#I’m conflicted honestly. short hair is definitely for her BUT it works in this au

[eebi-after-hours]

scribbling some more of the gravity falls au but had to take a sec for rose with longer hair because ??? thinking

[taechaos]

A Parting Gift

Continuation of Blackmail from Textbook Love

pairing: bully!Jungkook x nerdy!fem!Reader

genre: drabble, smut, college au

synopsis: "He told me he would leak your video if you don’t give him a handjob."

warnings: deception/manipulation, dubcon, handjob, spit, slight angst

word count: 2.4k

tag: @mwitsmejk

a/n: jungkook is a bit cruel in this 😖 a flop.

Every time you think about Jimin seeing you in your most vulnerable state, you want to cry, gag, vomit, but all you can do is look down and walk away from his direction in a hurry. Jungkook told you to avoid him, and it’s the easiest option for you right now, but you wish you could tell him it was an accident. If he doesn’t see you, he’ll forget it quicker and save you the embarrassment.

It’s been three days since the incident, and it’s Monday as you clutch your binder to your chest while walking to your afternoon lecture. The coast is clear when you scurry down the halls, the lightning dim due to the gloomy weather outside. It’s going to rain soon, but you got off easy by arriving early. The campus is not crowded yet, just as you expected before coming. Chances of seeing Jimin are supposed to be lowered in this instance, but the boy really can’t take a hint.

You hear him holler your name from a distance in the corridor, and you quicken your steps anxiously. You’re internally begging for him to leave you alone, to forget you exist, just to not approach you. The chants don’t matter when he gently holds your shoulder a few seconds later. You screw your eyes shut the moment you’re turned around, hoping he would just go away and spare the shame.

“Hey,” he exhales, out of breath from his short sprint to you. “Why were you ignoring me just now?”

“I didn’t hear you,” you lie and open your eyes. Jimin frowns.

“That’s not true,” he mumbles, “I was pretty loud and you don’t even have earphones in.”

You don’t say anything and grimace at the floor instead, avoiding his gaze for as long as you can. You’re not a good liar, and Jimin realizes that all too quickly. He continues quietly, “Is this about the… video?”

“It was an accident!” you blurt out with flushed cheeks, “J-Jungkook was going to send it to himself, but…”

She’s so dense, Jimin thinks in astonishment. “He told you that?” He knows it was on purpose; Jungkook was sending him a message beyond the media: that he stands no chance; that you belong to him. He was telling him to back off, but Jimin is more strong-willed than that.

“Yes… please forget about that video.” You avert your gaze to him pleadingly.

“I’m not judging you, if that’s what you’re worried about,” he tries to comfort, “but are you sure it wasn’t intentional?”

Both of you miss Jungkook exiting the lecture hall when you respond. His brows furrow the moment he notices the interaction, but his vision is blocked by other students leaving. He shoves a few as he watches you from afar, your back facing him and Jimin’s expression angering him with its doubtful look. Why the fuck is he still talking to her? He fumes in his spot until you turn back on your path to attend your lecture. You glance at him mid-way and all of your worries vanish the moment you lock eyes. You are taken aback by his glare as he waves you off and stalks up to Jimin who is just idly standing by without moving.

He only breaks out of his trance when Jungkook grabs him by his collar. “I’m guessing you didn’t hear what she said,” he refers to the video with a subtle snarl.

“Heard it loud and clear,” Jimin retaliates obnoxiously. The halls are emptying itself out, and he grows a bit more nervous when he realizes that he’s alone.

“Are you fucking dense? Why are you still following her around like a fucking creep?” He’s greeted with silence, and another possibility dawns on him. A cheshire grin crosses his features as he scoffs, “Oh, you liked it, didn’t you?”

Jimin blinks, dumbfounded, but doesn’t respond. He’s harshly shoved and the back of his head bangs against the wall, echoing in the otherwise silent area. An oomf escapes his mouth at the force, but Jungkook isn’t apologetic.

“You jacked off to it, Jimin?” he closes in on the suffering man who only stares at him. “Answer me.”

“N-No, I wouldn’t-” He’s cut off by the stinging pain on his scalp. 

Jungkook yanks his hair back without mercy, and sings, “Stuttering, avoiding eye contact, taking too long to respond… all signs of lying, no?”

“You’re hurting me,” Jimin holds onto his wrist with both hands as he groans. Jungkook only tugs on it harder.

“I’ll let go if you answer me honestly.” 

Jimin knows that Jungkook is waiting for one specific answer; it is obvious by the sick glint in his eyes. Alas, he tries again, “I-I didn’t do that!”

A deep sigh leaves his mouth with an eye roll, and he brings his free hand to wrap his fingers around Jimin’s neck. He doesn’t put any pressure on him yet, and Jimin is helpless because of the weight pressing against his legs to prevent him from kicking. “Pity,” he mutters, “I never took you for a pervert and a liar.”

The air leaves Jimin’s lungs all too soon when Jungkook tightens his grip on his throat, crushing his windpipes without so much as an expression on his face. Jimin claws at his arm as he wheezes, and Jungkook doesn’t react in the slightest; he looks psychopathic. “Yes,” he finally croaks, “I did.”

He coughs the moment Jungkook removes his hands from him. He bends on his knees as he catches his breath, and the deadly man waits patiently. “You did what?”

“I-I… I jacked off to it,” he swallows audibly.

“Jacked off to what? Your sex life doesn’t interest me.”

“I jacked off to the video of you fingering… her.” Jimin is once again reminded of how cruel Jungkook is, and all he wants is for you to realize that before it’s too late. But he isn’t any better when he is admitting the truth of his wrongful actions.

“Christ…” he trails and shakes his head. He’s feigning disgust, but it works in making Jimin feel worse. “I bet you’d pay to watch it live.”

“Jungkook, please,” he begs hoarsely, his throat dry and scratchy from the suffocation, “stop this. You don’t even love her.”

“Jimin,” he says monotonously, “count yourself lucky that I don’t have any scissors on me, because I’d cut your tongue off right about now. Your voice gives me a headache,” he sighs, “meet me in the lounge at 4.”

You’re worried and twitching on the edge of your seat during your lecture. Conversing with Jimin was awkward, and him telling you Jungkook had lied to you was infuriating, but it shifted to anxiety when Jungkook appeared upset with you. Why do you always do things wrong?

Dwelling on your feelings is not an option when you have to focus on your professor, and you’re overwhelmed with so many things at once. Your exams; Jungkook’s assignments; Jimin’s persistence are all taking a toll on you. You don’t hesitate to escape reality when your phone vibrates in your pocket. It’s a message from Jungkook and your heart fills with relief as you open it under the desk. It reads:

come straight to the lounge after your lecture.

He’s been interacting with you outside of academical topics, and it feels like you’ve hit a milestone. It’s progress at its finest! He’s waiting for you. Time passes too slow for you, and you eagerly take notes to distract yourself; it works, and you’re out of the hall in a rush.

Students are packing up their belongings just as you stride into the lounge. Jungkook is sitting at the far back, and you almost miss his figure. He’s scrolling through his phone when you reach him and your shallow breaths make him look up. 

“Hi,” you breathe and place your sling bag on the coffee table. The room is spacious and the couches are wide and comfortable. You sit down next to him, your leg touching his spread one.

“Hey baby,” he greets with a smile. You internally scream at the rare pet name, unaware that he’s intentionally riling you up. “How was your lecture?”

“It was good! I missed you so much,” you lean into him, “I didn’t upset you earlier, did I?”

“Of course not, princess. I missed you too,” he palms your cheek before pecking the tip of your nose. “Oh, and Jimin will be joining us today.”

You don’t get to relish in Jungkook’s affection long before your eyes widen. “What? Why?”

“I spoke to him earlier today, and well…” he sighs guiltily, “He told me he would leak your video if you don’t give him a handjob. And I agreed on my terms.”

Your lips part as hatred consumes you. Jungkook knows you would do it, and he knows you’ll hold a grudge. And Jimin… well, he’ll definitely have this experience to keep him satisfied for a while.

Said man stands before the both of you timidly. You’re still in shock when you avert your gaze to him. Jungkook is unexpectedly friendly as he stands up and says, “Jimin! Take a seat.” Jimin sits in his former seat wordlessly as Jungkook plops on the loveseat across. “I don’t think we should drag this out longer than it needs to be.” He juts his chin at you, “Start.”

Jimin is perplexed when you hide your face from him as you unbuckle his belt. “Wh-What are you doing?” he asks, but doesn’t stop you.

Before you can respond, Jungkook says, “She knows.” You and Jimin have two different interpretations of his words, and he is baffled by your reaction to it. You’re going to pleasure him because of what he did? Or is this all an attempt at cutting his dick off?

Your upper body covers your actions from any outsiders, but Jimin is worried he won’t be able to stay quiet when your hand massages his crotch over his briefs. It’s a wet dream come true, really, as he involuntarily inches closer to you. Jungkook leans his cheek on his palm as he watches you in boredom. “Take it out,” he instructs you. You don’t glance at Jimin as you push down his underwear and wrap your hand around his erection. He’s not fully erect because he’s still confused, but the more you stroke him, the harder it grows. “You like it?”

Jimin is conflicted between responding and ignoring, but his noises are the only answer Jungkook needs. He is suppressing moans with gasps, shuddering in his seat because your hand feels so soft and you look so pretty and shy. When you pick up your head to gaze at him questioningly, he replies, “Y-Yes.” 

He is entranced by your doe eyes but Jungkook breaks the building tension by mocking, “You look like you want to kiss her. Calm yourself.”

There’s a brief pause before you ask, “Would it make you… cum faster?”

Jungkook leans his elbows on his knees in interest, a smirk plastered on his face at the power dynamic: both of you are playing along to his strings, two puppets under his control. It makes him curious to see how far you’re willing to go before he’s completely rid of Jimin. The only reason he’s allowing this to happen is because of how pathetic Jimin looks now, and how he’ll be utterly crushed when you never speak to him again. It’s a bittersweet parting memory.

“Um…” he hesitates, but thinks if you decided to give him a handjob, a kiss wouldn’t make you uncomfortable. “Yes?”

You inch your face closer to his, and the both of you look like middle schoolers with how slow your lips eventually meet. It’s a sloppy and amateur kiss with Jimin whining into your mouth, his tongue swiping across your lips recklessly. He’s lost in the pleasure, and it’s clear to you that he’s never done anything like this before. Your thumb grazes the tip of his stiff length, and he begins to twitch under you. You use your other hand to pump his girth, your lips awkwardly pressing against his plump ones.

“Spit in his mouth.”

You abruptly pull away to gawk at Jungkook, but he only raises a brow intimidatingly, as if daring you to defy him. “Open,” you demand Jimin. His eyes are hazy, and he has no idea what he’s doing. He’s drunk on your touch as he parts his glistening lips and slightly sticks out his tongue. You spit on it and he flicks his tongue out to collect all of it, swallowing with a deep rumble resounding from his chest. He’s enjoying this far too much.

You don’t notice him cum with a thrust in the air when you kiss him, but as it begins to coat your fingers, you look down to see his oozing leak. It’s not spurting, and you’re grateful for it when you scoot away from him. He’s panting with his head thrown back on the couch headrest. 

Jungkook breaks his silence by cooing to you, “Are you okay, baby?” You nod with a pout, head turned away from Jimin. You’re waiting for Jungkook’s cue to leave so you can speak your mind. “You can go now.”

Without skipping a beat, you seethe, “Fuck you, Jimin. Don’t talk to me ever again or else I will report you to the dean. I hate you, and I hope to never see you again.” You make your grand departure right after, and the man sputters incoherently in confusion.

“What did I do…?”

“Now, Jimin, you heard the girl,” he grins and clasps his hands, “she may take pity on you, but I won’t. One word from you to her, and you’re fucked.”

“If you’re so jealous, why would you let her do that to me?”

He merely shrugs. “Who is she waiting for after giving you a handjob?” he stands up and towers over the seated man who is fumbling with his belt. “I was being nice to you before she completely cut contact with you. You’re welcome by the way.”

As he exits the lounge, he scoffs to himself, “Jealous. What a joke.”

He has no reason to be jealous, because when he's outside, you're shuffling on your feet with your hands held behind your back with a bright smile as you turn to look at him.

"There's my girl," he affirms with a lopsided grin.

It shouldn't feel so reassuring when you reply, "Always yours." And as long as you are, you should be content with only having him in your life.

Because he's never going to catch you talking to another boy again, even if it's his former best friend.

[sassooda]

Worlds Away JJK AU / Chapter 37 - Destined for Greatness

w/c - 7,731

               Suguru has been lying in bed for hours now as his mind wanders through his past and imagines different scenarios for the future. He sighs as he tosses and turns for the thousandth time, facing away from his door while his gaze takes to his new quarters that are viewable from this angle. This is by far the cheeriest room he has ever called his own. The walls are a warm yellow, the floors of solid hardened red clay and all of the matching furniture a light wood. His eyes take to the closed curtains with long thick white drapes, ‘This is so fucking annoying…’, he mumbles knowing there’s not even a window behind it, there’s no way for there to be when you’re underground. Sitting up now with aggravation, he reaches over to the bedside table and places the bowl of water he was using the night before, back into his lap. He wants to check in on Elska’s surroundings although he knows other Titers are tasked with the enemy’s usual surveillance. Before activating his technique though, he hesitates due to anxiety, ‘What the fuck am I going to do when we take her? What the fuck will she do?’. He hears footsteps approaching his door and knows Genghis must have already finished with most of the arrangements.

               “Little one! Time to wake up!”. Genghis calls out in an eager voice. He stops and smiles when he sees that Getou is already awake and asks, “Aren’t you excited about today?”. He looks over the worrisome Suguru who’s vexation is transparent. The golden sheets drape along his body and slide from his bare skin whenever he moves under them.

               Getou grumbles and turns his head, “I don’t think what I’m feeling is excitement…”. He keeps looking at the curtains that hide lies while wondering if he’s much different. ‘Will I have to subdue her when she lashes out? Am I going to have to hurt her when she resists?’. He’s had no qualms with doing so in the past but feels an incredible amount of pressure regarding it now. ‘Could we…like each other?’.

               Genghis chuckles and ignores Suguru’s reluctant attitude while looking around the room, “This is definitely much more suitable! Did you really put in a request for a giant tub though?” He’s poking fun at his pupil but he was also puzzled by that. Genghis thinks the brighter room will serve them both well psychologically. ‘Not too shabby for being done at the last minute.’.

               Embarrassed by the question, Getou submerges deeper into his bad mood and bed before retorting, “It’s for me. I’m tall.”. He was certainly not about to admit that it was for Elska, thinking she really must love them judging by how insane Naoya acted about it when the Zenin originally designed the first room where she was held. Suguru is aware that her reaction may be hostile overall and is dreading these coming days because of it so he hopes having one may ease her nerves. He doesn’t know that tub is Naoya’s thing.

               Genghis isn’t really satisfied with that answer but continues on, “I’ve gathered the most adept offensive fighters we have to offer.” Knowing the Titer’s abilities are incredible but lack in the area of traditional combat, selecting the most capable available would be crucial. “I believe you’ll quite enjoy my plan…”. His teeth show in this smile now, he’s more than willing to share his enthusiasm.

               Suguru finally turns to his mentor, interested. “Do tell me what you’ve concocted.”.

               Genghis lights up, “So as we were discussing, we need to restrict their actions. We will make our move in a public setting but you’ll still be able to have your fun...we will have to harm innocents but I assume that’s not what troubles you.” He grins maniacally, “Mr. Satoru Gojo’s presence will be requested before the Elders here in a few and his curiosity will assure he attends.”. Genghis sighs, “I was worried Gojo might want to kill all of them but I brought in two special people to mediate our fictitious ambitions.”. He chuckles, “The silver shaman has no idea what’s in store for him.”.

               Getou smirks at the thought of Gojo having the rug pulled from beneath him, “So we’re planning on having to deal with Toji, Zenin and Choso…aside from her today?” Genghis nods to his question but a heaviness forms in Suguru’s chest when he thinks about having to kill Choso. He’s still not on board with that completely and figures he’ll try his best to protect the hybrid in the midst of confusion. ‘Not him too.”. Getou wishes to find a way to bring the hybrid back to his side.

               Genghis claps his hands, causing his yellow robes to flutter, “You better get up and get ready! I’m about to meet with our team. I believe your first sweetheart will be amongst them.”, he chuckles for the drama but honestly loathes that woman.

               “Lidia?”, Getou stiffens immediately as that did not help his motivation. “She’s fucking crazy Master Genghis, I don’t want to be anywhere near her!”. Suguru takes his head to his hands as a few memories of her dependency and inhumane behavior flood him. ‘Psychotic bitch.’. Lidia always chased after Suguru when they were younger and at some point this wore on him as before he knew it, she was claiming them to be betrothed. She was obsessed with his destiny, his calling for the clan and would worship him in the most toxic ways due to it. Her need to be the only one in Getou’s life caused her to mutilate young women amongst Suguru’s outer circle out of spite and jealousy. Their time together did not last long as it quickly became a violent pairing, ending with him crushing her ribs under his usual technique. Suguru sighs, “She’s is not going to help me obtain another woman…”. He shudders recalling how after healing, she was back to throwing herself at him as if nothing happened. ‘Fucking…crazy…’.

               Genghis hides his sneer, knowing full and well the history of the two. “On the contrary, she requested this assignment.”. He notices Suguru’s growing frustration and wishes he could explain exactly why he’s doing what he’s doing but instead says, “I’ve seen many outcomes for this and although they may have varied, I can assure you Lidia will serve a great purpose here.”. Little does Getou know, Lidia will be the proof offered to show Elska she will be cared for while in the Titer compound.

               Suguru is skeptical to believe this and shows it through his expression as he rises from the bed and says, “Women are the bane of my existence…”. He stretches in his black briefs and cracks his neck while thinking something foreboding was eating at him. ‘I’m probably going to have to expose my other techniques now.’.

               “You’re about to receive the most powerful wife in the world…and yet, you complain.”, Genghis teases as he’d probably be nervous too if the roles were reversed. He watches Suguru don a black robe, clearly showing signs of stress so he walks up to him and puts his jokes aside, “This is going to work out, little one, one way or another.”, and pulls Getou’s head down to plant a fatherly kiss to the top of it. After sharing the rare moment, he bows and leaves Suguru to his morning routine.

               Getou watches him quietly walk out of the room with conflicting emotions. Genghis is the only man he’s ever looked up to, the only other human that ever offered genuine affection. Ever since Suguru was reunited with his mentor though, something has felt off or perhaps he’s just seems more purposeful. He’s not sure if this odd feeling is because of his own unstable emotions that threatened to derail his purpose of revenge or if there’s another reason but he can’t ignore it either way. He trusts that his mentor is still worthy of his respect and recognition though and finds his returning welcomed regardless. ‘All of those years…’, he wonders where Genghis spent his time and exactly why. ‘Did they really keep him away to simply foster my hatred for Gojo?’. He knows that doesn’t really make sense.

               Genghis is turning a hall leading to stairs to take him upward. He sees two of the recruited Titers waiting for him outside of the designated meeting area at the top, smiles and nears them. The first one he shakes hands with is Sain Khun. The 32-year-old Titer was a remarkable martial artists and hunter. His rare eyes are more grey than blue and stand in contrast to his long black hair that he wears down. Sain is one of the handful of Titers that learned to channel their metaphysical natured abilities into to combative techniques but usually stays out of the political fray of the clan. ‘A fine young man.”. Before he’s able to address the handsome Titer, the second of the pairing cuts in.

               “Master Genghis, I have more questions about this woman.”. Lidia shamelessly exudes her opinion of the situation and demands attention. She receives a sharp look from the clan’s head that only fuels her suspicions. “Are we certain she’s the best pairing for Master Getou?”.

               “Miss Lidia, you look lovely today…”, Genghis takes her hand and kisses it, ignoring her inquires. He continues to smile until she speaks up again. ‘She never ceases.’.

               “Can we trust that her intentions for Master Getou are ones we can stand by?”. Lidia shakes her long curly red hair that dances down her arms. Her green eyes narrowed still, she waits for an answer. “She’s not even human. What if she uses her powers to manipulate his biology as well?”. Her foot taps impatiently against the now softer ground, ‘I’ll fucking kill that bitch if she even looks at him wrong!’.

               Genghis has already grown tired of catering to Lidia’s neediness in the short time they’ve come to know each other but understands she’s vital. “And what of your own intentions?”, he confidently questions her as he doesn’t need an answer. He already knows and is glad to see her heart hasn’t wavered from its possessive ways.

               Sain feels forced as this greet was supposed to be simple. He cares not of Lidia’s unhealthy interest for Suguru and even with his instincts crying against Genghis, feels badly for the man. He decides to enter the conversation in hopes to shut it down. “Lusting Lidia, it’s time to get on with the meeting.”, and grabs her arm, leading her through the door where the rest of the selected wait.

               Genghis takes a moment to center himself, ‘I understand your resentment little one…’. This quick exchange between them wasn’t the worst he’s suffered from the woman but he still cannot stand to be around her. He chuckles and whispers to himself, “But if she were any less obsessed, this wouldn’t work.”, and then enters the room with the rest as they lay out their plans.

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               Elska is looking around at the busy street as they occasionally bump into passing people. “My prince, are you sure it’s around here?” She’s never been to this part of the city before and is feeling anxious by the crowd. The sun is out but a chilling breeze catches them every so often. Her mind is heavy and plagued with questions but doesn’t want to dampen Naoya’s mission for the day.

               Naoya stops near the edge of the wide sidewalk and pulls out his phone, “I’m positive!”, while checking the map to make sure he could stand by those words. ‘Where is it?’. His brow creases as he studies the screen.

               Toji huffs, “We’ve been walking forever.” He’s abnormally agitated but also hates crowds and is pinning the fault on being dragged out into one. He looks at Elska who’s eyes happen to meet his and feels his tension release ever so slightly as the wind blows her black V-cut dress along her knees. All of them are dressed up more than usual since Naoya begged for them to eat at one of his favorite restaurants. He sees Elska eyeing him in a way that foretells she finds his black pants and squeezing button up suiting and it makes him feel like he could deal with the clothed restriction for a while longer.

               “It says we’re close!”, Naoya points to the map on his phone pridefully. It’s been a few years since he was on this side of the city and a lot has changed. He’s becoming frustrated with not knowing how much time they’ll have before Gojo returns, wanting to enjoy some normalcy. ‘I just want to treat her to nice meal!’ He turns to Elska and takes her hand, “Baby, I promise it will be worth it. I’m talking…food fit for a princess.”, when she giggles, he does too, being happy to see that she isn’t wanting to turn around. He looks to Toji now, “Want me to find you a walker?”, and snickers as the giant narrows his eyes before continuing ahead.

               Elska feels Naoya’s finger lace into hers as they resume walking, with Toji on her left. She’s trying to be cheerful today, wanting to appreciate the time she’s spending with them but her mind keeps leading her into thought. The night before, Toji stopped her from feeding and although she was aware of why and understood the risks Satoru spoke about, she tried to proceed anyway. There were a weird few minutes where she could only focus on drinking from her beloved and flailed wildly as he restrained her. ‘Why did it feel like I wanted the Titer energy too?’. She thinks to hold Toji’s hand as well in this moment but stops herself as she doesn’t want to draw unnecessary attention to the three of them. ‘He looked so concerned all while I couldn’t even stop…”. The ancestral voice advised her to feed. Her heart aches as she knows this was out of character and extremely selfish when they didn’t know how it could affect her. The one thing keeping her afloat in this matter is how Toji held her after she snapped out it, how he seemed to understand without saying that she didn’t mean to.

               Toji lets Naoya and Elska get a step ahead of him so he can keep his eyes on her. After their last outing, he’s remaining highly aware of their surroundings and is watching for anything suspicious. He sees Naoya in his dark grey slacks and black dress shirt, leaning down to talk to her as they maneuver through the groups of families and friends, keeping her close. ‘Is she really, ok?’. Toji recalls how she struggled against him the night before. Gojo tried to rush to the bed after seeing her reaction but Toji was also wanting to shield her from him. Her eyes changed, showing the dashes of his green while she clawed at his arms and flashed her fangs with a glare. Toji knew that wasn’t his Elska but didn’t want to make her apprehensive, so he hid her the best he could from Satoru until they reverted. He heard something from within while this was all occurring, a voice that he swears communicated for him to feed his master. ‘Is that even possible? What the fuck was that?’. He rubs his bicep after feeling a sharp pain run through his arm.

               Naoya leads them to a building that has loud club music playing inside, the base being noticeable from where they stand. He looks up and scrunches his face, “What the fuck is this?”. He checks his watch that bares 1:39 and is further confused by the daytime club scene. ‘I’ve failed.’. Toji can be heard groaning so he orients himself to face them both, “It was right here!!”. He takes in Elska’s kind smile as she’s clearly not going to make him feel bad for being wrong. Not knowing what to do to save their lunch adventure he stands there awkwardly to think but hears Elska say, “Well let’s enjoy a drink while we look up somewhere else nearby!”. He smiles at her ability to always find a silver lining and follows behind her up the ramp that leads inside.

               As they walk through the room on the first floor, Toji feels this intense wave wash over him. Music is drowning out most other sounds but the way the bass pulses through him allows him to feel alive. The stench of cigarettes, sweat and alcohol sting his senses while they find a seat at the bar. Once sitting, he can smell Elska’s perfume when she whips her hair behind her shoulders, exposing her neck to which causes him to stir in the stool. Naoya hands out drink menus from them all but Toji doesn’t even look at it, knowing his order already and wanting it immediately. He feels ready to pounce but is cautiously calming himself as he knows this is not the place, ‘I am NOT Gojo…’. When she crosses her legs he feels the sting in his arm again, bringing his mood back to a wavering position.

               “I’m thinking a red…’, Elska states loud enough to be heard while looking over the wine menu. Naoya smiles to her words as he announces his choice of Mojito. “That’s why you’re so sweet!”, she jokes vaguely in regards to his actual taste. She places a hand on Toji’s right knee before turning to him and feels him jump. Her voice now concerned, “Did I scare you!?”. She giggles until she sees the intensity in his eyes, wondering why he’s exuding so much right then. Her breath was held in her throat as she waited for his eyes to glow, knowing that would not be good for where they are. They never do though and she eventually resumes respiration as he places his own large hand over hers. ‘What was that?’. She now swivels her head around the large room, taking in all of the day drinkers on the dance floor and seated randomly about.

               The bartender takes their orders with a smile and begins to serve them up right there. He recommended a red for Elska that he swears was his personal favorite and proudly waited for the approving sip. When she stated its palatability, he then left to attend other customers while Toji stared him down menacingly. ‘That’s a brave man to be flirting right in front of us.’.

               Naoya sips his drink while eyeing Toji chug his whiskey on the rocks. “Slow down old man, we still have to go somewhere to eat!”, he laughs at the eyeroll he receives and notices Elska drinking pretty quickly as well. “Baby, what’s on your mind?”, he knows something is bothering her and wonders if they’re both just nervous after the last Titer attack. ‘Maybe I can convince her to dance it away!’, he thinks as he imagines himself twirling her under the disco ball. He just wants her to have a good day.

               After finshing her glass already, she sets it down and tells Naoya, “I’m fine, I promise! I just really have to pee!”. He chuckles and adjusts himself so she has more room to slide off the stool. She announces that she’ll be right back before searching the walls for signs indicating the direction she should take. A drunken man bumps into her shortly after leaving the bar and can feel Toji increase his presence so she turns around to show that she’s fine. The whole room was lively except for Toji’s motionless staring. ‘I better be fast before he loses his shit.’.

               “She shouldn’t be alone.” Toji followed her with his eyes as she turned a corner down a hall. He’s worried about her and has this familiar unyielding need to be in her vicinity. It’s almost as if he knows something is about to happen. “I’m going to wait for her, watch the drinks.”. He hears Naoya protest with grief but faces him and says, “Boy, why don’t you find us a place to eat since we’re out here because of you.”, and places a hand on Naoya’s shoulder as he goes to walk past to counter the aggression in his voice. “Order another round too will ya?”.

               Elska stands up in the stall and flushes but doesn’t leave. She’s feeling like Toji’s eyes were trying to tell her something minutes ago but she can’t figure it out. All she knows is that it was sexy. She opens the latched door to wash and dry her hands but takes in her reflection in the mirror and thinks, ‘Life is so much crazier now…’, but smiles to herself knowing she had fantastic support from everyone. The door pushes open abruptly behind her and she gasps in startlement before realizing that it was Toji himself. “TOJI! What if there are others in here?!”. She can tell by his focus though that it didn’t matter anyway.

               “Doll…” he mutters as he locks the door behind him. He sees that she was caught off guard when she asks what he was doing in there but he just walks closer until he’s inches away. “I need…”, he lifts her up so she can wrap her legs around his waist and supports her weight with his right arm. “I need you.”, he whispers while dragging the tip of his nose along her collar bone, watching her skin change pigment from his glowing eyes. Her hands are roaming through his hair and he moans to the sensation of her nails against his scalp. “Right now.”. He nearly growls as he sinks her into his groin from above.

               “Toji…”, she was right about his prior intensity but can’t find it in her heart to stop him as he begins kissing the crook of her neck. The music can be heard through the walls along with idle chatter and it all serves as a reminder for where they’re at. She thinks of her pheromones and instantly pulls herself out of their beautiful trance. She whispers, “We shouldn’t do this here, my beloved.”, and frowns as he lifts his head to meet eyes. “I can’t release them here, it’ll be a disaster…”.

               He agrees that they shouldn’t have sex and nods with a grunt but that’s not truly what brought him in lady’s room to begin with. Feeling his fangs form he shows them to her and happily takes in her reaction as she smiles and moves her hair while saying, “Oh! ok…but we have to be quick!”. He squeezes her cheek with his right hand that supporting her rear and drags his teeth across the skin of her neck. “I just need to taste you.”, he wantonly groans before biting down. She gasps to his intrusion and grips his hair as he begins to suckle. His own whimpers could be heard between his gulps, loving every drop he’s being given as he deciphers her soul and feelings. Her flavor, now that he’s not as overloaded by the information, is reminiscent of the aroma born from a field of flowers. Each time he swallows more of her blood, his overall restlessness fades while her squirming increases.

               Elska cradles his head into her while melting in the master’s ecstasy flowing through her. Her eyes are closed as she bites her lip and attempts to muffle her sounds. “My beloved…”, she whimpers to him while her fingers stroke through his hair. His hypertonicity dwindles as she feels his left hand travel up her back, resting a grip on the nape of her neck. “I love you, my beloved Toji…”, and gasps in desperation as she can sense his own, wanting to assure him of his importance. Those same fingers now dance along her clavicle as he brings them over the wounds to close them while panting into her neck. He leaves his face buried there, adorning the area with his lips slowly as he she can tell he’s gathering himself. “Do you feel better?” She caresses his temple and cheek hoping that he did, feeling terrible that she didn’t recognize or even sense his disposition sooner. When he lifts his head to look at her again, she feels the need to lock her lips to his as they both exhale in a gratified union. She moves the hair out of his eyes and kisses his forehead before he gently puts her back down, him looking refreshed with a bashful grin.

               He grabs a paper towel from the dispenser and wets it. In the mirror he can see Elska’s loving eyes watching him and the scar on the corner of his lips bends pleasantly. While wiping away any evidence, he shyly adds, “I love you too, doll.”, the words still seeming unreal. After discarding the bloodied paper towel, he takes up her hands in his own, “I’m sorry for following you in here, I just…I really needed to do that.”. He’s still uneasy by how compelling the desire was. “I felt like I wouldn’t get another chance.”. He sees the concern on her face and doesn’t want to worry her, “It was just time for me to feed doll, everything is ok.”. Her hand sails upwards to hold his cheek and leans into it. ‘I have to keep her safe.’.

               Naoya is watching the condensation accumulate on his glass and is now feeling nervous as he checks his watch again. ‘Where are they?!’, he swings around in the stool to check the room and feels an incredible wave of relief as he finds Toji and Elska making their way back to the bar. After they sit he asks, “Did you guys go to the bathroom at the dorms or what?”, but picks up on the weird laughs he receives from them. ‘He wouldn’t have tried something sly, would he?’, and squints his eyes at Toji. ‘He looks way better though.’, and decides to let it go as he’s sure even a quickie couldn’t be that quick. “Baby…”, Naoya slides his phone over in front of them as he finishes his second Mojito, “I’ve only been here once but they have beautiful seating along the water!”. He cackles, “…and it’s only about half a mile away by foot…”.

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               Gojo is quickly walking through the whited-out halls with Choso following. He speaks without looking, “Choso, when we get in there…I have to warn you, you’re not expected.”. Gojo heard Choso stop in place so he turns around to see him. “You’re with me though so it’s fine! If they say anything to you, just ignore them. I will do the talking.”, and waves for the being to hurry.

               “I…I don’t understand why I’m here with you and not everyone else…”. Choso is familiar with the Elders but can’t ignore the fact that he used to work for them where as he’s now on the opposing side. ‘Is this a good idea?’. He was expecting Gojo to sulk and whine to being called in today and is puzzled by how thrilled he seems.

               Gojo jumps up to click his heels to the side before saying, “I don’t trust these cunts and I’m almost positive this is a trap of some sort…”. He notices Choso’s eyes widen with confusion so he continues, “If they’re trying to distract me from Elska, they fail if you’re there using your technique to watch her for me!”, his smug grin appears, “This way I’ll know the moment something happens.”. He’s sure the Elders have called him away in order to create an opportunity but has a mind to flip their plans upside down with this small act of rebellion. “I can never remember where to go! This shit all looks the same…it’s creepy.”.

               Choso sighs but tries to keep up with Gojo’s quickened pace. The bright lighting overhead is blinding and causing him discomfort as he prefers darker places. He doesn’t know what to make of Gojo’s explanation but figures he’s along for the ride at this point anyways. “Do you think they’d even admit to what they’re doing?”. Choso understands the amount of secrecy the surrounds the Elder’s goals and is sure that he’s not even fully aware of their intentions.

               “Yes. I will make sure they do.”, Satoru’s words are eerie but his expression is still delighted. “These fuckers have messed with us for long enough. They’re cowards, Choso and the things they want to do to my love are unacceptable.”.  Gojo is certain that none of the others would have condoned what he’s thinking he’ll have to do which is why he said nothing before leaving. “They need to leave her alone and how can I call myself the strongest if I can’t protect her from these witless skin bags?”. Satoru at least wanted to inform Nanami of his meeting but hasn’t been able to reach the fellow shaman yet. ‘Did they get to him too?’. Gojo is certain that something happened with Shoko but was waiting to see how things played out. ‘As long as she’s fine, I know she can handle it.’, but worries about Nanami’s reaction if he’s already discovered this too.

               ‘What is he going to do?’, Choso feels like something big is about to happen, something that cannot be taken back. The unnerving pressure in his gut hints that whatever it is, it’s not good. “Itadori and the others are still on standby but isn’t it odd that they haven’t been given any missions?”. They pass more rooms before Satoru finally stops. Choso watches the silver shaman’s expression change to lethally cold one before straightening himself with resolve, and knows he should do the same. ‘I guess I have to just trust him…’, the thought not sitting comfortably at all.

               Gojo quietly speaks, “Remember, don’t mind them, they’re not worth the stress. You do not serve them any longer.”, and places a reassuring hand on the hybrids shoulder. He’s impressed when he looks over the being, seeing that his previous nervousness has been cast away and replaced by a collected ensemble. ‘I’m pretty sure I’m right about him.’, and feels poised in the dark nature that lurks beneath Choso’s kindness. Turning back to the door, Gojo kicks it open fiercely before entering. “WHAT’S UP FUCKERS?!”.

               Three people sit along one side of a long white table, seeming prepared aside from the sudden commotion. The first is a representative of the Kamo clan, a new middle-aged face Satoru has never seen draped in dark red robes. The second is a Zenin, the bought errand man known better as “Peaches” for a less known reason. Gojo knew him rather well from his childhood and all of the clan events he was forced to attend. The third, however, catches Satoru by complete surprise and angers him. The woman sitting as a representative for his own clan is none other than his mother.

               Gojo seethes with white knuckled fists, “What the fuck are you doing here?”, as old anguish resurfaces between the two. Satoru hasn’t been home in years and purposefully. He was sure if he stayed any longer, he’d annihilate his own family.

               The Kamo rep scoffs, “Yes… well hello to you too Satoru Gojo. We could ask you the same.” He points to Choso, “Isn’t that Kamo property?”. The hybrid and Gojo fail to give him the time of day, causing tension.

               Gojo never takes his eyes off of his mother while waiting in silence as Choso dutifully ignores them. His eyes darken, “I asked you a fucking question you miserable old whore.”. He feels the urge to gather a technique but calms himself with his better judgement.

               His mother speaks, “That is no way to talk to the woman who raised you!”, she laughs in a haughty way but brings her dramatics to a close, “Why else would I be here? You can’t be left to just do whatever you please…”. She tilts her nose up and displays her notion that she is untouchable.

               Peaches shifts in his chair, “You have something that needs to be returned to the Zenin’s. Master Naoya was promised her hand.”. He’s honestly terrified of Gojo but would never allow this to show. Satoru darts stormy eyes in his direction and he feels a chill race down his spine.

               “Let’s just be frank about it. You want Elska.”. Gojo voice is calm, almost lighthearted. He brings his gaze back to his mother, feeling a little better about the situation knowing he’s going to handle more business than he expected today. “Choso, please start now.”. Gojo doesn’t have to look since he can feel Choso’s energy gathering to form the window. He watches the representatives lean to figure out what the hybrid is up to and laughs out loud. “My friend here”, He scowls at the Kamo man, “is going to observe Elska while we meet.”. He winks to Peaches, “She’s with Naoya right now for your information…Toji too.”.

               Gojo’s mother bursts into hyaena laughter, threatening to rupture the unsuspecting eardrums of the others. “You think you have it all figured out, don’t you? Such a pitiful child.”. Her long white hair waves in the air as she jerks her head to see Peaches’s perplexed expression. “Don’t believe him just because he speaks it…trust me…”, and folds her arms while thinking of how many more beatings her son should have to experience when younger.

               Peaches clears his throat and tries to save face, “Surely this is some kind of joke. Master Naoya loathes your very existence Satoru.”. He’s now chuckling to himself having felt it was a test of some sort, “Are we not on better terms than that of your games?”. He’s now sure it was a lie.

               Gojo regrets that Peaches is here today but is unable to overlook the fact that the old goat is in cahoots with this situation. ‘It can’t be helped!’. He turns to Choso now for the first time since they walked into the room and is reassured that nothing bad is happening. Now facing Peaches again, “You know… Zenin and I got off on the wrong foot.” He grins, “But now we have threesomes!”, loving the shock that plasters everyone’s face. The Kamo man choked on his own saliva to the mention. Gojo looks at his mother, “Don’t be upset just because no one wants to fuck you. It can’t be helped when your cunt leaks venom.”.

               Choso sits motionlessly as he listens to the meeting unfold, completely flabbergasted by Satoru’s way of speaking. ‘What did his mother do to him to make him hate her so much?’, he hesitates to explore the options in his mind as he can only imagine. Aside from that though, Choso has never witnessed such a display of blatant disrespect to the higher ups and is completely unnerved by the silver shamans ever changing composure. ‘What is he planning to do?’, the ominous feelings he’s experiencing from this are only growing at this point.

               Peaches is red with embarrassment, “HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT!”, and allows his anger on the matter to spill over. The representative huffs relentlessly to the accusations and feels disgraced for his ears being exposed to such vile talk. When expecting to see an angry Gojo, he’s further confused by the smile that meets him instead.

               Gojo runs his finger along the table as he casually saunters in front of each of them. “If you three decide to get rowdy…I’ll have to kill you.”. He basks in the glares and especially enjoys his mother’s fear as she knew he was not playing around. Once they become settled he says to her, “You being here makes you my enemy, mommy. How long have you been involved?”. She starts to swat his question away with a scoff but everyone leaps out of their skin when Satoru yells, “HOW FUCKING LONG?!”. He increases his presence tenfold and watches the representatives writhe in distress before him.

               She says nothing.

               The Kamo rep is sweating bullets as he’s only heard the tales of horrors committed at the hand of Gojo. ‘Genghis said nothing about this hostility.”, he thinks to himself as he comprehends that he’s bitten off more than he could chew. He’s afraid to peel his eyes away from the powerful shaman making inquiring demands but also wants to flee the room. ‘This guy is even crazier in person!’.

               Gojo takes a deep breath and exhales dramatically, “Well…this is going nowhere…”, and summons energy into his hand as he aims it at the Kamo representative. The nameless man cries out in fear and studders in his breathing. Gojo notices Choso jump to his feet but the being doesn’t say anything. Only when the defeated female voice utters, “3 years.”, does he quell his attack. He thinks about that answer for a moment before acknowledging her again. ‘That’s strange.’. Looming across from her he now asks, “I’d already had my love for some time before that, why did you join them to conspire against me at that point? Don’t make me blow this poor guy’s skull open…”, he warns of his lack of patience.

               His mother sulks in her seat having her hands tied about the questioning, “I thought she was a passing infatuation at first, like all of the others but you completely neglected your responsibilities of being an heir because of that wretch.” She’s met with unforgiving eyes and wishes she was able to smack the audacity out of him but has learned the hard way about his response to abuse. “She is not yours Satoru and you jeopardize the entire balance of the clans with your actions of keeping her.”.  Out of the corner of her eye she sees Peaches nod in support and feels reaffirmed by it.

               Gojo slips a wild laugh and slaps the table, “She is mine though. I voyaged worlds away to find her. I went to incredible lengths to bring her back…”, he sighs while resting his hands on his hips. “You do know, mom, these Titers that have you in their pocket…they were going to use her to assassinate me.”. The atmosphere of the room deteriorates at the mention of the Titer clan. Its obvious that they were left unaware to Gojo having knowledge of the group’s silent partner.

               His mother jumps from her seat and screams, “AND THEY SHOULD HAVE SUCCEEDED!”. All of the hatred she’s ever felt for her son sears the air around them, her chest feeling lighter for the honesty but heavier for the fear. “You were destined for greatness but even with your gifts, something is wrong with you! How you ever came out of me? I will never know…”. She feels she must stand her ground or else the structure they’ve served their entire lives will crumble. “You’re evil. You always have been.”.

               Choso is still watching Naoya, Toji and Elska but can’t help but be distracted by the darkness exuding Gojo. ‘What is going on here?’, he doesn’t understand how this is official business and even finds himself feeling defensive over Satoru. ‘That woman is appalling.’, he thinks as he considers Gojo’s upbringing and decides there’s more to the man than he ever considered. He looks back to the window after surmising that none of the representatives would attack. Choso becomes rattled when the window shows Toji drinking from Elska in a cramped bathroom, ‘I can’t believe the lighting permits this, it must be dim.’, He temporarily becomes fixated with Toji’s fangs anchored into her as she quietly moans. He’s not seen anyone but her feed before. ‘So, his bite feels good to her as well?’. He brushes his lap as if to tell it, “Knock it off”, but his attention is soon stolen by Peaches’s mention of Elska.

               “If you don’t return Elska Oda then this will be seen as an act of aggression Satoru, please…don’t do thi-…” Peaches can no longer speak as Gojo grips hit throat and is thrown into a fit of fright.

               “I kind of liked you…I was use to you at least…but if you ask me that one more time, I will break your fucking neck.” Gojo feels his face twitch as he squeezes the old man’s beard into his throat, “You guys are fucking with me today and I don’t appreciate it.”. Never letting go, he turns to his mother but also glances at the petrified Kamo rep, “I do not give a single flying fuck about the clans, I couldn’t care less of your archaic ways and I am never going to surrender my Elska.”. As Peaches reaches a critical point of needing air, Gojo clamps his fingers deeper, “I left my love’s side today to be here because of your guys’ little fucking Titer friends. That is what we will discuss.”.

               Gojo’s mother rushes to pull her son’s hand away but right as she’s reaching out, Satoru releases Peaches. She watches the old man heave and choke uncontrollably and shoots hateful eyes. “How dare you lay a hand on him? Do you fear nothing?”, she thinks to threaten with her husband but knows that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree so it’s likely useless.

               Satoru smirks while studying Peaches inability to regain his breath, “I crushed his trachea a bit, he’s going to need medical attention soon.”. He watches the Kamo man stand up in disbelief and warns, “My mother is right about one thing, I do not fear you or your influence.”, and smiles approvingly as the man takes his seat again hesitantly.

               “You psychotic little freak!”, his mother cries out in disgust, “We need to get him to a doctor!”. She feels herself fill with anxiety as she was not expecting him to go this far. “Let us take him!”.

               Satoru hisses quietly, “If you guys weren’t so dead set in dicking me around then this wouldn’t have happened. No one leaves until I get some answers.”. He strolls around the table, loving how terrified the Kamo representative became when he was close. He yanks up the suffocating Peaches and throws him back into his chair, “Have some fucking dignity…I thought better of you.”. When Peaches makes eye contact, he can see the dread wash over the man, knowing their dynamic has changed forever.

               The Kamo man speaks up sheepishly, “Wh…What is it that you want to know?”. He’s all for handing over the required information as he clearly cares about his life more than the others. Satoru’s expression softens as the other two representatives hang their mouths open, not expecting him to fold so easily. Gojo states, “Everything.”, which causes the rep to tense up as he doesn’t know where to begin. He hastily blurts out, “Suguru Getou inherited ancient techniques as well. The Titers are planning on taking the girl for themselves to ensure their supremacy.” He inhales sharply, “The head of their clan met his end by the hands of your company, they want to repay by being rid of you as you are their final target. You’re still too strong because of your infinity, so the girl’s fate was determined the moment you were born.”.

               “You… weak imbecile…”, Gojo’s mother retaliates to the sensitive information by pushing Peaches backwards causing him to fall to the ground and thrash violently. Without so much as a second thought, she gathers energy into her hand and expels it at the Kamo man’s mouth. The representative dons his own matching blood as his brain matter exits the back of his head, decorating the white surroundings behind him. Only a cavernous jagged hole remains where the words escaped him only seconds prior. His body slumps over the table as he leaks his remaining essence into a pool that shortly forms a dripping pattern to the white tiled floor.  

               Choso defensively stands as the black tattoo on his faces begins to wave. “Satoru…”, is all he says while watching Gojo’s mother now strain to lift the blue tinted and gasping Peaches back upright his seat. ‘His mother is just as rash…’. Choso waits for a few moments longer but is eager to gauge Gojo when their eyes finally meet. ‘Why does he look so satisfied?’, he questions himself as he’s met with that smug smile. The Zenin man’s eyes look like they may pop out of his head but Choso can still make out the man’s reaction to his own presence. He hears Gojo say, “Everything is alright Choso, don’t worry. Just watch them.”, but the being is unable to simply sit with ease at this time. ‘How is this alright?’.

               “And you wonder where I get it from?”, Gojo is irritated that the only man that was willing to talk is now dead but he’s also able to take the information to heart because of how his mother reacted. ‘So all of this really is because of me…’, he thinks of Elska with a heavy heart knowing all that she’s been through, even before he got his hands on her was his fault. ‘My love…I will make this right.’.

               Gojo’s mother now sits back down, wondering if she went too far and gave away their hand. Peaches struggles to speak next to her but she can make out that he’s trying to question the fidelity of the Kamo’s last words. She sighs, “Look Peaches, I like you but I’m siding with Genghis.”. Peaches gurgles himself into a purple hue as he still cannot breathe or talk properly. She understands that Peaches was completely ignorant to the Titer’s planned betrayal to the Zenins and calm says, “They’re not wanting to eliminate other clans, they’re just going to help guide us to this proposed peace, don’t worry so much.”.

               Peaches can only think of Master Naoya who he feels is in grave danger after hearing this information. ‘I…he has to know…Master Na…he needs to be made aware!’. He thinks to grab his phone but he wouldn’t be able to relay the information, nor is he fast enough to text it. Peaches chokes in his stress and can tell his body is slowly shutting down after being deprived oxygen and feels completely hopeless about his predicament. When his heavy eyes meet Gojo’s he freezes in apprehension while listening intently.

               Satoru sighs dramatically with growing anticipation, “Now…where were we?”.

Next Chapter (38) >>

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Tagging : @angelofthorr ❤️

[alirasworlds]

Our Life: Cast my home aside, lead me into the skies....

(A/N: Still working on if I’m going to have Eve have a custom backstory different from the background given in game, buuut, this can be a AU thing if I go with base game MC for Eve’s background! Our Life and all characters besides Eve belong to @gb-patch​ !)

(P.S. Since I am able to insert myself so much into the MC of OL, for this Eve has... Part of my own background, not fully cause I’ve not done what she did here, but still. Be warned Eve’s not coming from a nice household prior to being adopted by Pamela and Noelani. Also, this is sort of my take on the first scene in OL with Eve having a custom background, also to help me figure out how to write Eve with that context.)

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Aching, the little eight year old felt every limb and bone of hers aching as she trekked further into the town she found.

Her backpack was lighter than when she started her journey, snacks, drink and food she packed having been long since eaten or drank by her, that didn’t mean she didn’t get more as she....

Ran, she supposed.

Much to her growing guilt she had taken water bottles and any food she could find from any table or picnic blanket she came across, either packing it away in her backpack or outright eating or drinking it due to how hungry she was.

She was certain she was dirty as heck(even if she washed herself in ponds or the rain as best she could) and she could feel her ribs at this point if she pushed her fingers against her skin enough, hair much longer than she liked, but she still refused to turn back.

She still remembered that night that made her pack her backpack and run. Shouting, screaming, a BAM, another hole in the walls, nothing she did could ever-

And no one cared she was all alone-

She sniffled, forcing the thought out of her mind. She honestly didn’t know where she was at this point, she just picked a direction and ran that way.

All she really knew was it had been winter when she set out, or near it, then it became spring and now was summer, the heat in the air told her that much.

Anything else other than that she didn’t know.

Huffing a puff of air, she pulled her brush out of her pocket and brushed her hair, a habit she still had and when she looked in the reflection of a puddle, she was a bit proud she looked really decent despite not having had a proper home for what was likely months. 

Sure she was a touch messy, but no one would take a look at her and immediately think she had run away from her old home.

She continued walking, looking for an alcove or awning or something to rest under for the night, only to pause as she saw a person sitting on the curb in front of a house. He was sitting with his head in his hands, his whole body slumped over.

She tilted her head, confused a bit as why was an adult was sitting on the curb, did someone kick him out of his house?

She noted a… Tattoo, she thinks that was the term, on the arm that was facing her, pitch black against his tan skin, it looked like a sea creature, but she didn’t know what it was. His pale blond hair was pulled into a ponytail it seemed, like she tended to have her hair now that it grew out so much.

Though he wasn’t really in her way, she could walk around him if needed, she felt…. Nervous. Yeah, that was the term she was pretty sure, so she wanted to sneak around him unseen, but how….

She felt her gut lurch when he suddenly shifted and there was a brief moment where their eyes met before she quickly averted her gaze to look at a bird that was hovering nearby.

“Hey!” Drat, he noticed her and there was no mistaking her startled jump showed she heard him.

The bird landed on a nearby gatepost, its black feathers ruffling gently in the breeze. She couldn’t keep her gaze on it when the man got up and began making his way to her, making her eye him warily.

She had run from more than a few police people who tried to approach her, fearing they were going to make her go back and was more than ready to run if needed, he didn’t look like a policeman though.

Since he didn't seem to be like any of those sternfaced police people, she offered a polite smile and he grinned back at her.

“Do you live around here?” He asked once he was in front of her, kneeling to be on even eyelevel with her. “What’s your name?”

She felt a spike of panic shoot through her system at his questions. The first one was easy to answer, as from what she could tell unless she turned around she’d meet the ocean like she did earlier(and found a fair amount of shells and sea stuff she couldn’t help but put in one of her backpacks pockets), and frankly she was done walking so much, so, she could stay here.

As for her name…. That damned name….. She had heard more than once that with a name as unique as her birth name, it would never be hard finding her, same went for her last name.

She didn’t WANT to be found though. She didn’t want to go back.

She looked the mystery man up and down as she tried to think of an answer to give him, taking in his tanned skin and relaxed appearance. Well, only partially relaxed. At least his clothes were relaxed; the way he was acting certainly wasn’t.

He had sharks on his shorts and that sea creature tattoo, and she wondered if he was obsessed with the ocean or something.

While she made her assessment, he looked at her expectantly, waiting for an answer to his questions.

“...Yeah, I live around here.” She answered after a moment, trying to think of any name to give him other than her birthname, running through the very few stories she heard growing up.

Hermione? No, she didn’t know how to spell that. Alice? No…. Belle? Not that one either.

“And my name is, Eve.” She decided to go with the name she remembered from that book her birth parents got from the religion they were a part of. It was three letters, and simple enough she knew how to spell it and there was no difficulty like with her birthname in how it was said or spelled.

“Great! Nice to meet you, Eve.” He gave her a broad smile, relief settling on his features. He then reached into a pocket and pulled out a twenty dollar bill, it crinkled in his hand as he held it up to her.

She furrowed her brow at him in confusion, looking between him and the money with the pure confusion only a child could have.

“Well… Could you do me a favor?” He asked, but then realized he should probably explain better than that and rushed to add. “Nothing bad! Sorry, I should have…. Let me start over.”

He cleared his throat, straightening his back a bit before explaining. “I have a son-his name is Cove-who’s just about your age.”

She tilted her head, Cove…. That was not a name she heard before, it sounded… Nice. She never met anyone with that name.

“We moved in across the street. See?” He pointed across the street to the house opposite the one they were standing in front of.

She nodded, looking back to him with confusion as he continued.

“I don’t know where your parents are, I don’t think I’ve met them, but you look around his age, so…” He shook the twenty dollar bill to bring it back to her attention, a hopeful smile tilting his lips at the corners. “Can you try to be friends with the boy? Just give it a chance and you can keep this! He’s a good kid. You’ll like him.”

He… Was wanting to pay her to be friends with his son?

“But you’ve gotta keep it a secret, too, okay?” He winced. “It wouldn’t be friendly to say his dad sent you.”

She blinked, feeling a bit sorry for the boy she hadn’t even met yet. This was not the normal way kids made friends, her limited exposure to anyone outside of the Hall didn’t stop her from knowing that.

“What’d’ya say? Want to make a deal?” He asked, watching her as she thought about it.

She was conflicted, sure she could likely use that money to get better clothes, food even than what she was now used to dealing with, but……

….She wanted to meet this Cove without the lure of money, and she knew she’d get looks if she wandered into a store with a twenty dollar bill without any parent with her.

So, she shook her head no. “No, I don’t want to be paid for that.” She then raised her hands in a placating way as she saw him deflate a bit. “But…. I do want to meet Cove, he sounds nice.”

He nodded, seeing his initial strategy wasn’t going to fly and tucked the bill back in his pocket as he stood up. “Would you be more comfortable with he and I coming by for a normal visit? No money involved.”

She nodded, then paused and added. “And I can come over as well.”

She didn’t want to mention that she currently did not have a home, or parents, no, that’d… no. Just no. No risking them sending her back, no.

His smile got bigger again. His eyes crinkled at the sides. “I’ll bring him by tomorrow or you can come over. I wanted him to meet and greet with the neighbors today, but…” He hesitated before admitting. “Well, I don’t know where he’s gotten off to!”

Well, that’s… Concerning. Cove’s dad had laughed when he said that, but with the way his face looked Eve thought he actually wanted to cry instead.

“I’ll help find him.” She said without hesitation, puffing up a bit with a grin. 

He seemed a bit relieved at her words. “If-If you see him, can you tell him to come on home? He’s got a pink cast and glasses, you can’t miss it.”

She nodded, this definitely was not the normal way kids made friends, but she was still going to help.

He smiled and reached over to pat her on the head, paused before doing so, then pulled his hand away instead.

“I’ve already got the neighbors in the house besides us checking around, such a thoughtful group, they are.” He gestured to the house they were in front of before smiling. “Now I better go look, too! Can’t put everyone else to work while I keep sitting here. I thought he might come back, and…” he shook his head. “That’s not what’s important. I have to go.” he gave her another grin. “Thanks again, Eve! So much.”

He jogged off down the street without another word, leaving Eve to think to herself on where Cove could have gone.

If he was anything like her, he likely would have gone somewhere adults wouldn’t think to look first, and while she doubted he ran away like she did, that same logic she used could help her find him.

She decided to go behind the house she was in front of, finding a series of hills with flowers stretching out before her as the sun fully descended into the horizon.

She couldn’t recognize the type of flower, especially now at this time without the sun to provide the majority of the light, though she thought they looked nice from what the moon could illuminate. 

The chirping of crickets in the tall grass greeted her, a familiar sound from her traveling that eased her nerves a touch as she wandered to the top of a hill. 

From the top of the hill she could see the ocean. As she walked, she listened to the crash of the waves on the shore, and the seagulls squawking as they settled down for the night as she peered around.

Idly, she remembered loving hearing stories about the merfolk and sea serpents and anything else she could imagine living far beneath the waves. Maybe now that she was near the ocean she’d get lucky enough to see one at some point.

She sighed as she came to a stop. She wasn't sure what, but something told her that she wasn't alone, so she glanced around warily, only to nearly jump when she turned to her right.

There was a boy sitting at the top of the hill she was standing on, almost completely hidden within the long grass and white flowers surrounding him.

He didn’t seem to notice her, probably just that he wasn't paying attention, his head was buried in his knees, staring ahead by himself.

She watched him for a few moments, feeling as if she found a deer in the wild, although….

‘Deer don’t have sad frowns, or green hair...’ She thought to herself, expression furrowing at the thought, She wondered what upset him to cause him to look like that….

After a few more seconds, she took a step forward, then another. And then he glanced her way, making her freeze.

His aquamarine eyes reflected the light of the moon. Eve stopped, raising a hand to acknowledge him and show him that she wasn’t scary.

Even if she likely didn’t look like a normal kid with her backpack on and likely mussed up hair.

“Heyo.” She greeted him.

With a start, he jumped to his feet, his hands balling into fists at his sides. He didn't say anything, just stared at her in a strange way.

He'd been crying. There were traces of tears on his cheeks and his knees, soaking the hem of his shorts, and his eyes were still shining with a few more.

She restrained wincing, or hugging him on reflex to sooth him. She had obviously caught him off guard.

His pink cast seemed to glow in the twilight, though when he caught her staring at it, he hid his arm behind his back.

Hmm. could this be….

“Cove?” She said his name cautiously, watching his reaction to see if she was correct. 

“Ah-” She was, as his eyes widened and he studied her. “How'd you know that?”

Well, no use hiding it. She shrugged. “I met your dad.”

“Oh.” He frowned. ”So... is this your hill?” He gestured with his uninjured arm to the patch of grass surrounding them both, his face falling at the prospect. “I can leave if it is.”

She shook her head, she didn’t own it, especially since she just arrived in town today.

“Oh.” He sat back down with a thump, resting his chin on his knees again.

Curious about the strange boy with the odd dad, and not having anything else to do or wanting to leave him, she sat down on the patch of grass next to him.

The pure white flowers that covered this hill rocked back and forth gently as the stars twinkled above. The way they dotted the sky made them seem like the flowers around them too.

The silence didn’t last long, as she then asked softly. “Why are you hiding here?”

A quiet hiccup escaped Cove as soon as she asked the question. Almost like they'd never stopped, his tears started up again with a vengeance.

She almost immediately retracted her question, but Cove spoke up before she could. ”My parents… They don't want to live together with me anymore.” The tears kept coming as he continued. “My mom made my dad leave and he took me with him and now we have a house here and I want to go home!”

The outburst took her off-guard. By the time he was done, Cove's chest was heaving with exhaustion.

He sniffled and removed his glasses, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand before he put them back on again. “...I hate this place. I want my real life back. I want my mom.”

Eve frowned, unsure how to calm him down and chewed on her cheek in thought. To an extent, she did understand where he was coming from, but….

She also wouldn’t go back if she could help it, she didn’t want to go back to that…. Hell.

“I’m sorry….” Was all she could say, and hoped it helped somewhat. He slipped his hands underneath his glasses and pressed his fingers against his eyelids. Cove wound himself up again for another long crying fit.

She felt bad for him, being forced to come here with no choice at all. She could and had lived without both of her parents for months now, but to have no choice but to be with one or the other…

The mere idea made her crumple internally and she immediately decided she hated that very thought.

She jolted when, from way off in the distance, came the shouts of several adults.

”Cove!” That was Cove’s dad, she recognized the voice.

“Kid, where did you go?” That was a woman’s voice, Eve didn’t recognize it.

Cove looked at her, tears still clinging to his cheeks. ”Don't tell them we're here!”

He sniffled. “I don't want to go back to that house. I wanna go home.”

"....It will be okay!" She found herself saying, struck by a sudden need to reassure Cove. Her expression twisted as she continued. “It... It's not gonna all be fun. But, he- isn't he your family too?”

“Yeah... I guess.” Cove nodded and she felt emboldened to continue.

“Then you can count on him when you really, really need him!” She shot him a grin, and pushed herself to her feet.

...Even if Eve could never count on her own family anymore, it didn’t mean he couldn’t count on his dad.

Slowly, Cove stood up with her, still looking a little reluctant. His dad's voice rang out again.

“Cove! Can you hear me?”

He looked toward the sound of his dad's voice, silent, then turned away while rubbing his not bandaged arm. “...Sorry. I still don't want to go.”

She frowned before whispering to him quietly so the adults didn’t hear her. “It’s alright, I get that.”

He turned back to her, regarding her with a shocked expression. ”You do?”

Before she could explain, she heard Cove's dad, even closer than before. “There you are, bud!”

The trio of adults appeared over the curve of the hill. Instantly all their eyes landed on the two of them and they rushed over.

She noted Cove’s dad immediately scooped him up in a hug, and gave a sympathetic smile as Cove immediately began to squirm and wiggle in his hold.

“Thank god Cove’s alright…” one of the two women sighed, her skin was a dark color but her gold eyes were warm as she looked at Eve. “Are you the little girl Cliff asked to help find Cove, Eve, was it?”

Eve nodded, adjusting her backpack straps and ignoring how it bit into her collar, the pad it had in it was worn down and no longer prevented it from biting into her skin.

“Your parents must be so worried with you out this late.” The other woman said, skin pale but she had brown eyes and hair like….

Eve put the image of her own mother out of her mind as she shook her head. “No, they aren’t.”

They wouldn’t be, they more often than not were more concerned with yelling at each other.

That earned her a concerned glance between the two women as the brown eyed one then asked. “Did you take a tumble down one of these hills? You’re dirty.”

Again, Eve shook her head, frowning as she muttered to herself. “I scrubbed off in a river yesterday though….”

Another concerned look was shared between the two women, then the one with gold eyes knelt down and gently asked. “Where are your parents? What street do they live on?”

Eve frowned and shook her head, speaking bluntly as only a child could. “Not here, elsewhere.” She crossed her arms in an attempt to look…. Well, like she wasn’t a runaway very far from where she started. And she was at least smart enough to not say where she came from, can’t send her back if they don’t know where to send her.

That made the women frown, another shared glance that Eve thought must be them telepathically communicating, before the other woman knelt down as well.

“Sweetie, your parents must be worried sick,” She began, brown eyes looking over Eve worriedly. “You should probably go home-”

“No!” Eve’s sudden outburst had her clamping her hands over her own mouth, eyes wide in fear as she realized how loud she was, trembling faintly and tears springing to her eyes as she took in the shocked expressions on the two women.

Shaking her head, she stepped back, only lowering her tiny hands from her mouth to say much quieter. “I’m not going back, loud, loud, yelling, holes in the, the walls, screaming-” She shut her eyes and pressed her hands against the sides of her head as she tried to force the memories out of her mind.

She flinched when one of the women placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, making her open her eyes and shake a little, only for the gold eyed woman to give her a gentle smile.

“Okay, how about you come with me, my name is Noelani, and Pamela for the time being?” She offered gently. “You can take a proper bath, we have food and a bed you can use.”

Eve blinked, rubbing the tears that accumulated in her eyes before nodding, then pausing and adding. “C...Can I see Cove if I do?”

The women blinked before giggling, Pamela nodding. “Of course you can.” She then winked. “We also have a daughter you might get along with.”

Eve nodded, then looked back over to Cove, who was still wiggling against his dad's tight hug and pushing at his arms.

She noticed Cove was looking in her direction despite the hold his father had on him and gave him a reassuring smile.

That seemed to appease Cove, though it wasn’t until his father finally let go of his squirming, scowling son and turned to the three that she was able to give Cove a thumbs up.

“Thanks very much for finding him. I really don't know this neighborhood.” He said to both Eve and the two women, looking between the women and child.

“Good thing we know this whole area so well.” Noelani nodded. 

“Absolutely. We should be getting home now. It's been a long day for us all.” Cove’s dad said, resting a hand on Cove’s shoulder. “You two are gonna get her home to her parents?”

“Well….” Pamela frowned, looking to the side. “How about we explain once we put the kids to bed? I’m sure Eve and Cove are exhausted, I’ll call.”

“Huh?” Cove’s dad tilted his head before realization dawned on him. “Oh. Right then, say goodbye, Cove!”

“Bye.” Cove said, looking more towards Eve than the two women beside her, and Eve smiled, waving bye.

The two of them walked off into the darkness, heading toward the neighborhood. She watched Cove’s back until he disappeared.

“Hm, tell you what - we'll have a proper playdate tomorrow, okay?” Pamela suggested, and Eve grinned, nodding.

“Your new friend's dad wanted to bring him by to see Lizzie, but if you’re with us he can see you too.” Pamela added, watching how Eve nodded before yawning into a hand. “C’mon buckaroo, let's get you washed and then into bed.”

Eve nodded, letting the two women lead her to their house, the next events were a blur, mainly due to how tired Eve was, but she was washed(hair included and that was not as hard as she thought it would be considering she kept her hair tidy for the most part) and then put to bed in a cozy and soft bed with soft sheets.

A far cry from the ground she had been sleeping on for months prior even if it was a bit big for her, so she quickly fell asleep when she got comfortable.

…….

“Pam, I think she’s a runaway.”

“I think so too, though, it seems she’s not from here, and you saw how thin she was….”

“We should get her into a doctor, check and see if she’s had any blood work done and hopefully find her parents…..”

“But, what she said about her family…. It doesn’t sound like she ran away for no reason….”

“....If nothing comes up, if she’s somehow avoided any documentation in any system, we can….Adopt her.”

“Yeah, she seems like a sweet girl, Lizzie may like her.”

“And Cove, it seems like they got along well. And we probably couldn’t send her back without either of them arguing against it.”

“Hehe…. …..Do you think ‘Eve’ is her actual name, though, ‘Lani?”

“....Hard to tell….”

[zoryany]

Hey! Not sure if you’re still taking request for ficlet prompts but 67 with Luke + Padmé pleaseeeee!!! ❤️

send me ficlet prompts – optionally include characters67 –  My father may look like the scary one, but it’s my mother you need to be afraid of.(you sent me this SO LONG AGO and I’ve been wanting to answer it SO BADLY but lacked the inspiration until now. it kinda got away from me, ended up being more skysolo than I intended, and I accidentally created a new AU but ahh, I hope it was worth the wait!)

Gripping the controls of the speeder tight enough for his knuckles to turn white, Han Solo shifted nervously in the pilot’s seat. His passenger, looking incredible as always in his simple yet finely made black tunic and trousers, had the audacity to appear completely casual and not at all bothered. How in all the hells was Luke so calm?

Han licked his lips and furrowed his brow. Was he sweating? Why was he so nervous? He could out-shoot any bounty hunter, out-fly just about any pilot and charm the slime off a Hutt – he could do this, too. It was just meeting someone’s parents. He was good with people, so this should be no exception, right? Why should this time be any different?

Oh, right, that’s why, Han thought to himself as the Palace came into view. This time, the parents I’m meeting just so happen to be in charge of the entire kriffin’ galaxy!

He really did seem to have a particular kind of luck with his romantic interests, didn’t he?

“Relax, Han,” his companion soothed, resting a hand on his shoulder and tracing gentle circles there with his thumb. “They’re really not as scary as everyone makes out. Trust me. They don’t bite.”

“Nah, but I’ve seen what your old man is capable of,” he replied without thinking, instantly regretting it when the hand on his shoulder tensed, slightly.

“Yeah.” Han could practically feel the conflict and guilt radiating from the seat next to him, and he was ready to cut in with profuse apologies and lay himself down at the mercy of the court, but a wry laugh from Luke stopped him. “He makes a point not to do anything… to enforce the will of the Empire at home, so you should be good.”

Han didn’t miss the hesitation or the irony in those words, but Luke was smiling, at least, so he relaxed a little bit.

“Besides,” Luke continued, shrugging, “Father’s not the one you need to worry about. My father may look like the scary one, but it’s really my mother you need to be afraid of. And, well, my sister too, probably. Father’s protective, definitely a force to be reckoned with, but it’s no match for the bond between a mother and her child, or the one between twins.” A pause. Then, almost as an afterthought, “They’re also both politicians. Nothing is more dangerous than words.”

The grin on Luke’s face had taken on a wicked quality, a slight level of menace in his voice, and Han suddenly found himself sweating profusely. “Tell me again why this was a good idea?”

Bright peals of laughter filled the speeder as Luke had a good chortle at his expense. Han grumbled as the kid nudged him playfully and moved his hand to the back of Han’s neck, fingers snaking their way into his hair. “Relax. I’m just messing with you. Mostly. It’s gonna be fine. I promise. I’ve got a good feeling about this.”

Oh. That boded well.

***

As Luke approached the private entrance at the back of the palace, he had to admit to himself that he shared at least some of Han’s trepidation. Not quite to the same extent, but a hint of dread prickled at the back of his neck nonetheless. 

“Look, Han, I – I know I said I had a good feeling about this. And I know I assured you everything would be fine, but…” He hesitated. While he wasn’t nearly as eloquent as his mother or sister, he was unaccustomed to being as at a loss for words as he often found himself when he was around Han. Something about this smuggler made him feel more like a farmboy than the prince he’d been raised as. Normally, he didn’t mind, but this… this was important. “My family can be a lot. And, well, we’ve only known each other a few weeks, and all. So, I mean, if you’re not ready – ”

“Hey,” Han cut in, resting a hand on Luke’s shoulder. “I know how much this means to you – how much your family means to you. You think it’s time we all meet then I trust you.” He grinned, cheekily. “Don’t go thinkin’ you can get rid of me that easily, Your Worship.”

Rolling his eyes, Luke returned Han’s grin before nudging him with his elbow. “Alright, alright. Let’s get going, then. No point in putting it off.” He could still feel a healthy level of anxiety rolling off of Han, but his good-natured ribbing and confident stride made Luke feel a bit more at ease.

At least, it did until they stepped into his family’s sitting room and saw the look Leia was giving them.

“Y’know,” she said slowly, her voice smooth and silky, “I was sure I’d seen the height of your stupidity already.” She wore a dangerous smile on her face, one Luke knew far too well, and it only grew wider when he scowled at her. “I was sure you couldn’t do anything more idiotic than the time you took Father’s speeder out for a joy ride and thought he wouldn’t notice. But I think you’ve really outdone yourself this time, well done.” 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The look of delight on Leia’s face had quickly become the most accurate impression of an anooba playing with its meal before devouring it that Luke had ever seen. “Disappearing for weeks on end, leaving us nothing but a cryptic note, no hint of where you’ve gone and hardly a word from you over holocall, then showing back up here with this scruffy-looking scoundrel in tow?” Behind him, Han bristled, which really only served to feed into Leia’s amusement. “Honestly, Luke, I’m impressed. I mean it! The fit Father threw when he found out was spectacular, I haven’t seen anything like it since – well, the speeder incident, actually.”

Despite how entertained Leia seemed by all of this – and there was a vein of genuine amusement in her words – Luke could also sense her underlying worry. Nobody else would be able to detect the tension in her body, the shadow of concern in her eyes, the minute tremor in her voice… She was his twin, and he suddenly felt incredibly guilty for leaving her, even temporarily.

I’m sorry, Leia, he muttered through their bond.

Don’t you dare pull anything like that again, or I might have to strangle you.

With Han oblivious to their silent exchange, Luke decided to mirror Leia’s outward attitude as he raised a brow at her then turned to his “scruffy-looking scoundrel,” who looked like he was trying to decide whether to be terrified or irate. He ended up landing somewhere in the middle. “Han, it is my pleasure to introduce to you Her Royal Imperial Highness, Princess Leia Naberrie-Skywalker, my dear, lovely sister and twin. Leia, this is Captain Han Solo, my – ” He hesitated a moment, glancing at Han as the word caught in his throat. They never did decide what they were going to label their relationship as to his family. Han just gave him a small shrug and a short nod, prompting Luke to just pick something, for now. “He’s my companion.”

“Believe me,” Leia drawled, the delight on her face melting into a much colder, calculating look, “the pleasure is all mine.” Her eyes were piercing as she looked Han up and down, causing him to shift under her gaze. They lingered for a moment as she came to whatever conclusion she had about him before flicking them to meet Luke’s. “Mother’s expecting you in her parlour. Better not keep her waiting.”

All the warmth had left his sister’s voice, by now, but he could still feel her quiet concern. Leia sent him a silent Good luck as Luke led Han towards his mother’s chambers, a fresh knot of anxiety tying his stomach into knots as they went.

***

“Well,” the kid said quietly next to him, “that’s one down.”

Han rubbed the back of his neck, wondering if maybe he should’ve turned back when Luke gave him the chance, but tried to cling to a shred of optimism nevertheless. “If your mom’s anything like your sister, maybe I would’ve had more luck meeting your dad, first. Wasn’t expecting to get eaten alive like this.”

Luke chuckled darkly and shook his head. “No, trust me, it’s for the best that Father’s off-world until tonight. Leia’s all bark and no bite and Mother… you do have to earn her respect, but she’ll give you a fair chance to do so. Father, on the other hand…” Pausing a moment, he bit his lip while searching for the right words. “Well. You said yourself. You’ve seen what he can do.”

He knew full well how much Luke idolized his father. Pure admiration flooded his baby blues any time he brought him up, especially when he’d neglected to share with Han the little detail of his true line of work. It was unnerving, now, to see the discomfort in his face as he discussed Vader, but Han did have to admit to the relief he felt in knowing Luke’s devotion didn’t overshadow his moral code.

They reached the door to the Empress’ parlour before Han had a chance to say anything in response, so he just sighed and glanced down at Luke. “Well, I s’pose it’s now or never.”

Nodding in response, the kid gave the door two sharp raps before pushing it open and leading Han into a large, pleasantly decorated room. The floor was covered in a plush, bright crimson carpet except for directly in front of the fireplace at the far end of the room, which was lined with dark, smooth stones. Artwork lined the walls, from lavish paintings of lush worlds to intricately woven tapestries to complicated abstract works Han would never understand even if he dedicated the rest of his life to interpreting them. The room was furnished with two large, gold-trimmed sofas and a matching armchair that resembled a throne, all encircling an ornate golden table. Han felt entirely out of place, surrounded by this much luxury; even Luke didn’t look quite at home in his surroundings.

The woman before them, however, matched the decor perfectly. Dressed in a flowing, deep blue gown and a sheer, silvery cape, with a golden circlet perched atop the chestnut curls that cascaded past her shoulders and down her back, she stood regally in the centre of the room, awaiting their approach. Trying to keep himself from staring, Han fell into a kneeling position next to Luke, who was the picture of contrition.

“Mother. I have returned home, and I beg your forgiveness for my unannounced absence.” 

Having spent the first several weeks of their relationship unaware of his royal status, Han had never imagined Luke’s voice could sound so regal. It sure was a far cry from the naive, chattering kid who’d struck up conversation with him in a run-down shipyard on Ord Mantell. He had to admit, the change was a little spooky.

A few moments passed, feeling like hours, considering how nervous he was, but it wasn’t long before the woman strode forward and wrapped her arms around Luke, pulling him up. “Luke!” she breathed, pulling him into an embrace. Han suddenly felt like he was intruding on something very private. “My son, it’s so good to have you home.” She pulled out of the hug and gripped his shoulders, a stern look etched in her features. “Don’t you ever do anything like that again! If something had happened to you – What in the stars possessed you to do something so rash?”

Luke never did tell Han why he’d run in the first place. Sure, he’d asked, but the kid would get evasive every time he did so eventually he dropped the subject. Under his mother’s gaze, now, it was a lot more difficult to dodge the question, but Luke still seemed determined to do so.

“Oh, sweetheart,” the Empress sighed, brushing her fingers through his hair. “We can discuss this later, when your father returns.” Luke stiffened but bowed his head in acknowledgement. “Now! Are you going to introduce me to your guest, or were you planning on leaving him to kneel at our feet all day?”

Han’s head snapped up and he met Luke’s eyes, who nodded at him to rise. “Mother, this is Captain Han Solo of The Millennium Falcon. I’ve spent the last several weeks in his company, and the two of us have grown… close.”

He could practically feel the kid’s cheeks flush at his own choice of words. Thankfully, the Empress herself appeared to be plenty amused, and she offered Han a brilliant smile that left him somewhat weak in the knees. He could see what Luke meant about her being the dangerous one. There was something so very disarming about this woman and her charm, and he’d met enough charming women to know to be on his guard.

“Truly, I’m charmed, Captain,” she said, voice ringing like a bell as she slipped into formality. “Luke has a gift for befriending the most… fascinating of people.” After offering him another bright smile, she turned to face her son. “Luke, go prepare the guest room, please? If he’s to be staying with us, he’ll need proper accommodations.”

“Oh, that’s really not necessary, Majesty,” Han sputtered, “I got my ship, and – ”

“Nonsense!” The word was light and pleasant, but she somehow infused enough authority into it that he knew there was no point in arguing. “As a friend of my son’s, you are welcome in our home.” 

Han was sure they had servants or droids who could set up the bedroom, and even if they didn’t, he was more than capable of doing it himself. He didn’t see why she was sending the Prince to do it. “Well, alright, if you insist, but Luke doesn’t have to set up for me, I’m happy to get it myself.”

“No, no, you are our guest, and we your hosts.” Her deep eyes glimmered with something dangerous. “My son has brought you here, and it is proper etiquette for him to see to your comfort here. Luke? If you will?”

Luke wore a somewhat confused expression that he turned from his mother to Han, but his hesitation was brief as he bowed slightly and muttered “Yes, Mother,” before he set off towards the parlour door. 

Turning to follow, Han was frozen in place by a sharp tut from the Empress. “Not yet, Captain Solo. Sit. Relax. I’ll have some tea brought, and you and I can get acquainted.”

From the doorway, Luke shot an alarmed glance in their direction and looked, for a second, as though he was about to protest and insist on staying, but his mother’s expression brooked no argument. Pressing his lips together in a thin line and putting as much reassurance into his eyes, Luke gave Han a final nod before disappearing from sight.

Now alone with the Empress, in her domain, the smuggler couldn’t help but feel he’d landed in a krayt’s den and was about to find out just how dangerous this woman could really be.

After gliding towards the lavish armchair and perching on it, she indicated one of the sofas and stared at him with a pleasant yet sharp look. “Sit,” she repeated, and Han’s legs complied, of their own accord. As he did so, a protocol droid filed in and set down a tray carrying a steaming teapot, a bowl of sugar, cream, and four teacups. “How do you take your tea, Captain?”

With a lot of alcohol, he thought.

“Black,” he said, and she poured him a cup. He muttered an awkward thanks as she handed it to him.

When she’d fixed her own cup and taken a sip, she zeroed in on him, expression growing hard. “Now, Captain, I will be blunt.” Her voice was cold in a way it hadn’t been before, bearing an edge to it that caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand at attention. “My son has a heart the size of the galaxy itself, and he’s prone to giving it away far too easily. That isn’t to say I do not trust his choices, nor do I believe him to be a poor judge of character. He has faith in people, believes in their strengths and capabilities and their capacity to do good.”

“Yeah, I’ve seen that part of him,” Han agreed, thinking back to all the down-on-their-luck Mantellians whose lives were just a bit more comfortable now, thanks to Luke.

The Empress nodded gravely. “Then I’m sure you know how easily he places that trust in those who may not deserve it. In the past he has been drawn to… the wrong sorts of people, and it’s gotten him into trouble more than once.”

Those words were pointed, they referred to him, Han knew, and he found himself scowling at the most powerful woman in the galaxy. “I can assure you, Your Majesty,” he ground out, “that I have no intentions of being the wrong sort of person for your son.” That would cost him, he was sure, but he felt the need to defend his – and Luke’s – honour, even if it meant snapping at the kriffin Empress herself.

Raising a single brow, she regarded him with an appraising stare, dark eyes seeming to burrow right into his soul. “See that you aren’t,” she said evenly. “There are precious few things in this galaxy, Captain, that I treasure more than my children and their wellbeing. So long as you are in Luke’s favour, you will be treated well, I assure you, but if you bring him to harm…” The threat lingered in the air for a moment. He got the message.

He maintained her gaze and held his ground. “Look, lady,” he said, far braver than he had any right to be, “I ain’t suicidal, I’m not about to go messing with your family, and I’m definitely not gonna hurt Luke. Don’t think I could handle his face if I did – looks too much like a kicked puppy when he’s just a bit disappointed, can’t imagine it when he’s genuinely hurt. Besides, seems to me he’s got enough pain in his life without me contributing to it. Now, I may not be some high and mighty noble or anything, and what the kid actually sees in me is anybody’s guess, but, dammit, he’s got me carin’ about him, and anyone who can do that is worth protecting, in my books.”

Well, Solo, you had a good run. Always knew that mouth of yours would be the end of you, just never expected to go quite as dramatic as running it in front of the Empress and getting executed. If only Lando could see you now…

Silence echoed deafeningly in the chamber, which now felt far larger than it actually was, ready to swallow him up. The Empress was staring at him, eyebrows raised, gaze flicking over him again. After what felt like an eternity, the barest shade of a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Very well, Captain Solo. Perhaps you will do well here, after all.” For the first time she’d spoken to him, her voice carried genuine warmth. 

All of a sudden, he could breathe again, a wave of relief crashing over him as he sank into the sofa and sighed. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’ll do my best.”

“See that you do.” A pause. “Now!” she chirped, “Luke should be finished with your accommodations by now. I’ll send Threepio to fetch him and my daughter, and we can all get acquainted properly over some tea. Yes, I think that sounds lovely.”

There was no way anyone he knew was going to believe this. He wasn’t sure he even believed it himself. But, sitting here in the Imperial Palace having tea with the Empress and her children, he couldn’t help but wonder just what he’d gotten himself into this time…

[aliceslantern]

Heartlines, a Kingdom Hearts fanfic, chapter 14--Forecast

Twelve years ago, Xemnas betrayed the royal court of Radiant Garden to his father, Xehanort. Prince Ienzo flees to another city and begins university in the aftermath, hoping the anonymity will protect him from eager eyes with ill intent. The darkness spilling across the country, as well as an individual from his past, cut short Ienzo's new beginning and bring new conflicts to light. Strained between the desires of his magic and his heart, Ienzo's choice will change him forever.

Modern Fantasy AU, Soulmates, Zemyx. Updates Fridays until it's done.

Chapter summary:  A very old form of magic forces Ienzo's hand.

Read it on FF.net/on AO3

---

In black letters, the stick spat the word back at him. Pregnant. Almost mocking.

" Shit ," he said again, a raw furrow of panic catching under his breastbone. He knew instantly it was true, and any belief otherwise had been willful denial on his part. He threw the thing away and buried the extra test behind the toilet paper and cleaning products under the sink. He was feeling dizzy now, again. He'd make himself tea. He'd make a plan, figure out what to do with himself. How had this happened? He'd been responsible-- so much for "over 99% effective." He bit his lip, hard.

The anxiety worsened his dizziness, and he had to hold the banister on the way down the stairs. He crossed over to the kettle, lit the stove.

"Ienzo? Are you alright?" Even asked. He'd even looked up from his laptop.

"I'm alright." He was going double. "I'm a little tired."

"Why don't you have a nap, then, instead of ingesting yet more caffeine?"

"I'll have mint tea." He turned towards their tea cabinet, his hand trembling, and he tasted more than felt himself faint.

When he came to he was on the couch, a damp cloth on his forehead, a pillow under his feet. Even was looking out the window, arms crossed, his face pinched… fearful. Ienzo knew instantly that he knew. "How do you feel?" He asked, his tone gentle, not nearly the telling-off Ienzo expected.

"...Better." He tried to sit up; Even eased him back down.

His green eyes were so hollow. "Were you aware…" He began haltingly, "were you aware you're pregnant?"

Ienzo felt tears in his eyes--of shame, mostly. "I… took the test shortly before I fainted," he admitted. "But I've had the symptoms for several weeks. I… attributed them to something else." He tried to blink it back. "I was careful , Even, I always used at least one form of conception--usually two! I--"

"What kind?"

He blinked. "What?"

"What kind of contraception?"

"Well--condoms, and a pill."

He groaned and put his face in his hands. " Hormonal birth control?"

"Yes?"

Now Ienzo saw a spark of the anger. "Child, your hair cannot take dye , why on earth did you think your body would take birth control?"

Ienzo's face flushed.

"You should've set your pride aside and came to me the moment you started engaging in… such activity." He was breathing hard. "It was when you went to the cottage, wasn't it? I knew Aeleus would be too lax with you two--" He turned away again. "And that was a full moon…"

"So?"

Even locked eyes with him. He looked exhausted now. "Ienzo, you may as well have been actively trying to conceive… doing that during a full moon, with essentially no protection. If his power comes from the sea and yours from the earth, of course the moon is going to impact your magic. Make it easier .”

Ienzo rested his hand on his stomach. “When you scanned me… did you happen to sense how… far along, it is?”

“About five weeks.”

This time, when Ienzo sat up, Even didn’t stop him; he came and sat next to him. Ienzo realized he was angry at him. “Even,” he began. “How come you never told me?”

“What?”

“About the birth control. About the moon affecting my fertility.”

He hesitated.

“I’m young, but I’m not a child . Even, if I’d known--”

“Are you implying this pregnancy is my fault?”

“No!” He crossed his arms. “But you infantilizing me certainly did not help. I need you to let me have agency, Even, and to stop withholding things from me.”

He exhaled. “Alright. Yes. But first we must deal with this.”

“I don’t suppose we can… simply will it away.”

“No,” Even said. “Magic won’t do much for you in particular. We’d have to… take the regular route.” He squeezed Ienzo’s hand.

“...I see.”

“You can’t have this child, Ienzo.”

“I don’t want to,” he said. “I’m so--I’m only twenty, Even. Not to mention… the firstborn gets my power, doesn’t it?”

“...Yes.”

“I don’t need it to be in danger. I… I’m not ready .” He felt himself tearing up.

“I know this. Listen, I’ll… make an appointment for you, and we’ll get this straightened out. It never happened.” He drew Ienzo into his arms. And while Ienzo was literally just complaining about being treated like a child… the touch was much needed.

“I should tell him,” Ienzo said.

“Do you want to?”

“He deserves to know.”

Even stroked his hair. “You’ll be alright, Ienzo. I’m sure of it.”

---

It felt odd, uncomfortable, to go to the gynecologist, to discuss his “options.” When he insisted he wanted to terminate, she just nodded and told him to come back three days later with someone to bring him home. He was mostly… numb. He knew it needed to be done, but the shame at getting himself in this situation was not to be doubted.

Ienzo took Demyx for a walk. It was a cold day in mid-December, shortly before solstice… before his twenty-first birthday, a day that would’ve signified him fully coming of age, were things normal. The air was oddly still, the air tense, skies cloudy. It was starting to snow, faintly. Demyx chatted happily about plans he’d made during the semester break; he wanted to take Ienzo sledding on the hills just outside of town.

“I want to… talk to you about something,” Ienzo began slowly.

Noticing his change in tone, he stopped. “What wrong?” He asked, touching Ienzo’s cheek with his gloved hand.

He hadn’t previously been anxious about this; moreso numb, but now the panic threatened to invade. He took a deep breath. “I…” He had to spit it out. Get it over with. The situation had already been resolved, hadn’t it? “I’m pregnant.”

Demyx dropped his eyes. “...You... are?”

“I… I’m sorry. I was wrong.” He felt himself tearing up yet again. “My… body rejected the birth control.”

He didn’t know what to say.

“But I’m… taking care of things.” Ienzo nodded. “I’m… having the procedure on Friday.”

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

“We can’t have a baby, Demyx. With the darkness? We’re both still in school, and--” The panic was inflating. He could feel his lower lip trembling. “The baby gets my power, Demyx, I don’t want to give them that. What if Xehanort gets them? Uses them, or worse? I--”

Demyx drew him into his arms. Ienzo could feel him trembling too. “I’m sorry,” he said. “I… I’m sorry.”

It took him a while to calm down; the hormones didn’t help.

“Can I… do something for you?” Demyx asked. “Be there, hold your hand? Anything?”

He wiped at his eyes; the cotton of his gloves was scratchy. “Someone needs to take me home.”

“Then it’ll be me.” He kissed his forehead. “God. This is fucking surreal.”

“...Isn’t it?”

---

Ienzo hadn’t anticipated being able to sleep the night before, but the pregnancy made him exhausted, and he drifted uncertainly.

He dreamt of Radiant Garden. It was a lovely spring day, and the flowers, well-kept again, were blooming. It had the haziness of memory, fond and well-worn. He was in the plaza, on a patch of grass, sitting on a quilt. A picnic.

“Daddy!”

The voice was startling, because it most definitely was not his. In this dream, this memory , he was an adult. He turned.

A little girl. Her hair violet-silver, maybe three years old, perhaps slightly less--

She had Demyx’s eyes--

“Daddy, look!” She pressed her tiny hands together and when she opened them, a small, glowing flower of magic sat in her palms. “I made it!”

“Oh, sweetie, it’s beautiful.”

She walked over to him and held up her arms, wanting to be picked up, so he did. The weight was too-familiar on his hip. “Can we go to the garden?”

“Of course.”

She leaned against his shoulder. They walked together, through the spring day. Passersby greeted them not as royalty, but as community members. Radiant Garden was bustling again. “Do you think this is real?”

“What do you mean, love?”

“This. Right now.”

Ienzo blinked. “What makes you say that?”

“‘Cause it feels like membering but I’m still in your tummy.”

He stopped dead in his tracks. “What else do you remember?”

“Mmm, well. You telling me about the war, lots of people sad. And how me being borned made the bad man go away.”

“Did I say how?” Things were losing distinction, getting hazy.

“When I was borned I brought a friend.”

“What kind of friend?”

“He has teeth like this.” She held her lips open with her fingers, like fangs. “And he looks scary but he isn’t.”

That didn’t exactly narrow it down. Ienzo set the girl down, gently. “I need you to think really hard. Who was this friend?”

She put her hand to her face, looking, for a moment, exactly like Demyx. “He did bad things. And he felt really sad about them, so he wanted to fix it. So when I got borned he did.”

“But what did he--what did he look like?” Like a toddler would be able to give him solid details.

Instead, her teal eyes got watery. “Daddy,” she said instead. “I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“It’s dark outside.”

“So you’re saying… if you’re born, then…”

“My magic goes boom!” She gestured with her tiny hands. “And then people stop hurting.”

Not much to work with.

“Friends helped us and then we pushed them all away, whoosh…” She pushed. “You member?”

Ienzo touched his forehead. He thought he almost did, but it was strained, through a veil of… time. “You’re showing me the future,” he said.

She clapped her hands together.

“In the future--he’s gone? Xehanort is--gone? The war is over?”

“You and me and daddy live with granpa and grandad in the big castle.”

Ienzo pressed a hand to his mouth. “Oh, gods.”

“It’s okay daddy. Don’t cry.”

“I’m not sad,” he told her honestly.

He reached down and drew his daughter into his arms.

---

Ienzo woke slowly. He felt warm all over, especially his scalp, and he knew without looking his hair was glowing. He rested a tentative hand on his belly. The future… the memory that had not happened yet. He gasped a breath. He shot out of bed and darted down the stairs.

Even, drowsing over his papers, jerked awake with a start. “What… Ienzo?” He snapped into awareness. “Are you--your hair --”

“Even, I can’t get rid of this baby.”

“What are you on about?”

“It was… she was showing me a vision . Of the future. Xehanort’s gone, Radiant Garden is back to normal. Apparently her birth… brings allies to the resistance.”

For a long moment, Even’s face was just blank, and then he said, “You were Forecasting.”

“You don’t think this is just some kind of dream?”

He got up and took a few shaky steps towards Ienzo. He placed his hands on his shoulders. “Your mother did the same with you,” he murmured, and his eyes were watering. “And it came true.”

Ienzo took a trembling breath. “So should I… should I really--”

“It shows you a future,” he said. “It’s not set in stone. You still have a choice, Ienzo.”

“But if she brings peace … how can I… not do that?” He thought of her little face, another wave of warmth breaking over him. “How could I--”

Even embraced him. “Alright,” he said. “Alright.”

---

Demyx arrived before they were due to head out. His expression was drawn, his face gray, and his hair looked like it had been styled more carelessly than normal. “I have to talk to you,” he said, as soon as Ienzo opened the door. “I had this dream--”

“About our daughter?”

He took a breath. “How did you--”

“I had one too. Come inside.”

The four of them sat in the living room. Aeleus had made them tea, but none of them drank it.

“It’s called… Forecasting,” Even said in an odd voice. “Often with very old bloodlines… like both of yours… the expectant parents will see… a vision of what the child’s life could be like. Who they’ll be. What they could… bring, to this world.  Like I told Ienzo, it’s not… set in stone, necessarily, but it’s… very likely to occur, what you saw. Your child will be very powerful--of that I have no doubt, whether they’re born eight months from now or years into the future.”

Demyx’s grip on Ienzo’s hand tightened.

“That kind of power… can turn the tide.”

“You said my mother was right when she dreamt about me. What did she dream?”

Even’s smile was small and sad. “That she wouldn’t be with you for very long. That you would be raised happily, by her brother, Ansem… until at which point you were separated. So that being said… what do you wish?”

Ienzo looked at Demyx. They held eye contact for a long time. Demyx’s eyes were watering. “I…” He swallowed. “I want her.”

Ienzo’s own emotions were rising. “I want her too.”

“But what about the… the money, and the… we’re so… we’re so young , I--”

“It won’t be easy,” Aeleus added. His own expression was wistful, stoic. “Especially considering as the pregnancy progresses, Ienzo, your power will only grow, become more noticeable. Essentially… a target on your back.”

“But if any of this is right, then… that will help , in a way.”

“It’d be harder to protect you.”

Ienzo felt a wave of guilt.

“But we are… willing, if this is what the two of you wish.”

Ienzo looked back at him again. Demyx just nodded, the tears in his eyes running over. Ienzo nodded too. “Okay?”

“Okay.”

[parts-of-spop]

forgive me if this is something you were already planning to write and thus don't want to talk about it here, but do past catra or adora ever meet their future selves? are they jealous of how close they seem to be with their counterparts?

Hey, friend! I doubt I’ll ever get too in depth with these AUs due to just...  life so I’m happy to talk about them no worries! This is gonna drag on so apologies in advance but erm... yeah. I’m gonna put a read-more here to save you all some trauma. (Scratch that, read more won’t work but I will add one asap)

The long and short of it is yes but in the time traveller Adora AU, she doesn’t properly interact with her future self until later. The future version is suspiciously lacking a certain sword so it’s not too hard for her to blend in around a battlefield (not to say future Adora is with the Horde but she is definitely biding her time because Entraptra’s genius is invaluable and she could really do with a hand with a certain something). On the other hand, in the time travelling Catra AU (I just really like time travel AUs), her future self actively sneaks into the Fright Zone to find herself and the first time they meet, she’s doing paperwork in Catra’s room and offers to keep doing so on the condition that Catra doesn’t visit SW. I placed this during S2 so she’s still in a cell and Catra’s future version is happy to use a bit of bribery to keep her younger self from spending too much time down there. She’s only partially successful because Catra is stubborn but she kinda already knew that.

Sorry this is gonna get much longer but onto the second part of your question. This will contain ‘spoilers’ but since I’ve not got time or energy to write these monsters, I don’t suppose it counts so please take these concepts and enjoy.

Firstly, Adora went back because Catra was ill. Earlier in the war, she’d taken an ‘accidental’ tank blast from her own side when Hordak started questioning her usefulness and whilst she eventually recovered (him quietly impressed in some messed up way and thus allowing it since it also preserved his image) they were all unaware that the reason he’d really let it slide was because it was designed for the long term. He knew it’d make Catra sick. It was designed to plant a disease in her. Eventually, she’d fall ill and no one would be any the wiser as to why and thus no one would question the flag they stood beneath.

Except, Adora goes back. Catra is dying and she knows she either needs a miracle cure or to stop Catra taking the shot. She has to. She has to because she promised her Catra that she wouldn’t do this to save her and she did anyway and a broken promise has to mean something.

Time travel takes a lot of energy and Adora broke the runestone in her sword in order to make it happen.

Adora gives up She-ra in order to save Catra. And maybe they’ve won the war and She-ra isn’t exactly needed right now but it’s still huge.

Here’s a snippet of Catra putting the pieces together:

“You… you didn’t throw away the sword like you said… did you?” Catra asks, voice low, as she watches Adora trail her hand along the length of the blade, slow and reverent.

Then her touch falls away and she sighs.

“I… didn’t have time to… figure something else out...” She says in a whisper.

“For what?” Catra presses, brow knitting.

“For time travel,” Adora says before looking over to her. “I… used the stone to get me here but… I had to break it for it to work.”

“But… you’re a Princess. Your stone is-”

“Far less important to me than you,” Adora interrupts, fire in her voice and Catra swallows.

“But… Etheria… the stones are needed to make balance. Entrapta said-”

And Adora interrupts her again, this time with a laugh as she looks back to the Sword, bright and gleaming and shining with energy.

“Yeah… My friends weren’t exactly pleased at the idea...” Her humour wanes, “Neither were you actually.”

“I wasn’t?” Catra coaxes and Adora takes a deep breath then heaves a sigh, shaking her head.

“No… In fact, the last thing she did before I left was… make me promise… not to do it,” She admits and a deep, aching sort of shame paints her face. “And I tried to… understand, to keep my promise but… she… she was so ill… so so sick and I couldn’t...” She trails off, voice cracking and her eyes clench shut. “I couldn’t… watch her die. I couldn’t and… it didn’t matter what it cost; my sword, my life, any of it, I just… couldn’t imagine living in a world where she wasn’t with me.”

Catra watches a shudder roll through her.

“And I don’t know if she’ll remember any of it, if the timeline has changed too much or whether she’ll just be better and… and I don’t know whether… whether she’ll forgive me for it.”

Catra sees restless hands fidget with the ring and then she huffs.

“Well… maybe I’m not her yet, maybe I never will be but… I would.”

Adora looks back up, a hope so sweet it hurts to witness gleaming in her eyes.

“You would?”

Catra smirks.

“You kidding? You said ‘fuck Etheria’ for me… It’s pretty flattering.”

And Adora laughs.

She laughs warm and pure and relieved and Catra’s smirk softens to a smile as she watches her light up.

So anyway, Adora loves Catra a lot and to make a very long story short, when current Adora meets her future self (not in ideal circumstances, her future self is bashed up bad) she has her Catra telling her that it’s her and that she came back to help Catra and Adora really just goes... ‘yeah, sounds about right’. Glimmer is there and is like ‘??? WHAT?’ and Adora just shrugs at her, sending a glance towards Catra and trying not to look as conflicted as she feels as she says ‘Catra and I are complicated...’ and Catra is trying very hard not to feel flattered so she just huffs out a ‘no kidding, princess’ and that’s about when unconscious future Adora wakes up and says ‘oh by Etheria, am I not dead?’.

Sorry, I didn’t make the long story short I’ve just thought about this way too much but basically, Adora is a little jealous of the possibilities for herself and Catra in the future more than the reality because she doesn’t know enough about it to dare to hope that her and Catra could ever be that close again.

Jokes on her though because they are hella married.

And Adora doesn’t feel jealous of her future self per say but she does really wish her future self wasn’t so comfortable just slinging an arm around her Catra and sitting that close and whispering things like they used to and okay yeah maybe she’s jealous.

She’ll get over it.

On the flip side, it takes Catra eons to warm up to this future version of the Adora she knows because she’s far too happy and more importantly, far too happy to see her. It’s confusing and stressful and she doesn’t trust her.

Also future Adora forgets to take off her wedding ring when she arrives which is... a lot for Catra to deal with like you’re married?! Who married you?! How dare they??? and she’s 90% convinced it’s Glimmer or something so she’s really angry but Adora doesn’t tell her that it’s her because Catra doesn’t trust her yet and she’s worried it’ll frighten her away.

So Catra’s left simmering over somebody else marrying her best friend and future Adora is like ‘I have ruined everything forever better not speak and make it worse’ and it’s... a process to unpack that. Catra does eventually pull it out of Adora who does a ‘heh as if I’d marry anyone but my best friend’ and Catra’s brain short circuits because ‘you said you had kids??’ and Adora (probably bleeding to death in a big heroic gesture, smiles through bloodied teeth) and says ‘yeah... they’re magicats... they’re beautiful’ and well... that’s a big moment for Catra because oh my shit this is Adora oh my shit this is my future wife and we have kids and oh my SHIT she’s bleeding everywhere!!

It’s a lot.

To kinda... counterbalance that a little, future Catra’s first appearance is literally saving Adora’s ass and whilst she teases the hell out of her, she also takes care of her and is as gentle as possible with her battered form.

She’s very vulnerable and honest with Adora.

And it takes a while to find out why...

She climbs into the bed, slow and steady, as has become her nightly ritual and she smiles when Adora doesn’t whip the knife from under her pillow that night.

She stiffens a moment only to relax, rolling over to face her, blinking sleepily as she settles down beside her.

Adora smiles.

“Hi,” She greets and Catra purrs softly.

“Hey Adora,” She replies, raising a hand to stroke back a stray lock of blonde hair.

“How’s your mission going?” Adora asks and Catra thinks for a moment.

“Not as planned… but it’s going somewhere,” She says gently and Adora hums, encouraging her to continue and she chews her bottom lip a moment. “Turns out changing the course of the future is trickier than I thought. I think the universe is trying to… correct it, steer it to how it was for me but… there’s changes.”

“Space time nonsense, right?” Adora murmurs and Catra smiles a tad at the sleepy tone.

“Yeah… but it’s okay. It’s nice being here,” She replies honestly.

“With me?” Adora quips teasingly and, drowsy as she is, she doesn’t notice Catra tense in the dim light before she forces herself to slacken.

“Yeah… with you,” She agrees, voice a bit too tender but Adora doesn’t question it.

Nor does she question when Catra tucks closer into her, nuzzling under her chin and draping an arm around her waist.

She squeezes her against her.

“Don’t you miss your Adora?”

Catra clenches her eyes shut as they start to prickle.

“Every day...” She returns, “But this is still nice...”

Adora was killed in battle and up until that point, Catra had been convinced that nothing could take down She-ra. She’d almost forgotten that beneath that, Adora was not nearly so invulnerable.

They never get closure. They’re on opposite sides of a war and Catra only realises how terribly in love she is when she sees Adora fall from across a battlefield of carnage and she realises that she’s forgotten how to breathe.

Present Catra isn’t jealous because her future self is a woman who achieved everything Catra thought she wanted... and she’s miserable.

On a brighter note, present Adora gets to enjoy nightly cuddles and a sense of safety that lets her sleep like a baby with her favourite person -future version or not- wrapped around her.

Okay, dang I think I answered the questions... eventually. Sorry again this is so long I just... get so excited about time travel AUs.

Also thank you for asking about it! Feel free to hmu with anything else you’re curious about! This was fun!

[lurkingcrow]

I have like a million other things that I’m in the middle of writing but I just had a thought that I felt the need to get down. Yeah yeah, it’s another crack AU idea... Such a surprise. I know. But still just imagine what might have been:

It is a time of supposed galactic stability. It will be decades yet before Sidious’ plans will come to fruition, and a certain Not-Yet-Negotiator is currently training under his Maverick Master as per canon. However in this universe there is one, marked difference.

In the halls of the great archives beneath the Jedi temple a minor cataloguing program designed to collate external references to Jedi deployed in the field (mentions in galactic news media, bounty descriptions, general gossip - the kind of things that might indicate a problem for long term missions) brings up a discrepancy for further review. It is the kind of thing which might easily be dismissed- a possible mention that cannot be appended to the relevant individual’s file because it is no longer in active circulation. This isn’t an unheard of occurrence; no program is perfect and it is easy to shrug off the match with a Jedi listed as having been deceased for years as being a false positive due to mistaken identity.

Which is what probably would have happened, had the Senior Padawan in charge of reviewing the system reports not had the unfortunate luck to have been caught sneaking an open container of Muja Juice into the archives by Madame Nu that morning and been dismissed for punishment duty. As a result it was the head archivist herself who ended up reading the report of a pirate arrested coming out of the Rattanak system, who in his interrogation happened to mention a man who bore a remarkable resemblance to Jedi Knight Ky Narec, missing, presumed dead, following the loss of his ship five years previously. Now Jocasta Nu is nothing if not meticulous, and instead of dismissing the report instead double checks the initial case - while not probable, it is possible that the ship may have made it to a nearby system, and Rattanak is within feasible distance...

As such, in this universe, the Jedi Order sends a team to Rattanak to investigate Ky Narec’s possible survival. And so it is that the long lost knight returns to the Temple.There is however consternation in the Council - Ky Narec’s return from the dead is an unexpected blessing, but at the same time he is loudly and vociferously demanding to be allowed to return and finish his self appointed mission. And then there is the matter of his preteen “Padawan”...

Asajj Ventress is indisputably strong in the force, but she has never seen the inside of the creche. When Ky found her she was already old for an initiate, and the years since have been focused on skills relevant to their immediate survival rather than providing a broad understanding of Jedi principles. But the bond between Master and Padawan is strong, and there is no question that her training must continue. But still, what is the council to to with a semi-feral Padawan who has spent years in an active warzone and her headstrong master who has an unshakeable belief in his own judgement?

The answer is obvious. Team them up with another problem pair and hope they balance each other out. And so it is that a smirking Master Yoda informs Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon that their expertise is required for a very special mission...

Qui-Gon is quite happy with his new assignment. Applying his years of experience to formulate an appropriate plan for dealing with the ongoing conflict on Rattanak is not easy, however Ky is a highly perceptive man and has an excellent understanding of the relative dynamics between the different players. The lost knight also has a delightfully dry sense of humour and is passionate in his defence of his student, which endears him very much to the older Master for a number of reasons. For his own part Ky Narec is pleasantly surprised by how well Master Jinn is actually listening to his arguments. Oh he challenges Ky’s conclusions, but he does not dismiss his knowledge or suggest that the situation might best be left to develop on its own (unlike other Jedi Ky could mention). Indeed, he suspects their proposal has a very good chance of working. 

Obi-Wan on the other hand is wondering how long the council intends to punish him for his various misdeeds. The Padawan he has been instructed to tutor is barely old enough to meet the standard definition of the term, has barely any understanding of most core teaching subjects and is only very begrudgingly separated from her master for more than an hour at a time. She is vicious, defensive and... and far too like himself in the wake of Melida/Daan. He remembers what it is like to be always on a hair trigger, always waiting for the next attack, desperately holding on to what you have because tomorrow it could be gone. He also remembers what it was like on his return. The scornful looks and disapproving frowns that left him feeling isolated, the endless nightmares and constant twitching at loud noises, the way the only one who seemed to have faith in him was his own Master - and little Asajj is far younger than he was... 

Asajj is not sure she likes the Temple, no matter how much Master Ky says she will learn to call it home. The food is good, and it’s nice not to have to worry about sentry duty, but the people are stupid. Do they think she doesn’t notice the way they look at her? The way the snicker just because she doesn’t know who some karking bigwig from the shouting hou... Senate is? Master Ky tells her not to worry, that she will catch up in no time, but he’s busy these days with the tall Master who makes the others groan and she’s been left with this Padawan Kenobi who seems just as stupid as the rest of them! Except... Padawan Kenobi never laughs at her in the mess hall for eating too fast, just hands her extra seed rolls to squirrel away in her robes for later. Padawan Kenobi might roll his eyes at her when she complains about her reading, but he doesn’t raise his voice or tell her she’s stupid. Padawan Kenobi will spar with her, and while he knows just what to say to get a rise out of Asajj he never toys with her or tries to embarass her. And come to think of it, he always seems to make enough noise for her avoid being startled by him. Maybe Padawan Ken... no, Obi-Wan isn’t so bad after all. It doesn’t mean she’s going to make life easy for him though!

To cut a long story short (and oh are there ever stories, because honestly the Council dearly begins to regret setting this up) Obi-Wan has a new friend and Qui-Gon has a new partner in crime.  Ky and Qui-Gon will watch in amusement while Obi-Wan and Asajj attempt to verbally eviscerate  whatever hapless individual has earned their scorn, and the Padawans will sigh and trade stories about reckless masters who can’t seem to go anywhere without attracting trouble. Over time (once Asajj has grown enough not to horrify civilians when she pulls our her blades) when one pairing gets into trouble more often than not it is the other who comes to bail them out. Which is more frequent than you’d think. Ky and Asajj are not diplomats. On the other hand given the trouble Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan usually end up causing, having a pair or terrifyingly efficient warriors familiar with the seedier side of the galaxy is a distinct advantage.

Which is why when the Temple loses contact with pair after sending them to negotiate an end to the trade dispute on Naboo, Ky and Asajj just look at one another and start preparing for an extraction mission. As it turns out they don’t need to launch as rescue as surprise surprise the pair turn up on Coruscant accompanying the missing Queen and with a new stray in tow...

Let’s backtrack a bit here. Because while the core events remained the same, the details do not. Qui-Gon Jinn lands on Tatooine and immediately starts cursing as he recalls everything Ky has told him about Outer Rim economics. Still, they need to do what they can, so into town he heads, with a foolish Gungan and a disguised Queen by his side. And when he meets Anakin Skywalker and his mother, Qui-Gon Jinn remembers a young Dathomiri Padawan matter of factly telling him “Hal’Sted wasn’t a bad master, it could have been much worse” before explaining exactly how in great depth, and his blood runs cold. 

Similarly, as their ship leaves behind the sand and suns of Tatooine, Obi-Wan Kenobi looks at his Master’s newest acquisition and thinks “Two of them. Bant is never going to let me hear the end of this.” and proceeds to do his best to reassure the boy and get him settled because experience has taught him that the easiest way to deal with a non-Temple raised force sensitive is to earn their trust as quickly as possible and worry about attachment issues later.

(Oh Obi-Wan, you have NO IDEA what you’ve just done)

What happens next is up in the air. Perhaps there are two more Jedi on the return to Naboo. Perhaps it changes things, and Qui-Gon lives to sort out his mess. Perhaps it doesn’t, and two padawans lose their masters that day. Perhaps Maul swears vengeance against two Jedi instead of one, and Asajj first tastes the Dark as the Sith that might once have been a brother takes away not only the man she sees as her father, but the Master who supported them both from the start.

But perhaps it doesn’t change things. Perhaps a grieving Obi-Wan returns to the Temple with his tiny new Padawan only to be hugged within an inch of his life by a teenage menace who will flatly deny it if she is ever asked. Perhaps things are easier in a world where the Council has already had to deal with one overaged Padawan in the last decade (At least Skywalker doesn’t appear to be about to stab anyone who looks at him wrong). Certainly Obi-Wan has a better grip on Anakin’s lingering issues regarding slavery.

(”It's different.” Whispers an unusually gentle Asajj when little Ani asks her. “You are HIS Padawan, but he is YOUR Master, and you have a claim on each other.” She smiles. “And if you truly wanted to leave, he would let you go.”)

They’re not large changes, not world breaking shifts in the way the galaxy will turn. But that doesn’t matter. 

I just want you all to imagine Knight Ventress.

Knight Ventress who is the unacknowledged master of Jar Kai and whose appearance has been known to send pirates running to the authorities to give themselves in.

Knight Ventress who is sharp and righteous anger, but never lets the Dark take hold, because she has too much to protect.

Knight Ventress who appears out of nowhere to snark at Kenobi and pat Skywalker on the head even after he grows to be taller than her.

 Knight Ventress who has a horrifically complicated on-off relationship with Quinlan Vos that the entire Temple is trying to pretend Does. Not. Exist.   

Knight Ventress who stalks into the middle of the Council chambers following the Battle of Geonosis and icily demands to know why they are leading a slave army.

Knight Ventress who repeatedly engages Dooku’s assassin, the brutish Savage Oppress, knowing that they share a heritage and that had things been different it might have been a far darker master she was sold to.

Knight Ventress who teases Knight Skywalker about his new Padawan, and promising to corrupt her lightsaber habits.

Knight Ventress who takes one look at the Duchess of Mandalore and just smirks knowingly at Obi-Wan.

Just... Knight Ventress. 

Who stands beside Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi as they take down Darth Sidious and watch the galaxy still fall...

Isn’t it an interesting thought?

[torchkeeper]

Never-Ending Survey: Gan Arulaq

Rules: Repost, do not reblog

Tagged by: I steal and have no dignity @lightdevoid

Tagging:  Nah

BASICS.

FULL NAME: Gan Arulaq

NICKNAME: see bio but also most common one is Fool

AGE:  20

BIRTHDAY:  (8/17) 17th Sun of the Fourth Umbral Moon

ETHNIC GROUP: Au Ra || Xaela

NATIONALITY: N/A

LANGUAGE/S:  Arulaq dialect (and near total deviation from Xaelic standard), Eorzean Common, good luck with anything else lmao 

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Bisexual

ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Bisexual

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single

HOME TOWN / AREA: A really, really, really remote mountain valley on the Azim Steppe

CURRENT HOME:  Not too close but not too far from his master

PROFESSION: himbo respected adventurer/peacekeeper and works with the Scions when needed

PHYSICAL.

HAIR: Short red and black hair that i chose bc the cut is closest to Him

EYES: he green and theyre glowy cuz...Limbal Rings hell yea

FACE: c h i n, bright eyes, naturally dramatic expressions 

LIPS: half thicc but they gave up

COMPLEXION: light copper, like when you see Mars surface from space

BLEMISHES: No 

SCARS: Not a lot tbh, I would say just one or two that are serious and lots more (but still low) that are just from mundane things

TATTOOS: No

HEIGHT: 7′1

WEIGHT: 200 ponz

BUILD: B i g, athletic and lean

FEATURES: big hands! long tail! big horns! he is a stretched JPEG brought to life, deep mischievous voice

ALLERGIES: None he is cleaner than a whistle

USUAL HAIR STYLE: He is combing it back daily (even if its short) or whenever it gets out of place, rarely touches his thin bangs tho

USUAL FACE LOOK:  like he’s trying to figure out math and losing, confused at something, or smiling and laughing

USUAL CLOTHING: If he needs to wear clothes he Must show his titties somehow, even if just a bit, also shorts/capris but sometimes sleek form fitting pants- honestly my inspo was JJBA characters but replicate it through what FFXIV has

PSYCHOLOGY.

FEAR/S: Dying to leave his son behind, failure especially toward someone he values, not being enough

ASPIRATION/S: To make his loved ones proud of him, making the world a better place where he can (that can be from treating individuals kindly to world saving events)

POSITIVE TRAITS: Loyal, funny, courteous, determined in resolving serious conflicts, gravitates by instinct to help others

NEGATIVE TRAITS:  Naive, stubborn, oblivious, can get in over his head and harm himself in the process

TEMPERAMENT: Easy going and can be emotional

ANIMALS: Chocobo, birds, turtles, horses

VICE HABIT/S: More food in one sitting than a person should have-pays for it later with his stomach (a habit Vaste gave him), when he gets confused he needs a moment to get his emotion out before he rationalizes, easily focuses on one thing at a time

FAITH: Makes his head hurt so he doesn’t really bother

GHOSTS?: Yes, he’s heard many stories about the ones that follow Vaste, Ardbert’s WoDs are now the foster family he doesn’t know he has

AFTERLIFE?: Yes, see above

REINCARNATION?: Yes

POLITICAL ALIGNMENT: Are you corrupt and abusing power? You die

EDUCATION LEVEL: Virtually none, only knows survival skills and things he’s been taught or observed on the road, he can kinda read and has his master helping him (but really him and her are both not great she’s still at a junior high level and he’s close behind- Alphinaud and others are their teachers)

FAMILY.

FATHER : Ded

MOTHER : Ded

SIBLINGS : No

EXTENDED FAMILY: Ded

NAME MEANING/S: Bold in Mongolian 

HISTORICAL CONNECTION?: None specific other than traditionally being considered a strong boys name, thus respected

FAVORITES.

BOOK: He loves any book he’s managed to read on his own, his recipe books are A+ to him

DEITY: He doesnt follow it but Rhalgar’s pretty metal

HOLIDAY: Moonfire Faire

MONTH: Finding pretty places in all of them

SEASON: Summer

PLACE: Can’t choose

WEATHER:  Sunny and fair, some breeze, he doesn’t mind cold too much as he was raised in it but not his first pick, rain

SOUND / S: Water, horse hooves, bubbling food he’s making, laughter, cicadas

SCENT / S: Food, herbs, the sea, wild plants like in a forest

TASTE / S: Spicy food, smoked food, stuff that has a sense of kick and weight

FEEL / S:

ANIMAL / S: Birds, turtles, horses, but he’s also unafraid to mess with non lethal snakes, scaring Vaste half to death in the process

NUMBER: Makes his head hurt

COLORS: Blues, reds, dark purple, black, orange

EXTRA.

TALENTS: He can bake, he can cook- The Bismarck should hire him, horseback riding via his childhood, spear fighting, telling jokes and lighting people up from bad moods

BAD AT: Fully recognizing what others want if they aren’t clear about it, doesn’t like guns so his aim with them is bad, complex math, opening up when he’s annoyed

TURN ONS: Shiina, people who he finds pretty, kind, and made with a tough will

TURN OFFS: Cruelty and sadism (as in getting off on pain/murder, fear, and humiliation that dehumanizes others, not the BDSM), people who are rude and demand a lot or walk all over others thinking they’re above everything

HOBBIES: Baking, sewing, training, practicing his reading, sightseeing

TROPES: Gentle giant, big muscles not as big brain, shy but passionate romantic, loyal to his friends

QUOTES: “What is Courage? Courage is knowing fear and making that fear your own!” - William A. Zeppeli

MUN QUESTIONS.

Q1 : If you could write your character your way in their own movie, what would it be called, what style would it be filmed in, and what would it be about?      

A1 :  Wes Anderson directed mayhem similar in tone to The Grand Budapest Hotel covering his life in short so far (I would��ve said Satoshi Kon too but he unfortunately passed years ago)

Q2 :  What would their soundtrack/score sound like?          

A2 : Yoko Kanno, which speaks for itself because how do you even begin pinpointing Kanno’s work to one thing

Q3 :  Why did you start writing this character?        

A3 : Haven’t rly yet but I’d like to, love the idea of that (and the one time I did “write” for him tumblr ate it)

Q4 : What first attracted you to this character?        

A4 : I was playing with CC a year ago and when he came out I loved him immediately

Q5 : Describe the biggest thing you dislike about your muse.

A5 :  He can be mature and responsible but he’s still young enough to rush into things

Q6 :  What do you have in common with your muse?          

A6 :  I’m decent at cooking, I have some horseback riding experience, I hate when I can’t understand someone and I get an impulse to act over think at emotional peaks

Q7 :  How does your muse feel about you?        

A7 :  He is confused and horrified to now know he’s basically a Sim but in an FF game

Q8 : What characters does your muse have interesting interactions with?

A8 : His mentor/best friend, his lover, his son bc he is the sweetest dad, someone new

Q9 :  What gives you inspiration to write your muse?    

A9 : I don’t fully understand yet which is why I started this blog, but putting him in in-jokes and memes is definitely a factor lmao

Q10 : How long did this take you to complete?  

A10 : I did part of it during an all nighter then passed out, woke up to finish

[gameridernews]

Ex-Aid review: Month 10 (Episodes 37-41)

Who would've thought we were this close to the end? It's time for the many good character moments, and fakeouts, that lead up to the summer movie...

Also hey, I’m talking about this as soon as episode 41 is subbed, and not halfway into August! Score. Let’s celebrate by talking about sad people. 

I guess the first talking point here is Saki. I was a bit harsh on the idea of Saki since we got so little with her, but I feel like the show is trying to make up for it here with more emphasis on why she was a big deal to Hiro, even going so far as to bring her papa into this and have him reference how heartbroken Hiro was and that he wants Hiro to be able to move on.

I'm... still a little shaky on her, but I will say, I really enjoy what it's done with Hiro in this month of episodes. The big thing I’m thinking of will be talked about in a sec, but it’s safe to say Hiro’s resolve to save her has involved some heavy decisions. He could kill Emu, who he’s grown to actually respect after all this time, enough to be extremely conflicted about doing so... or kill Parad, who is Emu’s source of power, thus allowing Masamune to essentially rule the world with no one to rival him. 

Taddle Legacy finally gets used here, and I love how it looks. Kamen Rider True Brave looks alright, but I think this white armor fits Brave much better. A shame it doesn’t seem to have much to it beyond “It’s Level 100″, no special power or anything. Even Taddle Fantasy had that. Also a shame the LVUR figure line has not been keeping up with the show at all, and is more or less concluded. At least the candy toy line knows what’s up. 

ALSO, THE OTHER THING RESULTING FROM HIRO’S RESOLVE. 

So this is a moment where I wish I wasn’t keeping track of news and could be left unspoiled. Taiga takes on Graphite, and has a damn good hero moment as he makes up for his and Hiro’s rivalry, only to finally be dealt a blow from Graphite that literally sends him flying - out of costume, without protection. And the episode ends with the possibility that he’s dead. 

And to their credit, it really does look that way! Even the preview for this next episode here, Hiro’s line of “I’ll finish this” could be taken any way, and could have even been entirely unrelated to the surgery Taiga needs in order to live. 

What I find incredibly engaging about this episode is the continued morality struggle Hiro faces as Masamune gives him one more intense ultimatum: Intentionally fail Taiga’s life-saving surgery, or lose his girlfriend’s data. THIS IS INCREDIBLY DARK, and I love it so much. 

Masamune is inhuman, and Hiro knows it. Everyone eventually learns he wants this to happen. And it leads to some heartbreaking anger from Nico who tries interrupting the surgery to demand Hiro be taken away. I’ll be honest... I haven’t payed enough attach to actually notice if Snipe (or even Taiga himself) appears in later episodes, so I was halfways convinced this could go either way. 

But ultimately I figured Taiga was too important to be killed off, especially in such a dark way. You’d want Hiro and his plight to have some kind of positive outcome, and having him intentionally fake a surgery and all... just seems too dark for the audience this has. 

That being said, I was not expecting Saki to actually be deleted. I figured they would have some “Actually we have her data now” twist to undo Masamune’s plan. Maybe, though... based on the last episode in this month, there’s a possibility that she could be revived still. 

We get another kind of morality test as Nico’s infected with Gemdeus’ data apparently, meaning that they’ll need to gather up the rest of the Gashatrophies soon. Parad’s on the chopping block next, but can they really do it? 

As it turns out... EMU CAN. Thinking of the patient first, Emu delivers to Parad the final battle he always wanted, an all-out punch fest that ends in the death of one. And with the literally invincible Muteki Gamer form, the outcome was inevitable. But that doesn’t stop it from being SO SAD seeing him freak out and see the face of death with its anime eyes and plastic hair. 

It was gruesome, and will lead Ex-Aid to never transform again. I must admit, when the episode ended, I had no idea where they would go. With Hiro back on their side, and sporting the second strongest form, perhaps he’d take Hyper Muteki. Perhaps he’d transform into Ex-Aid. Perhaps-- 

Oh hi Parad. 

So what Emu did was... a painful fakeout, but a clever one! He technically brought them closer, while snatching up a bit of Parad’s data in their battle in order to undo the damage. Emu’s come a long way, being this mature and clever at the same time. 

I’ve got things I could say about Parad when the show is over, but these past couple months have clued me in to an aspect of his character: He’s pretty childish. Not in the sense that he’s a privileged person who’s never known consequence, but in the sense that he’s literally like a child in an adult body. He faces things in a naive way, albeit with moments of harsh truth. 

And when faced with his own mortality after Cronus’ debut, he’s really showing some child-like fear. It’s fascinating and adding reasons for me to like him. ESPECIALLY when Emu makes it clear that Parad’s come to understand why life is precious, and finally... the Mighty Brothers fight together. 

Oh and... I dunno if it’s because they had a specific director involved, but the underwater scenes with Parad were pretty artsy. I wasn’t sure what they were going for until the two finally worked together... and it showed Emu reaching out to save Parad from drowning. That was touching. Also hey, finally more context as to what caused Emu to be in the hospital. Neat. 

The fight against Cronus was damn awesome, complete with some cleverness involving Para-DX splitting into two and using Cronus’ case of Energy Items against him with Perfect Puzzle’s power. 

At this point, the Kamen Rider Chronicle Gashat used by Cronus is shattered, which means that they’ve made some amazing progress to stopping Masamune. Nothing could possibly go-- 

Oh. Oh right. He’s like Emu, and this is his awakening. They’re fucked. 

It’s at this point I realize I was all wrong about the episode titles, but I think you can see where I was coming from. For those who missed it, I theorized that the episodes with “Reset” and “Reboot” in the titles were probably related to the summer movie since it has some form of alternate universe fiction to it... forgetting that said AU exists in a virtual reality game. 

I dunno, I thought I was onto something there, and figured the show was doing a standard movie tie-in by the end of July. 

As it turns out, this is something much crazier. With his apparent new power, Masamune undoes... Hyper Muteki. Like, it just stops existing now, I guess? And as a result, several small changes happen. But not a lot. Mainly it just means they are without their greatest power, and I guess their fear is that he’ll undo any progress they make to reclaim it. 

In order to combat a man with the power to reset timelines, Kuroto is hard at work, and teasing several blank Gashats which may or may not lead up to something - at least one will! And oh man, one is a Maximum style Gashat - could Monks Of Terror actually see the light of day~? 

Speaking of light of day... Brave and Snipe try to hurry things along and beat the last Bugster of Chronicle, apparently starting at night and fighting until the morning light. Okay. Cronus really screwed with how time works, huh? Ghost would be screwed in this setting. 

While Cronus does arrive to stop them from completing their goal, Graphite... honestly shows some good character development. Like, I’ve been hard on Graphite before - I didn’t think he had much character at the beginning and got killed off too quickly, and was pretty indifferent about his revival but figured it might lead to something resembling personality. 

Turns out Graphite is a villain character who wants to serve his purpose as a villain character. And when Brave and Snipe finally overpower him, finally manage to take him down... he’s cool with it. He’s actually being honorable and accepting his defeat. 

Even when Cronus tries to ruin the broment, Graphite fights him, and ultimately his sacrifice leads them to having all Gashatrophies. I’m kinda pleased with how Graphite turned out even if I’m still mixed on his initial use. 

And when Cronus thinks he’s still won, turns out... the Hyper Muteki Gashat has an autosave. Gotta love the convenience of modern games! 

The reset was interesting as a means of creating tension, but it seems sort of short lived. I dunno, I guess a month of this would’ve been more ideal? In any case, status quo is back where it was. 

With all of the Gashatrophies in their possession, the ritual begins, and soon after... Gemdeus appears! Only Cronus has the power to defeat it, so.... teamup? Sure, Masamune seems like a man of morals, as this month of episodes proved to us! I’m sure things will turn out swell. Masamune redemption arc, here we come! 

But really, things are looking prrretty grim. I’m definitely gonna be actually watching these as they come out instead of marathoning at the end of the month like I have been. Gotta get used to doing this again with a new show on its way too! 

It’s at this point I say... next is the summer movie, True Ending. I cannot see the movie since I don’t live in Japan, but judging from how this month ended, I guess the show has done its minimal job of tying into the movie. So what I’m gonna be seeing instead is the fake ending, also known as the crossover-friendly ending. 

So... I guess the end of August will bring us to the final review like this. That is, a month of episodes being reviewed - I’ve still got plenty of spinoffs and movies to talk about, including the summer movie when that hits DVD! Til then. 

[vixxscifiwritings]

your words on my skin (2/2)

Characters - Ravi x OC AU- Soulmates verse Length - Twoshot Summary - In a world where the marks on your skin also show up on your soulmate’s, Wonshik feels conflicted about the consequences of getting a tattoo

Part 1

“I am going to get a dog! I haven’t told the others yet but I am going to get a dog!” Wonshik scribbles the moment he is out of the shop. It’s a cream coloured French bulldog. A tiny part of him wishes it was black but this puppy is adorable and as soon as he grows up a bit more, he can come home with Wonshik. And that is more than enough for him.

“Finally! Congratulations!” she scribbles back. Wonshik is so happy he does a mini dance on the street before his manager ushers him into the car waiting.

“And I will name him Butt!” he adds. The reply is almost instantaneous.

“Please no! That is such a perverted name!!! And it’s a boy?” she asks curiously.

“I like the name! I am keeping it!” he writes with a frown. The name is not that bad honestly but for the life of him he can’t figure out why no one else likes it. It’s so funny!

“And yup. It’s a baby boy!” he adds, answering the 2nd part.

“Suit yourself then. I am not going to call it Butt though. It needs a second name” she compromises.

“Bada$$. With the dollar signs. Pun intended. My baby will be a rockstar like me when he grows up” he boasts. Maybe he should wait till Butt is home to be boasting so confidently already. Heck he hasn’t even told Hakyeon or Hongbin and he tells them everything. But he already loves Butt and that should be enough to tell her.

“Haha cute. A nice name for a rapper. Is it a black bull dog like you always wanted?” she asks. She must be free, Wonshik notes. Then he remembers that she took a few days off work to shift houses.

“A French cream bulldog. They didn’t have black bulldogs anywhere ㅠ.ㅠ How is the move going?” he asks. He’s running out of space on his arm and wonders how she will reply.

“Fantastic.”  

Wonshik snorts at the reply.

“I hate it!! I don’t have any body strength and all of it tires me out ㅠ.ㅠ” she replies on his other arm. He laughs when he sees the emoji because he knows she picked it up from him. It always makes him smile and it does now as well, till he notices a bruise on the inner side of his elbow.

When did he get this bruise? He didn’t hurt himself dancing. He tests it but doesn’t feel any pain. He sighs and scribbles to her.

“Did you get hurt carrying heavy things?” he asks her with a frown.

“You saw that? It’s nothing really. My books fell down from the top shelf because it was too high” she replies after a second.

“You should be more careful! Can’t you get someone taller and stronger to help you?” he grumbles.

“I’m fine! 164 cm isn’t short at all! And I am strong too! I packed everything away neatly!” she protests.

“If I was there I wouldn’t have let you do all this heavy work” he pouts.

“I have a strong chivalrous soulmate *_* It’s alright! I am a strong independent woman too!” she replies.

Wonshik frowns but has no more space to reply and he forgot to bring the moisturizer he normally uses to dissolve and wipe ink. His nerves are already jumpy from excitement and worry adds on to it.

He breathes a sigh of relief when he notices that the bruises fade after 2 days.

-x-

“Why do I own so many things!!!!”

The words appear in the middle of an interview and Wonshik chuckles. He can’t reply but he already knows that today must be moving day because there are small cheers written all over his arm for strength to move the heavy stuff around.

And her name.

It’s a careless mistake really. It’s part of a slogan scribbled on his wrist and carefully covered under his watch. But now Wonshik knows her name and it sounds so foreign on his tongue. He stands in the bathroom for an extra minute, reading it and saying it to himself till Sanghyuk kicks him out.

He wishes he could help her. But he enjoys the frustrating messages that randomly pop up. The makeup artist sympathizes with his soulmate as she covers up the words on his skin. Wonshik smiles to himself, imagining her being embarrassed should she ever come to know that all of Jelpi now knows that she hates moving.

“Should I come over and help you out?” he asks as soon as filming gets over.

It’s been on his mind forever. It’s been seven years since they know each other. It’s going to be five years since his debut. He is an established artist now and doesn’t have the same pressure about his reputation. His soulmate is done with her graduation and is well settled with a job she likes.

Maybe it is time?

Yet they never talk about meeting. This routine is comfortable. Safe. But he yearns for more.

“I finished shifting the boxes around. I will unpack them tomorrow” she writes back. “But I would love you forever if you brought me dumplings now”

Wonshik doesn’t know if he wants to sigh or laugh. How had he forgotten that she loves dumplings? Of course she is thinking about food. It’s late in the afternoon. Did she skip lunch? She definitely did not eat breakfast. Gaaah. Why is she like this?

“Address? I am coming over and I am bringing food along” he writes. 

“Is there a dumpling shop nearby?” he asks the production crew. They work at this studio often and would know the food places around.

“There’s one down the main road from here. It gets crowded at this time but the sweet and sour pork bun is worth the wait” the assistant director tells him. 

“Which is why we aren’t losing weight” the director grumbles and everyone laughs.

“Are you suddenly craving dumplings?” Hongbin asks. 

“Maybe” he says, distracted by the reply.

“I was just joking…” she replies.

Wonshik hesitates. It dawns on him that she doesn’t feel the same. The smile on his face is gone. Was he too forward? Did he make her uncomfortable?

Has he ruined everything?

“Besides, aren’t you busy? Will you be able to come over?” she asks after a moment. “My place is essentially boxes and a plastic wrapped couch. You’ll hate it.”

“I didn’t expect you to complain all day about moving and then magically finish it one day”

“I resent how that assumption is hundred percent true” she replies. Wonshik laughs as the address appears below it. This place is two blocks away from the dorm.

“I think we should get dumplings for two” Hongbin says as he peers over Wonshik’s shoulder. Wonshik swats him away while blushing and the female staff coo when the makeup artist pipes up and asks if he is going to visit his soulmate now.

-x-

Wonshik checks the flat number and double checks it again. The writing on his hand is starting to fade but he is sure this is the place. He should ring the bell.

He can’t bring himself to. Any courage fueled by spur of the moment decisions has faded, leaving him anxious. When he finally does ring the doorbell, it is because of half hearted concern that the dumplings will taste bad when cold and she probably does not have a microwave set up.

She opens the door and Wonshik starts, greeting her formally out of nervousness. When he straightens up again, she stares. Wonshik stares too. Her hair is wavy and wet and her skin glows. He catches the scent of green apple, which he remembers is her favourite body wash from the brand she likes. Her eyes are brown and wide.

She shuts the door with a bang. Wonshik blinks. He has no idea what just happened.

“Haneul?” he calls out uncertainly. He knocks on the door, calling out to her gently.

“I never told you my name” she tells him through the intercom. “How did you know?”

“You wrote it on your arm. I found it this morning” he tells her.

The door opens again. Slower this time and Wonshik finds himself face to face with her.

“Sorry” Haneul apologizes.

“It must have taken you by shock” he laughs sheepishly.

“I expected this but I also didn’t know what to expect” she confesses. Wonshik raises an eyebrow.

“I knew who you were. The lyrics were a give away” she admits.

“I should have been more careful” Wonshik frowns.

“Yes! But I would eventually come to know” Haneul shrugs.

“Anyways, I brought dumplings along” he says holding up the takeout containers for truce.

“I love you already. Come on in. Watch your step though. There are boxes everywhere” she tells him.

“You’ve reminded me twenty times already today” he teases as he navigates through the room. When he looks up from the floor, he falls a little in love with the way Haneul pouts and glares.

“Were you in the middle of filming?” Haneul asks guiltily when she notices his outfit. It’s a purple satin shirt paired with ripped skinny black pants. Wonshik is sure he still has eyeliner on too.

“We were done for the day when I wrote back to you” he tells her truthfully.

“Sorry. I’ll just get the food out” she apologizes as she takes the food from him.

“I’m here because I wanted to come” he assures her.

“I thought you were joking about that, you know? You are an idol after all. I didn’t expect you to agree” Haneul tells him.

“And also, I swear I thought I would be better dressed for our first meeting” she says, looking down at her denim shorts and blue t-shirt ruefully.

“I think you look pretty” Wonshik says. Both of them blush together and Haneul busies herself in getting the dumplings out while Wonshik fiddles with the sauce packets. His heart races and he is very sure he will die of arrhythmia today. He glances at Haneul who is steadfastly avoiding looking at him and he looks away.

“So uh… what is VIXX up to these days? Do you guys have anything planned now that Bomb promotions are over?” she asks, making conversation. The silence is awkward and Wonshik is happy to escape his own thoughts.

“The usual stuff. Variety show appearances, musicals, web dramas. We might work on an album soon but nothing’s confirmed yet” he replies, careful not to give spoilers away.

“Oh oh oh. When will Butt come home?” Haneul asks excitedly. Wonshik grins and pulls out his phone.

“In two days! The person who is caring for him now sent the cutest pictures ever this morning!” he tells her excitedly.

“Show me!” Haneul says, clapping her hands together. She moves closer to Wonshik and the pair lean against the counter as he flicks through the folder he has made specially for his puppy.

“He is so cute” she sighs, leaning on his shoulder. Wonshik hums in agreement and puts his arm around her, letting her take his phone and swipe through the folder. She’s short enough for him to place his chin on her head. She fits in like a puzzle piece and Wonshik feels warmth grow in his chest.

“I hate you tall people” she grumbles. Wonshik notices that she doesn’t move away and he counts it as a small victory.

“The dumplings will get cold” she tells him awkwardly. “Let’s eat first” he suggests. 

This sort of intimacy is unnatural. They understand each other in a way that others won’t. But to be physically present in the here and now will take getting used to.

Texting will probably replace the writing on his arms. Perhaps, Haneul will doodle on his tattoos on his skin and not her own reflection of it. Late night conversations in his studio might take place with both of them present. Arguments about Butt’s name might be replaced by which parent spoils him more and why they should or shouldn’t.

  Wonshik sees a future with his soulmate the way he always has. Except now he has a face and a name to go with it

-The End -

[dasirunrunrun]

Good Grief - Chapter One

Jungkook makes a habit of showing up drunk to a nearby flower shop. Bad puns and fluffy pining ensue.

Or, a college!au in which BTS are all frat boys, Namjoon is a science club president,Jimin just wants a good party, and Jungkook is hopelessly fascinated by the girl who takes care of flowers in her free time. author’s note:  hiiiiiii!! so this is my first ever fanfiction, and to be completely honest- it’s a long ride. so strap in, and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. Also there is a soundtrack/playlist for this fic! If you enjoy listening and reading (or, if you just want to have a g list of songs) you can find it here ! disclaimer: All mentions of the university in this fic are purely pulled from my ass— I don’t claim to know anything on a deep, spiritual level about university clubs, classes or frat parties. Side characters, that aren’t specifically Bangtan Members™, are all made up and therefor fictional .

If you’d prefer reading on AO3 the link is here

chapter warnings: mentions of alcohol (and drunkenness) chapter notes: this chapter is all for getting things rolling and introducing characters! it’ll pick up for sure after this! 

words: 4.2k

Chapter One

track: do i wanna know? - arctic monkeys

There are loads of things you can expect while working in a flower shop- Like, for one, an abundance of bees, butterflies, and other bugs that enjoy the flowers just as much as humans. Or, the knowledge that your bouquet will go to a receiving, flustered, significant other. Those things are expected. Those things are welcome, even.

But, hearing an obnoxious, loud knocking at the backside shop door, at 21:30, is definitely not on that list.

It wasn’t like the gentle knock from the delivery guy in the middle of the day— No, this was a banging, brutish sound coming from the other side of the Hibiscus green house. At 21:30.

With my vast experience of watching horror movies, I thought I was well prepared for this kind of situation. I had convinced myself that i’d be a badass main character— with double pistols and a sick ass soundtrack in the background. Now though, with a probable axe murderer on the other side of the door, I couldn’t bring myself to move, let alone play something like Highway To Hell in the background.

So here I am, at 21:30, staring at the door shake with every rap from the lunatics’ hand.

They say panic brings on hysteria, and maybe hysteria is what brought a surge of curiosity to my head in that very moment. Who even comes to a flower shop this late? For a robbery? Maybe. But there’s barely any money to be made from selling flowers. My family and house is a clear example of that.

Fortunately, my thoughts were interrupted by a voice cutting through the silence— coming from the very door that was, just a moment ago, victim of a massive beating. “Hiiiiii- I’m sorry for disturbing so late,” came a very slurred, very sugary yell from behind the door.

I held my breath, trying to decipher what age of male could be the host to that scratchy, rough voice. When another intrusion of thought, this time: “Excuuuuusseeee me” came. His voice picked up, louder — echoing off the walls of the shops, which had me ducking a bit behind the counter for useless cover.

I stared at the screen door, faintly able to make out the shape of the “knocker.” He didn’t look so huge, maybe taller than me, but not in a way that screamed “old man.” I counted to three, allowing myself to gain the composure that was needed.

With newfound courage, that was promptly pulled straight out of my ass, I cleared my throat, and moved to the door. The walk there felt like eternities, and my heart was beating so loudly there was a good chance that he probably heard it. I took a deep breath, hand on the doorknob, wondering just how I could make an escape if this turned out to be a terrible idea. Giving a three second prayer to a God I wasn’t sure I even believed in, I pulled open the door.

I was met with a very drunk, as expected, very attractive boy- looking around the same age as me. His black hair fell evenly into his eyes, as he moved to tilt his head to the side in obvious curiosity. The boy’s lips broke into a grin— making him look like a sort of soft, inebriated bunny. “Hi ther-”

“We’re closed,” was the first thing out of my mouth, cutting off his dreamy sigh. He stood straight up, looking put off- in that drunk kind of way. I tried to clear my throat, hoping that it would give me the authoritative image I was going for.

“If you’re closed then why are you answering the door?” Was the unhesitating, sloppy, strung together sentence that was returned back to me. Although his face remained the very description of amused humor, I could only be reminded of a five year old boy- immaturely sticking his tongue out.

I didn’t respond, too stunned with the quip to try and reply. My thoughts were running wild; trying to think of an escape plan (incase things went south), and at the same time, trying to find a way to roast the kid back. It was a very conflicting, and telling, moment for me as a person.

“Haha, caught.” The boy sung back to my lack of response, bringing up both of his hands in the ‘finger gun’ pose. His voice sounded lazy, like he had lost the energy to keep up this conversation. “Yah, are you a perpetual liar?”

I found myself bristling at his accusation. It took all the willpower I possessed to not shoot something snappy back. “You need to leave.” I informed, trying not to let the  irritation I was feeling seep into my voice. I had to look up to meet his eye directly, and that, besides being held up from going home, was the most annoying thing. “If you don't— i’ll, i”ll probably call the police, or something.” The threat was weak and held little to no truth. That much was obvious, even to my own ears.

Drunk- door knocker gave an almost smug chuckle- the sound airy in the silence of the shop. “Alright, alright. Fair enough,” this time the response was definitely toned down, but still holding the same causal flow of someone who was undoubtedly inebriated. “I’ll go.” A pause. “Don’t want you ‘probably’ calling the police or something.” The last comment was, beyond any doubt, snark. And for the second time that night I felt the urge to slap him.

I blinked, trying not to let the shock show on my face, as he saluted me before turning to walk back down the road.

I leaned my back against the nearest wall, waiting to see if another sudden knock was to erupt from behind the locked door. To my absolute relief; there was none. The moments after seemed to pass like hours; silence encapturing the room like a net.

Letting out a breath I didn’t realize I had been holding, I slowly allowed my body to slide down — using my back against the wall as a prop and comfort. The situation, in reality, was terrifying. The strangers ease of words, and light smile had brought most of the tension to leave my body. But with silence as my only companion, the question of: What would have happened had it not just been a random drunk passing by? rose to my head. A shiver climbed up my body— urging me to wrap my arms carefully around my torso.

A buzz from my phone sent me jumping to the side— immediately feeling the panic sneak back up my bones. Illuminating light flooded from my phone, indicating a message from “Mom” with the following text of: ’lock up quickly, you’ll need to eat before sleeping xx’

Sending back a short “okay x” in response and quickly gathering my things, I made my way out of the shop— careful to lock everything up, and double check the security alarm.

The walk home wasn’t far; ten minutes by foot, notably shorter by vehicle. The air was crisp, but still warm enough for only a light jacket. Spring was approaching faster than expected, which meant the flower shop was also attracting business. The image of the boy floated back into my head at that moment, making me puff out a breath in indignance.

What was that about? The situation was too bizarre to even try and normalize. Though, after much pondering, it made a bit of sense. Our flower shop was down the street from a major frat neighborhood. Drunk college students should’ve been expected to be roaming by every now and then. Even so, adrenaline continued to pulse through my bloodstream. Nearly five years of closing up shop for mom, and nothing like this had ever happened. I made a quick promise to myself to never mention this to her. She’d just get worried, and then insist that she should be the one closing up shop again.

But she had enough on her hands. What with trying to raise two twin boys. I mean, Dad was there, but working night shifts at the factory didn’t leave much room for “family bonding.”

I let out a soft sigh into the night air, nearing up on our small house in the process. The warm glow of light filtered out through the blinded windows, and just the sight brought a welcome feeling of comfort. Feeling my face give way to a soft smile, I brought myself to move into the house. Immediately, the smell of home cooked food, and familiarity fell on me.

“Mackkiiiee!” The pet name, usually put to use by my little brothers, rung in the air. Turning my face to the left, I was met with the scene of Max and Jamie- sitting on the ground with, what looked to be a drone, in between the two of them.

“Look at what we did!!” Max squealed excitedly, motioning to the black drone with over enthusiastic flicks of his arms.

“Your brothers are at it again.” The voice came from behind me, my mom, somewhere at the kitchen table. “Doing their little tinkering.” She clarified, as if that wasn’t clear to me.

“Oh,” Was all I could manage to push out of my throat. It’s ridiculous to be jealous of two 10 year olds, but honestly sometimes life was unfair. Here I was, 19 years old, working as hard as possible just to land B’s in school. While my brothers were already crafting their own devices. I watched the boys, seeing their eyes flicker back to me with obvious expectancy. “It’s awesome, kiddos.” I smiled, forcing all of the petty immaturity out of my body. “You guys are modern geniuses,” I grinned “Einstein would be soooo jealous.”

This proved to be the correct response, because moments later, the perfect image of joy was captured in the smiles that broke out on their faces. The two boys clapped hands together, then moved onto trying to take the device apart and give me an explanation of their expertise.

I let out a fond scoff, before moving to the kitchen and talk with my mom. She was sitting at the table, having already made a plate for me, with a newspaper clasped between her fingers. “Was everything in order at the shop?” She questioned lightly, raising her brown eyes to look over at me.

I pulled out my chair, taking a seat as memories of the situation from earlier replayed over in my head. “Yep, all good.” I lied smoothly, forking a piece of almost burnt chicken into my mouth.

“And for school tomorrow? Should I ask your father to give you a ride-”

“No,no,no” I rushed out, voice muffled by the chicken stuffed in my mouth. “I’ll take the bus.” I amended, after taking a sip of water,watching the shock leave her face and dawn into realization.Guilt flashed in her eyes like a warning. I let out a soft sigh and sat back in my chair, “it’s no big deal mom. Thursday’s are my free days, remember? I only have News Club, anyways.”

She didn’t look convinced, if anything even more discouraged. “I know, I know,” She murmured. “I just- you must be the only college kid without a license-”

“Ma’-” I cut her off for my own sake, really. I’d heard her complain over the “supposed sob story” that was my driving education (i.e nada) for years. It wasn’t like it was anyone’s fault but my own. My mom had always offered to pay for my driving classes, and then, of course, the payments to a car. But, that always felt selfish to me. Plus, with perfectly usable public transportation- why was that necessary?

“Well at least-” I stood up then, not wanting to hear her attempts at trying to “make up for it” when it wasn’t necessary.

“I’m going to bed now, ma” I said lightly after shoving my dishes into the dishwasher. “Thanks for the food- it was great.”

《                                               》

track: seeing stars - børns

The thing about university is: it’s not highschool. There is absolutely no comparison between the two. In university, if you chose to be “out of the loop,” it works. Because you aren’t forced to have everyone’s life shoved down your throat.

And that’s pretty legendary.

But unfortunately, as president of the newspaper club, it is my genuine job to have everyone’s life in my throat. Or, more accurately, in my computer.

“Nora,” The use of my name meant things were getting serious. “I’m telling you, the biggest story at the moment is the binge drinking epidemic in the frat houses.” Mary’s hesitant voice made me look up from my computer- pen in hand. “It’s absolutely revolting-” Her lispy voice was cut off by Jona’s laughter from another cubicle-like desk across the room.

“Mary, nobody cares about a little drinking from the school’s “infamous party house.” That’s old news.” Jona’s argument was accompanied by a signature eyebrow raise. Jona, our best journalist, had a lot of opinions; and he never chose to be quiet with them.

“He has a point.” Seokjin chimed in, to the left of me, looking much like a secretary: with a clipboard in hand, and coffee in the other. Seokjin was our vice president, and my best friend- to add. We’ve been attached at the hip for almost my entire life. Every memory I possess: he’s apart of.

“Yeah- you’d say that. What with being apart of the same frat.” This time the interjection came from Finn— sitting on top of his desk with a soccer ball in his hands. He gave it a toss, catching it moments later as he added: “you probably just want to avoid the bad press for Sigma Butter Alimony, or whatever it is”

Seokjin tilted his head to the side “it’s actually Sigma-”

“Pause.” Jona’s loud voice came across the room, causing all heads to swivel his direction. “Jin’s in a frat? Scratch that, the frat?” His face was the epitome of disbelief— eyes wide, mouth slightly agape as he stared at Seokjin. “My mans skinny as a twig, how is he out here with those guys?!”

Seokjin shrugged, unable to keep a smile from playing on his own lips. Mary let out an exasperated sigh, flopping into her office chair with a short grumble of words.

“So,” I started, glancing around the room to see all of their eyes had been averted back to me. “What i’m hearing is: we don’t have a cover story.” I let my words fall over the silence of the room— gauging everyone’s reaction.

The spring semester had just started, which meant stories were basically nonexistent. There was no interesting news to be told, because there was nothing interesting happening. Clubs were just getting started, most scandals were tamed or too old to even be considered news. Sport season was only just starting again, so that cut out all athletic stories. It was the great depression of Newspapers. A news article drought.

A chorus of agreements went around the room, making my shoulders sag with disappointment.

“What about the science club? Apparently they’ve been accepted into a famous science fair competition.” Finn suggested from across the room— his blonde hair was disheveled, probably from running his hands through it so much. “We could interview the president, Namjoon, and the star student Ju—”

I adjusted my glasses, flicking my eyes back to the white, blank screen of my word document. “We should wait until the competition is completed for that one. That way we can touch on the results- make a real story.” I kept my voice neutral, leaning back in my chair as silence, once again, filled the room. “We’ll keep that on the back burner.”

Mary threw her hands up, her curls bouncing with the movement.

“Then i’ve got nothing.” Finn shrugged, his face looking as blank as the current “article.”

I stayed quiet for a moment, mentally holding myself back from smashing my head against my desk. “Mary,” I kept my eyes glued to the computer screen “what all do you have on the frat story?”

I faintly heard a scoff coming from Jona, probably, and a low whistle from Seokjin.

I knew, just as everyone else, that the story wasn’t too complex- or even intriguing. But with no cover story there was no article, and this needed to be out by next week: at the latest. I looked up just as Mary bounced out of her chair, curls flinging wildly around her face.

“I’ll send all of my writing to you by the end of today!” She lisped out the words, voice full of excitement with a lower undertone of pride. In all fairness, this was her first cover story.

“Good, do that.” I watched as she moved around in a little dance— a smile tugging on the corners of my lips from the sight. “I’ll be heading out then, make sure to clean and lock up before you all leave.” I informed the crew, trying not to laugh at the scene of Mary attempting to rub her victory in the other two boys’ face.

“See ya’ boss.” Came Finn’s reply, flicking me a peace sign as I turned away.

Seokjin, as expected, followed me out only moments later. The air was warm, the beginning of spring manifesting itself in the weather. As expected, almost everyone was taking advantage of the sun: studying in the grass, unpacking picnics, while others had games of frisbee and soccer going.

As Seokjin and I walked, I ran over the previous conversation back and forth in my head. Despite the positive outcome, I couldn’t help myself from feeling a surge of disappointment at the lack of stories. A story like the one we were planning on writing, the one about the frat boys, was simply gossip.

“It’ll be okay.” Seokjin was staring at me— his face the perfect picture of calm and collected. He didn’t specify what he was talking about, but I knew right away. It always seemed like he could read my mind.

“I know,” The confidence in my voice was stronger than I was feeling. I clasped my hands loosely together, behind my back, as we walked. “You’re not mad, are you?” I was hesitant to ask: not really wanting to hear the answer. “I mean, this is about your frat house- your friends.”

He gave a light shrug— “A story is a story,” a pause was given in lieu to him bumping his side against mine. “Especially if it’s true. And who knows,” we passed a group of people playing guitar— having a jam session “maybe the story could help some of those who go too hard.”

I nodded along, shoving my hands deep into my pockets. I hadn’t thought of it like that, but then again— i’m not sure anyone besides Seokjin would think of it like that. He always looked at the world as if it were infinitely good— and everything was able to be fixed.

“So, your frat-” My attempt at pulling some details out of him was interrupted two boys from behind us.

A chorus of “Seokjin!”s rang in the air, pulling both me and the boy in question to a halt. We swiveled, almost in unison, to the duo walking behind us. A boy with striking orange hair, and a friendly face— accompanied by a hauntingly familiar mop of black hair, and a soft bunny smile.

I felt the air punch out of my lungs— eyes widening at the same moment that the boy, himself, glanced over at me. I watched his eyebrows knit together, an intense concentration flooding into his expression as he stared me down.

Seokjin was the first to speak, smiling lightly at the other two boys. “Jimin, Jungkook,” his voice held only amusement “‘m surprised to see you two up and moving after that party last night.”

The party last night. I flicked my gaze between Seokjin and Jungkook, the latter of the two still looking like he was trying answer the mysteries of the universe with every passing second.

The orange haired boy, the one who Seokjin nodded to first, Jimin- let out a laugh that held nothing but sunshine and friendliness. “It’s what we do, Jin-” His words were interrupted by the boy next to him.

“Do I know you?” The question had me blinking, and taking a step back all at once.

“No, you don’t.” I kept my voice firm— seeing the confusion in Seokjin’s face and the raise of eyebrow Jimin sported out of the corner of my eye.

“Are you sur-”

“Yes.” I interrupted, nodding my head along with the word.

“How sure?” He questioned again, looking utterly stumped.

“Pretty sure.” I squeaked out.

There was a long pause, no one daring to speak.

“Like what percentage of ‘sure’ are you at?”

“What?” I glanced over at Seokjin— watching him shrug back at me in response. He looked just about as miffed as Jungkook.

Jimin, once again, let out a loud laugh, clapping Jungkook on the shoulder as he did so. “Kook, you aren’t going to pull any girls with those lines.”

I flicked my eyes back to Jungkook who was biting his lip in obvious concentration, his head slightly tilted. The similarities from the previous night came so vividly that I found myself taking another step back. “I-I probably should get going…” I put lightly, bumping Seokjin’s side as a wordless goodbye.

Jungkook’s mouth dropped open— in either realization or protest, I couldn’t tell which. And, honestly, I wasn’t interested in staying to find out.

Seokjin nodded in response, mumbling something along the lines of ‘text me’ but i was too busy getting the hell out of there to take any real notice.

《                                        》

track: if you wanna stay - the griswolds

The walk to the bus stop felt much longer with the newest set of revelations on my mind. Jungkook. So that was his name. He was cute— in the way that, i’m sure, every girl recognizes.

I pushed my hands roughly through my hair— trying to simultaneously push the thoughts out as well. “Stupid Jungkook, stupid drunk knocking, stupi–”

My little rant was cut off by the doors of the bus opening in front of me— revealing a very bored looking bus driver staring at me expectantly. I hadn’t even heard the vehicle pull up, too lost in my own reverie. I nodded to the driver, pushing myself into the bus and picking the most familiar seat in the back corner.

It was a short bus ride, only 10 minutes, but enough time to finally stop thinking about that night. I made my way to the Flower Shop— walking in to be greeted by the soft smell of blooming flowers, and my mom, sitting behind the counter in deep conversation with a customer. I moved to the back storage room, grabbing a green apron and tying it around myself before starting with the plants.

Making my rounds around the shop, checking on flower pots and the progress of new blooms— it was a calming job. Easy to see why my mom loved it so much. There was also something so satisfying in being aide to the growth of something.

An hour or two passed, and my mom was yelling out a goodbye– giving me instructions like any normal day. I waved to her leaving figure, taking the spot behind the counter as more customers began to enter.

It was a busier day today, giving me a distraction that was well appreciated— and by closing time, I had almost forgotten completely about last night and the odd encounter with Jungkook today. As expected, no drunken knocks, or bunny smiles were thrown at me tonight. And locking up went as easy as it usually proved to be.

Replacing the relief I should’ve been feeling, there was another set of emotions. Too many to describe, though the familiar pull of disappointment hit me like a brick: surprising me more than anything else. I wasn’t sure what the disappointment was directed at anymore, but the feeling of it followed me the whole way home.

[aberorca]

Cursed Child Observations: 30/12/16

I went to see the show for the fourth time last Friday and I was close enough to see a lot more details thanks to my seat - I was front row, in AA. This seat is great for the details that you see and hear but if you are short you might not see the back of the stage. I’m tall, so this wasn’t a problem for me.

I’m finally getting around to writing my thoughts down on the variations within each show and between actors. Cast board for this show:

Act One:

Sam’s transition between muggle clothing and Hogwarts robes wasn’t as smooth as normal. It looked as though the transition snagged slightly on his hood but it was only for a split-second and the transition got the same reaction from the audience that it usually does, so this probably wasn’t noticeable to someone seeing the show for the first time.

I love watching the characters on stage who aren’t speaking. For example, if you watch Harry and Ginny while Ron is doing his trick, they are being really cute with each other. Harry has his arm around Ginny and he caresses her back with his hand, and steals frequent adoring, soppy looks and grins at her. He usually sneaks a kiss on the cheek or the ear in somewhere. It’s gorgeous, especially as things become tense between them later on. James Sirius (Tom Milligan) is another one to watch - his reactions to Ron and Albus are entertaining.  He laughs again when Albus mentions Slytherin and often shares a joke and a look with Ron. I love that you can see how strong Ron’s relationship is with his nephews and nieces in this scene.

Lily’s Sorting is bittersweet. On the one hand you’re pleased for her as she’s so happy to go into Gryffindor (she runs to James Sirius and Rose and they have this uber-excited group hug and it’s adorable) but on the other hand you really feel for Albus as he becomes increasingly isolated within his family.

Harry in his office with Hermione was cute. This day was a less angry day for Jamie and I prefer when he doesn’t raise his voice too loud to Hermione about her scolding his lack of paperwork management (contrary to other scenes where the angrier he gets the more I love it, but Jamie’s nuances are a whole other post entirely). When he got home and found Amos, he really tried so hard with him. He took off his jacket, unbuttoned his waistcoat and placed his chair close to Amos, leaning forward and really trying to emotionally connect with him. 

Scorpius really went for the”Yes, a quiz!” line. I love it when he really goes for that. What a dork.

The first General Meeting: the best thing about being front row was being able to pick up things that the ensemble are saying (who don’t have microphones). When Hermione waves her wand and pulls them all toward her before releasing them, one character (played by Martin Johnston) at the back of the meeting, closest to the audience, said in an offended voice “That was unnecessary.” It made the few audience members who heard it laugh, the rest must have wondered what we laughing at. The great thing about seeing this show, or any show, multiple times is that you have the opportunity to pick up on things every time that you missed before. You realise that even the most hidden of background actors have a character and a role and a story within the scene and it brings the story into life just that little bit extra and leaves you with so much awe for just how no detail has been spared.

Act Two:

Helena Lymberry was in her normal role as Petunia. I actually prefer her cover, Lowri James, for this role but they may just be down to Lowri looking the part more. Helena’s Hooch and Umbridge are very good; I prefer her Umbridge to Lowri’s. Swings and roundabouts.

Adam McNamara was covering Bane for Nuno. He did a really good job, I thought and I’m undecided on who I prefer in the role. I will say Nuno looks that part more so I’m possibly leaning more in Nuno’s way. 

Harry, Draco and Ginny in the kitchen: I LOVED Alex in this show. He played Draco softer tonight, which is brilliant. I’ve seen James Howard cover Draco and one of the reasons I prefer him in the role is not because he is better or worse than Alex - they are both great actors - but because James plays Draco softer, and more vulnerable, which is how I imagine Draco evolving into after the journey he goes through in books 6 and 7. He still has the Malfoy swag, but he has less of the arrogance and malice that he had as a child. Alex played Draco closer to this tonight. When he told Harry ”Don’t lose the boy,” he was soft with it; he sounded so much more genuine and empathetic rather than brash. I loved it.

Having seen James Le Lacheur as Scorpius on my previous viewing of the show, the library scene always sticks out in my mind as one of the biggest differences between her performance and Anthony Boyle’s. James absolutely NAILS this scene. In particular, I love the way she delivers “Try my life!”. Up until this point she speaks at a normal volume but when she delivers that line it explodes out of her and it just stops the show. It is so, so good. James really emphasised the desperation Scorpius is in, not only over the circumstances he lives under, day in, day out, but over his best friend, not only not understanding, but up until that point, not even considering him. Anthony was back in as Scorpius which was great because I missed his adorable face, but he builds to this line rather than exploding out with and on  the whole I prefer James’s delivery of the emotion in that scene. However, Anthony plays a mentally and emotionally younger Scorpius and I love how that works within the character and his history of isolation and endears him more to the audience. A spontaneous little quirk in this scene - when Scorpius was avoiding Albus’s eyes he picked a bit of fluff off his own robes and blew it across the stage, watching it float through the air. It was adorable and spontaneous and so utterly Scorpius and it simply delighted me. Oh, and Anthony’s tears give me tears. =*(

I love Moaning Myrtle. Annabel Baldwin is brilliant and I can’t get enough of her scenes. There is another cute Harry/Ginny moment to be had here, when Myrtle is flirting with Harry and Ginny has none of it. She storms around the sink and stands right behind Harry. It’s cute because even though Harry and Ginny are already more strained at this point, Ginny still gets so possessive. I love it.

Act Three: Sometimes in the Voldemort AU, Ron does a little thumbs up when he finds out that he is married to Hermione in “the other world”. He didn’t do it last night which was a shame because it’s a cute moment.

Sitting right at the front row, you do see strings on the two dememntors that hover over the stage (but not on the one that flies over the audience). However, the people in the row behind me (BB) couldn’t see them. Other than that, not a single illusion is ruined by being that close. It’s so impressive.

Harry and Ginny had much more heated conflicts in this show. Ginny never shouts, but she almost did this time around.

The audience was very enthusiastic - it’s interesting how audiences vary from show to show. The best audience I was ever part of was undoubtedly a Thursday and Friday night audience back in September, closely followed by a Saturday audience in November. Particular moments of reaction that I love are the hug in the lake, and when Scorpius screams with joy “HARRY POTTAAAAHHHH!” when he sees Harry upon returning from the Voldemort AU.

Act Four:

The Harry/Dumbledore conversation breaks me every time. In fact, I start welling up as soon as I see Dumbledore in Part 1 when he first sets foot on stage. Every time, that is the first moment that beings tears to my eyes. The conversation Harry and Dumbledore have in Harry’s office in Part Two remains my favourite scene of the play and it slightly different every time. Jamie played Harry less angry this time (more resigned, perhaps?) and it took longer to work to the point of tears. The scene is slightly different every time I’ve seen it and Jamie is just phenomenal each time and deserves so much credit for keeping things nuanced, not just in this scene but throughout the play. Returning to the earlier mention of Alex playing Draco softer in this show - it works especially well in his scenes with Harry.

The Harry/Ginny kiss: this is an absolute show highlight for me; I always look forward to it because Jamie and Poppy have such wonderful chemistry and the love story between Harry and Ginny is so incredibly strong. The kiss is another thing that is always slightly different each time, but it never fails to make the audience swoon. You can feel the passion between these two characters, it is as tangible as the clothes they wear. @torestoreamends tells me that on the showing the previous day, the audience actually applauded the kiss. This time, Ginny ran her hands through Harry’s hair as he kissed her (I love how he cradles her face in his hands every time) and honestly, I almost fainted. I may have drooled a little. I most definitely swooned.

I’m noticing Scorpius’s adorable stutter more. It comes out when he is nervous or frustrated. I’d love to know if this was a trait Anthony found in the character on his own. In the penultimate scene of the play when Scorpius and Albus are on the stairs after Scorpius asks out Rose, as Rose approaches him and Scorpius falls over, he stuttered on the “Received and entirely understood” line and it became”R-r-r-re-received a-and entirely understood”. Rose mimicked him in response and replied with “O-oh-oh-okay!” and it was awesome. I love those spontaneous moments from the actors.

Those are the major recollections for this show. I think I might consider actually taking notes the next time I go as it’s really fun to recap it, even if no one reads it!