#Nico I may not always agree with you girl but today I totally do

[toonstarterz]

BECAUSE I’M NOT POPULAR, I’LL READ WATAMOTE: CHAPTER #138

Welcome to the first episode of Tomoko’s Speed Dating Arc! Our first contender is the resident “shy maiden”, Yuri Tamura. Her hobbies include listening to music and punching people. Today’s date will include a walk around a college campus, lunch at a local eatery, and shopping for new digs. How will Tomoko fair against this unreadable cutie? 

Find out right after the break! 

Chapter 138: Because I’m Not Popular, I’ll Check Out Colleges

My only comment here is what in the name of all that is good is with Yuri’s big ass purse?

In Tomoko’s eyes, Mako may as well be Yuri’s shadow, so it’s totally understandable that she’d be shocked that the girl came alone this time. Of course, Yuri’s lack of self-awareness means she didn’t even consider how that might throw people off.

There she goes again with the “same as me” comment to put her and Tomoko in the same boat. Little does she know that being in Tomoko’s boat is guaranteed to end in a mutual sinking.

Just look at these fashionable ladies in their adorable outfits. Tomoko, obviously, putting extra emphasis on the “casual” with her loose-fitting clothes and trademark hat to cover that shaggy hair. Then we have Yuri, super reserved with her puffy sleeves, plaid skirt with a screentone pattern that doesn’t hug the fabric at all; and her socks n’ sandals combo.

One thing to note is how they do the opposite of their uniforms regarding skin exposure. The long skirt-wearing Tomoko now has her bare legs visible, whereas the short skirt-wearing Yuri only has her knees exposed. Perhaps it’s a matter of self-confidence between a private (school) vs public setting. Tomoko has no issue showing more skin to strangers, while Yuri would feel self-conscious displaying herself to people other than close friends.

Or, you know, I’m just overthinking it again. 

Chiba West University: Where the Adibas-wearing students go to drink coffee at Sudobucks while doing homework on their Marosoft PCs.  

As encouraging as Yuri makes this sound, a part of me thinks that Yuri is also pushing herself so she can one-up Nemo and Katou. Hey, a little pettiness can be a good motivator.

Post Traumatic Ogino Disorder triggered.

Yuri-sensei would be an absolutely adorable teacher. Unfortunately, her quiet demeanor would make it easy for the little kiddos to walk all over her. Luckily, what she lacks in assertiveness…

...she makes up for in unjustified corporal punishment.

How refreshing it is that Yuri doesn’t automatically get annoyed by Tomoko’s opinion, and instead asks for her reasoning. Though Tomoko may be an idiot, it’s nice to see that Yuri recognizes that her friend is intelligent in ways that she isn’t.

Word for word from the Ogino’s Meddling Career Counseling chapter. I’m starting to think Tomoko will eat these words one way.

Hey, c’mon now, Tomoko. You used to be quite the stupid preteen yourself.

But in all seriousness, this assertion makes perfect sense for Tomoko. Her personality is one that is very incompatible with itself, hence her rivalry with Komi-something. Having to deal with hormonal and emotionally vulnerable middle schoolers would probably hit too close to home.

AHAHAHAHA, I’m totally not guilty of having thought the same thing when I was in high school...haha.

But you know, this harks back to what Nemo said about girls that act like a hive mind. When you do something to break away from the group’s dynamic, you become the “outsider”. The friend the other ones don’t necessarily hate, but are often ignored simply because they’re unlike the others.

In other words, you become the Ucchi.

Isn’t it obvious, Tomoko? She just wanted you to think that you both have more in common than you might’ve thought. Even if it means some opportunistic fibbing.

Given what we’ve seen between Yuri and Mako’s friendship, it’s both surprising and not surprising that Yuri doesn’t know about Mako’s career goals. We like to think that as BFFs, Yuri would know more, but as recent chapters have shown, Yuri doesn’t necessarily put in as much into the friendship as Mako does.

This may be the first clue to suggest that Tomoko could overtake Mako’s role as Yuri’s best friend.

So cults on campus have started to become a thing, eh? I really do enjoy these little details that show how even university life isn’t all flowers and sunshine. If the series ever extends into Tomoko’s college life, this would be an interesting field for her to maneuver around.

It must be said, the detail in this background of the campus courtyard(?) is very well done. The perspective really keys into how expansive it must be. I sure wouldn’t be surprised if Nico Tanigawa went and visited some colleges themselves as a reference for drawing up these upcoming chapters.

Unless you go to one of those party schools, the idea that college students are a bunch of wild social butterflies is false. In my experience, university kids are more reserved in their everyday life because being a rowdy bunch is too financially/socially expensive. They simply don’t have the luxury of being super extroverted all the time. If you have the means to go to a prestigious school, then you’re going to be doing a lot of studying. And if you go to a party college, then partying is what you’re going to end up doing. Such is the nature of the millennial.

Yuri’s dilemma is linked to a common issue revolving around the purpose of school: Do you go there to learn book smarts or street smarts? What is more important, knowledge or networking? For someone with low ambitions like Yuri, having to make a long-lasting commitment like what type of college life you desire can be a huge burden on one’s shoulders, especially when people expect you chose for reasons that go against your very nature.

But yes, Tomoko’s reasoning is incredibly sound,  and one yours truly learned the hard way. A major fallacy in the job hunting process is that employers are more likely to hire people who are more outgoing or easy to work with than someone more knowledgeable but less socially experienced. This practice is often quoted as “It’s not what you know, its who you know”, and can be a real obstacle for introverts like Tomoko and Yuri.  

I appreciate how the frame focuses on this young lady to the side when Tomoko talks about studious college kids. Everyone knows the model of a good university student is a slim, bespectacled lady in a conservative skirt who secretly lewds the brothers from Osomatsu-san and drowns her troubles in beer.

Also, I see you casually smiling there, Yuri. Just like the old days.   

How sweet! Thanks to Tomoko’s reassurance, Yuri lets loose her earnest insecurities, openly declaring how much Tomoko’s presence means to her. Surely even Tomoko would not be so blind as to ignore such–nevermind.

I’m suddenly reminded just how long it’s been since the first field trip arc. No way Tomoko would make the same mistake twice, right?

Phew, thank goodness!

Bull. Shit. You totally were.

Whaaaat? Tomoko watches normie programs and not just otaku-pandering anime? Like, omigawd how can I relate my own degenerate lifestyle to Tomoko if she has slightly positive attributes?

Ah, Yoshida. For being such a transparent, pure-hearted delinquent, even she isn’t the type to make people feel terrible right in front of them. I had a feeling that Yoshida and Yuri would talk about Tomoko behind her back, especially in the earlier chapters. Not maliciously like Minami, but disconcertedly. Cause let’s face it, you’re bound to get uneasy when you hang out with Tomoko for the first time.

I’ve always wondered, what’s Yuri’s take on the whole “Yoshida is a delinquent,” business? Nearly everyone else can agree that Yoshida has delinquent tendencies, even if they aren’t as vocal about it as Tomoko. But Yuri has, to my knowledge, neither agreed nor disagreed with this sentiment. Perhaps that just means Yoshida’s yankee-ness is inconsequential for Yuri. Whether she is or isn’t, Yuri isn’t about to treat Yoshida any differently than she has before.

NOTICE: We regret to inform you that ToonStarterz nearly broke his laptop trying to give a fictional character a comforting hug through the monitor. He’ll be back shortly after contemplating his life choices. 

Only Tomoko can take the image of Yoshida as some kind of gangbanger and spin it into an encouraging speech for Yuri. What glorious trash she be.

Yeah, Tomoko’s mind has always been a little warped, as Yuri once thought. She always seems to take a little too much pleasure in seeing the depravity/vices of others, like how she wanted to have lunch with Hirasawa just to hear about her supposed sexual exploits. As Tomoko becomes more comfortable in her own skin and comes to terms with her own degeneracy, her delight in seeing it in others could be her own twisted sense of empathy at play.

Despite everything, I think Tomoko has more or less stopped acting condescending towards Yoshida’s delinquent status. Nowadays, she views that side of Yoshida with an air of fondness, even spinning it into something positive for Yuri’s sake. It’s a development that actually works for Tomoko and Yoshida’s friendship. Tomoko hasn’t really stopped accosting her, but she’s managed to entertain herself through it. Thankfully, Yoshida’s proven that much of Tomoko’s shittiness doesn’t really bother her, and even seems to gravitate towards those kinds of friends.

And best of all, it’s that frankness from Tomoko and Yoshida that inspires Yuri out of her bubble of inaction. 

That-a-girl, Yuri. Show her how reliable you can be. 

Still, she needs to learn that friendship isn’t just a give-and-take. Sometimes you end up having to give and NOT take just to stay afloat. Meeting them halfway isn’t always viable, but in true friendship, the other person knows how that feels too, meaning you can reach an equilibrium because of that mutual imbalance.

Even though Yuri is not one to give out half-hearted sympathies, when she does understand you, her empathy levels are top-notch. 

The last 137 chapters of the series flashed before the readers’ minds.

There’s a Moment in every good manga where the main character will say or do something that instantly endears them to you. That makes you think, “This is so me!” or “#ourgirl”. For a series that’s as socially aware as this is, Tomoko rejecting a purchase simply because she doesn’t want to give in to a higher entity’s persuasion is one of those key Moments. Stay woke, Tomoko.

If it were from anybody else, I feel like Tomoko would have gotten ticked off over a comment like that. Perhaps its because it’s Yuri, and Tomoko knows she isn’t the teasing type, and therefore, must be genuinely convinced that it wouldn’t fit Tomoko’s style.

And Yuri’s role as the replacement Yuu officially begins. Sorry, Ucchi.

As disturbing as it sounds, getting harassed by Tomoko like this is actually a mark which symbolizes that Tomoko’s gotten comfortable enough with you to see you as a close friend. Yuu’s the only one to have this, er, “privilege”, and I can’t help but find that freakishly meaningful.

Has Watamote seriously reached a high enough standard that simply wearing a cold shoulder top is enough to be considered fanservice?

Yes. Yes, it has.

Many of us readers were waiting for the moment when Tomoko realizes that Yuri is actually pretty sex...er, beautiful (sorry, calling Yuri “sexy” or “hot” just feels WRONG to me). This may mean that Tomoko is going to start lewding the girl in her mind. Now considering that Tomoko is all bark and no bite, that might actually be flattering to some degree. Maybe.

Ah, good times. Good...times.

I see, so it’s not actually the perving on girls that Tomoko enjoys. It’s the thrill of seeing someone swim in dangerous waters. The contrast between goodness and “badness” which inevitably leads to a firecracker display of embarrassment that Tomoko eats up like the nasty she is.

Once again, we’re reminded why Tomoko had trouble making friends in the first place.

I’m actually glad that Tomoko is under no illusions. This behavior is scummy, and she knows it. That said, she has her self-serving limits. By mentioning how she couldn’t do this before with the others, she knows that harassing normies like Nemo or punks like Yoshida would lead to her downfall. Whereas Yuri, whom Tomoko suddenly realized is a “pure n’ plain” girl, would likely not retaliate too much from a little sexual harassment. 

Doesn’t mean she won’t push her luck.  

You tend to forget that for being a quiet, introverted girl, Yuri is no pushover. She won’t go out of her way to actively antagonize you (usually), but when you try to push her into something she disagrees with, she’s solid as a rock. 

Take that, readers! Nico Tanigawa ain’t about to throw you two bones in one chapter.

I...wouldn’t put it past her. But that may actually be why Yuri has been so essential to Tomoko’s growth. Tomoko’s friendship with Yuu is solid, but Yuu’s sweetness was a crutch. Because Yuu accepts Tomoko wholeheartedly, the latter never had any motivation to really change herself. Yuri openly disapproves of Tomoko’s negative qualities, and it’s ultimately made the girl a slightly better friend.  

Sometimes, Nico Tanigawa uses the manga medium to their fullest advantage. In this case, playing with the dialogue and speakers. There’s nothing to indicate who’s saying this monologue. But that’s exactly it:

Both Tomoko and Yuri are thinking about this. These concerns and desires are applicable to each of them. Different as they are on the outside, they are, emotionally, more similar than they ever realized. 

This is a common defense mechanism for introverts. To avoid a blow to their self-esteem, they don’t put high expectations on their social lives. That way, they won’t be disappointed should those friendships drift apart. 

But sometimes, you meet some people. Maybe even just one person who you just click with. You can’t imagine drifting away from them because you feel like you lose so much. And suddenly, the protectiveness you feel by keeping everyone at a distance is penetrated by the very few who you’ve managed to embrace. Then you realize, late as Tomoko often does, that the path of least resistance is no longer viable. All that’s left is to march down the path full of risks if it means you get to keep what’s at the end of the rainbow.

Without a doubt...

The. 

Sweetest. 

Moment. 

EVER.

Nowadays, the chapters of Watamote end in one of two ways. A cringy, but non-meanspirited gag, or a bittersweet, but heartwarming self-reflection. The last one happens sporadically, or it’d start to lose its meaning, which is exactly what we get here. Tomoko is not an overly (deludedly, in the past) optimistic person. She’s more of a realist now. But when faced with a thought that hits the middle of being optimistic or pessimistic, Tomoko will steer more towards the latter. It’s a much healthier mindset that stays grounded in reality, but looks more towards the bright side. She didn’t have to call Yuri by her first name. But a small part of her told her that maybe, just maybe, getting a little closer to Yuri would lead their relationship towards something more.

This chapter really set the bar for Tomoko’s Golden Week. Let’s see how Nemoto and Katou fair following a tough act like that. 

[inexchangeforyoursoul]

... remember when I had that good swing on that long self-insert fic going? Yeah, me too. Good times. [ffn] [AO3]

Well... I sat the fuck down and finished up the next one. Joke is... 33 will be the hardest to do lmao I’m so not ready

Anyway, this instalment takes a Definitely Spoopy turn; wanted to publish it at Halloween for a reason, but, uh, as you can see... it’s mid fucking December. Not even the Robin time can rectify that.

32. White noise

“Oh, my, what pretty flowers have sprouted here overnight,” comes the amused voice of Robin from behind them not two seconds later.

Law’s eyes shoot up immediately, and he also sits up post-haste, almost headbutting the railing himself. “Nico-ya…” he starts with a wary drawl; “since when have you been here?” She's the nosy type, too… might have heard fucking everything. Shit.

Kat also turns towards her with open arms. “Ah, Robin!”

“I see you’re in a much better mood than before…. good for you,” she smiles at Kat immediately upon seeing her enthusiastic, flushed little face, and sprouts a hand on her back to give her head a scratching, which she seems to enjoy quite a lot. “As for your question… five minutes, maybe?” she shrugs then at Law as the moaning watering can in her hands is put to work. “Your vivid duet was hard to miss,” she continues with a chuckle. “You shouldn’t lie around in this weather, though, lest you catch Miss Kat a cold for next week.”

He feels blood rush to his face again. For some reason, getting caught laughing by her is as embarrassing as anything else. As is getting talked to like a toddler.

“I wasn’t planning on staying here much longer anyhow,” he grumbles with a huff. “We have business to attend to, not to mention that you being out gardening equals to everything getting wetter and colder, anyway.”

Next thing he knows is that she’s holding the can directly above him for a quick shower; he’s just dumbfounded, and Kat snorts as soon as the action registers.

“You’ll be the one to give me a cold this way, Robin,” she giggles then just as the woman moves on.

“Sorry, couldn’t resist… do you want me to get him one, too?” the archeologist asks then, offering the business end of the object.

“What’s with all of you today, I swear…” Law shakes his head, and the curly hair sprays everyone with the water that’s stuck among the curls. “Are you standing in for Nose-ya, or what?” Him, Carrot and Luffy are the only ones up for this kind of bullshit at any given time. And Chopper, whenever they can rake him into idiocy.

“I suppose someone has to,” she hums, pouring a little of the leftover water on Kat while passing. “It gets mundane without the kids around.” The can sinks into a barrel of water to refill.

“It sure was too peaceful out here to be true,” the man mumbles standing up, then bows down to shake out whatever water is left and willing to drop. “Or inside, for that matter. I’m missing a bunch of my crew for sure, and by the looks of it, so do you,” he says then, straightening up. He’ll need to fetch a towel, goddamn. Also, he’s officially really, really cold.

“Oh… everyone’s being scarce?” asks Kat while wiping the water off her face, then also swishing whatever possible out of her hair. Nami kept her company, but she couldn't help notice the empty seats during breakfast.

The archeologist nods. “Yes… I went ahead and checked the other ship on my way up myself. Nary a soul. And, as you may have noticed already, our wacky musician and sniper, as well as little doctor are yet to be accounted for. Since Franky just left with Sanji and Carrot to shop for odds and ends, this ship is as good as dead,” she states, pulling the filled container out of the barrel. She stops to think for a second. “I am a little worried, though,” she notes then, looking out towards town. “The boys may have gone out together, but Chopper is not one to stay out for an entire night. As an animal, he needs plenty of rest. I doubt he has that luxury out there… the commotion died off early in the morning, and the music is already starting up again.”

“Yeah, it's always pretty noisy on this weekend,” agrees Kat while Law murmurs something that sounds like a ‘thought so,’ likely referring to his crewmates. The ruckus is bad enough that she’s decidedly happy over being able to stay over for these two nights specifically.

“If they don’t get back soon I’ll have to assume they got themselves lynched in a dark alley,” the woman declares as the moaning ghost starts spewing water again.

“… even Brook?” muses the girl two seconds down the line with a raised brow and half a smile.

Hearing that brings back Robin’s, too. “Even though he’s already dead? Yes.”

Law finds the idea less funny. “Don’t jinx it, Nico-ya. I doubt they would have any problems with some ragtag thieves, but we know for a fact that there are some shifty folks out in some alleys,” he informs the woman while pointing towards Kat with a thumb, then starts rubbing himself for some warmth. He could have lived his entire life without having been reminded of that situation, really.

“… oh. Yeah, there was that, too, huh.” She… forgot about that, despite the adventure freaking her out quite a lot at the time. Thinking about this, she also stands up at last, patting the dirt and whatever there is off her dew-soaked thighs.

The tense focus returns. “Oh my… then I better get looking as soon as possible, don’t I.”

“I’m about to send Jean Bart out to collect our entourage, too. Might as well join him.” He’s there for sure, heard him cursing on his way up. Also the only other person to keep people on task on board of the Polar Tang, so there’s noone better to get those sad excuses of pirates moving again.

“Would you be so kind as to ask him to look for our lost ones in my stead, then?” Robin turns to Law after short consideration.

“Huh?” Backing out? Nico-ya, of all people? “Why that?”

She sighs. “I would prefer not to spend more time out with all the bushoo around is all… They make me feel uneasy, even despite the cute costumes.” She still thinks it was silly to miss out on most of the fair on Tuesday because of the minute weakness of being reminded of what happened in the city of water when she was alone with Chopper for a little, but last night, the entire flocks of them really made her nervous for some reason. She constantly felt like being watched by those vacant, painted-on eyes. All in all, soon after Nami and Carrot left, she also excused herself.

“Well, fine by me,” the man sighs then, giving his freezing self one last rub. “I guess you’ll be willing to come practice now, too?” he turns then to Kat while wiping a stray drop of water falling out of his hair.

“Um… yeah.” She’s getting unsure again, and can already see today becoming extremely awkward with the two of them just… being stuck in the same, cluttered room. Alone. Just… don’t think about it. Don’t think about it.

“Thank you,” Robin nods with notable relief, with the once more empty can in her flailing hand. “And you do your best, alright?” she smiles then at Kat, who’s also starting to get cold by the looks of it.

“No need to, Nico-ya,” Law replies while moving back direction hellcave, with Kat tiptoeing backwards in tow with a wave and hum.

Pretty much as soon as they enter the metal staircase, it becomes obvious how few people are around. Not because they are not physically present, but rather… the silence is too big for this to be a ship with twenty plus people on board.

Hearing someone make a racket under these circumstances sticks out like a sore thumb, though. As is the one making it in general.

Law turns a corner Kat has never taken before. She follows him awkwardly after a second of consideration, then takes a quick look around the humid room they arrive at; the showers are about as utilitarian as a place like this can get. There's four stalls, and a metal bench and shelves across them where some people have left some clothing articles and soap lying about. She also notes some pipes on the floor next to Jean Bart, who is standing in the middle in a small puddle and fills half the midspace himself… they must be for that leakage problem from the other day. Explains why he's ripping off half the metal ceiling, if nothing else.

“Jean, sorry to bother you right now, but would you be so kind and, uh, ‘collect’ our idiots from town?” asks Law without beating around the bush.

The burly man sighs. “Did think it right when considering it myself, ey? Will do, capt’n. I’m not the man for the rest of this, anyway.”

“Thanks,” Law waves with a nod, already turning around to trod deeper down into the submarine. “Oh, and… keep an eye out for the other bunch, while at it.”

An unwilling grunt. “… if I must.”

By the time they arrive at the bottom, a total silence sets in. And soon enough Kat has to admit that unfortunately, she cannot concentrate to save her life… exactly as she’s feared, she has difficulty paying attention. Only after five minutes, she becomes sickeningly aware of the fact that she’s all alone with Law, or, occasionally, it’s her imagination that starts tugging her away to other times and places. It’s all bad or embarrassing memories… no matter which happens, however, it’s on the uncomfortable side of nervous. Instead of butterflies, there are barely not cramping muscles on the menu. Not sure whether this is the better of the two worlds…

Just to make things harder, the ambience really seems off today. Like, yeah, the buzzing is still there, but at any other time, there’s the crew up and about every now and then on this floor, not to mention their voices can echo down here all the way up from the dining hall. But today… there’s nothing. Apart from her grumbling stomach, that is. Like in the evening, she couldn't get much food down her throat at breakfast, and it's finally catching up with her…

After an hour or so, the silence itself has grown into just another reason to be on edge, and soon enough, it’s Kat’s main concern. Instead of wanting to be in another room altogether, she gets the feeling that there’s some monster lurking outside in wait, making this room with Law in it the safest place available. Whenever the bells ring outside, it’s like thunder rolling in the dead of the night.

As such, she gets especially nervous upon him leaving said safe bubble after one of these ghastly tolls; if nothing else, it’s extra relieving to see his return in a few minutes. He doesn’t look all that happy with the situation, either.

“This is getting… weird,” he states upon arrival.

“… are they still not back?” That does not sound reassuring. Also, she does need her usual background noise to be somewhat less useless.

The man just hums. “A few of them are, including my three idiots… but something is definitely fishy about this. According to Bepo, they haven’t seen most of the crew since around 2 am when they wobbled back home, not to mention that they have apparently not run into Jean Bart this morning, either.” He sighs with worry, putting up his right to the chin in contemplation. “Maybe they are planning something stupid, since the other crew seems to be involved… but Clione and Uni are not the types who would participate in that, and they’ve been the first to bail.” In their case, it’s been nearly a day by now, too…

Kat also groans. “The submarine is really spooky with nothing but random noises down here… if this is supposed to be a joke, it’s not funny.”

“Same here. Those three just left again, so I asked them to keep an eye out… we’ll see in an hour or two. Until that… might as well have lunch? Or a very belated breakfast… while Fugu is still in.” He’d rather not tempt his luck twice.

As such, the girl gets to be in the dining hall once more. It is a very different experience with only eight people around, counting her, Law and the cook. Latter doesn’t even stay, but packs up to go grocery shopping as soon as they get their servings. Overall, the eerie silence persists. Once three other people leave to go fishing, it becomes nigh unbearable; it’s pure luck that she’s finished up by then. She pours another mug of the tasty, warm tea before descending back into the panic room.

Then the seconds, minutes, then likely multiple hours just pass, and pass in the same vein, until there is quite a racket, first upstairs, then quickly closing in as the staircase is indicating. Almost immediately after, the door bursts open, with three very familiar faces.

“Thank god, you’re still here,” sighs Penguin and nearly collapses from the relief.

“… I’m going to skip the ‘learn knocking’ part, and go straight to questions,” Law insists, his hand nervously grabbing onto the back of the chair. There’s officially a problem, and by god, is he in no position to be of use right now.

“Noone’s here!” cries Shachi; “First it was just weird, then weirder… since we saw literally no friends out in town…!! But then there was one of the fishing rods just lying around outside, and now we didn’t find anyone in the hall, either! I poked my nose into the kitchen while Pengu and Bepo had a look at the bedrooms, but not even Fugu is around! Half of the soup has gone and evaporated already… he should have been back ages ago!” By the time his rant comes to a close, he’s on the verge on tears. Bepo has been at it since the second line, and is sobbing into Penguin’s hat, who’s not even in the mood to scold him for getting it all bear snotty.

Without another word, Law is already outside, busting up door after door.

They open every single one of them, one by one, but there’s no life to be found. Wherever they look, the hallways, Ikkaku’s room, back door of the dining hall, engine, or even the cold room… it's all fallen silent. Not a single soul around apart from Kat, Law, Bepo, Shachi and Penguin. They don’t hear any noise until they enter the showers, where the faulty pipe is still dripping from above through the removed panels. The pulsating darkness gives Kat, who’s been following the boys around in panicked silence, the chills; were she alone, she’d get spooked by her own shadow.

There’s but a ringing in her ears. And it’s deafening.

[alexross123]

Fashion for the Heart Part 11

holy Shmokes guys, only a few more chapters and a new story comes out for you guys!! im so excited!!

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Pairing:None, just my boys with their gaurds :)

Word count:850

Previous Chapter

*******

It was somewhat uncomfortable having Nico on his back at all time, but he knows it’s for his own safety “So Nico, may I ask you something” the man driving nodded “Since when do you work with Roman” Nico says “I have been working with him since last year, he asked me yesterday to make sure to keep you safe from anyone who I or you consider dangerous sir” Verge felt old when Nico called him sir “Can you maybe call me Verge or at least Virgil, sir makes me feel old” Nico turns around towards him and says “Sure Virgil” Verge smiles at his security man, he guides him to his beauty school, but first, they decide to stop at a McDonalds.

At Patton’s house “So, what would you like to eat Ricky” Patton asks the guy who is in charge of his safety “I do not want to take that type of advantage of you sir” Pat laughs and says “It doesn’t bother me, and please call me Patton, sir is for older men” Patton somehow made the 6’5 man sit down at his table to eat, Ricky thanked the man who he has to protect “Thank you Patton, the food was delicious” Ricky grabs his plate and places it on the sink “Aw, it was nothing Ricky, it feels nice to make food for two, ever since Virgil moved out, I just make food for myself” .

Once Verge entered his class, he remembered something “Shoot, how could I forget” Nico looks at him and says “What’s wrong Virgil” Verge has an idea “Nico, can you do me a favour” Nico was suspicious about this “What type of favour do you need” Verge walks to his station and says “I forgot to bring someone today, I need someone to be my model, Can you be my model today” Verge flashes a huge smile to him “What type of model” Verge takes out his makeup, once Nico saw the makeup, his eyes went huge as a dinner plate “You want to apply makeup on me” Verge grins and nods “I shall agree, under one condition, Nobody finds out about this” Verge lifts his hand to represent he will keep his oath. Verge can tell everyone is looking at him, it’s not because of Nico, but because of the news yesterday, but he isn’t bothered, Nico was enjoying this more than he wanted to, the stroke of Verge’s brushes sooth him, they almost make him fall asleep, he would’ve, if it wasn’t for Verge laughing at him, once the teacher evaluates his makeup, Verge guides him towards the bathroom to wash his face from the makeup “Here, these are makeup removers, just wipe it and wash you face” Nico follows his instructions, but since he is 6’6, he has trouble to wash his face, once done, verge hands him a towel and they leave the bathroom, outside, One of the girls approach them “Hey Virgil, want to introduce me to your friend” Nico could tell he was uncomfortable with this “Nico this is Vanessa, Vanessa this is Nico” He could tell that Vanessa wanted to jump his bones, Nico had a stone poker face on “I am sorry ma’am, I am here to work for Mr. Virgil, plus, I am happily in a relationship at the moment” Nico starts to walk away and hears the girl fuss, He and Verge wait until the car to laugh, Verge felt more comfortable with Nico, he felt like a friend instead of his security “Hey, is it true you have a partner” Nico starts the car and said “Yes, Ricky” Verge couldn’t believe it “Wait, Ricky, as in the guy who takes care of my dad Ricky?” Nico nods his head, Verge never expected him to be together with Ricky.

“Wait, Nico is your boyfriend” Pat asks Ricky in the middle of the store isle “Please Patton, maintain a low voice, but yes, I have been going out with him for 5 years now” Pat couldn’t help to awe, it was cute “So, do you guys work out together or something like that” Ricky grins at the man and says “Yes, we work out in the gym of Mr. Roman, we both live there since we work with him, i have more time than Nico, he has just one year working for him, I have five years” Patton found that adorable, plus, both of them are really buffed and tall, that must be interesting, Pat has to look at him upwards from how tall he is.

“Sir, can you please give us some information about your son’s relationship” “are you involved with them at all” Pat soon got bombarded by people, Ricky got in front of him to protect him, since he has big muscles, he covers him in total, Pat grabs his shirt as Ricky pushes all of the paparazzi to the side, once clear he says “Thank you Ricky” Ricky checks if he’s ok “That is why I’m here, are you ok” Pat nods and they head towards the register.

******

Tag List: @lamp-calm-sanders @novagalaxy4real @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch @emo-sanders-sides-loving-unicorn @bobatea-boi @bubblycricket @michealawithana @hanramz-the-fander @random7happens

[onceuponaloonatic]

here’s the chaetzu part to the misahyo au !! sorry this took so long :/ but not that i’m done it means i can offically start working on asks again !! my finals are next week so i’m almost done thankfully...

“I’m heading out Mom!” Tzuyu sighed when she heard Emi yell that. It was followed by loud footsteps down the stairs and the loud closing of the door. It wasn’t that she was opposed to Emi going out, it’s just, it had been happening so much lately. Every time Emi was at home, it was never for very long. She would leave after school for sports practices and every weekend was spent hanging out with her friends doing god knows what. She didn’t even get back until late, usually after eleven. They had tried to not be too strict with her. Tzuyu’s parents were really strict, so she and Chaeyoung had agreed on trying to not be too strict with Emi. Unless her grades were really bad, which they never were, they gave Emi the freedom to go out whenever she wanted so long as she was home by eleven and they usually never even asked. However, lately, Emi has been going out a lot. And the worst part was she never told Tzuyu or Chaeyoung. She would just show up at home and if they asked she would just say out with her friends. Tzuyu had been fine with it for a while, but considering the magnitude Emi was out it was starting to get concerning.

“I know that sigh.” Chaeyoung giggled. “What’s wrong?” “She just- she’s been going out a lot lately.” “Yes she has, but her grades are still the same and she seems to be doing okay.” “Chaeyoung, how would we know? Every Saturday and Sunday she’s gone until after dinner and on weekdays she’s at soccer unti dinner.” Tzuyu sighed. “We barely talk to her any more.” “She’s fifteen Tzu, I highly doubt hanging out with her parents is something she wants to be doing.” Chaeyoung rolled her eyes. “You were the same way at her age, you used to sneak into my room every other night.” 

“That’s exactly what I’m worried about.” Tzuyu rolled her eyes. “What a nice girl like Emi getting corrupted just like you did?” Chaeyoung giggled. “You didn’t corrupt me.” Tzuyu giggled as Chaeyoung’s arms wrapped around her waist. 

“In your parents' eyes I did.”  Chaeyoung giggled. “You know I don’t care about that stuff.” Tzuyu grabbed one of Chaeyoung’s hands and kissed it. “I know, but it’s a little hot isn’t it?” Chaeyoung joked, causing Tzuyu to giggle. “Anyway about Emi, she is just growing up, you really don’t need to worry about it.” 

“You're right.” Tzuyu sighed. “Plus, look on the bright side, without her here we can have a little fun of our own.” Chaeyoung giggled, getting on her tiptoes to sneak a kiss from Tzuyu. Tzuyu happily melted into the kiss, putting her arms around Chaeyoung’s waist. “Slow down, I do have to go into work later.” Tzuyu muttered once they pulled away. “Lame.” Chaeyoung pouted.

“Not all of us can work on our own schedules like you.” Tzuyu pointed out, tracing one of her hands up Chaeyoung’s arm. Over the years, the shorter woman had collected quite a few tattoos, something Tzuyu was not complaining about. Chaeyoung’s always looked so good, and Tzuyu admired her ability to just go for it with tattoos. Tzuyu herself only had two, both done by her wife, but she had always thought about maybe getting another if she could ever think of an idea. Chaeyoung seemed to have the opposite problem, her mind was constantly coming up with new interesting ideas for tattoos. “It does help that I’m friends with my boss.” Chaeyoung giggled. “Yeah well not all of us are that lucky.” Tzuyu pulled Chaeyoung into another kiss. “Some of us have to work Saturdays-” Tzuyu was interrupted when the doorbell rang. She and Chaeyoung shared a look before Chaeyoung unwrapped her arms from Tzuyu and went to open the door. “Oh, hello Hansol.” Chaeyoung greeted once the door was open. Hansol was standing there waiting with their bike, looking like they were looking for someone. “Hi Aunt Chaeyoung, is Emi here?” Hansol asked. “No sorry kiddo she just left.” Chaeyoung apologized. “Did you need her for something?” “The two of us were supposed to watch Nico together today…” Hansol trailed off. “Oh yeah, I remember Sana asking to borrow you two.” Tzuyu muttered as she came over. “She might be back soon if you want to wait,” Chaeyoung offered. “Oh no, it’s okay. I already tried calling her but she didn’t answer so I’m guessing if she just left she won’t be back for a while.” Hansol sighed, pushing their hair out of their face. “I can try calling her if she wants, she usually picks up if it’s me.” Chaeyoung offered. “Oh no I- it’s fine. It’s not that big of a deal. I mean I’ve never watched Nico alone but I-I think I can manage.” “I’ll just call her. We don’t want to assume she isn’t coming back just in case she is.” Chaeyoung reasoned, taking her phone out and calling Emi, putting it on speaker for Hansol to hear. It rang twice before Emi picked up. “Hey Mama, what’s up?” Emi greeted. “Hey Em, Hansol is here with me. I think you were supposed to watch Nico today with them.” Chaeyoung informed her daughter. “Oh shoot, yeah I’m sorry Han I totally forgot.” Emi sighed. “I can watch her next time this happens.” “I-uh yeah okay. I already got your movie ticket though, we were supposed to take her to see the new kids movie that just came out.” “Oh right, I’ll pay you back when I see you at school on Monday, does that sound good?”  Emi offered. “Yeah, that’s fine.” Chaeyoung and Tzuyu could both feel the pain Hansol was going through. It was so obvious from their face, and it hurt both of them. Everyone knew about Hansol’s crush on Emi, they weren’t exactly subtle. But Chaeyoung and Tzuyu both knew their daughter didn’t like Hansol back, or if she did she was really bad at showing it, which made them both feel terrible for the poor kid. 

“Great thanks, see you around Hansol!” And just like that, Emi hung up. 

“Hey Han, I can watch Nico today if you are too nervous about watching her alone. I don't have anything going on and I would like to think I have plenty of experience with her.” Chaeyoung offered after putting her phone away. 

“No, No Auntie, it's okay. She was really looking forward to the movie and I promised I would take her so…” Hansol trailed off. “Thanks for your help.” Hansol bowed before turning around and taking off on their bike. 

“Hansol is a good kid.” Chaeyoung commented once they were gone. 

“Yeah they are…” Tzuyu sighed. “I don't think Emi is handling that whole situation very well. I know you said we shouldn't get involved unless she comes to us but…”

“I know.” Chaeyoung was well aware of how much Tzuyu could worry sometimes. It may not seem like it at first, but Tzuyu had always been a worker. She was worried if Emi was comfortable or eating enough when she was little. Tzuyu was worried Chaeyoung was working too much when she worked at her old shop. She worried if Emi was doing okay and nor secretly struggling with something. Chaeyoung had always thought it was sweet, but she also knew there were times it was too much and Tzuyu needed to step back for her own and others sake. “But I think it's something Emi should approach us about. I promise, it will workout.”

Chaeyoung could practically feel her wife disagreeing with her as she kissed her.