#I'm tryin' to be what I'm destined to be

[lurkeryan]

Call me 50 cent the way I'm bout to take 9 shots to the chest and live

[jflemings]

— phases

pairing: niamh charles x canadian!reader / part 2 here

synopsis: niamh is forced to watch you change

warnings: angsty angst angst, a lil smut, reader likes both men and women

a/n: this bitch is so long oh my god, part 2 won’t be this lengthy (hopefully)

♫ what’s queued masterlist

tryin' to find a new you but I heard you got lost

tryin' to figure your worth

what the hell does that cost?

niamh lazily lounges on her and jessie’s couch, her feet are comfortably propped up on jessie’s lap as the two of them share a big bowl of popcorn. zećira is sitting on the recliner to the defender’s left nursing her own bowl of popcorn, not paying attention to the way niamh shifts in her seat. the englishwoman checks her phone for what seems like the thousandth time that hour, groaning softly when she realises that you, yet again, have left her on delivered.

zećira doesn’t take her eyes off the movie playing as she speaks “she’s hanging out with the city girls” she says whilst stuffing a handful of popcorn into her mouth “i saw her on filippa’s instagram story���

niamh snaps her head towards her friend and teammate “who?” she questions uselessly, not even realising she was being watched.

“y/n” jessie answers, also still occupied with the movie.

“and how do you know that?” the defender says suspiciously, narrowing her eyes at the canadian

“i don’t” jessie shrugs “i just figured that’s why you were on your phone”

zećira points at jessie to confirm that she’s right, turning her attention back to niamh who’s nervously biting at her nails. the two women look at eachother with both confusion and concern before jess places a soft hand on her best friend’s shin.

“what’s up?” she asks quietly “something other than her being out and about is bothering you. what is it?”

“i’ve just heard that she’s been… i don’t know? different?”

jessie’s eyes drop slightly “she’s just sorting some stuff out, that’s all”

judging by the look niamh gives jessie, it’s clear that she’s not buying whatever her friend is trying to sell her “jess that’s bullshit. don’t sugar coat what she’s going through”

“i’m not” jessie defends, her face going hard “it’s not my business to say anything, niamh”

“she’s lost!” the defender pushes, fighting the urge to raise her voice and start a fight over something that isn’t worth it right now.

zećira sinks into her seat. jessie and niamh weren’t known to argue but she knows that you’re a sensitive topic given the fact that you’re jessie’s national teammate and niamh’s… ex almost girlfriend. she blows air out of her nose in anticipation as she watches jessie’s brows furrow and shoulders tighten, fully prepared to turn off the movie and sneak out of their house before they notice.

“she’s not lost. just because she’s trying to figure herself out doesn’t mean she’s lost, god” jessie defends forcefully before shaking out her shoulders and lowering her voice “let her figure it out. she’ll come around”

when I'm kissing ya, grippin' ya thigh

I realized you are destined and meant to be mine

jessie was half right, you had come around a week later, both figuratively and literally. you had texted her that you wanted to catch up and go out for dinner at you and niamh’s favourite shared spot which then led to the two of you making out on your couch.

you were currently straddling the chelsea defender, kissing her neck feverishly whilst your hands snaked up under her jumper and shirt. her hands grip your thighs and she throws her head back, a quiet moan passing by her lips with ease as you drag your teeth over her pulse point.

“missed you” you murmur into her neck “hasn’t been the same since i left”

niamh foolishly melts at your words, one of her hands moving to grip your breast through your bra “should just come back” she says breathlessly “team needs you”

you laugh lowly as you pull yourself off her neck completely and eye your handy work, guiding niamh’s jaw so you can get a better look “the team needs me or you need me?”

niamh wines when you undo the button of her jeans and slowly slither your hand into her underwear “is there a difference?” she questions breathlessly.

“i don’t make a habit out of having my hand down all my ex-teammates underwear so i’d say there is” you tease, brushing your fingers ever so slightly over where she wants you.

the defender is clearly done with talking. she crashes her lips into yours and leans forward, unintentionally causing your fingers to press to her clit. she moans into your mouth and shuts her eyes even tighter as you move your fingers “i need you too” you reassure her just as breathlessly.

as niamh watches you get off her lap and get on your knees in front of her preparing to take her jeans off, she decides that the two of you were made for eachother.

who am I to conflict with you living your life

just know when you call

i'm at the end of the line

no matter the situation, or the time of day, niamh knew that she would always be available to you. she knew that no matter how complicated your relationship got or how hard she fell for you, she would always answer your call.

she was always the one to let you come to her in fear that she would be interfering in your life. after speaking with jessie again, and kadiesha and ashley, she quickly realised that this really might just be a phase you’re going through at the moment. before you left chelsea you really did feel lost and like you didn’t belong. there had been nights where you were questioning your career and your place in your relationships, and everytime you had gone to niamh for some advice.

niamh remembers the night you decided that kingsmeadow was no longer home very clearly. you two were just sitting in bed when you’d abruptly said that you’d spoken to your agent about transferring and that arsenal, west ham and manchester city all wanted you.

she had been shocked but supported you regardless, reassuring you over and over that nothing was going to change for the two of you. in the beginning in truely hadn’t but the more settled you got with your new club, the further niamh felt you were going.

despite this, she would still stay on the phone with you when you’d call her at odd hours almost in tears because you were scared you’d made the wrong choice, scared that maybe you should’ve just stuck it out at chelsea. niamh would always interrupt you and tell you that you did what was best for you and your career, tell you that you had done all the growing you could with the blues.

that unwavering loyalty has lead niamh here, sitting up in bed at two in the morning blinking sleep out of her eyes and staring blankly at her phone. she knows that you’d only call her at this hour if you really needed her so she sighs and answers the phone.

“niahmy” you say quietly, your voice cracking in the middle of saying her name “i need some help”

she furrows her brows as worry begins to settle in her chest “anything”

hitting all the right cues

and you leaving your mark

but i know that ain't you

you're just playing your part, baby

since moving to manchester city niamh couldn’t help but notice how you’d changed on the pitch as well as off it.

people had speculated that you’d been brought in to replace hayley raso on the wing, having built a reputation surrounding your speed and the way you could get on the end of any pass and get the ball in the back of the net. you were also infamous for the non-aggressive way you played.

now though, you were getting yellow cards for shoving, shirt pulling, late tackles, the lot. despite this, you were still scoring goals and gliding past defenders with ease, leaving people to assume that your sudden aggression came from the way city was training.

niamh knew better though. the way you train doesn’t drastically change the way you play that quickly, especially since you were never one to play dirty. as she watches you argue with the ref over a yellow card and late tackle she can’t help but sigh and furrow her brows in disappointment.

it’s so clear to her that all you’re doing is putting on an act and filling a role you feel like you have to play. she rolls her head on her neck and crosses her arms over her chest, just hoping that you’ll end the little show you’re putting on soon.

jessie drops back and cokes up beside niamh briefly “i don’t know what she’s doing” she says quietly “she’s arguing a yellow that she deserves”

niamh sighs and uncrosses her arms, choosing to place them on her hips instead “does anyone know what she’s doing?” the defender says bitterly “if she wanted to hold up the match she’s got her wish”

“did you two get the chance to talk after dinner last week?”

niamh’s face burns “not really” she answers quietly, hoping that jess will just drop it.

jessie raises her brows and smirks “right. i still think you should, she really values your opinion you know”

“…yeah, right”

I'll practice my patience

while you're getting wasted

you’re bordering on drunk when niamh and alessia walk into the bar. the drink you’re nursing spills over the rim as you dance with mary, your eyes never leaving her face as you laugh and sway your hips.

niamh walks straight up to the bar before even going to find lauren to wish her a happy birthday, ordering her usual and finding a table to sit at by herself for a moment. to anyone else she probably looks like a miserable bitch the way she’s not celebrating her national teammate’s birthday but she knows that she can’t face you sober.

the defender sips her drink and scans her eyes over all the partygoers. she spots lessi chatting away with a group of girls and hums, grateful for the fact that she doesn’t seem to be pissed about being ditched almost as soon as the pair walked in.

niamh’s alone time is interrupted by a thick australian accent “you’re a very patient person, y’know that?”

the englishwoman looks up to see alanna kennedy standing at the edge of her seat. she’s got a party hat perched on the top of her head that reads ‘BIRTHDAY GIRL’ in bold pink lettering and the streamer pompon that sits on top of the cardboard looks like it’s been rugged at more then once. niamh smirks at the sight of the australian defender adjusting her hat before taking a long sip of what niamh can only assume is a rum and coke.

“what do you mean?” niamh questions almost stupidly

alanna sits uninvited and places her glass on a coaster “i love y/n, really i do, she’s great, but you have the patience of a saint”

it’s clear that the aussie is drunk, judging by her slightly slurred words and lax attitude, but niamh has a feeling that she means everything she’s saying. alanna waves her hand about and purses her lips “but you’ve gotta cut yourself some slack here charles, make a move!”

niamh rolls her eyes “i’ve made plenty of moves” she assures confidently, throwing her arm over the back of the booth seat she’s currently sitting in.

“not those kind of moves” alanna protests with a fake gag “have you told her you love her?”

niamh choked on her drink, spluttering and wiping her mouth whilst the city player opposite her just looks on with an amused twinkle in her eye. the question suddenly brings niamh back to earth. she’s sitting here having a personal conversation with a teammate of a teammate and she still has no idea what even lead to alanna sitting down with her in the first place.

the brit shakes her head just as alanna finishes off her rum and coke and slaps the table, standing abruptly whilst shaking her glass “until you tell her that, you haven’t made any moves”

you fucked with him but we both realize that he was bogus

I'm the one for you so why do I feel like I go unnoticed

I'm talking more than clothes hitting floors

we're falling off track but not the rack like a chore

the new guy you’re seeing is a twat and niamh would tell you as such if you didn’t have her in such a compromising position.

jessie, thanks to a fucking miracle, is out for the day and won’t be home until late in the afternoon, leaving you and niamh to be as loud as you want in an empty house. you’ve got her pushed up against the back of her bedroom door in just her bra and pyjama shorts, the latter of which you’re eager to take off, as you guide her hand into your own pants.

she gives you want you want slowly, ghosting her fingers over you whilst smirking, loving the sight of you squirming and almost begging for more. now that she’s got the upper hand, niamh pushes herself off the door and walks the both of you back to her bed, pulling her hand out of your underwear as she pushes you down onto the bed. you don’t have time to whine at the loss of contact because as soon as you’re in a comfortable enough position, you’re being stripped of your shorts and underwear, niamh’s fingers going back to their rightful place.

she runs a single finger over your folds, ghosting over your clit and back again in a repeated motion before using your own slick as lube and pushing herself into you.

you gasp at the intrusion “niamhy” you whine frustratedly.

“hmmm” she hums nonchalantly “you got something to say?”

“move. i need you to move”

she kisses her teeth and slowly pushes another finger in, absolutely loving the way your face contorts with pleasure “i didn’t hear a please in that sentence”

her dominant tone of voice has you uselessly bucking your hips in an attempt to create more friction “please move, niamhy, please” you beg whilst throwing your head back.

she slowly begins to pump her fingers, scissoring them every so often to ensure that she’s stretching you out enough “what would he say, hmm? what would he say if he knew i had you like this” she taunts, the cockiness overtaking her the more you beg.

the defender angles her hand awkwardly to thumb at your clit, her pace still not as fast as you would like. when you still don’t answer her she asks you again “what would he say y/n”

“h-he would say he knew” you gasp “he would say he knew all along”

“and why would he say that?” niamh taunts, now curious as to what your answer is going to be. at first she was just saying it to make herself feel like you had finally chosen her, like she had won.

“because– ah fuck” you groan loudly as niamh begins to tightly circle your clit “because he saw the-the hickeys!”

niamh can’t help but slyly smirk at the thought of her handiwork being on full display. butterflies erupt in her stomach at the thought of you stammering through an explanation, red faced and embarrassed that you had been caught and that he had figured out who was responsible for the marks that had littered your chest.

“might have to leave a few more, just to be sure he gets the hint”

even though you ain't mine it's the fact that I'm yours

you’re laying on niamh’s bare back tracing patterns down her spine delicately “what did you mean when you said ‘just to be sure he gets the hint’?” you question quietly.

niamh stirs under you ever so slightly before shrugging her shoulders “i don’t know, heat of the moment i guess”

you nod and begin to say something when your phone begins to ring from the bedside table. you climb off niamh and reach for it, pressing decline before texting back whoever was calling. you lock your phone and place it in your lap before turning to niamh sullenly.

your hand softly lands on the small of her back and you lean down to her ear “i’ve gotta go” your murmur, kissing her neck “but i’ll call you later?”

niamh nods and turns so she’s facing you. her mousy brown hair spills over her white sheets and her cheeks are still partly flushed from her comedown “tell him i said hi” she mumbles as you pick your clothes up off her floor.

you pause and fiddle with the shirt in your hands “we aren’t exclusive or official” you say softly, turning your back to her to avoid her eyes “so i’m not cheating on him”

“i never said you were”

“right”

I promise you, baby, I'm sober

just wait 'til you give in and finally come over

I can't wait to tell you

I told ya, I told ya, I told ya

niamh doesn’t really know just how she ended up in this situation.

actually, that’s a lie, she had spam texted you practically cussing out the guy you had been seeing on and off, insisting that you two were much better together.

now she stares at your contact lighting up her phone. she knows that if she leaves it you’ll eventually give up and just decide to text her but she so badly wants to just talk to you, she just wants to hear your voice.

niamh answers the call wordlessly, leaning on the wall next to the door of the club bathroom as she waits to hear what you’ve got to say.

“niamh” you breathe

“mhm” she mumbles back to you “what’s up?”

“you can’t say those things, you’re drunk and don’t mean them”

she scoffs loudly “i’m not drunk”

“well you should be!” you exclaim angrily “you can’t just say that shit”

“why not? scared your little boyfriend will see it?” she spits back just as angry, hurt and annoyance bubbling in her throat.

you go silent “he’s not my boyfriend” you speak quietly “but yeah, we’re going really well and i’m really enjoying my time with him”

niamh shakes her head and leans back against the wall, shutting her eyes and allowing a deep frown to grace her lips. she sigh’s frustratedly “yeah you’ll enjoy your time with him until he takes too long to call you back or can’t make you cum for the fourth time in a row. then you’ll come back to me”

“fuck you niamh” you spit angrily before hanging up without warning.

jessie walks out of the stall wearing a confused expression, her eyebrows furrowed and mouth pinched as she looks at her best friend expectantly. the taller girl offers no explanation as she waves her off, rolling her eyes and pocketing her phone before leaving the bathroom.

'till fate brings you home

I'll wait through your phases, phases

niamh is sat in between jessie and erin in the cafeteria picking at her food and only half paying attention to the mindless conversation being had at the table. the two of you hadn’t spoken since your argument two weeks ago and everyone could see that it was slowly killing her.

her usually bright demeanour was dull and drowsy and her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. a hard pat on the back breaks the defender out of her trance and she looks over to see erin’s smiling face

“she’ll come around” the scot tries to encourage “it’s not the end of the world”

niamh leans her head on one of her hands miserably “i’ve really fucked it this time”

erin shakes her head “no you haven’t, she probably just wasn’t ready to hear what you had to say. if the guy’s as much of an arse as you say he is then y/n will be back sooner than you think”

“it’s a phase for her niamhy” jessie assures confidently “her feelings for him are nothing in comparison to her feelings for you, you know that”

“the universe will sort you out, don’t you worry about that” erin exclaims with a final hard pat on the back “fate ‘n all that”

niamh smiles at her friend’s optimism, ducking her head to hide the blush that’s blossoming on her cheeks. jessie knocks their shoulders together affectionately before finishing off the last of her fruit and leaning into niamh’s personal space.

“all you’ve gotta do is wait it out. she’ll come back”

I'll wait, I'll wait through your phases, phases, oh

(girl, you know I'll wait for you)

[xenaizogie]

Sooo...I wrote a thing....

Izogie got me down bad and i'm just tryin to clear my head lol

The only thing you need to know is Izogie broke a couple nails in battle...

1.8k words

Insatiable Desire

You can feel her presence enter the bath house before you can hear her. You have been waiting to have her to yourself all day. You don’t turn around, eyes closed, silently listening to her disrobe, avidly picturing each expanse of chocolate skin being exposed in your mind. The slight ripples of the water gently lap at your frame as she draws near, and you shiver in anticipation. Her hands reach you first, slowly sliding around your waist, gently pulling your body back flush against her. Her voice, silky and smooth, caressing against your ear as she greets you.

“Hello, my love” she says, nibbling at your ear lobe before pressing warm moist kisses down the length of your neck. You tilt your head to the side to give her better access as your body melts fully back into hers, a contented sigh leaving your lips.

“I missed you today” you say, hands gliding up and down the arms holding firmly around your middle. Her low hum sends goosebumps in its wake, and you find yourself twisting in her arms, lips eagerly seeking out hers.

The kiss starts off slow, a gentle meeting of the lips. At the first contact of her lips on yours you both sigh and she pulls you impossibly closer. Your hands snake their way up her arms and over her shoulders, your arms coming to rest around her neck as her hands begin to roam. Her hands make a leisurely journey across your back and over your hips, touching whatever skin she can reach. All the while never breaking the kiss; slowly, steadily deepening it. Her tongue reaches out to glide across your bottom lip, and you gasp as the contact, granting her the entry she seeks. Tongues meet in a languid dual, both seemingly fighting for dominance. What started as a warm and fuzzy heat radiating through your body at the first touch of her hands, is gradually turning into a boil, simmering just below the surface of your skin. You break apart only for the need of air and she peppers your jawline down to your neck with kisses.

Izogie overwhelms your senses in the best possible way. The faint taste of whiskey on her lips. The scent of palm oil mingled with an aroma all Izogie’s own. Solid muscles encased in the satin silkiness of her ebony skin, always a treat for the eyes to behold. Feeling that toned firmness yielding beneath the stroke of your fingertips. Every gasp, moan, whispered words of love that falls from her lips stored away among your most precious possessions.

Her hands traveled over the swell of your ass once, twice, before gripping a handful in each hand and lifting, your wet body easily gliding up hers. Your legs instinctively wrap around her waist as your lips crash together again, the kiss deep, sensual, and all-consuming. The sensations of the cool water in stark contrast to your heated core rubbing against the abs of her stomach drawing a low moan from your throat. You feel her smirk against your lips, and you pull away trailing kisses along her jaw towards her ear. She is trailing nibbling kisses along your collar bone sending shivers down your spine as you reach your destination.

“More.”

One word. A moan really, and it has her springing into action. You are on the edge of the bath, and she has pulled herself up beside you before your body can even begin to register the loss of her warmth. She spreads a towel out before laying you down, her body fused to yours, smoothly following you as you lay. Her lips attached to yours, hers hand everywhere all at once. Your body arches up into hers, pressing closer still but never quite close enough.

The feeling of her hands skating over your body towards your aching breasts has you sizzling with excitement. She cups one in her left hand, pinching the nipple between her forefingers as the fingertips of her right trail tantalizing circles around the other. Both nipples get rock hard almost instantly and your body’s reaction to her touch has her moaning into your mouth. Her lips soon follow the path of her hands, placing succulent kisses along their route down your neck and across your chest, your luscious breast their next destination.

Slowly her tongue circled your areola drawing closer and closer towards your pert nipple. When her tongue finally reaches your nipple, the warm, moist heat of her mouth follows immediately thereafter. The feeling is electric, and your hands fly to the back of her head to hold her in place. As if she needed any encouragement. She suckles at your breast like she is starved and only you can provide her with the nourishment she so desperately needs. Alternating from one jiggling globe to the other, trailing hot wet kisses in between, dragging languorous moans from you.

The trail begins to lead down, leisurely across your toned stomach, tongue pausing to tease the rim of your belly button. Down further still, the fragrance of your arousal greeting her before her lips skim across your lower lips. The soft kisses she places on your inner thighs drawing whimpers from you. Up one thigh and down the other, never venturing far from where you needed her most. Your need pulsing, throbbing its own rhythm deep in your core. You draw up on your elbows, mesmerized by the sight before you. Izogie, your very own ebony goddess, stretched out before you, hands under your thighs, head buried in between. Teasing you beyond reasonable thought and she had not even reached the knob of your burning desire yet.

“Please” you moan, nearly delirious with want of her.

Izogie arches her eyebrow, locking eyes with you, a growl emanating deep in her throat. She loves to hear you beg, but thankfully tonight you don’t have to ask again. She dives in, the tip of her tongue circling your clit before she slurps it greedily into her waiting mouth. Your eyes slide closed as your head tips back, your moans echoing around the chamber. She releases you with an audible pop, tongue dipping lower to fully taste your honied nectar.

“Mmmmm” she hums, the sound sending vibrations deep inside you.

Her tongue is swirling around your slit, dipping inside every so often. Her grip on your thighs tightens as you begin to grind your hips, desperate to increase the pressure. Izogie nuzzles her nose against your clit as her tongue delves in as far as she can reach before pulling out over and over and over again. Her arms come fully around your thighs to steady you, your hips bucking up eagerly against her mouth. Moans are steadily tumbling from your mouth; she’s driving you to the edge already. She drags her tongue slowly out of you and up, taking your clit in her mouth once again. The subtle pressure of her lightly sucking your nub into her mouth while simultaneously swirling her tongue around it has you grasping at her arms, her grip on your thighs not stopping you from riding out your pleasure on her face.

“Yeeesssss…”

“Right…there…baaabby…”

“Fuuucckkk ‘Zo…”

“Just…like…that…”

You are babbling, almost incoherent, your moans nonstop. Izogie can feel you throbbing against her tongue, feel the tremor in your legs on the side of her head, she knows you are close. She pops your clit out of her mouth before quickly slurping it up harder, applying more pressure with the tip of her tongue. The trembles intensify, vibrating throughout your entire body, you’re teetering on the edge. Her long finger invading your tight heat, filling you up, caressing against your sweet spot is your undoing. The coil wound tight in the pit of your stomach snaps, your orgasm violently ripping through you, shudders overtaking your body. Your back arcs up off the towel, your legs threatening to close but Izogie is unfazed, never stopping even as she draws up on her knees. Her hums mingling with your moans as she continues to draw out your pleasure.

“I could drink from you all day” she says when she finally releases you.

Before you even have a chance to respond, your body still racked with quivers, she fills you with two fingers. You can’t tell if the moan that fills the air around you is yours or hers, or both. Your brain is in overdrive, the sensations of her finger fucking you and whispering heated words of passion engulfing your senses. This is such a rare treat. Your hips are already rolling, matching her rhythm, her thrusts deep inside you, slow and sensual. She dips her head briefly, lapping at your clit, your essence already beginning to pool in her hand.

“Oouuuuu….”

Out. In. Deep. Curl. Out. In. Deep. Curl.

“Fuuuuccckkkk….”

Her mouth is ceaseless on your clit, lightly sucking, tongue swirling.

“Izogie…Izogie…Izo-uunnhhh….”

Your walls are clenching, squeezing at her fingers. You can feel your essence dripping, rolling over your ass pooling beneath you. She has you racing towards your peak, her movements still slow and sensual. The sound of her name falling from your lips has her moaning into you, the vibrations starting a tremble in your legs, you’re close again already. Izogie releases your clit, increasing the pace of her strokes. She’s biting her bottom lip, watching you and you want nothing more than to take that lip in your mouth, but it seems coherent thought is escaping you. You reach out to her, and she inches up you, straddling your thigh, melting into your embrace. Her lips are hot on yours, passionate, while she picks up the pace yet again. Her lips are blazing a trail to your ear, her hips are slowly grinding down on your thigh, your entire body is pulsating with electric pleasure.

“You’re so fucking sexy.”

“Give it to me baby.”

“That’s it…just like that.”

“Cum for me.”

The sound of her voice, low and sultry in your ear, commanding you, thrusts you over the edge. Your body writhing against hers, your hands digging into her hips, her mouth pressed to your ear murmuring praises, orgasm number three is on top of you before you know it. Stars explode behind your eyes, your shaking uncontrollable, your moans nonstop, your essence gushing out of you, coating her hand, the puddle beneath you ever growing. She finally begins to slow, drawing out your orgasm still, gazing down at you with that damn smirk on her face. Your body still quaking with aftershocks, your hands begin to glide up her hips around her front. You cup her breasts and lift your thigh at the same time, planting your foot. You lock eyes with her, wearing your own smirk now as her eyelids slide low and a gasp slips from her lips.

“More.”

One word. A moan really, and it has you springing into action.

Chapter 2

A/N: Soooo??? Be honest. What you think???Let me know!!! crazy thing is I didn't even get to the scene that got me in a chokehold lol pray for my screnff!! And sorry to comma(,) who i abused profusely while writing this lol

[oceansprompts]

adjust pronouns, names, and details as needed... assorted quotes taken from marvel ultimate alliance 3: the black order. part 1 of ???

❝ Well, that's another planet we'll never be able to visit again.❞

❝ Yeah, well, I don't go to museums to read. I go there to steal. ❞

❝ Anyone else would waited to offend their clients until AFTER they were paid. ❞

❝ I'm not anyone else. I'm one of a kind, baby. ❞

❝ Oh, oh, don't you side with them, you overgrown-- ❞

❝ Cosmic Cubes. Nega-Bands, Asgardian Hammers... You know, the kind of stuff people pay big money for. ❞

❝  If I were hiding an object of immense cosmic power, I would want it to look that way as well. ❞

❝ I was going to say "any survivors." But sure... Treasure is always good, too. ❞

❝ Seriously? No welcoming committee? ❞

❝ Over there! Such a shiny switch is begging to be flipped! ❞

❝ Easy to say for the man with the ridiculous boot jets! ❞

❝ If our plan fails, the blood of every being in this universe will be on your hands. ❞

❝ Idiots! Your stupidity may have doomed the universe! ❞

❝ Wouldn't be the first time, sweetheart. ❞

❝ Danger and chaos! Two of my favorite things! ❞

❝ Don't get too comfy, pal. Final destination's right on the other side of this door. ❞

❝ What the frutak was that?! ❞

❝ If we stop fighting for just a minute, we might be able to find a way to fix this. ❞

❝ You will leave here with nothing. Not even your lives. I have felled worlds. Your pathetic attacks cannot harm me. ❞

❝ We weren't tryin' to hurt ya. Just to distract ya. ❞

❝ I think I'm gonna hurl. Oh, great! You're here! I thought we were dead. We aren't dead, are we? ❞

❝ I have felt death. This...is slightly less pleasant. ❞

❝ We are alive. But we could be anywhere in space or time. The Infinity Stones are not plaything ❞

❝ Hey! I did exactly what you said. I saved the items of insane power from the psycho space lady. ❞

❝ You can? And you just sat there listening to us jabber?! Do it already! Oh, great. We save the universe from disaster, but we're the ones that end up in prison?! ❞

❝ I just grabbed the stone and thought of somewhere safe. ❞

❝ What'd I tell ya? You need cell doors disarmed and opened? I'm your guy! ❞

❝ Been to more prisons in more galaxies than I can count. This? This is new... ❞

❝ Nothin' like a good old-fashioned cellblock brawl to make me feel right at home... ❞

❝ I hear ya, buddy. This sure brings back some memories, don't it? ❞

❝ Earth? Huh. I guess home is still my happy place... ❞

❝ Next time you teleport us across the galaxy, try to think of a beach instead! ❞

❝ Not that I'm complainin' ...but shouldn't a prison have, you know, guards? ❞

❝ You put me here! You buried me in a dark cell for life! Now, I'm gonna burry YOU ...dead or alive! ❞

❝ A teleportin' dog? Is this some kinda joke? ❞

❝ Of all the planets in the universe, for some reason, ours is the one that seems to be under attack frequently. ❞

❝ Why are we talking when we could be smashing? ❞

❝ Figures. Just consider yourself lucky that I've got a team of heroes on speed dial for missions of universal importance like this one. ❞

❝ I guess stopping a super-villain prison break is going to be the easiest part of our day, huh? ❞

❝ Is this the part where you bark orders at us then? ❞

❝ Oh, don't worry, little heroes. I have plenty more toys for you to play with! ❞

❝ Magic isn't for everyone. ❞

❝ Only one of us lives through this. Spoiler. It's me. ❞

❝ Free time is over, punks. Time for lights out. ❞

❝ Aw, come on! You have GOT to be kidding me! Let's make this count. I am NOT doing this a third time! Can we make this quick? ❞

❝ Not cool! This is totally what oppression looks like! I demand a phone call, a lawyer, and a fair trail! ❞

❝ When I get out of here, I'm really gonna let you have it! Just give me, like, ten, fifteen minutes to recover, okay? Thanks! ❞

❝ Sooo... What's new? Other than the fact that I totally just embarrassed myself in front of my idols... ❞

❝ Is "Nameless Villain" a common career choice over here? ❞

❝ Yeah, it may rip the timestream to shreds, but you gotta admit, it's pretty flarkin' hilarious! ❞

[inboxinspirations]

60 Lyrics Starters: Jamiroquai Edition

"Have you heard the news today?"

"I think you'd better keep your distance."

"We're too young to die!"

"I can take you there."

"Is someone out there?"

"I want to hold you."

"You've got to stand up."

"There are so many wondrous things for you to see."

"I have done wrong."

"How can you be alive when you are dead?"

"It won't be long before we get our own."

"Have you gone astray or lost your way?"

"I wanna tell you how I love you since we came together."

"I had a vision of you."

"Is this what I truly deserve?"

"Nobody make a fucking move!"

"I can't see, I can't breathe."

"There is nothing worse than a foolish mind."

"I must've died and gone to heaven."

"I know I'm gonna get myself together."

"Now can't you let me take you home?"

"Every little thing you say is sweet."

"You and me, we were meant to be."

"I need your touch."

"I will get to my destination."

"I don't want to hear crying."

"Honey, I don't know why you treat me so bad."

"Just think of all the good times we had."

"Don't let me go."

"What're we gonna do tonight?"

"Where you're coming from?"

"We've got all the time the world has got to give."

"I used to worry about the future."

"I don't know what to do."

"But I don't know what they want from me."

"You know, this rain reminds me of when I was so young."

"The sweet scent of roses is in your hair."

"I think I'm falling in love."

"I can't understand what you're about."

"Where do we go from here?"

"I know I'm better off standing in the shadows."

"Why does it have to be like this?"

"You give me something that nobody else can give."

"You've been tryin' to mess around with my mind lately."

"Don't stop caressing me."

"Don't you walk away from me."

"I think I love you."

"Why do I feel this way?"

"I don't know who to believe."

"Why can't we be together?"

"We're gonna lose the war."

"I think I've had enough."

"I know I'm hard to understand."

"I need to find out where I am."

"Can I get another dance with you?"

"I see your smile in every dream."

"Tell me why it hurts so much."

"There ain't no problem we can't solve."

"I never get the chance to do the things I really like."

"I'd give you anything."

[apalestar]

(to Ascended Astarion) She stood before him with her axe in hand, her gaze up to him cold and fierce. Closed off to her own emotions, because if she felt them, she knew she wouldn't be able to do this.

Once, they had been friends. Once, they had been bonded by blood and pact. But she didn't recognise this version of him any more. This Astarion who trampled anyone who got in his way, who slaughtered seven thousand lives for his own, who had become his own Cazador casting a shadow over Baldur's Gate. Where was the vampire who sat and spoke with her through the night when she raged against her own will?

Dead. Dead. He was dead, because she failed. What lived on was Cazador in a new shell.

"I'm here to kill you. Or die tryin'. I'm sorry it came to this an' I'm sorry I could stop you." She lifted the axe in her hand, shield too, and steeled her heart for what she felt she had to do next. "You were my friend once. I'll make it painless. For him."

@deathswcrn

He knew given time they would come for him. His allies of old. When the Netherbrain fell he debated ending them one by one. His greatest weaknesses known to them all, but Astarion had thrown the thought aside. Out of what? Old times and comradery perhaps. He did respect them. Breina included.

Quaint she believed herself capable of eliminating him. The powers of the ascension at his fingertips. The children of the night on his beck and call. "Oh once ally of mine, I thought you weren't a fool, but you have proven me wrong. A rare feat." He canted his head upwards. A smirk born of confidence.

"My old self was weak. I'm only him reborn into someone grander. Better than he could ever be. Everything he hoped for. If you insist on throwing your life away... I won't stop you." It was always destined to come to this. A fight to the death: hers. Perhaps she was assuaging more than just her guilt over the souls sacrificed. A pity. He did like her once. Hoped Breina would come to her senses and join him in this conquest.

The blades he took into hand. His focus narrowed, but he held himself as relaxed as ever. Let her come and try to claim his head. She'd perish in the attempt. "I can't promise the same for you. Painless and all."

[angelofrainfrogs]

Spend the Night: Ch. 25

~Coauthored by @zeitghest~

Fandom(s): Five Nights At Freddy’s: Security Breach

Description: The familiar melody of Grandfather’s Clock chimes through the echoing halls of the Pizzaplex…

Charlie wakes up in her Puppet’s vessel yet again with one goal in mind: to stop William Afton’s reign of terror for good. She enlists the help of Glamrock Freddy, the emphatic leader of the newest iteration of the Fazbear Band. But there seems to be more to this bear than meets the eye—and the same goes for the mysteriously familiar kid the duo find tinkering with animatronics down in Parts & Service.

With some help from friends new and old, Charlie’s journey into the bowels of the Pizzaplex will unravel mysteries none of them ever expected. 

Rating: T

Read on Ao3

Too late to hide away Too soon for one to repay Why don't you see what's comin’? I cannot stop what's comin’ There is no point in tryin’ Please read my mind, can't decide when I'm broken Every whisper is turning to voices That I only begin to discern in noises

Somebody save

Somebody save

Somebody save me

~Save Me by DHuesta, Chris Commisso~

While Michael and Charlie traveled down to Fazerblast, Gregory and Freddy were looking around the arcade in Bonnie Bowl. It was just a tiny room of random games, none of which seemed to be the one they were searching for.

“I am sorry, superstar—I do not see Princess Quest,” Freddy admitted, using his height advantage to scour the game titles in search of the aforementioned console.

Figures that they wouldn’t find it. With Freddy’s apologetic nature, Gregory couldn’t blame the bear even if he wanted to.

“We’ll find it eventually,” he replied, giving the entirety of the room another visual once-over before shrugging his shoulders. “We could bowl a little! You know, before Mr. Afton and Ms. Emily get back.”

Gregory’s tone was mocking, excited to pick on his siblings now that they weren’t here to defend themselves and retaliate. He glanced up to Freddy, eyes wide with hope that the bear would agree to hang out with him a little and do something normal. The two of them barely got to relax together since starting their quest, and if Freddy was indeed destined to be Gregory’s dad the kid wanted to spend some quality time with his ursine caretaker.

“That is a wonderful plan!” Freddy praised, grinning down at his son as he ruffled his hair. Michael and Charlie had told them to stay put unless they called after all, and Freddy saw no need to go against their suggestion.

Until now, respite was only found in Freddy’s room or the security offices that Gregory chose to nap inside of. If he could offer Gregory another place to associate with comfort, Freddy would jump at the chance.

The staff being in a tizzy over all the crazy stuff happening elsewhere in the Pizzaplex worked to their benefit, for there was no one wandering around the uninteresting bowling alley to bother them. It was completely empty save for the S.T.A.F.F. bots behind the food counter, ready to serve up some unhealthy concoction at Gregory's whim. Freddy was glad for the chance to spend time with his son without worrying about any watchful eyes, and this infectious happiness showed when he suddenly grasped Gregory under the shoulders and threw him into the air. He grinned at the boy's surprised shriek as he was subsequently caught in Freddy's safe, waiting arms.

“To the bowling lane we go!” the bear exclaimed, settling Gregory on his hip as they made their way towards the first available lane.

Gregory’s surprise toss in the air reminded him just how fast and strong his dad was. Thankfully he only had Gregory’s best interests at heart and wasn’t using that strength to try and rip his guts out. After the yelp, he devolved into a mess of giggles before holding onto his father for support that he seemingly didn’t even need.

“I’ve never bowled before! You just knock the pins down, right?” Gregory asked. The game sounded straightforward. Only two chances to knock every pin down, then it’s onto the next person.

Gregory already liked this attraction. The first plus was that it was quiet; the other being that there wasn’t anything lurking around trying to tear the boy apart. He was safe here during the day with his favorite animatronic at his side.

“Correct,” Freddy agreed, setting Gregory down when they reached the lane. “There are a few techniques to help knock down the ultimate number of pins, which I can show you. I will put our names into the scoreboard so it can keep track; how about you pick out a bowling ball?” He gestured to the rack of colorful balls nearby, all with different faces of various Pizzaplex animatronics printed on them along with numbers to indicate their weight. “Try to find one that is easy for you to pick up, but not too light.”

As Gregory did as instructed, Freddy situated himself in the bolted-down plastic chair in front of the lane computer. He plugged in his name first so he’d be able to show Gregory an example of how to bowl, and once the monitor hanging from the ceiling lit up ready for the game to start he met the boy at the rack.

“Any luck, superstar?” Freddy asked kindly, reaching over Gregory’s head to pick out a heavily-weighted ball. He casually tossed this in the air and caught it one-handed as if the thing weighed no more than a cotton swab.

Gregory had been feeling out the weight on many of the bowling balls while Freddy set up their game. But it was increasingly more and more obvious that the kid was… not very strong. The 10 pound, deep purple glitter ball wasn’t the heaviest, but it wasn’t the smallest weight they carried so Gregory saw that as a victory.

He flashed a smile to his dad, showing off the ball. When he caught Freddy oh-so gracefully tossing one up with such gentle cadence, Gregory looked impressed. He needed to get way stronger, or Freddy and the other bots were going to smoke him at bowling!

“Got one!” Gregory announced with a smile. It’d be fun to play with him, regardless.

“Excellent!” With a gentle touch to Gregory’s shoulder, Freddy urged him towards the lane itself. “Now, the basic things you should keep in mind are to line up your shot and try not to twist your wrist as you release the ball to ensure it travels in a straight line.”

Freddy demonstrated this, holding the sparkling red ball to his chest as he lined up the angle. He cocked his arm back, the ball hooked by the tips of his bright blue claws, then simultaneously took a step forward and released in one smooth motion. It sailed down the lane and smacked into the pins with a satisfying crack, knocking over all but a cluster of 3 standing on the leftmost side.

“You get two chances per turn to knock down all the pins, unless you hit them all in one go and cause a strike,” Freddy explained as he waited for his ball to shoot out of the return track.

Gregory was mimicking Freddy, all but letting go of the purple orb to watch Freddy expertly down seven of the pins. The screen over the alley showed exactly which ones remained as the track cleared the fallen pins away.

“Easy!” Gregory scoffed, figuring the game was fairly straightforward. It also seemed relaxed and casual, unlike the competitive streak he and Michael had earlier in the East Arcade.

Discretely, while Freddy was lining up his second shot Gregory reached into one of the roomier pockets. He’d rolled up the monster slice of pizza as to not stain his cargo pants with grease, and munched upon it as he watched the bear concentrate.

Another perfectly-angled throw, and the last three pins were down.

“Spare!” Freddy cheered, throwing his fists in the air as he watched the cheesy animation play out on the monitor above their heads. He turned to Gregory, his grin faltering into a mild look of confusion as he caught him chowing down on the pizza slice. It wasn’t a great leap in logic to figure out where it’d come from, and despite the questionable hygiene of eating pocket-pizza, Freddy opted to let it go this time. If anything about that hefty slice of topping-laden dough were to make Gregory sick, it wasn’t going to be the way it was transported…

“When you are ready, it is your turn,” Freddy said, stepping aside and gesturing for Gregory to take his place in front of the lane. Gregory was quick to abandon the pizza, sure it’d still be waiting for him on the tabletop when he got back. 

“Okay... So, keep your wrist straight—” Gregory aimed down the alley and hurled the ball as hard as he could.

It sure did go!

…And it continued, veering left before finding itself loudly clanging into the gutter. Gregory's jaw hung open, blinking as the ball passed every single pin to go straight for the return. When Gregory turned to glance back at his father, he gave the robot a thumbs-up.

“Now I know what not to do,” he said, trying not to be a sore loser.

“It may take a little practice, but I am sure you will get your skills up in no time!” Freddy said reassuringly, giving the boy a smile. He didn't feel the need to point out that his AI was designed to excel at games like this, nor that he just so happened to be the second best animatronic at bowling, beaten only by the rabbit the attraction was themed after. Their friendly bowling rivalry had been a major aspect of their relationship, and despite how worked up the usually-composed bunny could get when he lost, Freddy always knew it was in good fun.

Sparing a glance towards the closed, star-studded curtain by the food counter, Freddy allowed a wistful smile to cross his face. What he wouldn't give to have those days back again, before Bonnie went “missing” and this horrible virus infested the very building they called home...

Freddy flicked his gaze back to Gregory, who was watching him closely. The bear let out a huffing laugh, stepping forward to ruffle his hair. He really was too observant for his own good sometimes—although in the current circumstances, it didn't hurt to be overly cautious. Before Gregory could ask what was wrong, Freddy let him know:

“I am alright, superstar—just reminiscing. You still have one more try before your turn ends!”

He was sad about Bonnie...

Gregory could tell in the forlorn glance Freddy sent to the stage. They were made to be best friends, and that friendship was taken away in the blink of an eye so that one man could have a disguise. If the Glamrock bear hadn’t been gifted such realistic emotion, the secondhand hurt might not’ve felt so bad.

Even so, Gregory knew when not to meddle, instead leaning into his father's wholesome head-pats to try cheering him up instead. “Okay, watch me, Dad! I'm gonna knock 'em aaaall down this time!”

Today was their fun day, after all! And despite the fact he couldn't stop his siblings from crying earlier, Gregory may be able to at least keep Freddy from feeling any worse. Besides, Gregory was confident in the future after all the reassurances Charlie had drilled into the group.

They were going to beat William. And when they did, Bonnie would be back! Back on his stage, back beside Freddy and the Glamrocks, together again.

Gregory… couldn't relate. The only good friends he had were all right here, under this roof.

He thought about how close they’d all gotten while chucking the ball down its lane. The orb once again veered left, managing to take out a pin in its spinning whirlwind of destruction. Gregory would still celebrate this with a fist pump. Even the small victory was still a win to him.

“Well done, Gregory!” Freddy exclaimed, giving the boy a high-five as he moved past to switch places. A bit of an exaggerated celebration for one pin, but Freddy couldn't help it—he was more so cheering for the fact that his son was genuinely having a good time. As Freddy got into position, he gave Gregory some additional instruction. “See those little triangular markers on the lane in front of where you stand? Try and line up your shot with those—carry your arm through as straight as you can, and the ball should go in the direction you intend.”

With another well-positioned throw, Freddy's ball rolled forward in a rush of red sparkle. This time, he hit the pins square in the center, knocking them all down at once. The monitor proclaimed he'd gotten a STRIKE! in overly-animated, exaggerated text.

Gregory was a little jealous, but mostly impressed. He stood with his arms crossed as he watched his dad's technique. He'd have to hurry it up; Freddy was too good and was going to wipe the floor with him and this whole game soon enough. When Freddy explained the meaning of the triangular markers, Gregory sounded out a long: “Ooooh. That makes sense,” as he catalogued the tip away.

When Gregory's ball came back he had patiently waited for Freddy's turn to be over before lining up his shot. Every bit of advice from Papa Bear helped—this time Gregory's shot had hit the pins dead on! Though his throw did need some work, as he’d only put enough force behind the throw to knock down five out of ten.

“See? You are getting better already!” Freddy hummed softly as the boy waited eagerly at the ball return. “I wonder if Michael and Charlie are any good at bowling...”

Surely the pair had spent their fair share of days in a bowling alley back in their youth, though that didn't mean much for their current states. Still, it put another grin on Freddy's face to think of them joining their brother for a game, staring a friendly competition between the group that he had a feeling Mike and Gregory would get way too into before the day was over.

Michael and Gregory were sure to butt heads during a little friendly competition. Then while they’d be distracted trying to one up the other in the scoreboards, Charlie or Freddy would gain a leg up over the both of them. It was bound to happen, and Gregory could see himself falling into that trap.

“Guess we'll have to see when they're done!” Gregory remarked, looking towards the entrance as his voice took on a jaded affect. “I hope they didn't get stuck at Fazerblast. That was a freaking nightmare.”

“I am sure they are just fine,” Freddy reassured, willing the statement to be true. He handed Gregory the glittering purple sphere once it rolled back to them. “Your turn again, superstar—good luck!”

***

At that moment, three things happened simultaneously: Gregory's bowling ball struck down the remaining five pins, earning him a spare and ardent praise from Freddy; Michael finally completed the last area in Princess Quest III, freeing the princess from the glitching, shrieking rabbits; and Vanessa jolted upright in bed with a gasp as if she'd been submerged underwater for a very long time.

The night guard had been trapped in a nightmare—a strange, 8-bit style world where she was a little princess made of yellow blocks having to fend off purple rabbits that snapped at her everywhere she went. She'd had these dreams before, though this was the first time she remembered them. Usually she'd just wake up screaming, sweat drenching her pajamas and sheets as her heart hammered against her ribcage. She never knew what scared her until this moment, and while most of the memories were still vague and floating just out of reach, she was sure of one thing: she'd done something bad.

“Oh fuck...,” she breathed, pressing a hand over her mouth as a few memories made it through in flashes: a strange rabbit standing in an old Pizzeria—

No, it was virtual. Not a real location—at least, not the one she’d seen.

Vanessa used to be a beta tester. She... something went wrong, and she... she got infected.

Since then, she'd never been herself—she saw things through a purple lens, all false happiness and the need to bring a certain “family” back together, though at the moment she couldn't recall any names. And to do that, she'd been commanded to capture children, and—

Vanessa bolted out of bed, rushing to bathroom and promptly throwing up the contents of her stomach into the toilet. Groaning from the physical and mental weight suddenly thrust upon her, she coughed out a faint cry.

“O-Oh god... what the fuck have I done...”

***

“I did it!” Michael exclaimed, the furrowed lines of concentration on his brow relaxing as the console played a victorious jingle. This was quickly covered by an inhuman screech of pure rage that made him and Charlie flinch back, before the screen flashed ERROR in bright red text three times before shutting off completely. Glancing at Charlie out of the corner of his eye, Mike gulped. “I... hope that was a good thing.”

Charlie approached the console with a hand outstretched. She jiggled the joystick, pressed the start button. Suddenly the air became thick with a tension she only felt when William was around—specifically when he was angry or upset.

And yet, they were completely and totally alone in the neon attraction.

“Uhhh...” Charlie blinked, her brows furrowed at the now powered-down arcade game. “I... I don't know if that did anything...”

That wasn't what she expected to happen. Then again, what should’ve happened? Some blinding flash of light, or a sudden message from Vanessa thanking them for helping her?

When it became just their reflections staring back against an infinitely black backdrop of the game screen, Charlie moved away. Shuffling about the messy office instead, Charlie looked at the various notes on Vanessa's desk before grasping a yellow post-it. This had a list of passwords on it, something they needed to gain control of Fazerblast with.

“We totally left Sophie down there way too long,” Charlie pointed out. She twitched her head towards the exit, silently suggesting they leave.

“Yeah… time to go,” Michael agreed, grabbing her arm as grounding reassurance to both of them as they exited the watchtower. From their vantage point, he scanned the arena for any sign of pissed-off purple rabbits, and upon finding nothing quickly ushered Charlie down and back to the room where Sophie awaited them.

“Sorry—that office was a mess,” Michael said as way of an excuse when they arrived at the guard’s side once again. “We found the password, though.”

Before entering the game's lobby Charlie made sure to let go of Mike, still trying keep up the professional illusion. However, she was sure to give her best friend a reaffirming pat between the shoulders before parting ways to walk alongside him. Sophie raised a bushy brow at the pair, accepting their excuse of having to navigate the messy room easily.

“That reminds me—I should email Ness and tell her to straighten out the offices tonight,” Sophie thought aloud, taking the password from Charlie's silent but helpful fingers. “It's the least she could do for leaving us with all this other junk to clean up.”

It was probably how she ended up getting hurt, tripping over the cans and piled trash inside her office space. Plus it was always so dark in the Fazerblast location Ness seemed to favor... What the night guard saw in that tiny space was anyone’s guess.

“Yes—good idea.” Charlie pretended to know exactly what email was in order to give Sophie a nod. “Unfortunately, Mr. Afton and I have to make a run back to Bonnie Bowl and pick up his little cousin. Thank you for your help today, Sophie.”

“Yep—” Sophie turned, her attention now focused on logging into the terminal. She could just email Vanessa from there. “—I'll catch you guys later!”

“We’ll check that elevator damage on the way out,” Michael added over his shoulder, not wanting Sophie to think he and Charlie forgot the reason they’d gone to Fazerblast in the first place. By the time the androids trekked to the elevator in question Sophie managed to log into the computer and disable the attraction, letting it run on backup lighting and eerie silence. As they approached, the doors slid open a bit jerkily.

“Oof… they definitely can’t buff that out,” Mike commented with a grimace, examining what he could see of the dents and scrapes left by his last frantic escape with Gregory. He didn’t realize he’d caused that much damage—they’d need to replace the entire doors at this point.

Oh well… just another thing for maintenance to add to their list.

“I hope the other two are having fun, at least,” he said, pressing the button to take them up to the lobby once they were inside the elevator. He smiled, shoving his hands in his pockets as he looked at Charlie. “Do you think Freddy’s bowling fair and square, or do you think he’s letting Gregory win?”

Charlie had to take a moment to appreciate how Michael massacred the elevator doors. It would do well to remind Charlie that the same logic still applied from when he was a scrappy teen—never pick a fight with him. He was akin to a trapped animal in a battle, personified with his previous disguise as Foxy.

Charlie stepped into the lift after her friend and replied with a shrug. “Who’s to say he’s not beating Freddy? After all, he kicked your butt at Faz-Fighters.”

She may not ever feel inclined to enact physical violent on Michael (anymore), but sometimes it was too hard to resist poking fun at her best friend. Thinking on it, Charlie remembered Gregory saying that he desperately wanted to play at any of the attractions. The poor kid likely didn’t have much experience to against someone designed to be good at the themed games.

Charlie shook her head and replied seriously this time. “I’m sure Freddy’s going easy on him! Ooh—” Her eyes lit up with intrigue and a bright smile graced her features. “—I forgot Bonnie Bowl was where we got that pizza slushee! How do you feel about stealing another one with me?”

“Hell yes!” Michael readily agreed, eyes lighting up at the thought of yet another pizza-themed monstrosity. “Man, I’m so glad we can finally taste things again… I don’t know how I would’ve carried on knowing there was such a nasty drink just out of reach.”

Michael gave a dramatic sigh, doing his best to distract from the heavy air in the arena that faded with every foot the elevator climbed. They were soon deposited in the winner’s lobby, which hadn’t yet been replenished with a new Fazerblaster. It was unfortunate Mike hadn’t thought to snatch their old one from Foxy’s chest after he’d switched bodies… but then again, he’d have immediately shot at Ennard when they busted through that basement door, so it was probably for the best overall.

As much as Michael was loathe to admit, Ennard had been nothing but helpful this whole time. Creepy as hell… but helpful nonetheless.

A short walk and a few more elevator rides later, the sound of bowling ball impacting pins echoed through the air as Michael and Charlie slipped under the metal gate to Bonnie Bowl. Freddy and Gregory stood at the farthest lane, and Mike felt a smile tug at his lips at the sight of them. It was a weird sensation to see family that he actually loved after all his time of self-isolation—and he wasn’t ever going to give that up again.

“Hey, guys!” he greeted with a wave. “How’s the game going?”

Gregory was sitting on the bright plastic bench, turning around and gripping the backrest as he smiled to them.

“I suck at bowling!” he replied with a laugh. “It's been pretty fun though!”

“Glad you're having fun! I'm going to grab a drink, then I'll join!” Charlie said, ruffling his hair with a grin. Then she skipped over to the snack counter in search of the pizza slushee dispenser she found yesterday, ignoring the S.T.A.F.F. bot incessantly reminding her that customers weren’t allowed in the back.

“Bet—I got to find a bathroom,” Gregory announced, ready to wander off on his own for a moment. With things going so well, he’d gained a sense of ease that he knew would be sorely missing during night shift. Gregory was determined to take advantage of it, even for something as simple as a trip to the bathroom without worrying about being snatched by murder-rabbits. He opened his Fazwatch and glanced at the map, cross-checking the closest restroom on the bright interface as he began to walk.

“Gregory—” Freddy began, reaching a hand out towards him instinctively. He didn't like the thought of the boy wandering anywhere by himself, dayshift or not. Their overarching threat was far from gone, and it made Freddy uneasy to think of Gregory defenseless and alone without any of his family to help should something go wrong.

“I'll tail him,” Mike promised, immediately understanding the bear's distress. He echoed Freddy's unspoken sentiments to a tee, and though he figured Gregory might appreciate two seconds of peace without someone fretting over him, Michael wasn't quite ready to let him have that either. Still, he didn't have to stick close—just trail behind Gregory at a casual pace and keep watch.

“Let Charlie know we'll be right back, okay?” Michael told Freddy, giving him a reassuring pat on the back. He flashed the bear a grin and began lazily strolling after Gregory as the boy rounded a corner, for once feeling like he wasn't in rush to complete some potentially-traumatizing mission.

There was a customer's bathroom on the total opposite end from where they’d been bowling. It was closer to the counter, but Charlie had apparently decided to be nosy and snoop around the back out of sight. Shrugging to himself, Gregory pushed open the door with a Freddy silhouette and entered the boy’s room. He shot a cursory glance around, eying each stall as he passed—just in the spirit of being careful when Gregory perceived himself to be alone.

But then, he spotted it.

Sitting on the corner of the farthest sink, tucked against a long mirror was a plushie. Not just any plush random one that could be found in the Pizzaplex, either. No, this doll was clearly special.

The color scheme was different to any of the normal Glamrocks. This particular Freddy's satin was a pretty golden hue, accent stripes a vibrant purple instead of blue. Its shape differed as well, looking heavier with a sagging body like it was filled with more cumbersome stuffing. The sight of it had distracted Gregory from what he came in to do, all attention pulled to the toy.

It was odd—certainly out of place as well. When its eyes followed Gregory ever so slightly, he blinked and stopped in front of the sink.

No way is this an animatronic, Gregory thought. It was far too small. Though down the opposite trail of thinking, DJ Music Man shouldn't logically exist either.

“Uh… hello?” Gregory asked, hoping for the small robot to respond kindly if it even had a voice box.

***

Michael had parked himself just outside the restroom, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed as many a parent did when waiting for their kid. He wasn't worried about following Gregory inside, as there was only door and he doubted there was anyone waiting in there that aimed to do his little brother harm.

And there he waited, completely unaware of Gregory's discovery and what was about to happen.

***

The little plushie was tracking Gregory's movements, having eagerly awaited his arrival. It wasn't quite an animatronic—at least, not one with full, working limbs. It had some moving parts, but those weren't supposed to be revealed yet; not until the time was just right. The best it could do for now was swivel its eyes back and forth, which was enough to get its target's attention. It couldn't even open its mouth to simulate talking, the plastered on smile remaining still as a voice responded:

“Hi!”

The voice was... strange. Like someone trying to intentionally pitch themselves higher, and also putting on a weird accent. Or maybe trying to hide their original one? Either way, it was enough to keep Gregory's attention, and as the boy's eyes widened the bear beckoned him closer.

“I'm Fredbear! Do you wanna be friends?”

Oh, Gregory thought, taking a step closer. Not an animatronic in the traditional Freddy's sense, meant to sing and dance upon a stage. It was consumer grade—so small and harmless that a child could pick one up and bring it home with them. Probably even operated on double-A batteries. It was cute.

This must be the prototype, Gregory thought as he cocked his head to the side while listening to it. Its voice box left much to be desired, and he couldn’t help but wonder with a pang of sadness why this little guy was left alone in a gross bathroom of all places.

“Heh. I don't know,” Gregory replied with a smirk. “I've already got one Freddy to deal with... But I don't have a Fredbear.”

Even if the moniker was simply a nickname for his favorite bear, they were surely different. Still, he hesitated in picking it up. What if he was stealing this from some poor kid who lost their toy in the bathroom?

…He probably shouldn't have left it in there to begin with, then, Gregory concluded in his mind. He snatched the toy, holding it out at arm’s length to inspect it.

“Sure! Let's be friends, Fredbear!”

And this was the trigger the little toy needed.

Gregory had been so distracted by its novelty, he hadn't noticed the seam running straight down the center of the bear's golden torso. The squeeze to the plushie's sides upon being picked up spurred the internal mechanisms to action, which first prompted two sharp pincers to grasp the inside fabric of the bear's tummy and rip it apart, popping the seam’s stitches in less than a second. Before Gregory had time to react, the main function of the plushie was revealed.

It wasn't a toy at all—merely a device to serve another of William's twisted goals, as evidenced by the hypodermic needle full of glowing purple that shot out of the bear's stomach cavity and straight towards Gregory. The syringe immediately went through the boy's shirt and implanted itself painfully in the center of his chest. Not giving him time to struggle free, one of the metal pincers whipped out of the bear's torso and depressed the plunger, sending the Remnant directly into Gregory's body.

The long, medically sharpened tool had pierced through Gregory's sternum, beveled hole stabbing straight through towards his heart like a shot of adrenaline.

Gregory was forced back as the air involuntarily left his lungs. There wasn't even time to scream as the fluid from the hollow sharp emptied its contents inside his torso. It didn't take long for a reaction to happen after that.

Gregory's back hit the tiled wall and he fell onto the seat of his pants, silently grappling with the shooting pain throughout his body. Unable to move save for involuntary twitches and desperate gasps, Gregory met his own gaze in the mirror and watched as he floundered for air on the ground. He sucked in painful lungfuls, but the oxygen only seemed to set his body ablaze in a paralyzing burn.

Was this what dying was like? And did he really have to die alone on the bathroom floor…?

It was a moment before the needle slowly extracted from his chest. As Gregory slouched over, finally able to abandon his grip on the bear to now clutch the minute hole in his body, he ground his teeth down hard. The kid closed his eyes, trying to get a hold of himself and the pain that felt like it was ripping his very cells apart. After a bit longer, he could finally stand to breathe normally again. With painful tears pricking the corners of his eyes he opened them—only to find steely, devoid, silver irises staring back at him in his reflection.

This wasn't him.

At least, not the way he used to be.

***

Previous Chapter ~~ Next Chapter (Coming soon)

Looking for more? Check out the Chapter Masterlist on Tumblr!

Or check out the entire Wires that Bind Us Series on ao3!

[my-chaos-radio]

Release: June 23, 1993

Lyrics:

25 years and my life is still

Tryin' to get up that great big hill of hope for a destination.

I realized quickly when I knew I should

That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man

For whatever that means

And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed

Just to get it all out what's in my head

And I, I'm feelin' a little peculiar

And so I wake up in the morning and I step outside,

And I take a deep breath

And I get real high

And I scream from the top of my lungs: "what's goin' on?"

And I say hey yeah yeah-eh-eh hey yeah yeah

I say Hey! What's goin' on?"

And I say hey yeah yeah-eh-eh hey yeah yeah

I say Hey! What's goin' on?"

Woo, woo woo

And I try, oh my God, do I try?

I try all the time in this institution.

And I pray, oh my God, do I pray?

I pray every single day for a revolution.

And so I cry sometimes when I'm lyin' in bed

Just to get it all out what's in my head.

And I, I am feelin' a little peculiar.

And so I wake in the mornin' and I step outside,

Then I take a deep breath

And I get real high

And I scream from the top of my lungs: "what's goin' on?"

And I said hey yeah yeah-eh-eh hey yeah yeah

I said Hey! What's goin' on?.

And I said hey yeah yeah-eh-eh hey yeah yeah

I said Hey! What's goin' on?.

And I said hey yeah yeah-eh-eh hey yeah yeah

I said Hey! What's goin' on?.

And I said hey yeah yeah-eh-eh hey yeah yeah

I said Hey! What's goin' on?.

Woo, woo woo

Songwriter: Linda Perry

25 years and my life is still

Trying to get up that great big hill of hope

For a destination.

[crestfallen-infatuation]

Many men wish death upon me

Blood in my eye, dog, and I can't see

I'm tryin' to be what I'm destined to be

And n***** tryin' to take my life away (Come on)

I put a hole in a n**** for fuckin' with me

My back on the wall, now you gon' see

Better watch how you talk when you talk about me

'Cause I'll come and take your life away

Many men

Many, many, many, many men

Wish death 'pon me

Lord, I don't cry no more

Don't look to the sky no more

Have mercy on me

Now man, these pussy n***** puttin' money on my head

Go on and get your refund, motherfucker, I ain't dead

I'm the diamond in the dirt that ain't been found

I'm the underground king and I ain't been crowned

When I rhyme, somethin' special happened every time

I'm the greatest, somethin' like Ali in his prime

I walk the block with the bundles, I've been knocked on the humble

Swing the ox when I rumble, show your ass what my gun do

Got a temper, n****, go 'head, lose your head

Turn your back on me, get clapped and lose your legs

I walk around, gun on my waist, chip on my shoulder

'Til I bust a clip in your face, pussy, this beef ain't over

Many men

Many, many, many, many men

Wish death 'pon me

Lord, I don't cry no more

Don't look to the sky no more

Have mercy on me

Have mercy on my soul

Somewhere my heart turned cold

Have mercy on many men

Many, many, many, many men

Wish death 'pon me

Sunny days wouldn't be special if it wasn't for rain

Joy wouldn't feel so good if it wasn't for pain

Death gotta be easy, 'cause life is hard

It'll leave you physically, mentally, and emotionally scarred

This is for my n***** on the block twistin' trees in cigars

For the n***** on lock doin' life behind bars

I don't say, "Only God can judge me," 'cause I see things clear

Crooked-ass crackers will give my Black ass a hundred years

I'm like Paulie in GoodFellas, you can call me the Don

Like Malcolm by any means with my gun in my palm

Slim switched sides on me, let n***** ride on me

I thought we was cool, why you want me to die, homie? (Homie)

Many men

Many, many, many, many men

Wish death 'pon me

Lord, I don't cry no more

Don't look to the sky no more

Have mercy on me

Have mercy on my soul

Somewhere my heart turned cold

Have mercy on many men

Many, many, many, many men

Wish death 'pon me

Every night I talk to God, but he don't say nothin' back

I know he protectin' me, but I still stay with my gat

In my nightmares, n***** keep pullin' TECs on me

Psychic says some bitch done put a hex on me

The feds didn't know much when Pac got shot

I got a kite from the pens that told me Tut got knocked

I ain't gon' spell it out for you motherfuckers all the time

Are you illiterate, n****? You can't read between the lines?

In the Bible, it says what goes around, comes around

Hommo shot me, three weeks later he got shot down

Now it's clear that I'm here for a real reason

'Cause he got hit like I got hit, but he ain't fuckin' breathin'

Many men

Many, many, many, many men

Wish death 'pon me

Lord, I don't cry no more

Don't look to the sky no more

Have mercy on me

Have mercy on my soul

Somewhere my heart turned cold

Have mercy on many men

Many, many, many, many men

Wish death 'pon me

[sunshine-overload]

[BSTS] Main Story S5CH7 ‘Wait and Hope’ - Part 2

Part 1

Chapter 3

-street, daytime-

sinju: Team K's new show will finally be opening today. Maica told me about the original text it's based on, I'm excited to see what kind of show it will become!

saki: Me too.

sinju: ...Hm?

saki: Is something the matter?

sinju: I was wondering if that person's alright. They've been glancing around a lot. I wonder if he's lost? I'm gonna go and ask.

saki: I'll come with you.

-they walk over to the man-

sinju: Excuse me sir, are you lost?

Man (Yoshino's father): Oh, what lovely timin'. There's a place I'm tryin' to get to but I can't seem to figure out where it is no matter how many times I look at this map.

sinju: Where is it?

-sinju looks at map-

sinju: Oh! Where you're going is around where we're headed. If you'd like, we can guide you there.

man: Thank ya kindly. The streets all got so complicated I couldn't understand it.

saki: There's lots of narrow alleyways around here.

man: Which way are we headed then?

sinju: This way!

-they begin walking-

sinju: Are you from the Kansai region? Visiting Tokyo for a holiday?

man: Yes, I suppose ya could call it that. I'm from Kyoto.

sinju: Is that so? I can't blame you for getting lost then. This area especially is really confusing...

man: Ya can say that again. But even so, it appears to be a lively and prosperous area.

sinju: Yeah! There's all kinds of different stores around, it's a lot of fun.

man: That's wonderful to hear. Are we close to my destination?

sinju: It should be right around this next corner.

saki: (Hm? Wait, could it be that the place this man is heading is...)

-outside starless-

yoshino: What do you think you're doing?

sinju: Woah, Yoshino!?

saki: (Yoshino-san...?)

sinju: Uhh... This man was lost, so Saki-chan and I were guiding him to where he wanted to go.

yoshino: We're not open for business yet.

man: In that case, I will return once you're open. I will be gettin’ one good look at ya performance.

sinju: Wait, huh? Do you know who that man is?

yoshino: Yeah. It seems like he caused you some trouble, I'm sorry. You too, Saki-san, I apologise.

saki: No, it's fine...

yoshino: Let's head inside, I'll escort you.

saki: Thank you.

yoshino: ...... (shaky breathing)

—end

-

Chapter 3 extra

-starless restaurant area-

saki: (Team K's opening show is today, I'm looking forward to seeing it.)

man (Yoshino's father): Excuse me young lady, could I speak with ya for a moment?

saki: Oh, you're that man from earlier...

man: So you're a Starless customer as well. Have ya been comin’ here for a long time?

saki: Yes, I suppose so.

man: Could I ask ya some questions then? Regarding Yoshino.

saki: Huh...?

man: I'd like to hear some candid impressions of him from the guests here.

saki: I think that Yoshino-san is a wonderful singer.

man: There's no need to hold back, tell me ya honest thoughts.

saki: I'm not holding back anything. No matter how many times I see him perform, that's truly what I think

man: Even after hearin’ ya say that, I don’t think a man as fainthearted as him can perform on stage.

saki: That's a bit...

man: Ah, right right. My apologies for sayin’ somethin’ so unrefined. Before long I'll be able to see for myself just what kind of show it is that he will put on.

saki: (I don't know what to say...)

-nekome and sin walk up-

nekome: Excuse me~ I'll be borrowing this guest here for a moment. Dear customer, I have a message for you, please come this way.

saki: Ah, but...

sin: I shall take things from here.

man: I don't mind Miss, please deal with whatever it is you need to.

saki: Ok. In that case, please excuse me.

nekome: Alright, to the lobby we gooo~!

-starless lobby-

saki: Um, what message do you have for me...?

nekome: Hm? I don't have any message for you. A little white lie never hurt anybody and you had a troubled expression on your face.

saki: Thank you for looking out for me.

nekome: You're here to watch the show so I want to make sure you enjoy your time here~ I'll get a different seat prepared for you, so just wait here a moment.

saki: Ok, thank you.

-nekome leaves-

saki: (I wonder what that person's relation to Yoshino-san is... Whoever he is, I hope that Yoshino-san is able to convey his talents to him...)

—end

-

Chapter 3 SideA

-backstage-

yoshino: Phew....... (shaky breathing)

sotetsu: Oi, don't tell me the nerves are getting the better of you?

yoshino: N-no... I'm fine...

-yoshino leaves-

sotetsu: Damn, he can't even joke about it.

-time pass, starless stage-

yoshino: "Wait and hope!"

-audience cheers-

female guest 1: Yoshino-kun was amazing!

female guest 2: I know right! His will was so strong, he felt like a protagonist that couldn't lose to anyone!

-starless hallway-

yoshino: Good job out there.

kei: Is that what you call learning about yourself?

yoshino: I know I'm still not self-aware enough, but... No nevermind, I'll think it over more.

-behind starless, night-

yoshino's father: That is the performance that ya wanted to show me?

yoshino: Father...!

yoshino's father: Ya acted all big... And yet all ya were doin' is bluffin' about all of it. No matter how composed ya try to look on the surface, ya can't hide what's inside. 

yoshino: ......

yoshino’s father: Your insecurities, unreliability, all of ya weaknesses still show through. Ya can't call that 'art', it's just a tool that you're usin’ to comfort yourself. Quit right away and return home already.

-yoshino's father leaves-

yoshino: Please wait!

menou: He's really riled up huh.

maica: Are you ok? Actually, who even was that? Why was a guest hanging around back here?

yoshino: It's nothing, don't worry.

maica: It obviously wasn't nothing—

yoshino: I'm sorry for the disturbance. I'll be going now.

-yoshino leaves-

maica: ...I wonder if something happened. He didn't seem like himself in the show either.

menou: You think? He used to be like that all the time though. I enjoyed his interpretation of Dantès, the way he had to encourage himself to carry out his revenge was great~

maica: You were just looking at his acting...

menou: There's no point in you worrying about him, Maica. It's Yoshino's own problem.

maica: That's true, but still...

—end

-

Chapter 3 SideA extra

-backstage-

yoshino: Thank you for coming to watch tonight, Saki-san.

saki: Your show was amazing, Yoshino-san.

yoshino: Thank you. Um... if you'd be ok with it, could we walk home together? I'd like to talk to you for a bit while we walk.

-time pass, park, night-

yoshino: I'd like to apologise for causing you trouble a few days ago.

saki: What do you mean?

yoshino: You helped an older man in Japanese clothing with Sinju the other day right? That man was my father.

saki: Oh...

yoshino: He even went and bothered you inside the store too... I heard about it from Sin, that he went and spoke with you. You came to the store to have fun and yet he dragged you into my own mess, I'm really sorry.

saki: No, it's ok...

yoshino: I heard he tried to ask you things about me. I wouldn't put it past him to do something like that...

saki: I was quite surprised by his questions, but Nekome and Sin appeared to interject right away.

yoshino: ...In truth, I hadn't been planning to talk to you about all this. However, I would hate to cause you any more trouble than this, so...

saki: I don't mind at all... Rather than myself, are you ok, Yoshino-san?

yoshino: I wish I could say that I was... It's pitiful to admit, but once I started thinking about how my father was coming to watch, I couldn't hold it together... It's been a long time since I felt so much pressure and so nervous that it affected my performance.

saki: I think it's understandable...

yoshino: I thought that I'd gained some confidence, and would be able to overcome this but... In the end I'm still just as weak as ever. I need to get stronger, if I don't then there's no point in me even being on this stage.

saki: That's not true...

yoshino: I finally got this opportunity, and even though I wanted to show you I've grown... This is the result. It's frustrating.

saki: Yoshino-san...

yoshino: Anyways, I'll try even harder from now on. In order to put on a show even better than the last one. In order for my father and Kei to recognise my efforts as a singer...

saki: Please don't push yourself too much.

yoshino: I'm fine, don't worry. I'll do my best in order for you to recognise me as well. So please, make sure you watch me.

-time pass, outside train station, night-

saki: Thank you for walking me here.

yoshino: You too, thank you for keeping me company. See you tomorrow.

-saki leaves-

yoshino: ..."Wait and Hope". Wait... huh?

—end

-

Chapter 3 SideB

-starless alcohol storage area(?)-

sotetsu: You sure are working hard.

yakou: You say that like I'm working on a farm or something.

sotetsu: Your company job, your cast member job and your management duties, I just thought that you're handling them all pretty darn well.

yakou: Do you want to ask me something?

sotetsu: It's about Yoshino. If he wasn't here then your spot as K's singer would go unchallenged.

yakou: I'm not gonna take that bait.

sotetsu: Oh? Meaning Yoshino taking that spot doesn't frustrate you?

yakou: Yoshino's in that spot for this performance according to our leader's judgment. Our lineup always changes to suit each show, it's nothing new. I'm not going to object to the decision, however I can't say that it’s not at least a little frustrating.

sotetsu: Hahah look at you, you're all grown up.

yakou: What about you? Aren't you awfully unbothered by all this? ...I can more or less guess why though.

sotetsu: You understand me well.

yakou: You never change huh.

sotetsu: Well, either way, the end result depends on Yoshino. I'm just going to enjoy the show.

yakou: Then I'll do my best to make sure the guests are pleased as well.

-yakou leaves-

sotetsu: He really has become a fine adult huh…

—end

-

Chapter 3 SideB extra

-starless kitchen-

unei: Um, excuse me~ Do you have a moment, Kongou-san? I'd like to show you this...

kongou: Hm? Are those feedback surveys?

unei: I- I wasn't sure what to do, but I figured I should at least relay them to you...

-unei gives the surveys to kongou-

kongou: .......

ran: Hm~? Whatta we have here? "The flavour was too strong and not to my tastes." Hm, hm... "It was a menu aimed at youngsters." ...Wow. Damn you're gettin' flamed here.

kongou: ...It appears so.

unei: Honestly, I was shocked. Your cooking has always been popular, Kongou-san. I've never seen things like this be criticised before...!

hinata: What? People that don't like Kongou's food actually exist? That person has no idea what they're talking about, everything he makes is super delicious!

kongou: Thank you. However, it's reality that this person wasn't happy with their meal. They took the time to tell me their opinion, so I will sincerely accept the criticism.

ran: No way, ya don't need to do that. Old people rarely ever visit here anyway.

lico: The food targets our main customer demographic, there's nothing wrong with that.

kongou: I won't make any drastic changes, when adjusting the menu I always take into careful consideration whether or not it suits Starless.

lico: Sure thing.

ran: By the way, do we know who submitted these surveys?

lico: It's obviously that one guy, y’know, the old guy dressed in Japanese clothes. He's been coming here every day. Trying to act all posh, but if he doesn't like the place he doesn't need to keep coming back.

ran: Oh ya, I think I've seen him.

hinata: That guy is here all the time now, does someone know him?

lico: Isn't he a relative of Yoshino-chan? I saw them arguing over something. Anyways, get back to work already, I wanna go home.

ran: Got it. Here, go and take the trash out, Lico~

lico: Tch...

-behind starless, night-

lico: Must be nice, having a home you can just run on back to…

—end

-

Chapter 4

-starless office-

unei: Good work on all of your performances so far, everyone! I will announce the current audience ratings of the show— It's a great success! Yoshino-san's singing especially is getting lots of positive feedback!

yoshino: I'm glad to hear that…

sotetsu: Hey, how come you're looking all depressed despite the good results?

gui: Are you not happy, Yoshino?

yoshino: Uh no, it's not that. I'm just not satisfied with this...

kei: Precisely. Aim even higher and continue to devote yourself to your training.

yoshino: Yes, of course.

saki: (The air around Yoshino-san and Kei-san is so tense...)

unei: That is all I have to report, please do your best in the remaining performances!

-hallway-

-yoshino's phone rings-

yoshino: Hm...? (sighs)

yoshino (on phone): Hello...? What is it? ...Yes.

yoshino (on phone): Yes, I understand that. The result isn't just from my ability alone... However, I'll show you that I can get an even better result by the end. Yes, I'll be going now...

-hangs up-

yoshino: Sigh...

-gui walks up-

yoshino: Oh, Gui. You spooked me.

gui: What are you thinking about, Yoshino?

yoshino: I'd actually like to ask what your thoughts are. What do you think about my singing during this show?

gui: What do I think...? What do you mean?

yoshino: Like, is there anything off about it? Are you finding it hard to match your movements to my voice?

gui: ...I don't really understand.

yoshino: I was just wondering if my singing is restricting everyone else's movements. Even though I'm the one that's supposed to be leading you all. For example... Sorry, never mind, don't worry about what I was saying just now.

-yoshino leaves-

gui: Yeah, I really don't understand…

—end

-

Chapter 4 extra

-starless lobby-

female guest 1: Your performance today was seriously the best! I'll be coming back again!

female guest 2: I got so fired up that I've already bought another ticket for tomorrow's show! I'll be looking forward to it!

kei: Yes. We'll be awaiting your visit.

-the guests leave, yoshino's father walks up-

yoshino's father: Popular, ain't ya.

kei: Hm...?

yoshino's father: When I first watched one of ya shows here, I thought that this store didn't even know the mere definition of art. However, after I observed the audience's reactions, I started to sense that it wasn't a bad thing.

kei: Of course. I make sure the guests leave fully content. We create shows whilst keeping that intent in mind.

yoshino's father: I'd like to apologise for initially leavin’ such a critical review. 

kei: There is no need for you to do that.

yoshino's father: Is that so? But still, that boy's singin’ hasn't managed to resonate with me.

kei: Hm.

yoshino's father: I cannot comprehend puttin’ the family business aside to choose this path. You too, why have ya allowed such an unrefined man to stay employed here? It can't be profitable for your business either.

kei: I am simply selecting the best members to achieve the best show.

yoshino's father: Ya have a good eye, I can tell. That's why this store is flourishin’.  Usually one wouldn't expect someone as talented as you to be holed up in a tiny box like this.

kei: Here I am simply Starless’ Kei. Nothing more, nothing less.

—end

-

Chapter 4 SideA

-in front of starless, night-

yoshino: Are you heading home, Saki-san?

saki: Good work today, Yoshino-san. Yes, I'm heading home.

yoshino: If you'd be ok with it, would you like to walk together? I'll escort you to the station.

saki: Thank you.

-street-

yoshino: Did you enjoy today's show?

saki: Yes, of course. It was fun.

yoshino: I'm glad... Saki-san, could I talk to you about something?

saki: About what...?

yoshino: I realised I've never told you why I started aiming to become a singer. It was actually due to my uncle's influence.

saki: Your uncle?

yoshino: He's the kind of person that's always seen wandering around with a guitar in his hand. Even I don't know what he's up to these days. However, back then, I longed to be a free spirit like him. 

saki: Is that so?

yoshino: I told my father that I wanted to attend a university in Tokyo, and came here all by myself. I used the excuse that I wanted to gain more life experience in Tokyo. Once I was away from home, I aimed to become a singer, I planned to get recognised and make a name for myself. However, it obviously wasn't that simple, with my stage fright I couldn't even stand out in my university's music club. 

saki: That's too bad...

yoshino: Around then was when I found Starless, I happened to see a show and then just kept coming back... Once I joined, all I wanted was to stand on the stage, since Starless didn't send away a useless singer like me, it was a unique place because of that. 

saki: Yoshino-san...

yoshino: Even now, I'm still envious of my uncle. Our situations are different but still... I can't help but envy his freedom. Despite saying all that though, I can't just throw away my family and our business. I wonder if I can express any of this optimism in my singing. I doubt it... Even though I'm supposed to be stronger now.

saki: I think that your singing really is beautiful, Yoshino-san.

yoshino: Thank you. Hearing you say that makes me feel a little better. Sorry for talking so much, for now all I can do is try my best. Because, if I do that, you'll be watching me.

—end

-

Chapter 4 SideA extra

-break room-

-yoshino uses vending machine-

yoshino: Ah... Crap. It hasn't been messing up lately either…

maica: Coffee again?

yoshino: Well, yeah, that's what it gave me...

maica: What to trade drinks? I haven't put my mouth on it yet.

yoshino: No, it's fine.

maica: Hey, are you ok? I may be overstepping my bounds but—

yoshino: Sorry, I need to get back to practice. I'm not like you, I need to dedicate myself to practice to improve.

-yoshino tries to leave-

maica: Excuse me? What's that supposed to mean?

yoshino: Nothing...

maica: Hey, you understand that I still don't want to lose to you even now, right?

yoshino: What?

maica: I can say with confidence now that I am Team P's singer. However, even now I still think that your version of 'Beyond the Rainbow' was amazing. And yet, why are you putting yourself down like that?

yoshino: Even if you say that... Cause I mean, unlike me, you're able to lead the performance with your singing...

maica: Sigh... Am I what you're worried about?

yoshino: !

maica: "Keep singing in your own voice." Aren't you the one who said that to me?

-maica leaves-

yoshino: My own... voice...

-camera pans across to kasumi watching-

kasumi: .....

—end

-

Chapter 4 sideB

-street, day time-

akira: Yaaaawn...

sotetsu: That was one big yawn.

akira: Huh? Oh it's just you, Sotetsu. If someone's gonna call out to me I'd rather it be a cute girl~

sotetsu: Sorry to disappoint.

-they walk together-

akira: By the way, is Yoshino gonna quit?

sotetsu: Rumours spread fast huh. He hasn't decided to do that yet.

akira: But he's having a fight or something with his old man right?

sotetsu: Yeah, seems like it.

akira: Fighting with your parents huh, must be quite something having a family name to uphold. I don't remember exactly but they run some kind of art related business in Kyoto, yeah? Wait, his family don't own a temple do they?

sotetsu: Who knows.

akira: If it's a temple that's rough. You'd have to become a monk. I could never~

sotetsu: I doubt the chief priest would want a corrupt monk like you in the first place.

akira: If I didn't have to go bald, I could probably pull it off y'know. A beautiful monk with a beautiful voice, I might just become a hit with the ladies. ♪

sotetsu: Yeah that ain’t happening.

—end

-

Chapter 4 SideB extra

-starless kitchen table area-

kongou: Sorry for calling you here to sample dishes for me.

taiga: Well, I was hungry anyways.

mizuki: Just serve us the food already. C'mon Heath, sit down.

heath: I don't think my opinion is necessary.

kongou: Just let me know your honest thoughts. No need to hold back.

-they all start eating-

kongou: ...How is it?

taiga: Uh... The flavour is pretty subtle?

kongou: Yes, that's what I was going for. Unlike our normal menu, I tried making a dish that suits a wider audience of people's tastes outside of our usual guests.

taiga: Ah... I see. True, even its appearance has that fancy food look.

mizuki: The serving size is way too small and it's all just grass.

taiga: Is this diet food?

kongou: That's not what I was going for, no... So it's not to your tastes then?

mizuki: Gimme the mayonnaise, then I'll be able to eat it.

kongou: That bad huh…

heath: I don't think it's bad.

kongou: I'm sorry for bothering you all.

heath: I just told you what I think...

kongou: I'm glad you tried it, Heath.

-mokuren, qu and aogiri walk in-

qu: It sure is lively in here.

kongou: I'm having them sample a new dish for me. I'd love to hear the three of your thoughts as well.

aogiri: Whatever it is, it smells delicious.

mokuren: Oh? I'll eat it.

-mokuren tries it-

mokuren: There's not enough meat. You can't fill a stomach with this.

kongou: Ah, no, well... That's the point...

aogiri: Ooh, I see.

qu: Are you trying to get into vegetarian cooking...? It tastes great but I'm not sure if it suits Starless.

aogiri: Since our customers are mostly women I'm sure they wouldn't dislike more healthier options being on the menu though?

mokuren: Screw that. Put more meat on the plate.

kongou: As expected, I should just leave our menu as is huh...

—end

To Part 3

[hellmouth-manor]

I'm going to walk into the ocean I'm so sad || Kamiya || Trial 4.4 || Re: A lot of people honestly.

It was hard listening to everything being said, silence on Kamiya’s part in between his own statements and a look of regret painted on his face. It hurt to know he had done everyone this much wrong, especially when his intentions had been nothing but good, at least in his eyes. It caused him to let out a deep breath as he looked over to Touji, trying to offer the smallest smile he could muster, it wasn’t a smile formed by joy, more acceptance.

“--Ya… Ya keep blamin’ her but I’m the one who killed first, man. She was scared, we all were. A person can only take so much fer that, yeah? It’s why she set up the trap. I’m the one who was too stupid t’ think b’fore leapin’ in this case. If I had done anythin’ t’ think fer a second, then I could’a saved them all. I-I didn’t stop t’ think fer a goddamn second about a plan t’ save ‘em that wouldn’t risk ‘em. When I saw ‘em there I just… I panicked, bro. I… Can’t speak fer anythin’ outside the trap, but she didn’t get me killed… I’m the only one t’ blame fer the shit I did, as unintentional as it was, bro.”

This all was heavy, and something which caused him to shake his head in response to his next question.

“I was alone. I ran off t’ find the first aid, ran all over the place tryin’ t’ remember where the fuck I could get it at. Ya can confirm with the demons that I was alone when I did that, I had t’ call ‘em t’ give me one. If I had remembered when I was by Mirai, then maybe… Maybe I could’a actually done somethin’.”

Then came Hibiki’s words, ones that caused his look of regret to only increase, the man who Kamiya viewed as his closest friend, like a brother to him in this case… It caused him to let out a laugh, devoid of any joy that he often presented, there was nothing to feel positive about in this case, he knew what he had done.

“...I haven’t lied once t’ ya bro, everythin’ I said is what I think happened. I don’t know how t’ make it more clear but… I haven’t been coverin’ fer Nono. If she did kill someone this is news t’ me… I really think Minami got killed by the shit I did somehow, I had no idea what happened. Ya saw how I reacted when she dropped dead there. I was just as fuckin’ confused as you guys were… B-But with Mirai, that one was me. I didn’t mean t’, but it was me.”

Then again, when someone was destined to fail the outfit of a hero would never fit, he’d always been afraid of ending up like this, someone who truly amounted to nothing in his life… Someone being disappointed in him wasn’t exactly a new feeling, but, someone who he cared about as much as he did Hibiki hurt even more than anything else, it caused him to nod along, frowning in response.

“...Be disappointed if ya want, man. But I haven’t lied t’ ya man. I haven’t covered fer her once in this, I just… I genuinely believe I’m the one who did all this… If ya hate me though, it’s chill. I ain’t gonna hold a grudge ‘bout this all, man.”

But, as Ruby spoke Kamiya turned his gaze toward her. She had every right to have this anger, this rage forming inside her, and Kamiya had no grounds to dispute that. It was a moment of silence on his part, before returning a gaze to her, a look of regret in his eyes as he nodded to her, fully accepting whatever she would do in the future.

“...When I’m a demon ya can beat the shit out of me whenever ya want. I ain’t gonna stop ya. I know what I did… I ain’t lyin’ an’ I know I hurt ya guys, I ain’t gonna ask fer forgiveness… I-I just… Don’t want ya guys t’ get hurt anymore, okay? Eli was there an’ saw everythin’ an’ if he’s… If he’s sayin’ I wasn’t there when Minami got attacked I’d believe him on that. I sure as fuck didn’t know, or, try t’ cover fer that though, I was the reason Mirai died though. I told ya guys we’d find the killer while we investigated, right? I… I-I was so confident I killed her, ‘s why I tried t’ lighten the mood ‘round ya guys too… I knew this would be hard, an’ I wanted t’ at least make some’a the final memories’a me alive not… This… But if yer angry, an’ ya wanna get back at me, I ain’t gonna stop ya.”

This all hurt, it was a heavy feeling in his chest, but, listening to Micah, then to Nike he shook his head, it was starting to get really tiring hearing one specific thing, one thing that everyone was so focused on this entire trial. And for a moment the endless patience that Kamiya had been showing snapped, he didn’t mean to raise his voice, but, in a moment of desperation it was important to make his voice heard.

“I. HAVE. NOT. BEEN. COVERIN’. FER. HER! DO I GOTTA YELL?! I’LL FUCKIN’ YELL IT AS LOUD AS I CAN. IF I’M WRONG IT’S NOT ‘CAUSE I’M COVERIN’ IT’S ‘CAUSE I’M FUCKIN’ STUPID OKAY? YOU ALL FUCKIN’ KNOW THAT!” 

“She texted me ‘bout the trap, minutes before shit happened t’ warn me not t’ go there! That’s all it was! I rushed in an’ fucked up afterwards! I didn’t think! I didn’t think fer a goddamn second, I just wanted t’ get that trap disabled so that no one would walk int’a it! That’s all it fuckin’ is! I don’t know what happened to Minami! But when ya kill one person an’ someone else drops dead moments after it’s hard t’ not blame yerself! –Also! Lay the fuck off of Eli, ya know how fuckin’ much he went through there? I get yer pissed, I understand it! But get pissed at me! I killed Mirai, I didn’t mean t’ but I sure as fuck did that! Bro was just in a bad fuckin’ spot, an’ he’s tryin’ t’ cope, he lost people too, lay the fuck off him, please.”

Then came Alou’s suggestion, one that caused his eyes to go wide as he shook his head, deciding to be as blunt as possible about this all.

“I confessed t’ avoid anyone random dyin’. If anyone even thinks t’ do shit like that I won’t forgive ya, I’m serious on that. At the end of the day I’m a murderer, I genuinely do not know what happened t’ Minami, it could have been me, or, it could have been Nono. I really, really don’t know. Please just stop actin’ like I’m some villain, ‘cause I’m trying to do right by confessing. As I said, I already accepted I was gonna die, so, just please let me do one thing right in my goddamn life.”

[pizzatrocious]

don't take it to heart, pizzahead. some people are just destined to be jerks their entire lives.

"Really bites when I'm tryin' to be SUCH a good sport about things, but hey!" A shrug. "What can ya really do about it? I offered my help like a good samaritan, so I did my part."

[carlyraejepsans]

🔊 papyrus! :D

25 years and my life is still

Tryin' to get up that great big hill of hope

For a destination

I realized quickly when I knew I should

That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man

For whatever that means

And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed

Just to get it all out what's in my head

And I, I am feeling a little peculiar

And so I wake in the morning and I step outside

And I take a deep breath and I get real high

And I scream from the top of my lungs

"What's going on?"

send me a 🔊 and a character and ill say a song from outside their source media that reminds me of them somehow

[inthegistoftime]

Can you do headcanons of Kaz needing to apologize to his crush?

Of course my darling 🥰 this isn't my best work, but I hope you enjoy it regardless xx

Kaz apologising hcs

Ah yes

nothin like drama in the workplace

At this point do you even remember what he did?

yes because we're salty

the atmosphere is tense

you and the gang are in a carriage

Jesper and Inej can barely breathe

You're pissed off so ofc your arms are folded over your chest

or under if you have massive mommy milkers like me

Whenever Kaz speaks you roll your eyes and frown in ✨ disgust ✨

stfu Kaz, I'm mad 😤

He barely even remembers what he did at this point

He thinks it's very childish that you're ignoring him

Everytime you make eye contact you turn your head away, nose up in the air with a "Hmph"

He's tryin to remember what he did to upset you

but his mind draws a blank so he's like ???????

You guys arrive at your destination

and unfortunately for you, you're stuck with Kaz for this one chief

So you push your annoyance and anger to the side in order to get this job done and not end up dead

You and Kaz wander around a dock in search of someone

you don't know why and honestly, with how upset you were, you didn't really care

you end up finding the guy and manage to worm some information outta him

but things get pretty heated

you have to put your hand on this guys chest a couple of times

so he gets the hint to back off

you get your hand slapped a few times

aswell as glares

and a "don't touch me you worthless bitch"

Ahhh, just a casual Tuesday morning

you managed to piss this guy off so much that he called his squad on you both

so

bang bang

Y'all are being once again shot at 😀

You shove Kaz behind a crate, much to his dismay

before dropping yourself right next to him

"I knew that today would go bad" You sassed

"I'm sorry"

"HUH???"

" I saiD I DON'T REMEMBER WHAT I DID TO UPSET YOU, BUT I APOLOGISE FOR MY ACTIONS THIS MORNING AS WELL AS THE SITUATION WE ARE CURRENTLY IN!"

You stared at him, eyes wide

when you spit out:

"sssson of a bITCH" with a chuckle

poor Kaz, he is very confused

he adores you, but you don't make sense

He's relieved tho when he sees the smile on your face

"Let's get the hell outta here"

xxx

[deputygonebye]

Jagged rocks and loose pebbles stomped beneath police grade boots, the rubber that made the soles, the road traveled was worn. Beaten down by the elements and the cars that used to drive across, bits and pieces of what once was solid foundation. Ungainly in appearance, there was less need for beauty than practicality. A way to reach destinations without the threat of the undead; the best route that Shane could find for himself and Caspian. Distant from the others of their camp, their mission seemed a simple one. Easy to understand - far less unpredictable than the gravel they walked upon - a chance to pivot into conversation that wouldn't have been had otherwise. A tension that could be cut with a knife, the sharped blade that was carried, the relationship between Caspian and Shane wasn't without hostility entire. Mistrust on one side, slowly ebbed, concern that regressed but not completely faded.

Clearing his throat once silence overcame them both, Shane stared down at his feet, watched as one foot came after the other, their shadows danced across gray path.

"Ain't nobody gonna hurt you."

Shane confessed, a sigh powerful enough to give lift to his shoulders. "Look, Caspian, I.. I don't really understand you or your kind. Bein' honest, I still feel a little weary about you. But over these last couple of days... I've been startin' to see who you really are. Not sayin' that you bein' half Geek ain't somethin' to not be worried about, but... you ain't so bad. You mean well. You've been providin' for this camp. Quite frankly, I couldn't ask for more. If you wanna move on from here, I ain't gonna stop you, but... if you wanted to stay, I wouldn't try to keep you out, either. Still won't take my eyes off of you, but I won't be so quick to cast stones. Guess... what I'm tryin' to do here is... is apologize to you. Think, maybe, we could start over?"

As he was walking , he listened to Shane. Walking into a zombie filled store is not a problem for him, but the amount of humans who are still here and maybe want to kill him is the problem. Caspian ruffled his hair, and he just wanted to just speak more. The Halfbie decided to become quiet. His throat was parched and his stomach growled at him. He shakes his head. He ignores the sensation, no matter how much he wanted to eat. He makes a wrong move and surely , he will be killed.

‘ As long as we have food then i don’t really care where we get it from.’ Caspian says. The Halfbie continues to walk, and his nose didn’t pick up any scents. Nothing. Though the trees did stink a little too. His eyes seem to wander about. ‘ Maybe I hope there would be more of like me here. I hardly doubt it and I feel like every non halfbie would want to kill me.’ he says. If ever he does leave this group he has found himself with and move on to live on his own.

[swearyshera]

25 years and my life is still

Tryin' to get up that great big hill of hope

For a destination

I realized quickly when I knew I should

That the world was made up of this brotherhood of man

For whatever that means

And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed

Just to get it all out what's in my head

And I, I am feeling a little peculiar

And so I wake in the morning and I step outside

And I take a deep breath and I get real high

And I scream from the top of my lungs

"What's going on?"

And I say, hey-ey-ey

Hey-ey-ey

I said "Hey, a-what's going on?"

And I say, hey-ey-ey

Hey-ey-ey

I said "Hey, a-what's going on?"

Ooh, ooh

Ooh

Ooh, uh huh

Ooh, ooh

Ooh

Ooh, uh huh

And I try

Oh my God, do I try

I try all the time

In this institution

And I pray

Oh my God, do I pray

I pray every single day

For revolution

And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed

Just to get it all out, what's in my head

And I, I am feeling a little peculiar

And so I wake in the morning and I step outside

And I take a deep breath and I get real high

And I scream from the top of my lungs

"What's going on?"

And I say, hey-ey-ey

Hey-ey-ey

I said "Hey, what's going on?"

And I say, hey-ey-ey

Hey-ey-ey

I said "Hey, a-what's going on?"

And I say, hey-ey-ey

(Wake in the morning and step outside)

Hey-ey-ey

(Take a deep breath and I get real high)

(And I scream)

I said "Hey, a-what's going on?"

And I say, hey-ey-ey

(Wake in the morning and step outside)

Hey-ey, yeah yeah yeah

(Take a deep breath and I get real high)

(And I scream)

I said "Hey, a-what's going on?"

Ooh, ooh

Ooh

Ooh, uh huh

25 years and my life is still

Tryin' to get up that great big hill of hope

For a destination, mmm

This is the good shit