#I know I said I would use the white suit but it clashed so badly it made my eyes hurt😭

[spicyliumang]

[oc x canon]

Spoiling part of Enya's y8 lore bc I haven't gotten around to finish writing it😭💒

also their rings under the cut💍

[demonslayedher]

can we see a colored drawing of your avatar or can you tell us what are its colors? is it called the same as you?

If you are referring to Fanfic Monster, she is based my inner ogre-ish self whom I've known for many years but my current way of drawing her is inspired by Nobuo-kun, the doodled little boy who asks Gotouge-sensei questions in the Taisho Secrets of Volume 11. She has been called this name ever since my first draft of I&H, which I wrote in ten very obsessive days.

Fanfic Monster is all colors; this makes her appear stark white with black outlines. If you look closely in the shadows, it's a myriad of colors like the skin of a soap bubble.

If you referring to my KnY-sona I developed as a joke while I was having fun with the Shonen Jump character generator (which sadly no longer appears to be live) and the "What Breath Should You Practice" quiz in the first fanbook, then...

I did have one colored version of the Corp member version, although I didn't have a colored pencil with a satisfyingly dark brown for the hair. It was colored very simply for cutting a new joke at my own expense for the Nichirin blade, which was designed in response to that Ask about what my own blade would look like. You can use that as a base, just squint and imagine a more chocolatey shade of brown. As for eyes, greenish-brownish-hazelish? There's a Kakushi in episode 1 of the Swordsmith Village arc who has a pretty and muted shade of green for eyes, I like those. Skin is pale, she is prone to low-blood pressure. Also, thanks to this Ask, my crow has more personality now too. As for the demon version, I don't have a colored version and was going to let that fall more blonde (because who doesn't want to have fun as a blonde once or twice?), but I was very flattered to receive a congratulatory drawing of my demon self from @avocodas. Since then I adopted the headcanon of black hair for her, because who doesn't want to have fun with jet black hair once or twice? But the other it hit me, this is KnY, I can even more fun!! And I've wished I could try deep magenta on my ends and let it fade to a champagne pink, so!!! To get the best of a couple different worlds, my demon self has shiny black hair!! The shiny parts up higher are a deep magenta, and the ends are a champagne pink!

The eyes are two-tone, so... white on the outside, but let's say the same muted shade of green for the centers, but with some magenta fading around the edges of the circle. That won't clash at all, I'm sure.

Outfit? I don't know. She'd probably work in a handful of different colors.

Keep reading below for more silly headcanons! (Though if I were to start from scratch making a KnY-sona, I'd probably make myself a Kakushi, they're cool and get to have a wide variety of skills, including all the research that got compiled into the fanbooks, ufufu.)

Demon Slayer Version! --Buri/Buriko is very serious. Very, very serious. So serious it's silly. --As a recap, she felt the call to slay demons because it is a noble purpose, and admired Flower Breath. However, she has a forceful and ungraceful style and wound up lopping all the heads off the flowers in her Cultivator's garden. Her kind and patience Cultivator suggested she switch to Wind Breath but gave her a bright and flowery haori anyway. Buri/Buriko lives in shame for having failed Flower Breath so badly, but her screaming and growling swordsmanship has suited Wind Breath well. --She uses a naginata. This would be a difficult weapon to hide in Taisho, which is why it is designed to be in two parts that quickly screw together, and one part is collapsible. One night while stopped by the Taisho Police and questioned for her weapon, she replied very seriously, "it's for gym class." They said, "you don't look like a high school girl." She replied, "I'm the teacher." "The... English teacher?" "The gym teacher." They gave up and let her go. --Buri tends to work alone, being so serious hasn't given her many friendships among the Corp because she doesn't relax around anyone. She doesn't deserve to show her face around Flower Breath users, after all. (No one cares. She's admired from a far for seeming demure but then people are shocked to see how wrathful her Wind Breath is. She has no calm in a fight, that's all.) --This lack of calm is her downfall. Although it's not usually the case that demon blood accidentally getting into a wound would cause a human to turn into a demon, but this happened this time. In her haste, she didn't put her naginata together property and the staff broke off, putting her in a close-range fight. She was injured to the point of probably dying anyway but she defeated the demon, and it fell on top of her, splat. Muzan, somewhere miles away, was vaguely aware and thought, "did I just make another Breath user into a demon? Eh, whatever," and then he promptly forgot about her.

Demon Version! --Demon!Buri/Buriko has no recollection of being human, but she maintains a very strong interest and admiration for the Corp. She's kind of like an obsessive fangirl. --But she's also so silly, it's serious. She ruthlessly makes fun of the Corp too. --She loves eating Corp members, they're her favorite. The more amazing their hard work, the more she just wants to eat them up! --When she's hungry she draws silly pictures poking fun at the Corp as bait. It's so cute how easily provoked they are! --However, this stems from her own perfection goals and ideals for the swordsman she wanted to become. If someone says something that hits a little too close to what she's sensitive about that, that's when she gets serious and loses her appetite. --According to the original canon of this self-insert, she dies of fangirling over an encounter with the Flame Pillar.

And here's some old doodles of Fanfic Monster:

That list, by the way, is here.

Fun Fact: It's my thing to change the lyric "Fashion Monster" to "Fanfic Monster" while singing Kyary Pamyu Pamyu at karaoke.

[rcksmith]

Be good — Five Hargreeves.

Requests: “can i get car sex w/five and lots of praise kink tyyyy 💖💖”

“Hi! Could I request smut prompts 11, 22, and 29 as well as fluff 40 for five hargreeves? Ty!”

Smut prompts:

11. “She may seem like lollipops and rainbows but i bet behind closed doors she’s latex and whips.”

22. “I’m not going to touch you unless you beg.”

29. “I didn’t know you were so sensitive.”

Fluff prompts:

40. “Come cuddle.”

A/N: We not tolerate any pedophilia here !!

I write about Five with their 20s. I write the same about the characters of Harry Potter.

I hope you guys like💖I decided to compile these two requests, since they were the same energy and they prompts connect to a central plot. I added all the elements that were asked for individually, and made sure that all ideas were respected and written down. Good reading.

English is not my first language, so I so sorry if have a mistake.

Requests are open. Love you ❤️

Couple: Five Hargreeves / Fem! Reader.

Warnings: explicit smut, degradation, dirty talk, bad words, fluff.

— — — — —

Part of Five thought it was absurd to feel this way, so wrong. You were young, so young, with an adventurous face in your 20s and bright eyes. Full of life and with such a loose spirit. You had that cool breeze with a free soul, a bright smile and, holy mother of God, you had a body that would be the reason why he would be banished from paradise.

There was something about your youthful innocence that clenched Five's teeth, that made him clench fists to control the urges to touch you at any time. This irritated him deeply.

You were so... so... sweet.

So fucking sweet. From your summer dresses, your delicate mouth, doe eyes and silky hair. You looked like a fucking princess and Five wanted to destroy you for that. You didn't look real. It looked like it came out of a fairy tale and it hit something very deep in Five. Oh, he was burning in a very dangerous fire.

Worst of all, you always knew what you were doing with him. And the way you pretend you don't make him even more angry.

Five remembers the exact moment when he threw in the towel, stopped fighting that insane desire and kissed you as if you were the last glass of water in the desert. And all of this was caused by a trigger so simple, ridiculous to be honest.

He gave up control one afternoon, when you were playing cards with Klaus in the living room, you had just won and got up, saying that you were going to get your phone that you were carrying in another room.

“It's hard to try to be mad at her, she's so cute.” Klaus said to Five, making a gesture in the air that represented pinching your cheeks.

If Five's mood hadn't been bad before, it was bad now. He rolled his eyes, hiding the expression on lips when he took a sip of coffee.

“You should learn from her, who knows" Klaus shrugged “She is so nice and you are... well, you are you.” Klaus pointed to Five's entire body, in a teasing of brother.

The deadly look that Five gave his brother made Klaus laugh even more. God, he was an idiot!

“Doesn't she look like those little movie fairies?”

“Is annoying.” Five rolled his eyes.

“It’s cute.” Klaus defended you “But you know, I think it's just superficial.”

That caught Five's attention, and Klaus realized and started to explain.

“She told me that she likes some more ... crude things, if you know what I mean.” Oh, Five understood “She may seem like lollipops and rainbows but i bet behind closed doors she’s latex and whips.”

So Five was shipwrecked by Images of you. Tied to the bed, in white lingerie, your lips swollen from using that princess mouth of for something else. The giant wave invaded he mind like a ball of destruction, demolishing the entire barrier of self-control he had struggled to build. Brick by brick.

Five wanted to erase those images from his head, to exclude any universe in which you were on all fours for him, begging for more, with that fucking cute voice of yours.

But no matter how hard he tried, Klaus' words brought endless malicious situations that did not come out of Five’s mind.

So that's when he gave up. It was ridiculous to be controlling yourself like a puritan, like a stupid little boy who didn't know what to do.

And Five knew exactly what wanted to do to you.

Then, that afternoon, he disappeared in front of Klaus in the blue flash and reappeared in the room you were in. You must have said something, but Five didn't hear it, or didn't want to hear it. He just walked up to you, put his hands on your waist and kissed you with all the desire that the world had.

He barely touched you and you were already a modeling clay in he hands, sighing with strong touches, with raw kisses, purring like a kitten.

“I didn’t know you were so sensitive." Five whispered against your mouth before he kissed you again.

Five Hargreeves thought that fucking you once would placate that sickly fire that was inside him. But it didn't placate, in fact, it was like pouring gasoline on the fire.

Everything inside him became wilder, more hungry, needy. And that was why he was there, fucking you hard in the car, on an abandoned street.

You moaned loudly, the top of your little red summer dress lowered, exposing your breasts that bounced as you slipped on Five's lap. The air was caustic and pungent, the two of you gasped, sighed, let out toxic and broken moans.

Their bodies clashed as if the world was going to end in that second, and Five did not have the strength to squeeze your hips, pulling you down and up with brutality, pushing him dick deeper into you with every bounce you gave.

“So fucking tight!” He snarled, lowering his left hand to your ass, lifting the fabric of the dress and slapping you.

You contained the cry, pressing your lips against him neck, the tears already burning in your eyes. Five don't slow down the ruthless pace, fucking you with the fury of an animal, as if I've never fucked you before.

“Such a good pussy!” He hand let go of your skin to wrap his fingers in your hair on the back of neck, pulling your face into his, making you receive the moans against your mouth. “I can't get enough of eating you! Good fucking slut!”

You could see the anger, desire, lust and wildness in he eyes. Five wanted to destroy you and, god, you loved it. You let go of that innocent and mysterious smile that left him even more out of control, and Five slapped you down again, but now on your left cheek.

“Don't look like that to me!” He pulled your chin up at him "Otherwise, you're going to get out of here without being able to walk right!"

But it was logical that you did not hear. Truth be told, you were a fucking tease. You liked the game, the hunt, the adrenaline. You liked to play with fire, and Five Hargreeves was not just a flame, but the entire fire.

“Do... do what D-daddy?” You used your best voice, seeing he anger and lust spilling out of he green eyes.

Then you gave that smile again, more neat, more painful and more innocent, and Five snarled like a wild animal that has just come out of captivity. He immediately took you off his lap, taking he dick out of you.

“Go to the fucking backseat. Now!”

You obeyed, going to the backseat and placing yourself on all fours, resting your chest on the seat while lifting your hips.

“You already know how to stand. You are is a little slut, really!” Then a loud slap came on your ass, and you bit your palm to keep from screaming.

“D...Daddy!” You whined.

Five pinned your hair up in a ponytail with he hand, pulling your body back until it was glued and glued to his.

"I'm not going to touch you unless you beg." He snarled in your ear, the hot temperature of he dick an inch from your needy center.

“Please!” You cried “I'm go to be b-good! I promise, daddy!”

“Beg!” One more slap.

“Please!” You rummaged your hips, trying to make any contact. “Please!”

Then Five entered you. Strong, rough, badly and aggressive. He barely gave you time to moan before he started hitting your fragile walls, flooding your eyes with tears that flowed. It was too much stimulation, too much strength, too much desire that made your body want to scream. You and Five had a security password, but you were too horny to want to use it because of the pain.

“So fucking good tis pussy!” Five kept his hand firmly in your hair and the other on your hips, pulling you to his dick. “You have to be a desperate slut to give it to me in the car, don't you?” another slap “Such a needy little slut.”

“Yes, d-daddy!”

Then he continued, relentless. You turned your face to see him, and that was even more of a discharge of electricity between your legs.

Five's coal-black hair was sweaty, clinging to his forehead, with a few droplets running down his firm face. He was without a suit, his shirt wrinkled and unbuttoned, his sleeves rolled up, exposing his vein-streaked arms, marking the white skin that was covered with a layer of sweat mist.

His green eyes contained all the wildness, fury and lust in the world. He looked like an angry young god. And that took you to the apex.

Five let out a short, husky, sneering laugh at how fast you always came for him, and he increased his movements until he poured the hot liquid as deep as possible into you.

“Your pussy is so good.” He whispered in your ear, slowing you two heartbeat with a few kisses on your shoulder.

Five pulled the suit that was lying on the floor of the car, placing it under you and turning you on top of the cloth, so that the cum dripped on the suit instead of the seat. He watched in lust as the cum poured out of you.

Five pulled the air against his teeth, not controlling himself and leaning towards you, sticking your lips together in an angry kiss.

“You are so hot." You smirked at his comment.

“Where were we even going?” You laughed.

"Home."

You loved how he used the word "home" with you. As if it were the home of the two of you.

“Take a shower and have dinner?” Five nodded, removing a lock of his hair from his face. "And after... we are come cuddle?”

He laughed, shrugging and sticking his lips to yours again.

“If that is going to make you stop talking. Of course, dear.” He grunted playfully on your lips, and you laughed.

God, you loved that man.

[fanfictionwritingoddity]

𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 𝟏.𝟑 𝐤 𝐭𝐰: 𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐠: 𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 - 𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐬𝐤𝐢

( 𝙾𝚒𝚔𝚊𝚠𝚊 𝚃𝚘𝚘𝚛𝚞 𝚡 𝙶𝙽!𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚜𝚝 )

You were sitting on the couch, legs tucked against your chest as you aimlessly scrolled through social media. Everything you read was so incredibly boring, only perpetuating the sudden wave of drowsiness you felt. Glancing at the time, you realized you had about an hour and a half before you and Tooru were scheduled to go on your date. A giddy smile pasted itself on your lips, your heart skipping a beat in your chest. You hopped up, making your way to you and your boyfriends shared bedroom.

Ever since you and Oikawa had moved to Argentina, he had little time to spare for personal activities. His sights were more focused on things like training, fan meet and greets, and games. You understood, of course. However, it had been almost a year since the two of you had done anything close to a date. That was why you were so excited, barely being able to contain yourself from skipping to the bathroom.

The door opened as you reached for the knob, stunning you into a momentary silence. Tooru walked out, running his fingers gently through his soft brown locks. He was donning a crimson suit and dress pants and a white button up, finished with a red tie. The man’s eyebrow cocked in interest as you admired him, a sly grin on his mouth.

“What are you in such a rush for?”

His question made your heart drop. Oikawa couldn’t have forgotten your date, could he? You had assumed that his fancy get-up had been in preparation for your time together. Shaking your head free of the negative thoughts, you weakly smiled up at your boyfriend. You had to trust him. Sure, Tooru had imperfections like everyone did, but he would never forget something so important.

“... Our date?”

Your tone was hopeful, eyes shining in the dim light peeking through the bathroom entrance. The volleyball player blinked in confusion, cocoa brows furrowing as he probed his brain for an inkling of information about the date you were talking about. Suddenly, it all washed over him. His lips twitched into an uncomfortable smile.

“Ah... about that.. I actually have a signing today. I’m sorry, babe.”

Oikawa laid his hand on your shoulder, patting twice, before walking into the bedroom to finish getting ready. You couldn’t believe what just happened. Your significant other had canceled the date you had planned a year in advance, and the only comfort he offered was a few pats on your shoulder? The repetitive behavior struck a match in your stomach, a bonfire lighting within you. Anger contorted your features as you whipped around to face Tooru.

“Tooru, we’ve had this date planned for a year now! Couldn’t you reschedule this signing? Your fans will still be there later...”

“Are you saying you won’t? You won’t be there later?”

His voice was bitter and accusatory, almost as sharp as the cutting glance he sent over his shoulder. You flinched, taken aback by the harshness. After a moment, Oikawa looked back down to the watch he was clipping onto his wrist in front of the bedroom vanity mirror. Your heart urged you to apologize, but for one of the first times in your life, you allowed logic to take over. Steeling yourself against the aggression you were about to receive, you dug your feet into the ground, both physically and metaphorically.

“I think you should go on this date and reschedule, Tooru.”

“You know how important it is for me to interact with my fans.”

“Of course I know, but shouldn’t it be equally as important if not more for you to interact with me? I’m your significant other for god’s sake, I followed you all the way to Argentina! I didn’t come so I could be shoved aside every chance you had to increase your publicity!”

Your words caused a pause in your boyfriend’s actions. A heavy silence filled the bedroom as the clicking sounds of his watch ceased. The vermillion-clad male trained his gaze up from his arm to the mirror, meeting your eyes in the reflection. His auburn orbs were cold, devoid of their usual playfulness and mirth, jaw tensing and untensing as he processed your statements. Tooru couldn’t help the wry laugh that escaped his lips.

“Your inferiority complex is showing.”

“... What?”

The singular, murmured sentence had caught your breath in your throat. All your life you had struggled with feeling like you weren’t good enough for the people around you. You knew this, Oikawa knew this. Of course he did, you had told him years ago as you laid together under the stars. But, you promised. You both agreed on the oath that any weaknesses the other had would never be used against them in an argument.

Fights were bound to happen. No couple was perfect, and a couple that didn’t have the occasional squabble was most likely doomed to fail. You must’ve heard him wrong, right? There was no way Tooru would say such a thing to you, knowing how painful it would be, knowing he had sworn to never bring it up when you clashed.

“I said, your superiority complex is showing. I mean, look at you! You’re tripping over yourself to get a single shred of my attention. You may as well be one of my fans at this point.”

“Apologize. Now.”

The man’s eye twitched as he heard your breaking voice, and he realized what he said. The ice in his glare was replaced by instant regret. Tears were blurring your vision as you choked on the quiet following your words. Understanding that Oikawa had no intention to apologize, at least not in that moment, a sound that was a mix between a gasp and laugh escaped your lips. The tears had long since left your eyes, making salt trails down your cheek as you turned around, walked away, and began rifling through the closet.

“Baby, I-”

“Save it, Oikawa.”

You spat his name like it was venom on your tongue. In the peripherals of your vision, you saw the volleyball player tense at the use of his last name. You began to pull out some of your clothes and stuff them into a nearby empty suitcase. Tooru observed helplessly as you packed, hands twitching as he attempted to figure out a way to remedy the situation he had created. When you walked past him to take some of your jewelry, he reached out and caught your arm in an iron grip.

“Y/N, just wait, we can talk this through-”

“No, Oikawa, I’m done fucking waiting! I’ve waited a year now! Every single time I came to you with my concerns about how I felt like I wasn’t being treated as anything but a flat-mate, you always shot them down with some half-assed excuse and apology. I’m done waiting, Tooru. I deserve more than this. I deserve to be treated well, I deserve love and I deserve someone who will prioritize me over some fucking fangirls.”

Wrenching your arm out of his grip, you glimpsed the brunette’s face fall. Your heart shattered as the first tears escaped his glossy eyes. He didn’t want you to leave. You had been the only person that was always on his side and the one he could trust to always have his back. A velvet box was situated uncomfortably in his pocket, a sparkling diamond ring inside. Oikawa was going to propose to you. He was going to ask you to marry him, but he fucked it up.

It took all of his strength to not scream and cry and beg you to stay. All he could do was train his eyes on your form as you left the suite and slammed the door shut behind you. Already, the male could feel the emptiness of the abode. Everything was out of place with you gone. But, this was his fault. Tooru loved you enough to know that you did deserve better, so he let you go. He watched you leave, because you were right.

He knew this, so why did it hurt so badly?

[koinoyokvn]

* / 𝐈 𝐍 𝐓 𝐑 𝐎 𝐃 𝐔 𝐂 𝐓 𝐈 𝐎 𝐍

* CODY CHRISTIAN, CISMALE + HE/HIM  | you know BRADLEY ‘BOOG’ RADWELL, right? they’re TWENTY-FOUR, and they’ve lived in irving for, like, SIX YEARS? well, their spotify wrapped says they listened to INFRA-RED BY THREE DAYS GRACE like, a million times this year, which makes sense ‘cause they’ve got that whole late night 'open’ signs flickering, a dirty car filled with empty coffee cups & a dopey smile with sleepy, drooping eyes thing going on. i just checked and their birthday is november 4, so they’re a scorpio, which is unsurprising, all things considered.

back at it again at krispy kreme — but here’s my second mad lad n after this i will start coming to everyone w my hands open for some plots n interactions <3

trigger warnings: child abuse tw & self-harm tw / omg forgot to add hospital n death tw too

* / 𝐁 𝐀 𝐒 𝐈 𝐂 𝐒

hair: dirty blonde

eyes: blue

build: broad & toned

height: 5′8″ or 173 cm

weight: 163 lbs or 74 kg

distinguishing features: a hand tattoo on his left hand of a sunset, a sleeve tattoo on his right forearm of a yellow and green dragon, a tattoo of a jorogumo (spider-woman) in front of a waterfall on his right shoulder blade, red and white chrysanthemums on his left calf, a light blue ‘x’ on his left collarbone, and dozens of uniquely designed band-aid tattoos splattered on his biceps and thighs

distinguishing style: hoodies and jeans for days, he’s a bit of a collector of ‘irving’ tourist merch, other than that, toques and plaid and chains with darker palettes

* / 𝐇 𝐈 𝐒 𝐓 𝐎 𝐑 𝐘

bradley was born in a small town in maine. at the time, everything he thought was normal for a child to endure. now that he’s older, he knows it isn’t. growing up, he was a trained liar. he doesn’t like lying now but can spit one out faster and smoother than he’d like to admit. his mother was naive and so young and his father was cruel and lived in the world only for himself. never a good combination.

there were a lot of times bradley would go to school with no food. he would always say he rushed out of the house and forgot because he slept in. his father spent all the grocery money to drink. bradley would fall asleep at school. he would always say it’s because he’s scared of the dark. he was actually scared of his father and would spend the night in his bedroom closet that could lock. bradley would cry and flinch at loud noises and the sound of glass crashing. he would say it’s because he’s just like a deer, easily scared. his father would throw things at him if he so much as stepped out of line (but bradley never knew what that line was). he would endure it all for his mother, who would sometimes come into his room, scoop him up in her arms when things calmed down, and sing to him. it’s these moments he’d remember fondly, the moments where she managed to keep some money for herself and get a good supper for the two.

it truly felt like it was him and his mother against the world. there were a few times where bradley would slip up, say something wrong at school, make an offhand comment about home to his friend, and child services would get involved. however, his father would clean up for these visits. his mother could’ve been an amazing movie actress, as well. bradley was also on his way there — but it was his mistake that they all pretended. he would always get punished for it later. 

sometimes the arguing would get too much. when he cried enough tears from inside the closet, he would run. run to his uncle’s house. he’d ask to stay for a few days. his uncle always said yes. but this would always spell trouble in the long run. his uncle was rowdy, always trying to get his sister out of such a terrible situation, and would butt his head whenever he got a chance. his uncle would often make the fighting worse. all bradley needed was a break, though, he promised.

he was almost finished high school. he took up odd jobs if he wasn’t in school so he didn’t pass with stellar grades or anything. some were even impressed that he managed to end up on the graduation list at all. he had saved up enough money, between him and his mother, to eventually leave his father. there was a light at the end of the tunnel. but, once again, the fighting became too much.

this time, he stayed at a friend’s house. he always had his money on him. he couldn’t trust the nooks and crannies of that house, his father would always worm his slimy fingers into them. he always blamed himself for not staying at his uncle’s that night... or even at home. because this time, the fighting really did become too much and things went too far. 

a frantic call from his uncle in the dead of the night sent bradley on a frenzy. his father had beaten his mother so badly that she was hospitalized. put into a coma with extensive head trauma. bradley left his friend’s on account of emergency but didn’t end up going to the hospital. no, no, no. it was the only time bradley could call himself his father’s son.

that same night, his father died in a car crash. the police ruled it as a collision involving drunk driving. though, there were damages that pointed towards another vehicle ramming into the car. there were no other vehicles on scene when they arrived and the road wasn’t monitored to pull up security footage. however, the only next of kin his father had was bradley and his mother. everything fell onto bradley.

his father, at least, had some funds stashed away in a bank account. it was enough to cover the funeral. but not enough to cover the hospital fees. and bradley felt like he was going insane existing in the house he grew up in. he was going insane just being in the same town he grew up in. everybody seemed to know his business.

so, like he and his mother promised, he ran away. his uncle is the only one who knows his whereabouts now and bradley made him promise not to tell anyone else. but, instead of taking the whole amount, bradley only took half of what he and his mother saved. he used the other half to go towards his mother’s hospital bills. 

bradley, now telling people to call him boog, drifted for a bit. picking up odd jobs for a week or two to feed himself. he needed to find a new home. he needed to be anywhere else but maine. now, he thought about the glamourous cities but felt like it didn’t suit him. eventually, he came to irving. and he liked it. so he stayed here.

boog is called boog because he was a bit of a snotty kid. he was constantly ill with the common cold, linked directly to his home situation. he often had sinus infections because of it. so, mean kids would often call him ‘booger’. eventually, booger became boog and it was just a part of him. he was a laidback individual and the nickname lost its insulting meaning by the time he reached high school but by then, most people called him by his surname. bradley feels too personal. 

boog works two jobs, as well as doing several odd jobs around the neighborhood he settled in. he stocks at the local grocery store, working 3pm to 11pm. he also works at a midnight diner, working from 12am to 8am. he gets some sleep for the morning, then gets right back to it. on his days off, he’s often seen mowing other people’s lawn, cleaning cars and houses, and doing small fix-it jobs around properties. he’s a busybody for sure. but not only does he have to support himself, he has to make sure the hospital bills for his mother are being paid. after all these years, it’s still him and his mother against the world. 

in the six years of being in irving, boog developed some nasty coping mechanisms. any time work became too overwhelming or he couldn’t make a payment and was faced with a late fee, bradley felt like a failure to the point where he would engage in self-harm. he was alone mostly, other than at work or out with his friends, so it was a lot of time to wrestle with this idea that he wouldn’t be enough to keep his mother alive. he would cut his biceps and thighs, places he could easily conceal his scars with t-shirts or shorts. he would cut at work in the men’s bathroom or cut in the closet of his bedroom. familiar places, places where he could hide. 

however, it got out of hand when he cut too deep on his thigh and it affected the way he walked. the visible limp raised concern from coworkers, friends, and neighbors. finally done with lying, he admitted to self-harm to those he trusted. his friends encouraged him to go to counselling and to reach out when he felt the urge.

it’s been a year since he’s last self-harmed. since then, he’s covered his scars with band-aid tattoos, each of them a design from someone he’s felt close enough to tell about his progress. there are still some to be covered, but he’s always mused there’s always friends to be made that could help him cover it up.

* / 𝐏 𝐄 𝐑 𝐒 𝐎 𝐍 𝐀 𝐋 𝐈 𝐓 𝐘

boog is hardworking and determined and doesn’t hesitate to push his limits. of course, this all comes to his physicality and his work ethic. he’s not all too bright, otherwise. he can’t contest life’s many questions, he’s too busy memorizing regular orders, the truck order for the next night, and what his friend’s favourite things are. he’s a very present individual, in that he can’t worry about the future or the past too much. and above all else, boog is kind. 

he never asks for anything in return for the deeds he does. he always repays a favour. and he always extends a helping hand. he thinks being a neighborly person is the pinnacle of humanity and does his best to emulate that. however, that makes for some clashes with his dull mind, as he can often be mistaken or say the wrong thing. his gold heart does make up for his lack of brightness.

boog has also learned patience. patience with the world, patience with himself. he didn’t get angry much before but when he did, it was pent up and built over years of being complacent. it was never a good thing to lose his temper. however, over the course of his regular counselling, he has learned to be more self-aware and express his frustrations in a healthy manner. his shoulders still bear a lot of burden but at least, he can learn to take off the load and rest for a while before putting it back on. 

* / 𝐂 𝐎 𝐍 𝐍 𝐄 𝐂 𝐓 𝐈 𝐎 𝐍 𝐒

band-aid crew — this person has designed a band-aid tattoo for boog. he reached out to this person during a time of recovery and trusted him with his journey thus far. this person could have been someone he met at work, through friends, or they live on the same block as him. boog counted and needs 27 band-aids to cover all his scars and is confident that he can get them all covered through others’ artwork. his uncle and nieces already made their mark, and boog designed one himself. ( 0/22 )

upstanding citizen — this person is the parental figure that boog never had and didn’t realize he needed until he befriended this person. they fuss over him and make sure he’s gotten enough sleep. they bring him coffee to work and invite him over for dinner. in return, boog does the same. he tries hard to cook for them— though he’s not great at it. he brings them gifts that reminded him of them. ( 0/1 )

intimacy buddies — boog is kind of pure in that he’s someone who wants to make sure people feel fulfilled. it first started off as a joke, that on the chance that they felt lonely, boog would be of service. however, boog’s pretty dependable and he hides no ulterior motive. so, he cuddles them for hours while watching movies, he holds their hands as they walk through the beach, and he sleeps with them when they can’t stand to sleep alone. he runs his hands through their hair upon request. however, they’re still friends and as thick as thieves. ( 0/3 )

amicable exes — it’s hard for boog to hold grudges. they come in white hot flashes of anger and they leave just as quickly. he’s learned to no longer stew in it. when this relationship falls apart, boog can admit his shortcomings and understand that they just weren’t meant for each other. that doesn’t stop boog from caring about them any less. they’re friends now and maybe friends was always the better option. ( 0/1 )

SPECIAL MENTIONS: as always, i fiend for all sorts of friendly and fwb connections! i also think a rival connection wld b interesting but we wld hav to lay some groundwork for sure!

[mgkconfessions]

AMAs 2020 1/2

The entire night summed up in one word: anticlimax! ^^ I had more expectations from our twin flame couple after all their cheesy paparazzi videos and Megan’s poetic talk about their once in a lifetime love story and deep spiritual connection and this was the best that they could do. Spoiler: It didn’t get more romantic than this!

You can really see the love and sparks between them and how happy and excited they were to be there with each other! ^^

Their outfits

Kells’ outfit: I like the colour, the material, the cut from the top and especially his hair. He took another risk with his outfit and did something different :). However I don’t like that they mixed the top with a hoodie pocket in the front and I don’t like the shoes with the trousers. I would have liked them more with a dark boot that was more loose around his legs.

Megan’s outfit: I like the green colour a lot, I think it’s suits her very well! The only two things that bother me are the long thing in the front that is hanging down and the strap from her shoes around her ankles, because I don’t like it together with the rest of her outfit. Her outfit wasn’t ugly, but it wasn’t anything exciting or special either. I find it rather forgettable. Also she forgot to tan her belly!

Since they attended the award show as a couple they should have made sure that they would look somewhat coherent with their outfits in the pictures and not clash so much to create a true power couple moment, which I assume was the goal of their red carpet moment. Kells’ outfit isn’t amazing, but he tried to stand out and not look boring and I would have liked to see a woman by his side who felt the same way about fashion and match his ideas about how to use it to step up the game. I think for Kells it’s very important to make fashion statements on red carpets and at events at the moment, but I don’t think that Megan is on the same wavelength, so instead of couple goals, they just looked like they were going to two different events and someone just randomly put them together for a picture. It would have been very easy for Megan to match Kells more, for example she could have used a silver purse or matched the style of his outfit better and I’m only focusing on Megan matching Kells here, because I believe that Kells very likely got the job to perform before Megan was even asked to be a presenter or in other words, I believe that Megan was only a presenter, because Kells was performing.

When they previously released a list of 10 presenters, Megan wasn’t among them and usually they would have used the best names that would get the most people to watch the show and Megan surely would have been one of them. In addition I believe it was in the SPIN interview, where they described how he got the phone call that he would be performing at the AMAs and how Megan grabbed her phone after he got the news. Who did Megan immediately need to text to share Kells’ good news with? Her mum? Or her team to get her somehow on the show now too, so she can continue to leech on to Kells’ success and make herself part of it, because lately any interviews and photo shoots that Megan was part of were actually Kells’ and not hers and that’s a fact you can’t argue with!

The posing

I don’t think that the red carpet moment was their only goal with the PR, however this was surely supposed to be a highlight of their relationship, because they used it to become red carpet official, Megan showed her tattoo dedicated to Kells for the first time and she even had the honor to announce her own boyfriend’s performance. All points that were supposed to set them up for a perfect couple goals evening and to make people fall in love with them. However they managed to fail that goal in every aspect! And I honestly was surprised at how badly they delivered! I was really not expecting that :D! They had one job to sell everyone on their relationship and couldn’t even do that although both of them work as actors and therefore acting should come more natural to them and we know that they can play the in love couple from all the paparazzi pictures and videos, where they also look awkward and staged, but I can see why people buy their show. At the AMAs I can’t understand anyone who saw them as a happy couple in love, not even if I tried it!

Two stones would have had more chemistry than Kells and Megan! What was that? Lmao! ^^ Megan is only trying to look sultry and sexy and is hyper focused on the camera while forgetting that there’s a guy right next to her who she’s allegedly madly in love with. She looks like she didn’t come to take pictures together with Kells, actually she looks like his presence annoys her and she would prefer to just have him stand there, not touch her and get in her way so she can do what she came for, seducing the camera and look hot for her ultimate media coverage. I agree with everyone who said that she looked rather mad tho. I don’t think that Megan is a team player, not in her relationship and not when it comes to attention. She was only thinking about how good she will look instead of how good they could look together as a couple if they focused more on being there together instead of themselves. I take Kells looking to the side and down as a sign of trying to offer a more natural couple pose, where they would have been interacting more with each other while showing his hair cut from a better angle too, but Megan was on her ego trip or pissed at Kells and didn’t look like she wanted to be part of what he wanted to do. I don’t see any specific emotion in Kells either when he looked down. He could have looked at a white wall and have the same expression. If people think that’s love in his eyes, their standards for love are seriously low! The videos for their pictures are my personal highlights tho, because anything that already looked embarrassing and awkward in the pictures is only amplified in the videos and shows even more how ridiculously they behave and I can take them even less seriously as a couple who isn’t selling their relationship for their career and personal reasons! ^^ At first you’d think that Kells posing with Megan was like he usually poses, because in a way it is, but when you see the pictures of him alone and with Travis he came a lot more out of his shell, stuck his tongue out and even made an exaggerated smile face. I think it shows that with Travis he feels more comfortable to be himself and act silly even at a public event while with Megan it was strictly all about business and keeping it cool and hot. I assume that they talked about how they would pose for the cameras and maybe Megan decided that awkwardly standing next to each other would be enough to sell their love while not taking too much attention away from herself and maybe they had an argument beforehand which would explain the bad mood and long faces too. It would have been better if they hadn’t focused so much on looking hot and instead enjoyed being there with each other and then maybe they would have got better pictures too where you could have seen that they at least like each other, because in those pictures they don’t even look like they want to have anything to do with each other! Someone on DailyMail commented that you can tell that they practiced their poses in front of a mirror and they literally did, because majority of their official couple pictures are mirror selfies where they stand next to each other like buddies and it won’t get any less awkward the more they pose like that! :D But the picture where both of them have their mouths open is hilarious! It’s probably one of the worst pictures I’ve seen of them. They look like wax figures! ^^

Their body language as a couple with such an intense love that Megan can only express it with toxic poetry is horrible although this was supposed to be their big couple goals moment! There’s no chemistry between them, I can feel the coldness and bad atmosphere around them by only looking at the pictures. I thought that we would see more of their super intense and special love and connection as twin flames, but there’s nothing between them. They look like two random people who were asked to take a picture together and afterwards went their separate ways. They aren’t interacting with each other, they are stiffly standing straight to the camera with their bodies. Both of their feet are also pointed towards the camera, which means that there’s no interest in each other in that moment and Megan even crossed her legs, which isn’t a good sign either. Like I mentioned, Kells looked at Megan one time, but she didn’t look back and he went back into his initial pose. And only then Megan tilted her head into his direction for a couple of seconds without ever looking away from the camera tho. It’s so awkward to see them pose in the video that it’s funny again ^^! Megan actually posed with Brian and Shia on red carpets a lot more naturally and in love than with Kells and so did Kells with other women too, who he was dating or had a thing with like Remy LaCroix or Halsey. But with each other, Kells and Megan failed this red carpet moment although they are self claimed twin flames like this is the ultimate relationship and they are with their ultimate partner and still they look like wax figures on their special day! In case anyone wants to claim that I’m only saying this because I don’t like them together there’s even an article about their body language at the AMAs from a body language expert who said the same things and even more. If you think there’s any love in these pictures, you’re lying to yourself! Thanks to the anon for finding the article! :)

“This is not what I'd expect from a couple who's gushing over each other," says Traci Brown, body language expert and author of Persuasion Point: Body Language and Speech for Influence after examining their pictures. Brown describes their body language as "almost emotionless."

Click here for the link to read the full article: Megan Fox & Machine Gun Kelly's AMAs Red Carpet Body Language Is Surprising

The announcement

We could argue now that it was just in that moment that Megan seemed more mad than in love with Kells when they took the official pictures, but when she presented him, she acted the same way. No emotions, not even a little bit of faked excitement although she was talking about all of us being under his spell for many years lol. ^^ It makes me wonder if she was only allowed to accompany Kells if she also announced his performance or her team thought that this would be a great idea, but she didn’t want to do it, she only wanted to come, look sexy at the camera, get her attention and articles and leave the work as per usual to Kells. But even on her own fan pages people noticed how emotionless she was and how weird that was, because if you are allowed to announce your own boyfriend, who was giving his AMAs’ debut, you’d think that you’d be more proud and excited about it and try to give your best and not what Megan did on that stage! There’s a behind the scenes picture where she is smiling on stage, the only time that she was caught smiling by the way, but when she was filmed, she was as emotionless as she was in the pictures that she took with Kells and those were the moments that mattered.

[trainer-stealthclaw]

Never-Ending

Summary: A new timeloop draws near, and Shintaro wonders what he will do when the next fated day arrives. (Originally posted on FF.Net in 2017) Genre: Fantasy Word Count: 1905 A/N: Note that this was originally written before the manga finale, thus the Snake of Retaining Eyes’s true identity had not been revealed yet. However, given that it’s from Shintaro’s POV, and with the unforthcoming nature of Snake!Ayano, it can still be read as a counterpart to a recent fanfic of mine, Drowning Through Time, which can be read here or here.  TW: Suicide mention, guns

Read on FF.Net

Shintaro opened his eyes, and found himself staring into nothing.

He was surrounded by darkness, an overpowering haze of shadows clouding his eyes. Uneasiness stirred within his stomach, making him feel nauseous. Where was this place?

He squinted into the gloom, trying to ignore the strange sounds clicking and whirring all around. He knew the sound fairly well, having once taken apart a clock as a kid in a fit of boredom. However, it was more than that. Somehow, that sound - it was vaguely familiar, just at the edges of his consciousness. The grinding metal gears in bronze, silver and gold. A familiar clang of bells. The faintest feeling of a memory.

His head felt heavy. He grasped it in his hands, his black hair falling into his eyes. That sound! Make it stop!

The bells were no longer in his memory. They surrounded him. They reverberated through his head. The sound bashed through his skull.

Bang! Clang! Bang! Clang! Ding! Dong!

Each clash of metal drilled into his head and into his mind.

Thoughts, images, phrases, people, laughter, tears, memories. It poured into him until he could take it no more, and as it kept coursing through his mind, he remembered. These weren’t new memories. These were old ones, very, very old. They were his memories, no doubt about that, but they weren’t from this time. They were from another time, and the time before that, and even beyond that.

They were memories of previous timeloops that he had experienced. Him and his friends – the Mekakushi Dan, a strange group they were, but by God, they were there for him and his sister when no one else was – had been repeating the entirety of their lives over and over without realising what was happening, and every single time, it had ended in their deaths on a specific day, August 15th. No, death was the wrong word. In every loop, they were murdered.

Memories rushed to the surface and he covered his mouth, the overwhelming urge to vomit overtaking him.

— 

The murderer who wore the face of his friend, a maniacal grin stretched on his lips, pointed at the white-haired girl, Mary, who slumped on the ground behind Shintaro.

The bodies of their friends lay around them, limp and lifeless. Dark red stained the concrete.

He sneered. “How magnificent! Even now, Queen, your ego permits you to selfishly cower behind your “knight” during this “grand finale”. Now,” he extended his hand out towards her, “If you want your little friends to be saved, then use your monstrous power!”

Shintaro glanced behind at his friend. Tears leaked from her wide eyes and dripped down her cheeks, which glistened with the beginnings of scales growing on her skin. Her pupils began to turn red.

“S-Stop…” she croaked hoarsely, “I don’t…I don’t want my friends to die!”

Her flowing hair flared up and broke out into spikes, almost wing-like against her form.

Shintaro didn’t fully understand what was going on, but he felt a rush of terrible foreboding. “Mary, stop!” he shouted.

For a moment, she hesitated.

That moment was where it ended.

“My, my, I can’t have you doing.” The murderer pointed his pistol right at Shintaro’s chest and pulled the trigger.

Intense pain filled him, and then, he knew no more.

—

Timeloops. Constant, circling, weaving strands of time that looped together like knotted threads, repeating events and changing experiences. His memories went so far back that he could barely comprehend it. How long – just how long, had he and everyone else been stuck like this, trapped in an infinite loop? How long had Mary been turning back time to save them?

How many times have they died?

He felt weak at the thought. He tried to take a step forward, but stumbled forward into the darkness. He expected the cold feeling of the gears spinning beneath his feet, but it never came. A pair of pale hands caught him and gently steadied him upright.

“So, you remember everything.” The other person’s voice was high and clear. It was a voice that he would’ve known anywhere.

Shintaro looked up, only to find himself staring into the scarlet eyes of a girl in his old school’s female student uniform. Her brown hair fluttered in the cold air, and she smiled.

Ayano, he found himself thinking instinctively. Her smile was as pretty as ever. His old classmate, his friend, the girl that he had… He reached out reflexively to touch the side of her face, only to freeze and recoil.

Because Ayano was dead.

She had died two years ago, but he remembered it like it was yesterday. Sitting in the dull classroom, like any other day, only to see people carrying white flowers to her desk. He remembered the evening news, which had officially announced that she had committed suicide. He remembered that it was his fault (if only he had noticed her pain).

His mouth was dry. He struggled to get the words out. “You’re not Ayano.”

The girl, if it was possible, smiled even wider, and stepped back, enough for him to get a clearer view of her. “Clever as ever, Shintaro.” She inclined her head, pushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “How could you tell?”

He scowled at her, pushing his hands into his pockets. “Ayano’s dead.”

“So are you,” she pointed out. Her mouth twitched like she was amused, but her eyes glittered in a way that made him wary. “You’ll have to try harder than that, you know.”

“You’re also not wearing her red scarf. She never went anywhere without the damn thing.” It should have been his first warning sign, really. Then again, he had to admit with a sigh, it showed just how desperate he was. He missed her badly.

The girl in front of him seemed callous to his troubles. She gave a light giggle, in the voice that made his heart ache. “Then, do you know who I am?”

Of course he knew her. He stared at her, and his new – no, terribly old – memories flashed in his head. He knew her, much better than even he would have thought. After all, she was the source of his powers, the reason why he was able to remember everything he’s ever seen.

“You’re…the power that Mary gave me many timeloops ago,” he said slowly. “The Snake of Retaining Eyes.”

As if his words were a spell, the girl form changed shape, morphing into a long black silhouette that curled around him. Its presence was unreal, almost like smoke. Its bright eyes peered at him unblinkingly.

It flicked its tongue. “That’s right,” its voice – still much like Ayano’s – echoed in his head. “It’s been too long since we talked like this. Though it’s unfortunate that it is in these circumstances.” It regarded him seriously. “It’s a pity that your ability was only triggered after the fact. As of right now, the Snake of Clearing Eyes has succeeded in its plan, and the Queen, your friend Mary, is about to reset time once more.”

“The Snake of Clearing Eyes,” Shintaro murmured. “That’s the being who killed me.” He touched his chest, near the area where the bullet had pierced his skin.

“Yes,” the Snake of Retaining Eyes replied softly. “And when you’re reborn, you won’t immediately remember the previous loops again. You’ll have to find a way to trigger your ability, before it’s too late.”

“And if I don’t?” His mouth went dry.

“Then everyone dies.” It said simply, “And the loop continues on. The Queen may reset time, but she never remembers it. There is nobody who can change the future.”

It knelt its head down to his eye-level, and stared at him. Its eyes were deep red, like a burning fire that threatened to turn everything in its path to ashes. “Nobody, that is, except you. It has to be you, Shintaro. You can choose whatever path you wish.”

They stared at each other. The cold icy grip of fear grabbed a hold of him. He had never been a fighter, not in his entire life, and never even in any of the timeloops that now lived in his memories. The thought of what was coming ahead scared him to death.

You know, Shintaro? They say that red is the colour of heroes.

He touched the fabric of his red jacket.

It suits you!

Ayano’s words from long ago echoed in his head. No Ayano, he told her silently, Even now, I’m not a hero. But…

The faces of all his friends came to mind.

They were loud and obnoxious kids. All they did was pull him into nonsensical “missions” like dragging him out to go to the amusement park, when he was perfectly satisfied to just hide in his room and mess around on the internet. They were a pain in the ass, and that was on a good day.

But it was because of them that he was even able to go out at all, instead of holing up in his house. As ridiculous as their gang seemed, they were the reason he could start to look forward to his every day.

A new image came to mind, the image of them smiling and laughing, in spite of the hard times they had all been through.

His Snake urgently hissed and flicked its tongue once again. “Time is running out. A new timeloop approaches. Now that you remember the secrets of this never-ending tragedy, what will you do?”

He clenched his fists. He wasn’t a “hero”, but there was only one thing he could really do. Only one way that this “story” could end.

Shintaro looked his Snake in the eye. “I was given this power for a reason. This time, that Clearing Eyes bastard will be the one to pay. I’ll make sure that this never-ending summer finishes for good.”

The bells around them began to ring once more. Everything began to fade to white, but even in the blinding light, although it was a ridiculous notion, he could’ve sworn that he saw his Snake smile.

“So this is your answer. Your memories may be lost, and this time may be lost, but don’t lose sight of those feelings when you make your new start. Go forth, and don’t turn away your eyes. Face forward, even in the unrelenting summer heat.” And with that, everything was gone.

— 

Shintaro woke up with a groan. The alarm clock beeped annoyingly. He fumbled around for the button to turn it off. His eyes took in the date on the digital time.

August 15th.

He didn’t know why, but something about the day filled him with familiar dread.

[snaamagica]

mala’s OCs pt 1: zetta intro

i’m preparing to do an aesthetics board for the magical girl AU for one of my OCs, and i’m making myself emotional thinking about her. i’ll do a nice writeup for her to go along with the board, but here’s a less fancy but still tl;dr summary of her:

zetta contracts when she’s about thirteen years old, but survives many years, becoming a veteran in her area. i’m going to be making a new city setting for my OCs to roam around in, but if this was kamihama, she’d be from mizuna, i think. her parents are well off, though i don’t think i’ve... ever? decided what it is specifically they do? (and if this was set in kamihama, then they would have moved to japan at some point when zetta was young.) her very best friend and most important person in her entire world is riley, a boy she grew up with practically from birth. riley and zetta’s parents are longtime friends, and that’s why the two of them grew up together

zetta’s wish is “no one will ever hurt us again.” they have struggles with their families (and riley with bullies), and zetta is very protective — just as a person, in general, but especially of riley. (i’ll get into all of this below.) i waffle back and forth about how exactly it goes down, but i do know that zetta blows kyubey off at first. but, honestly, all he has to do is wait, because it’s only a matter of time before zetta would cave. she will do anything — anything — to keep riley safe. (in their original versions, they get married the second they’re old enough)

the way that her wish works is very on-the-nose, though; while she and riley are protected from things like someone causing direct physical harm, someone could still do something like, say, push them off of something high, and they would still get hurt. after all, physics is the cause of injury there...

she’s very scientific-minded, specifically mechanically-minded. she’s very into robots and the like, too. so her magical girl shtick is all very sci fi... actually, more accurately, i’m feeling cyberpunk for her design! her weapons are floating gears, which she manipulates using controls on her gauntlets. her unique ability is to create magical force fields. her element is light and manifests as electricity and storms. (i haven’t made decisions on any of her move names or her witch yet, but her design is going to have a focus on asymmetrical and androgynous styles. i think it’ll be a lot of monotones, white / gray / silver / black, but also with a bright neon green as the primary accent? maybe a darker, stormy blue-green instead of black?)

as a magical girl, she’s VERY interested in how magic works. she ends up having elements of mami, hinano, and even mitama and perenelle — she studies magic extensively and experiments with it, trying to figure out the limits of what she can do. zetta ends up being especially fond of imbuing items with magic. she’s a tinker, through and through! her protective streak combines well with her veteran status, too, and she ends up granting other magical girls the items she tinkers with to help them out. the item she makes the most use out of personally are a pair of magically imbued glasses that scans and displays information about familiars and witches

alright, this is already long enough, so personality, background, and the complex shit is all under the cut!

personality-wise, zetta and riley are opposites. riley is naturally quiet and shy, more prone to withdrawing under stress. zetta, on the other hand, externalizes. constantly. she’s very vocal, very assertive, and often converts vulnerable feelings into anger, which makes her feel like she has more control over herself, and more safe. but it’s very important to note that zetta’s anger is not a bad thing. part of what makes her so important to me is that she’s an exploration for me of anger being good, instead of something poisonous. i feel like it’s especially important to explore in the context of a girl being angry, too. on the flipside, riley has more of my personality traits in him, just some shuffled around and exaggerated to also explore the combination of passivity, trauma, and moral drive... but we’re not here to talk about him, lol

(i’m thinking he definitely knows about magical girls, though. zetta wouldn’t hide it from him, but he would want to support and help however much he can... while she tries hard to keep him on the sidelines and safe)

zetta has a very bad relationship with her mom, and that informs... everything about her. her mom wanted to treat zetta like an accessory to show off more than an actual daughter, and tried to mold her into the things she wanted her to be, which included very socially-typical feminine things. but zetta has a lot in common with her mom personality-wise, and rebelled from very early on. meanwhile, riley’s parents weren’t entirely... prepared? to be parents? tbh? both of them came from abusive backgrounds themselves and naturally had a lot of baggage from it, and weren’t sure how to handle being parents themselves. add in the presence of riley’s maternal grandfather, one of those said abusive forces, and bullies who took advantage of riley’s doormat nature, and zetta’s dad dying from sudden illness when she’s sixteen... zetta and riley both had rough times growing up

(i have a decent amount developed for their parents and why they’re like that and what their dynamics are like, but i won’t go into it here...)

but — as riley withdraws into himself, zetta steps up to the plate, coming in hot and heavy as his defender. zetta quickly comes to a point where she doesnt tolerate boundary crossing. and she reacts very strongly when those boundaries are crossed, because she refuses to let herself or anyone she cares about be stepped on ever again. she also develops a distinct “us vs them” mentality, where “they” are potential threats and she is willing to do anything to protect “us.” initially, her “us” is very small: just herself and riley. but over time, in all of her stories, she comes to expand that “us,” and becomes a uniting and protective force

i especially enjoy the idea of zetta in the context of the puella universe. i think she suits the thematics very well. she just... slots right in? i think her default story point would be at about 17 or 18, so definitely similar to hinano, yachiyo, and kanagi. i’m honestly very much looking forward to exploring her younger mindset, because i’m used to writing her when she’s over double her veteran magical girl age...

i think there’s a real possibility that zetta’s soul gem gets tainted a lot, and quickly. between her magical experiments and her tinkering, and how volatile she can be emotionally... she’d probably go through a lot of grief seeds, which means she’d need to really be on the ball with her witch hunting. i haven’t thought of any team members or anything yet, but i think it’d be a lot of fun to play with the dichotomy of some girls looking up to her, while she clashes badly with others due to her combative personality...

[archerdiana]

An Arrangement - Chapter 1

Mainichi Shimbun. April 2nd 1996

HIGURASHI SHRINE FIRE: GAS LEAK KILLS 8.

At least 8 people died and two are injured after the shrine and martial arts studio caught fire due to a gas leak in the Setagaya district.  The district's fire department has confirmed facilities were not prepared for an emergency. Fire spread briefly to neighboring buildings before being contained.

Owners of the martial art studio and their youngest son perished in the fire.  Relatives of the victims are taking legal action against the remainder of the Higurashi family.

August 21st 1996

The summer was at its peak and the streets of Tokyo were sweltering hot. Kagome felt overwhelmed by the heat, the upbeat music from the shops, the bright colors on people's clothes. She wanted really badly to scurry away to a dark, quiet room. Her aunt Akari was walking two yards ahead of her with dauntless resolve, unaffected by the heat.

They turned a corner and were suddenly submerged in a wave of salarymen in trite suits pouring out of the nearest subway exit. To close the distance between them she practically had to elbow a few of them aside. "I don't see the point in going. My dad had no lawyer friends." She hissed, trying to keep her voice down.

Akari clucked her tongue. "The man offered to represent you pro bono, and that’s exactly what you can afford right now: not a cent.” Aunt Akari responded, her cheery tone clashing with her words. A few days prior a man called, saying he was an old friend of the Higurashi and would like to help Kagome. She hadn't been home at the moment, else she might have called it a scam. Instead Aunt Akari had happily set an appointment at the address he'd given.

After the fire Akari had taken Kagome in. She was her mother's youngest sibling, a divorcee who hadn't gotten along with her sister, but was willing to help her niece. And Kagome needed all the help she could get. Instead of a college graduation and job interviews She had a funeral and visits to the courthouse. Akari was determined to help the girl weather the loss of her home and family. But that required her having a will to live, and Akari sometimes doubted her niece still had that.

Then there were the legal issues. Five students had lost their lives in the fire -youths who had merely gone for a class that day. The families were seeking a settlement, claiming the facilities were faulty and the Higurashi negligent. Kagome hadn't once spoken up at the families accusations, merely bowing and accepting blame. She felt responsible for it, and the guilt was eating her away. ‘But so are the lawyers’ Akari thought. The girl would be left penniless if she let them have their way.

“Ah, we’re here.” Akari said, stopping at the entrance to a plain, nondescript building. “Good afternoon! We have an appointment in the fifth floor.” Akari announced confidently to the concierge.

---

The women were ushered into a small meeting room to wait. It wasn’t long before a man opened the door, introduced himself as Taisho Sesshomaru and began his explanation. He wasn’t a friend of Higurashi Kenta, rather, their families had been amicable. Kagome’s great grandfather, Higurashi Tatsuki, had been a close friend of his great grandfather, Taisho Touga. What was more, Tatsuki had cured him from a deadly disease, earning the Taisho’s eternal gratitude.

Kagome listened, and tried really hard not to stare. Because Taisho was an albino, with skin white as porcelain and hair whiter still. Most unsettling of all were his eyes, golden as a panther’s.

“That’s really nice to hear, Taisho san. My grandfather always said we come from a line of healers.” Kagome said politely, noticing he was waiting for an answer. “Your offer to represent me is very kind. However, I had reached an agreement already. I will consider it and get back to you.” She concluded and began to stand.

“We are very grateful, Taisho san” Akari emphasized, trying to maintain good graces even if she had been thrown off by her niece’s answer.

“There is one more thing.” Taisho declared in the dispassionate voice he’d used the whole time. He opened the folder he’d been carrying since entering the room and handed the contents to Akari. His gaze bore on Kagome, both searching and evaluating. She felt a strange animosity growing inside her, even as nervousness made her stomach feel hollow.

Akari gasped, and the spell was broken. Kagome turned to find her examining the piece of paper front and back, incredulous of its existence. “Taisho san, I...this can't be…” She looked at Kagome, at the paper, and once again at Taisho before handing the paper over to her niece. As she read it twice, slowly, the clock ticked over their uneasy silence.

“...It’s a marriage contract for Tatsuki’s firstborn daughter and the male heir of Taisho Touga. And from 1887.” She paused, trying to think of something to say. “This is very interesting as well. Are you...her descendant?” She ventured.

“Dear, I don’t think your grandfather had a sister. Or daughters.” Aunt Akari reminded her niece. Kagome looked at her puzzled. “The contract remains unfulfilled: you are the first daughter born in Tatsuki’s line.” She contributed.

At this Kagome’s brain went into panicked hyper action. She was, in fact, the first Higurashi daughter in many generations. If this man had presented the contract he must be the Taisho heir. The rest was an impossibility. The mere thought of a century-old contract involving her, after the horror of the last months was outrageous. Laughable.

‘An arranged marriage.�� Kagome screamed inside her head. “That’s just crazy.” She said aloud.

Akari gave her an admonishing look; then she turned to Taisho, all sweetness and smiles again. “We appreciate this show of sincerity, Taisho san. Kagome will fulfill her end of the deal if you will. Of course, I-”

“No, you don’t get to decide over this, aunt. You’re not Higurashi and even if you were, this is nonsense. We don’t even know each other.” Kagome asserted. She tried to gauge Taisho for a reaction, any sign of complaint, but he just looked at her unimpressed.

“You’re right,” Akari said, forcing her tone into softness. “I’m not Higurashi. You are, and the last one, I might add. Here you have a chance at following your family’s legacy. Consider that. You should go visit your parents’ graves this sunday- if Taisho san is available of course. And there you can decide if you want to break a ninety year old contract over a matter as simple as getting to know each other.”

The sting of her words held Kagome back. Breathless, she watched as Taisho gave a non committal agreement to visit the grave. She barely managed a curt bow when he said goodbye. Only once back in the torrid street she finally regained her senses.

“I don’t appreciate you bringing my parents’ grave into this.” She said, resentment palpable in her voice. “Besides, we don’t know who the man is. And he looks so strange.” She couldn’t help but adding.

Akari looked at her nonchalantly from the corner of her eye and approached a nearby newsstand. “First of all, you were raised better than to judge people on their appearance.The man was born with that coloring, it’s not really his fault. Besides, I found him quite handsome.” She grabbed the morning edition newspaper and flipped a few pages.

“Secondly, I wouldn’t have done that unless I thought you were making a mistake. Perhaps you didn’t notice the name of the law firm, but they’re one of the four biggest in the country. And that man is the youngest junior associate.” She triunfally extended an open spread towards Kagome. There was a picture on the page about the trial of some corporation lawsuit. She didn’t need to point him out; Taisho’s white head stood out between the group of businessmen. “You should consider at least one of his offers”

---

Akari went back to work and Kagome to the one bedroom apartment she now shared with her aunt. It felt particularly stuffy. She changed out of the borrowed formal clothes in desperate movements. As she put on her t-shirt it snagged on her nape, sticky with sweat. She hurried down the stairs, and as soon as her sneakers hit the pavement outside, Kagome dashed. Her route was forty minutes of walking, thirty if she hurried.

She’d bought only the most necessary clothes after the fire, mostly workout gear that she could afford. The microfiber pants were not her style and a tad short on her long legs. The whisper of the fabric rubbing at every step was annoying, and she tried to focus on anything else. She looked around. It was only a sleepy side street, but the aftermath of the recession was clear even there. Rows upon rows of shops gone out of business lined the way. Only a few chain stores here and there survived. Kagome saw no less than three entire office buildings that looked completely abandoned before turning a corner and going up a small path.

She felt the tingle of anxiety in her stomach. She’d graduated just that year with excellent marks; but it mattered little in a recession. All across the country unemployment was at the highest in years, and only a handful of her friends had secured long term employment. ‘I might take that man up on his offer and become a housewife out of necessity’ she thought bitterly, eyes glazed over.

Someone gave her a light push right under the scapula and it was enough to throw her off balance. “Nice to see you Sango.” Kagome said sarcastically from the floor.

Sango leaned on a parked blue sudan and looked down at her. “Unaware of your surroundings, bad balance and bad attitude.” She remarked dryly. “You’re not getting better.”

“Good afternoon Kagome. Welcome back.” A young man in his late teens greeted Kagome from the open gate in the enclosure to their right. Kagome waved at him tensely and followed inside. Sango walked behind and locked the gate after them.

At the other side was a large yard with some ten people, divided in smaller groups, training. A small shrine and altar lied at the center, to the back a sprawling house. It was the headquarters of the Taijiya, and despite being on friendly terms, Kagome was never at ease there. Like the Higurashi, they came from a line of youkai exterminators. Where her family had focused on spiritual practice, the Taijiya fixated on physical combat.

“You can train all you want, but it’s no use if you’re not listening to the feedback.” Sango pointed out as she came to stand next to her brother.

“I’ll strive to be more defensive as I walk.” Kagome replied, trying to be conciliatory. ‘Really, what is up with this girl?’ she thought frustrated. Sango was around Kagome’s age or older; about an inch shorter, and hell bent on being the toughest teacher to her students.

Kohaku tried to hide his chuckle of amusement. The resemblance between the siblings was uncanny, although he was calm and cool headed whereas Sango tended to stubborness. “I’ll take over Kagome’s lesson today.” He informed his sister. Sango nodded and walked away bored. He was younger than her, twenty one at most, but his father was training him as leader, not Sango -maybe the reason for the girl’s desire to prove herself. They headed to the mats and went over a few attacks.

Not an hour later Kagome was covered in sweat and breathless, but her mind was clear. Kohaku waited as she collected herself. A few tendrils escaped his short ponytail, but that’s about all he had to show after wrestling for an hour.

“I felt a big aura today. Enormous actually.” He confided in her. “But then it just…vanished.” He was staring into space, and he stretched out his arm as if reaching for it. He let his hand drop to his side and chuckled at himself. “It doesn’t make much sense. Did you feel anything?”

Kagome shook her head. “You sister is right, I’m not very aware of my surroundings.” She admitted with a tight lipped smile. “Besides, you know I’m blocked spiritually since the fire. I can hardly meditate.”

“Work on it. We need a miko on our side.” Kohaku gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “Lately, youkai are stirring all around.” He noted.

Kagome fixed a polite expression on her face. Growing up Higurashi, she’d learnt all the drivel about youkai hidden among humankind. Of spells to bind them, of killing them off quickly, and of its many trinkets and baubles. She had never liked the whole thing. And yet it was her one remaining link to her family. It was no use discussing that with Kohaku, so she excused herself and went to join Sango’s drill, hellish as it might be. She was exhausted by the end of it, and a big blue bruise was forming on her arm. She ran home to get there before her aunt.

August 25th 1996

The days after Taisho’s visit were a different sort of living hell for Kagome at home. Akari pestered her with tidbits about Taisho, about the success of arranged marriages and beauty treatments she should try.

Come sunday, Kagome found herself dressed in her aunt’s black skirt suit and a rather formal coiffure. She felt stuffy, and older, and unprepared. If Akari sensed her uneasiness that didn’t stop her from lecturing Kagome on how to make a good impression while she applied some makeup on her.

Finally she had enough. “Don’t you think if he was such a catch he’d have a wife by now? A man in his late thirties should be married already. He’s probably an insufferable prick.”

At this her aunt stopped her artful application, rolled her eyes up to the right and considered. “I think he wouldn't marry the kind of woman he dates. So a prick, yes. But now he wants to settle down.”

Kagome scoffed and then bit her lip, anxious again. “Auntie I know I’m a burden…” she felt a knot at her throat, and impossibly, more tears, “but going after this guy is humiliating. I can pay you rent and everything-”

“You’re not a burden Kagome, you’re the last that’s left of my sister.”Akari stopped her, and Kagome was surprised to hear the sincerity and the sadness in her voice. “And if this Taisho is a creep you don’t have to see him again. I’ll finish him if he tries something weird with my niece. But promise me you’ll give it a chance. Besides, this has at least gotten you out of bed.” Concern was everywhere on her aunt’s face, and for the first time Kagome noticed it had etched itself into lines that didn't use to be there. She’d lost a nephew, a sister, and a brother in law. For the last months she’d also been losing her niece with no clue how to reach her.

Kagome swallowed hard and forced on a smile. “I will” she whispered.

More Chapters

[helloalycia]

got you back // daisy johnson

summary: after Afterlife blew up, literally, you were taken by the enemy and experimented on. However, after managing to escape, you found yourself on the run and on the verge of dying. That is until Daisy, the girl you thought you'd never see again, finds you.

warning/s: minor violence?

author’s note: In this imagine, your character is supposed to be like how Lincoln was, Jemma isn't taken by the monolith and Daisy wants to help bring the inhumans together

          I could feel the shopkeeper's eyes trained on me as I searched the medicine aisle for the strongest painkillers they had. In any other circumstance, I probably would have been invisible and overlooked, but the fact that I was sweating and looked a sickly green colour drew all attention on me. The dark hoodie I was wearing probably also didn't help with me looking like I was about to rob someone.

         "Excuse me, miss," the shopkeeper behind the till called, and I bit my tongue to stop myself from snapping. "Are you feeling alright?"

         I cleared my throat to rid any soreness and faced the woman, offering a forced smile. "Uh, yeah, I'm doing good. Thanks."

         I looked back to the shelves and attempted to ignore the sharp pain in my stomach. I knew that even the strongest painkillers I could find wouldn't make me feel better, but it was worth a shot. I had no other choice.

         "Miss, I can call an ambulance if you-"

         "No ambulance," I pleaded, instantly facing her direction and outstretching my hand, but I didn't expect the charity box full of money next to her till to fly backwards and smash against the wall, making all the pennies clash against the floor.

         The woman let out a screech as she ducked when the box hit the wall, and my eyes widened as I lowered my hand. The woman looked to me with a frightened expression and I knew she was about to grab her phone and call the police. That would be the expected reaction. So, I didn't waste a second as I ran out of the corner store, as fast as I could.

         I didn't dare look back, but I could hear the woman shouting something from the front of her store. That didn't go so well with the police car parked out front. After putting two and two together, the police officers dropped their coffees and sprinted right after me.

         "Shit," I cursed as I pushed myself to run faster.

         The unbearable amount of pain I felt inside of my body was indescribable and I felt tears escaping my eyes as I tried to push it away. I glanced over my shoulder, seeing the police officers nearing me. I rounded the corner of an alleyway and used my gravity manipulation powers to drop some crates leaning unstably against a wall. The crash behind me was promising as I managed to slip out of the alleyway and away from their line of sight.

         Unfortunately for me though, using my powers even the slightest bit, intentionally and unintentionally exerted a lot of energy from my already weakening self, so I found my eyesight blurring together, causing me to tumble about and run straight into another figure. The other person caught me and I grunted with pain as I clutched my gut to try to ease the sharpening pain.

         "Y/N!"

         I recognised the voice that called my name and looked up, only to gasp as I saw Skye. She was holding me upright and had a frantic expression on her face. She immediately pulled me into a bone-crushing hug, earning a loud moan of pain from me. She gasped as she pulled away, her brown eyes filled with worry. Now she must have noticed my sick-looking self, but before she could say anything, we both heard something.

         "Over here!"

         One of the police officers called out, and I assumed that they had made it past the crates. They were so close.

         Skye seemed to know what to do as she momentarily pushed her own feelings aside as she said, "Come on, we need to get out of here."

         She led me to a S.H.I.E.L.D. van parked up nearby, but by then, I was long out of it. I so badly wanted to say something – anything – to Skye. I hadn't seen her since Afterlife was destroyed and I never thought I would see her again. This was a miracle.

         "Y/N, come on," she began to say, trying to help me into the back of the van, but it was too late because I was soon met with darkness.

***

         My eyes blinking open felt like I was trying to lift a ton of bricks, and when they did finally open, I had to shut them again because of the bright white lights shining above me.

         "Good to see you're awake," a voice said gently.

         I only knew of one person with a British accent and my presumption was confirmed as to who it was when I saw Jemma Simmons sat at a monitor to my right. She gave a small smile when I looked her way, but I didn't know what to do. I had never really properly been introduced to the fellow agent, as we had met under difficult circumstances when Afterlife was destroyed. So this was definitely odd, though I trusted her if Skye did.

         "You've been unconscious for almost a day now," she told me, standing up and making her way to my bedside. I noticed the heart monitor beside her and soon realised that many wires were attached to my body. "It's better if I get Daisy before discussing anything further."

         I furrowed my eyebrows. "Daisy?"

         Jemma came to realisation of something before correcting herself. "It's better if I let Daisy explain. Daisy is Skye."

         I nodded and she smiled gratefully before leaving the room. It didn't take long for somebody to return because I could hear Skye, uh, Daisy, complaining from down the corridor, and it instantly made me smile.

"Are you kidding me? I sit with her all day and the one time I go to pee, she wakes up? That's totally unfair and–"

         "Sorry I woke up at such an inconvenient time for you," I cut her off as she entered my room, my voice croaking and sore because of my dry throat.

         I immediately felt happier when she walked in, even if there were tears coming from her eyes. She was here, after so long, and God I couldn't feel anymore blessed.

         "You're such an asshole," she got out before racing towards me and embracing me in a tight hug.

         I appreciated her warmth and closeness, having forgotten what that felt like for a while now. Smiling into the hug, I pulled her closer when she tried to move away. I heard her laugh as she held me longer, and it sent a blissful feeling in my stomach.

         "Sorry, I just really missed you," I apologised lamely when we finally separated. I noticed her hair was shorter now. It suited her.  

         She kept ahold of my hand as she smiled through her teary eyes. "Don't be sorry. I didn't– I'm glad I found you."

         I heard Jemma come through the doorway and when she saw the two of us, she sighed in relief. "Good to see the two of you reunited."

         Skye hadn't stopped grinning since she saw me, and a chuckle escaped her lips as she looked from Jemma back down to me. Maybe it was the bright light that shone above her head, but she truly looked like an angel.

         "I heard you go by Daisy now," I hinted, wondering what that was about.

         "Yeah," she confirmed, a sad smile on her lips. "My dad... he, erm..."

         "I get it," I cut her off, squeezing her hand. "It suits you. Though, may take some getting used to. And your hair looks especially beautiful cut shorter."

         Her contagious laughter filled my ears and I couldn't help but grin at the sound. A short silence settled between us before I saw her smile fade away.

         "...I was looking everywhere for you," she admitted, her glassy eyes never leaving mine as she spoke. "When Afterlife was destroyed, I thought-" she paused, a frown on her lips, and I squeezed her hand again, for reassurance. A reminder that I was still here. Because of her. "The facial recognition software got a hit on you at the store yesterday and I couldn't believe it. I came as soon as I could."

         "Good thing you did," I attempted to lighten the mood, and it worked because her frown lifted into a small smile. "Thank you. I didn't think I would see you again."

         "You couldn't get rid of me even if you wanted to," she teased, earning a short laugh from me. Her expression however, soon turned serious as she feared asking, "What happened? I looked everywhere for you. I didn't stop looking, but you weren't there. I'm sorry."

         "Don't blame yourself for not finding me sooner," I tried to reassure her, though it didn't do much because I could see the guilt reflecting in her eyes. Daisy cared about everybody and would always blame herself for things that she couldn't control. I lifted our intertwined hands and left a gentle kiss on hers. "You wouldn't have been able to find me anyway."

         Her eyebrows knitted together, but before I could further elaborate, my face twisted in pain again. The pain inside was stronger this time, eliciting a groan from myself.

         "Y/N, are you okay?" Daisy asked, her eyes widening as she looked about helplessly.

         Jemma came to my other side, glancing at me worriedly before looking at the monitors next to me. My pain soon subsided and I nodded, hoping to make them feel better.

         "Now is probably time to tell us what's going on with you, Y/N," Jemma commented, before giving me an encouraging look. "If you're up to it." I nodded and she continued, saying, "I did some x-rays and took some blood samples, and well, it seems there's something inside of you and in your blood stream. I've never seen anything like it..."

         I took a deep breath before speaking. "After Afterlife was destroyed, I had nowhere to go. I tried to escape with some other Inhumans, but a few of us were taken. By Hydra, I think, but I can't be sure."

         The two agents shared a look, of which I couldn't understand very well, but I knew it was nothing good.

         "The others were-" I paused and closed my eyes, trying to refrain from crying at the thought of losing my friends again. I blinked my eyes open again, only to see Daisy watching me with a soft gaze. "They didn't make it. I was the last to be experimented on, but I left before they could, well, you know..."

         My eyes flickered downwards as I fought against the flashbacks that were threatening to return. I never thought I would escape from that wretched place. I never thought I would hear from Daisy again. She was the only person I had left, and I thought I had lost her for good.

         "What did they do to you, Y/N? I know it's hard, but we need to know if we're to help," Daisy said, and I knew she hated to push me, but she had no choice but to.

         I nodded slowly. "Well, from what I could gather, they wanted to see if they could reverse the process of terrigenesis. I think they wanted to understand how I got my powers, and maybe recreate it. But they couldn't do it and now I'm stuck with something inside of me that I feel is killing me. I only got out because someone on the inside helped me. My powers are... faulty, I guess. They work at random times, when I don't want them to. And when I use them, I feel like I'm going to be sick."

         I finally looked up, seeing Daisy watching me with pity in her eyes. I sighed and looked to Jemma, who was pretty much looking the same, though I could see her brain running at a million miles per hour.

         "You can help her, right, Jemma?" Daisy asked her friend, a pleading look in her eyes. "You can get this thing out of her, right?"

         Jemma looked helpless as she looked between Daisy and I. I knew it was probably impossible for her to help me and I wanted to save her the trouble from admitting that.

         "Daisy," I began, resting a hand on her arm, causing her to look my way. "It's-"

         "No," she cut me off, shaking her head before looking to Jemma. "You can help her, right?"

         Jemma let out a shaky breath. "Daisy, I don't know. I can try, but it will require lots of samples and tests. I need to understand what's going on here-"

         "That's fine," Daisy confirmed, nodding her head. She looked to me. "You're alright with that, right?"

         I shrugged loosely. "I guess, but-"

         “Good! See? She's fine with it," Daisy cut me off again, looking to Jemma again. "Just, please. Make her better."

         Jemma nodded her head, a sad smile on her lips. "I'll see what I can do. But for now. Y/N should get some rest."

         She fluffed my pillows and adjusted my blankets in a comfortable fashion before giving me a toothless smile and leaving. I appreciated her generosity so much. I may actually get better, and that was hard to come to terms with.

         "You didn't have to do that," I said as soon as Jemma left, meeting Daisy's gaze. "If she can't help me, you would have gotten your hopes up for no reason."

         Daisy shook her head. "Don't say that. Jemma is the smartest person I know. If anyone can help you, it's her. You deserve that. You helped me at Afterlife, so now it's my turn."

         I was ready to argue, but Daisy shook her head. "No more talking. You heard Simmons. You need to get some rest. I'll visit you when you wake up."

         I nodded, knowing it was no use. And my tiredness was catching up with me, so I gave in and smiled Daisy's way before closing my eyes. I felt her leave a kiss on my forehead before she left, and I felt butterflies in my stomach as I drifted into my first peaceful slumber in a long time.

***

         The following few days were filled with blood samples, DNA samples, x-rays, and everything and anything else that required poking and prodding at me. I was extremely grateful for all of the effort both Fitz and Simmons were putting in to help me, but that didn't make the needles any more bearable.

         Daisy did, however. She came to stay with me every morning and left every night. I didn't want to worry her, but I did feel myself growing weaker and I wasn't sure how long I had left, so I was making the most of these times with Daisy. She brightened my days.

         "I spy something beginning with D," Daisy said, a childish grin on her lips.

         I quirked an eyebrow as I smiled with amusement. "Are you kidding me?"

         "Clue: she is the best person one can ever meet," she added, smiling adorably.

         I put my hand on my chin, pretending to think. "Hmm, Doctor Simmons?"

         Daisy feigned offence and playfully smacked me on the arm. Meanwhile, Simmons, who was on the other side of the room, was laughing hysterically to herself. I chuckled as the biochemist patted me on the leg before leaving Daisy and I alone.

         "I hate you," Daisy mumbled.

         I smiled teasingly. "Love you, too, Daisy." There was a short silence, before I said, "The last time I saw you, Daisy, you were having troubles with your powers. How are things now?"

         Excitement washed over her expression as she looked to me eagerly. "It's going really well, Y/N. Thanks to you and my friends, I've really gained control over everything. I know they aren't a curse now..."

         I bit my lip to contain my happiness for her. "Daisy, that is absolutely amazing. I'm so proud of you."

         I rested my hand on hers, which took her by surprise for a split second before she widened her smile and enlaced our fingers properly. My heart was bursting at the contact and I honestly wouldn't have had it any other way.

         God, I was going to miss this. Miss her. I felt like I was saying goodbye and I didn't like it. I felt a fear that I had only felt when I was with my capturers. What if I never see Daisy again? I wasn't ready to leave. I wanted to do so many things. Live my life. Be with Daisy... I would never suck it up and tell her how I felt and I would never be able to take her out on a first date. I was going. Dying.

         "Y/N, what is it? What's the matter?"

         I blinked to clear the blurriness from my eyes. I didn't even notice the tears building up there until one of them rolled down my cheeks, causing Daisy to grow concerned and wipe it away. I hated to see her like that.

         "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you."

         "No, what is it? Please, I want to help," she almost begged, a frown on her lips.

         I tried to laugh, to lighten the tension and make myself look less miserable. But I think that only made it worse. I tried wiping away at ongoing tears to distract myself from having to meet Daisy's darkening eyes.

         "I'm scared," I admitted, my voice weak and trembling with a fear I had been trying so desperately to internalise. "I'm scared that Fitz and Simmons won't be able to help me. I'm scared that I'm losing precious time. I'm scared that I'm dying..."

         I forced my eyes closed, as if it would make me invisible to the fragile girl before me. I didn't want to make this any harder on her. She had done so much and I wasn't helping.

         "No, don't say that," she said, and I opened my eyes when I felt her shuffle forward and cup my face with her hand. "I don't believe that one bit, Y/N. Fitz and Simmons are the smartest people I know and–"

         "And I'm not doubting that," I cut her off, sniffling shortly afterwards. I was still to afraid to meet her gaze, but I could feel it burning through me. "But what if that isn't enough? I might not make it, Daisy... I don't want– I don't want to die..."

         I inhaled a sharp breath and finally looked up, only to burst into tears immediately. All I remembered was Daisy embracing me in a hug, her arms soft and warm and comfortable. Her hands holding me securely, stroking my hair comfortingly. Her voice whispering in my ear that I would be okay. She would make sure of that.

         I had no choice but to believe she was right as I sobbed into her shoulder.

***

         "...you don't have to do it if you don't want to, Y/N, remember that," Jemma added onto the end of her short list of precautions. She was explaining the procedure of the surgery that was about to take place. It was now or never.

         "The alternative is death, right?" I joked, hoping to lighten the mood, but neither Jemma nor Daisy laughed and I was left struggling to breathe because of how weak I felt.

         "Y/N, this is serious," Daisy reminded me as if I didn't already know. I glanced at her and saw that she was just as scared as I was. I was glad she was here though.

         "I know, sorry," I apologised, meeting her gaze before looking back to Jemma. "What are the side effects of this again? I should probably prepare myself."

         Jemma seemed hesitant. "Well... not much of a side effect, but I can't use anaesthetic during the procedure as it may react with what they've put inside of you. It's running through your bloodstream and I'm not sure what could happen."

         "Awesome...," I mumbled.

         "Side effects will definitely include immediate withdrawal symptoms as your body has been depending on this chemical in your body for a while now," she explained simply, and I could see her concern despite how much she tried to hide it. "The biggest risk of this is that there'll be a 50 percent chance of you having powers after this."

         I released a deep breath as I looked up to the ceiling. Wow. Okay. No powers? I should've been happy, I guess. When I first got my powers, I tried to find a cure for it. As if being inhuman was a disease. But now I'd grown used to them. They were apart of me. Could I really be the same without my powers?

         "Even if you have no powers, we can still help you, Y/N," Daisy said, pulling me from my thoughts. I felt her hand lace through mine and looked towards her. She was smiling kindly. "I've got your back through it all."

         I returned the smile and nodded my head. I would be okay, no matter what. I just had to focus on surviving through this surgery. I could do that.

         I looked to Jemma. "I'm ready, doc."

         Jemma seemed confident as she nodded her head, which definitely made me feel better. "Alright. I recommend distracting yourself, but do as you wish."

         I nodded and tried to steady my breathing and ignore her zooming around for tools and such. She'd already cleared space for me and her assistants were doing everything they could to make sure the monitors were working and the wires were connected to me right. My shirt was off and there was a dotted line drawn on my torso where I would be cut open. God, I needed to distract myself. Fast.

         "Hey, I got you," Daisy's voice rang clear despite the sound of busy doctors and nurses around me. I looked to her and focused her and only her. Everything else was background noise.

         "Thanks for being here," I said before I couldn't speak anymore.

         "I'll always be here, whenever you need it," she promised, bringing my hand to her lips and planting a gentle kiss on it. "Always."

         "Yes, I need it now," Jemma's voice broke through the barrier I had built, and I tried to push it out as I focused on Daisy.

         "When we get out of here, I'm finally gonna take you out to get something to eat," Daisy commented, and I knew what she was doing. "Maybe we can make a day of it, y'know? Hit up a theme park. Go on some roller coasters. Haunted house, maybe? Ooh, a water park! It would be awe–"

         I scrunched my face in pain as I felt the scalpel cutting through my skin. I tried so hard to ignore the feeling, but god, it was sharp and long and I felt like it was lasting forever.

         "I can't wait for you to properly meet everyone," Daisy grabbed my attention again, and as much as she wanted to react to Jemma's steady hand, she held back. "Coulson already loves you. I know you've met him before, but it isn't the same under life-threatening situations. May is awesome. You'll love her. They're my family."

         I wanted to respond and tell her I was happy for her. Glad she felt at home with her S.H.I.E.L.D family. But no words came out, only tears.

         Daisy bit her lip to stop it from trembling and her eyes darted between Jemma, who I could see in my peripheral vision, and me.

         "I started helping new Inhumans since you've been gone," she tried her hardest to continue. "They're new, like I was when you found me. I guess I'm doing okay helping them out, but I'm sure you would've done a much better job. You're good at stuff like that."

         I squeezed Daisy's hand, hoping she knew I was listening and cared. She smiled sadly at me as I kept a strong grip on her hand, needing to take my pain out somewhere.

         "Got it," I heard Jemma say. "It's right here."

         I spared a glance her way and saw she was staring at my stomach, which was now cut open.

         "Y/N, love, I've found the source of the chemical they've put inside of you, but it's going to hurt when I remove it," she warned me, sharing a look with Daisy at the same time.

         "Mhm," was all I could respond, my insides feeling like they were on fire.

         "You're going to feel a strike of pain for only a moment, then this will be over, okay?"

         I gulped down the lump in my throat and found myself gripping Daisy's hand. "Yeah. Just do it."

         "Daisy, distract her again, this won't be pretty..." I heard Jemma mutter, probably thinking I wouldn't hear.

         "This is distraction enough, doc," I joked, though it probably sounded terrible with my state currently.

         Jemma forced a smile before looking to Daisy. They exchanged glances before I saw the hacker look down to me with a determined look on her face. I hoped I would make it past this so I could tell her how beautiful she looked today.

         "You're fine, Y/N," she told me, and I almost believed it. She looked up to Jemma and said, "She's fine. She's got this."

         Jemma nodded and began to grab the tools necessary to remove whatever was inside of me.

         "Look at me, Y/N," Daisy called over, and I met her dark eyes to see them glistening with tears. "You're the strongest person I know. If anybody can handle this, it's you."

         I wanted to reply, but I couldn't.

         "You know why we became friends? Because you're understanding. You listened to everything I had to say and tried to understand, even if you couldn't. It's hard to find that in a person." She smiled and leaned closer, probably to prevent me from turning to look at Jemma.

         "I'm not letting you go from here when we're done," she said seriously. "You make me better. You helped me a lot and I want to do the same for you. You've been through a lot and now it's my turn to understand. I'll listen to everything you have to say."

         "Three," I heard Jemma say, but it was mere background noise. I was too entranced by Daisy and her words.

         "We've been friends for a while now and you're my family, I don't know if you know that." She chuckled dryly. "But I guess I've kind of developed feelings for you."

         "Two."

         "I don't want to mess up any more of my chances with you," she said, licking her lips. "I can't lose you again. I need you to know how I feel about you."

         "One."

         "So, I'm just going to show you, Y/N. And I can only hope you feel the same. Or at least don't hate me after I do what I'm gonna do."

         As the pain from the extraction took its toll, my eyes widened, but I couldn't exactly react because Daisy had already moved forward and pressed her lips against mine. My mind was confused with the overwhelming pain from my stomach and the passion coming from Daisy's kiss.

         I couldn't even acknowledge what was happening because the pain had left soon enough, and Daisy was now sitting beside me as normal, her face flustered and eyes cast down to meet mine.

         "She's losing blood, come on," Jemma shouted, but it was distant.

         I saw Daisy looking ahead, worry in her eyes. She dropped my hand and began to shout things across the room, but I couldn't understand what. My eyes were fuzzy now, with tears and darkness, and I couldn't focus on the brunette before me. I felt dizzy, like the room was spinning.

         I didn't understand what had happened and I didn't get to because I was unconscious in no time.

***

         Beep. Beep. Beep.

         My eyes flickered open and blinked several times as they adjusted to the bright white light above me. It didn't take long for me to realise where I was and remember all that happened. The surgery. S.H.I.E.L.D. Daisy kissing me.

         "Hey, you're finally awake."

         I tilted my head to the left, seeing Daisy sat on a chair. The same chair she'd been sat on the last few days as she cured my boredom. She looked tired. Her hair was in a messy bun and her leather jacket was strewn on the back of her chair. Still, she looked beautiful.

         "Hey," I barely got out, before a series of coughs rattled my body. I flinched as I moved too harshly for my stomach. I noticed it was bandaged up now.

         "Here, have this," Daisy suggested, already helping me drink some water.

         I kindly accepted and appreciated the cold water soothing my throat. She set the glass down on the bedside table, and I saw a vase filled with flowers there. Along with a 'get well soon' card. I smiled at the thought immediately, before looking back to Daisy.

         "How are you feeling?" she asked, resting a hand on my arm. "Everything went well, so you just need to rest for now."

         I felt relief at the sound of my surgery being successful. "I'm good. Just sore, but I don't feel like I'm dying which is good."

         As much as she hated my dark humour, I saw a smile erupt on the hacker's face, causing me to do the same.

         "Thank you for being here with me," I said, moving my arm from beneath her hand and instead taking her hand in mine. "Throughout the surgery and now."

         At the mention of the surgery, I saw her cheeks dust with pink. She obviously recalled the kiss, as did I. Which reminded me...

         "I have feelings for you too," I came right out and admitted, taking her by surprise. "I have done for a while now... And I enjoyed your kiss. I honestly thought that was it in that surgery, but I wouldn't have minded if it meant I could kiss you at least once."

         Daisy's eyes softened and a toothless smile appeared on her lips.

         "Well, there's no need to worry about that because you're alive and not going anywhere, right?" She quirked an eyebrow teasingly.

         I chuckled and nodded my head. "Of course, Daisy. Everything went fine and..." My voice trailed off and my smile turned into a frown as I recalled something.

"What's the matter?" Daisy asked, her eyes glazing over with concern.

I breathed out slowly. "My powers... do I still have them?"

         From the look on Daisy's face, I could tell she wasn't sure. I wasn't either. Would I have felt the difference without them? Because I wasn't sure how I felt right now.

         "Help me up, please," I said, and she did as I asked, though with hesitance.

         "Y/N, maybe trying them out now isn't the best–"

         "I have to," I said, looking to her with pleading eyes. "They're my powers, Daisy. If they're gone..."

         She nodded and squeezed my hand reassuringly before letting go. I took a deep breath before focusing on the vase of flowers beside my bed. My power didn't require much effort before, so I merely flicked my finger and willed gravity to do as I wished.

         At first, nothing happened, and I felt a worry building inside as I feared this was it. Daisy was staring at me, furrowing her eyebrows with concern. I wasn't sure it was helping.

         Suddenly, though, I felt the familiar tug in my stomach and a single daisy lifted from the vase and floated in the air. Daisy grinned, as did I.

         "You still have them!" she yelled, excitedly, staring at the flower in bewilderment. "Y/N!"

         I willed the flower to appear in front of Daisy and she looked up from it with a confused smile.

         "For you," I said, smiling at her.

         She pursed her lips, trying to contain her smile, and accepted the daisy gratefully. "Thank you."

         I couldn't have felt anymore happier as I realised I had my powers. And I had her back. And we were both safe and away from the bad guys.

         "No, thank you."

[deepsixsquid]

(Part 1) The Final Fest has come and gone and the victor has been decided... However, Nocchan and Doppel have one last score to settle...

*Both teams of Chaos and Order have dispersed and the night life of Inkopolis returns to it’s usual midnight bustle. But, in the distance, on the MC Princess Diaries station, floating next to the ruins of the NILS Statue, Doppel quietly looks up to the full moon and braces herself. Thoughts of her last encounter with her skull faced counterpart flash through her mind. What Nocchan said about her pursuits, her fight to prove her strength despite the fact that it almost lead to her demise, twice, it haunts her... Doppel knows all too well what dwells in Nocchan’s mind, hopefully she can show her reason, but such a thing is far easier said than done, and their last battle was a clear sign of that. Before she can contemplate further, the sound of approaching footsteps breaks the silence.* *With her inkbrush resting on her shoulder, Nocchan slowly makes her way to Doppel’s side, all while keeping her eyes on the ruined statue* “Ya know, not gonna lie, it feels kinda weird, seeing this thing again... Kinda surprised it’s still here, for the most part” *Doppel can’t help but smile and shake her head* “You still did quite a number on it. And this is only the outside, I bet whatever is, or WAS, on the inside is nothing but scrap now.” “You know what sucks though? I can’t tell anybody about this thing. Pretty sure no one wants to know that they came pretty close to being destroyed, and they didn’t even know about it!” “And yet, here we are. A lot of people were in this same spot not that long ago, looking at this thing. I’m sure there’s a few people out there who have some idea of what this thing REALLY is” *Nocchan lowers her bandana, revealing a rather confident smirk* “But I don’t think they’d know about how it got trashed so badly~!” *For a moment, Nocchan and Doppel couldn’t help but laugh. Before a familiar silence, accompanied by that same tension from their last chat, slowly began to sink in. Doppel turns to Nocchan, who’s looking over her right hand. After a deep breath, and a moment of hesitation, Doppel speaks up* “I know you’re very proud of your strength...and you have every right to be. You’ve fought pretty hard to get where you are...but-” *Nocchan clenches her fist and turns away* “Yeah yeah, I know. You’ll never let that go, will ya? I meant what I said though, I’m strong enough to handle things.” *With a slight dramatic flare, she points her inkbrush towards the wreckage* “If I can handle that, I don’t think there’s much I CAN’T handle. I saw some crazy things in there, some things I’m still not too sure about. But, none of that stopped me. I mean, c’mon, look at that, and look at me~! I’m still kickin, and it’s, well, I think I’ve made my point~” “You have, and I’m sure you’re better off not thinking about some of those things too much. Honestly, I’m not sure if I want to know what you saw down there. It just makes me think...what if this is a sign? This could just be part of something bigger, and this thing, alone, almost wiped out inkopolis, and then some...What would we do then?” “Well, if there IS somethin’ bigger than this, I’m pretty sure I can take it down too. It’ll be some time before whatever’s next shows up, so I’ll use that time to stay ready! By the time it’s here, I’ll be around to handle it.” *With a slightly stressed sigh, Doppel tightens her grip on her dynamo roller and looks up to the moon one more time. Gritting her teeth, she prepares herself.* “And that’s what worries me...You’re strong, yes. But, we both know that you almost didn’t walk away from that last moment. I’ve been thinking about this and, I’ve made my choice. Someone needs to keep you in check. Nocchan, and I’ll be the one to do it. While I was out there, during the Fest, it hit me that I can’t just let you run wild, not anymore. Left unchecked, you might do something reckless again, and you might not be so lucky next time.” *Adjusting her bandana, Nocchan locks eyes with Doppel before gesturing towards the statue ruins* “Then...let’s get moving. You already know I’m not gonna let anything stop me, not even you. If you’re serious about this, then you better bring everything you’ve got. No ‘going easy’ on this one.” *For a few moments, the tension nearly becomes tangible. In the past, their battles have been fierce and destructive but, this fight? This fight already promises to be different, and both sides have yet to make a move. Nocchan simply makes her way towards the massive statue, while Doppel stays behind to gather her thoughts, steel herself, and follow suit.* *Upon landing, both combatants step away from each other, allowing for a few more moments to reflect and assure themselves of what this fight means. Nocchan’s freedom to fight and test her strength against Doppel’s plea for her to consider how risky her actions can be. Beneath the light of a full moon, the only sounds are the waves crashing against the destroyed structure...* *Without a word between them, Nocchan and Doppel charge at each other, weapons in hand, and begin swinging at one another. Clash after clash shakes the stone beneath their feet, each strike more driven than the last. Nocchan’s flurry of Inkbrush attacks keeps Doppel locked in place, but the size of her Dynamo alone is enough to act as a shield.* *Unable to find time for an opening, Doppel jumps backwards with a quick spin, coating a portion of the area with enough purple ink to sink into and dodge a rush from her skull-faced counterpart. Nocchan wastes no time, frantically searching for her opponent without much luck. For a moment, she pauses, taking time to rely on sound rather than sight, which pays off when she hears the sound of something massive being brought down towards her from her blindside. With only an instant to spare, a quick roll saves Nocchan from, what would have been, a devastating attack that would’ve rendered most cephalopods unconscious.* *A  turquoise spark dances across Nocchan’s eyes as she darts forward for a counter attack, flailing wildly against Doppel’s weapon. in the midst of her rush, she uses Doppel’s guarded stance as an opportunity to jump on top of the dynamo and launch herself into the air. While airborne, she grabs a splatbomb and kicks it back down, aiming right for Doppel’s face. The explosion nearly knocks the dynamo out of her hands and causes enough of a distraction for Nocchan to mimic Doppel’s earlier “hideaway” tactic.* *Shaking off the splatbomb attack, Doppel uses the moment to catch her breath and focus. Closing her eyes and concentrating, she’s able to gain some insight on Nocchan’s erratic movements just in time to react to, and counter, a frontal attack with enough force to send the masked squid back a few feet, enough space for Doppel to lunge forward and slam her dynamo down with enough force to put a small crater into the statue, only to miss by a few critical inches.* *As the duel rages on, both sides show no signs of backing down as their blows start hitting their marks. Wild brush swings and calculated dynamo attacks leave the two battered and bruised, but more determined than ever to put an end to the fight. Things reach a fever pitch when Doppel manages to sweep Nocchan off her feet and follows up with a mighty overhead swing that leaves the skull-faced squid on the edge of unconsciousness in a small cloud of ink and dust.* *The sounds of waves and wind are muffled, the sight of the moon and stars are blurred as Nocchan struggles to stay in the fight.* ”Hell......no..... Not like...this..” *A growl through gritted teeth, a vow with a clenched fist, Nocchan staggers to her feet. Sparks of energy begin to jolt across her faintly glowing body as her eyes turn pure white.* ”I..won’t....” *Bracing herself, Doppel calls upon her own energy. An ethereal aura surrounds her and collects in the palm of her right hand, marking the beginning of a booyah bomb’s formation as Nocchan howls at the top of her lungs* ”I WON’T LOSE TO YOU!!” *Turquoise energy quickly builds up and wraps around Nocchan’s arm as she dashes forward, right hand outstretched towards Doppel, only to stopped short by a booyah bomb, slammed into her chest, as Doppel lifts it, and Nocchan, higher and higher into the air, preparing to detonate it* *Temporarily stunned by the impact, Nocchan tries to collect herself as she’s brought further up, into the air. Doppel’s voice, though slightly muted, is the only thing she can hear as she laments* ”I’m sorry about this....I really am...This’ll only keep you down for a while but...still, I hope you can-” *Doppel’s apologies are cut short when Nocchan’s eyes suddenly open, and her energized hand quickly grabs Doppel by the face. Was it instinct? Fear? or Rage? An answer that was lost when both Doppel’s Booyah Bomb and Nocchan’s Splashdown detonate, high above the ruins. A marvelous, multi-color explosion that can be seen for miles, shakes the area as both plummet to the ground...* *A finger twitches, a sudden gasp for air, and the sound of one struggling to pick themselves up. Nocchan rises with enough strength to kneel as she tries to catch her breath and come back to her senses. She drags herself over to her inkbrush and uses it to keep herself on her feet. A sense of shock and dread slowly washes over her as she turns around to see a badly wounded Doppel, her hand reaching towards the sky as small wisps of violet light leave her body, drifting toward the bright, pale, full moon. Her hand manages to grab something as she falls limp and the color fades from her. ”Hey...” *Nocchan slowly walks over, as a tear builds up in her eye* ”Wait...” *Doppel’s vision slowly fades to white as she hears Nocchan’s voice growing more and more distant* ”................Doppel?” *Before Nocchan can reach her fallen counterpart, a flash of blinding light catches her off guard, accompanied by the sound of a helicopter. A silhouette drops in front of her and a slightly distorted voice sends a chill through Nocchan’s body* ”Well...I’ll give you this, that was a rather impressive show. When i heard a report of trespassers, I had a feeling it might’ve been you. Thankfully, that light show was all the confirmation I needed”

*Riza, aka: Agent 3. Once a Turf War celebrity, she grew bored of the spotlight. Fame and fortune were nothing compared to the rush of a fight. A brief encounter with a group of octarians and their commander landed her an Agent position in the New Squidbeak Splatoon, and lead her to a new kind of battle, one where she puts her life on the line. Riza has also earned the title of Nocchan’s nemesis, having faced her twice before. Their first battle still weighs heavily on Nocchan’s mind, as it was her first, and most devastating, loss. Now, after witnessing what she’s truly capable of, Nocchan has earned something both respectable and dangerous...Riza’s attention.” *Riza paces around the battlefield, taking note of the damages to both the statue and the two fighters* ”An off-limits area, a perfect place for a scuffle, I must say. Shame about your...”other” though. I had hopes for them. I suppose you were right, you really won’t let anything, or anyone stop you...” *Nocchan grips her inkbrush and takes a few steps forward* ”Is this all you came here for? Just to gloat or whatever? Get on with it already! ...Or do I have to-” ”Oh drop the attitude, for once. You can barely stand. Save your strength, or whatever’s left of it. From what I saw, I’m surprised you’re even talking, gotta give you credit for that” *Despite Nocchan’s best efforts, she can’t help but drop to one knee as she tries to stay awake. She looks back to Doppel, one more time, as the shock begins to take hold again* *Meanwhile, a bright light gives way to darkness. the sounds of voices fades, eventually replaced by the sound of...bubbles. Beneath a sea of black, something slowly rises to the surface. A hand breaks through, reaching towards the sky, dragging themselves up and standing on the water, as if it were solid ground. Doppel coughs, trying to get the water out of her lungs as she struggles to breathe.* *She finds herself in a monochrome world...The sea, a seemingly endless void that stretches as far as she can see. The sky, a dull grey, with small white stars that just hang in the air. The moon, what was once bright and glowing, now shares the same darkness as the sea she stands on.Even Doppel herself has lost her color and blends in with this...lifeless place.* *Taking in her new surroundings, she sighs and begins to walk forward with nothing but the sound of her own footsteps to keep the silence at bay. Despite walking, for what feels like hours, the scenery remains the same, it’s only then that Doppel realizes something, something her hand has been keeping a tight grip on...something with a faint purple glow...* *Doppel stares at the light in her hand, the glow steadily getting stronger as the small wisp hover just in front of her. it begins to pulse, like a heartbeat. Doppel puts her hand over her chest, and feels nothing. The wisp gently moves onward, almost fading out of view, when something stirs in the back of Doppel’s mind..” ”Move...I...have to move. I can’t stay...here?” *Before she realizes it, she’s walking after the wisp, and she’s picking up the pace. Thoughts start to fade into her mind, thoughts of friends,and past battles and challenges.* ”No...I...wait, I think I...I know?” *Looking towards the sky, the dull stars begins to twinkle, softly, one by one, as more thoughts and memories spring forth. Memories that feel familiar, but also unfamiliar. Memories of Nocchan’s perspective. How she became the fighter she is today and those she met along the way.* ”I can’t stop either...” *Now chasing after the wisp, running as fast as she can, even the moon’s begun to change and regain its luster. Memories of the day Nocchan and Doppel split, the booyah bomb that separated them and gave Doppel her own form, rush to the front of her mind. The many days she spent wandering around in a haze, trying to figure out her own life, the many questions she has yet to find an answer to, her encounters with Nocchan, and something that still weighs on her heart, even now, Nocchan’s words after their first fight “You make a good other...”* ”I’m...I’M NOT DONE YET! I CAN’T LOSE NOW EITHER!” *She reaches out and grabs the wisp again, holding it close to her heart. The faint light now glowing with a brilliant radiance. The waters beneath her feet begin to spiral as the stars fall into the whirlpool below. Doppel floats above it all, regaining her colors and feeling air rush into her lungs. Holding her breath, she dives down into the whirlpool, towards the blinding, swirling, star light as a voice starts to reverberate around her* *Riza continues to pace as Nocchan quietly begins to grieve* ”You know, for what it’s worth, you honestly surprise me. When we first met, I never would have guessed that a rookie would reach a level of power like this. I thought you were just another wannabe but, here we are. Look at what you can do! I’m actually, and I don’t throw this around lightly, I’m quite...interested, in what you can really do.” *Nocchan lowers her head, gritting her teeth while a tear rolls down her face. She struggles to get back on her feet while keeping a firm grip on her weapon* ”Just...shut up. Before I shut you up, dammit. Unless you’re that hellbent...” *A familiar spark darts around Nocchans hands* ”Remember this place? I kicked your ass and showed you what I can do once....I’ll be more than happy to do it again!” *Beneath her gas mask, a sadistic smirk creeps across Riza’s face. A sinister green aura begins to emanate from her body* ”All this, and you can still fight? Like I said, you surprise me. Maybe it’s time I return the favor?” *Riza and Nocchan take a single step towards one another when both of them are suddenly distracted by a loud “BANG” accompanied by a flash of purple light enveloping Doppel’s body as she slams her fist into the statue. Wisps fly down from the midnight sky, descending into Doppel’s body and lifting her to her feet before she opens her eyes that glow with renewed vigor. Her dynamo seems to spring to life and is drawn to back to its wielder’s hands. Nocchan takes a moment to brush the tears out of her eyes as Riza steps forward* ”Wait...Doppel? But...you-” ”Huh, now that’s new. And here I thought you were down and out! Will wonders never cease~?” *Doppel leans her dynamo on her shoulder with a smile and walks over to Nocchan. A pale aura coats her hand as she rests it on Nocchan’s shoulder. The energy soothes and revitalizes her.* ”Wait wait wait, what the hell’s happening here?” *Doppel just smirks, takes a few steps back and readies herself* ”Let’s just say, for now, I figured something out. But, there’s something more important to take care of. C’mon, you’re not quitting on me now, right?” *Still in disbelief, Nocchan shakes her head and fixes her bandana while keeping an eye on Doppel and Riza. The agent simply nods and offers a short applause* ”And so, here we are. I must say, this was a bit more than I expected but, I’m certainly impressed, nonetheless~!” *Riza puts her hand to the side of her mask, answering a call from the helicopter above* ”Have a team on standby but. don’t have them move until I say so...Now, give us some space” *As ordered, the helicopter moves away, about a mile from the makeshift battlefield* ”Right then, back to business, yes?” *With her Inkbrush at the ready, and a glint in her eye, Nocchan looks between Doppel and Riza.” ”I said it once, and I’ll say it again. Don’t pull punches, got it?” *In an instant, all three rush to the center of the field, weapons ready, auras blazing, and ready to give it this fight every bit of power they have*

***T O  B E  C O N T I N U E D . . .?***

[axel-fics]

Hey! So how about a scenario where Lea/Axel finds his S/O badly injured and almost dying

I’ll Protect You

It was supposed to be a simple mission. 

As part of your training with Axel and Kairi, Merlin had tasked the three of you to venture for the first time to another world since arriving at the Magic Forest a few weeks ago. The mission was to work together with your newly gained Keyblade abilities to take out a swarm of Heartless by the Old Mansion in Twilight Town. It would be the first time any of you would actually fight Heartless instead of sparring and facing off against each other in practice battles. What could go wrong?

A lot. 

The three of you took out the Heartless that were overtaking the forest and the foyer leading up to the mansion with ease. When you were about to head back to town, an all-too familiar sound crept up from behind, and before you all knew it, you were surrounded by Dusks and even more Heartless. A few Reaper Nobodies appeared before a dark portal opened up, and out walked a hooded figure. 

“Axel, it’s been a while.” The figure lowered his hood and a man with long pink hair stood before the three of you. 

“Marluxia,” Axel sneered. 

Another figured walked out of the portal, much shorter than Marluxia. She lowered her hood and gave a wicked smile before laughing. 

“Axel, sweetheart, what’s the matter? Hanging around with these losers nowadays? Where’s your pride?”

“You’re one to talk, Larxene. What do you two want?”

“There was once a time where our Superior ordered you to take care of traitors, Axel. Those orders were used against us, and you connived to followed suit. It seems that the tables have turned against you,” Marluxia said and took a step forward, raising his Scythe. With that, the Heartless and Nobodies instantly charged, and the three of you were thrown into a melee. 

Working together, you and Kairi stock back to back and swung your Keyblades around and used your strongest magic spells. Kairi was incredibly gifted with healing magic, so she made sure to keep everyone’s stamina up. Axel was a few yards away, using his Keyblade to turn into flaming chakrams and thew them towards a few Reapers. Marluxia and Larxene both waited before splitting up in a pincher move against Axel. Axel saw the attack coming and split his Keyblade into two again, sending a chakram in each direction. Marluxia easily deflected the assault with his Scythe, but Larxene wasn’t so lucky and got hit square in the chest with a fireball. 

As she regained her strength, Larxene turned to focus her attention on you and Kairi. The two of you kept dodging her quick attacks, occasionally getting zapped by her lightning strikes. Larxene concentrated on zapping you the most, making you yelp out in pain. 

“Aww, looks like Axel’s little doll can’t take a few shocks! You haven’t changed a bit since the Organization, [Y/N]. Still so weak and helpless!” Larxene lunged her lightning claws and pierced your side, making you scream out in pain. Kairi instantly swiped Larxene’s legs and knocked her off her feet before sending her flying backwards with a water spell. 

“[Y/N]! Are you okay?” Kairi said and placed her Keyblade above you, casting a cure spell. 

“Fine,” you gritted your teeth. “We need to help Axel!”

The sound of Kairi’s Keyblade clashing with Larxene’s claws sounded, and she struggled slightly to hold her off. “Go! I can take her!” Kairi yelled. 

You got back to your feet and ran towards Axel, who was still fighting off Marluxia with all his strength. You sent a fire spell from behind, catching Marluxia completely off guard as you quickly joined Axel by his side. The two of you ran towards Marluxia for another attack, but he countered the both of you with a swoop of his Scythe, sending a gust of wind and sharp rose petals flying towards you. The gust separated the two of you once again and Marluxia ran up towards Axel, Scythe above his head ready to strike. Before you could think, you jumped up and ran as fast as you could between the two of them. 

“AXEL!”

Marluxia’s Scythe came down hard against you, a sharp pain cutting across your abdomen. Axel watched everything in slow motion: your Keyblade falling from your hand, your knees buckling underneath you as you fell to the ground clutching your stomach as tears fell from your eyes. Something snapped inside him, and Axel launched an all-out fire attack on Marluxia, sending chakrams and fire balls in his direction and finally striking with his Keyblade in full form. Marluxia was sent flying backwards until his back hit the iron fence that gated the mansion and was knocked unconscious. Larxene stopped her assault on Kairi to run towards Marluxia, opening up another dark portal. 

“This isn’t over!” Larxene shrieked before the two of them disappeared. 

Axel didn’t waste time and ran back to where you laid on the grass, still clutching your stomach. “Hey, hey, you’re okay! You’re okay!” He kept repeating the words over and over as he frantically searched for your wound. “Kairi! Call for help!” 

You were in and out of consciousness, grasping a few words Axel kept saying here and there while you fought off the darkness. You felt his hands pressed against your wound, attempting to stop the bleeding. He kept whispering “stay with me!” as you struggled to keep your eyes open, and before you knew it sleep completely enveloped you. 

~*~

The sound of birds chirping started to wake you from your deep slumber. Slowly opening your eyes, you found yourself in your bedroom back in Merlin’s world. The pain in your stomach started to come back, and you noticed your torso was wrapped in multiple white bandages. Looking around, you noticed Axel with his head on the bed close to your side, holding one of your hands as he slept soundly. You softly let go so you could run your fingers through his spiky hair to wake him up. 

Axel stirred awake, taking in a deep breath before turning his head towards you. When your eyes met, he practically jumped up from his spot and kicked the chair behind him. “[Y/N]!”

“Hey sleepyhead,” you whispered. 

He grabbed your hand with both of his, tears falling from his eyes. “Why-why did you do that? I almost lost you!” 

You shrugged to the best of your ability, slightly wincing in pain. “I had to. I couldn’t just stand there. You would have done the same.”

Axel let out a light laugh and shook his head, bringing your hand to his lips and gave it a kiss. “Don’t ever do that again, [Y/N]. I was so scared… I don’t know what I’d do if you’d…” 

“Shhh, it’s okay. I’m here, thanks to you and Kairi.”

The two of you sat in silence, foreheads pressed together as you listened to each others steady breathing. “I promise you,” he whispered, “I’ll never let you down again. I’ll always be here to protect you.”

[drink-n-watch]

We got somewhat buried in snow over the last few days. Actually, it’s not that impressive. It’s really a perfectly average amount of snow for February in Quebec and far from the huge snow storm they’ve been promising. In fact, it’s been sort of light on snow this year. In any case, it’s now a bright and sunny day and the gleaming, undisturbed white snow is reflecting everything so the glare coming through the window is crazy. You know that particular quality of sunlight off snow. It’s super sunny and cheerful and you can just tell it’s freezing outside. It’s a good day to stay indoors and watch anime. And this was a great episode for the occasion I might add. Before we get into it, how are you Crow?

Also, just so I don’t make him do it every time. This is a discussion of episode 80 of My Hero Academia. There will be some spoilers so if you haven’t seen it, you might want to do that first. Also, I will be taking plain text this week while Crow is in bold!

  I’m doing well, Irina. Thanks for asking! We just got a little snow here, too, but no sun. So it’s just gray outside. Weird snow, too — didn’t stick to the streets or sidewalks, but buried our cars. Well, my car. My wife’s car is in the garage.

Once more, the episode was essentially split into two halves. First off we needed to finish off that cliffhanger from last week. Bakugou and Todoroki, alongside Inasa and Camie are now faced with a gang of unruly superpowered children they need to rail in. This could have been a dicey situation, as we find out the childrens powers are way beyond that of past generations, but it was solved pretty quickly and thankfully without the need to explode any toddlers.

Our heroes simply created a playground for the kids using their own powers. They threw in a few tricks and a few pieces of advice here and there to calm the kids down. Before they knew it, they had won the class over and everyone was having a good time. It was an easy feel good scene, but it actually packed in a lot of world building and character development. Or rather it confirmed that development.

First we were introduced to the concept that powers are merging and evolving with each generation having more and more powerful quirks at younger ages. This could potentially become a serious problem as we have already seen the havoc that uncontrolled quirks can cause. And it’s a very interesting idea, this notion of a quirk event horizon. A point where so many individuals will have uncontrollably powerful quirks that they could viably wipe out a good portion of the population. Or alternatively that they would themselves not survive long enough to have children thereby creating a population crisis. In the MHA universe, it’s a credible premise that mankind could evolve itself into extinction.

That’s some pretty deep classic sci fi thought experiment. And it’s mighty sneaky of them to throw it into a narrative about the two most popular MHA pretty boys taking care of a bunch of kids. What do you make of it Crow?

It felt the same way to me — classic science fiction “what if.” I’ve often referenced Dune in my reviews, and I think there’s a case to be made that the scenario you just outlined, where the children don’t survive long enough to produce children, is something right out of the complex ecology of Arrakis. It’s almost like an evolutionary population control. Kids get too powerful for the world (or their parents) to contain? The population resets.

Overall, I thought it was an interesting concept, and a sign of a dynamic world. With Quirks becoming more unmanageable, something has to give. I think I would have liked to have seen some indication that the kids’ teacher, Komari Ikoma, was trying to come up with a new way to teach them; some way that indicated she and the teaching establishment she was a part of were trying to evolve new methods.

As for the character development part. The situation was resolved by using their quirks in a creative and cooperative way rather than a show of force. Each of them found the best way to do so according to their own skills. They knew how to capitalize on the opportunity once the kids started to be won over. But the idea started with Bakugou. More precisely, with Bakugou explaining that even if they do simply defeat the kids without hurting them too much, being defeated by someone you have no respect for is just humiliating and frustrating. It won’t win the kids over. They need to create a situation that the kids want to be part of.

First of all, that’s pretty smart, but Bakugou is supposed to be very intelligent. From the very first episode he has always been top of the class. In fact it’s nice to see it in action but it’s nothing new. What is new is that this particular bright idea can only come through empathy. Bakugou had to put himself in those kids’ place and that is not something he could have done in episode 1. Our little Baku is growing up. And it’s telling that he’s the only one that didn’t use his quirk at all. Just his words.

Also that advice he threw in “If you don’t stop looking down on others from high above, you’ll fail to notice your own weakness” (I’m paraphrasing here), hits close to home. It’s obvious that the events of the last two seasons have had an effect on him and it’s sinking in.

I feel a little bummed — I couldn’t find a name from the little ring-leader from Masegaki Primary School! One thing that struck me as I watched this scene is how easily it could have become hollow and saccharin sweet. But because it was the product of Bakugou’s authentic character development, and because he was so convincingly empathetic, I thought it worked and worked well. 

And though I’m really happy they didn’t have to resort to physical violence, I did think it was extremely cool that when the kids unleashed their attacks on our four heroes, they  weren’t even annoyed. No damage; not even enough to make them uncomfortable. I do so like moments like that!

In many ways, Bakugou’s character arc, his hang ups and obstacles are similar to Todoroki’s, which is probably why they clash so much. However, they are represented in opposite ways. Todoroki is the golden child who had so much pressure heaped on him that he’s come to deeply resent everyone’s hopes and expectations. It’s symbolized in his unwillingness to accept his own quirk, which is in many ways a symbol of a lot of the pain he’s suffered in the past. He has willingly hadicapped himself using only a portion of his power and strives only to be different than what is expected of him.

Bakugou comes from a much more modest background and has had forceful but supportive parents. Despite being in many ways perfectly suited to the golden child role, brilliant, often referred to as handsome, strong and healthy, he has defined himself solely by his quirk. So seeing a situation where Todoroki used both his ice and fire willingly — and just for fun at that —  showed the Shoto has come a long way to accepting his quirk, and by extension himself, and putting those difficult memories behind him. On the other hand, Bakugou avoided using his quirk or even taking the spotlight which tells me that this spoiled brat is finally maturing just a bit.

Remember when Todoroki was using his flame to help the kids warm their hands? That’s a great example of what you just pointed out. The Todoroki we met years ago would not have done that! We’d seen hints of that before, so what really blew me away in this episode was Bakugou’s restraint. Very impressive!

All of this development was great to see but there’s still one elephant in the room for me. I cannot forgive Endeavour, and I really dislike the series trying to sanitize him without any proper character building in that sense. Like I said, I thought it was interesting and gutsy to have an openly despicable “hero”. That’s something truly original as even the anti-heros we are used to are usually noble at heart. Endeavour was just a bad selfish and cruel man. But he was strong and wore the right colours. That conflict was fascinating to me. When did he become a tragic misunderstood soul who just wants to make the son he loves so much proud? Where did the guy who beat up that son when he was 5 years old, so badly that the boy threw up? You can’t just go from one to the other like that. Am I the only one bothered by this?

No. Two things bothered me about the scene where Endeavour reached out to Todoroki. First, you’re right — nothing he did in the past has been forgiven, if for no other reason than he has done nothing to atone. He did nothing to heal the damage he’d done. But what bothered me even more was that I found a small part of me hoping that Todoroki would make up with him. To see father and son reunited. 

Why would I want to put Todoroki through that? Sure, he’s conflicted, but wanting him to reestablish a relationship with the exact cause of that conflict is a really, really cruel thing to do! Do even I feel social pressure to conform to an ideal of family? 

I did say “a small part.” The rest of my brain was adamant in rejecting the notion completely. In fact, I suspect now that Endeavour has realized once and for all that he can’t step into All Might’s role — ever! — he’s reevaluating his life. I don’t know that he feels guilty, but he knows the strategy he had employed failed him. And of course it did. It was a terrible strategy. 

I have to give the show points for creating a situation that supported such a conversation, though!

The latter half of the episode started off rather mundanely. A time jump brought us to September and we learn through still scenes that the kids attended Nighteye’s funeral and the the internship program was being reevaluated. Duh! For the time being, everyone is back at UA and things are slowly going back to normal. More or less…

Aoyama has always been a fairly minor supporting character. I mean he’s always been around, but he’s just one more type of comic relief and hasn’t had many opportunities to distinguish himself. So when he starts to apparently stalk Deku, through cheese at that, I was really taken by surprise. I honestly said out loud, what exactly is going on here?

It was well done, constructed as an old school Hitchcockian suspense, with jump cuts and shadowy nighttime scenes and all those allusions of I know…. I really liked this turn. I was baffled as to where it was all going but I really liked it. I hoped we would have gotten a few episodes of this unsettling and yet hilarious atmosphere. The creative use of cheese was a great touch!

It was so unexpected that as the scenes played out, I was trying to come up with explanations. But we know that Aoyama doesn’t have an evil bone in his body, so whatever he was up to couldn’t be hurtful — unless he was actually a Himiko Toga replacement, but that couldn’t be because she’s more direct in her attacks. To be honest, I couldn’t figure out what was really going on.

In the end, it turns out that what he knew was simply that Deku was struggling with his quirk on a physical level and he felt a kinship with him because of that. An unexpectedly sweet reveal if a little cheesy.

I’m sorry…

Should I feel guilty for laughing so hard? I really like puns… I thought Aoyama reaching out to Deku was a sign of how much he had come to trust and respect him. The relationships within the class aren’t static, and I like that.

All and all, this episode was distinctly optimistic in tone, positioning most of the main cast in hopeful situations. It seems like a high before a low or a calm before the storm, but I’m happy to take it. It made me smile.

I’m really looking forward to seeing Kyouka Jirou play her guitar! We haven’t seen much of her since the League of Villains invaded UA. I’m curious if she’ll be her own guitar amp!

My Hero Academia s4 ep80- A Mild Cheese We got somewhat buried in snow over the last few days. Actually, it’s not that impressive. It’s really a perfectly average amount of snow for February in Quebec and far from the huge snow storm they’ve been promising.

[iamwhelmed]

Honeymoon Due

Summary: Marinette accomplishes her dreams-- being a designer, owning her own boutique, and even marrying Adrien Agreste! What she’d always wanted just didn’t exactly happen the way she wanted it to...

RATED M

If you like my work, please support me on ko-fi! <3

“Loveless Marriage” wasn’t anything Marinette expected for herself. No, far from it. She imagined that she’d walk down the aisle in a fancy gown she made all by herself and he’d cry when he saw her, that she’d spend her time chasing her dreams, that her husband would support her wholeheartedly and love her with such ferocity that the world could feel it-- like her parents. To be fair, she got most of that. Her wedding dress was, in fact, a Marinette original, a sweetheart neckline that fell like silk over her shoulders and trailed behind her like a queen’s cape. White as snow, fit her body as though Tikki had magiced it out of the thin air. Modest in length but short enough to see her pointed kitten heels. She ran her own boutique, and her customers adored her every creation. She was fairly known locally, and had refused several offers to expand because she simply wasn’t ready. Her husband certainly supported her with everything he had, which was a large sum of inheritance and all the words of affirmation she could handle-- Adrien was always an amazing friend.

He just wasn’t a good husband, not in the emotional sense.

He did all the things husbands should do, like help with chores, work with her as a team (they were really efficient with taxes), and he never, ever forgot a birthday or anniversary. But love? Well, Marinette had doubts when he’d proposed. Nobody else seemed to, and if Nino nor Alya thought that maybe (just maybe) he wasn’t in love with her, then clearly she was just overthinking things, right? Tikki, who was never, with all her years of experience, lacking in advice,  always seemed to get quiet when Marinette mused aloud to her about the whole thing. “I think he loves you, Marinette,” she’d said once. “Just you wait, I bet he’s gonna sweep you off your feet!” Adrien didn’t cry when she walked down the aisle.

Well, he had swept her off her feet in the sense that she was still madly in love with him. The...intimacy… that came with marriage, though? Marinette, five months married, was ashamed to say their honeymoon was spent exploring the beauties of the world’s most touristy locations (Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower, several century-old cathedrals…) and less breaking in a bed. Aside from sleeping. Which was the only thing they did together in a bed. She hadn’t had the heart to complain to Alya yet, not when she’d gone as far as helping her through the very stressful, very experimental process of helping her find Wifey lingerie. Adrien had never seen it, and to be honest she was considering throwing the set (a white lace bodice, strung up with panties that were certainly not meant to be worn so much as they were meant to be taken off and thrown across a room, tucked neatly in a drawer, under a few sleeping shirts so he’d never find it) away before something awkward inevitably happened. Knowing her, that time was approaching with teeth-grinding intensity. She could feel the sharp, hungry nails of impending embarrassment clawing down her back.

The kissing--er, Adrien kissed her cheek, and when his lips neared her mouth, he pecked and moved smooth as ice away from her. It killed her when he did that, because she knew it was for the paparazzi, that it was for appearances so everybody thought they were a happy married couple. She’d thought to herself, a few days into their vacation, if perhaps he was just shy, being as sheltered as he had been most of his life; those thoughts (hopes, excuses, whatever you wanna call them…) were dashed when they moved into their sleek uptown apartment and he still didn’t touch her. The idea that he wasn’t interested in sex crossed her mind, but that thought also… diminished… when she found several lewd Ladybug cosplayers saved on his computer whilst she searched for a work file he needed her to print. She’d blushed, and vaguely wondered if she should make her own cosplay and see if he had a crush on her alter ego, but brushed the thought away as the conflict of revealing her identity immediately clashed.

Maybe just… Ladybug-inspired lingerie, then?

Her whole body grew red hot and she threw her head uselessly against the desk a handful of times.

She’d known, honestly, for a long time. Adrien hadn’t ever touched her out on dates or kissed her, even if he did hold her hand. He had never loved her, not really, he was settling and they both knew it; he just didn’t know that she knew it. If Gabriel’s investment in their wedding meant anything, she had a running theory on her husband’s intentions. It was a formality, for him to get married, and all the better if the art of design stuck in the family. She wouldn’t be surprised if Gabriel started pushing for grandchildren soon, especially since her well-meaning parents were already getting antsy. She hadn’t broached the subject with Adrien, but considering their marital bed was far from active or explored, she figured that topic was best left alone.

She loved him, truly, she did. There was no other man she wanted so badly, no man who meant so much to her that she’d be willing to subject herself to months of affectionless, almost fake domesticity, but she had to wonder if her limit was fast approaching. She could only pretend to be happy for so long before it broke her. Being in an unrequited love was one thing, but constantly subjecting herself to a situation where her heart was as open as it bloody well could have been and receiving nothing for it… even Ladybug couldn’t stand to be an accessory for so long.

She sighed and dropped her bag on the floor, exhausted from the patterns she’d spent all day laboring over and the mental toll overthinking her hopeless marriage had taken. Adrien wouldn’t be home for at least three more hours, and Chat Noir was expecting her in ten minutes. Ladybug was surprisingly desperate to get away from her comfy apartment with her Model-Extraordinaire-Husband and get a breath of fresh air with her flirty kitty. She missed the muffled voice from the other side of their bedroom door as she pushed it open.

Upon flicking the switch, she found Chat Noir himself standing brazenly in the middle of the bedroom, looking for all the world like a cat with a half-eaten bird in its mouth. They both froze.

Moments ticked by, wide green eyes pointedly staring into slanted, confused blue ones.

She sighed. “Chat Noir, what are you doing in my house?”

“Y-Your house? O-Oh, yes, I, well, uh…” He tugged at the collar of his suit, which exposed the already-visible skin on his chest even more than usual, what with his half-open zipper. The unsatisfied, mistreated wife of a clueless, sexless model flared within her at the sight, but she pushed the inner singing voice down. Chat grinned at her, slipping into his typical composure as easy as one slips into a worn pair of jeans. “I was coming to check in on you, Princess. Heard you got married!”

Marinette scoffed, and immediately Chat’s face fell. “Legally, I guess. Yeah.”

“Marinette?”

She crossed the room and plopped down on the king-sized mattress she and Adrien slept side-by-side in every night, let her shoulders sag. No use pretending she was a happy-go-lucky successful designer with a perfect husband when she knew Chat Noir could keep a secret. Besides, he was her best friend, her kitty, her partner-- the man she damn well would have ended up with had Adrien not been in the picture. She knew it, she was sure Chat knew it, not that he knew she was Ladybug or that the other guy in the picture was Adrien. “You know what it’s like… to be in love…” she squeezed her eyes shut, tried to breath and keep the budding threat of tears at bay. “To not be loved back.”

“Princess,” something in Chat’s voice had bristled, like he was offended on behalf of her husband. “I certainly hope you’re not going around falling for other men!”

“Other than my husband?” She said it with air quotes. “No, I love him. Only him. Always have.”

“But you’re married? Clearly it’s mutual, right?”

Something in Chat’s voiced begged her to say “yes”, to tell him that she was just being dramatic because Adrien hadn’t left a note this morning when he left-- which he had. She couldn’t. A broken sob hit her chest and she leaned forward into her hands. “You’d think!” Her body shook, and she felt so horrible not like Ladybug right then. “I’m an ornament, Chat! I was an easy solution. I don’t know, maybe his dad wanted him to get married? He knew me? Knew I loved him? Knew I wouldn’t say no?” She shook her head and exhaled, hating the way her lungs stuttered. “I love him so much! But I’m not his wife! I’m his friend! That’s all I’ve ever been to him! I’ll bet he’s still in love with that other girl, the one he kept mentioning when we were, like, fourteen.” She snorted. “Can’t blame him, that’s how long I’ve loved him, so…”

The bed sprung, and she knew that if she turned, she would find Chat Noir haphazardly lazing on the bed next to her. “What makes you say that?” His words came out soft, softer than she’d heard out of him in a long while. Soft like he was talking to Ladybug. “I woulda thought he was a good partner.”

“Partner, yes. Husband, no.” She wiped away her tears and took a few deep breaths. It would be okay. She would calm down, she’d get used to this “marriage”. Maybe. Hopefully. Heaven knew it was all she’d ever wanted, just not as she’d dreamed. “Adrien is… amazing. He’s sweet, and gentle, and he’s understanding. I can always lean on him,” She chanced a glance at her partner, who was eyeing her from the side with what she could only assume was pity. Hurt, maybe, probably for her. Chat was good like that, a loyal, loving, empathetic kitty. The thought warmed her heart. A part of her wondered what would have happened if she knew Chat under the mask, if she would have married him instead, if he would have cried when she walked down the aisle (the honeymoon certainly would have been… wilder). She wondered if it wasn’t too late to tell him that she was Ladybug, see where things took them.

Would Adrien be relieved if they had an open marriage? Would he take a deep sigh and ease up his bones and tell her how glad he was that he wouldn’t have to pretend out of the public eye anymore? She scrunched her nose; that didn’t sound like Adrien. Then she snorted, because who was she kidding? She’d never want to be with anybody but Adrien, no matter how tempting the promise of her minou could be. “But I don’t think he loves me.”

Chat opened his mouth to respond, and she stopped him. “Not like that.”

He relented and fell silent again, leaning back on the bed in such a leisurely stretch, she’d have thought it was his bed. Marinette shook her head and tried to keep the tears that were making a second comeback away. “I think he married me because his dad wanted him to, and I think Adrien trusted me enough to not do something crazy like divorce him and take half his savings. Like I said,” she shrugged. “We’re friends. But I’ve always wanted more. I thought I could have that, that things would change after we got married.”

“What did you want to change?” Chat was gazing up at her from his now comfortable position on her and Adrien’s bed, head pressed against the fluffy mattress and the red comforter. His green eyes were gazing into her, in search of something and she wasn’t sure what. She turned her head over her shoulder to look at him.

“Us. I’d like to go on dates and cuddle on the couch. I’d like to not be a married virgin!” Chat’s face went the tingest red behind his mask, and her face was levels redder. She turned away from him again and crossed her arms over her chest, like she was adding another layer to her already-covered chest. Suddenly, any loving thoughts of an identity reveal flew far, far away; it would be better if Chat Noir never knew His Lady said something so embarrassing. “I’d like to kiss him, you know? Like an actual wife, like we,” she shut her eyes “love each other.”

She felt his claws, leather and tough, slipping around her arm, cupping the skin near her shoulder and warming it. He was sitting up, she assumed, because she could feel the bed creak under his shuffle. “How do you know it’s because he doesn’t love you?”

“What other reason could there be, Chat?”

His thumb ran in circles, small and simple, around her skin. The claw of his finger lightly grazed the muscle and tickled, and part of her hoped he wouldn’t break skin. She wasn’t sure how she’d explain that mark to Adrien (if he noticed). “You said you’re friends. Maybe he doesn’t want to make you feel uncomfortable? Maybe he already feels like you’re doing him a favor?” The thumb stopped, and the claw was digging not uncomfortably into her arm; he’d break the skin and leave a mark, she knew, but Chat’s caress was the closest she’d gotten to physical affection in months. She wasn’t about to squander the little solace for a husband who would probably be happy for her, or not care, or not ask any questions at all. “Maybe… he wants to kiss you. Maybe he’s thought about it a lot. Maybe, he just didn’t want you to think all of it was fake?”

Marinette snickered and raised her free hand to wipe a tear that had built against her will in her eye. “I doubt it. Besides, I don’t want to force him into--”

Chat turned her head by the chin and kissed her, unabashedly, passionately.

Chat kissed the way he did all things-- no plan, no cares, only feeling. She was swept off her feet in momentary bliss, fingers itching at the comforter as they ached to pull at his hair. He had one hand cupping her jaw, and he was tipping her up to meet his lips and bite at her until they parted and he could set his tongue to work just as well. She let him, and she wasn’t sure why. Maybe she was touch-starved, maybe her confidence had taken a bit of a nosedive in the last half a year, or maybe her less-than-platonic feelings for Chat ran a lot deeper than she thought they did; but she kissed him. She moaned and let him grab at her waist and pull her closer. She let him press her down into the mattress and climb on top of her, and if his hands went places they shouldn’t have, she wouldn’t have noticed in the flight of it all.

Right there, on the bed she shared with the boy of her dreams, she was going to break her marital bed in-- without her husband. It should have felt wrong, she should have screamed and slapped him and (for pete sake yelled at him about fraternizing with a civilian which was COMPLETELY unethical) she should have told him not to come visit her again. But she didn’t. She should have hated herself and Chat should have been long gone already and she should have been screaming to Tikki about her infidelity. But she didn’t; no, something about being there with Chat felt leagues right above anything else she’d ever done. Better than opening up her boutique. Better than stopping an akuma. Better than baking her first perfect macaroon. Chat’s fingers in her hair, his body pressed against hers with no space between to speak of, his lips trailing from her lips to her neck where he was biting and kissing and doing everything she’d ever dreamt Chat would do to Ladybug if she’d given him the greenlight-- all of it felt universally right, like fate had brought them here, like Chat was always supposed to be the one.

That wasn’t to say she didn’t still love Adrien-- she did, oh part of her wanted this to be him so, so very badly, but even Ladybug knew when she’d been beat. If Adrien truly was her friend, if he didn’t want to play the role of “lover” that came with the “husband” title, then this had to be fair game.

Chat paused in his ministrations, lips sucking off her skin with a “pop”. He chuckled, low and deep and it stirred her and spurned her further. “Never did get over that crush you had on me, huh?”

“W-what?” It took her a few seconds to register that he meant the weredad incident. Oh. She grimaced and playfully slapped his shoulder. “Don’t let it get to your head, you mangy cat!”

He laughed, wholeheartedly, face digging into her neck and the mattress beneath as fits had their way with his body. Marinette nearly fell into hysterics just hearing and feeling him squirming atop her. She raised a hand to her mouth and stifled the sound that escaped. “I-It’s hard n-not to, P-Princess!” He pulled up and over her, caging her in on the bed with his limbs, green eyes glaring into her with a warm, familiar glow. The mirth was plain on his face, like he knew something she didn’t. She wondered what that would be, but dared not ask. He smirked: “It’s already certainly gone to one head.”

Her face grew three shades hotter. She reached up, grabbed a pillow, and smacked him.

He laughed even harder, pulling back to sit on his knees, but still kept his hands straddling her hips, nails creeping over the band of her jeans. “I should p-probably give Ladybug a call! Let her know I can’t make it to patrol tonight!”

Oh yeah, patrol… that thing she was supposed to go on.

Marinette pretended to be none the wiser as Chat whipped out his staff and dialed in Ladybug’s number. To no surprise, Ladybug did not pick up. Chat raised an eyebrow, but shrugged it off nonetheless. “Hello, My Lady. Just wanted to let you know that this cat won’t be an outdoor cat tonight.” Marinette rolled her eyes, but smiled to herself at the voicemail she’d get later, and the memories she was yet to make, but would inevitably still be fresh next time she transformed. Chat’s face grew sly in a way she hadn’t really seen him get before. She wondered if it was his smolder face. As much as she hated to say it, for fear of adding to his ego, it worked. “You see, I’ve been a terrible housecat as of late. My poor wife has been feeling neglected, and I wouldn’t be much of a husband if I didn’t, at the very least, lick the bowl clean.”

Wait. Wait, wait-- what?

“Plagg, claws in.”

Chat Noir shut the call down seconds before a green light, gradient and laser-like in movement, emanated from the stray cat at the foot of her bed. She squeaked and reached up to shield her eyes, balling up on the bed in a fetal position as if her knees could cover her eyes, give her another layer.

Chat laughed. “C’mon, Princess. Open your eyes.” He reached over and pried her hands away from her squeezed eyes, holding them delicately as she struggled with the impending doom of seeing Chat without the mask. That made this too real, made cheating on Adrien so much more real! “Marinette, it’s okay,” he brought her hands to his face and pressed a kiss to either knuckle. “Would I ever lie to you?”

Appealing to her trust in him-- low blow. Despite the reservations she had (of which she had MANY), she let her eyes part, let them readjust from the blur.

There, sitting in front of her, was a very flushed, very cocky, Adrien Agreste. She couldn’t help herself, she gasped. His face drew closer, eyes lidded the way she’d seen Chat Noir’s narrow a million times. This time, this time felt so different. It was Adrien, his hair (oh, his hair was so Chat Noir right then it wasn’t even FUNNY), his eyes, with Chat’s smile and husky purr. Her breath caught in her throat as he pressed a kiss to her wrist and watched her reaction as he did it. She flushed. “So, Princess… would you have any interest in putting that wedding dress back on? I never got the chance to fully admire it.”

Admire it he did, with minimal damage, surprisingly. It was clear Chat Noir wanted to tear the damn thing off of her, but Adrien was still gentle and sweet and most importantly knew better. He did the next best thing, though, which meant she would need to replace the zipper if she were to wear it again for vow renewals. The bed that had been untouched for months was a feather-covered, duvet-sulking mess. Whatever makeup she’d been wearing before she started crying on Chat’s shoulder had almost certainly been smeared or smudged or wiped off as she cried into Adrien’s shoulder. He had lips imprinted all over him, but the one he seemed the most proud of was the one at the corner of his lip where he was grinning like a cat who caught a canary. The whole posture looked smug, actually. He sat up against the headrest, one arm propping up his high-held head, and the other running soothing circles into her shoulder where she laid at his chest. She pouted at him, mad that he wasn’t even winded after the stunts he pulled… she was still catching her breath! “Sure you got fed, kitty? You look like you’re about to paw at the cabinets again.”

“I said I’d lick the bowl clean, Princess, never said I’d be full after.”

She went red again, which seemed ridiculous after the sheer gymnastics they’d both performed minutes earlier. “How?”

“Hm?”

“How are you not even a little tired after that?”

Adrien titterted. “That’s what happens when you let a man with month's worth of fantasies jump your bones. I’m not even halfway through my list yet.”

“What part of I am your wife did the wedding not get through to you?”

To her surprise, Adrien’s smile grew soft, full of love; he leaned back down to capture her between both arms and hold her to his chest. This was the Adrien she’d always known, the gentle smile, the quiet voice that still sounded like bells. He pressed his forehead to hers. “The part where you wanted me to do everything I wanted to do. I’m not used to that,” he brushed their noses together. “I’m not used to being loved by a wife, but I want to be.”

She nuzzled into his chest and stuck her face in the crook of his neck. He ran a hand through her hair, still heavily mussed from its time pressed to the pillows. “The girl I mentioned, back when we were fourteen…”

“Ladybug.”

“Yeah,” he huffed, somewhat sheepishly. “You weren’t, um, wrong about me still holding out for Ladybug but--”

Marinette yawned, “That’s fine.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t have to waste money making the” she yawned again “lingerie, I’ll just put on the suit.”

“What?!” Adrien pulled away to look down at his wife, but found she was fast asleep, and that she would stay that way until the sun came up. So Adrien lay there, wide awake, contemplating the likelihood of him being that inconceivably lucky.

[arthurmorganthings]

Happy Birthday

Pairing: Dutch x Anna

Summary: Anna surprises Dutch on a very special day.

Arthur’s Note: Happy belated to my favorite man with a plan :’).

Explicit +18

“Darlin’ you know I hate surprises.” He speaks in spite of following through with Anna’s idea. Eyes sealed shut through a tight, velvety cloth as he followed the push of her dainty fingers on the small of his back to guide him to their destination.

Though Dutch couldn’t see her physically, he could’n t begin to imagine how amusing it was to see her lover be placed in such a compromising position. Dutch was usually the man that asserts dominance whenever he walked into a room, he lets his presence be known—the Alpha, one would call him.

“C’mon now, it ain’t much farther.” She replies in obvious irritation at his onslaught of questioning. “My god Dutch, you know if I ain’t know no better, I’d assume you had life given to you from a silver spoon.”

He frowns. “Well excuse me princess, but did you forget the price on my head? I don’t have time to step away from my duties for even a second—.”

“You don’t think I know that? Just, trust me..” His gentle shoves comes to a cease. Anna’s chest came to close proximity to Dutch’s back; wrapping her arms around his body in a warm embrace. “All I ask of you is a few hours of your time—please.”

Goosebumps dare mark the surface of his skin in betrayal to his lovers eloquence. As if he wouldn’t fly through the gates of heaven to assure that she was happy—he’d be a fibber. A sigh escapes his mouth before placing his hands on his hips. “Fine. Just a few hours.”

There he goes, the same tone used to heed warning, was the same used to place his own rules. Dutch was in control, and as long as Anna allowed him that fantasy, she’d be taken cared of.

She pushes him past the abundance of orchards near the fields of West Elizabeth. A few steps later, she stops. “Okay.”

Soft hands grazed past his temple to remove the cloth from his face. Ashtonished, his glance ventures to the neatly decorated tent alongside an assortment of candles, flowers, and dimly lit campfire. Additionally, Anna did the honors of having his favorite whiskey be displayed next to his gift.

Dutch was speechless.

“How?” His voice, dropping a few octaves. “How did you know?”

“Hosea was never fond of keepin’ secrets.” Her smile causing his heart to swell as her palms gently combed through his soft locks. Dutch found himself lost for words as he took in her appearance. “Happy birthday, my beloved.”

He hadn’t even noticed her application of red lipstick, and smokey eyeshadow. Her scent was riveting, a play on warm rose with an undertone of jasmine musk was enough to imply her secret rendezvous at a bathhouse near camp.

“Anne, you—you didn’t have to.”

“I didn’t right?” She teased, playfully pulling at the hem of his vest, suggestively. “But considering you’ve been under a lot of stress lately, what—with runnin’ a gang, I think this is just what you, need.”

“Oh?” Dutch quirks an eyebrow while his hands crept to the small of her back, going lower. “And what is it that I exactly need, sweetheart?”

His cock hardened when she places herself in front of his slacks, looking up at him with those doe-eyes as the silhouette of both lovers illuminates off of the camp-fire.

Dutch wanted to grab her by her coils and fuck her senseless, it was his birthday after all—but the night was still young, and would not wish to rush things. Anna thoughtfully made this happen so that he would enjoy another year. Her hard work is to be rewarded.

She teases him, slowly unbuttoning the seams before making work of his zipper. “You need to shut up, and let me hone my skills.”

One thing about Anna was that she always wanted the last laugh. In accordance to Dutch, their personalities clashed every time when faced with conducting future plans of their inevitable future. For lack of better words, Anna was that of an intelligent sort.

But Dutch wasn’t here to analyze his lover so his paitience wore painfully thin. He grabbed his girth from his trousers, his free-hand cupping her face as he forced her glance to into his brown ones. “I understand this little game of cat and mouse seems amusing to you.” His voice husked as her mouth grew full from the protrusion. “But I’m getting too old to entertain you. Then again, this is my gift.”

She gags instantly, the friction of his cock hitting the back of her throat made work of her eyes. Warm pools of her essence soak her union suit as she rubs her thighs together to get a bit of relief. Her eyes never left his facial expressions while getting fucked in the face. Eyes shut, jaw slacked, head titled backwards—all at the expense of her mouth.

“God,” he whispers, grabbing at her hair in encouragement to continue. “You feel so good around me darlin.’”

Anna’d be lying is she didn’t think seeing a man with so much power be minimized to mere putty wasn’t a ego booster to her—she notes to tease him about it later. When he forces her to pull away, trails of spit attached from his cock to her mouth as she exhales raggedly. Her eyeshadow on the brim of coming off altogether as he motions her to lay on her back near the bedrolls she took the time to make.

He makes haste with her lips, the taste of wine flooding his mouth while his free-hand aid in removing Anna’s skirt before unbuttoning her union suit. His fingers toyed with her wet mound in return of a long sigh. Dissatisfied with her response, he pistons two fingers into her wet cunt, the only sounds evident were the squelching of Anna’s pussy, and the cackling fire that barely masked her cries out in the wilderness.

“Haaah yes, that’s it daddy.” Dutch couldn’t help but groan at the petname he grew fond of behind silken sheets. He continues his ministrations but with the help of his tongue, flicking at the clit as his fingers curled in a ‘come-hither’ motion.

Anna’s entire body tenses, her eyes sees white before rolling back into her skull as her mouth opens in a silent gasp. She screams his name like prayer before marking his bedroll with her slick cum. He removes his hands from her overstimulated cunt, chuckling.

“I’m willing to give you what you need.” Dutch states with hooded eyes, stroking himself with his freehand, while the other gently grabs at Anna’s hips. “So, what is it that you need, Anna?”

Dutch was a man that valued communication during the act of coitus. Nevermind the embarrassing vabrado in Anna’s voice whenever he put her over the edge into bliss, he’d rather here her talk about his unadulterated cum to the mouth, or any part of the body for that matter. He was a man of acquired lust, even it that left a sleazy taste in Anna’s mouth.

“Well?” He asks, impatiently as he lines himself into her entrance, causing her to shiver.

“I want you.”

“And what is it, that you want me to do?”

Grabbing him by his cheek, Anna stares into his eyes, rage-filled nearly. “It’s your goddamn birthday Dutch. I want you to fill me up with you. I want all of the bandits that straggle tonight to know who’s fucking me so good. I want you to break me, Dutch.”

That was enough to set a switch off in Dutch’s head as he shoved most of his length deep into her womanhood as Anna throws her head back in pleasure. The sounds omitted from her body were embarrassingly loud as Dutch’s well-endowed shaft protruds at her walls, she couldn't even think straight as she clawed at his vest.

“Yes, yes, yes.” She repeats, staring up at him with her brows furrowed. Dutch had to count times in betwixt intervals of when he could look at Anna to prevent premature ejaculation. “Oh.”

"There you go, darlin,’ on your back.” Dutch replies. His entire being was enough for her to go crazy, now imagine how it felt after a round of this and some crudeness on the side. “Taking my cock so well like the little whore you are.”

"Don't stop.” Anna swore, eyes growing heavy at the fullness in her belly. Her moans prolonging his roughness as his left hand wraps around her neck gingerly. “Fuck, daddy.”

“How good is daddy making you feel?”

“So good, please.” Anna pleads biting at her lip while his cock pistons in and out of her.

Within seconds Anna’s body weight shifts so that her stomach kissed the soft bedroll on top of the ground while Dutch adjusts himself inside of her. His size didn't take her all the way as he goes in at slow pace into her wet cunt. She was so wet Dutch had to evade thoughts of fucking her roughly despite wanting to so desperately but opt for allowing Anna a bit of rest—for a little while.

Once she'd taken most of his size, he picked up the pace. Skin slapping against each other was the only sound that could be heard around said lovers, basking in the noise of beautiful pain, nothing could feel more euphoric than this. Anna wasn't the type of girl to overstimulate either, but the way Dutch was deep inside of her causing a slew of curse words to rise out of her mouth, she’d be surprised if she wasn’t sore tomorrow morning .

She could tell he was near his peak of coming, the way his hands tightened around her neck, his gritted teeth, and primal growl was enough indication for her to provoke him. Anna’s cheek still grazing the bedroll as she so happened to catch Dutch grinding his pelvis into her cunt. “Are you close daddy? Do you want to finish deep inside?”

A groan dare escape his lips as a glint of mischief appears onto her taut face as she whimpered, her legs curled at his change of pace. “Ohhhhh, Dutch.” eyes rolling back again.

“You love it when daddy treats you like his little harlot? Fucking you with your legs wide open for strangers to see?” He husked now forward so that his lips whispered sleazy nothings into Anna’s ears.

"Mhm.” She responds , her whimpers drowning out the open space while her eyes flutter closed; Shit, she loved Dutch, she loved fucking him even more. "Please," she begged, indicating that she wanted to release badly, and merely on the precipice telling by how her voice grew higher in pitch.

“I’m coming, hah—“ Anne squeals as Dutch releases a loud grunt as he empties his seed into her. Anna falls limb onto his bedroll, was trails of cum slick from her cunt, still shaken by the aftershocks of an intense session of love making.

While Dutch catches his breath he watches Anne’s eyes grow heavy, not before inquiring about Dutch.

After placing himself back into his trousers, he goes underneath the the quilt before hovering over Anna. He wraps his arms around her soft skin before burying his lips into her neck.

“Thank you.” He finally says. “For the best birthday an old man can ever ask for.”

Anna chuckles softly. “You were always the romantic sort, Mr. Van Der Linde.”

“Please ma’dam, you are to address me as such in public.” He whispers his next word. “But in private, daddy is the only name you’ll ever give the privilege of calling me.”

“Okay. Daddy.”

He growls, “You’re playing a dangerous game, woman.”

Anna smiles wholesomely before replacing it with a yawn, sleep beginning to take its toll as she wishes her lover one last happy birthday.

His response. “Thank you, Mrs. Van Der Linde.”

-

KSKSKD TAGGING @songofproserpine @jungle AND ALL OF MY FELLOW DUTCH HOES YA FEEL 😆😆😩💦💯

[thealphabetmurders]

If you still want a prompt maybe human analogical coffee shop au?

Hello, @potater420, thank you so much for your prompt, I really appreciate you sending one in. 

I want to preface this with everyday I want to fucking die, so incredibly badly. For multiple reasons, but one of them being I am bad at being a writer. Mainly, because of the fact that I cannot do anything short. Coffee Shop AU’s are a fairly simple prompt, so I thought to myself “easy, I have got this under control”. Nevertheless, I messed it up and now it is a 10k+ word monster. I am appalled with myself. So, once again, I am breaking up what was supposed to be a short one-shot into a multi chaptered fic. I hate myself. 

Virgil is a barista who has been working at Humes’s Coffeehouse and also a regular smoker who has been doing so for 8 years. He meets Logan, an attractive (soon to be) Doctor of Addiction Psychiatry, who implores him to stop smoking in the most fanfiction way possible. Please enjoy. 

(Read on AO3)

-

Everyone had their vices nowadays. Information and ideas are conveyed too fast and quickly for anyone to stay sane without a little outside help. There are healthier coping mechanisms than others, some more effective than not, and Virgil has tried pretty much them all, and he has more shit to deal with than most. So whilst many found solace in sex, Smirnoff, and santa marta, Virgil was still smoking in 2019.

It was not his fault. He began smoking when he was 14 when it was 2012 and still semi cool. If he could turn back time and refuse that first cigarette from someone who’s name escapes him now, he would, but for now he has to indulge to keep himself sane.

He used to smoke a lot more, at least a pack and a half a day. Now, on a bad day, he smokes 15 cigarettes; on a good day, he is down to 8; an average day has Virgil fall somewhere between 10 and 12. 

It is never enjoyable to stand outside, by yourself, and just smoke, but without the nicotine, he get extremely jittery, anxious, and irritated. The weather doesn’t let up for anyone slowly destroying their body, but it does allow him to have extra breaks from work. Not that he particularly minds working at Hume’s Coffeehouse. The owner is good and his day manager, Roman, can be bothersome, but is good company. And it is just a short walk to his flat with his roommate Patton. Yet, there were still days when customers were just… So dumb. Such unbridled, unfiltered, idiocy.

So, that is why Virgil is standing out front for his second time that hour, slowly milking his Marlboro Lite outside the doors to the shop. Normally, he has to smoke out back on the patio, but there were guests outside and Roman did not want them to be disturbed. So, he told him to zip up his hoodie over his uniform (as to not give the company a ‘bad image’) and to go smoke out front.

It was a warm day in April, warmer than Virgil’s liking for having a hoodie on, the sun shining on his right arm, holding the lit cigarette in his left hand. Virgil kicked a few pieces of concrete across the wide, jagged sidewalk as he took a deep breath in the afternoon air. It was a few minutes past 4 o’clock, Virgil thankful that he gets to leave in less than an hour and go work on a graphic design project for school. The rush had died down exponentially, no one had come in the building for the past 10 minutes. A white car pulled up to the front spot in the parking lot, and Virgil internally groaned and took another drag of his cigarette, knowing that if someone was coming in, he would have to go back inside to help (seeing as it was just Virgil and Roman there).

The car door opened, and a young man who appeared to be a tad older than Virgil himself exited and slammed the door closed with his foot, carrying a laptop on his hip, a satchel under his arm, a binder in his left arm (that looked about 5 inches wide), whilst texting on his cellphone with his left hand. Virgil had seen all types of university kids come into their quaint little shop in his time working there, but he had never seen one try to multitask before even getting in the building. This one, in fact, seemed even less aware of his surroundings than most.

He walked a few paces across the pavement (never looking up from his phone) until he made his way to the sidewalk. The jagged, uneven sidewalk that one in every three people trip over because of a particularly nasty snag on the pavement.

“Dude, hey!” Virgil called out, trying to get the young man’s attention, “Watch out, you’re gonna-” The man looked at Virgil over his glasses, his eyes filled with hurry and confusion, until his black converse caught onto that crack in the sidewalk, and he came crashing down.

Virgil doesn’t think he has ever cringed more on behalf of another person before; but watching a cellphone with no case an a Macbook fly through the air as papers from the thickest binder any man has ever seen fluttered on top of the sidewalk, like sprinkles on the worst sundae ever, made for a spectacle like no other.

“Holy shit, man!” Virgil yelled, throwing his cigarette to the ground and quickly stomping it out before running to the aid of the other. “Are you okay?”

The other man groaned and picked himself back onto his knees. His once professional demeanor was quickly ruined by the his now disheveled black hair and the scrapes on his cheek.

“Oh, that is unfortunate,” The bespectacled spectacle looked down at the long sleeved sweater he was previously wearing, now sporting a hole in the elbow, which was bleed as well, clashing with the navy blue color he had on.

“You got fucked up,” Virgil said, tapping his fingers rapidly on his thigh. He moved down to his knees and began gathering the papers before they began to blow away, “Let me help you gather all this up. You seemed stressed enough,”

The man chuckled, running his hands through his hair, attempting to tame it once more, “I suppose I am more stressed than was I was previously aware of,” He leaned to his left to grab his phone and inspected it for a few moments, fiddling with the buttons before smirking, “No cracks,”

Virgil scoffed, “You are so jammy, my phone would be dust if that happened, and I have an Otterbox,”

He shrugged in response, “It is because I have an Android,”

The Macbook, however, did not fare so well. He opened it, adjusting his glasses, and cringed. Virgil moved behind him and couldn’t help but suck in a breath at seeing the laptop ink inside the machine spill and move around the cracked areas.

“Yea, that thing is toast,”

He just shook his head, “Nonsense. I just have to get the screen replaced. I have the 2 year warranty after all. I just will not be as productive when I start working,” He closed the laptop and put it in his messenger bag as Virgil ogled at him.

“After what just happened, you are still going to do work? I don’t think I would work for a week if that shit just happened to me. I would take that as a sign from the universe to take a break,”

The other just scoffed at that, pushing his glasses further on his face. “I have not taken a break in 24 years, one broken Macbook is not going to change that streak for me,” He smirked at the other, but then contorted his face up, wincing slightly and touched the wound still present on his cheek. “Do you think that you could help me and gather the rest of my papers? You do not have to of course, but since you are already helping. I would like to run to my car and get some medical supplies to treat my wounds.”

“Yes, yes, of course,”

The man smiled at him gratefully and slowly jogged back to his car. Virgil began gather the papers that were littered with chemistry and medical notations that he had no clue about. He picked up a page full or writing, presumably the center of an essay and looked at the corner which read ‘Arias 3’.

The man, Arias, came back with a small first aid bag slung over his shoulder just as Virgil finished putting all of the papers back in the binder. He picked up the binder and the satchel but did not hand them to Arias quite yet.

“I will bring these in for you, I do not want you tripping and falling again,” Virgil explained, and Arias groaned in feign vexation, a smile ghosting his lips, “Do you need any help with your wounds or anything?”

Arias shook his head as they made their way into the shop, Virgil holding the door for them, “I am in my second to last year of my medical school program, I believe I can handle a few cuts and bruises,” He set down his bag on a table and Virgil followed suit with the rest of his items, “But I sincerely appreciate the offer,”

Virgil bowed a little which made the other chuckle slightly. He looked behind him at the counter to see Roman standing there, staring at him with his hands on his hips. He shakes his head and taps his wrist and Virgil rolled his eyes, “I should get back to work, my manager is going to yell at me soon,”

Arias’ eyebrows raised slightly, “You work here? Did you just begin?”

“No, I have been here for about 7 months now,”

He frowned in response, “I frequent this location often, why have I never seen you,”

Virgil shrugged, “I normally leave at 5 o’clock, so what time-”

“Ah,” Arias pointed a finger at him, “That must be it. I come in here at around 6 o’clock most weekdays. I am familiar with some of the staff… Including Roman,” He gestured his hand a little past Virgil, who turned around to see his manager walking towards them, a grin plastered on his face.

“Hello again, Logan. I see you have become acquainted with Virgil now,” Roman grinned and placed an arm around Virgil shoulders, sighing a bit with relief to finally know the other man’s name.

Arias- Logan, must have had the same line of thinking, “We haven’t had a proper introduction, but, I suppose now his a good time.” He held out his hand to Virgil, “I am Logan Arias,”

Virgil took his hand, “Virgil Kosa,” The shook for a moment, Logan’s grip was professional and firm and then they parted.

Logan directed his attention to Roman, “Yes, Virgil here helped me after I tripped and fell over that dreaded sidewalk,”

Roman groaned, “That sidewalk is the bane of my existence. It is now evident that you lost that fight with the sidewalk,” Roman loosely pointed to the wounds on Logan’s face, which prompted him to pull out the bandages, rubbing alcohol, and cotton rounds from his bag.

“I also lost my Macbook in the process. It succumbed to the harsh concrete, but I have the warranty for it. Thankfully Virgil here was there to help me gather my items that were lost from my fall.” He smiled softly at the dark cladded man, “I am quite grateful,”

Roman gave a hearty laugh, “Well, it is good that I let you go on that smoking break then,”

Virgil smirked, “I guess today smoking is going to save lives,”

Logan’s face contorted, but before he could say anything the chime went off in the store and they saw two people standing at the counter. They bid their short farewell to Logan and made their way around the back of the counter.

They had a mini rush, an influx of students from their college town came in, ordering everything from black coffee to frivolous frappuccinos. Roman took orders while Virgil blended, shook, and spun the orders ‘round. He didn’t mind the work. It was mindless and it allowed his thoughts to drift a bit. He thought about Logan a bit more, his eyes trailing to the black haired man who was studying diligently, flipped through flashcards faster than Virgil could probably read them. Logan adjusted his glasses and Virgil smiled, taking in his sharp features and intelligent sense of dress. He noticed the blue bandage he had on his cheek and the medical bag was on the chair opposite to him. Virgil stared longer than he should have and Logan turned to him, catching his eye. He waved curtly at Virgil, grey eyes flashing with bemusement and he flushed in response, opting for a two fingered salute towards Logan, hoping he didn’t notice his blush.

The rush eventually died down and Virgil was wiping down the machines when Roman came up behind him, straws in hand. He grinned down at Virgil as he stocked the dry goods, the other attempting to ignore the chuckles and giggles coming from the taller man. Eventually, Virgil turned to raise an eyebrow at Roman, who was filling the creamer with a cheeky expression.

“Can I ask you a question, V?”

Virgil nodded, prompting the other to continue.

“So, you’re gay, cachai?” Roman purred, the rhyme flowing effortlessly off his tongue.

Virgil made a smacking noise with his mouth and shook his head, wiping down a counter area that was already clean, “You can’t ask me that, Roman,”

He rolled his eyes, “But I am correct, yes?”

Virgil groaned, “Yes, you are. Is this relevant?”

Roman danced in placed, spilling droplets of creamer on the ground, “I want to set you up with Logan,”

Virgil groaned, “No, I do not want to be set up with anyone. I barely know him,”

“You kept giving him eyes on the line, I was watching,”

“He is cute, yes, but that whole med student thing does not exactly appeal to me, seeing as I am the least healthy person I know,”

Roman decidedly ignored the last half of Virgil’s statement and made undignified, offended gasps at Virgil, “Cute? You have got to be kidding me, weon,” Roman ruffled his dark curls after discarding the gloves he was wearing, “He has that sexy librarian thing going on, how can you not be into that?”

If you’re so ‘into that’,” Virgil quoted “Then why don’t you date him?”

Roman protested, “You would think I would, but, I am still trying to take a bite of your adorably delicious roommate,”

“Ah, right,” Virgil remembered, “That’s a fun thing to hear from your boss,”

Roman groaned dramatically and Virgil just raised an eyebrow at him, “Just go ask him out, I promise you will not regret it,” He sung that last bit, and Virgil only rolled his eyes. He did a quick sweep of the line and made sure to diligently wipe down the blenders to avoid going out into the lobby to wipe down tables.

“I am leaving now, Roman,” Virgil’s eyes trailed to the front counter to where he heard Logan’s voice, seeing the med student talk to his manager, “I will see you tomorrow, most likely,”

“Ah, that you will, weon. I hope you get your laptop fixed, promptly,” Roman flailed his arms in standard dramatic fashion and Logan shook his head at him, exhausted.

“Virgil,” Logan called out to him, a ways away down the line. He beckoned Virgil forward and he rushed forward, standing next to Roman, the two were stark contrasts of each other, “I just wanted to let you know I left something for you written on one of the napkins on the table,” Logan motioned towards his table, and sure enough, Virgil spotted a napkin and a pen left there. Virgil said nothing in response and Logan took this as an opportunity to take his leave and bid the other two a quaint farewell.

As soon as Logan was out the door, Roman began squealing with delight as Virgil turned completely red to his roots.

“Looks like Logan had the hots for you too!” He followed Virgil out into the lobby where he went to Logan’s seat and snatched up the napkin with the pen. He looked at the napkin, expecting to find a phone number or an email.

“What is it?” Roman asked, and Virgil read the napkin over again, groaning.

Virgil frowned at Roman, and read the napkin out loud:

“Smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease. Frequent smokers die 10 years earlier than non-smokers.

-(soon to be) Dr. Logan Arias, Addiction Psychiatrist”

Roman snatched the napkin away from Virgil’s grasp to read it for himself, and began laughing.

“Great, not only do I have my coworkers and housemates bother me about smoking, now I have random attractive men doing so?”

Roman continued laughing, “Si, po. Si,”

“This is why you don’t fuck with med students,” Virgil spat, bitterly.

Roman said nothing but snickered a bit more before following Virgil to the back where he pulled out his phone.

“It is not an incorrect fact, I just checked,”

“I didn’t think it would be, weon,” Roman pinned the napkin to their corkboard in the back, “Soon-to-be Dr. Logan Arias said so,” He quoted and giggled a bit more as Virgil made a grab for the napkin, but Roman deflected it.

“You suck, Roman, I want you to know that,” Virgil looked at the clock, “I was supposed to get off 45 minutes ago, can I leave?”

Roman nodded as Virgil unplugged his phone charger and grabbed his lighter (he always carries two) and inspected the note once more, “It is odd that he didn’t leave a number or anything, just a fact,”

Roman shrugged, “Maybe he will give one to you once you make an effort to stop smoking,”

Virgil barked laughing, “Fat chance,” He made a beeline for the door.

“No one wants to kiss an ashtray!” Roman called.

Virgil pushed open the door with he back as he yelled back at Roman, “I am not asking anyone to!”

He put in his earbuds and began walking with purpose back to his apartment. The walk was an easy 10 minutes where he could just block out the world and succumb to the lyrics of his Walking/Daydream Playlist.

He reached his apartment and threw his keys in the bowl at the front door. He greeted Patton and made his way to his room and looked at the time. It was only 6 o’clock, so he decided he had time for a nap before dinner. Virgil closed his eyes and fell asleep to visions of steel grey and cigarette smoke.

I made Roman Chilean in this fic (gee… I wonder why), so some of the italicized words are Chilean slang that I will define here: 

santa marta - Not a Chilean slang word, but slang for marijuana in Latin America (according to the Internet). 

cachai - Do you get me?/ Y’know? / Yea? At it’s core, it is essential just asking if they are on the same page. 

po: Just used for emphasis when speaking.

weon: This is the most commonly used slang word in Chile. It’s meaning can range from ‘dude’ or ‘man’ to as a term of endearment, greeting to idiot or worse. The meaning all depends on context and emphasis. I am being serious when I say Chileans say this in every other sentence.