#Oh boy what'd they announce this time

[awearywritersworld]

"do you like me?" "nope."

gojo satoru x reader summary: even yuuji realizes that gojo has a crush on you, but you're oblivious as ever w/c: 1.1k tags/warnings: ft. yuuji and megumi. fluff. super light angst. lots of banter. a lil mutual pining. yuuji and gojo being chaotic. gender neutral reader. a/n: not sure how this turned out, but it was fun to write! masterlist check out my latest work for gojo here

"(l/n)-sensei!!"

you're trying to relax and really, fifteen minutes is all you want, but these days that seems impossible.

you turn your head toward the sparring field just in time to see yuuji fly into a tree about 30 yards away. megumi is already on the ground struggling to get up.

meanwhile gojo is prancing, literally prancing, in the opposite direction. you walk toward the group with a mixture of annoyance and disappointment playing across your features, all your hope for some peace and quiet crushed.

"that was awesome!" the pink haired boy shouts from amid a mess of leaves and branches.

gojo gushes over the praise, his hands pressing against his cheeks. "thank you, yuuji! it's nice to know someone around here appreciates my unmatched strength."

"i don't remember offering to be a part of the demonstration," megumi grumbles, finally rising to his feet.

his demeanor is less than pleased and you glance at him sympathetically before turning to gojo. "you do know that you're an adult, right? like, as in, a fully grown man."

"(y/n)-chaaaaan, you're always so mean to me," he whines, grabbing your hands dramatically. "what have i done to deserve such cruel treatment?"

"today or in general?" you pretend to think for a second. "i seem to remember you waking me up at seven this morning so that you didn't have to go to your meeting with masamichi-san alone-"

"he was mad at me for skipping the last one i had!"

"-and then you hid my phone for almost an hour because i wouldn't give you my last candy bar-"

"i was starving, (y/n)-chan! it wasn't my fault, you know that!"

"-and then you destroyed that tree, which i really happened to like by the way."

his gaze flickers toward that direction, the splintered wood a sad remnant of what it used to be, then throws his arms in the air. "this is so unfair!"

"(l/n)-sensei! did you see?" yuuji calls out, already fully recovered and bounding toward you.

"i sure did." you chuckle at his tattered clothes and unfazed attitude.

"what'd ya think?"

you really can't bring yourself to scold him, not with all the excitement in his voice. "oh, it was certainly something."

"did you hear that, gojo-sensei?" yuuji lights up.

megumi disguises his laugh with a cough. "i don't think that was a compliment."

the boy visibly deflates so you ruffle his hair. "it was pretty cool, i just don't want you getting hurt." that earns a grin, to your relief.

"so i get yelled at, but you're nice to him?" gojo pouts indignantly.

"yes."

"ugh! this is killing me, (y/n)-chan!" he announces before promptly knocking you to the ground, the action something between a hug and a tackle.

"gojo, get off of me!" you yell, though there's a hint of laughter in your voice.

"i can't! not until you forgive me!"

your giggles ring through the air, music to gojo's ears, and your hands push him away as he tries to tickle your sides. you look like two kids, rolling around in the grass and shouting at one another.

yuuji leans in toward megumi, his voice hushed as if he's about to reveal the world's biggest secret. "i'm starting to think there's something going on between those two."

his friend looks at him as if he's grown a second head. "you're just now noticing?"

~~~

you're making dinner in your apartment while gojo sits on the kitchen floor, his legs splayed out and taking up nearly half of the small room. his blindfold had been discarded at one point or another, something he made a habit of doing when it was just the two of you.

"what are we having tonight, chef?"

"me? i'm having braised chicken thighs. i'm not sure about you though," you tease.

you didn't invite him to dinner, he just kind of followed you back to your place after sparring practice. you don't really mind, you never do, not that you'd ever admit it out loud.

"you wouldn't give me your candy bar and now you won't have dinner with me either? today is the worst! is this still about the tree? i told you i was sorry-"

"geez i was just kidding!" you cut him off. "of course you can have some, but only if you get the flour off the top shelf for me."

"i guess that's a fair trade," he reasons, rising to his feet lazily.

the cabinet is just to your left, so his body presses into yours as he reaches up, the contact making your heart flutter.

"thanks," you exhale when he sets it down within your reach.

he doesn't return to his sitting position, just leans against the counter and watches you carefully stir the ingredients in the pan.

"do you like me?" he inquires suddenly.

"nope."

"hm, do you like like me?" he suggests, a small smirk playing at his lips.

"gojo, that's honestly defamatory."

he rolls his eyes playfully. "c'mon, be serious."

"you be serious," you challenge the usually facetious man.

"i am."

resting your spoon on the pan, you turn to face him, unsure if he's just messing with you like always. the room is silent, save for the faint popping of oil, as he waits for you to say something.

"why do you wanna know?"

"'cause i like you, why else?"

your hands gather the fabric of your apron nervously, crumpling it between your fingers while you avoid his gaze. his words strike you as entirely implausible. after all, he's gojo and you're, well, you.

"you... you shouldn't joke about stuff like that."

he laughs at you and it breaks your heart a little, but then you feel two lithe hands on either side of your face. "(y/n), look at me."

you do, albeit apprehensively, and his eyes bore into your own with an intensity you aren't familiar with. it makes your knees feel weak. a smile tugs at his lips before they capture your own, the movement slow and soft.

your fingers reach up to wrap around his wrist, an attempt to steady yourself against him, before one of his hands travels down to your hip and gives it a light squeeze.

you taste so sweet, feel so perfect in his hands, that gojo kicks himself for waiting so long to kiss you. his lips move to the corner of your mouth, across your cheek, then begin to work their way up your jaw. he hums against your skin, satisfied with the breathy noises he's pulling from your throat.

then, the smell of burning invades your senses and you pull away from each other with wide eyes, exclaiming in unison. "the food!"

[urwhorecrux]

poly!marauders x drunk!reader at a party and reader needy but they don’t want to help reader because they don’t want to do anything when reader basically unconscious of what’s happening because reader is drunk. So they try to explain to reader that they will gladly take care of them after they get better and go to bed. Thank you!

<3

⋆ ˚⁀➷ ₊˚⊹⋆ Our darling poly!marauders.

pairing. poly!marauders x fem!reader.

warnings. mentions of alcohol, alussions to sex, pet names.

a/n. SRRYYYY this is a little blurb, i've been busy doing yet another sport. also didnt mean to leave sirius out in the end oops. not proofread.

masterlist.

Your boyfriends leaving you alone for a moment seemed like a good idea. maybe a new way for you to socalize, or to spend more time with girls from your house- until it was the opposite.

Sirius came back to finding you on the couch, completely out of it with not a single thought in your eyes. It was nearly the same for him, but he was slightly more conscious of everything around him, surprisingly.

"Where have you two been?" James was ecstatic to see you, as always.

He'd been more than pleased when you showed up to the party they'd planned after they won the quidditch cup, even wearing James' uniform.

"Sorry prongs, jus' wondered off for a while", sirius grinned, wrapping an arm around you before placing sloppy kisses across your face.

"Alright yea that's jus' great pads, c'mon let's just take her up", james gently lifts you off the couch, draping your hands across his shoulders as he cradles you.

You giggle at this feeling, loving the feel of Jame's rough biceps after all those years of qudditch, and the way Sirius' hair sits as he follows along, gently cupping your face rambling out undescribable words.

James signals for Remus, noticing he's busy by the chocolate fountain, discovering anything that was possible to dip in there.

"Moooonnyyy", you call out, a giggling mess.

His ears perk instantly as his eyes widen, the sight of you drunk was funny to James and Sirius, but to him he always seemed more concerned.

"You smell like firewhiskey, what'd we say about firewhiskey?" he pouts, slowly rubbing your head.

You're in James' arms, still being cradled as the other two boys follow along, Sirius being a stumbling mess and Remus being prepared to catch him if he tumbled down the stairs. The door opens, the smell of a warm fire going and soft cologne fills your head, James carefully places you on his bed.

"I'll have one night of passion with her first, if you don't mind," Sirius announces, stumbling over to the bed.

"C'mere Siri", you call, desperately needing his touch, unaware of James and Remus hurriedly stopping him.

"Not tonight Pads, tommorrow we'll take care of her", Remus smirks, "Tonight you're both sloppy drunks, later".

Sirius can't help but get defensive in a dramatic manor, now arguing with Remus as James approaches you with an old t shirt of his.

"Oh, Jamie" you smile widely, still slightly dazy about everything going on in the room. "You're here to finally kiss me? Want you so bad Jami-" you cut off by James shoving his t-shirt over your head.

"No dove, not tonight tomorrow when you feel better, promise", he places a soft kiss against your forehead, now going to the other side of the bed and spooning you.

Remus approaches, now laying your head on his chest as he settles comfortably.

"Rem, t-tell him 's not fair" you groan, nuzzling into his neck.

Remus shakes his head, whispering "tomorrow, tomorrow," as he gently kisses your cheek.

Sirius stumbles towards the bed, nearly yelling goodnight to everyone as he tumbles down on the couch, falling asleep in almost a weirdest, yet comfortable enough for him position.

[thebearer]

lip gallagher with baby mia when one of the boys accidentally hurts her while they’re playing🥺

"How long you think they'll stay out there?" Lip rasped, hands smoothing down your waist, your hips.

"Hm," You sigh, leaning back against his chest, his chin hooking over your shoulder. "Probably not long enough." You grin.

Lip presses a kiss to your shoulder- inviting. "Think we could make it quick." Lip muttered, hips flush against yours. "Just bend over f'me, I'll be real quick-"

A screech, high pitched and urgent had you both stilling, every parental atom in your bodies halting and jumping with alarm. Lip looked out the window over the sink. Jude, Freddie, and Ronan all standing in a half circle over Amelia.

"Shit," Lip muttered, bounding out the back door towards the kids. "What happened? What's goin' on?" He demanded, looking at his boys with a stern glare.

Amelia sobbed, big tears that streamed down her cheeks, hands and knees skinned and bleeding. "What happened? C'mere, Mia." Lip cooed, picking up the four year old, holding her to his hip.

All three of his boys stared at him, unmoving, a little guilty. "Hey, I'm not askin' again." Lip snapped, firm and commanding. "What happened? How did your sister get hurt?"

You came down the steps, a wet cloth in hand, just in time to see Ronan start to crack. He was your baby, never very good at lying, especially to you.

"Oh, Mia, what happened? Are you ok?" You cooed, running a hand down her messy curls. "Roanie," You looked at your youngest softly. "What happened? Did she fall?"

"Yeah," Jude said before Ronan could answer. "She-She tripped."

"Ronan," You hummed. "Did your sister trip?"

Ronan fidgeted under the looks of you and Lip, unsure and nervous with his brother's beside him. You and Lip knew better, knew that one of them got too rough and pushed her.

"Jude pushed her." Freddie rolled his eyes. "Jude just own up to it. You're gonna get us all in trouble." He muttered.

"I didn't mean to!" Jude snarled, diving at his brother to smack him in a way that contradicted his opposition. "She wanted to play with us, and-and she got in the way!"

"Yeah? You're supposed to be careful." Lip tried to contain his irritation. Jude was a kid, they all were, only seven. "You're not 'sposed to lie to us either. What'd we say about that?"

"It's not fair!" Jude whined, shoulders dropping in a fit. "You make us play with Mia, and she doesn't even know how to! She cries all the time!"

"Hey," Lip snapped.

"Jude," You pressed a hand to Lip's arm soothingly. "You just have to be a little careful with her, ok? She's still little." Jude bristled with anger, lip jutting and face scrunching- he looked just like Lip. "And Mia, when the boys are playing, you need to get out of their way, ok?" You turn towards your youngest.

Lip glares at you, hugging Mia closer to his chest. You fight back an eye roll, he babied her so much- so soft now.

"Take her inside. I'll get the first aid in a sec." You mutter to Lip, nodding towards the door. "C'mere, Judie." You coo, pulling the sulking, young boy close.

"I know you don't like playing with your sister all the time, but thank you for including her." You whisper, your forehead against his. "She loves playing with you."

"I know." Jude sighs, breath a little shaky. "She just... She gets in the way, Mama."

"I know." You hum, hand stroking down his curls. "Just let me know next time, ok? You don't push people down."

"I didn't mean to." Jude whined. "She was in my way."

"Still," You countered. "You don't push. Tell her to move, and if she doesn't, come get me or Daddy, ok?" Jude nods, still a little pouty. "Ok, go play. You guys have about an hour then it's bath time." You announced, pressing a kiss to the top of Jude's head, before the three boys scattered back out to play.

Lip had Mia in his lap, rocking her soothingly while he tried to wipe away the dirt. He was so gentle, holding the cloth to her hands and pressing kisses to the palms. It made your heart burst.

"How's it look?" You ask, reaching under the sink for the First Aid- with four kids, it was always stocked.

"Just scraped." Lip muttered. "Think it just needs Neosporin and some bandaids."

"Does it hurt, baby?" You ask Mia, frowning lightly at her quivering little lip.

"Yeah." Amelia nodded, curling into Lip's lap. "I fell'd, and-and hurt my hands and my knees, Mama." She lisped, rubbing her wet eyes.

"I know. Daddy's been taking care of you, though, hasn't he?" You coo, pulling the Neosporin out. "Here, this will make you feel better, ok? Let Mama put it on."

"Burn?" Mia asked, pulling her hands back frantically before you could put the cream on. You'd had to use peroxide on a cut for her a few weeks ago and she'd screamed at the burn. Now she was terrified all medicine would burn.

"No, not burn. You won't feel this one at all." You hum, slathering her little scrapes in Neosporin. "You wanna pick out your bandaids?"

[uluvjay]

List 5, prompt 2 from the family section. I was thinking reader is the only Hughes daughter and ends up dating Trevor

"Where were you last night?"

Trevor Zegras x Hughues sister!

Warnings?; sneaking around, getting caught, secret relationship, lying, talk of hickeys, Reader is jack's twin, cursing.

You had fucked up. Rule number one of secretly dating your brother's best friend that was currently staying with you was to not fall asleep in their room that was on a different floor than yours.

But you did and by the time you had awoke it was five till seven meaning Quinn would be up for his morning run any minute and you had to move fast. You jumped out of Trevor's bed and threw on one of his hoodies, grabbed your phone and booked it to your bedroom, the second you got under your covers you heard your big brothers door open.

-

You had ended up falling back asleep for another two hours and this time you took your time waking up and decided to get ready for the day. As you stripped Trevor's hoodie off the light purple color on your collar bone caught your eye in your mirror.

You walked up to it examining the multiple little marks that were scattered around your collar bone and chest, cursing your boyfriend. You opted to slide one of the hoodies you had stolen from one of your brothers instead of Trevor's.

As you made it to the kitchen you saw Jack, Quinn, and Cole all gathered at the island, Quinn looked freshly showered while the other two looked like they had just woken up as well.

"Morning sis" Jack greeted as you walked in, the other's greeting you as well.

"Morning boys" you greeted back and stole a berry from jack's fruit bowl.

After a few minutes of small talk Quinn asked you a question that had your stomach dropping in anxiety, "Hey uh, where were you last night?" Your twin and Cole both whipped their heads to you at the question.

"What'd you mean? i was in my room" you laughed hoping he believed me.

"No you weren't, I came in at like midnight to see if i could borrow a blanket and you were nowhere to be found" he said, arms now crossed.

"Maybe i was in the bathro-" you started but was cut off by a yawning Trevor

"Morning everyone" he greeted as he walked in and you immediately dropped you head into your hands at the sight of your shirtless boyfriend.

His chest was also littered with light purple marks and he sported fresh scratch marks from your manicure on his back, you didn't look up as you heard Cole bust out in laughter.

"I think we know where she was last night" he snickered

"What?" Trevor asked confused before Cole pointed to his chest, "Oh..Oh shit" he said coming to a realization.

"Wait! are you two sleeping together!?" Quinn exclaimed

"Hold on!, before we continue i need to call Alex he lost the bet" Cole laughed loudly as he exited the kitchen.

"No we're dating.." you trailed off scared of how your twin was going to react.

Quinn didn't reply just dropped his head into his hands, "I always knew you two would end up together" jack laughed before continuing, "But she better have a ring before you knock her up Zegras" he warned the brunette next to you as he came around and hugged you.

"She will, I promise" Trevor promised as jack pulled him into a bro hug.

Quinn still hadn't expressed his feelings and your heart was in your stomach, you knew him and Trevor always joked about not liking each other but you really hoped he was okay with your relationship.

After a few moments of a thick silence he came to stand in front of you, "He makes you happy?", you nodded

"Treat you right?"

"yes"

"Okay then, as long as your happy I'm happy" he smiled and pulled you into a tight hug.

"Zegras, you break her heart i'll break your face on the ice, we clear?" he threatened

"Yup, we're clear" your boyfriend agreed

Quinn gave him a smile before announcing he was going to wake Luke up so he could hear the news.

Trevor smiled down at you and pulled you into him, placing a few small kisses to the top of your head and whispering an "I love you" but your moment was cut short as your twin came running back into the kitchen with a gasp.

"Dude! this means we're officially brothers now!" He cheered and your immature boyfriend started cheering and jumping as Jack pulled the two of you into a group hug.

-

[carpememes]

Oban Star Racers Starters (part 2)

"Good thing I ate light."

"How was today's training?"

"They're making good progress. You'll be very happy."

"Me, me, me. A simple 'good luck' would be nice just once."

"Thinking about your dad again?"

"Now's the time to show Daddy what you're really made of."

"Unfortunately my dad happens to be a complete jerk."

"Keep digging. Remember I don't like surprises."

"Out of my way! I need this victory!"

"Cut her some slack, you're just gonna freak her out."

"I asked you to coach them, not me."

"What do you think I'm doing? Knitting you a sweater?"

"You did the best you could to stop them, but they still won the race."

"Maybe it's time you got a life."

"My life is perfectly fine as it is, thank you."

"I'd sure hate to be your son. Or for that matter, your daughter."

"You really have no sense of adventure."

"We're racing. Or was that not obvious enough for you?"

"I cut all links to my past in order to survive."

"I can't believe you managed to keep this from me all these years."

"Let's get out there and kick some alien butt!"

"You'd think I'd be more relaxed by now, but it's just the opposite."

"The higher we climb, the more I fear our fall."

"I don't make a habit of befriending opponents. It can lead to disappointment."

"I'm counting on you, my darling."

"Have you ever known me to be careless, honey?"

"I know that wicked creature."

"If we don't get him, he'll get us!"

"This creature is evil. We have to get rid of him, trust me."

"I'm asking you for the last time! Come to your senses!"

"I know who you are. You're not alone in life."

"I wish you would never have left me."

"Your optimism is commendable but I find that unlikely."

"Our relationship has always been rather tense, wouldn't you say?"

"If I was your daughter, I'd never want to see you again!"

"I just wanted to cheer on the kids."

"This is much better than being in the hospital."

"I do this under protest."

"Not even I could have pulled that stunt."

"Please don't look at me this way. It only makes it harder."

"It's time for me to think about my new life."

"You could sleep through anything."

"They've not been locked in. We've simply been locked out."

"I could stay here forever."

"Don't even breathe. Run for your life when I say go."

"I'm told he won't bite."

"On my planet, when you make a promise you keep it."

"Any attempt of a competitor's life is strictly forbidden!"

"If you're ready, we're off to the races!"

"I'm just keeping an eye on him. There's no law against that is there?"

"We don't need a dad to come along."

"I hope you're pleased with yourself. I was scared, you know!"

"Next time you're thinking of going on a little stroll, you're on your own."

"Where on earth have you been? We've been worried sick!"

"I'd advise you not to take my authority lightly."

"So long, pretty boy, I'll send you a card."

"I refuse to believe it's the end of the world."

"Oh great. Let them eat somebody else."

"That man is totally heartless."

"I never miss a music recital. Would you care to join. me?"

"No need to worry. ___'s in good hands."

"Oh, brilliant shortcut. We should just announce ourselves."

"You'll find heaters in the storage area."

"What'd she do? Steal from your shop? Leave her hotel room without paying for it?"

"She was up all night waiting for your call."

"I'm gonna win the race today!"

"I knew today was my day."

"So many possibilities... It's beautiful."

"The day a tin can gets the better of me I quit."

"Looks like we have a clear night tonight."

"I've never had a chance to ask you much about your life."

"I see. An only child. Your parents must've smothered you."

"If I were your daughter, you'd know it immediately."

"I hope you haven't forgotten our special date."

"Tonight's our anniversary. How could I forget that?"

"You really pulled out all the stops tonight, haven't you?"

"You married a racer, not a dancer."

"I've never actually waltzed before."

"I wish every night could be like this."

"Why, look who's here. It's my little champion."

"My poor baby. It's okay now, we're back."

"You've made me the happiest man in the world."

"Space would be a terrible place for me to die."

"Have you gone mad? We cannot stop half way."

"Stay away from me. For your own protection."

"Forget we were ever friends."

"Let's stick to the official theories, if you don't mind."

"I've wanted to tell you this for a long time, but something always seems to get in the way."

"Of course, if you don't feel the same way, I totally understand."

"You don't have to say anything. I'll just leave these flowers here and wait outside."

"Why did you change?!"

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Prepare For Trouble

Tommy and Kat have a plan to finally catch Jason's Pikachu!

-----------

Jason, Billy, Trini, Zack and Kim had just sat down to eat when familiar theme music echoed tthrough the clearing.

Jason sighed as he stared hungrily at his food. "Of course they'd show up now."

"Prepare for trouble!" Kat announced.

"Make it double!" Tommy answered.

"Can't this wait until after lunch?" Kim asked.

"To protect the world from devastation!" Kat continued.

"To unite all peoples within our nation!" Tommy echoed.

"Statistically speaking, Team Rocket does have an eighty percent chance of showing up at the most inconvenient time," Billy pointed out.

"Only eighty? Feels higher," Trini commented.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Mm mmhm hmm!" Zach took a drink of water to clear his full mouth. "You said it Trini."

"Kat!"

"Tommy!"

"Team Rocket, blasting off at the speed of light!" Kat posed so her arm and leg took the shape of an "R".

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight, fight, fight!" Tommy completed the pose with his back against hers. Solidifying the "R's" spine.

"Purrsian! That's right!" Saba finished holding up Jason's Pikachu in front of them.

"Pika!" He called from inside the electricity proof glass bubble.

"Hey!" Jason's head turned from Team Rocket to the empty space where his Pikachu was eating his food and back again. He shot to his feet, hand scrambling for a PokeBall. "Give him back!"

"Aaaand that's all the time we have folks!" Tommy called down from their hot air balloon. "See you next week!"

"Venasaur use razor leaf!" Billy shouted. "Wouldn't it be easier to just catch a wild Pikachu like a normal person?"

"Pidgeot gust!" Tommy countered.

"Where's the fun in that?" Kat asked.

"Besides, our boss is obsessed with this Pikachu," Saba added, tapping the glass cage with his paw.

Before the rest of them could attack Tommy directed his Pidgeot to blow them quickly away.

"Pikachu!" Jason called out dramatically as Team Rocket became a speck in the distance.

"Oh boy." Billy pulled out his Pokedex and started disassembling it for the fifth time. At least he knew what he was doing now.

"Uh, Billy? What you up to dude?" Zach asked.

"If I can combine the Pokedex's scanning capabilities with Pikachu's unique waveform stored in his PokeBall I should be able to triangulate their geographical location."

"... Come again?" Kim asked.

"He's making a Pikachu tracker," Trini explained.

"Ohhh," they all chorused.

Meanwhile, at Team Rocket's "evil" makeshift campsite:

"Genius using our motto as a distraction while Saba snuck up behind them Kat," Tommy praised with his head in her lap.

"I know." Kat gave him a teasing grin as she brushed a knot out of his hair.

"Ow!"

Saba rolled his eyes in exasperated fondness at his humans before turning back to their 'guest'. "Why hasn't your human given you a name besides 'Pikachu'?"

"Pikachu pika Pikachu!" Pikachu huffed, crossing his little arms and turning his nose up at the Purrsian.

"Alright, fair enough," Saba conceded, throwing his paws up in surrender.

"What'd he say?" asked Tommy.

"He said 'Pikachu's name is Pikachu' which is honestly very Pikachu of him."

Pikachu's ears twitched but he didn't open his eyes.

Kat chuckled. There were times Saba forgot to explain certain subtleties of the Pokemon lexicon. "Sounds like Jason just got lazy."

"Pi-pika! Pikachu!"

"Well that's not very nice," Saba admonished.

"What's that rodent saying about my wife?" Tommy made to stand but Kat pushed him back down.

"He can say whatever he likes from inside that globe."

"Piii! Kaaaa! Chuuuuuu!" Lightning flashed bright enough to give Saba afterimages but not a spark escaped. The effort leaving Pikachu winded.

"So!" Saba started once Pikachu got his breath back. "How do you feel about unions?"

Pikachu tilted his head. "Pi-ka?"

----------

Tommy was woken up by the loss of circulation in his wrists. "Wha...?" he looked up. "Oh no."

"Oh yes!" Jason grinned, wearing an imitation Team Rocket uniform.

"Please, this is embarrassing for everyone!" Kat said, tied up next to Tommy.

"Prepare for trouble!" Jason ignored them pressing play on the theme song.

"And make it double double!" Zack backflipped into view.

"To protect the world from devastation!" Trini posed.

"To ignite all peoples within our nation!" Kim mirrored her.

"This is just insulting," Saba hissed, hogtied.

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Billy continued.

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jason!"

"Zack!"

"Trini!"

"Kim!"

"And Billy! That's right!"

"Team Rocket, blasting off at the speed of light!" Zack grabbed Kim and hoisted her up like they practiced.

"Surrender now or prepare to fight all of us!" Trini demanded.

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu finished.

"Man, that was fun!" Zack grinned.

"Yeah, now I know why they say that dumb stuff all the time!"

"First of all," Tommy gritted his teeth. "It's 'unite all people within our nation' not ignite."

"If you're going to mock us you might as well get it right!" Kat snapped, trying to look imposing despite being tied up.

"Oh don't worry," a mischievous glint came into Jason's eye. "There's one catchphrase we left all for you."

"W-why do I get the feeling we're not going to like this?" Saba asked.

"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!"

Several thousand volts of electricity launched Team Rocket into the sky. Their bindings burning off and trailing smoke from the explosion.

Tommy crossed his arms. "In hindsight, we definitely could've parked further away."

Kat sighed. "Boys, I think it's time we went freelance."

"Boss finally get to ya?" Saba smirked.

"She wants that Pikachu so bad she can come down here and get it herself!"

"What about the name?" Tommy pouted. "It's trademarked."

"Since when has that stopped us?"

"I like this idea!" Saba agreed.

Tommy nodded. "It'll make her positively furious! On three?"

"You know I don't like countdowns."

Grinning, Tommy hugged Kat and Saba as they became a point of light in the sky.

"Team Rocket's blasting off agaiiiiiiin!"

-----------

"Hey, Kim? What's Pikachu doing with the other Pokemon?" Jason asked as he set down their food.

"Hmm? Dunno. They've been at it all morning. Aipom came a while ago and grabbed a bunch of markers."

"Hey guys! Breakfast!" Zack called to them.

The Pokemon turned to look at their trainers before scrambling hurriedly. Lifting up signs that had a simple drawing of a food pellet crossed out. Others looked like they had PokeBalls on them.

"Pika pi!" Pikachu came marching at the front. Kinda dwarfed by Zack's Steelix and Trini's Charizard. Climbing onto Jason's Blastoise he went on a short speech which the other Pokemon cheered.

Jason blinked. "Uhhhh, what?"

"It appears our Pokemon have gained worker consciousness and are now attempting to renegotiate the particulars of their social contract with us," Billy observed.

Jason looked at him for a moment before turning to Trini.

"They formed a union."

"What!?" Kim, Jason and Zack exclaimed at once.

"Pi!" Pikachu pointed at Trini and nodded.

"Uh, well..." Jason looked at his Pokemon. Eyes landing on the crossed out PokeBall. "We can't have all of you out of your PokeBalls all the time."

"Pika pi!" Pikachu shook his head and gestured at Kim's Eevee. Who dashed into her bag.

"Hey! C'mon you know I don't like you rummaging through my stuff."

Eevee popped her head out with Kim's planner in her mouth.

"A planner? You mean like a rotating schedule for PokeBall time?" Jason asked.

"Pika!" Pikachu grinned.

Jason looked at his friends and at the signs. Some of which had things that weren't as obvious as the others.

"Well you know what they say about keeping your Pokemon happy," Kim shrugged.

"And it's not like the towns we've passed have been stingy with their communal Pokemon resources," Trini added.

"Yeah, dude! They're part of our team too!" Zack said.

"If they're asking then it's best to listen," Billy agreed.

"Alright, alright," Jason smiled, turning to Pikachu. "It might take a while considering Saba is miles from here but we'll hear you out."

Pikachu grinned. "Pika!"

[mcalhenwrites]

🤡🛒🍦and 🧠 for Noctis.

🤡 What's a line, scene, or exchange you've written that made you laugh? Okay, so I took this one out of my collection just now, but there are plenty of lines in it that have me cackling. The whole fic did while I was writing it. I'll pull one of the funny exchanges: “Do you think they’ve learned their lesson?” Regis asks his husband.

“Noctis is sitting on his.” 🛒 What are some common things you incorporate in your fics? Themes, feels, scenes, imagery, etc. Hmm, I like being a stinky lil snowflake socialist writer who includes several themes in my stories, from breaking abusive cycles, preaching environmentalism, things like that. Or everyone is just horny af and someone's getting spanked. I'm versatile! 🍦 What's the sweetest fic you've created so far? Okay, you know it's Wandering Souls, I know it's Wandering Souls. Pure sugar sweetness, I've been secretly thanked by many dentists for the bills that come from readers who end up with cavities after this one. 🧠 Pick a character, and I'll tell you my favorite headcanon for them. Oh, I have so much to say about Noctis, but the main thing is that I watched him go from an attacked kid who spent time in a wheelchair to a teen with depression disaster apartment to a 20 y/o who slept sporadically and often. With a history of trauma and a rough way of moving/running that shows me he's struggling with chronic pain. So I headcanon that he has fibromyalgia and CFS. And I'm fucking angry that they gave so much evidence of disability and completely fucked it up in canon. What'd they do? They made it out like he was a lazy spoiled prince. That he should work hard in training and take the pain, because damn, he's got to be up for these tasks, no exceptions. He had fucking regular jobs. He reportedly loved animals and iirc a radio announcement early in the game implied he did volunteer work. I also... aligned with this, had a fic idea that I haven't started despite planning over the years, where the reason the Astrals chose him for the sacrificial royal savior is that he was also the "useless" one bc he's disabled. And while Noct doesn't know this, he chooses different choices. He stays in his wheelchair bc he needs it. (Yes, I actually do also headcanon that he was forced out, with that whole "you can't learn to depend on mobility aids!" bullshit that so many of us spoonies deal with irl.) It's maybe hard for people to realize - especially with the way we've historically trained kids for battle in several societies for centuries - that Noctis getting laid flat when he's barely recovered from a wheelchair (and the trauma from Tenebrae's invasion) in Brotherhood was abusive. And I really like the idea that Noctis questions all this, finds out he's going to die, and chooses to run off with Ignis before he ever begins his journey. But yeah, as someone with fibro and some comorbidities, I recognize that in Noctis perfectly. But the game never names it, they deny it, they just... they give you everything to set up that Noctis is disabled only to humiliate that. :/ So yeah, Noctis has chronic pain and chronic illness, and he's not lazy, and he was bullied by an ableist society in the game. I will die on the hill of defending this boy

[grandsonoflightike]

Grey Three Houses/Hopes P16: Grey Ashen Wolves’ Reunion

Background song Announcement: After Dark - Slowed By Kapa Boy On YouTube

*In The Shadow Imperial Camp*

Grey Balthus: What'd you bring the five of us together for, Grey Yuri? We beatin' someone up? Because I'm always ready for that kind of thing.

Grey Constance: It is always the same with you, Grey Balthus! How can you possibly be so uncouth in my presence, not to mention our dear frail Grey Hapi here? Stop thinking with your fists and use your brain!

Grey Hapi: Who you calling frail, Grey Coco?

Grey Constance: It was a figure of speech, dear Grey Hapi. Nothing more.

Grey Yuri: Ha! We've been topside for a while and you guys haven't changed a bit. You really think I'd call you all here just to lay a beating into someone? Haha, we're too busy for that. I've got a favor to ask of you all. Oh, and you as well, if that's all right.

Shadow Shez: If this is the crew you gathered, it must be important. Count me in.

Grey Yuri: That was almost suspiciously easy... but I'm not going to look this gift horse in the mouth. Let me fill you in on the details in that case. Some old friends of ours— rogues from Grey Abyss— are in trouble. They've been caught up in some kind of struggle, and now Grey bandits are after them. Considering the circles they run in, we're the only people willing to help them, which means it's on us.

Shadow Shez: Got it. Definitely still in.

Grey Constance: You should know better than to take Grey Yuri at face value. No doubt much of what he said is true, but I am certain there is another angle to it as well— one which benefits himself.

Grey Yuri: I take care of my own. That's all.

Grey Hapi: I think the point is that there are folks from Grey Abyss who need help, right? So let's quit bickering and go help already.

Grey Yuri: Good point. This is no time for anyone to be arguing with the Shady Lady here.

Grey Constance: How dare you! I am not the one who is constantly scheming at one thing or the other!

Grey Hapi: Yuri-bird? Coco?

Grey Balthus: Hey, hey! Save some of that fire for the fighting!

Shadow Shez: Yeah, you can air all your grievances at the bad guys.

Grey Hapi: Exactly! You're actually smart sometimes, friend.

Shadow Shez: So you usually think the things I say are dumb?! Hey, wait. Maybe you're right...

Grey Hapi: Yeah, but you're funny, so it all evens out.

Shadow Shez: That doesn't help.

Grey Balthus: Eh, don't worry about it. Anyway, Yuri. It's time for the thing. You know, the thing to get us fired up before we roll out? You used to do it in Grey Abyss all the time.

Grey Yuri: Our house doesn't exist anymore. But if it means we can finally get going, very well... Let's do this, Grey Wolves! Oh, and you too, merc.

*At the start of battle*

Grey Yuri: Seems like our friends fled into the mountains. To get there, we'll need to take these strongholds.

*A group of enemy Warriors attack the Thief at the Mountain Trailhead.*

Grey Thief: No! Enemies! I gotta get outta here!

Grey Balthus: We're here, and we won't let any of you die!

*When a unit encounters the Grey Thief at the Mountain Trailhead*

Grey Thief: Help, please! They attacked outta nowhere! Said one of us had a bounty on their head and told us to turn 'em over!

Grey Balthus: Uh...they were probably talking about me. Well, that's awkward.

Grey Yuri: There were plenty of folks with bounties on their heads in Grey Abyss, but no one can begin to match the rich price on yours.

Shadow Mysterious Mage: *to the Grey Warlock near the Cavern Crossroads* You're the one who summons monsters, yeah? Grey Hapi or whatever? Well, time to open up!

Grey Warlock: You've got the wrong person! I don't have any idea how to summon monsters, I swear!

*Some Dark Bishops attack the Rogue near the Cavern Crossroads to the south. After the Rogue at the Mountain Trailhead is rescued*

Grey Thief: Thank you! And I'm sorry to ask, but could you please rescue the folks in the mountain, too?

Grey Balthus: The Fantastic King of Grappling is on the case!

Grey Hapi: Wait. they think that person is...me? Well, I don't want that on my conscience. Guess I'd better... (sigh)

*Grey Hapi's sigh summons a Shadow Giant Crawler at the base of the mountain.*

Grey Yuri: That time already?

Shadow Mysterious Mage: Huh? Wait, why is there a monster over there? I musta had the wrong person! C'mon!

*The Shadow Mysterious Mages advance on the Shadow Giant Crawler.*

Grey Hapi: I'm guessing they'll follow the path to the monsters now, yeah?

Grey Constance: It seems news of your beauty has not spread as fast as that of your abilities, if you are being confused with a random man...

Grey Hapi: Fine by me. Still, do you think that mage was working for the lady who kidnapped me?

*After the Shadow Giant Crawler and Shadow Mysterious Mages are defeated*

Grey Hapi: (to the Grey Warlock) Easy, there. You're all right now.

Grey Warlock: Grey Hapi! Hey, you'll be real proud of me--I didn't sell you out or nothin'!

*Shadow Pallardó and some Shadow Assassins appear at the Forked Cavern Road.*

Grey Constance: It would seem their leader has made himself known.

*When Grey Yuri approaches Shadow Pallardó*

Shadow Pallardó: Hmm... You're rather famous, aren't you? Yes, I imagine you'd fetch a tidy sum.

Grey Yuri: You? Capture me? Not likely.

*When Shadow Pallardó's HP reach <= 50%*

Shadow Pallardó: I must say, I didn't expect anybody to come to the aid of these rogues.

*When Shadow Pallardó is defeated*

Shadow Pallardó:Normally I like surprises, but I am finding this one to be most unwelcome. *retreats*

Grey Hapi: Is it over yet?

(A group of Snipers attacks Grey Assassin in the Upper Caverns.)

Grey Assassin: Help me!

Grey Constance: The enemy is some distance away. I will try to use my sorry excuse for magic to attack.

*Grey  Constance's long-range magic attack misfires and attacks everyone in the mountains, including the Grey Ashen Wolves.*

Grey Assassin: Gah! What was that? Magic?

Grey Yuri: Ow! What is she even aiming at?

Grey Constance: Oh dear. It seems my other side has been doing some experimenting, and my magic has gotten a bit out of hand as a result.

Grey Balthus: So does that mean you can stop it now? 'Cause we're getting burned alive over here!

Grey Constance: Apologies, but I fear my meager intellect is not up to the task.

Grey Assassin: Hey, this is your magic! You were always causing problems like this in Grey Abyss, too!

Grey Constance: Yes, and I can only apologize most profusely--though if it helps, I will gladly forfeit my life.

Grey Yuri: It won't. Just hurry up and do something about it already.

Grey Constance: I'm afraid the magic my other side developed is experimental. And sadly, most experiments end up as dismal failures.

*After rescuing the Grey Assassin in the Upper Caverns*

Grey Balthus: Didn't think I'd have to worry more about friendly fire than the actual enemy!

*Grey Constance's wild magic stops.*

Grey Constance: It seems the goddess has not forsaken us quite yet, for I was able to put a stop to it.

*Shadow Metodey and some Shadow Assassins appear on the Summit Vantage Trail after the Grey Assassin is rescued.*

Grey Yuri: Oh, look. Here comes the big boss. Better get this over with.

*When Shadow Shez approaches Shadow Metodey*

Shadow Metodey: If you think me just some slapdash bandit, you have another thing coming--a burial!

*When Grey Yuri approaches Shadow Metodey*

Grey Yuri: I understand this is how such folks make their living, and I have certainly been there. But these rogues are our rogues, and we are going to protect them!

Grey Hapi: Yeah! Hands off our rogues!

Grey Balthus: Yeah, hands off our... Hey, wait a second. When did this lot become "our" rogues?

*When Shadow Metodey's HP reach <= 50%*

Shadow Metodey: I can't believe this pathetic bunch is actually giving me trouble!

*When Shadow Metodey is defeated*

Shadow Metodey: Someone always...gets in my way...

Shadow Yuri: Looks like it's over. You folks go on ahead--I wanna talk to these rogues.

*Away from the area.*

Shadow Shez: Now that's how it's done!

Grey Yuri: Thanks for the help. Things would have been pretty hairy with just the four of us. I mean, we've got this guy pulling in bounty hunters from across the continent...

Grey Balthus: Hey!

Grey Yuri: And this gal summoning monsters...

Grey Hapi: Not my fault. Also totally necessary.

Grey Yuri: And finally, the grand sorceress who rained pain down on friend and foe alike. Grey Constance: Even your condemnation is far too kind. I was of no help whatsoever.

Shadow Shez: Yuri's right— this is one battle I hope they scrub from the history books.

Grey Balthus: Hey, it all worked in the end, so buck up!

Grey Hapi: It was nice to blow off some steam, at any rate.

Grey Constance: And I'm certain my other self was pleased to do more field tests with the new spell. Though at the expense of my complete and utter mortification...

Grey Yuri: Well, I've still got my complaints, but I suppose I gained something from this, too.

Shadow Shez: Oh yeah? What's that?

Grey Yuri: I went ahead and hired the folks we saved. I made it look like I was doing them a favor, and those in debt never seem to ask questions of their saviors. I'd been feeling a bit short-handed anyway, so it all worked out! Haha!

Grey Balthus: You're always looking for an angle, Grey Yuri. That's the one thing about you that never changes.

Grey Yuri: What do you mean, "the one thing"? What are you trying to say? What else changed?

Grey Balthus: You know! The...uhhh... Actually, you know what? Maybe I'm wrong.

Grey Yuri: Oh, so now I haven't changed? Do you even know what you're saying, or are words just falling out of your mouth faster than your brain can make them?

Grey Hapi: Pretty much, yeah. Clearly B hasn't changed either.

Grey Constance: Well, I have certainly changed. Alas, I have lost all of my hopes and dreams...

Grey Yuri: Are you kidding? That is a hundred percent you.

Shadow Shez: Hahaha! You four really are old friends.

Shadow Hapi: We're quite the quartet, all right. But hey, why don't you make it a quintet?

Shadow Yuri: Plus I could use some help babysitting this lot. They call us the Grey Abyssal Four, but now that we're five, we'll have to change that name...

Grey Balthus: Pssst! Grey Constance! Did anyone ever call us that?

Grey Constance: It's hard to say. Sadly, my feeble memory has all but wasted away.

Grey Hapi: We were probably called that? I mean, it's not like Grey Yuri-bird to just make things up.

Grey Yuri: Hey, what's with you guys? Do you want to be part of this group or not? Bah. And here I was thinking we'd all go out and celebrate our victory... I guess it's just gonna be the two of us, friend.

Grey Shez: Uh... sure, I guess?

Grey Hapi: No fair. It should at least be the three of us.

Grey Balthus: Hey, if you're paying, you know I'm in. Also, you're right. I think we were called the Grey Abyssal Four at.... some point.

Grey Constance: Wherever you lead, dear Grey Yuri, I shall follow, for I have no desires of my own. I will happily feast upon whatever meager morsels you see fit to scatter before me.

Grey Yuri: Enough yapping! Let's get out of here already!

[gnattyplayssims]

1931 Pt1 - Setting Up Camp

Kye and Kailee joined the Unger family on their way to Port Promise in Evergreen Harbor. The country kids looked on in awe as the trees gave way to water. Unfortunately the awe didn't last long as they moved inland toward the more industrial parts of the world

"Here we are!" Wisty announced as they stopped near the tracks.

"This is a...junkyard."

"Yup but if you're gonna survive out here you need to do some shopping and since we have no money, this is the best shopping district around."

She smirked but Kye didn't see the humor.

Clover bounded over sniffing among the garbage as if hunting for something. Kye glanced around trying to get his head around it. He'd gone from the Aurora in Henford to the stench of the Harbor. It would take some getting used to but something about it...just felt right.

"We only have a few more hours till the sun goes down then we'll have to make camp." Wisty warned her sons, "so don't waste time with anything unuseful"

Kye found a dumpster and peeked inside. He could see something shiny and almost fell in trying to get a better look.

Clover was a good hunting dog and was sniffing all around the dump from garbage pile to garbage pile while the humans searched out items for camp she sniffed out anything edible. One of the large shipping containers was opened and she slipped inside to explore and maybe find food

"What'd you find girl?" Kailee followed Clover into the container and looked around in awe "It looks like someone lived in here "Good job girl, I bet we can use some of this for our new home. These chairs look to be in good shape and some of these utensils aren't even that rusty"

As the sun began to go down the Unger's led Kye and Kailee to a small clearing and began to set up camp. They watched in amazement as the tents, clothing line, eating area and campfire were all expertly set up in no time at all. It was clear they'd had lots of practice.

The next morning Wisty was up first and soon Kailee joined her. "Hope you slept alright. Sorry there's not more room."

"It's fine." Kailee had been short with Wisty ever since they'd met. She didn't know why but she couldn't help but feel like there was something off with her.

The men woke not long after, "The boys always sleep until it gets too hot in the tent so don't mind saving them breakfast." The women gathered the dishes to wash in the creek and quiet settled over Kye and Callen. "Nice day"

"Huh? Oh yeah it is"

"So, you've been here before?"

Callen didn't even have a chance to answer before what was left of their breakfast burst into flames. Callen jumped up but before he had a chance to put it out a stranger appeared and began extinguishing the flames.

"Unger, are you trying to burn down the whole forest?!"

There was a tense silence and then Callen started to laugh. "It's good to see you again Autumn."

She smiled and shook his hand in greeting. "You too, I see you've picked up some more wanderers."

"You know how Wisty is. Your sisters here too?"

"Can't seem to shake them."

Unfortunately the sister's arrival did not mean good news and soon Kye and Kailee would find themselves in the middle of some unexpected drama between Mikado and Hannah "Can I sit here?"

"Of course"

"I didn't think your family was coming back to Evergreen"

"We're not staying"

"Mikado, do you remember what happened the last time you were here?"

"How could I forget...it was my first time. I didn't think I'd ever see you again"

"Same for me. Well...the thing is...I'm pregnant" She blurted it out fast before she could overthink it.

"What!?"

"I wasn't going to tell you-"

"You shouldn't have!"

Hannah was getting angry "You don't have to be part of our lives. I know we're not even Young Adults yet but since you're here I thought you at least deserved to know"

"I don't know what to say Hannah. This isn't what I want"

Hannah put her hand on his thigh. "It's not what I want either." She hesitated. "You don't have to be involved if you don't want to be."

"You'd really be okay with that?"

She shrugged, "No, I'll probably hate your guts for the rest of my life. But it's still your choice."

He put his arm around her. "I'll stay by your side."

"Really?"

"Don't get too excited, I'm not promising anything. Raising a kid in a tent?" He shook his head in disbelief, "But I'll at least try to be a father and take care of you."

"Okay." He kissed her and she let him.

When Hannah's older sister found out she was livid. "Are you out of your Watcher loving minds? In this economy?"

"It was an accident."

"Maybe your father never explained where babies come from but woohooing in a bush isn't an accident. So you're gonna marry?"

"If I need to."

"Just stop!" Hannah suddenly burst in glaring daggers at her sister. "We're not going to get married just cause there's a baby on the way. This isn't the 1890's."

"Hannah it's okay. I'll marry you if that's what we need to do."

"No, that's what our mother did and I'm not her."

Mikado held out his hand. "I get it, I made a mistake. I'm just trying to make it right now."

"You can make it right by marrying my sister so your child doesn't grow up a bastard."

"Autumn," Hannah scolded, "Stop trying to be my mother and make peace already."

Autumn finally grasped his hand and Hannah grinned. "Great! Now that that's settled, I'm starving."

She turned away from them and Autumn pulled Mikado close. "It's not too late to do the right thing. I don't care what she says. Either marry her or disappear, got it?

1931 Pt2 - Wedding in Henford

[veniteme]

Hunting for Gems

episode 4

ash island x reader

prev | next

When Ash Island is forced to participate as a producer for the latest season of Show Me the Money, he knows it won't be easy. But when his partner is you, a rising producer from H1GHR, maybe it won't be as bad as he thought.

Show Me the Money X Episode 4 - Round 3: 1 on 1 Battles

And the 1:1 Battles continue! Two contestants rap on the same beat, and the producers vote on which was their favorite. The winner takes all the fight money, while the loser is eliminated.

Rappers called up at random to challenge someone to a 1:1. Next up is Pay-One.

"I would like to challenge Lee Gunho," Pay-One says with a smirk.

Lee Gunho quietly walks onstage with his head lowered.

"Is there a reason you chose him?" the MC asks.

"I just feel like I could beat him pretty easily." Murmurs start throughout the crowd at hearing such bold words.

Caylo, one of the rappers expected to win the whole show, leans over to his friend to discuss. "Gunho's not bad though?"

"Is he? I don't remember him from last round," his friend whispers back.

Caylo frowns, "I thought he was pretty good..."

Who do you think will win between the two of them?

Caylo: I stood next to Lee Gunho during the first round. I was really impressed when I heard him rap, he's really good. I thought he did well during the second round as well.

Do you not think Pay-One is good?

Caylo: ...

Caylo: Let's just say his rapping is of the same quality as his personality.

-----

Once you see Pay-One vs. Lee Gunho listed as one of the matchups, you let out a noise of distaste.

"What's up?" Ash asks, trying to read over your shoulder. "Oh, those two got put together? Interesting combo. At least that means an easy win for your kid right?" he speculates.

"Yeah, but that means he has to spend time and interact with that d-bag. He deserves better company than that," you say with a frown.

Ash lets out a laugh, never hearing you speak about someone that way before. "I know he's not the greatest, but what'd that guy ever do to you?"

"He's just so... gross," you say for lack of a better word. "My group was near his in the first round and all his lyrics were just about his big dick and fat ego." At that, Ash's nose wrinkles in disgust.

"Plus he kept making creepy comments about having such a 'cute young girl' on the show every time I walked by," you add, shuddering at the memory.

Ash's expression hardens. "He said what?"

"It's fine, Gunho's gonna knock him out anyway. It's not a big deal," you try to brush it off.

It obviously doesn't work as Ash remains tense for the rest of the round until Pay-One and Gunho are called to the stage.

-----

Round 3: 1 on 1 Battles

As Pay-One and Gunho enter the stage, Ash Island and Saf are rather quiet, with Ash sporting a stony expression.

Even as the other producers ask the boys questions, Ash and Saf never say a word. Pay-One tries to earn cred with Ash by mentioning how he was judged by TheQuiett last season.

Ash's only response is "DJ, play the music," and so the round begins.

As expected, Gunho blows Pay-One out of the water. To Ash, it's almost laughable how bad Pay-One is. Despite his disrespectful and distracting behavior during his competitor's parts, Gunho still manages to tear it up on the beat.

Saf finally breaks her silence to give her praise to Gunho. Her long list of compliments for him as well as her confession to liking him since the last round cause his ears to turn red in embarrassment.

"And what'd you think of me, babe?" Pay-One asks with a wink.

Not even sparing him a glance, Saf turns to Ash. "We'll announce the results now!" he states.

Without even pausing for dramatic effect, he says, "Pay-One, you will not be moving on to the next round. Bummer."

As the boys are leaving, you and Ash do a subtle fist-bump, Ash with a smirk on his face.

He calls back out to Gunho, and the boy stops. "Great job today."

Gunho turns around to him with a big smile on his face, "Thank you!"

Saf waves at him enthusiastically. "See you in the next round!"

[i-dont-know-nor-care-go-away]

my thoughts on 2022 DCI

I have not to much marching experience don't get mad at me

this is gonna be long af btw. I also wrote it as I watched it.

1 military

nothing to say 

2 troopers

go watch it now

hduegwugjwfw7tjwbhw

how that cello work?? that not how you supposed to work

that should win. it has too

I cant word this is too good

3 colts

ewww

stop mashing together cultures

stereotypes

what's with the worms wait nvm

if they wanted to do silke road then they should have used harmonic minor scales for a middle eastern feel (still stereotype ish tho) and pentatonic scales for more Asian feels (still stereotypical tho)

bordering on offensive buddy but fir now it was just weird

Mandarins

no. 4

Weird name and color guard

hi we are the Cutie oranges

theme is other side??

steppy thing 

music is 6/10

VISUALS 1010

seriously what's their color guard? 

ok what is the theme?

what's the percussion doin with the uniforms? 

ok steppy star things are cool

GUITAR??

ok color guard pop off to the guitar ig?

emerald iVyYY wrapped around mYyy skIn

what's with the singing tho? is that a thing?

he sings good tho

ooooOooooOOoh oOOOoioooOOoh 

dramatic climb the stairs things

such passion tho

color. theory. pink and orange for color guard but black and blue for marchers?

0/10 for costumes 

taKE MEE! TAKE ME! TAAaaAakke ME!TAKE ME TO THAT OTHER SIIiiiiIIIIDDEEEEE

California get yo act together

5

Phantom regiment

ok pop off with the name queens

look up Spartacus from them dang

oh it's from Illinois 

no walk too far? Hercules vibes

also why does the announcer growl saying the name

JESUS? IS THAT YOU? 

white carpet?

color guard is ehh

that marching tho>>

music 100/10

percussion slaps

marchers go 💫swirl💫

white carpet split apart

yeet(lift) the trombone girl on the air 

her solo slaps tho

they moving the white carpet thing?t

trumpet boy doin gymnastics with color guard?

swanky tilts to the side

COLOR GUARD YEETING THE MARCHER

THEY SLAM HIS HEAD IN THE GROUND LIKE FOOTBALL?

MELLO SOLO

oh they dancin (color guard girl and marchers boy who fought)

nice ballad

what's with the purple fabric and arm grab?

color guard dresses eww

it's just not riveting tho

maybe it's the boring props

oh they put the stage/white carpet together again

marchers uniforms are just not it 

why they cri?

 

6

Cavaliers

nice name

oooh stage prop?

why my sound go ppdhaya? :(

I cant see now

now I can

drum major have feather in their cap lol

jeuahfyhxdw costumes look like puke+psychedelic 

theme?

music going good

trumpet go screeeee

cg visuals are great

time is now?

Ramp things?

spiny circle marching 

march up the ramps

is that a clock?

camera tilts 

that dude flopped dramatically

why the percussionist has a bowl cut?

look at hand lower hand

spinning

BILL BIARD THINGY FLIPPDD LIKE BILL BOARDS IN THE BIG CITIES

ballad is cool and leads to buildup

run little flag boy run

move the ramp

trumpet solo part go off 

it's not over?

sign thingy flipped again 

tiktok? what'd he say?

move the ramps WITH THE DRUM PEEPS ON IT?

welcome to the fiNaL strAww

Did he do a flip?

what are their costumes tho

lie down in the clock then

oh they are from Illinois 

ITS STILL NOT DONE?

Ok byebye now

no 7

BLUE STARrrRRRzzz

where are they from again?

oh fancy dresses!!

accordians!!

props 10/10

Italian?

oh it's war and peace

fainting coach or hospital bed?

that Mello ♡

is that mellO?

MUSICCCCHWYRJWYEWOJW

Canons too

color gaurd is ON POINTE WITH COSTUMES THIS TIME GO OFF

Visualsqajdjaahw

finally some good frinken uniforms (Gordon Ramsey voice)

square swirls

that choreography 😍 

actin is so good

ballad is like 2ed best rn

THIS COLOR GUARD JD WADHWA

GO QUADS THATS HARD LOOKIN

SOO GOOD

getting world War vibes somehow

oh no this is the ballad

jazzy 

this part is the victory?

trumpet solo part is good

matching at slide is so cool

starrrrr

drum major lo key looks like agent Piper from aos

8

cadets

my director was a drum major

Pennsylvania 

dude from my high is there 

uniforms look ehhh

toad travels

narrator

why the newbies vibes 

I love the way they have a story teller every now and then

yeet the suitcase

the NYC formation sjsiadjsosheyge

jazzy trumpet with mute

Stomp Stomp Stomp

is that mello Peeta? he looks like him

music is good ig

it's.. goodbye 

you have to .. leave it all.. in the rear view mirror

9

Vanguard 

Santa Clara 

props are cool

not the announcer mispronouncing a white name

nice costumes, very uniform

that opener is startling 

darker tone, I like it

so they climb the ladder things? huh it's cool ig

cg uniforms are pretty ok

cool music and props

great choreography 

DAMN SHE A QUEEN 

SHE FLOAT?

10 

Carolina Crowns

dope name

purple

what's the orange noodle thingy

self advertising 

heuryqiwj

boom boom clap

crowd interactive is so cool

noodle thing moved!!

was that a heart?

guitar is there 

am I going crazy or did that trumpet soloist (1st ine) look like leo fitz

it's a seA iwhiage pretty 

it looks so fun

11

blue coats

l- who's that guy?

what is that uniform

handstand? 

weird narrated story 

trippy

pop those hips ig?

RUN EM OVER WITH THE WHEEL

keyboard is cool

did this man do drugs? is this story his acid trip?

wasn't the keyboard black? 

12

Boston crusaders 

wicked games 2017

ooohhhh it's a..smth?

costumes are soo cool

why are the guys shirtless tho? they are gonna be cold

nice save with the dropped Saber 

the drum line is, as the youngins would say, "dripped out"

what r u doing with the cones?

climbing them i guess 

so it's a tango

well tangos slap, this one's a banger

ok I'll stop

the trombones about to behead each other

the emotion in the dude that's being dragged around eyes bro

13

blue devils

the propsssssss

those costumes

you tread on my dreams - wh-what I'm scared 

they MOVE THE STAIRS?

that guitar 

I'm impartial to the music

ofc the blue devils won screaming crying throwing up. their show was souless.

[a-is-for-abel]

"“I’m moving.” He froze, glancing up at his friend. The other boy’s eyes were gleaming with suppressed sobs, breath hitching and jaw clenched. “Mom got a job in another state and we’re moving in a month.”

Inspired by this prompt by @givethispromptatry

Sand and shells crunched under the belly of the kayak as it ran aground. With a wobble and a curse he tumbled into the water, paddle floating away from him and kayak shooting off in the opposite direction.

"Fuck."

He scrambled to collect both, tossing the paddle up onto the beach and grabbing the handle at the bow of the kayak to tow it onto shore.

"You're late."

He rolled his eyes and glanced over his shoulder to see Warren in all his cut-offs and sandals glory. "And you're early."

Warren crossed his arms. "I'm literally the most on time, dude."

"Whatever, just-- Help me grab the stuff."

He popped open the watertight chamber in front of the seat and reached into the belly of the kayak, all while Warren struggled to pull the backpack out from under the cage of bungee cords at the front.

"Just unhook them, dude," he said, his cellphone and two unopened cream sodas finally in hand.

"Don't tell me how to do it."

"It's not going to--"

"Shit!" Warren yelped, recoiling and clutching his hand.

"Told you."

Warren flicked him off, but turned to do what he said anyway.

"Come on, suns gonna start setting soon." He grabbed his backpack from Warren and stuffed the drinks and his phone inside.

"What? Afraid of some gators?"

"No," he said. "Rather a gator than my dad."

Warren grimaced. "He still got you on that curfew?"

"Yup."

He picked his way through the mangrove thicket that cut the beach off from the rest of the spoil island. The roots of the black mangroves jutted up like fingers through the sand and the stilts of the red mangroves tried their best to snag his feet as he ducked under the sprawling web of an orb weaver hidden in their midst. Thankfully, it cleared out past the initial wall of foliage, becoming more barren with only the occasional thicket.

He remembered when his dad had led them through here the first time and explained that the mangroves kept the spoil islands standing. That when hurricanes and storms threatened to wash them away, their roots would act like a little army, keeping off any barrage and harboring whatever took up shelter under them.

He frowned. His dad and him hadn't come out here since--

"Fuck, fuck, fu--" Warren sputtered behind him, high-pitched.

"Web?" he asked, glancing back to see Warren flinching away from a tree.

"Yeah, fuck--" Warren brushed his arms off frantically and patted at his hair. "Fucking spiders all over the fucking place, man. They call it Mosquito Lagoon, but it really should be spider god damn la-- Fuck!"

"Nice one, ‘spider god damn la-fuck’ really has a special sort of ring to it."

Warren shot him a glare and dusted off his shoulders and the front of his shirt with quick flicks. "You owe me for psychological damages..."

"Come on, we used to come out here all the time."

"When I was like ten! And with your dad!" Warren cowered away from another web that sprawled from a lone tree. "And I didn't have as much free real estate for a spider to like, you know-- Crawl all over me or whatever."

"Free real estate?"

"Yeah, you know the whole--" Warren gestured vaguely. "The meme."

"God, please stop," he groaned. "That shits like, what, twenty-seventeen? That's like ancient history, man."

"It's a classic."

"Sure," he muttered. "A classic."

"Whatever, man, you're just not cultured."

He scoffed. "That's definitely it."

The other end of the island unfolded into a drop-off, all coquina and shells packed tightly together and built up into a mound that cut off abruptly into nothing. It was the highest point of the island-- of most of the spoils out here honestly-- even though it's small cliff had been eaten away and eroded over time, shrinking and shifting as the island shrank with the waves.

Dropping his backpack, he sat and dangled his legs over the edge, shoes knocking back against the coquina with a scratchy rasp. Warren plopped down beside him, keeping his legs folded and away from the plunge. Not that it was much of a sheer cliff. Only about eight feet down at the most, but enough that it felt like a lot. Compared to the average of three feet below sea level for the rest of the mainland; eight feet felt pretty fucking huge.

The tide lapped at the base of the island, the water hissing and coiling, writhing and alive where it squirmed through the holes bored through the coquina face and back out with a soft crackle. Crabs, tiny and mottled, darted in and around the rocks and he could see finger mullet, their scales flashing as they turned and twisted with the waves.

"You tied up your kayak, right?" Warren asked.

"Naw, but it should be fine. I pulled it up pretty far."

"I'm not sharing if you get stuck out here."

He frowned, shooting Warren his best puppy dog eyes. "You'd leave me out here?"

"Yes."

He chuckled. "Fair."

Seagulls drifted in lazy circles far overhead, the occasional cry working its way down to them as the birds banked with the wind, following the gusts up to where they could catch a glimpse of a meal beneath the water. One wheeled down in a sudden arc, wings folded close to its side as it plummeted, beak first, into the water with a snap and then back out with a spray.

"Man, tough luck..." Warren said. "Hate whenever they miss. Makes me feel kinda bad."

"They're just gonna go do what the rest do and steal some fries at the jetty once they realize it's easier than doing this."

"Yeah, but it's like-- I don't know, man. Just wish he'd get a win."

"You don't even know him!"

"I feel like we have a connection." Warren pointed at where the seagull had gone back to patrolling the waters. "Me and seagull number one thousand and three, we're like this--" He crossed his fingers.

"Shut up," he snorted.

They watched the seagull try again and fail.

Warren started up a running commentary after the third attempt, cupping a hand over his mouth to imitate the slight grain of a sports announcer's microphone as he dramatized the whole thing. When the seagull finally managed to snag a fish Warren cheered, arms thrown up in a touchdown motion that he copied with a grin.

"Hell yeah, dude!" Warren high-fived him.

"Where's all that enthusiasm for when you're at my games?" he asked.

"Come on, dude, you know I always cheer the loudest. You're just too far out on the field to hear me."

"I'm sure that's what it is."

"Whatever, man-- What'd you bring anyway?" Warren grabbed his backpack and began rummaging through it. "Oh shit! Gummy bears, dude! And the good kind, hell yeah!"

"Yeah, grabbed them before I came here. That's why I was late, idiot."

Warren tore open the package. "Crimes forgiven, man. This is worth it."

"Give me that--" He pulled his backpack out of Warren's lap. "I also got some soda, but I guess all you care about is your precious little bears."

"Naw, naw-- Hand that over."

"Rude much?"

"What? You want me to kiss you on the lips for it first, bro?"

He laughed. "Now, that would be the polite thing to do."

Warren puckered his lips at him and then snatched the soda. "Fuck off."

"Not even a little kiss?" he teased.

"You dragged me out to spider-fuck-nowhere, while it's ass fucking hot out and where it smells like rotting fish taint-- Just to watch the fucking sunset, when we could have sat on my roof and done the exact same thing-- You expect a kiss for that?"

He shrugged. "Yeah. Bro code."

Warren snorted. "Hand me a bottle opener, dip shit."

He popped open his own bottle and passed it over to Warren, who struggled for a moment before finally getting it with a triumphant 'whoop'. The mixture of saccharine flavored soda and the slight rotting stench of algae, and whatever else the lagoon had to offer, wasn't exactly pleasant, but it wasn't terrible. It was familiar.

It was homely in it's off kilter sort of way.

"So, why'd you bring me out here anyways?" Warren asked.

He sighed and kicked his heel back against the coquina. "I’m moving.”

Warren sucked in sharply and he glanced over at him.

He rubbed the back of his neck and looked down at the water below his feet. "Dad got a job in another state and we’re moving in a month.”

"Dude…"

"I didn't know how to tell you. I just--"

"Is that why you decided it'd be a good idea to sneak out and go to that dumb party with me?" Warren asked, frowning.

"I figured it would be one of the last chances I had to do something fun, you know. Here. Before I just-- Leave all this shit forever. I mean, we're moving to fucking Ohio, man. Where the fuck am I gonna find a party on an island out there?"

"Right…"

"And look, fuck my dad--"

"Jake--"

"No, fuck him-- He didn't even--" he huffed. "Things were looking up, man. Varsity lacrosse in sophomore year, that's huge, dude. And I wasn't just the fucking loser kid in the back of class anymore and he just--"

"Works rough here, dude..." Warren cut him off, sighing. "Space programs taking a shit. Whole island's taking a shit, really. Plenty of people left the first time NASA tanked, remember? It's just… it happens, man."

"So, you're just fine with it then?" he asked, brows furrowing. "We're never going-- I'm never going to see you again and you're just okay with that?"

"It's not forever!" Warren said, throwing out his hands. "There's planes, man! It's the twenty first fucking century. We got phones, dude. We'll stay in touch."

He grit his teeth and looked down.

"Jake, bro. C'mon-- Look at me."

He met Warren's eyes.

"It's gonna be okay, dude." Warren said, smile wide, and he could see the little falter at the edges, but he didn't call him on it. "Look--" Warren held up his bottle. "We'll cheers on it."

"Cheers on what?"

"To staying in touch, to meeting up in the future. To staying friends and all that, I don't know."

"To you finally getting a boyfriend?"

"Actually, you know what, I'm not going to miss you at all."

"Come on--" he grinned, nudging Warren with his shoulder. "You'll miss me."

"Yeah," Warren chuckled, looking down with a small smile. "I will..."

His fingers tightened around the glass bottle in his hand, bottom lip threatening to worry between his teeth. "Look, let's do your dumb cheers thing before it gets too sentimental or whatever."

Warren sighed, seeming to shake himself off before raising his soda bottle above his head and towards the slowly setting sun. "To us."

"To us?" He wrinkled his nose. "Isn't that kinda cheesy?"

"Just shut up and do it."

"Fine..." he grumbled with a grin, raising his bottle to clink against Warren's. "To us."

--

//photo credit// me and my phone c. 2020 //

[saksukei]

jeon wonwoo college au

other college aus; jun minghao mingyu

wonwoo was a math major, who had physics as a minor,, and he was also the captain of the basketball team,, he was one of the most popular boys in uni,, like there were literal fanclubs form wonwoo that went to every game of his!!

you were also a math major and yes wonu was most definitely in your class,, but you had never talked to him and you were pretty sure he didn't even know you existed

“GUYS” the class monitor, seungcheol exclaimed. “the dance majors have challenged us to a basketball match,, the losing team will treat the others for meat!”

“we are obviously going to win,, we have wonwoo in our class,” someone said.

“actually, the dance majors are taking help from the sports majors,,” seungcheol replied. “but they agreed that at least three girls needed to be on the team and only the points the girls score will be counted.”

“we are going to lose so bad,, none of us are athletic,,,” another one of your classmates replied.

“me, wonwoo and mingyu can train the players but we need some girls to volunteer.”

before seungcheol could call out your name, you hid behind your book so that he could temporarily forget your existence,,, he had already picked two other girls

“alright we have two players and now we just need one more–” seungcheol announced

And you were praying to God it wouldn't be you

BUT life truly is a pain in the ass

“y/n seems like she'd be good at basketball–” someone suggested.

You lifted your head up from your book to find the source of the voice and

JEON WONWOO???

JEON WONWOO SUGGESTED THAT YOU SHOULD PLAY?

you were like (●__●)

“alright, y/n it is!” seungcheol announced

you sighed, as you grabbed your books and shoved them in your bag and headed out of class

“wait,,” you heard someone behind you

and it was wonwoo

“uh hey what's up?” you asked

“sorry I suggested your name– you have a good height and you seemed like you'd be good at basketball,” he answered.

“that's okay,” you gave a weak smile. “i'll figure it out.”

“i'll train you,” he informed you. “seungcheol said there's almost two weeks before the match– so there's nothing to worry about.”

“except the fact that I could embarrass myself infront of maybe fifty people?” you joked.

and he smiled???

AND HOLY SHIT THE HYPE ABOUT HIS LOOKS IS REAL HES SO DAMN FINE AND YOURE JUST NOTICING

“i promise I won't let that happen,” he reassured. “and if it does happen, I'll embarrass myself too.”

“please,, you're so good looking that–” you stopped mid sentence as you realized what you had said.

“i'm so good looking that?” wonwoo teased.

“see this is what I mean when I said I'd embarrass myself,,” you hid your face between your hands, causing him to chuckle.

“its alright” he smiled. “i have another class, so I'll be seeing you at the basketball practice, right?”

“no promises!” you say,, as you bid him a goodbye,,

oKAY SO NOW YOU UNDERSTAND WHY PEOPLE SIMP FOR WONU HES SO SWEET NSHDNWHS YOURE cOMBUSTING

the next two weeks you ended up practicing with him and he's very patient while teaching you

and you start to notice him things about him,, like the way his hair falls on his face when he’s playing, his toned arms and that lil side smile he gave every now and then made your heart flutter

and like,,

now you've developed this fat crush on him bec he's just w O W Z A

on the day of the basketball match, everyone has these matching jerseys that mingyu ordered b u t instead of ordering one for you he ordered two for wonwoo

“what do we do now?” mingyu asked you.

“i don't know” you reply, confused.

“you can just wear the same one. I'm fine with it,” wonwoo told you.

“alright then.”

mingyu was sHOCKED BEC JEON WONWOO BARELY ACKNOWLEDGED OTHER HUMAN BEINGS BUT HE ALLOWED YOU TO WEAR THE JERSEY WITH HIS NAME??

so there you were wearing wonwoo's jersey that was a bit too big on you,,, the name on the back being ‘JEON’,,, you were pretty sure you were marked for death by his fanclub,,

And yOUR HEART WAS GOING BADUMP!

n e ways

YOUR CLASS WON!!!

THANKS TO WONWOOS TRAINING YOU HAD SCORED SO MANY 3 POINTERS AND EVERY TIME YOU LOCKED EYES WITH HIM

HE SMILED AND GAVE YOU A THUMBS UP!!

after the match, the art majors + sport majors + math majors headed off towards the restaurant for the treat

you changed and you found wonwoo waiting outside

“hey um,,, I thought you left for the restaurant already?” you asked him.

“no actually I was waiting for you,” he answered. “everyone already went.”

You nodded, as you two walked towards the restaurant.

“by the way you did a great job with playing today,,, the team only won because of you,” he complimented

“well– it was because I had an amazing teacher,,” you replied. “that also stopped me from embarrassing myself.”

“well what'd I tell ya”

“you were right,” you smiled. “and I'll also give you back your jersey and the shorts, once I get them washed.”

“no, you can keep them,” he replied. “besides my jerseys suit you better than they suit me,,, after all, you're so good looking,” he teased.

“oh come on, you need to stop teasing me!” you hit his shoulder lightly,

but he instinctively caught your wrist and pulled you closer to him, you could feel his breath tickling your ear

your heart was racing

“then maybe we should go out and be the basketball playing couple, after all, my name really does look good on you.”

[shewrites02]

Ok I got one 😂 hb a scenario where kiba is defending the black reader from bullies? Kiba and the reader are in the academy together and the reader is one of the only people her shade in the classroom, inevitably drawing attention to her.

The Only Unique One | Kiba x Black Reader |

Thank you soooo much for the request. I loved writing this, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Word count: 1.3k

When your family moved to Konoha when you were 3 years old, your parents warned you it would not be easy. A warning you were too young to heed at the time, but once you enrolled in the Academy the meaning behind their message was crystal clear. The leaf village wasn't particularly used to people who looked like you. Differences you hadn't noticed about yourself were quickly pointed out over the years by your classmates. The most significant being the color of your skin.

Your sun kissed skin was much darker in comparison to your comrades, and they took every chance to tell you. You remember the exact moment the disparity was brought to your attention. You had decided to pair up with Sasuke for kunai practice, he was so good and you were struggling. Plus it wasn't like he was one to freely offer up advice so you thought being able to watch him up close might give away some of his trade secrets. An innocent enough gesture that some of your classmates deemed reprehensible.

Once the whole class had made it back inside to gather their belongings for the day, Ino along with a gang of other girls approached you insinuating in front of the whole class your dark complexion was a result of uncleanliness, that it had to be dirt that covered you this way. Tears streamed your face as you fervently protested. None of the other children agreed nor chimed in, but it didn't stop them from snickering and giggling.

"Oh Shut up Ino!" Kiba called out from the back of the class room drawing everyone's eyes off you and to him. He sat slumped in a chair in the very last row with his arms crossed against his chest, Akamaru perched on his head snuggled beneath his hood. "You're just pissed off y/n got paired with Sasuke and you didn't. Just get the hint Sasuke doesn't like you and stop taking it out on Y/n!"

It was now Ino who was wishing the floor would consume her whole. The crimson hue of her skin giving hint of how angry she really was, you'd half expected to see steam coming out her ears at any moment.

"Worry about your stupid dog beast boy!"

"What'd you say about Akamaru?" Kiba growled, letting the insult to him roll off his back.

"Alright class... you are dismissed for the day!" Iruka Sensei announced cutting through the tension that had built in the room.

Most of the class had dispersed their freedom more alluring than the altercation that was currently happening in the room. It seemed as if Ino was contemplating if she really wanted to go back and forth with Kiba, especially after he had already embarrassed her. You could see the thoughts rumbling through her mind as she cut her eyes at him before determining ultimately it wasn't worth it as running off to go meet her friends.

"Don't worry about her!" Kiba said as he walked over to you. The flames in his eyes have dissipated, replaced with a more inviting look.

"Thank you for sticking up for me. You really didn't have to do that." Your voice was meek and frail. It gave off this illusion that you were soft, breakable. You absolutely hated that Ino had reduced you down to a damsel in distress, someone who needed saving. Although you were grateful Kiba was the one to save you.

Kiba reached out and lightly dragged his thumb across your face sweeping away any tears that still stained your cheeks. He wore a wide grin as his hand retreated from your face to awkwardly rub the back of his neck. His demeanor made it clear that he hadn't meant to be so forward, but truly he couldn't help himself.

"You know y/n... you're the only one different from all the other people in leaf village. That's what makes you special! If anything Ino should be jealous of you!"

His words hit you like a ton of bricks, that was the first genuine compliment you had gotten since being in the leaf village. Your brain basically short circuited at such a flattering statement and you didn't know what to say. You fumbled over your words before a whisper of a thank you fell from your lips. It was then when Naruto, Choji, and Shikamaru came stampeding back into the classroom to rush Kiba out. He gave you one last wave as he was dragged out the room.

This incident would not be the last of its nature. Not in the Academy, not in the village, and definitely not the last in your lifetime. The mortification of having someone torment you over things you had no control of was a feeling you surely familiarized yourself with over the years. But just as quickly as someone would make a comment it was as if Kiba was always there to defend your honor with harsh words or even a fight. No one was surprised when the two of you had finally started dating after the Chunin exams. Which only made his obligation to defend and protect you stronger. It had got to the point by the time you two were 21 people dared not even look at you strangely in fear Kiba might appear with harsh consequences. However every once in a while some still tried you when they thought he wasn't around. Now being a prime example.

You stood at the bar in an asymmetrical long sleeve red dress that hugged your curves in ways almost sinful to describe. Your curly hair a voluminous puff on top of your head a few curls falling forward in your face like bangs. You were dressed in a way that was sure to make Kiba drool at the mouth just at the sight of you. His favorite dress, favorite hairstyle and now all you wanted was to have his favorite beer waiting for him when he walked into the bar from his mission. But right now that seems impossible.

The bartender was completely ignoring you. Even despite the multiple times you two had made eye contact the middle aged man absolutely refused to walk in your direction let alone service you. You didn't want to make a scene. Tonight was supposed to be about Kiba and his first solo mission being successful, you didn't want to ruin it with bullshit like this.

"Excuse me, can I please get a beer?!" Your nice nasty tone in full effect as you waved your arms about trying to force the bartender's attention. He simply glanced back at you, rolled his eyes, and continued to fill up another customer's drink. You were near giving up, ready to take Kiba to another bar when his voice suddenly boomed out around you.

"I could have sworn my beautiful girlfriend was asking for a beer." He announced demanding the whole attention of the bar, including the bartender.

Kiba walked up behind you placing one hand around your waist, and the other on the bar beside you. He wore a deceptively kind smirk, everyone here knew exactly what'd he do to this place had he thought anyone here was mistreating you. But the sight of seeing you done up just for him was too sweet for him not to smile, despite the bartender.

There were two beers quickly placed in front of you as the bartender begged for pardon swearing he had not seen you. Kiba didn't bother to acknowledge his pitiful excuse, instead he grabbed both beers and led you to yall's favorite both in the back. Before you could even fully settle in the booth he was already adorning you with kisses and sweet words about how much he missed you. This was a side of him that he only reserved for you.

"You know I love you Kiba Inuzuka." You gleamed up at him.

He laughed gently, pressing his fingers to your lips.

"save the praise for the bedroom."

[fayeimara]

Meant To Be || One For Every Billion

9. Stranger

You put your phone away just in time to hear the melodic tone announce the train's arrival at Tokyo Station. Collecting your duffel and swinging it over your shoulder, you stand to exit, sad to be leaving but excited to head home and see all your familiar devils again.

The terminal is pretty busy so you're glad to have some sense of familiarity, certain you're headed the right way to the exit where Shin is supposed to meet you. You've only just entered the vast circular dome when you hear your cousin's voice call out your name, turning in pleasant surprise to see him making his way towards you.

"I thought you were going to wait outside?" You ask him as he reaches you, reaching out to take your bag from your shoulder.

He shrugs with a glance behind him, "Yeah, yeah, just didn't want you getting lost. It'd be a pain."

"Uh huh... Ren sent you in, didn't he?" You ask and his sheepish smile is answer enough.

His phone is beeping pretty incessantly, probably his brother, but it forces him him to walk in a crowded area without looking where he's going. This could end up in a pretty hilarious disaster for your album but you're pretty exhausted even though you've been sitting for the past few hours. Maybe you can let it go just this once, since you'd like to avoid time doing damage control when you could be enjoying a nice warm meal and a long soak in a tub instead.

You're about to link your arms with him to guide him through the stream of people when a sudden force knocks into you from behind, literally throwing you off your feet. You only just manage to catch yourself before you completely face plant on the floor, an indignant, "Hey!" slipping from your mouth before you even look up.

When you do however, it's to meet the wide, golden eyes of a boy that's apologizing profusely, now sprawled on the floor as well, you're guessing from running right into, and subsequently tripping over, you. You're about to give him a piece of your mind for not watching where he's going, especially while running as fast as he had to have been, but he's up in a flash, dragging you to stand upright with him without even an offer of help first or another word from you. Then he's off again, rushing away while still throwing useless, fading apologies over his shoulder.

Is this karma for wanting something similar to happen to Shin? And just when you were about to do the right thing too. Great. You watch the strange boy's form get further for a moment, white-grey hair streaked black at the roots the last thing you see before he's swallowed up by the crowd. Well, here's to hoping he doesn't bowl over another unsuspecting victim, but that's their problem now. You turn back to Shin as you brush off the knees of your leggings only to notice his phone is up and aimed squarely on you even as he's doubled over with laughter.

You're considering if there's a word for killing one's cousin - parricide? - when a light tap on your shoulder pulls you away from your creatively dark thoughts. This time the gaze you meet is filled with mirth, at least as much as you can tell, since the girl's eyes are mostly unreadable behind a pair of top-rimmed glasses and the elegant fall of her blonde locks shading part of her face, effectively hiding her full expression.

"Hey! I saw what happened and felt like I should apologize for Bo."

"Bo?" You ask in confusion.

She smirks and now you're definitely sure she's amused as she tilts her head to study you, "Yeah the adorable dumbass that just ran you over. I swear he's never usually that rude, just an unfortunate combination of enthusiastic and slightly oblivious."

"Oh, okay.. I mean, thank you but you shouldn't have to be the one to apologize for him. He kind of did anyways, I guess." You say the last with an unhappy twist to your lips.

"Sure but really, he's not usually rude like that, he just panicked when he realized he forgot his bag."

Before you have a chance to reply further, Shin cuts in with a smirk, "Please, no need for a beautiful girl like you to apologize. Why don't we just exchange digits so if there's any lasting damage, we know who to reach out to."

You're already throwing a dirty look his way before he's finished his lame attempt at flirting but almost laugh instead because the girl's expression changes so fast from the kind, conciliatory one aimed your way to a cold look of disgust that he's got to feel down to his bones.

Even her tone is effortlessly chilling with hard reproach, "Dude, you don't even know my name."

You grimace in solidarity, taking your turn to apologize, "I'm sorry about my cousin. He's apparently never spoken to a pretty girl outside the family before."

"Nah, it's all good, we probably all have one of those." Her response is laidback again, body angling back to you while subtly cutting Shin out of the conversation.

"Those?"

You both ignore his overly exaggerated wounded tone and she continues, "Anyways, just thought I'd do the right thing and check if you were okay?"

You give her a bright, reassuring smile, "I was quite literally thrown off, I guess, but I'm physically okay. Just give your friend a piece of your mind for me?"

"Oh, you can bet I will. But seriously, he's not at all like he came off, I promise."

You shrug because it's not like it matters - what are the odds you'll ever run into her or her friend again? You're about to say something to that effect when Shin's phone rings and he rushes to step away to take the call. Probably rushing a little too fast but such a swift and clear rejection will do that to a guy.

Speaking of, "By the way, I promise I'll make him pay for being such a douchebag later too."

Her mouth curves into an amused smirk once again, "Make him pay, huh? I almost wish I could see that. But I seriously couldn't care less, I'm used to people being little shits. And what are the odds I ever run into him again?"

She's rolling her eyes with her words, an eerie echo your own thoughts on her friend, when a smooth, soft-spoken voice cuts into your conversation, "Run into whom again?"

The two of you turn to see startling blue-green eyes trained intently on her, as if her answer is the only thing that matters, but you realize she also knows this dark-haired stranger when she narrows her eyes on him before responding, "No one important. What took you so long?"

"I stopped to get something for you. The least you can do is tell me what I missed."

"Aw, Akaashi," Her eyes turn soft with a happy tone and you're the one that feels like the intruder to their conversation now, "What'd you get me?"

"Nothing important." He throws her own brush off back at her in a careless manner as he gently tugs a strand of her hair. "Who's this?"

"Just an unsuspecting stranger Bo ran over." She gives you another apologetic smile but it drops when the guy continues.

"Uh-huh. And the guy that was just here?"

Her lips turn down in displeasure as a little snark enters her tone, "Were you just watching from somewhere like a creeper?"

"No, brat." He gives her deadpan look but his actions again contradict his expression as he swats her forehead before she can even react to dodge, "I saw you talking to him while walking up."

"He's just her cousin, please chill."

The guy gives you a look as if you're somehow to blame for something, asking her, "Did he say anything weird to you?"

"Define weird? Can you please back off? Thanks." Turning back to you while shaking her head in exasperation, "Sorry I feel like we're just here trading apologies for the guys in our life."

You were a little stunned at the odd interaction at first but her comment prompts sudden laughter to spill out. How true.

"Maybe we should get shirts made? Like those 'I'm with stupid' ones but 'Sorry for this guy' instead." Even as you speak, only her eyes are looking your way as she laughs at your words.

The guy, Akaashi, continues to watch her with a mostly blank look masking his thoughts. But if you're reading it right, you're sure there's a bit of his own displeasure and.. something else. Then, as if he feels you watching, his eyes slide over and, suddenly, you see the politeness that was first missing emerge. His posture straightens from where he was slightly leaning in towards her and his hand drops from where he'd reached out to mess with the ends of her hair behind her.

You're pretty sure you shouldn't ask if they're a couple, just a gut feeling, and you've long since learned to trust those. Is it just pretty obvious to everyone but them?

"Hey, sweetheart! You're still here." You cringe at the renewed hope in Shin's tone as he returns to round out your strange little gathering.

He definitely doesn't notice the sudden stiffness of the other guy's demeanor at his words, even after he answers for the girl sharply, "She hates being called sweetheart."

Does she? Or does he just hate hearing someone else give her a term of endearment?

Shin blinks in surprise as if only just noticing the addition of this guy, "Huh? Who are you?"

"What's it to you? Excuse us," The guy looks at you with considerably less hostility than was aimed at your cousin just now, "We have to be on our way."

Then he grabs the girl's hand and literally drags her away as she throws one last half amused, half exasperated look over her shoulder. You're about to turn away but you catch one last moment that holds your attention a little longer as he pulls a small item from his bag.  It looks like a small box of soy milk and she glances at it before turning her face away, pulling her hand from his and speeding up to walk ahead of him instead.

You can't see if they exchange any words but you have to smile as, after another moment, she holds an arm behind her and he gently places the drink in her open palm. That's when you also notice the guy that ran you over earlier re-enter, a bag now slung over his shoulders as he calls out while racing to catch up with his friends who look back but continue walking to their terminal. What an interesting bunch, one that makes you miss your friends all the more.

Turning back to Shin, you ask, "Ready to go?"

"Do you think they were dating?"

"Oh my god, please let it go, weirdo."

Prev | Next

Masterlist

Behind The Scenes!

-Suna and Y/n got close real fast, but that's the power of bonding over games

-Mystery girl is inspired by & based on my incredible, beautiful, talented moot, Suvi <3

-Shin was really in top form today, huh?

-Also, there isn't a specific word for killing a cousin but there are a lot of words for various kinds of murder... like, too many

-Akaashi is usually nicer, he'd actually typically have been the one apologizing for Bokuto but.. he was off buying soy milk (:

A/N: Thank you all for your patience <3 Bokuto is the last of the seven main characters to make a (brief) appearance! Now it's back to America and school for Y/n but she'll be back for more... I can't wait to see it unfold from here :D Can you?

Taglist: @delusivist, @prettyinblack231, @kac-chowsballs, @sakusasimpbot, @hawkthekinnie, @poppi144, @oikawasbuttcheeks, @tanakasimpcorner

[im-an-anxious-wreck]

Chapter Sixteen

Please Don't Turn The Light Out (I Don't Think The Conversation's Over)

Word Count: 4,691

Link to The Effects Of Family chapter collection

First | Previous

-

Janus walked into the Dark Side's common room and, upon seeing Remus on the couch, put his hands on his hips.

"And where've you been?" Janus pursed his lips. "Because I wasn't bawling my eyes out like a damn baby in front of everyone."

Remus stood up and bounded over. "Ooh, did your eyes fall out and roll away! You always told Virgil that's what'd happen if he kept rollin' his eyes but I tried that and it never happened. I'm starting to think you're a liar!” Remus joked.

"Me? A liar?" Janus scoffed. "Why I would never lie to you." He placed a hand on his chest dramatically.

Remus cackled. "Yeah, okay, Janny… oh! I didn't stay around 'cuz gross, but it sounded like y'all were going goo-goo eyes over each other. Should I expect an announcement?" Remus wiggled his eyebrows.

Janus rolled his eyes fondly. "If you're asking if I'm in a relationship with Roman, Logan, Virgil, and Patton… then the answer is yes."

"Absolutely disgusting… congratulations!" Remus paused and a strange look came over his face as he sobered uncharacteristically fast. "Can… do you have time to sit with me for a minute? I… I wanna talk to you about something."

"I have time. I will always have time for you, Remus."

Remus made a noncommittal sound. "I— right."

Janus sat on the couch but couldn't help but notice the rather large gap Remus put between them as he also sat down.

"Soooo... you're leaving then." It wasn't a question, not the way that Remus had said it. Not when he had said it so resigned, matter of factly. The fact that Remus actually believe that, hurt worse than any lies ever could.

"What of course no—"

"Nah it's alright, Snakebutt. It's ok— well, it will be okay. Of course I'll fucking miss you, you fucking bastard. But I'm glad you finally got you a family."

"What?! No! I'm not just leaving you, Remus."

"Hey, it's whatever, Fartface. Have fun pulling a Virgil."

"I am not pulling a Virgil!"

Remus sighed, shaking his head sadly. "Janny… you're emphasizing the 'not's. You're lying. Just tell it to me strai— welll, not straight obviously, but tell it to me without lying. You don't have to pretend. I've got my big boy birthday suit on."

Janus was surprised to find tears forming in his eyes. "I— I'm not lying! I'm not leaving you here. I won't abandon you!" The tears rolled over and down his cheeks as Remus raised his eyebrows in surprise at Janus' outburst.

"Shit, Janny, don't cry. I didn't mean t—"

"Please! I won't do that to you. If I go, you're coming with me! They're willing, Remus. We're not going to be hated anymore. I promise." Janus laughed, albeit wetly. "And if they do hate us then fuck them. I'd burn this whole place down before I'd let them hurt you."

"Holy fuck. You're serious. I…" Remus' mischievous grin was back, and although he'd never say this out loud, Janus had missed it. Seeing Remus serious was, well… unsettling to say the least. "You sure we can't burn this mofo down anyway? Please? Please, Janus Snakeface the third! Please please please please! Ugly please with pickled poo logs on top!"

Janus took Remus' brief distraction to subtly wipe at his eyes.

"Please please please please please pllleeease!!"

"Alright, alright fi—"

"Yay!!!" Remus quickly summoned a big box of matches.

"No! No wait! I wasn't distracted. You absolutely should burn the Mindscape down!" Janus exclaimed, opposite-speak slipping into his voice without his permission.

"Awwww, you're no fun. Logan lets me burn shit."

"Not in a controlled environment, I presume."

Remus sighed loudly. "Yeah, he has 'all' these 'boring rules' that are 'for the health and safety' of 'everyone' but that's boring!"

"Wh— why didn't you use so many air quotes?"

"Oh! It's a habit I picked up from Logan, the, unfortunately not, stinky man!"

"And do you know… how to use air quotes?"

"Nope rope!"

"Ah, I figured as such." Janus frowned. Wait a second. "I know what you're trying to do."

"And what would that be, Janny-Fanny?"

"You're trying to distract me from how you thought I was going to just abandon you!"

"Yeah… can't get nothin' past you. I… I'd understand though. It's nice up there, and I'm… a little too gross for some people at times. I… you'd still visit, right? It wouldn't have to be very often or long!"

"Remus—"

"Just pop in for a few minutes, say hi, make sure I didn't set fire to the subconscious again, and then you can be on your merry little way. Course then you'll start coming less and less and less and less and less often…" Remus turned his head to the side staring blankly at the carpet.

"Remus, what's… what's going on? This seems… a bit worse than your usual bad day."

"I… I don't know. I just woke up weird and have had this nasty, and not in a fun way, feeling in my chest and it's suffocating me and then you… when you said… and you're leaving, I just— didn't know what to do." Remus looked down at his hands and started tracing shapes on them. "I want you to go 'n be with them and be happy… I do! I just… don't wanna be forgotten. Please… please don't forget about me. Just, promise to visit me once every two months o— or whatever."

"Wh—"

"Just so I know when you eventually stop coming! I mean, there's no point waiting around 'n hoping you'll visit when really you just forgot and are never gonna come back again and I'm just sitting there waiting and, a— and… and. Y— you know, actually, um, you don't even haveta visit at all!"

"Remus!"

"I—" Remus took a deep breath, slumping his shoulders. "Just… let me finish. I— please, Janus."

Janus sharply inhaled. Remus never called Janus by his proper name. Ever. He'd always called him 'Janny' or some nickname — usually revolving around snakes or something gross. So Remus calling him 'Janus', it was… well, let's just say a slap to the face would've hurt less.

"Just listen for a few minutes, then y— you can… you can go," Remus looked at his twisting hands, oblivious to Janus' tears, and continued, "But I… I need to say this. It's… it's important. We've h— we've had fun but… but it's o— over now."

"No." Janus couldn't remember a time when he'd ever sounded so strangled and broken, and with everything that'd happened to him, that was truly saying something. "I— Please, Re. Don't… don't do this."

"You don't need me. I belong here. In the dark… by myself. You don't though. So… 'm glad you can leave. Go—" Remus shakily scrubbed underneath his eyes. "Go to where you belong, go bask in the light and warmth of the Light Side of the Mindscape and l— leave me h— here."

"What the fuck are you talking about?! I came to— I just…" Janus took a deep breath. He couldn't help Remus if he was too worked up. "Do… do you actually think I'd just leave you?"

"...No. You wouldn't. I knew t— that. I just— just want… I— you should be happy. I want you to be happy, 'n I can't stop thinking about how much h— happier you'd b— be without me… how much happier everyone would be."

"Oh, Remus."

"And I know… I know that's n— not true but, fuck! It's just so hard to drill it into my head and actually believe it. My stupid sewer brain just won't fucking stop, and I don't— I don't know what to do, J. I— Logan tries, God, he's tried so hard but I'm… I'm just like this. I can't be fixed. Alone is… better, for… for e— everyone."

"No," Janus murmured. "No, it's not better. We'd miss you. Gods, we'd miss you so fucking much." Janus' voice got impossibly softer. "I'd... miss you. I— fuck." More tears ran down Janus' already wet face, despite his desperate attempt to wipe them away. "I really like having you around. Even if you didn't make us better, which you do, I'd still want you to stay around. You're so important to me. I— I genuinely don't know how I could've ever gotten through the things I have w— without you."

Janus paused for a moment, only able to semi-successfully collect himself before continuing. "Because like, I… I used to think the same way. I used to think that alone was better… but I was wrong, it isn't better. It's worse, so so much worse. It's lonely and miserable, and you just feel like there's no point to anything."

Remus finally spoke up, voice not above a whisper. " 'N everything's dull, 'n heavy, 'n grey."

"Exactly, it… it feels pointless. Like you try and you try, day after day, only to just scrape by. It's really frustrating and disheartening, and… and you just feel so alone. But it's not true. You're not alone, and it's not pointless. Even if you get absolutely nothing done, that day wasn't pointless. You didn't waste it. Not every day needs to be productive. Sometimes things are overwhelming and you need to take a break. You can't do everything, and hell you shouldn't try to. You'll burn yourself out… I think I got a bit off topic but you know what I'm trying to say, right?"

"Yeah, I— I do, and you're right. But I just… I just feel like I should be able to do stuff. I should be able to get out of bed and take care of myself. But for some reason… for some reason, I just can't. And I— I don't know why I'm so lazy. I should be able to do stuff… so why can't I? Why can't I just do things like other people can?"

"Remus, remember what we've said? You aren't lazy, you have depression. And when you have depression, sometimes things just take more effort for the same or less results than your peers. And yes, that can be extremely frustrating, not being able to do the same stuff or same amount of stuff as other people. It's… it's especially frustrating when you can't get yourself to do stuff that you've done before. You feel like you should be able to do stuff, but there's just some sort of a block in the way. But Re, that's not laziness. You're doing the best you can, and that's good enough. You will always be good enough."

Remus sobbed and tried to speak but only a croak came out. Remus' stimming got rougher than Janus would prefer, nail raking over his palms.

"It's alright, Remus." Janus reached forward, offering one of his hands for Remus to hold. "You're okay."

Remus took the proffered hand and scooted closer, tears still running down his cheeks. "T— thanks."

"Of course…" Janus took a deep breath. "Just breathe, Remus. Just breathe and listen, okay?"

Remus shakily nodded.

"Good... Oh, and don't think I didn't hear you call yourself stupid earlier. You absolutely aren't stupid. Do you know how much time and patience it takes to make Rube Goldberg machines? Even if they don't quite work, it's very impressive. And when they do work? It's downright amazing! I mean, you made one that covered Roman in glitter, and it was activated just by him sneezing! And you set it up without him even noticing...

"I just— you've got the problem-solving kind of smart, you've got the emotional intelligence kind of smart, and you've got the just like, general knowledge. For example, I mean, the amount of just disturbing facts you know is actually mind-blowing. You're smart. So smart, Remus."

"W— wow. You're r— really bringing out t— the big guns, huh?"

"If that's what it takes for you to realize that you're trashy in a fashionable way, and not a piece of trash like worthless, then yes. You're important to me, Remus. I… I don't want you to feel shitty. So I'm here to say, and make sure you know, that you're not stupid, or lazy, or any of the mean things your brain tells you. And you may not believe that yet, but I'll just keep saying it. I'll believe it even when you can't… especially when you can't. You're… gods, you're so amazing, Remus."

"O— oh. Shit, Janny. You makin' me get snot and tears on my shirt!" Remus exclaimed, tears still streaming down his face as he released Janus' hand to wipe his nose on his sleeve.

"Okay, I— I don't think the snot is entirely my fault though," Janus said as Remus blew his nose on the other sleeve.

Remus laughed, but sounded more like a sob. "Okay, J-anus."

Janus blinked in confusion. "Actually, didn't I give you some handkerchiefs?"

"Oh, um… yeah, y— you did." Remus looked away, awkwardly picking his nose.

"It's alright if you forgot about them, or don't like them, or the texture of them, although I thought I had taken that into account—"

Remus looked at Janus, wide-eyed. "No, they're great! They're… they're perfect, actually."

"Oh, I had hoped so— er, sorry. It… it doesn't really matter."

"No, it does! Stuff you like matters, really. I— this may be mushy-gushy but… that's actually why I don't use them, they're perfect. And I mean, you fucking embroidered them, Janny. You personalised the hankies design for each of us. Like how fuckin' fancy is that? Of course I'm not gonna wipe my nasty snot on that."

Janus remembered, rather fondly, carefully picking out a design for each of them — Virgil's handkerchiefs all had a dark purple spider design on light purple fabric, Remus' had a dark green octopus on light green, and Janus' had gold snake on light yellow. They may not have been perfect but Janus felt sentimental about them. Apparently he wasn't the only one, first having gotten a glimpse of one of Virgil's in a frame years ago, and now Remus, who also didn't use his.

"O— oh. I— Remus, I can make you some plain ones if that's the case. It's a bit stupid but I... I thought maybe you didn't like them."

"No, Shithead," the way Remus said the would-be insult was nothing but affectionate, "It's the opposite actually. I keep them carefully folded in my drawer because I love them and don't wanna accidentally mess them up."

"Oh, Re-Re." Janus was surprised that the old nickname slipped out and, judging by Remus' face, he was too.

"R— Re-Re, huh? Is been awhile. It's… it's nice."

"I— yeah, it really has been awhile. It's been… what, years?"

"Yeah."

"Way too long."

"Much."

"...I really will get you some snot worthy hankies though."

"Good, 'cuz I've been having to use my shirt sleeves and butt paper!"

Janus shook his head fondly. "Why must you call toilet paper that?"

"Would you rather I think up a worse one? 'Cuz I'm sure I can!"

"No! No, I, uh, I'm fine with butt paper actually."

"Are you sure you wouldn't prefer, um… ass tissues?"

Janus snorted. "Quite sure. I'll stick to toliet paper, thank you."

"Oh, well. Suit yourself!"

"I will." Janus' smile was a lot softer than he'd ever admit, but he didn't care. It was good to have Remus back to his usual disgusting self. "Now stop deflecting with your potty talk and give me that hug I know you've been holding back."

Janus' smile only grew as a warm body slammed into his own.

-

"Guess who's here, Sluts!" Remus called out as he and Janus walked into the Light Side's living room.

"Oh, hello! We were just about to send out the rescue party, thought maybe you'd fallen in the toilet," Roman joked.

"Oh, haha," Janus sarcastically said, unable to keep himself from smirking.

"Janus, you're back!" Patton beamed. "We missed ya, Kiddo. And hello, Remus! How are you?"

"Handy, dandy, and jackin'a'nanny!" Remus wiggled his shoulders.

Patton scrunched up his nose. "...What?"

"Best not to question it," Janus said. "And I'm speaking from personal experience. Anything Remus says that doesn't make sense… just, don't overthink it… Oh," Janus raised an eyebrow dramatically, "Glad to see that Roman didn't murder Virgil in my absence."

Virgil stuck out his tongue at Janus, who quickly returned the favour.

"Oh my goodness, you were right, Roman!" Patton exclaimed. "He really does do the baby blep!"

"I…" Janus crossed his arms and distinctly didn't pout.

"Aww!" Patton clapped his hands together.

"Hehe, he a pouty baby." Remus only giggled as Janus didn't deepen his pout. "Oh! Hey, Lo-Lo, guess what?!"

Logan raised an eyebrow. "What is it, Dear?"

Remus bounded over and plopped himself down on Logan's lap, who quickly wrapped his arms around Remus and pulled Remus to his chest. "I love you, Lo-gin And Tonic!" Remus squirmed as if it would possibly get him any closer to Logan than he already was.

Janus walked over at a much more subdued pace, sitting in between Roman and Virgil. Patton sat on Janus' far right, cuddling with Roman, and Logan with Remus on his lap sat to Janus' far left, next to Virgil.

Logan hummed and kissed the top of Remus' head. "I love you too, Dear."

"I love you. I love you. I love you!" Remus continued to bounce with energy. "I love. Love love love love love love!"

"Ah, I see. Feeling a bit high-energy, are we?"

"Mmm!" Remus buried his face in the crook of Logan's neck, continuously repeating the word 'love'.

Logan continuously rubbed wide circles into Remus' back with his hand, letting Remus get his excess energy out. Remus' mumbling got quieter and quieter until he finally stopped, blinking slowly as he wearily looked around the room.

"Feeling a bit more calm now?" Logan asked.

"Yeah, thanks, I just get— well, you know."

"It's alright, Dear. I understand."

"Oh!" Remus sat up a bit but still heavily laid against Logan. "I almost forgot, congrats on the finally getting your shit together! I mean, it's just so cock-a-hoop that y'all finally got your head out of your asses and started shoving your tongues down each other's throats!" Remus exclaimed, energy level seeming to be balancing itself back out to usual Remus levels.

"I— it's what now?" Roman wrinkled his nose. "Stop making up gross words."

Logan adjusted his glasses before slipping his hand back around Remus' waist. "Actually, it's not something Remus made up, this time at least. I must say it's certainly an... interesting word, but a word nonetheless. Lexico.com says:

" 'Cock-a-hoop: extremely and obviously pleased, especially about a triumph or success.' "

"No. No way." Virgil shook his head. "Y'all are pulling our legs."

"You heard Nerdy-licious here. It's real!"

"Are you even sure that's how you use it in a sentence?" Roman raised an eyebrow.

"Nope!"

"I must say I'm not particularly well versed in the usage of this work as well… but due to past experiences," Logan fake coughed, "and arguments, I doubt that Remus particularly cares if that usage is correct."

"Exactly. It has 'cock' in it. What more could I want with such an excellent word!"

Roman frowned. "Isn't it a phrase?"

"Hmm, I don't know, but it's got hyphens in it, so I'm calling it a word!"

"That would be incorrect. Usually, if it's two words with a hyphen then it could easily be considered a word; but if it has three or more words connected by hyphens, then it would really be considered a phrase."

"Damn, Talk-Nerdy-To-Me, you are really smart, as you've proved loads of time with your brilliant ideas in the bedroom!"

"Remus." Logan sighed.

"Yeah… we really didn't need to know that." Virgil shuddered.

"That's not…" Logan sighed. "Yes, we brainstorm things, and yes, it just happens to be one of our bedrooms, but it's not anything like the sexual innuendo Remus hinted at. They were all completely non-sexual ideas."

"Yeah," Virgil said, clearly not believing Logan. "Let's… let's go with that."

Logan frowned. "I— do you not believe me? You know I don't propagate falsehoods."

"Ach, you're right. I'm sorry, L 'n Re. And besides, it's none of my business either way."

"Yeah!" Remus exclaimed. "Who cares if Logan and I are plants!"

"What?" Virgil frowned.

"Uhhh..." Remus laughed awkwardly. "Inside joke?"

"Oh." Virgil looked rather miffed. "...Okay then."

Logan shook his head fondly. "Anyway… oh, I meant to ask." Logan reached across Virgil and laid his hand on Janus' knee, who took no time to cover it with his own. "How are you feeling… Bumblebee?" The warm tone in which Logan had said it went right to Janus' heart, and he couldn't help the way his face immediately felt aflame, going as far as the tips of his ears.

"Aww, look, Lo. You broke him," Virgil said, not impolitely, and snickered.

"W— wait, apologies, Janus. I— I was only attempting to give you a nickname like Roman does."

"Logan—" Janus began, only to be interrupted by Logan.

"You wear almost exclusively, yellow and black," Logan only spoke faster, barreling over Janus, "So I made the comparison a— and I shouldn't have just assumed—"

"Logan." Janus squeezed Logan's hand. "It's okay, Moonlight. I really liked it." Janus spoke softly, just for the two of them, trying his best to ignore Patton's cooing, Remus lewd noises, and Roman consequentially unnaturally stretching his arm to lightly smack the back of his brother's head.

"O— oh. Well, g— good. I uh— I also am rather, er, appreciative of nicknames." Logan's blushing face only made his smattering of freckles stand out. "Roman has… made that quite apparent."

"Damn right!" Roman cheerily exclaimed.

"Y'all are so sappy." Virgil rolled his eyes.

Patton giggled. "You are too, Kiddo!"

"Pff, am not."

"Ah, a worthy challenge!" Roman sat on Patton's lap, gently grabbing Virgil by the neck of his hoodie, he pulled Virgil so that he was half on top Janus, and just within reach for a sweet yet short kiss.

"Ew!!" Remus, perhaps by accident, perhaps on purpose, kicked Roman. "Ah, fudge Cheetos smoothie. My bad, Ro."

"Oh, shit, not this again." Roman darkly, yet half-heartedly, muttered, releasing Virgil he sat back against Patton, although he still held onto one of Virgil's hands.

Janus shook his head fondly. "Here we go again."

"Not what again, Ro?" Remus 'innocently' blinked. "Do you mean you don't like when I say things like fried deodorant sticks?"

"No."

"Well, what about anchovy lavender chicken feet!"

"No," Roman whined.

"Shiit—"

"Yes!"

"—take mushrooms."

"Nooo."

"Bioluminescent feather cheeseburgers!"

"What the fuck, Remus? What the actual fuck. Just curse."

"Sugar honey iced tea."

"Ah, curse you. It's even a Madagascar reference, nice. Damn, so close too," Roman pouted. "If you made it into an acronym, it even spells out shit! Ugh, why won't you fucking curse!? Please, I'm begging you, Re. Just curse. Please. Fuck. Shit. Damn. Anything!"

"Now why the mint mushroom chocolate chip mayonnaise sauce would I do that?"

"Oh, Remus, you should definitely curse," Janus said, voice dripping with sarcasm. "This isn't absolutely hilarious, and I don't find it very entertaining at all. The look on Roman's face isn't funny."

"Hey!" Roman pouted. "I will… I will dump you off of this couch!"

"Hmm…" Janus checked his nails in faked disinterest. "No, you won't."

"...Ah, drat! You're right. Your face is just too damn adorable!"

Virgil switched which hand he was still holding Roman's with and slung an arm over Janus' shoulders. "Fuck, yeah he is."

Janus adjusted his gloves, trying to fight how flustered just those two sentences had made him.

"Moooom, Virgin said fuck!" Remus cried. "My poor little angelic ears! Think of the children!!"

"A— at least you cursed…" Roman weakly replied.

Logan raised a skeptical eyebrow. "And who, pray tell, are these supposed children?"

"Uhhhhh, me! And... Ro! 'N you, 'n Virg-uhriah, 'n… uhhh Patty!"

"Ah, I see— well, I don't actually see, but… that's nice, Dear."

Remus laid his head on Logan's shoulder. "Thank you!"

"May I ask why you have decided to use such... creative alternatives to curse words?" Logan asked.

"Well since Buffalo Patty decided to drop the goody-two-shoes act and be a very bad boy—"

"Oh my god, please just stop." Virgil buried his face into Janus' shoulder and screamed in fake agony, Janus patting his back comfortingly.

"—so I'm saying the faux ones to balance it out!"

"Hah, faux, isn't that a bit of a big word for you to know, Remus?" Roman teased. "Been spending a lot of time around Logan, huh? I mean, it has three whole letters, you sure you can spell that?"

"Roman." Logan sighed.

"Oh my god, this is priceless." Virgil perked back up, and Janus quickly retracted his hand from where it had been tracing circles on Virgil's arm.

Logan sighed. "Faux has four letters, Dear. F - A - U - X.

"What! Why? That doesn't even make sense! And how is there an 'X'!?" Roman exclaimed.

"It's French."

"Oh… well, I speak Spanish! Not French, okay?"

Virgil snickered. "Wait, how did you think it was spelled?"

"...ANYWAY—"

"Sweet chocolate-covered corn-on-the-cob, you can't spell! Oh, octopus pus, truly brilliant, Ro-bro."

"As I said, ANYWAY, are we going to watch the movie or are we just going to stand around all day, making fun of my knowledge of French—"

"Or lack thereof." Virgil snickered even louder.

"AND think of the literal worst fake curses possible?"

"Ooh! Great ide—" Remus wiggled his shoulders.

"It was a rhetorical question!"

"Aww, well you didn't say it was when you said it."

"Well, I didn't not not say… wait, no. Not not not? Not not? No, fuck, I'm confused."

Remus huffed. "You sure fucking are."

"You cursed!! You actually cursed, oh thank Zeus!"

"I don't know what the pink barf bag you're talking about." Remus smiled 'innocently'.

"Noooooo. Remus, how could you?"

"They'll never believe you," Remus whispered conspiratorially.

"We all literally just heard you say 'fucking'." Virgil shook his head fondly.

"Yeah, well… you can't prove anything!"

"Logan, might I suggest we just start the movie," Janus spoke aside to Logan, ignoring the twins, who are still bickering. "They'll figure it out in a minute."

"Ah, is that how you get anything done?"

"That and bribing them with food."

Remus cackled. "Frozen pickled poo-log deodorant popsicles!"

"Noo, stooop," Roman all but whined.

Janus just rolled his eyes and spoke over them, "Virgil, please get out the cabinet snacks. Candy, pretzels, chips... Just whatever you see fit."

Virgil looked up at Janus, looking slightly surprised to be addressed. "On it." Virgil jumped up and slipped around everyone's legs to go the kitchen.

"Logan, would you mind setting up the movie? And Patton, can you grab a few blankets and pillows?"

"No prob, Bob!" Patton exclaimed.

"His name is not—" Logan sighed loudly. "Yes, I can do that, Janus."

"Excellent." Janus leaned back against the couch, trying not to let his exhaustion show.

"Roman, you can make the popcorn. Remus, get the soda and cups.

"Ooh, can I add—"

"No add-ins to any of it, except for your personal cup and bowl."

"Aww, cricket fritters."

Janus sat there watching everyone busy themselves with their tasks, feeling how full his heart was from all the love he finally finally let himself feel for them.

His sleepy mind drifted as he listened to the Mulan title card Logan brought up, Patton's pleasant humming as he returned with the fluffest blankets and pillows, and the twins and Virgil bickering in the kitchen.

Soon they had all arranged themselves around each over and settled in to watch the movie, any playful banter quickly dying down to match the warm soft vibe they'd cocooned themselves in.

And as Janus sat there, half laying on Patton, sourounded by his four amazing boyfriends and his awesome best friend, he realized the tightness in his chest had finally gone away. He took his first deep breath in who knew how long. Everything would be alright...

Yes, everything would be alright.

~The End~