodbye and walked over to stand next to you underneath one of the school’s cherry blossom trees.

“God, they’re so annoying. ‘Miya-san, yer so cool. We’re gonna miss ya so much!’” Atsumu poorly imitated, his voice rising to an absurdly high pitch in an effort to mimic their voices.

“Yer awful!” you laughed, shoving his shoulder once he was within arm’s reach.

“Yeah, yeah. Tell me something I don’t know,” he smirked before glancing around. “Where’s ‘Samu?”

“Pictures,” you said, pointing to Osamu and a group of boys off in the distance.

“Ughhhh,” Astumu groaned, glaring at his brother with impatience.

As the two of you waited for Osamu to be done, a comfortable silence enveloped you and Atsumu. The hushed chatter of other students could be still heard as they all ran around, saying goodbye to one another and wishing each other good luck for the future. You looked up to the sky and smiled, admiring how the cherry blossoms danced with the gentle breeze of spring.

“I’ve been in love with ya since junior high, did’ja y’know that?” you asked, grinning once you saw the look of absolute shock painted on Atsumu’s handsome face.

“W-what-” Atsumu sputtered, not knowing what to say in response to your confession.

“Calm down, ya look like yer gonna choke or something,” you chuckled.

“Why are ya telling me this now?” Atsumu asked seriously, staring at you with a look that you couldn’t quite decipher.

Shrugging your shoulders, you answered Atsumu’s question. “Why not? It doesn’t change anything. Yer still gonna be moving to Osaka to try out for the MSBY Black Jackals, ‘Samu’s gonna be studying here, and I’m heading off to Tokyo. I just wanted to get this off my chest after all these years.”

“I-I’m sorry,” Atsumu reluctantly looked away, “I don’t feel the same way about you.”

“I know,” you said as you took a hold of his hand, ignoring how he seemed to flinch at your touch. “A part of me kinda hoped that you’d return my feelings and move with me to Tokyo, but that’s just a far-fetched dream. Besides, I’d never want to make you choose between me and volleyball.”

“[Y/N], I’m sorry-”

“Will you stop it!” you playfully snapped, rolling your eyes at the Miya Atsumu’s sudden shyness. “It’s fine. I’ve come to terms with my feelings a long time ago. No matter what, at the end of the day, I’ll still love both you and ‘Samu all the same.”

Hearing your parents call out your name, you turned to where they stood as they signalled for you to meet them at the car parked a couple of blocks down the street.

“Okay!” you confirmed as you waved to them. Turning back to Atsumu, you planted a soft kiss on the corner of his mouth, surprising him as you shot him one last smile. “Goodbye for now, ‘Tsumu. I’ll see ya when I see ya.”

Atsumu could do nothing but stare as you ran off towards Osamu, interrupting the photo-taking as you hugged the ex-wing spiker before kissing him on the cheek and bidding him your farewells. The other guys around Osamu all whistled and hollered, but he just rolled his eyes at their lighthearted teasing.

Returning your hug, Osamu kissed the top of your head, saying his goodbyes to you as well before whispering something only you could hear. Both of your eyes drifted to Atsumu before you nodded your head and separated from the grey haired Miya. Waving to Osamu and Atsumu one last time, you ran off to catch up with your parents.

As Atsumu watched you leave, the blond clenched his fist tightly around his shirt, right where his heart would be. An indescribable feeling began to settle in his chest, and he couldn’t help but feel as if he would regret it for the rest of his life if he didn’t chase after you.

Nevertheless, Atsumu’s feet remained firmly planted on the ground.

“Miya-san, you are one of the rising stars in the world of volleyball right now. Looking at your career up until this point, I can easily understand why so many new players see you as a figure of inspiration,” the interviewer complimented, a professional and polite smile on her face as she held up her microphone. “Tell me, is there anyone that inspires you to work hard and continue to do your best?”

“That’s a tough question,” Atsumu replied, sending the interviewer and camera a charismatic smile. “Well, if I had to choose…”

Looking back on his life, the first person that came to Atsumu’s mind was you. Like a lantern shining in the darkest of nights, your smiling face was the first one to appear in the setter’s head.

Suddenly, memories of you all came flooding back to him, especially that one fateful day underneath the cherry blossom tree where you had confessed your feelings to him.

“Uh, Miya-san?” the interviewer asked, snapping him out of his daze. “Are you all right?”

“Um, yeah, sorry. It’s been a long day,” he chuckled, earning a laugh from the interviewer as well. “Sorry, what was the question again?”

The interviewer only smiled as she repeated her question.

“Yer going on a date?!” Atsumu screeched, pulling at his hair as if he had just heard the worst news ever. He was currently on a Facetime call with you and Osamu, with your phone aimed towards your closet as you shifted through and appraised different outfits with the twins.

“Uh, yeah, that’s what I said,” you confirmed, rolling your eyes at blond’s overreaction. “Now, which shirt looks better, the yellow one or the white one.”

“I personally like the white one,” Osamu replied, quickly glancing up from his laptop before resuming his essay.

“Since when? With who?” Atsumu interrogated, glaring suspiciously at you through the phone screen.

“A guy from my Intro to Biology class. He seems really nice, so I accepted his offer,” you explained with exasperation. “It’s just coffee, ‘Tsumu.”

“Just coffee?!” the blond asked hysterically. “This is Tokyo we’re talking about! We all know how sketchy those city boys are!”

“‘Tsumu, it’s just one date,” you sighed, no longer having the energy to deal with him. “Listen, if it goes poorly, I’ll block his number and never interact with him ever again. Deal?”

“Fine,” Atsumu relented, grumbling something under his breath that you couldn’t quite pick up. “But call me or ‘Samu as soon as you get home! If I don’t hear from ya by the end of the night, I’m going to Tokyo myself!”

“I’ll be fine, ‘Tsumu,” you chuckled before glancing at the time. “Okay, I gotta go. We’re meeting up soon. See ya, guys!”

“Bye.” “Be safe!”

Hanging up the call, Atsumu let his head fall back onto the couch, his fists shaking with frustration. He didn’t like you, at least not in that way. So why did he feel jealousy and disappointment burning away at his chest when you had announced to him and Osamu that you were going on a date?

Thinking back to graduation day, Atsumu couldn’t help but wonder if he truly did feel nothing for you back then. In any case, he couldn’t deny that the thought of you now stirred up something within his heart.

He hated himself for it, but he hoped that your date was a total disaster. That he’d be there to comfort you and rekindle whatever feelings you had for him back in high school.

Unfortunately, Atsumu never got his chance.

As the ball flew through the air, the opponent’s libero made a desperate dive to reach it. Unfortunately, his efforts were not enough, as the ball landed just out of his arm’s reach, so close, yet so far away from being stopped.

The whistle sounded, declaring the end of the game as the crowd erupted into both cheers of happiness and groans of disappointment. Atsumu’s teammates all ran up to quickly hug him, with Hinata and Bokuto being the first ones to reach the tired setter. Sakusa looked at the three of them with disgust, but he still sent Atsumu a small smile, telling him that he did good.

Atsumu laughed as Bokuto kept slapping him on the back, while Hinata congratulated him for his amazing serve. Looking up to the stands one more time, Atsumu chuckled as you sent him a beautiful smile and an enthusiastic wave of both hands, the shine of your wedding band reflecting off of the stadium lights.

“Y-yer gettin’ married?”

“Yeah! Isn’t this great, ‘Tsumu?”

“Y-yeah! This is wonderful, [Y/N]. I wish ya nothing but all the happiness in the world…”

Turning to your husband beside you, you began to excitedly talk about all the amazing players and the various highlights of the game. Your husband must have said something funny because you started to laugh, kissing him on his cheek before leaning into his chest with a hug.

Atsumu turned away from the happy couple, half-listening to the praises of his teammates. He had never once regretted his decision in pursuing volleyball, but he couldn’t help but think back to that fateful spring day.

If he had accepted your feelings back then, would he be the one that you were hugging right now? The one that got to see your dazzling smile and hear the twinkle of your laughter every morning?

Atsumu loved volleyball, but he also loved you.

He was just too late in realizing this fact.

fun fact: osamu was originally going to end up with [y/n], but i liked the idea of them remaining as friends a lot better. [y/n]’s husband is a canon haikyuu character, so if anyone can guess who he is, i’ll write you a request

EDIT: an anon has correctly guessed that it was konoha

[cozy-neko]

The Cherry On Top • 01 • 02 | The Cherry On Top • 03

“Kozume, are you even listening to me?” Akaashi sighs and closes his laptop. He was only halfway through his scheduled agenda for today’s meeting, but there was no point in continuing if his client was just going to ignore him for the whole hour.

“I am, I am,” Kenma mumbled, eyes fixated on something that was hidden under the table.

“What did I just talk about for the last ten minutes then?” Akaashi challenged.

“We’re changing my video uploads from Tuesdays to Fridays, and Black Sheep wants to do a sponsorship with me in my next stream,” Kenma replies without skipping a beat. His feline eyes are still glued to his phone, unblinking, as his fingers tapped away at one of his games.

Akaashi sighed once more. “And you’re fine with the upcoming changes and sponsorship then?”

Kenma nodded. “Akaashi. I trust you to make the best decisions for me.” He finally slipped his phone back into his pocket and tilted his head to look his friend in the eye. “I didn’t hire you as my manager for no reason.”

“If I knew working with you was going to be this difficult, I would’ve stuck with my previous job.” Akaashi flashed the male a wry smile.

“Hey, if you want to hand in your resignation letter right now and go back to your previous life of disgusting convenience store food and cigarettes for lunch, by all means.” Kenma smirked and extended a hand out, palm up as if waiting for an actual resignation letter to manifest from Akaashi.

Akaashi cleared his throat and reopened his laptop. “Moving on...”

“TOORU!!!” Y/N screamed at the top of her lungs as soon as she spotted the fashion editor from across the courtyard. Lunchers nearby stared at the loud girl before turning their heads to look at the unfortunate boy on the receiving end of the shout.

Oikawa contemplated ignoring his friend and instead considered turning around to head back inside TK Mag’s office building. He would rather eat with his annoying suck-up intern than his embarrassing friend. Unfortunately for him, said friend yelled his name once more and beckoned for him to come over.

Oikawa’s eye twitched and he reluctantly trudged across the courtyard and towards Y/N.

“Don’t be so embarrassing, Y/N-chan,” Oikawa grumbled as he took a seat across from her.

“Oh please, as if that airplane tie you’re wearing isn’t embarrassing,” Y/N shot back, eyes flickering up once at the cartoon-printed tie before back down at her laptop screen.

“They’re UFOs, for your information,” Oikawa mumbled through gritted teeth, “and besides, Ayame-chan said it was cute, so your opinion is invalid and unnecessary.”

“Enough about your tie. I’m about to literally combust from nerves.” 

“What is it this time?” Oikawa rolled his eyes and lazily sipped his latte. 

“I’m about to schedule my first blog post for tomorrow.” At this, Oikawa’s eyes widened and he straightened up in his seat.

“Who’s the unlucky victim?” Oikawa scooted closer to Y/N, their elbows touching as he leaned in to read off her screen.

“You know, for someone who looks like she’s about to shit her pants from nerves, you wouldn’t be able to tell with Cherry’s online persona,” Oikawa hummed and nonchalantly commented. 

Y/N smacked his shoulder once in response. 

“That’s the whole point, Oinkawa. No one’s supposed to know that Cherry is me, and that I am Cherry.” Y/N sighed and brought the tip of her thumb to her mouth. She nibbled on her fingernail nervously as she clicked on the draft of her blog post. “Well? Can you tell who it is?”

“I would say Miya Atsumu, the MSBY setter, but I wouldn’t exactly call him beautiful, Y/N-chan.”

“It’s not Miya Atsumu and you take that back! He is beautiful, but that’s besides the point; it’s Kozume Kenma, the professional gaming streamer and content creator.”

“Well that’s subjective,” Oikawa sneered. Iwaizumi once had the opportunity to interview Miya Atsumu for an editorial, and Oikawa had tagged along much to Iwaizumi’s headache. Having played as a setter as well during his time in high school, Oikawa had some differences with Atsumu’s playing style, and the two did not get along too well that day.

“How’d you even get this dirt on Kozume Kenma anyways?” Oikawa made a face and smacked Y/N’s hand away from her mouth. “That’s disgusting, Y/N-chan, and you’re getting nail polish in your teeth.”

“I stalked his fan accounts on Twitter. It’s amazing what you can find with a little digging, to be honest.” Y/N scanned her draft. “And a little scary,” she added as an afterthought.

“Ugh, kami, I can’t do this, Tooru!” Y/N whined and shut her laptop, taking her head into her hands. “This is the most disgusting line of work I’ve ever imagined myself having to do.”

“You know no one is forcing you to take this promotion, right?” Oikawa leaned back and crossed his arms across his chest.

“This is Y/N and TK Mag we’re talking about here.” Oikawa and Y/N turned around at the new voice. “If you were over $100k in student debt and a well-known and well-paying company offered you a promotion, wouldn’t you take it?” Iwaizumi and Hanamaki walked up to the duo and took a seat at their table.

“You’re literally talking about the girl who’s dream is to become a princess and find a rich prince charming to take care of her,” Hanamaki added.

“Hey!” Y/N interjected, but was ignored. 

“But she also didn’t graduate as a journalist with an emphasis in fashion from UTokyo to become a gossip blogger,” Oikawa pointed out.

“Okay can we not talk about me like I’m not here?” Y/N pouted. “And you all have valid points.” 

She sighed. This was a tough decision. Y/N does have a lot of student debt to pay off, and the pay raise that came with the promotion was definitely enticing and worth drooling over. On the other hand, Oikawa was right in which Y/N didn’t graduate with over $100k in debt with a journalism degree to become a gossip blogger. But one thing that Y/N also had to think about was that this promotion would’ve been her opportunity to become a full-time employee at TK Mag, her dream company. And then there was Hanamaki, who was there just to out her (slightly) embarrassing and (very much so) unrealistic dream.

“Why’d you even take the promotion anyways? You could’ve just stayed an intern and wait for staff writer positions to open up.”

Y/N knocked twice before entering the Editor in Chief’s private office. “Good afternoon, Chief! You wanted to see me?”

“Oh yes, Y/N, come in. Please, take a seat while I finish up this email.”

Y/N grinned and skipped over to the loveseat that occupied the middle of the office. She crossed her legs and smoothed her blouse. Y/N was buzzing, and it wasn’t just because of the three cups of coffee she had stomached throughout the day.

“Judging by how you can’t sit still, I’m assuming you know why I called you in here.” 

“Oh, sorry. I’ve had one too many cups of coffee today,” Y/N responded sheepishly. “But I hope you’re gonna tell me what I think it is you’re gonna tell me.” 

It was hard for Y/N to keep the smile on her face from growing as she watched her Chief pull out a folder and place it down on the coffee table in front of her. The smile on Y/N’s face grew bigger as the Chief pulled out a piece of paper and slid it towards her. It was exactly what Y/N was expecting: a contract for a full-time position at the company.

“Congratulations, Y/N. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed these past few months you’ve been at TK Mag as an intern, and we’d like to extend our offer to you as a full-time employee.”

“Yes, yes, yes! I accept!” Y/N squealed and eagerly looked through her tote bag for a pen. “I don’t even care what staff writer position it’s for -- although my first choice would be for the fashion department since I did go to school for fashion journalism -- but I’m so excited!!” Y/N was already picturing herself attending fashion shows with Oikawa.

“Y/N, wait. Before you sign, I just want you to know that the full-time position isn’t to become a staff writer for the fashion department.”

“Huh?” Y/N stopped riffling through her bag. “...What is it for then?” 

“TK Mag is going to try something new. We’re going to branch out to a sister site and run a gossip blog called The Cherry on Top. I want you to take on the alias as Cherry and run the blog.”

“Gossip... blog...? The Cherry on Top? Me?” Y/N could hardly comprehend what the Chief was saying.

“Will you accept? I know it’s a brand new position and something we’ve never done before at TK Mag, but we have high hopes and I know you’ll do well as one of my best employees.”

“With all due respect, Chief, I’m a fashion writer. I write about fashion week and the latest trends in the fashion industry. I don’t write gossip nor do I want to slander anyone. It’s not my cup of tea.” Y/N narrowed her eyes. She couldn’t believe the Chief wanted her to do such dirty work.

“I had a feeling this might be the case.” The Chief sighed, and all signs of pleasantries disappeared. “Listen, Y/N, if you don’t want this promotion, I’ll give it to the next intern in line. But just know that if you don’t take this position, you’re going to have to clear out your desk by end of day and find a new company to work for.”

Y/N was in disbelief. She couldn’t believe her career was getting threatened. Her grip on her pen tightened as she stared at the document in front of her. The words Full-time Employee Contract for: Cherry, The Cherry on Top seemed to glare at her. 

“There will also be a hefty raise included in your promotion,” the Chief added after witnessing Y/N’s hesitation. “You did just graduate from UTokyo, did you not? Surely you don’t want to be riddled with student debt.”

Y/N was torn. What was she going to do? TK Mag was her dream company, and if she refused the promotion and got let go, she would drown in debt. Surely being a gossip blogger wouldn’t be too bad, right?

Y/N swallowed her pride and uncapped her pen. With a quick flourish, she signed her signature on the contract and forlornly shook hands with a now-smiling Chief. 

I hope I didn’t make the wrong decision...

“You made the right decision, Y/N. Welcome to the team.”

Y/N gulped. She couldn’t tell her friends that her job security had been threatened if she didn’t take the promotion.

“Well maybe it was time for me to grow up. I don’t need a rich prince charming to take care of me. I’ll take care of myself with my new pay raise.” Y/N grimaced on the inside. She hoped that was convincing, but judging by the silent stares she received from her three male friends, even she knew they weren’t too believing of her.

“Anyways, Cherry promised her 500 followers the first post will be up tomorrow, and she isn’t one to break promises, so... let’s queue this baby up.” With a swift click of her trackpad, Y/N’s first gossip post as Cherry was scheduled.

Unbeknownst to Y/N, Oikawa, Iwaizumi, and Hanamaki shared a look.

Kenma was unfazed. He really was. Even when his Twitter notifications blew up with mentions, he simply ignored them. It wasn’t like he paid much attention to them in the first place anyways. And when he was in the middle of streaming and his Twitch chat started spamming the link to the blog post, he simply told his mods to delete comments that had anything to do with it.

Kenma was unfazed. Simply because it just wasn’t true. And even though the readers didn’t know if it was true or not and the article was currently trending in the Esports vertical and being repurposed for other articles, Kenma knew it wasn’t true and therefore did not care.

Except Akaashi was getting on his nerves as his manager continued to try to bring it up in conversations. 

“Kozume, you have to say something.”

“Why?” Kenma sighed. He really didn’t see the need to say anything. It wasn’t like this was the first time Kenma had been the subject of a rumor. It was all going to die down soon anyways.

“It’s been three days already and people are still commenting on it. Your fans are upset, and I think you owe it to them to explain your side.” 

“It’s not a big deal, Akaashi. If fans are that upset about a rumor of me boosting League accounts as a side business, they probably should get a job and hop off Twitter once in a while,” Kenma mumbled and continued to click away on his game controller.

“Well it’s not just your fans that are upset, Kozume. Your sponsorship with Black Sheep is also on rocks right now because of the rumor.” 

At that, Kenma’s fingers slowed, and he watched his character get headshot by the enemy on the TV.

“You’re telling me that they believe some stupid rumor that was probably written by a jealous 13-year-old?” Kenma scowled, and Akaashi finally felt his friend getting serious about the situation. It wasn’t often that Kenma showed his emotions other than his usual aloof self, but when his projects started to get affected, Kenma took things really serious.

“It’s not that they believe it, but they haven’t been as responsive to my emails as they usually are ever since the post was published. It seems they might be taking your silence as the truth.”

Kenma sighed and tossed his controller to the side. He wasn’t in the mood to game anymore. Instead, he stood up and trekked down the hallway towards his game room. Looks like he had a fire to diffuse if he wanted to keep his sponsorship alive.

end notes:

→ student debt and job security is no joke 😢

→ mattsun did not join y/n, oikawa, iwa-chan, and hanamaki during lunch because he was away on a photoshoot assignment

→ kenma did boost league accounts back when he was still in college and barely starting out as a streamer... except the accounts he boosted was kuroo’s and hinata’s because they wouldn’t stop begging him to until he did

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[mirkwoodshewolf]

You’ll always be my brother mine; Queen x reader

*Author's note*

Okay get the tissues out my fellow readers because this one WILL make you cry. For this is the LAST chapter with John Deacon in the Rock Angel's life.  After this, Deacy will only be lovingly mentioned but will not have another physical appearance. I also want ALL of you to listen to the music choices down below as well as watch the music video above (cause it will REALLY pull your heartstrings and set the mood for this chapter). Up next we're gonna make quite a huge time leap cause next chapter were gonna get into some current events that has happened with Queen/Rock Angel. So be prepared for the next chapter(s).

MUSIC VIDEO HERE

Taglist:

@plethora-of-things

@waddles03

@psychosupernatural

@simonedk

@ixchel-9275

@jd-johndeacon-or-jackdaniels

@queensdivas

@queen-paladin

@queendeakyy

@wormzteef

@bohemiansweede

@labessieisallama

@naturalswifty89

@starswin

@isabella-bby

@5sos-wdw

@geek-and-proud

@onebigfangirlworld

@ssa-sadboi

_________________________________________________________

*Nov. 28th, 1997. Deacy's POV*

I had only agreed to come here to do this one last thing. My last music video that I would ever do with Queen, I had already completed my last live performance with Brian and Roger along with Elton back in Paris but without Freddie it just wasn't the same. Now we were making the music video for a song that Brian had written years ago just shortly after Freddie died.

I was sitting by myself along Roger's bar area (we had assembled at his place to do a mock rehearsal of the song before recording tomorrow) with my bass guitar resting on my lap when Roger came in and said.

"You doing okay?"

"Define okay." I told him.

"You're right. Dumb question. But—in all seriousness John, it really means a lot to us that you agreed to do this video."

"All I keep hearing is Freddie telling me 'darling if you don't get in front of that camera, I'll kick your arse from here to Glasgow'." The two of us chuckled softly.

"Well the team's already to go for tomorrow guys, we'll start filming at 9am sharp. We feel good about this?" Brian came up to us and asked.

"Actually, we can't do this video just yet." I told them.

"Why not?" asked Brian. "It's not much like any of our previous videos have been. We're in the perfect location and we're willing to perform this live instead of going through playback."

"It's not about missing something Brian, it's—someone."

"Look Deacy. We all miss him, but he'd still want—"

"I'm not talking about Freddie, Brian." I snapped before taking a deep breath and calming myself down.

"John I don't even know if she'd be interested in wanting to return to work. After the trail she's been—" Roger said softly before exhaling deeply. "But I can give Jack a call and see."

"No need. I booked a flight to Montreux, if I can convince her, we should be back tonight. Late." The two of them looked at each other and Brian said.

"Alright Deacy, we'll let you go get her. But don't get your hopes too high if she says no."

"Believe me, I know what she's going through. I almost didn't want to do this either. It feels wrong even continuing without Freddie, but—with this being the very last time I'll ever perform for Queen. I need at least one more performance with the Rock Angel. You guys need to give me this."

"We are. Bring our angel home." Roger said as he clasped his hand on my shoulder. I nodded before packing my bass up and headed off for the airport.

After a 2 hour flight, I arrived in Montreux airport and got a cab to take me to the Kline vacation home. It was another hour, hour and a half drive but finally the driver pulled up along the driveway. It was completely silence in the front yard, almost like a graveyard.

I got out of the car and walked up the gravel road, up onto the sidewalk and finally up the few stairs before finally standing before the door. Taking a deep breath I knocked on the door and waited for a couple of minutes. Soon enough a young girl opened the door, she had long (h/c) and familiar (e/c) that she inherited from her mother.

"Uncle Deacy?"

"Hello Kelly." I greeted with a warm smile. She smiled at me and hugged me.

God she had gotten so big since I last saw her. She was really starting to look more and more like her mother each and every day.

"My dear Kelly, look at you." she looked up at me and said.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was wondering if I could speak to your mum?"

"Yeah, of course. She's down in the basement with the boys." Kelly allowed me to enter inside and the first thing I see as I walk through the door was old Sammy, the Kline family's golden retriever. Already he was showing signs of aging around his nose and eyes. But when he saw me, he raised his head up and I saw his tail wag.

"Hello Sammy. Long time ehh boy?" he stood up and walked towards me and nuzzled against my hand. I stroked down his head when Kelly said.

"That's the first time I've seen him move so much since Bucky died." I turned to her in shock. "Brain tumor. We had to put him down last month and it was hard for all of us, Sammy especially." I looked down at Sammy and he looked up at me with those sad brown eyes of his as he let out a sad, soft whimper.

I scratched through his head as I walked over toward the basement stairs. I opened the door and walked down the U-shaped half-pace staircase. All the while I could hear some orchestra music playing and the sound of some creature bellowing before finally hearing someone say.

"How fast are they?"

"Well we clocked the T-Rex at 32 mph." As I came down to the bottom of the stairs, there at a desk surrounded by books and wearing prescription glasses was my sister dear while on the leather couch playing on the big TV was a movie that I wasn't quite too familiar with.

"T-T-Rex? You said you got a T-Rex?" Georgie quoted alone with the woman on screen while the old man nodded.

"Say again?" Jackson quoted along with the actor on screen.

"We have a T-Rex." The old man repeated. The actor on screen then started acting faint while the woman tried to get him steady and that's when the old man said.

"Dr. Grant, my dear Dr. Sattler."

"Welcome—to Jurassic Park." The twins quoted along with the old man on screen. Then soon enough dinosaurs were shown on the screen and I'll admit it was quite a sight to behold.

Never have I seen practical effects like that when it came to dinosaur films. Whatever film this is, I'll have to check it out for myself.

When I turned towards (y/n) I noticed that she turned her head away from her books and paper just to watch the television. I shook my head at her. Some things never change. I even saw her mouth out the next quote that was spoken on screen.

"Some things never change with you sister dear." She turned around to face me, as did the boys and they raced towards me exclaiming.

"Uncle John! Uncle John!" soon I was tackled down to the ground by these big boys. I smiled down at them as the two of them talked over each other trying to speak to me.

"Well, well, well. Look what the cat threw up. And I see you finally cut that raggedy mullet of yours." My sister teased.

"Haha, very funny." I mocked up at her.

"What brings you around here?" she asked me.

"A brother figure can't see his surrogate sister anymore?" I asked as I stood back up with the twins still clinging onto my sides.

"Not that I'm complaining but, you haven't really came around since......" she looked away before grabbing the remote and turning the movie off.

"Awww mum! We wanted to keep watching the film!" the twins whined.

"Georgie, Jackson you both have seen the film over a million times. Besides you two got chores to do that you both forgot to do yesterday."

"But, but, but....."

"Now boys. You mind your mother and don't argue back with her." I lectured them giving them my father eye.

"Yes Uncle John." They both said glumly before they walked up the stairs.

"I swear they both got their father's handsome looks but their uncle Jensen's laziness." (y/n) complained which made me softly chuckle.

"They're little boys. And believe me it'll get worse, cause they're what seven now?" she nodded. "So yeah get ready. Ten is probably the age they'll really push your buttons."

"Well thanks for the heads up."

*My POV*

Now don't get me wrong, I love Deacy and I'm always happy to see him (on the rare occasions that he does come around) but this visit has something else written all over it.

"What film was that exactly?" he asked me.

"A Steven Spielberg masterpiece, Jurassic Park. Since it gets scary at around the middle part I don't allow the boys to watch this film alone without either me or Jack in the room."

"And what's with all the books? I haven't seen you this swamped since your first days as Miami's intern."

"Well—believe it or not. I'm finishing college."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. You see since I left college once I became the Rock Angel, and with me taking a step back from the spotlight for a while. I enrolled at a University here about to graduate with an English degree."

"I'm proud of you (y/n). Really I am. And—I know he would be too if he heard that." See there it was. The reason behind his sadness. Sometimes Deacy couldn't even say his name without feeling such agonizing heartache. His eyes that were once filled with light had diminished and rarely sparked up anymore.

"What about you? How are you and the other two aging Queens getting along?" I asked as I took off my reading glasses.

"We're getting by. Day by day. We're—actually about to do a video for a song Brian's made." Okay, I think I know where this is going.

"Deacy—I appreciate the offer but I just.....don't think I'm ready to get back into the limelight just yet. Plus I got school to finish up. And then there are the kids and Jack. The press made my life hell throughout the trial and I refuse to go through that again. So you can tell Roger that I'm not interested."

"Actually it wasn't Roger's idea for me to come down here and have you work with us again. Nor was it Brian's." I looked at him in shock.

"You mean you want me to be a part of this video you're doing?"

"Yes. They told me you might not want to but please, sister dear, for old time's sake. You wouldn't want to break an old man's heart now would you?" he proceeded with the puppy dog eyes and with that greying hair on his head it just made him look like a sad old puppy dog.

"Why must you always get your way?"

"Because I'm your brother and you fall for it every time." I sighed heavily and said.

"Let me get a hold of Jack at the hospital and see what he says." I stood up as Deacy came behind me and said in an alarmed tone.

"Wait? What happened to Jack? Is he alright? He didn't do anything stupid did he?"

"Deacy, Deacy relax. Jack's fine he's with our son."

"Wait you're....." it was then he finally noticed my body shape. The post-pregnant belly and weight gain.

"Was. Yeah. Just 2 weeks ago we had our new baby boy."

"Oh (y/n). Congratulations. But—then why is he......"

"The thing is, he wasn't supposed to come till next January. I gave birth to him prematurely by 2 months." I said sadly as I finally arrived at the phone and touched it.

"I'm so sorry poppet. Had I known I would've never—"

"No need for apologizes or sympathy Deacy. Like I told you once a long time ago about my parents. I didn't tell you so you have no reason to feel sorry for me. Besides our boy's strong. He's shown great improvement. Doctor says we could possibly bring him home come this weekend."

"That's good. But knowing Roger and Brian, they'll be wanting pictures of him shortly."

"And what about you? Don't you want to see a picture of your new nephew?"

"Of course I do." There was a bit of hesitation to the way he responded but I set it aside for now as he asked me, "What's the lad's name?" After he said that, it was my turn to hesitate cause I didn't want Deacy to grow sad again.

"You promise me you won't get too heartbroken when I tell you?"

"So long as you didn't name him Adam, Paul or Steve I think we'll be good." I turned to face my brother and I said.

"It was no difficult decision, Jack and I agreed that this name just suited him perfectly and we—we knew he would've loved it too. Our last and newborn baby's name is Freddie Mercury Kline." I immediately picked up the phone and rang the hospital for Jack.

After awhile of Jack and I talking back and forth between one another, he agreed that he could handle the kids for a couple of days, man down the house, and even look over my final paper that I have to turn in in a couple of weeks for a class.

"Thanks babe. How's our boy doing?"

'Ahh (y/n) you should see him, he's glowing like the sun right now. Maybe when we do get to take him home, we can even get the rest of the Queen family to see him.'

"We don't want to overwhelm him so much." I lectured.

'I know. But I think it's time we told the rest of Queen didn't we? Especially after who we named him after.'

"Well half the job is done. Only Brian and Roger need to know."

'Yeah. Hey can you give me regards to Deacy?'

"Sure thing love. We'll stay here till you get home."

'Baby you know Kelly's old enough to keep the boys under control till I come back.'

"I don't know Jack, I mean yeah she's a pre-teen but I don't....."

'Trust me (y/n). She's clever just like her mom. She knows right from wrong. The kids will be fine. But if it makes you feel any better, I'll head home right now so that way she won't have to be responsible for too long.' I rolled my eyes and said.

"Thank you Jack. I'll be back on Monday, I promise."

'Take as much time as you need. Besides, you need to catch up with the guys.'

"You're right love. I love you Jack, give my baby a kiss for me before you leave."

'Will do mama lion. Give the guys my love for me when you see them.'

"I will." We then said bye to each other before I hung up the phone. "Alright, Jack's on his way from the hospital, he said Kelly can watch the twins until he comes back."

"She's responsible that girl of yours. Reminds me of you when we first met. You made sure everything got organized and planned out accordingly. Hell you managed to keep the four of us in line." I smiled and gathered up my school stuff to take into the study room.

After turning the TV, off and putting my books away I called the kids into the master bedroom while I packed a weekend night bag.

"Okay now listen you three, mum's going away for the weekend with your uncle Deacy to see your other uncle as well as your godfather to do some work. Your father is on his way home from seeing your brother, and until he gets back you're in charge Kelly."

"What!?" the twins proclaimed.

"You heard her." Kelly sassed down at her younger brothers.

"Now you all know the rules, stay inside, no trashing the house, no answering the phone for any reason at all unless the caller ID says its your father or another family member. And absolutely; No one. Sets. Foot. In my study or studio or else." I firmly stated to them, especially the last part.

"We promise mum." They all choired out.

"Good. Now stay safe, and listen to your sister boys. I'll be back on Monday. Now come on kisses and cuddles." I knelt down and got a hug from my three big kids.

I even told them to give their uncle Deacy cuddles and kisses, which he happily accepted, before the two of us headed out back for the taxi car to take us back to the airport.

After a few hours in the air, Deacy and I arrived into London by about 7pm and this time I paid a cabbie to take us over to Roger's place. God all this traveling is really making me jet lagged right now. I only hope I have enough energy to record tomorrow.

The next day we were all in the recording studio to film the music video of Brian's song. I was sitting at the piano with Brian who was giving me the rundown on how to play the tune when it came for my appearance in the video.

"So—how have things been for you lately?" asked Brian. I looked up at him, "I mean it's just—you went underground after the trail and we—got worried."

"I'm sorry I worried you guys. I just......needed some time to myself and my family, that's all."

"No, no we understand. God what—what happened that day was extremely traumatic for you and—"

"Brian. Can.....can we not discuss anything regarding him. Please?"

"Sure, sure, absolutely." God sometimes I hate it when Brian wakes eggshells around me.

"I'm finishing up school."

"Really?" I nodded.

"I'm studying Creative writing. By next spring I'll graduate from college and finally get my diploma."

"That's wonderful news (y/n). I'm so proud of you." he wrapped an arm around me and gave me a one armed hug and kissed the top of my head.

"Also—there's.....a new Kline in the household." He looked down at me surprised.

"You mean—"

"Had him two weeks ago. Prematurely though." His brows knitted in that familiar sympathetic way.

"Oh (y/n), I'm so sorry. Are they....."

"He is doing just fine. Even for being born 2 months early, he's already got the Kline lion strength."

"I'm sure he does. What's the lads name?" I took out my wallet from my inner coat pocket and took out a picture of him from his incubator.

"Jack and I both agreed on the name together. Bri, meet your newest nephew. Freddie Mercury Kline." His eyes looked right at mine, with awe but also a hint of sadness. But a wide smile spread across his face as he softly laughed out.

"God what he would've said knowing that he got one of us to finally name our next kid after him."

"Probably something like 'about fucking time darling. I was beginning to think I'd been neglected.'" We both chuckled softly.

"That is something he would say. Oh and I bet he would've doted on this little chap, just as he had with all of your other kids." I nodded solemnly.

"God I wish he were still here." He placed a comforting hand on my shoulder and lay his head down on top of mine, his curls gingerly stroking my forehead and nose.

"We all do poppet. We all do." I sniffled softly but pushed back the tears.

"Alright, enough of this chatter. Now for this part of the song it goes like this right?" I said shrugging him off before playing the chords he had taught me at the butt-crack of dawn before we even came to the studio.

Finally we were ready to film the video. First Brian, Rog and Deacy got into position with Bri at the piano, Deacy on a stool with a bass guitar, and Roger in the back with his drumkit.

I couldn't help but be touched at the reminder of cups full of beer and a champagne glass sitting right along the piano's edge. It was—a nice little touch that Freddie would've appreciated.

This music video......I'll admit that this is probably my favorite out of all the Queen music videos. Because now people will get to see what it was like on a daily basis with us. Almost like they are a familiar face stepping into the recording studio.

The director called for quiet on the set and I stayed back for awhile until it would be my time to go up there and soon the director called out action! The camera's rolled and I watched as a camera crane came down from the ceiling at a slow pace.

I then saw at men on the mobile camera slowly moved closer across the studio to really give that first person POV as Brian sang the first verse and played the piano. Already hearing him sing this song made my heart .

*Brian*

A hand above the water An angel reaching for the sky Is it raining in heaven Do you want us to cry?

And everywhere the broken-hearted On every lonely avenue No one could reach them No one but you

One by one Only the good die young They're only flyin' too close to the sun And life goes on Without you

Next up was Roger. The cameras slowly came towards him as he played the simple drumbeat and he took over the vocals of the second verse. By that time, Brian had switched over to his Red Special and stood a few feet away from Deacy while I took over at the piano.

But to surprise the fans; I had a hoodie to cover my entire face as I now took over playing the piano.

*Roger*

Another tricky situation I get to drownin' in the blues And I find myself thinkin' Well, what would you do?

Yes, it was such an operation Forever paying every due Hell, you made a sensation (sensation) You found a way through (found a way through)

*All*

One by one Only the good die young They're only flyin' too close to the sun *Roger*

We'll remember Forever

When it was finally my turn, I took the hoodie off and proceeded to play the piano as I sung the third voice. My heart was heavy and my throat felt like clenching up but I kept my sorrow at bay in order to get this done in one take.

Cause I knew if I didn't, then there's probably no way I could keep my composure after three takes of singing this verse. Because all that came through my mind were the good memories of Freddie, and how I couldn't even believe that he was really gone. Even though almost 6 years have passed.

*Me*

And now the party must be over I guess we'll never understand The sense of your leaving Was it the way it was planned?

And so we grace another table And raise our glasses one more time There's a face at the window And I ain't never, never sayin' goodbye

By the end of it all, the video would show Queen and the Rock Angel singing the song with such sorrow but passion as we sung it in honor of our beloved Freddie.

Soon all four of us were gathered around the piano, Deacy still sitting on his stool, but Brian, Roger and I were gathered close together with music sheets in our hands. I stood by Roger and would sing the first line before finding myself unconsciously leaning against him for support.

Thankfully he didn't see anything wrong with it as he wrapped an arm around me and took the next part before Brian would be the one to finish it since he was the one to start it.

*All*

One by one Only the good die young They're only flyin' too close to the sun *Me*

Cryin' for nothing *Roger*

Cryin' for no one *Brian*

No one but you

The video would then close off as the camera would rise up over the four of us gathered around the piano. The lights shutting off and us acting like we were now leaving the studio after a hard day's work.

"Cut! Okay Brian, come and see what you like and what we need to reshoot." The director called out and both he and Brian began speaking to each other as Bri reviewed the footage.

As I watched Bri talk to the director, I felt a slight nudge at my shoulder and I looked up to see Deacy. His eyes were sad but the smile across his face held some warmth to it. I leaned my head against his chest and I felt his hand rest on top of my head, gently scratching my scalp.

"You still got it poppet."

"Singing to the kids still keeps my pipes in check." I felt him gently kiss the top of my head when the director called out.

"Alright Mrs. Kline. We're gonna runback from your verse, your hair got in the way of your face too much." I nodded and soon someone from the hair department came and brushed my hair back out of my face. As well as take a couple of hairpins to make sure the strands didn't get in my face again.

Deacy walked back towards his stool and Brian went to grab his guitar once again while Rog twirled his sticks.

"Okay playback from the third verse." The music picked back up and the cameras rolled and I sung the third verse once again, this time I could feel myself choking up as I sang the verse again.

This continued to go on with reshoots, trying to make this video even better. By the fifth time singing it, I needed to step out and take a breather because at this point I was just about to breakdown crying. Luckily for me, Deacy was right there for me the whole time till I calmed down and was ready to go back to recording.

Four hours later, the video was complete. Once the director as well as the boys were satisfied with the results, it was time to head home. Roger insisted that I stay with him the next couple of days (because he wanted to know more about his new godson) as well as catch up with one another. As I placed my coat back on over me, I heard Deacy's voice say my name softly.

"What is it Deacy?"

"Can I—can I talk to you for a moment? Privately." The look in his eyes were full of regret, almost like he didn't even want to tell me whatever it was he wanted to say.

"Sure Deacy, let me just tell dad to wait up for me." He nodded while I raced off towards Roger and told him that I needed to talk with Deacy.

From behind his new circular prescription shades (kinda similar to what ole Ozzy has), I could see that he must've known what Deacy wanted to tell me.

I walked back towards Deacy who took my hand and led me out of the studio and out into the abandoned hallways. No one was there but us two.

"Alright John Deacon, what's really going on?" he refused to look me in the eye.

"I—the reason why I wanted you to be a part of this music video was because I......I wanted to work with you. One last time." My heart slowly sunk. "Freddie he—he was what made Queen the way it was from the beginning. Without him there......th-there just isn't any need for Queen to continue on."

I remained silent as John confessed his heartbreaking news. I could see the redness of tears at the corner of his eyes.

"I just can't continue with all this. Not without him. This—was my last contribution to Queen. And—I wanted it to also be the last time I worked alongside the Rock Angel as well." He went silent again. "I'm sorry love." He sniffled.

I reached out and softly took his hands in mine. When he felt my touch, his eyes finally looked right at me. I looked at him with pure empathy before walking closer to him till I finally embraced him.

Play video

Oh my poor brother, I felt him tense up underneath my touch. It was almost like he was expecting me to go full on hysterical about him retiring from music forever.

"I was a fan before I met you guys. I've read every interview you guys ever did, seen all the concerts. And never have I seen a band be so involved with each other as Queen has. Like me, Freddie took you under his wing and allowed you to soar. You never just became the 'bass player', or the 'quiet guy in the corner'. No you, John Richard Deacon, are the most vital and important piece that was needed for Queen to finally rise to the top. And Fred saw that in you."

I cupped his face in my hands as I continued,

"If this is what will bring you peace, I'll understand."

"You knew my reason all along, didn't you?" he said. I only gave him a soft smile before I embraced him.

"You will always be my brother mine." He slowly raised his arms and wrapped them around my back and he whispered his last words to me.

"And you'll forever be my sister dear." We remained there in each other's arms. Embracing each other as tightly as we could, inhaling each other's scents, remembering each other's touch.

Because I knew that once we let go, this would be the last time we would ever see each other again.

Finally I forced myself to release him from my embrace. I looked down sadly trying not to cry in front of him. I felt his hand cup the side of my face and his forehead press up against mine.

Our noses softly grazing one another's until I finally felt him give me one final kiss on the cheek.

When I opened my eyes, I only saw his back and heard as his shoes clicked along the hallway. That image would forever be imprinted into my brain for as long as I live.

"Goodbye......my sweet, sweet John Deacon." I whispered softly. The tears then softly fell down my face as he finally turned left and disappeared from my sights, leaving me all alone in the hallway.

After a while I finally left the studio and met Roger at his car. The hidden tearstains still glistening on my face and the occasional sniffle coming out. He didn't say a word as he looked at me knowingly, I looked up at him and ran into his chest and softly wept into his shoulder.

His father instincts toward me immediately kicked in as he wrapped his arms around me and tried his best to comfort me. God I tried so badly to not let this affect me. I knew where Deacy was coming from and I do respect his decision, I truly do, but—I just can't believe that even after this I'll never get to see my brother mine again.

It was like losing my parents all over again, except this was much, much worse. This time he'll be so close yet so far away.

*FF to May 14th, 1998*

I had done it. I was a college graduate at last. Earlier today I had finally done the famed college graduation walk that all my previous friends in college got to do all those years ago, and I was an official college graduate.

(Y/n) Kline, Bachelor's degree in English with a concentration in Creative Writing.

It was late afternoon and I was sitting up along the balcony of the vacation home with a glass of wine in hand. We all had just gotten back from a family dinner in celebration of my graduation, now I wanted to be at peace and watch the sunset.

Because starting tomorrow, I decided that it was time to head back to our home in London and I wanted to get back to work.

"Thought I'd find you up here." I heard Jack's voice say. I smiled as I turned towards him.

"I was wondering if you'd be joining me."

"Well you know as well as I do that if those twins of ours are left unattended during their bath, they'll drown the entire bathroom in soap again."

"God that was such a nightmare to clean up." I laughed as he came up and sat down close beside me on my lawn chair. I noticed in his hands he held some mail. "What all did we get?"

"Well some bills, junk mail, some congratulation cards from the family back home in America, as well as from Brian and Roger, and.....that's it." I extended my hand out and he handed me the mail and I began sorting out the business mail from the personal one.

It was then I came across an interesting letter. One I never though I'd expect to see.

"What's this?" I turned the letter towards him and that's when Jack's face went pale. For you see the letter was addressed to Jack but the place it was from is what had me curious. The letter was from the London Police Academy.

"Oh shit." He muttered.

"C'mon Jack spill it, what is this?"

"I really didn't want to make a big deal out of this, especially since these past few months were all about you."

"Jack." I warned him since he was getting off the subject. He sighed heavily before he took the letter from my hands and said.

"Okay. Do you remember when I had gone up to London, and I told you that I was just going up there to check on the house?" I nodded. "Well, I lied. The truth is—I went to apply for the London Police Academy because—I want to become a police officer, and eventually a criminal detective."

"Jack."

"I know I must sound crazy but, this was my decision. After what happened to us with—you know. For the past year and a half and then....dealing with the trail. It put all of us through hell. And I—I don't want us or for anyone else to go through the pain that we went through. That bastard nearly tore this family apart, and it was because of the law that he got away with it every time. Creeps like him shouldn't get off scot-free."

I hugged my husband as tightly as I could and I said with a wide smile.

"I'm so proud of you."

"Really?" I separated from him and continued.

"You're my husband and you've been so supportive of me for years. It's about time I was supportive of you in your dream career."

"Well I don't even know if I even got in, that's probably what this letter is."

"Then what are you waiting for? Open it!" I chuckled and opened up the envelope and soon took out the folded letter and read it to himself.

"I—I got in."

"Oh my darling that's fantastic! Congrats!" I hugged and kissed him.

"Well hold on, this just means that I'm a potential candidate for a chance at working for the London Police force. There's still like a six month process when it comes to actually getting in. Right now I'm just joining the academy for some training."

"Still, that's something to be proud of. Oh Jack, you're gonna be a fantastic officer. And soon a world-class detective. A regular Sherlock Holmes if you will." I teased the last part as I bopped his nose.

"I don't think I can be that good. But—I'll try my best. For you, for our kids, and for every other stalking victims out there. The law may have failed us, but I won't let it fail for those in the future." I smiled at my loving husband and cupped his face and kissed him. "Oh and there's something for you inside."

"Really? Another surprise?"

"Well it's more like a small package. And sadly it's not from me." I looked at him confused.

"Then who is it from?" he shrugged but led me inside back into our bedroom where the small package lay at the foot of our bed. I opened it up and inside there was a single videotape. It had no marking or writing on it to indicate what it was.

The two of us looked at each other perplexed before I went towards our VHS player and insert the tape into it. I turned the TV on and the screen was blue as the tape finally began to play.

Coming up on the screen sitting right on a couch was none other than John.

"Hello (y/n), Jack. And the young Kline cubs, if they are there." He softly chuckled with a slight smile. Jack sat down beside me on the foot of our bed as we continued to watch Deacy's tape. "(Y/n), my darling sister dear. I know that—my leaving from Queen may seem like another abandonment but I swear to you it's not."

"Seems like this is just for you both, I'll just—"

"And Jack you stay right there with her because this is for you too." Jack looked at the telly surprised.

"Holy shit that was creepy."

"Our Deacy knows all." I wrapped my arms around my husband's arm as Deacy continued.

"Now—I have known you both for a long time. And both of you have equally been such an important part of my life. So it breaks my heart to know that this—might be the last time we meet face to face. But there is no doubt in my mind that you both are going to change the world. (Y/n), my lovely Rock Angel, you continue to spread your wings and fly. I know that you're going to continue to be the brightest and biggest solo female rockstar this world will ever know. And Jack, my pupil, my dearest American friend. You continue to protect your family, because if there's one final piece of advice that I can give you, it's that family is forever. Friends may come and go, but family is forever. And I know that whatever you choose to do with your life, your wife is gonna be there to support you. You both were meant for each other. I love you both so much. Continue to love, to give, to inspire, and......be happy. Bye."

The screen went black for a moment before he came back on screen and he began to say.

"Kelly, Jackson, Georgie and—little baby Freddie." At that point I stopped the tape and I turned to face Jack. I could already see the faint tears in his eyes.

Play video

"So this is really it huh?" Jack asked. I nodded. "I—can't believe we'll never get to actually talk to Deacy again." I rested my head on his shoulder and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"This is just his way of grieving. Deacy's very fragile right now. You know how his childhood was, and losing Freddie at three years his father's age. It's like—losing two father figures to him."

"I know. It's just that....." Jack looked at me with tears in his eyes.

Jack really did look up to Deacy for everything. After all they've been through for over 10 years together, to Jack it was like he was losing a very good friend.

"I know my love, I know. But this is what Deacy needs. To be with just his family now, and not be reminded of the pain of losing Freddie. And who knows—maybe, and this is a slight maybe, we might see him again. But until then we need to respect his wishes." Jack nodded and the two of us cuddled close together as we were both thinking the same thing.

We hope that you're happy at home John Richard Deacon.

[animebw]

Binge-Watching: Sakamoto, Episodes 9-12

In which we end on a predictable note, Sakamoto encourages us to move forward, and I consider this show’s best and worst skits.

Ending Blues

Well, all good things must come to an end, and Sakamoto is no exception. Though to be honest, I’m not that broken up over saying goodbye so soon. As much as I’ve been enjoying it, I think it’s done pretty much all it can do with its one joke. Stretching it out any farther without a significant shake-up to set things in a new direction would only tire me out on the whole affair. And I think it’s pretty clear the show knows its run its course, because after all the unexpected, fresh gags it’s pulled off, the actual plot wraps up in the most standard way imaginable: introduce an emotional conflict in the second-to-last episode that threatens to tear the band of friends apart, only for friendship and believing in each other to win out and bring the band back together in the final episode. I can’t even count how many comedy and slice-of-life series I’ve seen that use this ending template, and at this point, I’m just kinda bored of it. It’s not even a bad ending! Atsushi falling back on bad habits out of shame that he’ll never live up to Sakamoto’s perfection makes sense considering his character, and Tomokau Sugita sells the hell out of the emotional moments. That moment where he’s tearfully beating Sakamoto’s hand with a bat and begging him to let him go because he thinks he’ll never be able to escape his miserable delinquent life? Powerful stuff. It’s just too overdone a formula to really leave an impression with me.

Not that it’s lacking in meaning. The eternal third-year Fukase is an interesting character, because he’s sort of an anti-Sakamoto, offering advice and guidance to his juniors that brings out their worst instincts instead of their best. He tells them, in so many words, that it’s no use trying to be their best, because Sakamoto’s always going to eclipse them no matter what, so why bother trying in the first place? Of course, it’s really just an excuse to justify how scared he is of leaving his bitter, cynical comfort zone. Hence why he’s kept repeating his final year of high school over and over; as long as he doesn’t graduate, he doesn’t have to change. He can stay the same pathetic person forever and rule over his kingdom eternal children rather than risk growing up and becoming an adult. Sakamoto, in contrast, is all about change, even as he remains the same unflappable do-gooder from beginning to end. He encourages the people around him to move forward, to embrace what makes them special, to believe in themselves even when that feels impossible.As long as they’re moving forward, they’ve got plenty of opportunities to make their lives cool, cooler, coolest.

Learning to Swim

And it’s that philosophy we’ve seen Sakamoto live throughout this show. Whatever situation he’s in, he doesn’t just help everyone out, he offers them the tools to help themselves and continue to do so even when he’s not there. When he looks out at the dark sea Fukase talks about, the dangerous, uncertain waters of life in motion, he doesn’t see an excuse to keep from diving in. He sees an opportunity to swim out into the stormy seas and find your way to new and uncharted land. Yes, it’s scary to unstick yourself from bad habits or comfortable stagnation, but it’s a door well worth opening for all the potential it brings out of you. So when he leaves his class behind to follow his far-flung NASA dreams, he does so with no regrets. He knows full well that all his classmates will be fine without him; he’s already given them all the strength they need to keep moving forward. And I’m not gonna lie, that final image of Sakamoto finally showing some damp eyes as he bids his friends goodbye before pie-ing himself in the face to finally symbolically place himself on their level? That was some grade-A wholesome shit. He’s not just Mr. Perfect anymore; he’s one of the gang himself. And I can’t think of a more fitting image to bid him farewell with.

Highs and Lows

Still, Sakamoto’s ending was never gonna be its most important aspect. This show has always lived and died on the strength of its episodic sketches. And on that note, I think it’s interesting that this final stretch had both my favorite and least favorite sketches of the bunch. The dishonor of least favorite goes to the sketch where Kubota’s mom disguises herself as him to get close to Sakamoto, for what I feel should be obvious reasons. Adults lusting after high schoolers is just fucking creepy, regardless of gender. And it’s really uncomfortable how she’s animated to be so ugly and so unappealing during a lot of these sequences, like we’re supposed to laugh because she’s an unattractive old bat lusting after the physical embodiment of peak male form. The whole thing’s so gross on so many levels, and I barely cracked a smile throughout. Blegh. This show doesn’t have that many genuine duds, but this one was a real stinker from top to bottom.

On a much more positive note, my favorite skit was Sakamoto doing the classic “I’ll be your hands” gambit for Hayabusa to help him pass for a “cultured” young man instead of a rough and tumble punk. There are so many fantastic gags throughout, from Sakamoto needing to wordlessly prod Hayabusa into eating escargots to the ridiculous teamwork they pull in defense of his father (”Not possessing the necessary antibodies for French cuisine, he suddenly mutated.”) And the goofery is only enhanced by the lovely emotional core at its center. Hayabusa’s family lacks a mother, and he’s uncomfortable on his father’s insistence that he needs to re-marry and give his kids a new mother. The social expectation is that families should have two parents, that a family’s incomplete without a mother and father. But he sums up his feelings in a beautiful bit of understatement: ”Even if it’s not perfect, it’s fine as is, you know? Maybe I’m still a wet-behind-the-ears kid for thinking that.” His supposedly childish impulse is right: his family’s fine the way it is. They don’t need a replacement parent or to transform themselves into social elites to be able to love and support each other. And if they ever run into something they can’t handle alone, they can lift each other up just like two men sharing a jacket. The essence of Sakamoto perfectly distilled into ten hilarious, heartwarming minutes.

Odds and Ends

-”Quite a vintage spring shower, isn’t it?” Okay, becoming a storm sommelier is such a cool concept I’m surprised I haven’t seen it elsewhere. Fantasy writers, get on this shit!

-Jesus, he even met this kid by slipping a ring on his finger? Sakamoto’s giving all the guys their gay awakening, isn’t he?

-I’d ask how he turned a block of tofu into a Rubik’s cube, but let’s be real, he’s just that cool.

-”He’s doing his Darwin’s Theory of Evolution run!” ...you know what, sure.

-”Plus, there’s a high population density.” Lol, they pegged him instantly. Selling a group date as a chance for social facilitation.

-...is that the animal dentist toy. IS THAT THE ANIMAL DENTIST TOY I HAVE THE CROCODILE VERSION OF THAT TOY HOLY FUCK NOSTALGIA BOMB.

-”He must be an M! But M for Virgin Mary!” dskjfhsdkjfh SURE

-”Arm saxophone?!” HOW EVEN

-Unexpected opera is always a plus.

-”That pronunciation was so authentic!” ”He used the burp!” This show is delightful.

-”Gotta rely on instinct.” “Bonjour.” My middle-school self just involuntary choked on his dinner.

-”Just a passing bourgeois.” When suddenly, Batman.

-”I’m seeing things in all the right places!” In retrospect, I should’ve guessed “horny for snowmen” was a legitimate kink.

-Okay, Sakamoto running so fast his glasses lag behind him was a nice touch.

-Lol, even Atchan wants a picture. He’s got it bad.

-”Venus exists!” Lol, what a bro.

-Loool, all that just to get an old volleyball down. Never change, dude.

-”It would involve the precise number of holes in the nurse’s ceiling.” I’m... not sure what he’s going on about.

-So remember how I mentioned last time how the gags reminded me of Gintama? Well, surprise surprise, this show’s director is Shinji Takamatsu, aka the director of Gintama’s first 201 episodes! And he’s also the director for another comedy I’ve got coming up on my last, Grand Blue Dreaming! What are the odds?

So long, you stylish lad. Check in later tonight for my series reflection, as well as what show will take its place!

[moviediary]

She’s All That (1999)

Rich and popular makes a bet with his “friend”, whose personality is pretty much summed up by the fact that he has frosted tips, that he can turn any girl into the prom queen after getting dumped by his longtime girlfriend. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I love this movie, but every time I watch it I can’t help but be amazed at how absurd it is. I mean, cliché plot aside, every individual piece that makes up this 1 hour and 30 minute ode to the individual is completely insane. What universe does this take place in? What high school do they go to?

That being said, I really like the opening shots to this movie, it definitely gives you a good introduction to the main character. Laney Boggs. She’s political and messy and 100% down to her bones an art student. She isn’t afraid to be dark.

In contrast I feel like the first meeting of the main love interest really doesn’t set him up to be who the writers want you to think he is. I mean he rolls up to school in a bright yellow Jeep with a Mr. Prez vanity plate. Then you see his shoes when he gets out of the car, fuckin’ ugly ass leather loafers. I’m sorry I know this means nothing I just have a hard time believing this jock wears these fucking shoes they’re so god damn ugly.

Every moment that introduces him makes it seem like he should be the villain, he has pretty much no redeeming qualities that we can see besides his wit (barely) and good looks. I just don’t understand why we’re supposed to like him, this is Sixteen Candles all over again. Hot rich guy, is an asshole, for some reason I still root for and love him. How does that work? What makes these characters so grossly likable? I mean, his name is Zack. That alone raises a red flag for me. That’s a frat boy asshole name. Zacks are friends of Kyle that’s all I’m saying.

Once we get through his painfully douchey introduction we get introduced to Zack’s equally douchey friends frosted tips and Gus from psych. (don’t ask me what their actual names are it’s not important anyway, that is essentially their personalities) The first thing we hear is them talking about summer break and their vacations, further driving home how rich they are and how weird it is that adults write movies about teenagers having gratuitous amounts of sex with adults. Then Zach tries unsuccessfully to say something philosophical about them graduating soon (I have to keep reminding myself that he’s supposed to have like the 4th highest GPA in their class) They then meet the most 90s girls I have ever seen. Who I guess are supposed to be popular? One thing I do like is how diverse all the characters are, they don’t all look exactly the same which I feel tends to be a problem with high school movies.

So we finally meet the “popular girl” Taylor Vaughn, Zack’s girlfriend and she immediately breaks up with him (which honestly is probably a good idea anyway) and his “friends” fucking laugh at him which he really had coming. I mean. Look at his hair. 

This launches what is probably one of my favorite narrated flashback scenes of all time, not because the topic is particularly interesting but because I love the way they have Zach interrupt her inside of the flashback. It’s a very small addition that really gives the scene style. Also we see this hot girl start dating Shaggy??? Also one of the villains from the original Scream???( he only really plays one character.) Makes me laugh every time. Also makes me a little uncomfortable every time since she’s in high school and he’s who knows how old but whatever not important. This also leads to one of my favorite exchanges in the whole movie. 

Taylor wraps up her spring break story time with one of the rawest lines I've ever seen in a 90s movie (she really did that to him) and the director throws in a classic high school movie trope, everyone actually caring enough to stop and watch this exchange. And while I usually hate this kind of character worship, since this movie is already so bizarre and unrealistic it actually kinda fits

We then cut to Laney’s art class which includes her teacher that for some reason thinks her art isn’t personal enough and two clown obsessed Lydia Deetz knock offs. I have to say I do love this part where the art students literally suggest that she kill herself in order to have her art recognized. Very realistic conversation between art students. 

That whole scene is really funny though because it doesn’t feel like it belongs in this movie. Even the music doesn't fit which is only emphasized by the sudden bell ringing transition back into a stereotypical high school movie. It reminds me of movies like the craft, the way it’s cut together, the way the characters talk, how Laney just stares straight ahead after not saying anything. It seems like she could have chosen a completely different movie to be in. Like if the movie was a chose your own adventure, she could have been in a different genre entirely and the movie would have been about her and those girls faking her death to get recognition and make money from her paintings. which would have been sick. but that isn't the movie I’m watching. Which I’m reminded of when fucking Zack comes back on screen.

Also right before the scene where the actual bet is introduced we meet the school’s resident DJ??? which isn’t important at all but is so strange that I feel the need to point it out. Like they don’t just have a guy who does the announcements they have like a disc jockey who is just there all the time??? There are just so many little things in this movie that make it so weird.

So fucking Brock pukashells pulls up and Zach just flips. Which is understandable it is a very gross moment but he just fucking goes off about Taylor and how she’s not that great and he could get with any girl in the school. His friends point out that bitch boy forgot that Taylor Vaughn is “an institution” and basically Zach with tits. She’s very important. This is something I never get about movies like this, has anyone actually been to a high school where someone was that well known. But also not liked? Like sure she’s hot, but she’s also a grade A bitch to everyone. and according to Zach nothing more than a C minus GPA in a Wonderbra. 

Once you get through the misogyny plus ultra scene and they finally make the bet, frosted tips has picked the girl Zach has to turn into the prom queen. Scary inaccessible Laney Boggs. He’s got 6 weeks to make her popular. He starts off his first exchange with her in the best way possible. By calling her brother Spaz (as his name). Again, we’re supposed to like this guy I think. I don’t know when he’s supposed to become a likable character but I can’t imagine it’s during all these scenes where he just legit insults people.

I also love all of the clips we get to see from Brock’s time on The Real World Which make me really question why all the girls fan girl over him given that he’s actually the worst, even on the show. We also get introduced to Zack’s sister who probably should have been a lesbian given how queer coded her character is besides the fact that she desperately wants a boyfriend. She even goes to an all girls school it would have been perfect. But alas, this movie is gay-less.

We are then introduced to another b-plot in this movie, Zack’s indecision about college. This was I guess to make him more human? or something? To sort of flesh him out and give him problems but honestly he doesn't have any problems. Later in the movie Laney points this out to him, he can do whatever he wants. This whole college thing is resolved fairly quickly later in the film too, it’s not very important it’s just the only thing we see about Zack besides being a perfect high schooler throughout the whole movie. Well that and his terrible performance art and being an asshole. 

After we see that Zack has been accepted by every Ivy League school and their mother (I’m not jealous I swear) we take a brief Taylor being a bitch detour before getting back to Zack making an ass of himself. This time he’s bothering Laney at her job which is awesome we love that. Again I don’t know why we like this guy he does like 3 nice things the whole movie. Anyway she gets defensive like she always does and he fumbles around trying to talk like he’s a normal person and not a walking cliché and then there’s this really strange exchange where he tries to asked her for help in art classes and she says “you don’t take art” and he’s like “how do you know?” and she’s like “Why haven't I seen you in any of my classes?” and like, I get what they were going for but what kind of high school is this? how does she have time to take more than one art class? How is she already an art major before she’s in college that’s not how high school works. I only ever had one school where I could take more than two extra curriculars and that was in middle school and it was only because they fucked up and put me in four hours of study hall and so I just went to all of the art classes that were offered. But that’s different. And am I way over analyzing this movie? yes. Does anyone but me care about this shit? probably not, but I’m gonna talk about it anyway.

I also really like Laney’s best friend who’s kind of just there, all the time, he’s such a good wing man. He also made the best excuse to get out of seeing that weird ass art show she’s in. He’s like, oh good I don’t have to see another Mitch show. He’s probably in his underwear in all of them, I wouldn’t want to go either. I think it really says something about the performance art world though, because this is probably the most believable part of the whole movie. If someone told me that his is just an actual performance art piece that they used in this movie I would absolutely believe them. Also one of the weird gremlins in this piece says what is probably my favorite quote ever which is “my soul is an island, my car is a Ford” like what the fuck is that I love that so much.

I really want to know how they came up with this shit, it’s so perfect. It also is another one of these parts in the movie that doesn’t really add anything. A lot of the movie is like this, I feel like 90% of this movie is weird filler scenes and the rest in plot. Like it’s so obvious how it’s going to end that you barely even need to watch most of the movie, and even when you do watch most of the movie it always kind of feels like it only half has something to do with the plot. I’m not even going to talk about the weird hacky Sack scene, I can’t handle how embarrassing and cringey it is I pretty much always skip through it. What a dick move of Laney’s to even put him in that situation. The whole “your eyes are really beautiful” scene is also really strange, both his lines and her reaction don’t really make sense. Through most of this movie when they actually talk to each other I feel like they don’t have any chemistry. It’s the same when he subtly blackmails her into going to the beach with him. He’s awkward and barely says anything that prompts a response and then she just goes full WOKE EMO on him and like, they really do have nothing in common I do not understand their relationship. And then his friends show up and he’s like, “If we’re gonna be friends we’ll have to deal with them eventually” which like, 1: wow get some friends you actually like maybe? And 2: how are you guys friends, you’ve barely ever managed to exchange civil words on screen. Actually maybe that makes sense, this is why he thinks this is okay (besides the whole bet thing) maybe he doesn’t realize he’s supposed to actually like his friends and girlfriend. Because it really seems like he doesn’t like any of them, which I get. Except for Gus (not his name but whatever) because that guy’s actually pretty funny and spends the whole movie calling frosted tips out whenever he sounds too much like Kenny from Can’t Hardly Wait.

The whole beach scene is kinda take it or leave it too, there are a lot of moments where we see Laney hang out with Zack and other people but honestly through the whole movie there really isn’t a whole lot of growth. We don’t actually really see them bond or talk, we’re supposed to believe their relationship is growing but I guess that must be happening off screen because I don’t see it.

One of my favorite parts is when Zack forces the JV soccer team to clean Laney’s house, the kid answering the jeopardy question and her dad just realizing they were there. Oh man, gets me every time. The makeover scene is also pretty cute, I always love those. Also the whole “new, not improved, but different Laney Boggs” thing is adorable and I appreciate it.

The evolving of the characters and their relationships don’t happen gradually, what little is actually shown is pretty much in like 3 parts, the opening, the party scene, and the end. The characters are very flat for most of the movie and they have very little personality, but the party scene is very fun to watch. From “Gracias, papi!” to Laney turning Misty into a clown, and then the Give it to Me dance sequence. And even though the characters haven’t really given me a good reason to care about them my heart still hurts a little for Laney when Taylor ruins her dress. That’s the thing about this movie, I shouldn’t care, I shouldn’t like these characters, but I still do, and I have no idea why.

The Brock dumping Taylor thing was great, the parallel was expected but I actually think it added to the story. In fact most of the things after the party actually feel necessary to the movie which is nice. Even the soccer practice actually leads to something. I don’t know what it is about the 2nd quarter of this movie that feels so empty but whatever it is it’s enough that I saw a noticeable difference when I got to the third act of this movie.

It’s a small part but I also really love the alternative clubs that make signs in favor of Laney for prom queen. They’re just so fucking funny to me. I mean, Hygiene club? Prisoners club??? What?

Then they pull another fast feelings thing on me again. They throw the mom painting scene at me and like, wow that’s sad. Then Zack tries to garner sympathy for the problems that he makes for himself. Then boom they flip on me again they’re cute and I like them. Then she says that weird thing about prom and he just dips man. And like, Why do they gotta do me like that? I cannot seem to decide if I like these characters or not it’s so weird how this dialogue is written.

And then the dream happens? Definitely one of the best scenes in the whole movie. So fucking perfect. It really just adds to the weird slight surrealness of this whole movie.

Then we go back to the school and suddenly everyone is dressing like Laney? In support I guess? Again can I just ask what fucking school they go to? And then there’s the beat boxing scene? Where they rap about who’s gonna be prom queen? I’ve never even met anybody that invested in the outcome of who’s gonna be prom queen except for those running. I don’t even think I know anybody who voted. Even so, I do love the beat box scene, they really spit some bars.

Also I just noticed that in that super fucked cafeteria scene, you can see Buffy make a cameo? Just a fun little trivia fact. But seriously that cafeteria scene is fucked. Like, the pubes on the pizza? I wish no one had thought of that ever. Also can I just say I would undoubtedly rather get my ass kicked than be forced to eat pubes. I don’t know what they were thinking that isn’t even a question.

It’s also really uncomfortable how good frosted tips is at acting like he’s not a douchebag. What a creep. If that were a real guy I’d be tempted to call him a sociopath. So gross. But I suppose it’s good for the story line.

The end of the movie wraps up pretty fast honestly. Zack’s dad and him finally communicate which fixes Zack’s only problem immediately because that’s just how easy it is. He was just projecting the whole time, his dad had literally no problems other than being a typical rich dad. Then of course we get another moment with the school DJ who I guess just gets to play and say what ever he wants whenever he wants. Am I the only one who thinks it’s really inappropriate how sexual that guy’s announcements about prom are? Maybe it’s just me and I had a really different high school experience but I feel like people are way too focused on sex when they make movies about high school. Other shit was going on you know? It’s just odd for me to think about grown adults writing and pitching this movie.

Zack really is such a bitch boy though, he doesn’t even try to explain anything to her, just lets her get hurt and lets Taylor be a bitch to her without saying anything. He doesn’t even try to tell her that frosted tips was just as much a part of it as he was. Honestly I kind of wish that frosted tips wasn’t such an asshole his whole heart to heart with her at the door before prom could have been really cute if I didn’t already know he was a lying scumbag. But I guess Laney just gets the lesser of the douchebags.

We finally get to the prom, inarguably the best part of the whole movie, all the little bits and pieces. The sex doll guy is always funny as hell. The DJ being the school DJ works really well brings a lot of closure to that whole weirdness. Also that dance scene is fucking great, has absolutely nothing to do with the plot, which actually works since about 40% of the things in this movie have nothing to do with the plot of this movie. I absolutely unironically tried to learn this dance, man I fucking wish prom was actually like this. I don’t know about you guys but for me, both of my proms were not nearly this theatrical. I spent my first one playing black jack the whole time and my senior prom was full of people that were way too white to dance. Anyway, Laney doesn’t win and she leaves early. Zack gives a pretty boring speech. Taylor goes off on everyone. Frosted tips tries to get Laney in bed and everyone gets upset.

The whole thing ends with Laney coming home to find Zach waiting for her to make sure she’s okay, which is sweet and all but like I can’t help wondering how long he had just been standing there waiting. Especially since it seemed like her dad was just ignoring him. That’s just a funny image to me. Anyway, they dance in the backyard. They kiss. It’s cute. Zack loses the bet so he accepts his diploma naked which I’m pretty sure is indecent public exposure but sure.

Overall it’s a very cute movie. The clichés are sort of made up for by all the weird 90s movie things. Plus it has a pretty great soundtrack. I know I sort of really went in on this movie but to be honest I really enjoy watching it. I’m not sure why. It’s pretty bad when you think about it any deeper than surface level. But it’s also just really fun and the characters are weird and there’s too many duffel bags to be normal and it’s just funny. It’s really weirdly funny. And it has that same non-conclusion that a lot of teen rom-coms have where they just can’t really give you all that much and just make sure they’re happy even if you know there is no way they can continue a relationship outside of high school. It may sound like it, but I’m not mad at it. If you haven’t already I’d say watch it. Watch it as a relaxing mindless good time activity. At the very least you won’t be bored, but if you get sympathy embarrassment like I do then maybe skip a few parts.

As of right now this movie is not available for free on any streaming sites (yes I own it on DVD don’t @ me)

Final Verdict:

Actual movie review: 6/10

How fun is it to watch?: 8/10

[junionigiri]

Bakumomo Week Day 1 - Band/Music

art by safri, words by juni :)

Katsuki stares at her across the table, the vast expanse of expensive polished mahogany a mile-wide crevice, splitting their worlds in two. Yaoyorozu Momo, elegant and regal in the type of fancy dress that only rich people bother to wear at home. She’s sipping tea imported from some mountain in China, served in a gold-trimmed porcelain cup. Classical piano plays in the background–Katsuki guesses it’s a nocturne by Chopin, based on how gentle and melancholy the notes sound, how the notes remind him very much of her.

“You’re right, Bakugou-san,” she confirms. “I didn’t know that you also liked classical music! This is surprising.”

The way her whole face glows, with that little bounce that makes her spiky ponytail bob, almost catches him off-guard. Fuck, is this why Ears and those other extras gush about her when she’s excited over some nerdy shit? It’s distracting as fuck.

“Ain’t a big deal,” he grumbles. It’s fucking abnormal how she manages to make even the mundane act of refilling his tea and humming in assent look so damn refined. Even the way she breathes, what the hell.

He grumbles over his tea again and takes a sip of that fancy shit. He makes a face to tell her that he doesn’t enjoy it that much, even though it isn’t bad at all. She gives him a smile that tells him she doesn’t believe him.

“Well, I still think it’s impressive. No offense, but you gave me the impression that you only liked rock music.”

He supposes the dark clothes and wild hair and all the piercings and tattoos he got after graduation from UA would give anyone that impression. As do those jam sessions with Yaoyorozu back in high school, when she played the keyboard while he attacked the drums in precise strikes that look wild to the untrained eye.

Nevertheless, he scoffs. “Judgin’ a book by its cover, Ponytail? I thought you were better than those other losers who assume shit about me.”

“I didn’t mean that at all!” He sees her lower lip trembling in a strangely familiar way. “I wouldn’t ever. Not for you, Bakugou-san. I mean… not when that happened, before.”

So. She’s talking about that thing in Kamino ward. It’s not like Katsuki would ever forget that whole shitstorm, ever. Five years later he still sees the villains lurking in the darkest corners of his mind, hears them arguing for his loyalty in his sleep.

It seems that Yaoyorozu has not forgotten either. He can’t imagine she would, ever. On an afternoon like this when they’re somehow alone, with tea and Jirou’s shitty goth rock playing in the background, she told him how Kamino Ward happened for her. Somewhere in between shopping for shitty disguises and hiding in the crowd after they had extracted him, she thought she died. All of them did. That shit’s too heavy for all of them at fifteen. And yet after all that she insists that she regrets nothing, because in the end Katsuki’s alive and on their side.

She doesn’t fool him though–he saw that tremble in her lower lip and the tremor in her fingers. He wonders if she gets the nightmares too. If she listens to all this music designed to make someone snooze to calm her down when she remembers the things All for One showed them.

“So… classical music,” Yaoyorozu says brightly, cutting through his dark thoughts like a knife. “Do you have any favorites? Any experience playing?”

“Yeah,” he mutters. “That hag made me play all sorts of shit.”

“Do tell.”

“The basics. Piano, violin.” She paid for drum lessons too when he got bored of classical, but she fuckin’ regretted that soon enough.

“That’s amazing, Bakugou-san! I wish I knew! We could have played together, and–”

He exposes his teeth in a snarl. “If ya think I’m gonna play that boring snoozefest shit for anyone, think again, Princess.”

He’s called her that for some time now for no other reason than it fits her, and he feels like it. She should have been used to his mouth by now, but there’s always that second where her blood rises to her cheeks that he enjoys wickedly.

“Just when I thought I got used to your rudeness.” Her cheeks does just that again and it’s so obvious by the way she straightens her back and looks away that she hates it and it makes him decide to call her that over and over. “I suppose if your reason for not playing is simply because you can’t, then your reluctance is more acceptable.”

Katsuki frowns. “Oi. Who says I can’t play?”

Yaoyorozu shrugs. “It’s been years since you picked up the instrument, Bakugou-san. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’d simply forgotten.”

Oi, no-one tells Bakugou Katsuki that he can’t fuckin’ do something. A typical extra might be shit after not playing for years, but not him. Yaoyorozu should know, they’ve had these little jam sessions for years and even without Jirou telling him how to play he has enough musical sense to make great music.

It’s so that in the next moment he’s snarling at her about how stupid an assumption that is and drags her by the arm into the music room, stomping the entire time. They aren’t supposed to start playing until Ears and Goth Bird and Pikashit got their asses there, but they’re late and Katsuki will not wait for them to prove himself.

“Bakugou-san?!” Exclaiming in that breathy way of hers is all she can do as Katsuki forces her ass down in front of her grand piano. There’s an interesting shade of red on her cheeks right before he lets her go that he wills himself to ignore.

“Ya think a guy like me forgets shit like this?” There’s an array of string instruments displayed on one side of the room. He isn’t about to touch anything that looks like a Stradivarius or anything like that; he’s confident that he can make great music with any one of them.

She blinks. “I suppose not. So does that mean we’re playing a duet?”

“Whaddya think?” he snaps as he begins tuning the instrument.

Yaoyorozu’s mouth gives way to another amused smile. “All right, Bakugou-san. Which song do you want to play?”

He snorts. “Anything, fuck. Not the boring shit like Canon in D or whatever.”

She rolls her eyes. “I like Pachelbel.”

“Like I said, boring. What are you, a grandma?” he quips. Yaoyorozu would play the hell out of Pachelbel’s canon, but she’s too good for that overplayed shit. He watched her play Stravinsky, for fuck’s sake.

Yaoyorozu huffs. “Well, if you’re so confident, might I suggest the first movement of Beethoven’s Violin and Piano Sonata No. 5? I’m not sure if you’re familiar–”

There’s a glint in her eyes that she often used with him when it’s just the two of them. It’s a look he likes on her–as the years passed she learned not to be afraid to challenge him to anything, even little senseless ones like this.

Katsuki grins. “Spring, huh? Easy. Bring it.”

Yaoyorozu smirks in a pretty way she has absolutely no right to, and begins playing.

They don’t have the sheet music to guide them, just the memory of the song to guide them. Katsuki knows enough of it from secretly practicing with a silent violin he kept in his apartment, whenever he felt restless. Maybe he played with too many accents but that’s how he wants it to sound.

It seems that Yaoyorozu knew enough of the song to play from memory too. There’s a thoughtful look on her face as her pale, graceful fingers fly over the keys. There’s a conscious effort to match the way he plays, giving way to the adlibs and liberties he does with the music and adding her own elegant touch to it. When he closes his eyes, he swears he smells wildflowers all around them, feels the warmth of the sun on his skin.

He opens his eyes and sees Yaoyorozu, and he feels more at ease. The dark melts away with each note they play.

They eventually finish the song. The silence that follows the last note is accompanied by chills and a sense of disbelief.

Yaoyorozu smiles at him, exhilarated, a little shocked laugh coming out of her mouth. “That was amazing,” she says breathlessly, one hand flying to her chest.

“Yeah. I guess,” he replies quietly. It was fucking perfect in every way, and while he expects nothing else from himself, having her there gives a whole new layer to his music, something he can’t define that leaves him elated. Like a drug, maybe. It’s scary.

She turns to face him, eyes shining in excitement. “My heart is going crazy! I’ve never felt this way before… the two of us make lovely music together, don’t we? It’s magic, it must be!!”

His heart’s doing some fucking shit in his chest too, but it isn’t the first time for him. Not around her, at least. It races ever wildly as she stands up and takes a few steps closer to him, peering up his face. He masks that with a tch. “What, like the two of us can make shit music? You know that’s impossible.”

She giggles. “You are incorrigible, Bakugou-san.” Another step closer; he sees a mischievous glint in her eyes that makes him wonder what the fuck she’s up to.

He almost drops the fuckin’ violin when she steps close enough to him to feel her warmth, smell the scent of flowers in her hair, hear the rapid tempo of her heart. He looks up and sees those raven eyes gleaming from up close, filled with unsung words and notes that resonate straight to his chest.

After a quiet moment of hesitation spent with their breaths stuck in their throats, her full mouth opens. “Is it too strange to ask if we could…”

The door bursts open, and in comes Ears, Pikashit and Birdhead, essentially destroying whatever was building up between them. “Hey, sorry we’re late! There were villains on the way here, and we–”

Katsuki can’t stop the expletive that comes out through gritted teeth. That electric dunce’s voice has never sounded more irritating than it does now. Wait, scratch that, the duhhh sound that comes out of his gaping mouth is even more irritating than what should be humanly possible. “Uhhh–wait, what is going on here, what are you two–”

The tension made of whatever snaps between them when Yaoyorozu breaks into giggles. “You aren’t interrupting anything at all, Kaminari-san, don’t worry.”

“Are you sure? You two seem like you’re finally about to resolve that years-old sexual tension between the two of you, so if you want, we can go and–”

Katsuki’s palms are just about to spark when Ears nudges the idiot sharply at the side. “Denki that dumbass mouth of yours is gonna get you killed someday,” she hisses not-so-subtly as she begins pulling him aside. Facing the two of them, she says, “We’ll have tea first, Yaomomo and Bakugou, take your time, don’t mind the idiot.”

“Oh, but there’s no need–”

“Revelry in the tea room,” Tokoyami utters, following the bickering couple out of the room. The door closes again behind them, leaving just the two of them.

They stare at the closed door in stunned silence, and then at each other. By this time Yaoyorozu’s face is a touch too pink than it was before, her mouth curled in a bashful smile. “Well… that was embarrassing. I suppose it’s too much to ask to play more music with you, Bakugou-san.”

Fuck. Having that tension addressed so bluntly makes facing her such a struggle now. He ought to kill that blonde bastard, instead of being flustered and shit around her. He clicks his tongue and looks away. “You don’t even gotta ask, Princess. I’ll play all the music ya wanna play.”

Whatever pissed off thought runs through Katsuki’s mind gets derailed when he feels her hand curling around his. He looks at their point of contact, flabbergasted, and then at her face sporting a serene smile.

“All right,” she says with a warm glow to her eyes that’s exactly like spring. “We’re going to make great music together. Just the two of us.”

With that promise made, they leave for the tea room with the beginnings of a beautiful song playing between them.

[bucket-girl]

Chapter 2-1 Personal Info logs

In chapter 2, it’s possible to buy the personal info of Nao, Reko, Gin and Q-Taro with tokens, but it’s easy to miss. Reloading saves and redoing minigames is a hassle so I wrote them down for convenience. Most of them are in the form of conversing with AIs, I’ve put Sara’s lines in italics. Text under cut.

Gin > History ...History? What should I talk about, woof? "Hm... Just an introduction would make me happy." Gin Ibushi from Heiwa Elementary Class 6-3! I'm 12 years old, meow! I take care of the animals, meow!! "Is school fun for you?" Hmm... It's not that fun 'cause of some guys I don't like, meow. But it's fun to meet friends, woof! We play games together, meooow! "Do you wear that outfit to school, too?" Nah, because people get mad. It's only when I'm at home, woof! ...It's kinda easier to talk when I wear this, meow. But I can't wear it to school, so I get uneasy, woof. So people at school tell me I'm obedient, woof! But that's wrong... meow... My aspirations are to live with animals all the time, meow! "Heehee... What kinds of animals?" I'm way into gators right now, meow! They're cute, wooooof!

> Physical Info I'm 138 centimeters and 35.5 kilograms, meow! That's 4 foot 6 inches and 78 pounds, woof! And I grew 2 centimeters at my last checkup, meow! "Your growth spurt and voice change must be coming up soon." Obviously, meow! I'm gonna be bigger than you, big sis Sara! "Ahaha, I'm sure you'll look really cool. I've got high hopes for you." Yeah! I'll sweep you off your feet, meow! Be grateful, woof! "Okay, let's make it a promise." Got it, meow! A promise for when I outgrow you, woof!

> Relatives My family's a double-income household, meow! I don't have siblings, so... It's lonely when I'm there by myself, meow... My mom's super nice even when she's exhausted, woof. No matter how late she gets home, she always makes dinner... And no matter how much I tell her not to overwork herself... "Do you like your mom?" I love her, meow! I'm worried how she's even busier lately, woof... "What about your dad?" I don't like some things... but I like him, meow. But I super hate when he's a drunkard who causes trouble, meow! It's embarrassing, woof! And he's always getting yelled at by mom and apologizing, so it's like he's got no dignity, woof. I don't wanna be that kind of pathetic grown-up, meooow! ...But I'm sure I won't, meow. 'Cause I'm not blood-related to dad, woof. "Huh...?" I heard he married mom when I was 2, meow! So that genetics stuff won't make me turn out like him, woof! "Is that so...?" Well, it's not like I hate dad, woof. It's true, meow!

> Death Game info I dunno, meow... It's scary, woof... What's dying feel like, meow...? "I... don't know either." I don't wanna never meet mom and dad again, meow... Big sis Sara... are you scared too, meow? "...Yeah, I am." "...Really scared..." .......... I'll definitely protect you, meow! Come see me anytime, woof! "Heehee... Thanks..."

> What he holds dear What I hold dear...? That's hard, meowww. Hm... It's gotta be mom and dad, meow! I'd be sad if they went away, woof! Ah! And the Mew-chan cushion I'm always with! They're super precious to me, meow! We're always together, so I forgot, meow! Sorry, Mew-chaaan! Woof... "Mew-chan is family to you too, huh?" That's right, meow! I got seriously mad when dad was gonna throw them away, meow! Unforgivable, woof! Get me a new one?! No way, meow!! You're a dummy, woof! I'm getting furious just remembering, woof! Mom should yell at him again, meowww!

Q-Taro > History I was raised up in an orphanage that's just a mite bit weird. Had people from all sortsa countries. I got a lotta dialects and stuff mixed in me... 'Course, they sent me to compulsory education up 'til high school. Can't thank the place enough. An' now, I'm a pro baseball player. ...Kiddos at the orphanage root for me, too. I wanna hurry up and show 'em... That even guys in situations like ours can get on a mound and have the stadium roarin'... Well, point is, I got no history yet. I'm about to be makin' some radiant records! Better get yer autographs early, Sara!

> Physical Info 6 foot 4 inches! 230 pounds! And lemme tell ya, it's all muscle, not fat! My position's pitcher, but I got confidence in my batting, base-running, and fielding! But my greatest weapon's my head. Gotta be smart to be a first-class athlete. "Is that how it is?" 'Course, I'm reflecting on the time I tore apart those puzzle rings by force, but...

> Relatives .......... "Is it hard to discuss?" Nah... there's just nothing to discuss. 'Cause I've never seen my birth parents' faces. Only place I knew was the orphanage. That's why... the people there were my moms and dads. Doesn't matter our blood relation. But, well... I do get thinkin' sometimes. What kinda people was I born to, and what kinda genetics do I got...? I started baseball jus' for fun, but... I've thought how if I pitch as a first-string pro... maybe my birth parents'll be watchin'. "...Do you want to meet them?" If we could talk and laugh it up, that'd be the best. All at ease, like "I'm havin' a great life"...

> Death Game info Huh, you're doin' this Death Game, right...? Knowin' me, I doubt I got even the slightest notion of dyin'. Hell, to a second-stringer, baseball's a Death Game with my life as a player on the line! But to do some self-analysis... I wonder if maybe I'll try an' win within the rules of the game... In the saga of a sports player, ya tend to forget about breakin' the rules. Maybe somebody like you, young and not knowin' fear, is more suited to findin' a path to survival. "...Is that so..." ...Sorry to make it sound like it ain't my business. I mean look, I'm an AI, y'know?

> What he holds dear Hold dear, huh... The caretakers at the orphanage, the kiddos... Of course, baseball, and... Myself... probably. I ain't gonna sugarcoat it. I don't wanna die, and I don't want the people I like to die. So I don't like to kick people... But if I gotta, I got the resolve. But I hate the kinda asshole who's got that as their first thought! ...Sorry for gettin' all fired up. Shouldn't have said that all cocky-like when you're involved in it... Don't you mind me.

Reko > History Err... I'mma super cool, 23-year-old singer-songwriter... Something like that? I've liked music since I was a kid. Classical, folk, heavy metal... I listened to all of it. Think around grade school, I found myself starting to compose and write lyrics. My instincts moved my body. That was a fun time... People praised me, and my parents were just plain happy... Once they started calling me a gifted kid... Then there started being more noise. Old bastards in the music industry wanting money... My pops craving the limelight... Before I knew it, I was making music that my heart wasn't in. In middle school, I rebelled. I was a rocker! I made tons of songs nobody even wanted! But even then, noise swarmed around me. Man, even my spirit had to give in. From high school on, all the spice was gone... Didn't even have anger... My activity dried up. I had tons of chances to be famous. But I smashed 'em all. I was totally just the industry's problem child. Everybody kept their distance from me. Once I couldn't even gather members, I borrowed Alice to make a band... Hahaha. Then two and a half years ago... He caused that incident... ... Well, at any rate, I am who I am now 'cause of that shitty past. Learn something from that, Sara?

> Physical Info 5 foot 7, 121 pounds. Pretty proud of my reflexes! And I can remember choreography in a snap, so... My memory's bangin'! Well... I'm not great at baseball and stuff... Hell, maybe I'm not great at anything that's got nothing to do with music. "By the way, what are your measurements?" N-No reason to tell you that, right?

> Relatives Family... Well, uh... ...I like my mom. Though she's a little weird. She's affectionate... and I cause her lots of trouble. Yeah, I gotta show my appreciation more. My old man... Well, he's a good guy... But let's say he gives in to temptation. He's not the most true to his convictions. I hated him for the longest time... But he's woken up now, and gone back to his plain and simple personality. After them is... Alice, huh. He's... what should I say? Why'd he do something like that...? A while after he got arrested... I left music Ahh... I just remembered. At the time, I wrote in my diary, which is rare... I wrote that music, the thing I'd poured my soul into all this time... suddenly felt like a cold series of notes... this inorganic thing. I wondered, was this how music sounded to people who didn't care about it...? ......... I always thought I didn't care about my brother, and never listened to him, but... Truth is... Maybe I was a little jealous of my normal brother. And acted that way out of spite. ... ...You shouldn't ever murder somebody...

> Death Game info Why do I gotta go through this shit...? Do we have anything in common...? I haven't got a clue...

> What she holds dear Believe it or not... I think family's important, right? I wanna show appreciation to my parents. But like, right now... The original me is being put through this Death Game, yeah? If she dies, she can't do... anything. So when you think of it like that, what's important's my own life, ain't it? "...What about your instruments?" Instruments...? "When I first met Reko... I heard she treasured her bongos." Bongos...? Well, sure. I'm playing bongos in my new band, but...

Nao Unlike the others, Nao's personal info comes as documents you can read wherever. > History Egasaki Elementary School ... Graduated Egasaki Middle School ... Graduated Third Kurotsuki Private High School ... Graduated Takesasa Private College of Art ... Currently 1st year Middle-class, born and raised by a very ordinary family. School grades below average. Focused on art starting in high school, and now seems interested in pursuing only that. Looks up to an art club advisor she met in high school, staying deeply intimate with him even post-graduation. Often seen going to the man's atelier. Doesn't appear to have many friends, but has a long association with most she does have, so it's suspected she values relationships. Also, refrains from going out at night, generally staying at home even on days off. No information known on what men she associates with.

> Physical info Nao Egokoro Age: 19 Gender: Female Height: 162cm (5'4") Weight: 55kg (121lb) Has little experience in sports and the like, limited to P.E. classes in compulsory education. Even so, her reflexes are poor. Perhaps due to her inclination toward art, she has very good eyesight. Her ability to remember a scene for a long time or recognize the individual flaps of a bird's wings is within reason, yet superb. Since much of this comes from practice, about the only thing that can be called a born talent, it is thought, is her passionate love for art. No other notable characteristics, although she has a large bust. (Sara will remark that the last line is harassment and tear it out)

> Relatives Born to a middle-class, extremely average family. Both parents are in good health. Having good relations with them, her situation is common yet happy. The father has been an office worker for 20 years. The mother has carried various jobs. No siblings. The father is under his wife's thumb. When they fight, it appears Nao Egokoro often defends her father to resolve the conflict.

> Death Game info Safely cleared the First Trial. Survived the first Main Game. Greatly affected mentally by death of her teacher. Took off with teacher's head and ran amok. This could be taken as mental weakness, but endurance of great shock could make her that much more mentally sturdy going forward.

> What she holds dear Most likely, Nao Egokoro treasures the artworks she has created, and brushes et al. received from her high school teacher. Due to minimal desire for money, she does not seem the type to want expensive things.

[prettytoxicrevolver]

Reconnect | Daniel Seavey

Requested? Yes indeed! 

Warnings? None? 

Word Count: 2,084 

You can find part one here 

The last month of high school was rough. While you still stayed close to the rest of the band after yours and Daniels breakup, it was extremely awkward whenever he was around. Neither of you knew what to say to each other and it was always difficult to gage what was okay and what wasn't.

However, graduation was everything you wanted and more. You watched your best friends since forever graduate and you were right along next to them. While your heart hurt not knowing what summer would bring without the love of your life, you were still excited.

The boys had decided to stay a bit longer, enough for grad parties but then were off on the road again. They knew they pushed a bit by saying they wanted to stay and graduate but now was the time to move on and put on shows for their fans.

“I’m gonna miss you guys a lot.” You say pulling Jonah in for a tight hug. As much as you wanted to say goodbye to the guys before you left, you still weren’t sure about seeing Daniel. It felt like getting punched in the throat every time you saw him. But the boys insisted so you caved and escorted them to the airport.

“We’ll send you plenty of updates.” Jonah says hugging you back. You smile and offer hugs to the rest of the boys but when you get to Daniel you pause.

“Have a good tour.” You say and he offers an awkward smile.

“Thanks.” You nod and turn back to the rest of the boys. You tell them to stay safe and remember to call you, before watching as they head towards the plane.

You let yourself cry when you get to your car. Not only would you miss the boys but damn, you hated being like this with Daniel. Before you even dated, you two were super close. You told each other everything, was each others shoulder to cry on, kept each other's deep dark secrets, everything. To lose that and the love of your life was killing you.

You sobbed for what felt like forever, your head laying on the steering wheel as sobs wracked your body. When you had finally calmed down, you took a few deep breaths and then checked your phone. You saw a text from Jonah causing a small smile to appear on your face.

“Keep your head up. Everything is gonna be okay.”

Jonah had been a saint the last few months of high school. While you were alone during classes, he was always there right after school. You often found yourself hanging out at his house and either finishing up homework or just hanging out.

The two of you had always been close but now that you and Daniel weren’t a thing anymore, you became closer than ever. You would be forever grateful for what he did for you.

After drying your tears and calming down fully, you headed home. Your room was a gigantic mess right now and all you wanted to do was take a nap but you knew you needed to finish packing.

After breaking up with Daniel, you decided to head to your dream school, Upenn. You couldn’t stay home and think about all the memories with your first love. The ones you wouldn’t get to experience anymore. You were ready for new memories and friends and an amazing education at the college you’ve been dreaming about since you were ten.

You had been slowly cleaning up your room, separating everything into keep, sell, or donate stuff. During this process you realized what a pack rat you were. You kept every tiny thing and to get rid of it all was taking forever and you left in a two weeks. You wanted to get to Upenn as soon as possible to get started on discovering the area and making new friends.

“Hey!” Jonah greets you a few hours later. You were sitting on the floor, clothes piled around you as you figured out what to keep and what to donate.

“Hey! How was the flight?”

“Good! We’re just chilling for the night before rehearsals tomorrow. Where are you?” He asks bringing the phone a bit closer to see where you were sitting. You flip the camera and pan around the room causing Jonah to hum in understanding.

“I’m gonna miss you while you’re at school.”

“You’ll be on tour J. I bet you’ll be just fine.” You respond with a shrug.

“No way. I’m gonna miss you while on tour and miss you when I’m home.”

It took the next two days but you finally finished packing. Your room was barren and you couldn’t help but feel sadness take over. You’ve lived in this room for 18 years, made ever memory imaginable here and now you were leaving. It was scary but you were ready. And you’d always come back for holidays and such.

Your plane would leave in the next few days and you were beyond ecstatic at this point. You had spent the last few days before spending time with your family and reassuring them you would always come back for Christmas break and Summer break. This was your home after all.

“Headed out?” Jonah asks one day on your now regular facetime calls. Jonah claimed he was getting bored and lonely on tour even with all of the fans he’s meeting and parties he attends.

“Yup. My plane leaves in an hour.”

“Is it okay if I visit you after you get settled?” He asks and your face lights up in a smile.

“Duh. I miss you.” You respond.

You two talk for a bit longer before you have to take off. The plane ride was short and upon arriving to the airport, you’re picked up by your future roommate. You two had met through school chat rooms and realized how much you have in common.

Arianne got there the day before you and you both decided to decorate the room together. From the airport you headed to Upenn. Once you got there, you walked around in amazement as Ari gave you a quick tour.

“It’s so beautiful.” You whisper.

“My first reaction exactly.” She says giggling at your awestruck look. The two of you tour around for a little while longer before finally heading back to your shared room. You spend the next few hours decorating, music blasting and talking about how excited you were about the upcoming semester.

“Wait, you listen to Why Don’t We?” Arianne asks when their newest song comes on and you begin to dance around the room.

“You know who Why Don’t We is?” While yes the boys were getting bigger, you still didn’t meet a lot of people who knew who they are. You also met many more people who don’t believe that you were friends with them.

“Of course!’ She screams and you two start to fangirl. It had only been about half a day but you knew this girl was definitely gonna be your best friend.

School comes quick and you’re swept up into your work that you totally forget about the drama back home. Just like you figured, you and Arianne were best friends from the jump.

“Hey!” You greet Jonah excitedly. The two of you hadn’t been able to talk too much recently and this was your first FaceTime call in a month.

“Hey! How’s school?”

“Amazing! It’s gorgeous here, the classes are great.” You trail off and Jonah smiles widely at you.

“How’s your roommate?”

“She’s great! She actually listens to you guys.” You mention and Jonah’s face lights up even further.

“Wait that’s so cool!” Jonah exclaims. You nod and smile widely. Even though you were still a bit heartbroken, you were glad you decided to go to UPenn after all. You would have missed out on so much if you didn’t.

“So, remember when I asked if I could visit when you’re settled?” He asks and you nod in response.

“Is it okay if I visit right now?”

“Wait what?” You exclaim.

Instead of a response, you hear a knock on your dorm room door. You quickly get out of bed and run over to the door before swinging it open. Just as promised, Jonah is standing there with a wide smile and you rush towards him.

Your arms go around his middle while his snake their way around your shoulders. You hug the life out of him, rocking back and forth as he holds you.

“I can’t believe you’re here!” You say. “Why didn’t you tell me?” You step back and slap him lightly on the chest.

“Because I wouldn’t have been able to bring him.” You give him a confused look and he tilts his head to the side. You turn and see Daniel standing there causing your smile to fall. You step away from Jonah and you can see him visibly shrink back at the reaction.

“What are you doing here?” You ask now fully turning towards Daniel.

Before he can respond, Arianne walks out of the room to see what’s going on. Upon seeing Jonah and Daniel she gasps loudly.

“Oh my god. You’re- they’re- he- and (y/n) I-“ She stutters trying to figure out what to say and you giggle at her reaction.

“Uh why don’t I go get coffee with,” Jonah trails off and turns to Ari standing behind you.

“Arianne.”

“Arianne.” Jonah repeats and you see her smiling. “And you and Daniel can talk it out.”

He gestures for Ari to come with him and she fully steps out of the room and follows behind him. Not before turning and throwing you a thumbs up and mouthing thank you like you had set this whole thing up.

“(y/n).” Daniel starts stepping towards you. You don’t say anything but invite him into your dorm room before shutting the door behind you.

He was different, extremely different. His hair was a vivid blonde which only made his eyes stand out stronger. Those damn ocean eyes. He looked disheveled though. Like the breakup was still affecting him and yet he was the one who said he didn’t love you.

“I’m sorry.” He starts and you wanted to roll your eyes. “I had to break up with you.”

“No you didn’t actually.” You respond folding your arms over your chest. “You didn’t have to rip my heart to shreds.”

He visibly flinches at that and you weirdly felt good saying that. After he broke up with you, Daniel didn’t know how you felt at all. You cut off as much communication as possible.

“You wouldn’t have listened to me any other way. You deserved to be here it was your dream.” He says gesturing to your room. “I couldn’t live with the fact that you were going to give this up for me.”

“You could have told me that! I would have listened. If you told me to come and told me it would have worked I would have believed you.”

“I didn’t think you would listen to me.”

“You thought wrong. I’m more reasonable than you think.” You say turning away from him.

“I know that now.” He says taking hold of your arm and turning you towards him. You look down at the ground, unable to face those eyes that would have you jumping back into his arms in a second.

“I also know you don’t like big romantic I’m sorry gestures but here’s mine anyway.” He pushes a piece of your hair behind your ear before slowly trailing his hand down your jaw and lightly pushing your chin up so you’re looking at him.

“I love you. You are my everything and more and every single second we were apart I was thinking about you.” His hand is now on your cheek, caressing it softly as he spoke. “Every single face in the crowd was yours and every song I sang brought me back to you. I love you. I hope you can forgive my stupid self because I can’t live without you.”

Instead of speaking, you lean forward and place your lips on his. His other hand flies up to your cheek and pulls you closer than before. When you break apart, Daniel pecks your lips once more before resting his head on yours.

“I forgive you.” You whisper and his face lights up. God you missed that smile.

“So, I can come visit more?”

“Definitely.”

[inkskinned]

literally just a dumb unorganized list of school tips

source: im a grad student. i’ve had a lot of school. also i’m adhd & mentally ill and require +8 organization. this is mostly directed @ college students, but maybe high school students can use it too, fuck, idk, it’s been forever since i was stuck in that hell hole

just say “professor��� either ur using the correct title for a person (will make them feel good) or you’re giving them a bigger title on the assumption they deserve it (which will make them feel good) and also prevents having to ever i mean ever use their names

talk at least 1 time a week in each class, aim for 1 time a day. even lecture classes. i fucking hate talking in front of more than 5 people, so what i would do is prepare a question about the hw/etc (even if i didn’t need it answered) to ask the professor after class so they saw me and got used to me and saw i was invested in their class. about 89% of teachers - if they see you try, they will pass you. i mean it’s literally that easy. i know people who went from like a c- but because they legit tried, their grade got bumped up to a b-. 

if u have to bring a laptop, pre-download the required material/screenshot it, and then turn off your wifi. it’s too easy to not listen.

physical writing will always give you more information recall over typing.

nobody cares about stupid shit anymore trust me they don’t remember that you were accidentally locked in a towel out of your room bc they have their own dumb shit that happened.... in college all the “cringe culture” turns into “god i wish that were me” culture ... wear ur onesie to a party trust me you make +800 friends and 799 of them will be girls telling you you’re adorable and they’d die for you

about locking urself out.... if ur like me and can breeze past post-it notes placed in obvious areas, don’t be a dumb bitch and rely on post-it-notes. while most schools offer 1 free lockout, dont rely on it - it once took 2 hours before someone could get to me. i was in a towel, which meant no phone. so like. anyway, what i do now is i put something on the handle of the door i have to open/unlock. i can’t just open the door w/out the thing falling down and making a loud “you dumb bitch unlock the door before u shower” sound. 

this works for all important don’t-forget it things. other obstacles i’ve used to remind myself to do something include: putting a chair with my wholeass posterboard in front of the door, an entire printer with a single piece of paper that just read “for the love of god check to be sure you have that essay”, and a recycling bin i kept forgetting to empty. guess what bitch finally emptied the bin once it was between me and a swift exit!

no offense and like the whole “it’s the best years of your life!” thing is great but in reality everything goes better scholastically when you treat it as “i came here to win, not to make friends.” i still did make friends, went to parties every weekend, was popular enough i’d be invited to several on one night - but i came there to win. when i put my scholastic life and my mental health first, i went from a 2.0 to a 3.98. yes you can, bitch.

you’re spending the money. don’t squander it. trust me when i say i know plenty of people who breeze through, bc you often can. but like. don’t. challenge yourself bc like. talk about an investment.

if you hate your major, change it. don’t make your life something you can’t stand. on that note, do NOT agree 100% to a track until you have at least some experience in the field. i cannot tell u how many ppl i know who got their whole masters/phd program done, walked into their new profession, and were like, Oh Fuck, I Can’t Live Like This.

college literally offers so many free things and if you’re not taking advantage of them whenever possible i get it but like. try to take advantage of them. this is everything from your gym (which probably has free classes dude) to clubs to like. sober events. these sober events are so ... fuckin good dude i’ve made mason jars with little plants in em... bee aviaries... candles.... go to the free stuff

oh ps on free stuff i wanna say about 4 of 5 days there’s free food on campus just look for things like job fairs, presentations, or discussion groups. also while you’re there at the job fair like. u know, go to the job fair in earnest

i took off 2 years to work and also to just. recover from my bullshit. and it took me 6 years and 3 schools to get my bachelor’s. it wasn’t easy but bitch i lived. there’s no such thing as “too long” to graduate if that’s truly what you want to do.

if on the meal plan, eat as clean as you can the first week. then introduce each part of the cafeteria’s possibly-food-poisoning-creating foods one at a time. give @ least 2 days between each experiment so you know for sure if you get sick what caused it. i literally never eat meat at school but you can still get sick off of unwashed lettuce/salad dressing that hasn’t been refrigerated properly/weirdass things you won’t even think of. this prevents like. dying in a public bathroom.

white loaf bread can be gross & boring. discount bakery section for your slightly chewy artisianal bread needs. if overstale, either toast it or dunk it into water and microwave it (unless u got an oven. use the oven if u can)

steal as many apples from the dining hall/events/etc as physically possible just do it they keep FOREVER and @ some point you’ll be like. fUCK i need a nutrition. ps if you’re keeping them in ur backpack (i wouldn’t keep more than 2) make sure to wrap w/a few paper towels so if you drop your bag you don’t get apple mush

write it all down bitch. “i’ll remember it” no you won’t. unless you are capable of remembering every idea on this list and in order, you won’t remember it. in general, if you write something 3 times, you will recall it correctly at least 80% of the time. i also read it out loud to myself, bc, you know, auditory recall

DO NOT just put your assignment at the top of your notes, unless you’re 100% sure that will work for you. in most cases, it’s much better to have a planner/agenda/place you expect to look for assignments. +7 points if you lie to yourself about deadlines and move them all up.

like not to sound too much like a DARE ad but like. if you don’t like it/don’t want it, don’t fuckin do it. the idea that “there’s nothing to do if you don’t party” is such bullshit. like i promise if you’re like “i am a grouch and want to stay in and binge netflix” about 45 ppl will show up in pjs like “bitch fullscreen it, im a grouch too.” there’s also like. the chance to just.... not overindulge. on wednesdays i have “wine wednesdays” where we sit around and drink a glass of wine while we do our hw. it’s chill and friendly instead of like. drink until u vomit. don’t feel like you either gotta slam the breaks or the gas pedal, is what i mean.

PLEASE know the signs of alcohol poisoning/overdose. most schools have a “Safety Always Matters Most” policy, which means that you can call for help w/out getting into trouble. if you think someone is in danger, act. this also goes for making sure ppl get home safe even if they’re just incapacitated, not poisoned. step in, dudes.

also just. notice when ur starting to rely on stuff too much. i’m super easily addicted to things, so i keep a healthy distance from liquor. i don’t let myself “drink to feel better” bc that’s a scary, scary thing to link to feeling better. if you or somebody u know starts drinking all the time/gets anxious if they don’t drink/drinks in the daytime .... get help. schools have counselling services for a reason.

you’re gonna get a cold/flu of some sort in the first 2 months just brace for it. in the meantime, drink vitamin c, try not to touch too many handles, and when people say “there’s something going around” believe them.

watch kaplan nike just do it 

if you can teach it, you know the material. a super good way of knowing if you studied the right way is to try and teach the material to a stuffed animal/imaginary class.

“i don’t know how to study” bitch me too the fuck. this is usually bc we’ve been taught that studying is just sitting down and staring @ ur notes. it’s not. it’s different for everyone, and you need to understand it’s 99% preventative care. if you don’t go to the class or do the homework, studying is going to fucking suck, bc you’re learning the material all at once for the first time. the place you should consider “studying” is “i’m confident in 70-90% of the material, but need to review.” do not let yourself fall behind .... just go to office hours and ask questions if ur not getting something. studying should feel like you’re remembering what you already knew but kinda forgot, not like you’ve been blindsided.

the whole “writing it down in ur own words” while u have been told this 700 times it really helps bc it means u gotta translate it through your own understanding. if you can’t, and it’s not bc the material seems too obvious to you to state in another way - ask yourself if you don’t understand the material. chances are u are missing a bit of info.

i know it’s like A Thing that Some People do but i never had the mental health points for it but i know some people just take 15 minutes after every class to review their notes. since i’m 100% early to every class ever, obnoxiously so, i try to do it before class. having the last class’s notes up in my head super helps. like. put down the phone i know you’re socially anxious me too but review those notes. chances are if u start flipping through pages other ppl will too. this is also fun bc as soon as you start this whole thing, at least one person will be like “is there a test?” no bitch there’s no test but im gonna be ready when there is!

literally so much of success is fucking posturing i could link about 800 peer-edited studies that show that when a student is expected to do well (and knows they are), they do well. like i literally didn’t change my appearance at all, never bothered to look nice (once winter hits i wear 67 layers all the time), but when i showed up after my 2 years off from school, i presented myself with the whole “i came here to win” vibe and people... really respected me? i mean in hs i remember ppl saying shit like “yeah, well, you aren’t gonna have the homework”. by the time i was in college i had an honest-to-god conversation which included someone being like “so tell me what you’re overachieving at right now” like they just expected it from me. wild.

i live by “bite off more than you can chew, and then CHEW IT” but it’s probably unhealthy. the truth is that i have a lot of energy all the time (lmao adhd!!!) and i used to get told i was “trying too hard” and for a long time (still???) i didn’t (i don’t?) know what that was, you know, bc i had a D average, clearly i wasn’t trying. it turns out i was just. putting all my energy into stuff that wasn’t making me happy like toxic friendships etc. when i decided “nope, all this energy is for me and my schoolwork”..... uhhhhh suddenly i was a golden child and everyone praised my try-hardness ... it’s a fuckt up system tbh

take at least 1 class just for fun. i try to do that every semester. it helps break up all the requirements. if you’re like an engineer and got no time or credits left to spend, try to audit your fun course.

make ur advisor love you i don’t care what it takes make them cupcakes show up to thank them i dONT CARE just do it 

the library isn’t always the best place. if i start getting anxious bc i pavlovian train myself that library=work, i find a new place to go to do hw. try to go outside if you can!!! not like where i live bc like it’s snow all the time but try. a little green really really really helps depression. 

if you’ve been in the same “Studying” place for 1 hour and haven’t done anything the chances are Something Isn’t Right. first, look @ ur body. are you not focusing bc of some pressing physical need? sometimes just taking a shower and coming back helps. are you uncomfy? are you too comfy and going to sleep? if body okay, look @ the material. do you not understand it? do you just need to switch to a new topic for a little bit? can you find a youtube video that will help you better understand it? make notes on what you don’t get so you can ask in the next class. if it’s not the material, it’s not ur bod, check the Actual Space. sometimes just getting up, going for a short walk to a new place, and trying it there actually? really works? if none of this is working.... try ur brain next. hardest to reset bc like, what, turn it on and off again? i use things like caffeine, a short workout, a nap, or a podcast all to just... give me a little boost. 

don’t be afraid to leave. i mean this about class, friend groups, and the college ur at. just get up on outta there if ur not feelin it. i cannot recommend “drop the class” enough. even if it’s a required course see if u can switch the times if u hate the professor day 3 it’s not gonna get better just get the fuCK out

don’t nap in the same position u go to sleep in, nap upside down w/ur head away from ur pillow. don’t ask me why but it works to 1. fall asleep faster 2. make sure u sleep okay at night and 3. wake up less annoyed 

on that note don’t ever do anything in ur bed in a sleeping position unless it’s genuinely sleeping in it. body will get confused. just sit up, lazybones.

when/if the library has those therapy dogs during finals week.... just go pet them make the time for it

ask before hugging people, but don’t expect a “yes”

get a backpack that fits and doesn’t hurt ur back u fuckin hippie idc how cool it is to wear ur backpack super low just don’t do it it’s not worth it

the tutoring center is a fucking goldmine.... free essay edits my dudes

bring a fan dorms are always hotter than u expect

switch dorms if u can if u realize ur in the wrong room/wrong roomate like just don’t bother with nonsense

when in doubt, follow preschool rules. tell ppl when they did something cool, just ask when u need help, and be confident even in your mistakes, because at least u tried

[blondecarfucker]

Bed of Roses (Chapter 16)

Roger Taylor x Reader

BoRhap!Roger Taylor x Reader

Fic Summary: It's 1971. You just moved to London to study, and you find a band on a local pub after a bad date. The encounter doesn’t go the way you expect it, and neither does what follows this evening as you try to deal with loving Roger Taylor.

Fic Note: So I’ve had this story in my head for the last three weeks and finally decided to write it down. It’s completely planned. It will have 21 chapters and it’s divided in three acts: Dusk, Night and Dawn. It’s will be a bit angsty in the future, and it will most likely have some smut as well. I hope you guys enjoy it! Tell me what you think about it in the asks/comments/messages. PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS NOT THE LAST CHAPTER OF THE STORY. If this is your first time stumbling upon Bed of Roses, thank you for stopping by! The rest of the story is in my masterlist, the link is in my bio - can't put the link here or else the post will disappear from the tags.

Chapter's notes: So we're closer to the end! I can't believe there's only five more chapters to go. But yeah, this chapter was nice - I'm not gonna say it's a happy chapter, but it's happier than the last few ones lol. It's a chapter that has a bit more of me in it - but it's still a Reader fic, so don't worry lol. Please tell me what you think about it in the asks/comments/messages!

Words: 2800ish

ACT 3 - DAWN

"It's the moment night time seems weaker and everything seems easier to figure out"

Chapter 16

1977, New York

The bench under your bum made you uncomfortable, but you were still too lazy to care - you always left the beach like this.

You were on the long, one hour way back to your loft in Greene Street, SoHo, through the good old F train, every inch of the train filled with graffiti. But you could still smell the salt in the air coming from the New York Aquarium Station - the best station to access the Coney Island sidewalk and beach.

There was better, cleaner beaches in the Hamptons, but they were full of annoyingly rich people that think they're better than the rest. Also, Coney Island held a special place in your heart - when you were a kid, your grandma would take you there, so you could enjoy the sun and the not-so-safe attractions, and your parents would always freak out when they found out that you took the unsafe subway through the unsafe neighbourhood of Brooklyn to get to a dirty beach.

But it was always fun. The sun would almost certainly burn your shoulders, and you could never wear any jewelry, but the feeling of being involved by the sea, floating in the water, holding your breath, after spending a couple hours on carousels and wooden roller coasters, would always make it worth it - your grandma always taught you to be brave, that things could be scary at first, but usually worked out. "If it doesn't make you happier, it makes you wiser", she'd tell you, and you'd nod, the taste of cheap ice cream on your mouth, the sun warming up your skin.

It was your grandma who figured out that something was wrong with you and made you seek help.

She came by to visit as soon as you called her, right after getting home from Cleopatra's Needle and breaking up with Roger. She came to your parent's apartment, complaining about the traffic - she lived in Paramus, New Jersey, now. She moved there in 1973, saying that it was ludicrous she couldn't grow old with a nice garden on the back of her house, just because Manhattan didn't have houses with gardens anymore.

Now, once you came back from London, in 1975, she looked at you and immediately knew something was wrong. "Sweetpea, what's wrong?" she asked, a frown on her face as she got closer to you.

You were lying on the couch in your pajamas, trying to see if you could find a Doctor Who re-run - probably not a good idea, all things considered, but you didn't just miss Roger, now that he's away. You missed England, you missed their accents, you missed the way you felt when you first got there. "What, grandma?", you asked, and she got you to get up, putting her hand against your forehead.

"You're different", she said, and you shrugged, "Yeah, I'm older", and she laughed. "So am I, Sweetpea. And it hasn't been so long since I last saw you - last year, right? You came here with your hairy boyfriend", she said, and you tensed up, which didn't go unnoticed. "Oh. I see. Something happened between the two of you, right?" she asked, and you nodded.

"That's it. You look sadder. You didn't look like that before. But… Maybe that's not it. No, I don't think that's it at all", she said, and you looked at her, confused. "No, Grandma. That's what happened. I'm sad - I had to breakup with Roger, my boyf - ex-boyfriend", you interrupted yourself, taking a deep breath before continuing, "Roger, my ex-boyfriend, so I could get back here", you said, a cold pain spreading through your chest as the impact of these words hit you.

"But that's just a symptom. There's something else wrong there, Sweetpea. Something deeper within", she said, pointing to your heart. "And that's what made you sad, what made you break up with that boy. I liked him, you know. He made you happy - I could see it. You were always brave, and that always made me proud. But with him, you were happy - when you came into the room with him by your side, everything got brighter. Your love was like the sun", she said, fixing a painting on the wall, not noticing how your eyes were tearing up.

"That's how I last saw you. Brave and happy", she looked at the painting, satisfied with it now that it was not crooked anymore, and turned to you. "Now you're neither. What happened, Sweetpea?", and you choked up. "I don't know", you whispered, and she hugged you as you started to cry - she smelled like plums and apples, the things she grew on her garden in Paramus.

You couldn't stop thinking about the last time she saw you - it was in 1974, and the boys came to America, specifically to New York for a few dates, and you had to come with them - they wanted you to do so. Also, you were dating Roger for two years, and it was time for him to meet your parents.

You came from a small gig in Boston, Roger holding your hand the entire plane ride to New York - he was nervous. You were travelling right after their show, an extra night before the rest of the boys, so you could take Roger to have dinner with your parents.

None of you knew your parents actually organized a dinner party, and invited part of your family - your uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents. Your uncle opened the door to your apartments, surprising both you and Roger. "Hm, hey, uncle Marcus. Where are my parents?", you asked, and you felt Roger's grip on your hand tighten as he noticed there would be many more family members for him to meet.

As you walked inside, you whispered to Roger "Relax, Rog", and he started looking more confident - but you could still feel his tight grip on your hand. He was still nervous.

But everything worked out just fine, actually. Your parents didn't really approve his looks - Roger was wearing a suit that he bought in Japan, with colorful birds and trees in silk shining against the dining room lights - but your cousins loved it. They loved him, actually, since they knew exactly who he was.

He got more comfortable as dinner went by, joking with your family, and you carefully changed topics once you realized one of your parents was about to ask a question about delicate stuff - money, marriage, kids.

You two always thought about marriage and kids as something distant - you felt too young, too irresponsible to take care of a child. So you took your birth control pills religiously, and everything worked out fine - the promise of children and marriage always there, in the distant future.

After the dinner party, Roger followed you to your room - you'd be spending the night there, since the band's hotel was booked for the next day.

"Well, this is an interesting look into a younger Y/N", Roger said, going through your bookshelf. "Frankenstein, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, that's all pretty smart… 1984, I remember you talked about this book before our first kiss...", he said, and kneeled down, where your bookshelf was messier. "What's this? Flash Gordon?" he asks, picking up one of the comic books and going through it, and you could see he was trying not to laugh.

"What?", you said, getting the comics out of his hands. "I used to think Flash was hot. And Dale was pretty cool, too", you said, and he laughed, snaking his arms around your waist and pulling you closer.

"It's fine by me", he said, and looked out of your window. "It's just funny for me to imagine you, a teenager, sitting by your window in this preppy, quite soulless neighbourhood, reading Flash Gordon and thinking of a way out", he said, and you laughed.

"Hey, I didn't only do that. I also had sleepovers with girls I never spoke to since we graduated from high school, and went on a bunch of dates with guys I didn't really like", you answered, and it was his turn to laugh.

"Hm, doesn't seem like a very satisfying life to me", he whispered, moving his lips to your neck, and you nodded lightly. "Did you ever bring them here? To your room?", he asked, and you laughed. "No, my parents would die. They were quite liberal, but not like that. When I went on a date as a teenager, I had to go to their place later if I wanted some action, you know", you answered, and he started to move his kisses to your jaw. You knew what he was about to suggest.

"I know, Y/N... So, I'm just wondering, am I the first guy your parents are allowing inside your room?", he said, his breath on your jaw giving you goosebumps. "Yeah", you answered, and he kissed under your earlobe. "The first guy to sleep on your bed?", he asked, and you said "Yes".

"How are your parents allowing this, miss Y/L/N? Such a nice girl from such a nice family, locked inside her room with a british drummer", he said, his voice low and husky, moving you closer to your bed. But you wanted to take it slow - it was a special event, indeed.

"Not that I'm trying to break your roleplay, Roger, but we literally share a flat. It would be silly for them to get the guest bedroom ready for you", you said, and he scoffed, breaking away from your neck and looking at you.

"Yeah, but it would be hotter", he said, going back to kissing your jaw. "Imagine how hot it would be if I had to wait until your parents slept so I could leave the guest bedroom", he said, getting you to sit on the bed, "And then I would've to walk, very carefully, through the hallway, trying not to wake them up", he continued, laying you down on your back and moving on top of you, then going back to kissing your neck and cleavage as he completed, "Just to open your bedroom door and find you touching yourself, moaning my name".

"That would be pretty hot", you agreed. "Maybe I should get them to move you to the guest room", you shrugged, teasing him, and he stopped kissing your cleavage just to look at you and say "Don't you dare", before kissing your lips.

That night was a bad memory to have running over your head again and again as you laid on your bed every night to go to sleep, alone, a year later, after breaking up with Roger, in 1975.

Your grandma convinced you to seek help, and you tried everything: therapy - your parents looking at you weirdly because getting a therapist was still associated with severe mental illness, meditation, mediums, aromatherapy.

You didn't knew exactly what worked, but a year after you arrived, now in 1976, you were already in your new SoHo flat, having moved out of the Upper East Side, the neighbourhood you - and Roger - knew that didn't really have much to do with you, even though it was closer to the Met, where the work was interesting - and where you barely ever saw Will, uncomfortable looks exchanged between the two of you every time you had to see each other.

It was a cold winter day in December 1976 when you got up, your loft nicely illuminated, spacious, the soft light from the snowy day making everything seem more magical. The building was quiet, your artistic neighbours still asleep this early in the morning, and you made yourself some tea - with milk - and opened the window so you could sit on the emergency exit.

The street was also quiet, the only sound being a muffled free jazz, that was probably being played live in a grand piano inside one of the many lofts on Greene Street. It was then, the cold wind making your skin burn under the layers of sweaters, the tea getting rapidly cold, the jazz caressing your ears, when you realized you were not sad anymore.

You didn't feel that weight on your chest now, when you breathed in, filling your lungs with fresh, cold air, and you didn't feel like you had no control over your life. You were present, in the moment, and you felt happy. Happy with your life. Happy with yourself.

And you enjoyed this feeling, without thinking much, for as long as you stayed outside on the emergency exit; until you finished the tea, until the jazz player stopped, wherever he or she was.

Once you got inside, thinking about preparing a nice, warm bath, you walked by the phone, and you wanted to call Roger.

You wanted to call him many times before, but you were always desperate, regretting breaking up with him, or sad, just trying to know how he's doing, how the boys are doing.

But now, you didn't feel anything negative make you want to call him - you just wanted to let him know that you're happy again.

But that doesn't seem like a good enough reason to call him in the middle of the day for him - he probably wasn't even up yet.

So you went inside the bathtub and just felt grateful for meeting him, for having the opportunity to have him in your life. Now, it was peaceful.

Now, back at the F train to your house from Coney Island in 1977, you're taken out of your thoughts when you see a blonde head pass in front of you, but you don't feel nervous anymore - you knew it wasn't Roger.

You always thought you saw him, especially in 1975, your first year back in New York - always nervous, always imagining that he was just trying to see you, to talk to you, maybe to try to take you back to England with him.

You saw him everywhere, in those first weeks, still in your parents apartment, thinking he might be on you M86 bus to work, or maybe in this fancy cocktail party you attended.

But one time, in 1976, you could swear you saw him on the stairs at the Met as you bought a hot dog from the stands in front of the museum - the guy's hair was shorter and bleached, just like you saw in the pictures of Roger that appeared on magazines, and he looked confused. But you didn't really investigate it, though - it was probably just another guy, maybe even inspiring his own look in Roger's.

Your train reached your station and you finally got back to Greene Street, walking slowly to your building, taking in the view of your street. Now that you're far from Queen, you can see their importance, their impact on the world.

You watched as songs you saw get written and sung and produced right in front of you became huge hits - Deacy's song to Veronica reached #1 on the american charts. A song you saw get recorded in a weekend visiting your boyfriend as he worked - that's how you saw it.

You bought their new album in the end of last year, 1976, A Day at the Races. You loved it - it was probably your favourite, and you didn't knew if it was because their music was getting better or if it was because this was their first album you could enjoy as a fan, not being involved in how it was made. You liked to watch their TV specials and interviews, feeling grateful that you ever got to be around them, even though life - and your own, unconscious choices, you now realized - took you away from them. From Roger.

You loved You Take My Breath Away and Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy, but Drowse truly held a special spot in your heart - maybe you only loved it so much because it was Roger's, and it sounded like talking to him about his childhood, something you've done many times before, but maybe you didn't love it just because you were biased by your story with Roger. The song sounded more american, and it even made you feel like you felt when you listened to Fleetwood Mac. You smiled at that thought.

Once you got home, you picked your mail and started going through it.

You weren't really paying attention to it - you were thinking about the Fleetwood Mac show you would attend next week for the Rumours tour, in the Madison Square Garden, when a heavier letter caught your eye.

The paper was soft, creamy beige, and sealed with wax. And then you read what was written over the envelope.

It was a letter sent by the Curator of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic collections from The British Museum.

---

Chapter 17

Masterlist

Taglist:

@taylorroger-s @sarai-ibn-la-ahad @its-nessi @anamcg317 @frenchieswiftie @queen-danielle-dani-dan @minihemo @shutup-sorry @theyrealllegends @killerqueenisthebest @ashagracelove @hardy-s @fuckinghurricanesoul @secretsweetscollectionblog @mrswinterhater @11mb0 @tamtam-go92 @derptatosaur @brianandthemays @phantom-fangirl-stuff @the-hysterical-queen @rogerofmylife @notevenlxvely @discodeakyy @x1975sos

[diaryofjustinantonio]

Survey 2

1: Name - Justin Anthony 2: Age - 24 3: 3 Fears - worms, the paranormal, loneliness 4: 3 things I love - Jordan, puppies, good food 5: 4 turns on - being dominated, hardcore making out, having him finish inside me, dirty talking 6: 4 turns off - bad smells, rudeness for absolutely no reason, incompatibility when it comes to values, violence 7: My best friend - Delphine, Karla, Juliann :) 8: Which part of the world are you from? - I’m from Canada but I was born in a country in Eastern Europe which shall be unnamed for now lol 9: Best part of 2014? - Uh...2021 now lol, but best part of 2014 was switching to a different high school. Best part of 2021 was this summer. :) 10: How tall am I - 5′7 or 5′8 11: What do I miss - my baby/Jordan 12: What time were I born - 16h55 13: Favorite color - Sky blue 14: Do I have a crush - Yeah lol I have a crush on my boyfriend same way he has a crush on me. 15: Favorite quote - “La douleur passe mais la beauté reste.” (The pain passes but the beauty remains.” 16: Favorite place - Any large park; if I can pick a place I’ve never been it would be Lake Bled in Slovenia 17: Favorite food - Lasagna and plov 18: Do I use sarcasm - Sometimes 19: What am I listening to right now - Lo Que Construimos by Natalia Lafourcade 20: First thing I notice in new person - Their eyes and smile 21: Shoe size - Depends honestly haha, I’m between 8.5 to a 10 22: Eye color - Hazel green 23: Hair color - Brown 24: Favorite style of clothing - Flannel and skinny jeans (jeans and a nice top lol) 25: Ever done a prank call? - Nah 27: Meaning behind my URL - It is what is lol 28: Favorite movie - I really like Salt (most recent movie I watched) but I think I have a preference for Disney 29: Favorite song - Goodnight n Go and Dia de Enero 30: Favorite band - Girls Generation 31: How I feel right now - Relaxing lol 32: Someone I love - My family, friends and of course, Jordan 33: My current relationship status - In a relationship...hopefully this changes to engaged soon 34: My relationship with my parents - I love them and I know they’re proud of me 35: Favorite holiday - Christmas and St-Jean 36: Tattoos and piercing i have - None for now 37: Tattoos and piercing i want - Heart tattoo and tattoo of all my identities 38: The reason I joined Tumblr - Boredom lol 39: Do I and my last ex hate each other? - Hmm, Kyle and I do talk but I’m not interested in him anymore 40: Do I ever get “good morning” or “good night ” texts? - Yeah :) 41: Have I ever kissed the last person you texted? - Lol yeah, I kiss Jordan everyday 42: When did I last hold hands? - This morning when Jordan and I woke up, we held hands and cuddled 43: How long does it take me to get ready in the morning? - When it’s busy, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour...during the weekend or if I want to sleep in, I want to be with my baby the whole morning lol 44: Have You shaved your legs in the past three days? - Yeah haha, I try to do it everyday or every other day for sexy time 45: Where am I right now? - In bed lol 46: If I were drunk & can’t stand, who’s taking care of me? - Jordan or one of my friends lol 47: Do I like my music loud or at a reasonable level? - Between those 48: Do I live with my Mom and Dad? - Nah 49: Am I excited for anything? - Jordan and I are graduating soon 50: Do I have someone of the opposite sex I can tell everything to? - Yeah, my best friends 51: How often do I wear a fake smile? - I have to lol 52: When was the last time I hugged someone? - This morning, hugging my baby 53: What if the last person I kissed was kissing someone else right in front of me? - Uh, I’d be like “hey babe how was your day” lol 54: Is there anyone I trust even though I should not? - I don’t know 55: What is something I disliked about today? - Raining haha 56: If I could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be? - Marie Curie 57: What do I think about most? - The future 58: What’s my strangest talent? - Remembering every country in the world 59: Do I have any strange phobias? - Worms... 60: Do I prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it? - Both 61: What was the last lie I told? - Can’t remember lol 62: Do I prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online? - Texting would be ideal but video chatting would be better 63: Do I believe in ghosts? How about aliens? - Ghosts and aliens yeah but they’re not scary 64: Do I believe in magic? - Yes 65: Do I believe in luck? - Yes 66: What’s the weather like right now? - Raining but it’s gonna be clear soon 67: What was the last book I’ve read? - One of my textbooks probably, or if not school-related it’s probably a cookbook 68: Do I like the smell of gasoline? - Nah, ew 69: Do I have any nicknames? - Jus, Just, Anthony, and (by my boyfriend:) baby/babe, cutie 70: What was the worst injury I’ve ever had? - Stepping on a nail when I was a kid 71: Do I spend money or save it? - Both 72: Can I touch my nose with a tongue? - No 73: Is there anything pink in 10 feet from me? - Nah 74: Favorite animal? - Dogs and deer 75: What was I doing last night at 12 AM? - Making out and making love with my boyfriend 76: What do I think is Satan’s last name is? - Putin and Erdogan 77: What’s a song that always makes me happy when I hear it? - Goodnight n Go by Ariana Grande 78: How can you win my heart? - Do little actions of love 79: What would I want to be written on my tombstone? - Here lies Justin Anthony Joven-Robillard, civil servant, musician, engineer, physicist, and an inspiration 80: What is my favorite word? - Babe/Baby 81: My top 5 blogs on tumblr - Idk lol 82: If the whole world were listening to me right now, what would I say? - We’re only here in this world for a short time, so love one another, make the most out of it, and ensure the next generation will enjoy the same things you enjoyed. 83: Do I have any relatives in jail? - Nah 84: I accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow me with the super-power of my choice! What is that power? - Teleportation, this would be the best ability to have omg 85: What would be a question I’d be afraid to tell the truth on? - “Where were you born” 86: What is my current desktop picture? - a pic of me and my boyfriend with our dogs 87: Had sex? - Yeah like everyday lol 88: Bought condoms? - Yeah 89: Gotten pregnant? - Uh I’m a guy but my boyfriend tries to get me pregnant everyday regardless  90: Failed a class? - Yeah 91: Kissed a boy? - Yeah 92: Kissed a girl? - No 93: Have I ever kissed somebody in the rain? - Yeah ❤ 94: Had job? - Yeah a lot 95: Left the house without my wallet? - Rarely but yeah 96: Bullied someone on the internet? - No I don’t think so 97: Had sex in public? - Lol yeah 98: Played on a sports team? - Yeah 99: Smoked weed? - Yeah 100: Did drugs? - Yeah 101: Smoked cigarettes? - Like 2x 102: Drank alcohol? - Yeah 103: Am I a vegetarian/vegan? - Tried it a couple of times...not for me, my boyfriend is a carnivore and meat and dairy are a huge part of my cultures 104: Been overweight? - Yeah 105: Been underweight? - Yeah 106: Been to a wedding? - Yeah 107: Been on the computer for 5 hours straight? - Yeah all the time 108: Watched TV for 5 hours straight? - Yeah 109: Been outside my home country? - Yeah 110: Gotten my heart broken? - Yeah 111: Been to a professional sports game? - Yeah 112: Broken a bone? - No 113: Cut myself? - No 114: Been to prom? - Yeah 115: Been in airplane? - Yeah 116: Fly by helicopter? - Nah 117: What concerts have I been to? - Ariana Grande 118: Had a crush on someone of the same sex? - Lol I’m in love with my boyfriend so yeah 119: Learned another language? - Yeah, like 10 lol 120: Wore make up? - Very very rarely 121: Lost my virginity before I was 18? - Yeah 122: Had oral sex? - Yeah 123: Dyed my hair? - Yeah 124: Voted in a presidential election? - We have parliamentary elections in Canada but yeah 125: Rode in an ambulance? - No 126: Had a surgery? - Yeah 127: Met someone famous? - Yeah 128: Stalked someone on a social network? - Yeah 129: Peed outside? - Yeah 130: Been fishing? - Yeah 131: Helped with charity? - Yeah 132: Been rejected by a crush? - Nah 133: Broken a mirror? - No 134: What do I want for birthday? - An engagement ring and just 2 or 3 weeks of silence and tranqulity with my boyfriend lol

[imagine-by-susu]

Childhood Sweetheart

This was requested by @thefandomfairy567​ and I think I am not very pleased with result I don’t know. Hope you still like it. If not please tell me and I will rethink this whole thing.

Requests are open! List of Fandoms

Word Count: 2.368

Sorry for any grammer or spelling mistakes! English is not my first language.

GIF is not mine!

________________________________________________________________

Laughter of children were heard through the countryside as wooden swords were swung around and boots splashed water high into the air as little feet burst into big puddles on the ground.

It was unusual for the little Sherlock Holmes to laugh so freely in the presence of others. Especially towards other Children. Seeing as he and his older brother Mycroft are kind of special. With their high minds they were mostly bullied for, called freaks even.

But a little Girl at Sherlocks age seemed to not care what the others had to say. The little Girl was named (Y/N) (Y/L/N). A friendly little Girl full of energy. As her parents divorced a while ago she moved onto the countryside with her mother.

She hadn't found any friends. Being new and foreign was not very welcoming to others. But as little (Y/N) watched some kids pushing little Sherlock around she stood up to him and defending the boy. Since that day they were very close.

Mrs. Holmes was delighted to hear that Sherlock made a friend, Mr. Holmes welcoming the little Girl every time she stood in the doorway asking if Sherlock got time for her to play. Mycroft was…well he was Mycroft. He was not very friendly but not mean either. But (Y/N) loved Sherlocks family.

As Sherlock and (Y/N) attended the school for the first time nothing changed. Sherlock still got bullied for his brilliant mind while (Y/N) would call the bullies of and telling Sherlock that they're just big, jealous meanies. There were times even when (Y/N) would cry. She thought it was mean how the kids treated her friend just of his special way of thinking and speaking his mind directly.

Sherlock would never admit it, but he was thankful for his loyal and only friend. Without her he wouldn't know what he would do. Totally foreign to these feelings he felt when the little girl was around him would be pushed aside by his logical mind. This didn't stop in the middle school.

Bullies were Bullies but the young Holmes boy got used to it and ignored it completely while (Y/N) couldn't ignore these cruel jokes that got more and more mean by each passing day. But one day it got worse. Not with Sherlock but with (Y/N). As the bullies finally understood that Sherlock just didn't care they put their target on the (Y/H/C) girl. Calling her names, pushing her around. School went from bad to hell.

Every time (Y/N) showed up with a new scratch or a bruise Sherlock asked her who did this, but the girl just shook her head telling him it was okay. Finally, the boy got his peace he deserved, and she would do anything that this would never change again. So, the middle school went by with many tears and pain for the girl while Sherlock moved on with his live. Even when he knew exactly what his friend went through.

But the high school should change many things. Teenagers are very scary human beings with their high up hormones and all this weird stuff. Sherlock got bullied more often being the big nerd in the whole school while (Y/N) climbed up the rank. Puberty did her very good. Her (Y/H/S) Hair shone in a bright (Y/H/C) coulor, her (Y/S/C) skin was clear and soft and her smile was always bright as the sun. Her body was just the cherry on top.

Not just her looks were admired but her personality. Always on the bright side, smiling and being friendly to everybody who was nice to her. The typical sunny girl. That didn't stop her to be by Sherlock and he was secretly grateful for that. Even when this weird feeling got he felt since childhood crept up from his stomach he ignored it.

But one day after school, the bulling was at its highest till now, Sherlock went home alone. (Y/N) went on a so called 'date' with her new boyfriend. The dark haired boy slammed the door shut as he tried to swallow this big lump in his throat that was close to leave his body in a type of scream.

As the door slams shut Mrs. Holmes called from the kitchen. "Sherlock, dear. Is everything alright?" She could read her kids like an open book. What an intelligent woman she was. Walking out of the kitchen while she cleaned her hands with a towel, she eyed her youngest child with a frown.

"This is the problem, Mother!" he nearly shouted at her not meaning to sound to rough. But Mrs. Holmes didn't even flinch. "What's wrong Sherlock?" she asked placing her now dry hands to his cheeks to make him look at her.

That's when she saw small, almost invisible tears in his blue eyes. "I don't know, and I hate not knowing." He said in a low voice. "Is it because (Y/N) doesn't spend as much time with you anymore?" she asked carefully, and she got her answer as the boy in front of her flinched at the girl's name.

"That would be stupid." With that he grabbed his bag and went up the stairs to his room, ignoring his mother's called for him.

Time went by so fast as Sherlock now face the graduation day. His heart was beating fast because he knew it was probably the last chance he got. The last chance to tell his friend everything. Over the few months left in school he came to the conclusion that he may or may not had feeling for his childhood friend.

But he coverd it as good as humanly possible but with each passing say it was harder as he watched (Y/N) kissing her boyfriend, laughing with him and just had a good time with this guy. Sherlock didn't want to upset (Y/N) in anyway but he had to at least tell her today.

So as the director finished his boring speech and all the people started to leave the big hall, Sherlock went up to (Y/N) who was talking to her mother. "Hey (Y/N)" he said in his low voice that almost cracked as (Y/N) turned around with one of her big smiles. "Oh, Hey Sherlock. Congrats you're a step closer to be a consulting Detective." She said as she hugged him. His body went stiff for a bit but calmed down in an instant as he heard her say these words.

The only person who wouldn't laugh at his dreams and thoughts. "Thanks, Congrats to you, too. I am certain you will make a good nurse." He tried to smile but failed totally which made (Y/N) laugh her angel like laugh. "You remember. That makes me quite happy." Rubbing his neck, the boy looked down to the ground making his friend title her head a bit. "Is everything alright? You don't seem to be yourself today Sherly." She smirked as he cringed at her nickname for him.

"Don't call me that. And yes, I am fine. I just want to…" but he got interrupted as he was pushed aside with the words "Out of the way Freak." As (Y/N) boyfriend made his way to the girl and kissing her. Without any other word Sherlock turned around and walked out of their sight. Without saying any goodbyes to his friend.

 Never in his life had Sherlock imagined hearing her voice again. Seeing her beautiful face or smell her coconut shampoo every again. But as the words "Sherly?!" were said behind him he couldn't believe himself. He turned around and was greeted with (Y/N). She was a lot smaller than the last time they saw each other. Maybe it was because Sherlock had grown a lot in his last teen years. Her (Y/H/C) was still bright but was longer and pulled into a (Y/H/S). Her (Y/E/C) shone into his blue eyes with excitement.

"Oh my…It is indeed you. Sherlock Holmes." She said as she smiled even wider at him. "(Y/N)?" he asked quietly while his friend John just looked confused. "Heard a lot about you Mr. Holmes. Quite popular with the great mind of yours." She said as she pushed him a little. For the first time he was speechless. He was 99,99 % sure to never see her again but somehow, he got those 0,01 % chance to meet her again.

As they parted ways again (Y/N) gave Sherlock her phone number with the promise he should text her as soon as he got time otherwise she would find him. That made the man laugh a little and his friend, John, astonished.

And Sherlock indeed texted her. After he explained to John who the Girl was. "So, she is your childhood sweetheart? I can't believe that you, the great Sherlock Holmes, consulting Detective and highfunctioned Sociopath, got a childhood sweetheart." He teased with a big smile on his face making Sherlock frown.

"What makes you think she is my, as you out it, 'childhood sweetheart' ?" he asked but John looked at him shocked. "Now you're just playing dumb and this doesn't work. You are gonna tell her…"

"Tell who?" a voice came from the door. There she stood. (Y/N) with a bright smile on her face. "How…?" John wanted to ask but she shook her head. "Oh, it was easy to find the most successful detective of London. And the Landlady was so nice to let me in." she explained while John grabbed his coat saying he had something to do as he left leaving the old childhood friends alone.

None of them said a word for whole 5 minutes. "This more awkward than I would have thought it would be." (Y/N) said to break the heavy silence in the room. Sherlock looked up to her eying her. Analyzing everything he could get his eyes on in a matter of seconds.

"Please, Sherlock. I am your friend. You don't have to deduce me anymore." She laughed as she noticed his eyes went up and down her body. "You are not feeling good." He just stated in a cold tone. Slightly, the girl flinched at the coldness of his voice. "W..What?" "Something disturbs you. The big bags under your eyes are visible despite your offered to cover them with make up. Still doesn't suite you. You are very pale and by that I mean a very unhealthy pale." With that Sherlock got up from his chair and walked to the kitchen.

Minutes later they were sitting in the living room, both with a cup of tea in their hands as they caught up on the things that happened the past years they didn't see each other. As Sherlock talked about all those cases and how he met John, (Y/N) literally hung on his cupid bowed lips. As he ended with his stories (Y/N) snapped out of her deep thoughts. "Sherlock" she started making the man look up from his cup. "A few days ago, I visited my Mother on the countryside. Meeting your Mother, too." Sherlocks throat went dry at her words.

A little laugh escaped her lips. "I love you, too" she than said as she took a deep breath. Silence.

Sherlock blinked a few times trying to register her words into his mind. Besides that, he didn't move a muscle. Coughing to get rid of the awkward tension (Y/N) got up. "I should better leave." With that she got up and walked to the door grabbing her coat in the process, but strong hand stopped her before she could touch the door handle.

Confused she turned around but instead of facing Sherlock she met his lips in a kiss. Before she could react, the man pulled away and eyed her. "How long?" he asked making the woman look more confused than before. "Since when do you love me? And…why?" the last question made her laugh.

"Sherlock, I loved you for a long time now. You may seem to be a freak to most of the people. Cruel or Psychotic even but not for me. Since we met all those years ago you were there with me. Believed in me no matter how stupid my ideas were. You are special. Especially for me." She smiled at him while she said those words.

"This could have turned out much less difficult if I had known sooner." He said with the smallest of grins on his face. "Oh, I am so sorry that the great Sherlock Holmes couldn't figure out the simplest of things." (Y/N) laughed making Sherlock laugh, too.

 "I don't if should throw up or say that this is cute." A girl of the age of 15 told her mother as she ended the story. "Hey, you asked, and I gave you answer. At least I am helpful." The girl nodded at that. "Right. Father would just deny that any of that happened." (Y/N) laughed showing little wrinkles around her still shining (Y/E/C) eyes. "Why would I deny my Family?" a deep male voice echoed in the halls as the door slams shut. A man and a boy who seemed to look like twins despite the big age gape walked into the room.

"Where do you two have been?!" (Y/N) stood up crossing her arms and tapping her food impatiently. The boy grabbed a boy from his pocket. "For the best Mother in the World." Grabbing the boy from the boys hand she opened it reveling her favourit Chocolate. "Benedict Holmes you little Charmer." She said with a smile than she looked at her husband.

"I am sure of that, that my beautiful wife would be pleased if I told her that I reserved a table at her favourite restaurant." "Oh, and you Sherlock Holmes …You two went on a Case am I right?" (Y/N) sighed.

"It was Emily's idea to distract you. The chocolate and the restaurant were her ideas, too." He said matter of factly raising his hands as he watched his sister giving him a death glare behind her mothers back.

"See Mr. Holmes. You raised a Detective and Murderer. You must be proud." (Y/N) smiled as she watched her two kids fighting again. "Well, Mrs. Holmes. It always takes two don't you think?"

[sarcasticshutter]

Man, a lot happens in a year: Number 2020

Started these yearly reviews back when I was in high school lol, and def haven’t done it every year (or if I did they’re not all on tumblr. Who knows, cause I feel like I’ve done more than I’ve found here) but I’d like to reflect on 2020 because wow. It obviously feels to everyone like a lost year where all you did was sit around at home and mourn all the normal things and the plans and the big life goals that have been fully stopped in their tracks thanks to a little (ongoing) global pandemic. 

Hello to future me, hope things are well. Shit sure is strange and tenuous at the moment lol. But it’ll all get unstuck again and the world will start turning soon enough. You know that. Anyway from where I’m sitting right now, it’s kind of hard to remember anything that’s happened this year. It feels like I’ve blinked and a year has been omitted from my life, aside from the first three months of 2020 where I was still very much out and rolling on my life-momentum and doing exciting things. So I just want to convince myself that things *have* happened this year, and actually they haven’t been so bad, and to reflect on life going on despite the odd flavor permeating everything this year. I’m glad that’s all I have to complain about because I guess feeling stuck isn’t the worst thing that can happen to a person. I digress. Here’s the highlights I’ve meandered through this year with my eyes closed apparently lol. Please enjoy them with me as I remember them again:

Travelled to Belize, Mexico, Jamaica, Haiti, the Cayman Islands, St Thomas (and probably more) Caribbean islands on the final months of my ship contract

Got to live through the distinctly odd and certainly once in a lifetime experience of being stranded on a cruise ship as the world shut all of its borders in March to reduce transmission of a global pandemic. Feels surreal to think about all the stuff I was seeing as it happened and how that’s probably a very small percentage of people on this planet who were...forgive me...in that boat at that moment in our collective history. So eerie, but with the calm of knowing you don’t know how bad it actually is out there. The self awareness that this is bigger than you can comprehend yet. Eye of the storm type feeling

St Patricks day party on that cruise ship when the rest of the world had ground to a halt and we all were stranded out there isolating as one sealed off covid pod of crewmembers, because if one of us on the ship had it we were all gonna have it. So no use distancing among us at that point. We had no guests left on board and had a huge end of the world party on the pool deck with full use of the guest pools and bars lol

Came home and life slowed waaaay down in march/april. Hiked with mom and dad, saw a lot more of the cats, had a wholly uneventful zoom birthday in early April for my 26th. A weird birthday for what felt like a strange age for me. 26 just fit weird as a number, I’m much more switched on for 27 for some reason. This one coming up feels more right somehow

Spent time in the pool, and doing a lot of yoga which has carried me through this whole year as a constant mellower of things for me mentally. A repeated exercise in re-grounding

Visited Alex in Flagstaff! Got to see meteor crater and spent a cute weekend in a little air bnb with my family, and did some aspen-y hiking as well

Bought my first car with my own money outright, that I’d been saving for the whole time I was in NYC. Been learning to be comfortable driving since I’ve never felt that way in my life lol, but I do think I’m less stressed behind the wheel now than I’ve ever been. Has been so nice to finally be combing through that anxiety. Finally was ready for it I guess

Started a (very long distance) relationship with a friend from the ship. He’s been a huge relief as far as someone to lean on through this year and a great sounding board for frustrations/lifeline to some feeling of sanity a good number of times. Shit is weird but taking this step still feels right, so we’ll see where tf this relationship is going haha

Moved to Tucson with a bff from college. A gigantic help for my sanity as far as getting a feeling of self reliance back and feeling like I have my own space. Soso grateful to be able to be sharing her home with her

Got a part time job so I could not feel so helplessly tied to the clusterfuck that has been unemployment insurance this year. Still have a lot to sort out with that... Glad to be earning my own cash, and glad that the weird little ragtag group of coworkers I’ve found myself with are actually a group of good hearts 

Pumpkin carving and a night hike up in Phoenix with my family for Halloween. And made sure I dropped off my early voting ballot to see that fucker out of office lol

Sweet god, Biden’s horrendously way too close presidential win. Can you imagine the other outcome... This is maybe the biggest relief of 2020 that he didn’t scrape out a second term

Outdoor attempt at a covid safe thanksgiving with my parents and my grandparents on my moms side in Phoenix

Finally had the balls to schedule a scary doctors appointment I’d been using covid to avoid going to. Got back the clean health news I had been anxious I wouldn’t receive. A huge weight off my chest that had been sitting there in the back of my thoughts since last year

Outdoor attempt at a covid safe christmas at my dads’ parents’ house in Sun City, and some cinnamon rolls and peanut butter ball making with my parents. Drove through a huge neighborhood of christmas lights and did a small mom and dad christmas gift opening on christmas eve night

Virtual new years game nights with SASH and the Joneses. Didn’t see a single firework or leave the house (heard em though) and felt surrounded by my closest friends safely even without seeing them in person

None of this stuff is all that flashy and a lot of the normal holidays or events, or even everyday things, were so much more low key and quiet this year. But it was still nice to at least have found a way to celebrate in a stripped down, sort of back to basics way. Glad to have been able to see my family so much more this year. Glad to have had countless meaningful text conversations with my friends who have had the same issues as me as far as having our entire industry unable to function for the last 9 months with no end in sight. The candidness of speaking about the difficulties everyone has had this year, but specifically sharing that weight of the arts being particularly suffocated, and having all of our young career momentums snuffed out for no reason of our own, has been soothing to commiserate about. It’s been a mentally taxing year in the hardest to describe way. But I’m glad that as hard as it is to find kind words for this year, at least it’s just boring and stuck and frustrated that are the things I’m feeling. Because I’ve managed not to lose anyone close to me, or have anyone dealing with any serious illnesses at the moment. 

(I believe) I’ve worked through all of the absolute bullshit I had on my plate in 2019. This year has been easier for me than last, as nuts as that sounds with every thing going on in 2020. I’m out of a suffocating relationship that had become very wrong for me.  Left the city that was killing me to remain stuck in. Had the courage to take this cruise job that I’d been curious about since graduation. Got to travel the world and meet amazing people I otherwise would have never known.  Met a new guy I’ve felt so much more effortlessly in sync with than I ever did in the last relationship. And that’s in an LDR lol, I can’t believe how comfortable that’s been given the ludicrous circumstances of seeing a guy from a different continent, 8 time zones away, during a global pandemic where our borders are shut to foreign visitors and we still at this moment don’t know when they’ll reopen. 

This year I’m just coasting in a house with my friend. Going to work at an easy job that covers my bills. Having the health and freedom to drive *my* car two hours to see my family way more often than I’ve seen them in the past four years. I’m feeling a lot more appreciative of my relationship with my brother, my parents, my grandparents. I’m feeling better about maybe returning to live where I’m from instead of seeing it with a chip on my shoulder. So in a lot of ways 2020 has been less of an emotional mindfuck for me than 2019 was. Or it’s at least been the landing pad to detangle everything from 2019.  I’ve been learning that maybe gathering a bit closer to a support system isn’t a weakness, but a comfort instead.

So this isn’t the tour de force bucket list I’ve grown accustomed to watching myself tackle in each year since undergrad. It’s a retracting of arms, and a regrouping to center. Being forced into looking inward at small details I hadn’t been interested in seeing lately. May be nice just to collect my feet underneath me again and take in all this chaotic crash course learning I’ve been doing the last few years before stepping back out of the plane. Time will tell if 2021 is another time of building and reflection, or a time to start taking a few shaky steps back out into whatever comes next.

What a year.

[individuationfic]

Seeking to Seize Chapter 22

AO3

Nanako can’t stop smiling.

She’s home, finally. The nurses at the hospital were nice, but she missed home. And her daddy and Onii-chan and all of Onii-chan’s friends are here, too, and her hospital room wasn’t big enough for all of them. She feels like her family is finally coming together.

The cake the girls (and probably Kanji-niichan; she remembers the omelettes they tried making once) made is really yummy. She hasn’t had good dessert since before she was in the hospital, and it tastes so sweet she could cry. And the doll Teddie-niichan gave her feels good in her lap, even if her daddy doesn’t understand it. Her kidnapping feels like it happened a lifetime ago.

Until someone knocks on the front door.

It was the usual delivery man. Onii-chan said not to open the door for strangers, but she’s seen this delivery man a lot, so he’s not a stranger. She blows her nose, throws the tissue away, and answers the door. The delivery man’s smiling at her, but he doesn’t have a package, and then suddenly his hands are grabbing her shoulders and pulling her away from the house, and then he covers her mouth with a washcloth and she feels sleepy, really really sleepy—

Teddie-niichan’s hand on her shoulder makes Nanako realize she’s gone tense. Onii-chan and Yosuke-niichan have gotten up to answer the door, but everyone else is looking at her with worried eyes. “Sorry,” she mumbles, face heating.

“Don’t be,” Yukiko-neechan says. “It’s okay to be scared, Nanako-chan. You went through something really scary.”

Nanako takes a deep breath. “It’s just a door,” she says, trying to convince herself that’s all it is.

Onii-chan and Yosuke-niichan return, followed by a pretty blonde lady in a blue dress. Her daddy makes a weird noise in his throat. “You’re that interpreter!”

The lady smiles. “Yes. My name is Margaret. I have been helping Narukami-kun and his friends in their investigation. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Nanako twists around and sees her daddy blush. Then she looks at Onii-chan and sees the playful gleam in his eye. She takes a minute to think, then decides she wants to get to know Margaret-san better. After all, she thinks, she might be my new mommy soon.

Rise meets Kanji-kun and Naoto-san at the shrine about an hour after the party ends. She’d stayed behind to help clean up and give Kanji-kun and Naoto-san some privacy to talk first. Plus, she can’t deny how funny it was to watch Dojima-san tripping over himself in front of Margaret. I still can’t believe Yu-senpai is playing matchmaker. He doesn’t seem the type.

It may have been a mistake, Himiko says. He probably didn’t realize his uncle would be attracted to her until she came in.

Yeah, Rise admits, that makes more sense.

Kanji-kun and Naoto-san are sitting side by side on a bench near the shrine when Rise arrives. Even from this distance Rise can see how their fingers brush against each other, the blush on their cheeks, and her heart sinks. I’d better prepare for a rejection.

When he sees her, Kanji-kun stands and motions for  her to take his seat/ “Did you two have a good talk?” she asks, hoping they can’t hear the emotion trying to invade her voice.

“Y-yeah!” says Kanji-kun.

“It was… enlightening,” Naoto-san says.

“And your decision?” Rise keeps her chin raised. She’ll be damned if she isn’t graceful in this. No matter what, they’re her best friends. They deserve happiness, even if it isn’t with her.

“I’ve been doin’ a little research,” Kanji-kun says, “and I think I know a way we can all be happy. Rise, have you heard of ‘polyamory?’”

The word seems familiar. “Like polygamy? I know there’s an American TV show about a man with four wives, but I’ve never watched it.”

Naoto-san snorts. “Don’t. It’s a garbage show.”

“It’s similar,” Kanji-kun says. “Except in our case it wouldn’t be me having two partners. It’d be all of us having each other at the same time. Like, uh, a three-way relationship. That’s a good comparison, right?” This last part is aimed at Naoto-san, who nods in approval.

Rise’s chest tightens. “What are you saying?” She stands, legs shaky. “I—that’s not how relationships work!” She turns on Naoto-san. “And you’re okay with this?” She’d come here expecting a rejection, expecting her two best friends to find happiness and love in each other, but here’s Kanji-kun, proposing what sounds an awful lot like an emotional threesome.

Naoto-san opens their mouth to respond, but it’s Kanji-kun who barrel in. “Three people came to Ma’s shop a few weeks back,” he says. “Two guys and a lady. The one guy—he’s the one who gave me the idea. He said it works for them. It makes them happy. They all love each other, so they’re all together. And.” He pauses here. Licks his lips. “And I love both of you. I don’t know if I could ever be happy with just one.”

“That surprisingly selfish of you,” Rise says, a little breathless. “I didn’t know you could be so selfish.”

“And I never expected you to be so stubborn,” Kanji-kun rebuts. “Naoto sees my point. Right, Naoto?”

Much to Rise’s shock. Naoto-san nods. “I like you both,” they say, “and I’m more than happy to share you with each other.”

Rise’s knees feel weak, so she sits back down. Her hand lands atop one of Naoto-san’s.  She doesn’t pull it away. “How would this even work?” she asks after a few seconds. Kanji-kun says, “Communication. Lots of it.”

Naoto-san’s fingers twitch under hers until they’re entwined on the bench. “All three of us will have to be on the same page,” they say. “It wouldn’t be like an open relationship or anything like that. We’d all be committed to the entire thing.”

“People won’t like it,” Rise says. She squeezes Naoto-san’s fingers. Their hand is warm.

“Fuck ’em,” says Kanji-kun. “The important people won’t care.”

“What about marriage? Kids? Won’t this complicate things like that?”

Naoto-san exhales in a way that doesn’t quite hide a laugh. “Do you worry about things like that every time you contemplate a relationship? We’re high schoolers. Rise; concerns like that are a long way off yet.”

She blushes.

“The important thing right now,” Naoto-san says, “is whether or not this relationship is something you want. I know you like Kanji, but…” They sound shy now, and Rise can feel the sweat on their hand. “Do you like me?”

When Rise swallows, she knows the others can hear it. Then,very quiet, she says, “I think I do.”

Kanji-kun and Naoto-san both breathe out sighs of relief. Kanji-kun sits on the edge of the bench, barely even really touching it, and leans his weight onto Rise/ The touch fills her with warmth, just as Naoto-san’s did. “That’s a fuckin’ relief,” he says, and Rise can’t help but laugh. Then he says, “What will you tell your agency about work?”

“I won’t hide you,” Rise says. “Either of you. I’ll miss being an idol, but it’s not worth more than you guys. Besides,” she adds, “as long as I keep practicing my singing and I stay in shape, I can become an independent singer when I’m older. I’ll have more freedom that way.”

“I’d hate for us to be the reason you quit, though.”

On her other side, Naoto-san hums, contemplative. “Just leave that to me.”

It’s always weird to see Yukiko in her room, Chie thinks. The inn is more convenient most of the time, after all, but on Christmas Yukiko would be roped into helping out, so Chie offered her house for some private time.

Yukiko never seems to mind the mess, or that Chie’s room is so much smaller than her’s. She sitting at Chie’s desk, now, reading a book with so much intensity Chie’s worried she might set it on fire. None of their powers have bled over to the real world, but with how little they really know about Personae, it’s a possibility. Chie sets the two cups of tea she made for them on the edge of the desk to get Yukiko’s attention. “What’re you looking at?”

Yukiko blushes but closes the book so Chie can see the cover. It’s a university guide. “We’ll be third years soon,” she says, “and my parents have been asking about college plans, so I picked this up.”

Chie’s stomach drops. She hasn’t put much thought into the future this year, what with all the supernatural shenanigans. Her parents are gonna be on her ass. “What are you gonna study?”

“Business would be best for the inn, but I’m not really sure I want to take over. I’ve been thinking about studying medicine instead.”

Chie laughs a little. Because that makes too much sense to not be funny. “You’re smart enough for it. And your parents won’t be able to complain about their daughter becoming a doctor.”

Yukiko sends her a fond look. “Do you know what you want to do?” she asks.

Chie sits on the floor facing her. “I dunno. Maybe I’ll go to the police academy or something. God knows I’ve had enough practice this year.”

She means for that last part to be funny (how long has it been since Yukiko has actually laughed?) but Yukiko makes a contemplative humming noise instead. “That’s good,” she says. “Police academies are pretty much everywhere. It shouldn’t be hard to find a school with a medical program close to you.”

Chie startles and feels herself start to flush. “W-what?”

It’s Yukiko’s turn to blush as she realizes she spoke aloud. “Oh—uh—I mean…” She takes a deep breath,  as if to calm herself, though her cheeks remain a fiery red. “I was sort of hoping we could move in together after graduation.” Chie finds herself at a loss for works, which Yukiko must take as a rejection, because she quickly continues. “I know it’s a long way off, and we might not even still be dating then—I mean, I hope we are, I like dating you, I don’t want to stop—and I shouldn’t’ve said anything—”

Her body on autopilot, Chie surges up. Her fingers wrap around one of Yukiko’s slender wrists and Yukiko, surprised by the movement, goes silent. “I would love,” Chie says, her voice rough in her ears, “to move in with you after graduation.” And then, before she can chicken out, she presses her lips to Yukiko’s.

Itt’s clumsy, as far as first kisses probably go. Even when Yukiko starts to respond, there’s no real coordination. They just kind of mash their lips together a few times. When they break apart, Yukiko’s face is redder than it’s ever been and her lips look a little swollen and Chie thinks I did that.

Yukiko fists her free hand in the material of Chie’s shirt. “No fair,” she mumbles. At Chie’s confused look, she continues, “I was supposed to kiss you first.” Then, quieter, “It was going to be your Christmas present.”

Chie feels her heart swell. “Well. You could always kiss me again.”

Yukiko snort-laughs and Chie’s smiling so hard her cheeks hurt and then Yukiko is pulling her face back up and they’re kissing again and everything feels right.

Yosuke can’t help but smile as Nanako-chan wiggles along to the Junes commercial on the TV. He knows he needs to be getting home soon—it’s been dark for over an hour and he didn’t tell his parents he was going to be out late—but it’s hard to tear himself away. They’ve all be worrying about Nanako-chan for so long. He almost forgets he’s just a normal kid sometimes.

A plate clatters to the floor, startling him. Oh, right, he thinks when Yu’s puzzled face turns to look at him. I’m helping with the dishes. ‘Sorry, partner.’ He bends to retrieve the plate and starts at it with his drying towel.

Yu shakes some excess suds from his hands. ‘What’s on your mind?’ he signs. ‘It’s not like you to be so distracted?’

Yosuke sets the plate on the counter to buy time. ‘I’m just glad Nanako-chan is okay.’

Yu raises one eyebrow.

‘Fine. I was wondering what you were like as a kid.’ He knows he’s blushing, and he prays Yu won’t comment on it.

He doesn’t. ‘Before I got sick,’ he signs, ‘my parents say I was a lot like Nanako. Cheerful, energetic, a little shy. Apparently I used to fake being sick to get to to miss work. That’s why—’ His hands stutter and his face falls.

‘Why what?’ Yosuke refuses to let him retreat in on himself. ‘Talk to me, partner.’

Yu glances at the living room to make sure Nanako-chan isn’t paying attention before he continues. ‘That’s why my parents caught it late. They thought I was faking again.’ He doesn’t have to clarify what “it” is. Yosuke knows Yu’s deafness stems from a childhood sickness; it’s been brought up a few times. But Yu keeps going. ‘My hearing was already going when they finally took me to a hospital. And the medication—it took the rest of it away. So, really,’ he finishes, ‘it’s my own fault I’m deaf.’

Yosuke frowns. Yu looks as nonchalant as he usually does, but Yosuke can see the real emotions underneath. “Hey,” he says aloud, mindful of the volume. Then he continues signing, ‘I like you the way you are.’

Yu’s smile is painfully tender. So much so that Yosuke is actually glad when someone knocks on the front door. In the living room, Nanako-chan whimpers. Yosuke signs, ‘Someone’s at the door. Go comfort Nanako-chan; I’ll answer it.’

Yu nods and moves to calm Nanako-chan down, giving Yosuke an excuse to escape.

The person on the other side of the door is one Yosuke’s seen around but never actually met. “Ah, Yuki-senpai, right? What brings you here so late?”

The third year raises an eyebrow. “I could ask you the same. This is Narukami’s house, right? There are a lot of things two teenage boys could be doing together after dark…”

Yosuke flushes. “Point taken. Wait here, I’ll go get Yu.”

Together they manage to convince Nanako-chan to go get ready for bed, promising a story and cuddles when they’re done talking to their “friend,” and then Yuki-senpai is sitting at the kitchen table. Yosuke, absurdly, thinks he should put on some tea before he remembers this isn’t actually his house. Instead he looks to Yu so he can start translating. “Why are you here?”

Yuki-senpai’s face remains blank. “Can’t a guy come wish his schoolmate a Merry Christmas?”

Yu’s bland stare needs no translation.

“Fine.” Yuki-senpai leans across the table to he can lower his voice. “You guys did good, getting rid of the fog, but don’t get too comfortable. There’s always a bigger fish to fry. Complacency could get you killed.”

Well, thinks Yosuke, that’s cheerful.

Jiraya chooses then to speak up. He’s correct. Were the danger truly gone, I would be, too.

What?

Personae exist to counteract threats. When the threat is gone, we’re no longer needed.

Yu’s snapping breaks Yosuke out of his own head to he can translate again. “You’re a veteran Persona user, right? Have you ever seen two people wield the same Persona?”

Yuki-senpai frowns. “No,” he says. “I—have you?”

“Adachi had a version of Izanagi.” Yu’s face twists. “It felt wrong, seeing someone else use him. Even Izanagi was confused.”

“I’ll look into it,” Yuki-senpai says. “That doesn’t sound good. In the meantime, your team should continue combat practice. At least once a week, I’d say.” He stands. “I won’t keep you any longer. Merry Christmas.”

And then he’s gone, and Yosuke and Yu have a child to put to bed and many, many things to think about.