#WE BOTH RAN AROUND WHILE HOLDING UP FISH TO RANDOM PLAYERS

[toniodarling]

They’re StraightMenOnTinder-ing all over the fuckign place!!!!!

[ohheyitsokay]

spectators

part 8 of the ‘hey batter batter’ series

paring: Francisco Morales (Frankie, Catfish) x reader

wordcount: 2.6k

warnings: strong language, kissing, enough fluff for a rich person chair

summary: it’s a Triple Frontier baseball AU! Trust me, you don’t need to know anything about baseball.

In this chapter, the Frankie and you appease the people who have been invested in their relationship this whole time.

>>

Pope threw the ball straight up, and caught it.

Then he did it again – he was thinking.

Right hand, then left. Right, left. The ball was in the air less and less time, but the speed didn’t increase. Eventually he was just tossing it straight into his own palm, slowly, thoughtfully, his gaze fixed somewhere far away.

Frankie watched, not even nervous. Of all the reactions he could’ve predicted this was more or less what he expected.

“I’m proud of you,” this throw was for Catfish.

“Thanks.” He caught it.

“You’re fucking lucky,” Pope grinned.

“I know.” Frankie threw it back.

“When is the next date?” Benny plucked it out of the air, a strange look in his eyes. The rest of the team was already back in the locker rooms, but they had held Frankie back, curious. He had spent the morning practice practically glowing, playing well, but suspiciously distracted. Initially, there was an onslaught of teasing and questions and exaggerated berating, but now they had quieted, actually processing this, as friends. Will look satisfied, happy even, but Frankie kicked himself, remembering too late that Ben’s most recent romance hadn’t worked out.

“Tonight – she thinks the parties are bad news,” he said it carefully - Ironhead had been the one to start sharing their pasts with you, but it was really out there now, for you to take or leave. He moved past them towards the showers and he heard Tom snort, making an exaggerated whipping sound. The older man had listened to his abbreviated story with a stoic face, just raised eyebrows and his arms crossed. Frankie’s jaw clenched, wondering if he should retort, but he didn’t get the chance.

It was quiet, but Will added, “She’s not wrong,” in that even, reasonable tone of his. The tension fell, and then rose, sharply, a testament to the respect they all held for the first-baseman's opinion. Trudging through the hallway suddenly felt too fast, too dangerous, like the conversation should’ve stayed outside. A long moment filled only by footsteps as they all considered, before Ben spoke. 

“Can I come?” Frankie stopped walking, turning incredulously and Santi smacked the rookie on the back of his head. Benny glared, but without any real bite. “Ow, fuck you - I’d rather hang out than go to another one of those stupid parties, wouldn’t you?” He looked defiant, meeting each of their eyes and gesturing with both of his arms, goading them to answer him, to disagree.

No one did, not even Tom, who glowered, the leather of his glove folded into deep wrinkles. Will’s blue eyes met the brown of Santi’s, and his mouth hooked into a smile. Deep laughter went a long way to thawing tension when it was genuine, and it was.

“Ben, you can’t crash Fish's date, we can do something else,” Will took his own turn smacking his brother but it was a bit of a bold statement. There were days when it felt like they really couldn’t so anything else, like there wasn’t other options that felt real – but they should be able to.

Frankie dragged a hand over his face before groaning a muffled, “Wait,” and sighing. He cursed, not even aware of what language it was in, occupied by the thought of what you would say if you were here. It was ridiculous but it felt right, and it was an opportunity for him to slow down again. “Honestly she would probably love if you guys hung out.”

There was a beat, where they stared at him, before the debate began. It didn’t last long, hushing as they reached the locker room, but by the time they were clean and dried and settled, it was decided. There really wasn’t a downside to it and really, they were all figuring you out, too. The lure of your smiles and home cooked food far outweighed the temptation of loud music and sticky floors and girls too tipsy to talk with, at least this time.

In the lull between the practice and the game, Frankie tried not to jump whenever his phone made a noise. One date in, and he was already daydreaming about just driving to your house and just kissing you until one of you had somewhere better to be. But you had a job, and things to finish so you had time for his game that evening, and he was acutely aware that while you had let that incredible evening – yesterday? – happen, he would need to slow down. He had already told you, he wanted to do this right.

He confirmed the plans for the evening, smiling as you agreed to host all his friends, and then tossed his phone into his bag. Then put a jacket on top of the bag, folded twice so it balanced precariously. When it buzzed he made himself take a lap around the building, and wanted to bang his head against the wall when it was a random email.

And all evening the thought of you. The game rolled in, and he squatted bitterly, annoyed his position left his back to the crowd. It meant he couldn’t look for you, and James. Logically he knew, even if you had told him your exact seats, he wouldn’t be able to make you out unless you were close, but that didn’t stop him from wishful thinking. 

Catch, catch, walk, sit, swing, hit, run, walk, sit. Repeat. 

The game built, and tensions were high as the scores stayed close and the crowd whispered about playoffs. It was the worst time for him to be batting, the pressure too high to be on the shoulders of a catcher, but it couldn’t be helped.

He walked out, listening to the blast of an old song too familiar to recognize, and the rumble of the announcer.

Frankie looked towards the crowd, knowing you were out there and fruitlessly wishing he could see you. He stopped at the plate, shifting on the balls of his feet, feeling the dirt under his cleats and trying to imagine your eyes on him. His hands tightened, loosened, tightened again, the wrap on the handle of the bat protested the movement, and he tried to hear you whispering his name.

You were cheering for him, right?

The ball hit his bat with a satisfying crack, and he didn’t watch where it went before he ran.

-

James was stalling.

You were supposed to drive him home, as always, but after spending most of the game filling him in about you and Francisco, there was no convincing him to move faster.

He wanted to see the man who had kissed his granddaughter – more than once! – and look him over again. The sweet, elderly man could be quite determined, especially when it involved two of his favorite people in the whole world. It meant waiting until the crowds fled and dodging staff who would no doubt shoo you away, but the eagerness on his little, wrinkled face made him impossible to deny.

“Jimbo, you’ve already met him,” you tried again, listening to the shrieks of a fangirl. After the surprising home run, the catcher was in high demand, and it made your stomach twist.

You had woken up this morning still shy and baffled at what you were to him, what was happening. So much had happened in such a short amount of time, and you talked a lot, but not about... you, together. But James was certain, this was it, and he wanted to look Francisco in the eyes before he gave you his blessing.

His hand was in your elbow and you tugged, again, before withering under his look. He began lecturing you, about this being his job and you offered a compromise. This time, you weren’t invited, but you guided him towards the lobby where friends and family met the players, and when they let you in, you let out a breath you didn’t know you had been holding.

Santiago found you first, and both of you got big hugs from him and the Miller boys, as they told you animatedly about how much hell they gave Frankie for bringing you home the first date. You barely got a word in, but you grinned as James joined their indignation.

In truth, your eyes were looking for Frankie, and you chided yourself at how much you ached for him, as always.

After a few minutes, Will pushed you towards the locker room, and you shot him a grateful smile. All the other players were clear, he told you, Frankie was being a baby about facing the fans. Your phone buzzed in your pocket, confirming that he was at loathe to run into anyone but you. They kept your grandfather occupied, and you knew they were in good hands as he was insisting he was hosting game night, that night.

Ducking into the hall, you followed the tile and the gaudy decorations, and found him.

Frankie, your Francisco was freshly showered, tshirt and jeans marked with drips from his curls, fiddling with his phone like he was waiting for you to text back. When he saw you, he dropped it into his bag, and your arms and eyes were suddenly full of him.

It was a crushing hug, he was eager and almost bursting with pride. You made a noise, you know you did, when only your toes were touching the ground, but he didn’t spin you around before he set you down.

He tried to pull away, he really did, but he couldn’t help but stay close, and you could’ve sworn his cheeks were flushed as you congratulated him, telling him admiringly about how exciting his home run was.

Feeling him against you again was surreal. Mere weeks ago you had been watching him from a distance, and then burying ridiculous daydreams under the rug in your mind. And yet here he was, looking at you with the same softness as he had the night before, without regret, and like reality was better than a dream.

When he asked why and how you were here – not that he was complaining, you told him and explained about James. He only smiled, shifting closer to you again, telling you after all you put up with yesterday, he could certainly do this for you.

There was a pause, the air both clear and thick at the same time, and his head tilted, hands shifting on your hips. Thoughts of your family and friends and food slipped from your mind as his face drew closer, the tip of his nose tapping yours.

Brown eyes, searching your face, you almost felt like you could count his eye lashes. Frankie had little freckles, faint, spattered across the tan skin of his neck and face, and there were sweet little sparse patches in his beard.

“You know, we wont get any time alone, tonight.”

His tone was thoughtful, but he said it like he almost didn’t hear himself, and you could feel the edges of the words against your lips.

The hand on your hip slid up. Up and up, until it settled on the back of your head and he was pressing into you. Frankie’s kisses were deep and slow, like he couldn’t believe last night was not a figment of his imagination, and you wound your arms around him before you got lost in them. There were words in them, distant proclamations and promises and you pulled him into you, yearning to hear them clearly.

It could’ve been a minute or half an hour, between that moment and when he pulled away. With shock, you realized you had been pushed against the locker with his name on it, and his palm was cushioning your head.

There was a clatter of aluminum against the floor, and you jumped like caught teenagers. Then you were firmly planted on the ground again, and Frankie was turned around, shielding you like it was already instinct. Neither of you saw anyone, and his laughter was bashful and sweet. When he said you should probably go, and took your hand, you heard a genuine roughness in his voice.

Behind another row of lockers, Molly whispered into Tom’s neck, “Do you need to go, too? There’s that party tonight.” And he shrugged.

-

The environment at James' home was completely different than last time they were there. Things were less clean, there was less food, and everyone was twice as comfortable. 

It was strange, what really knowing them did - they teased you more, and breathed easier, as if they had never met someone who hadn’t minded it all. 

“Juice packets?” Will asked, confused at the drink selection, and you smiled when Santi winked at you. Tom hadn’t come but you thought it would be best to play it safe. It was important to you, that if they were choosing this over a party that it was lighthearted, sincere and simple.

“I just thought it would be fun,” you gave as your only explanation and he didn’t question it further. He did drink them three at a time, though, and when you laughed, you swore you saw his smile lines.

Benny was on your team, yelling and by far the most competitive, Santi and Will’s luck encouraging it every step of the way. They bickered like kids, bellowing laughter and rambunctious celebrations included. You made an extra rule – anyone who hit you with a pillow or playing piece had to buy you ice cream, next time the opportunity came up.

If should’ve been distracting, how James had pulled Frankie to the side to talk, but it warmed your heart. You didn’t need to swoop in and rescue him – they were talking like old friends, like Frankie was genuinely interested and invested in your beloved grandfather.

Every once in awhile, he would look up and meet your eyes, watching you with his friends with one corner of his mouth pulling higher. Once, you blew him a kiss and he scrunched his nose, like it hit him between the eyes.

Later, you scooted over to them, trying to steal him back, James leaned over and ruffled your hair before sternly, adorably telling you to let him have his turn with Frankie. When Frankie joined him, jokingly telling you to back off, you thought if it didn’t work out with him, Jimbo would adopt him. 

The night stretched beautifully late, before your grandfather lectured them on the importance of sleep and Benny spun you around in victory. There were stars in the sky, and you listened to their chatter fade as they piled into their cars, surprised at how affectionate you felt for all of them, after so little time and such unlikely circumstances. 

Frankie had stayed back, accepting goodbye hugs, and leaning against your car as you waved the other’s off. Of course, you asked, but he didn’t tell you what they talked about and he didn’t linger as long as you had hoped he would. 

His kiss was sweet and chaste, like he knew he had all the time in the world.

<<

taglist:

@fangirl-316 @scribbledghost @writeforfandoms @beautyagegoodnesssize @princess76179 @mrsbentallmadge

hey batter batter taglist:

@icanbeyourjedi @studyofawearymind @hnt-escape @athalien @the-witty-pen-name @daffodin @sarahjkl82-blog @pintsizemama @anaaaispunk @pjkimrn @dobbyjen @stuckontheceiling

[kurt-nightcrawler]

Comfort and Care

𝐃𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞 𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

(𝑭𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒆!𝑫𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒅 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓)

Blurb: Dominique comes over to help the reader feel a bit better after a bad week

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1.7k

A/N: so this is very self indulgent! I haven’t been doing too well mentally and that isn’t really portrayed in the fic but I wrote this because of that... I hope you enjoy! (Also I may write more lost girls content? We will see what happens! Let me know what you’re all vibing with!)

You cried yourself to sleep. You could barely focus on your studies and you didn’t even have the strength to brush your teeth. 

You wanted it all to stop. The feeling to pass. You hated it and you hated yourself for it. 

You didn’t want to get up and move, but you knew you had to. 

—

You groaned and got up from your bed. Your reflection was sad— reflecting your current state— your hair was oily, a sign you needed to shower, Your skin was breaking out again, and your pajamas looked wrinkled and worn from you wearing them for days on end. 

You didn’t have the strength or energy to change and make yourself presentable, but you had plans to meet your friends at the boardwalk. 

You didn’t want to go. But you had to. They’d be upset you canceled on them. You hadn’t seen them since last weekend. 

“Ugh! Fuck it!” They probably wouldn’t care anyway. 

You went to the kitchen to grab the landline and dial-up the Emerson’s home phone. 

If Grandpa hasn’t wrecked it yet. 

It rang. It rang, and it rang, and it rang, and it—

—it stopped. 

“Hello?” 

“Michelle?” You asked. 

“Hey, (Y/N)! What’s up?” 

“Oh um, I don’t… I don’t feel good… I don’t think I’m gonna go to the boardwalk tonight.” 

“Okay… I’ll tell the others. Do you want Dominique to come over? She’s gonna be pissed you didn’t show.” 

A wave of guilt flashed over you. You hadn’t seen your girlfriend in a week… 

She was going to be upset, and you didn’t want to upset her, but you really didn’t want to go out.

“Um, I’ll see her tomorrow…” 

“Okay. Hope you feel better!”

“Thanks…” you put the phone back on the hook and went immediately back to your room. 

You turned on your small tv, not bothering to see what was on, and buried yourself under the covers, and tried to fall asleep to the sounds of the television. 

—

“(Y/N)... (Y/N)...” 

You groaned as you slowly awoke. “Hhhhhhhh…” You rubbed your eyes and opened them. 

Above you was Dominique. She was straddling your lap, her hand cradling your cheek. 

“You’re up.” 

“What— what are you doing here?” You asked. 

“Michelle said you didn’t feel good,” She stated. 

“Yeah, but—“ 

“I brought you snacks, some blankets, your heating pad you left at the cave, I even brought some movies from Darcy’s collection.”

“Thanks...” 

Dominique frowned, “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just tired. Tired of everything. I’m so overwhelmed but I don’t do anything! I feel so alone all the time. Which is stupid as hell, but—“ 

“Oh, Kitten, it’s okay… I get it…” 

“It’s so stupid. I’m stupid. I wish I got to see you more often,” You frowned. “My parents are just arguing all the time and I’m worried they’ll drag me into it. I don’t know if I can take it.” 

“Where are they now?” She asked. 

“My mom went to her sister’s and my dad is at my grandpa’s. It’s just us.” 

“Come here,” Dominique helped you get up and lean against your pillow. “It’s okay. This feeling will pass…”

“It feels like it never will. I was doing fine for so long and now I’m not! It’s pathetic.” 

“No. You are not pathetic. You are amazing and strong and doing your absolute best.”  

Dominique tried to give you a kiss, but you flinched.

“What is it?” She asked. 

“I haven’t brushed my teeth today… my breath probably smells awful.” 

“I don’t care. Pumpkin, I’m dead. My breath smells bad all the time. My eyebrows disappear when I vamp out. I kill people.” 

“But still… I’m disgusting. My skin is breaking out again and I look like an oily rat.” 

“When was the last time you showered?” She asked. 

“I don’t even remember. Maybe Monday? I don’t know…” You felt so helpless. You felt so embarrassed in your girlfriend’s arms. 

“How about we take a warm shower? That sound good?” 

“Okay.” 

Dominique led you into the bathroom and helped you strip out of your dirty pajamas. “Have you eaten today?” She asked. 

“Yeah. I had some peanut butter and apple slices.” 

“Anything else?” 

“Coffee.”

Dominique frowned, tossing her shirt off and throwing it with your clothes, “Coffee isn’t a meal, kitten.” 

“Yeah, but I needed the caffeine.”

“After your shower, I’ll make you something to eat. Come on.” 

Dominique stuck her hand out to see if the water from the tub faucet was warm enough. When she decided it was, she pulled the diverter valve, letting the showerhead run. She held your hand, helping you into the shower. 

You stood directly under the showerhead, letting it beat down on your hair. Dom grabbed your shampoo bottle, squirting some product into her hands, before lathering it into your scalp. 

Her body pressed against yours. It was cold. Her hands in your hair were just as chilly. 

You had become used to the feeling, but you still shivered. She was a stark contrast against the hot water coming down.

You rinsed out your shampoo and applied conditioner to your ends. You thought about shaving, but Dominique said that could be done another time. 

You ran your fingers through your hair, washing the conditioner out of the ends when you noticed Dominique’s mullet no longer styled. 

“Oh, your hair!” You cooed. “It’s all soaked.”

“It’s fine.” She waved off. “I’ll fix it later.” 

You turned the water off and Dominique grabbed a towel for you. 

“Thanks.” 

“You’re welcome.” You both dried off and looked in your room for some clean clothes. 

“Here’s one of your sweatshirts…” You sheepishly handed over. “I think I have some of your sweatpants too…”

Dominique chuckled. She gave them to you to keep, you didn’t have to be so shy about it. “Thanks, Kitten. What do you want to eat?”

“I dunno…”

Dom restated her question. “What do you have?” 

“Uh, I think chicken strips…”

“Pumpkin…” She warned. 

“What?”

“You cannot eat chicken strips for every meal.”

“I didn’t! I made pasta this week, and I even had a vegetable!” 

“Good! Good, I’m proud. Sit at the counter and I’ll find something to make.” A small smile snuck its way onto your face as you got yourself an empty glass and filled it with water. You sat down, watching Dom look through your fridge and cupboard. 

“Want me to make salmon? Or was your mom saving that?”

“Oh, um, if it’s in the freezer go ahead.” 

You watched Dominique take out a baking tray, and place a piece of foil over it. She poured olive oil over it and added some spices to season the bottom side of the salmon. She cut up a lemon into thin slices, placing some on the pan and saving the rest for the top of the fish. She placed the salmon onto the tray and added more seasoning. 

“I’m going to steam some veggies too. Can you get them out for me, Pumpkin?” 

“Yeah,” You got up from your seat and opened the fridge. “We just have carrots and broccoli… um, there’s also some rice leftover from… I think Thursday…?” 

“Get it out. I can reheat it.” 

You placed it all on the counter for Dom to have access to. You sat back down and continued watching her cook as you absentmindedly sipped on your water. 

As Dom steamed the carrots and broccoli, heated the rice, and cleaned up, she just had to wait for the fish to finish cooking in the oven. 

She turned her attention to you. 

she cupped your face with one hand gently, “You look tired.” 

“So do you,” You teased. 

Dominique squinted her eyes. “Are you trying to cause trouble?” 

“No…” You had to hold back a giggle. She rolled her eyes and kissed your forehead. 

“Lemme get you some more water.” She took your cup and refilled it. 

“Thanks.” 

“Mhmm,” Dominique glanced at the oven timer. There was a little less than two minutes left for the salmon. 

“I’m going to see if it’s done. It probably is.” She opened the oven door and—

“Use an oven mitt!” You reminded her. 

Dom almost scoffed, “Kitten, my skin will heal in a week—“ 

“It will smell like burnt flesh for weeks if you don’t use an oven mitt. And I don’t want you to hurt yourself.” 

Dominique found it sweet how much you cared about her, even if it was in a minuscule moment like this. She grabbed the nearest oven mitt— yellow, with a sunflower design all over. It clashed with her aesthetic for sure, but safety before fashion. 

Dom pulled the salmon out and poked it with a fork.

“yeah, I think it’s done. I’ll take it out and let it cool. Get yourself a plate.” 

You did as you were told, and you filled your plate up with vegetables and rice and your piece of salmon. 

“Are you going to eat anything?” You asked Dominique. 

“I’m not hungry.” 

“You sure?” 

“If I want some food, I’ll take it from you later, and besides, I only need blood to survive.” She reminded you. 

“Have you drank lately? Do you need to? You can have some of my blood while we watch a movie, I don’t mind,” You told her as you took your plate and headed to your bedroom. 

“I’m fine, pumpkin.” She shut the door behind you, put a random movie in the tv’s tape player, and made herself comfortable on your bed. 

“Besides, I don’t want to drink from you right now, it will affect your mood… and I want you to get better… Okay?”

“Oh. Okay.” 

Dominique stroked your cheek, “Don’t feel bad, (Y/N). I can get blood from anyone… but I can only get one of you, and I want you to be happy. You’re my girlfriend, I care about you a lot.” 

You weren’t sure if you wanted to cry or not. 

Dom wasn’t always the best with words, and she had a bit of trouble saying “I love you”, which you didn’t mind. She showed she loved you in other ways than just words. Like coming over with movies and blankets because you said you weren’t feeling good, or washing your hair for you, or cooking you dinner. 

“Thank you. I love you.” 

“Mhmm,” She wrapped an arm around you and kissed your forehead. 

[bokutosworld]

setsunai | oikawa tooru

setsunai. [noun, japanese]. a complicated sadness that painfully creeps through the heart. 

pairing: oikawa tooru x f!reader

wc: 2.5k words, established relationship, falling out, purely angst. (lil bit of fluff in the flashbacks which are italicized!)

summary: oikawa knows all good things come to an end, but the both of you are not yet ready, still holding on to that string that is keeping you together. 

--

no one really gets a warning when their relationship is on the edge of falling apart. like the first time you saw oikawa in the hallways of aoba johsai and got your breath taken away, you just woke up one day and knew.

it was the morning of his departure for the team's one-week training camp. still on the bed wrapped under the cozy covers, you heard rustling inside the room as he was opening drawers, taking clean clothes and packing them in his luggage. a scowl was on his face and he was scoffing as he rushed all over the place. you think his bad mood was possibly due to the fact that he woke up earlier than usual to go to the airport.

'what time will you be leaving on wednesday,' you ask him, voice devoid of any emotion, over dinner last week. now that he was a professional volleyball player, moments like this - seated together at the table and enjoying homecooked meals were rare - and though you were mostly used to spending not much time together, you couldn't help but get disheartened every time he told you he was leaving.

oikawa sighs, running a hand to smooth the creases on his forehead as he answers, 'fuck, i forgot about that.' he fishes his phone from his pockets and checks his schedule. 'our flight's at six-thirty in the morning.'

you nod in understanding and offer, 'want me to help pack your things in advance? how long will you be gone this time?' he seems to ease at your suggestion and reaches to bring your hands over his lips, 'i'd appreciate that a lot, babe. i'd also need you to wake me up too, wouldn't want miss it. it's only for a week, i'll be back before you know it.' he winks and you break out in comfortable laughter, something that you haven't done in a long while.

it was as if your adrenaline levels shot up as you scrambled to get up and assist oikawa. the clock read 4:25 am and you can feel his panic. seeing that he was still in his sleepwear, you moved to place your hand over his shoulder, 'go wash up and change your clothes. i'll finish here.' but he swatted you away, albeit rather harshly that your sleepiness left. he exhales and lowers his head before muttering an apology for his action and leaves you to take care of his things.

it only took 20 minutes for you to organize and gather all that he needs in the bag. you waited for him in the living room, sipping a cup of hot cocoa to calm your nerves before apologizing. mentally, you were kicking yourself for forgetting to arrange his belongings and you already knew that he was disappointed. heck he had every right to be mad at you now, but you know he was restraining himself.

when he emerges all prepped and ready to go, you stand and give his bag. his passport was in your hands, together with the tickets, just to make sure he won't lose them. oikawa grabs and places them on the pocket inside his coat and as you were about to say you were sorry, he turns and makes a beeline to the door. he walks out of the room, no goodbyes, no kisses, no see you laters. and you were struck with the scary thought if he would still return to your home.

'i miss you, tooru,' you cry out to him over the phone. oikawa laughs and mimics your voice, 'i miss you too, y/n.' he thinks that he has never been this in love before. sure, he had his fair share of flings but, as cliche as it would sound, he knows you were different. though you were a year his junior, you were the only one who gets him and was willing to standby his side - through sunshine and rainy days, through wins and losses, through sickness and health.

he remembers your nearing college graduation. 'i wish you could be here next week. i want you next to me when i receive my diploma,' he swears his heart drops at your confession. 'me too, y/n. i know how hard you've worked for that,' he smiles even though you cannot see it. the past four years of long distance relationship - oikawa being in argentina and you in japan - was definitely not easy. but somehow, it worked, thanks to the constant calls and messages sent. despite the time difference, oikawa made sure to be there for you when your thesis mates were giving you hell, to stay up with you when you were writing your papers or reviewing for exams.

'i mean it when i say that i couldn't have done it with you, tooru. you're my anchor and you've been keeping me steady in this rocky life,' you sweetly declared. 'just wait patiently, sweetheart. i'll be there before you know it.' you thought it was one of his jokes, words that he would say to put your worried mind at ease. so you were certainly not expecting to see him standing at the door of the auditorium, holding a bouquet of your favorite flowers, as you received your diploma on stage. as soon as the program ended, you ran up to him and oikawa braced himself for a hug. when you pulled away, oikawa immediately brought his hands to wipe your tears and said the one thing you've been waiting to hear, 'i'm home.'

you hear the door open, followed by heavy footsteps dragging its way to the living room. usually, his arrival would be accompanied by his declaration, 'y/n, i am home!', and you would drop whatever you were doing to welcome him with open arms. but today, the both of you were greeted by silence. oikawa knows you were probably working in the bedroom and as much as he missed you, he settles down on the couch and drifts off to sleep.

oikawa didn't like fights, he learned from his parents that one should never sleep on an argument which was how he found himself on your front gate and pressing the doorbell to your house. he was anxious, remembering the pained look on your face when he lashed out at you. he was well-aware that you were only looking out for him, so as soon as he said those hurtful words and saw you running away, he wanted nothing more than to fix what he has done.

'what are you doing here,' you said as soon as you opened the gate. 'go home, tooru, it's late and you shouldn't-.' oikawa pulls you to his chest, a tight hold keeping you from moving away. 'i'm sorry, babe. i don't know what took over me, but i wouldn't say those again, forgive me.' wrapping your hands around him, you release a breath you didn't know you were holding and say, 'okay.' you pull away and bring your hands to his face, squishing him and he pouts. 'i don't want you overworking yourself. you're already working hard enough, i just want to remind you to take it easy sometimes.' and as he looks deep into your eyes that night, he thinks about what he could have done in his past life to deserve someone like you.  

oikawa comes to his senses when he feels a warm blanket being put over him. opening his eyes, he catches glimpse of your shadow moving in the dark and reaches out to grab your hand. feeling his touch on yours, you crouch down beside the sofa and push away the hair that has fallen over his face. 'do you need anything,' you ask. he knows he should say something, an apology, an assurance that everything was okay. but if he was being honest, the past few months has been different. the shared home which has been his safe haven has been feeling less and less of an oasis to him. the relationship, he feels, to be something he was doing out of an obligation, of a years-long promise he couldn't dare break. so he keeps quiet and you return to work.

for weeks following that night, things have never been the same. breakfasts are shared in complete utter silence, car rides when he would drop you at the office have been filled with ambient music. no more cheeky texts and random funny images popping in your inbox at random times of the day. like a plane making its descent at its destination, it seems as if your relationship has reached its breaking point and the story that you thought would have a happily-ever-after has made a turn for the worse.

after work, you make a trip to the supermarket and grab ingredients for oikawa's favorite dish. you still held hope and want to try mending things before they become truly irreparable. but that evening, he went home late. he sees you sitting on the dining room drinking the half-empty bottle of wine, the table neatly arranged with plates with his favorite food at the center. 'have you eaten? i made this for you.'

his heart aches at the sight of you, sadness glossing over your eyes and the forced smile you were wearing. he's always felt grateful whenever you would cook, knowing that it wasn't your strong suit. he always treasured moments when he could enjoy your food, however right now, he feels anything but that. 'why are you still up? i texted you i'd be home late,' he mutters, immediately making his way to clear the table. 'you shouldn't have bothered to do this.' he takes the drink you were holding, 'and stop drinking too much.'

as soon as he finishes cleaning, he walks to the bedroom but what you say makes him stop in his tracks. 'can we talk?' his mind and heart races, already knowing what you wanted to discuss. but he wasn't ready and in your intoxicated state, he thought you couldn't handle the results of the conversation. 'tomorrow morning. you're drunk tonight, nothing good would come out of it.'

however, you follow him, wrapping your hands around his wrists to make him stop. 'you're not the person i know anymore,' he hears. slowly, oikawa turns around and he sees wet tears threatening to spill from your eyes. 'why haven't you been speaking to me, tooru. these days, i see you, i think about you, but you're not my person anymore.'

there was no going out of this now, oikawa thought. like waves breaking the shore, the ending was fast approaching and he wonders if there was any way to soften the blow. so he pulls you close to him. the both of you lost in the embrace as if you were savoring the last few moments of warmth together. no one speaks and oikawa is scared that if he does, he would just break you.

'tooru,' you were now weeping. 'say something, please.'

he doesn't know where to begin. he can't bring himself to say that time wasn't on your side, that his volleyball career was taking off and it was getting hard to see you anymore. after all, he thought that being busy was just a lame excuse since the two of you made it through high school and university. how can he phrase that he thought love was enough but lately, he had nothing left to give you anymore.

'is there another person?' you ask, but oikawa was quick to say no. he cups your face, thumbs grazing over your cheeks to erase the tears. 'there is no one else.' he presses his forehead to yours, eyes closing as he takes a deep breath, it's just... it's not the same anymore.'

he continues, 'you are the best thing to happen in my life, y/n. i could never betray you like that.' you look at him, eyes asking the question why. 'i got selfish. in the process of improving myself and focusing in my career, i lost sight of you. i haven't been able to take care of you, to give what you deserve, to give you the world.'

'and the worst part was that i saw this coming.' he moves to sit on the couch, face hidden in his hands. 'i knew one day i'd hurt you but i still kept you around. and i am sorry.' this time, you sit beside him, turning his body to face you, 'all those years, it was my decision to stay. so please, don't give up on us now.'

'are we really doing this? are we moving in together,' you were excited, standing in the middle of the empty condo and already imagining the many memories that you and oikawa would create and cherish. he sneaks in from behind, snuggling his face to your neck. 'hmm, we are doing this. but only for a while, when we become married, i'll buy us a house.' you hum in approval, 'with backyard and pool?' oikawa chuckles and pecks your cheek, 'yes, with backyard and pool.' he twirls you around and brings your faces closer, 'your wish is my command.' you smile and close the gap, putting your lips on his to mark the important day.

was this really the finish line? in the very apartment where you made promises and envisioned a future together, is this where seven years of happiness will end? that was the agonizing thought plaguing yours and oikawa's mind right now.

'we'll only end up hating each other if we continue this,' he speaks up after minutes of eerie silence and you couldn't help but laugh dryly. he always had a strong resolve and it was ripping you apart how there was nothing to be done to make him change his mind. so you stand up, knees almost giving way at the thought of leaving him, 'alright. i'll sleep over at my cousin's then.'

he looks up at you, gaze burning deep to your soul, 'no, i'll leave.' but you push him down and snap, 'oikawa tooru, stay. i'll go, i can't bear to spend the night here. it will only break me more.' oikawa sees you to the door, though you argued that there was no need for such gesture. 'i'll go here in the morning when you're at practice to get my stuff.'

'i'm really sorry, y/n.' you shush him, smiling a bit to hide the fact that your heart was currently shredding to pieces.

you try to lighten the mood, 'i really want to get away from you right now.' oikawa chuckles along with you. 'it hurts, tooru. but i'm glad we had the chance to be together. thank you for the memories you have given me. i will continue to wish for your success. make me proud.' and with one last kiss goodbye, you walk away, leaving a piece of you with him and you wonder if things can ever get better from here.

[cinnamonbunsenburner]

Love of a Billion Stars *Oikawa Tooru x reader Soulmate au*

- When you’ve heard of the concept of soulmates at school you were 8, you practically glowed with delight thinking that you probably have one of your own. Probably also thinking that it was ‘very easy’ to ‘feel’ if your soulmate was nearby.

- Lmao you believed that there was some sorta radar of something, or a bell that will go off if your soulmate moved

- *they’re not a dog y/n-chan wtf*

- But boy were you wrong 

- Then came your 16th birthday, the day you were supposed to have your mark that will give you a glimpse of what your soulmate likes in general. And on your 17th birthday, had you still not have found them, another mark will appear on your dominant hand

- You were imagining their symbol to be some sort of representation of who they are as a person, their inspirations in life, their dream career, and all that motivational shit

- To your surprise and demise, you were let down. Not really.. but the mark was very general and vague, and was NOT a symbol/ mark that will motivate you in moving through this life

- bread.

- fucking bread.

- what the fuck. 

- How in the world did you have to pair up your soul with someone who’s life inspiration was fucking bread

- What, did you need to go to France or shit to scavenge hunt your soulmate?

- ....

- no, y/n, you are not gonna think that that’s a good idea.

- no.

- Anyways

- Needless to say, you were quite irritated because how could you find someone that likes bread when literally everyone can like bread?! It’s very vague and looking for a person that has their life encompassed by a singular type of bread *milk bread to be exact* is very difficult considering that almost everyone likes that bread

- Fast forward to the time of your 17th birthday, you woke up with a dash of hope that maybe, JUST MAYBE, this soulmate of yours loves something else that’s more specific than a freaking piece of delicious milk bread.

- Alas you were surprised that this milk bread s/o of yours has their life revolved around volleyball!

- YEY they’re not completely as weird as you’d think they’d be lmao

- But, who were you to judge when you don’t even know what your mark was on them

- Maybe it was weirder than a piece of food

- Maybe it was a cow or dog or a fish 

- *very weird y/n, very weird indeed*

- The next day was a school day and you woke up bright and early, eager to hunt for your soulmate 

- You’re a third year at Seijoh and were quite popular because people thought your mark was  ‘intriguing’ *pfft* 

- anddddd because you’re gorgeous as heck ;]]

- Admirers flocked you, thinking that they might be your soulmate 

- They showed you their mark that was also some kind of pastry and that you guys paired ‘cause they also liked the pastry that was on the pack of your hand

- *you have like a line of milk bread bois at your disposal and it was kind of annoying so you give a different excuse every single time they try to confess to you. Such a player, y/n-chan*

- “l/n-san! I’ve heard that your mark was milk bread and I love that! Look, I have your *insert your favourite pastry* as my mark”

- *you were surprised because it was the first time that someone actually came up to you with your favourite pastry. But you were NOT feeling this dude. 

- C’mon, where’s the zing you were expecting and- and the slow motion eye contact-- thE ROMANCE?! Honestly, you were about to say yes ya’ll were soulmates BUT the gut feeling says that this was not it

- “Uh, sorry.. I’m lactose intolerant”

- *nice excuse y/n-chan, v v convincing*

- Then you just skrrt skrrt away ‘cause you may have a fan base but you were NOT gonna comfort that guy who’s borderline looking that he was gonna cry- nope; in the middle of the hallway, of all places. Gee, theatre boys are different

- In the back of your mind, you thought that the theatre dude was just acting that out in hopes of guilt tripping you. 

- trust issues, m8, trust issues are present because of these thoughts acCKK

- You sighed to yourself and went spy ninja sneak sneak towards the Aoba Johsai VBC, hoping that someone there might be your soulmate

- ‘cause you were v v tired of the self-proclaimed milk bread bois that was your fan club 

- But, you didn’t expect much once you were at the gym because there’s literally thousands of people in the vbc industry that might potentially like milk bread 

- You were thinking of maybe going out of town to hunt for your soulmate but you thought that you were probably gonna get strangled by your parents at how much money you were going to spend for finding a person

- *yes, you were getting desperate because you wanna FINALLY stop at being a third wheel when your friends were with their s/o*

- and maybe because you just want to hog someone else’s sweater and clothes and to do the premarital hand-holding oop

- ...

- You peeked inside the gym doors and was startled when this guy’s serve slammed to their opponent’s court 

- You’ve watched a couple volleyball matches when the second mark appeared to learn your soulmate’s passion. Awee

- And you just know that that killer serve could knock you out

- It was as if the universe was playing some sort of joke to you that his next serve landed out of bounds and rebounded towards your direction

- You shrieked in a banshee-like manner and moved out of the way just in time

- ‘I just saw my life flash before my eyes holy shit. So that’s what it feels like huh’

- While you were lost in your thought for a moment, a tall *and beautiful as fuck* guy went out the door and approached your still shocked form

- “Oh! Didn’t see you there. Sorry about that, my bad”. the tall guy said, rubbing his nape sheepishly, his eyes naturally falling on the hand that you raised up to tuck a strand of your hair behind your ear

- “Uh.. no! It was on me. ‘cause I was spying- I mean sight seeing-- UH WATCHING you guys play hahaha” *real smooth y/n, v v smooth*

- He promptly reached down for the ball near his feet and you got a glimpse of his dominant hand

- His mark was a star constellation,,, your favourite star constellation and beside that was a symbol of your dream career

- “Hey, quick question... do you like bread?”

- The tall guy looked down at you and grinned his pretty boy grin *damn you is whipped.*

- *your gut feeling was going haywire holy shit*

- “Why of course beautiful stranger! Milk bread to be exact ‘cause my mom bakes it so deliciously”, tall guy said

- You’re heart flipped and skipped a beat-- scratch that, your heart skipped a whole nth of beats that you might as well be dead

- “We have a practice match going on right now, my lovely fan. If you have something to give me, you can still wait until later! Wouldn’t want to be punched by Iwa-chan again..”

- And with that, he turned away to go inside the gym once again

- “Cassiopeia..” you muttered loud enough for him to hear as he passed by you

- “Sorry?”, he stopped in his tracks and turned to you with a shocked look on his face

- “Cassiopeia” you repeated once more, with a shaky voice. “It’s the constellation on your hand, right?”

- Oikawa, with his popularity, had been approached by plenty of his admirers, often claiming that they love astronomy and that they knew what kind of constellation his mark bears

- But when he asked them with his usual flirty voice he perfected to please the people around him, that person stammers and just said a random planet of some sort

- ‘does this look like a planet to you-’ he thought and never had he faked a smile more than when admirers fake their interest in astronomy to get close to him

- While he does admire all the courage and effort they put in confessing to him, he also hates the fact that they give him this silver lining of hope that he finally has someone whom he can connect with emotionally as they both have a piece of each others’ soul

- So when you uttered the correct kind of constellation, he was frozen

- His mind ran miles per second, all of it consisting of ‘what ifs’ and ‘too good to be true’

- Both of you stared at each other, heart’s unknowingly beating as fast as the other

- “Oi Shittykawa, what’s taking you so long-”

- “Iwa-chan, take charge for me will you?”

- “What? Coach’ll get mad you know!”

- “Just sub someone in”

- Iwaizumi stalked closer to you guys and was prepared to beat Oikawa’s ass off but before he could assault his lame best friend,

- “Code star, iwa-chan.”

- The buff ace froze in his actions and promptly nodded silently and closed the gym doors

- The bestfriends talked before about what they’d do if they found their respective soulmates. Iwaizumi proclaimed that it was rather childish of Oikawa to have a ‘secret code’  just because his nerdy best friend believed that the aliens might take away his soulmate once they finally find them 

- Though oddly enough, the shorter male agreed to this *pfftt*

- Finally alone, never once had you both took your eyes away from each other.

- “Uh- are you- are we?” You gestured to the two of you

- “I- I think so??” Oikawa flushed, he was NOT used to being all blushy around people, esp since he has a large fanbase

- Ya’ll were awkward as shit lmao, its adorable

- “... You want some milk bread at the convenience store nearby?” 

- You yelled at yourself internally, ‘WTF BRAIN?! COULD”VE BEEN A COFFEE IN A COFFEE SHOP JFC I am overheating sm’

- He gave you one of the softest smiles he himself never thought he could unintentionally do

- “I’d love that!”

[victoria-daydreams]

Something’s Gotta Give

Chapter Two: The Stairwell Encounter

Chapter Three: Tea for Two

Summary: An invitation for a cup of tea makes for delightful conversation between Livia and Booker.

Today was a Saturday, a rather unremarkable one at that.

But at least today was one of the rare days that I had time on my hand to do one of my hobbies. Painting. Jars of paint of every shade were littered all around the sheet covered floor and a canvas on an easel stood in front of me in my living room while the record player softly played ‘Sweet Life’ by Frank Ocean in the background. A soft breeze blew through the navy blue drapes of my living room window just as I finished the outline of my sketch.

Leaning over, I reached for my palette and paint brush and with long, deft strokes I began adding in the color to the square-shaped face outline I drew. I lightly dabbed one of my thinner brushes into the black paint and gently applied it to the painting, for a shadow effect on the man's face. Flexing my fingers, I could feel a cramp forming in my hand so I set aside my palette and brush onto a table close to me. I slid off my stool and went around collecting my paint jars off the floor and lined them back up in their basket.

I walked back over to my window and watched as cars drove by on the busy street and as people went about their day, running errands or just enjoying the sunny day. Stretching my arms out above my head, I let out a yawn and shifted my head from side to side, the bones in my neck popping with a satisfying crack.

"A cup of tea sounds good right about now," I thought aloud.

Just as I was about to turn around I noticed a familiar figure holding a bag of groceries and walking hurriedly towards the building.

I ducked my head underneath the window. "Booker!" I called, he stopped mid-stride and looked around in confusion. "Booker!" I called again, this time he looked in my direction. Grinning widely, I waved my hand at him to which he gave a reserved wave back before he continued on his way back to his apartment.

Bringing my head back inside, I scurried over to my door, hoping to catch him before he goes inside his apartment and disappeared again for days on end. I unlocked my door and snatched it open just in time to see the back of Booker entering his flat.

"Wait!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the empty corridor. He slightly turned his body to face me and I let out a breathless laugh, happy that I caught him in the nick of time. "Join me for a cup of tea?" I asked, a hopeful look on my face. "I was just about to brew some," I explained, stepping out into the corridor while keeping a hold of my doorknob.

A hesitant look came over Booker's face at my offer, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, he nervously eyed my apartment through the small gap of my door.

"Don't feel obligated Booker," I stated, sensing his discomfort. "But, if you do come by, it'll be for one cup, I promise," I continued, walking backwards into my apartment. "And then you won't hear from me for a week," I finished, now smiling as I imitated zipping my lips.

Closing the door behind me, I walked over to my record player and lifted the needle off of the vinyl and grabbed the disc, sliding it back into its cover. My fingers ran along the spines of multiple vinyl covers before stopping on a random jazz compilation vinyl, pulling the vinyl from the shelf I slid the disc out. Carefully, I placed it on the spindle, set the needle at the edge and adjusted the volume before I shut the lid.

I smiled to myself as the sound of a saxophone emitted from the record player before spinning myself around on the ball of my foot and heading towards my small kitchen. I grabbed my electric kettle and it filled it with water and the sound of two knocks on my door echoed throughout the apartment.

The smile on my face grew tenfold.

"It's open!" I yelled, as I moved over to the hutch cupboard that stored my mugs and tea bags.

From behind me, I could hear the door slowly creaking open and I glanced over shoulder to see Booker step inside, his eyes squinting at the sunbeams illuminating the room.

"Does he live in the dark?" I thought.

Booker's eyes fell on me and I flashed him a warm smile, "You came!" I chirped, plopping a tea bag into each mug. "Come, have a seat at the table!" I insisted, turning the kettle on.

With heavy footsteps Booker made his way to the kitchen table, the sound of chair dragging across the floor floated into my ear.

"You're an artist?" Booker questioned, and my eyes widened at the surprising softness of his tone.

Not to mention, the fact that he finally spoke to me today.

I turned around and leaned back against the cupboard, "Depends on who you ask," I answered, shrugging my shoulder. "I'm a photographer, but I like to consider myself an artist," I informed, folding my arms against my chest.

"I thought you were a painter,"

"What gave you that impression?"

"Well, for starters, you have paint on your clothes...and on your face," he commented dryly. I looked down at my white tee shirt and olive green jumpsuit, which were indeed covered in paint. "There's also an easel near the window, it's hard not to make such an assumption," he added, and there was the barest hint of a smile on his lips.

I placed a hand on my forehead, "How I could I forget?" I wondered, letting out a light laugh and shaking my head. And then, that's when it hit me. "Wait a minute!" I gasped, staring at Booker in awe. "You just made a joke in my presence," I pointed out, a grin on my face.

Suddenly, a series of loud beeps blared from behind me telling me that our water was ready. I grabbed the kettle from its stand and poured the boiling water into the mugs, watching the colors bleed from the tea leaves and mixing with the water.

"I couldn't help but notice that you're American," Booker spoke up.

I laughed, "What gave me away?" I quipped, placing the kettle down on. "Was it the accent?" I questioned, a smile on my face as I looked back.

"An American in Paris,"

"Except we're not in Paris," I retorted, and Booker chuckled. "And there's no singing or dancing," I added, picking up both of our mugs and placing one in front Booker and then the other mug where I would be sitting.

I moved over to the fridge and pulled open the door to grab a carafe of milk before closing the door with my hip. Walking back over to the cupboard, I grabbed the canister of sugar and then slid into the chair across from Booker, placing the milk and sugar down on the table.

I crossed my legs one over the other, "If you don't mind me asking," I began, as we waited for our tea to steep. "Why do you spend so much time alone?" I asked, my tone gentle.

Booker ran a hand through his hair, "Would you believe me if I said I was introvert?" He asked back, now rubbing his neck.

"No," I answered bluntly, with a chuckle and shaking my head. "I'm an introvert Booker, and even I don't like spending that much by myself," I quipped, and his lips twitched up into an amused smirk. "The way you carry on reminds me of a reclusive Victorian widow," I teased, resting my chin on my knuckles.

Booker's eyes lit up in mirth, "That is...a very unique characterization of me," he stated, letting out a chuckle which then morphed into a laugh.

A good hearty laugh.

I felt my own lips quirk up into a smile before I started to laugh quietly myself. I couldn't quite believe it, I made Booker laugh, I mean really laugh. A warm feeling suddenly came over me, as if a fire was lit inside of me and I found myself wanting to hear more of the delightful sound.

"What do you know? I finally got a laugh out of you!" I commented, a proud smile on my face.

"That you did Livia," he replied breathlessly. Booker shook his head and glanced down at the still steaming tea, softly tapping his fingers against the table. "You know, I don't think I met someone who's quite driven to befriend a stranger like you have,” Booker stated, looking up from his mug.

"And I don't think I've met someone who's so unwilling to have a friend, or at the very least just someone to talk to," I retorted, grabbing a spoon from the holder on the table.

"Yeah, well, maybe I don't deserve the luxury of having friends," Booker responded, his tone tinged with bitterness as he slipped back into his familiar solemn expression.

"Nonsense!" I shot back. "Friends aren't a luxury Booker, they're a necessity!" I argued, placing my hand on top of his without thinking. Booker's eyes darted to my hand covering his own, quickly I removed it. "Sorry," I apologized, placing my hands in my lap and lowering my gaze.

"It's a wonder, that with a bright, cheery personality like yours, a man would even think to cheat on you," Booker commented, my head snapped up at the statement, my eyes nearly bulging out from their sockets. I opened and closed my mouth like a fish, trying to figure out how to respond. "Yes, I heard your conversation a couple of days ago," he stated, answering my silent question. "It's not like you were quiet about it,” Booker added, placing two fingers on his temple.

"Well I didn't think I would have an audience on the stairwell,” I replied, yanking my tea bag out with more force than necessary.

A smirk grew on his face, "I proved you wrong though," Booker pointed out, with a slight shrug.

My brow arched, "Proved me wrong about what?" I questioned, pouring milk into my tea.

"That I wasn't passed out."

I paused momentarily before looking up from the creamy colored liquid. "Booker, there may be hope for you yet," I suggested, mirroring his smirk.

"You say that now until you tire of me," Booker protested softly.

I shook my head, "Never." I disagreed, still smiling. "Same time Monday?" I questioned, picking up my mug.

Picture you upon my knee Just tea for two And two for tea Just me for you And you for me alone

Chapter Four: A Frightful Dinner

[somethinglacking]

Shooting for Stars: Chapter 2

Summary:

Hyuna Lee just started college, and while procrastinating decided to give a popular MMO called LOLOL a try. Here she will meet new friends, battle monsters, part takes in epic quests, and potentially find love!

Most of this will take place in LOLOL at the beginning.

This takes place a year/ year and a half after Seven’s good end, and the secret endings. Yoosung x OC

**Update’s once a week** Chapter word count: 4408

Smut in later chapters, of course Shooting For Stars: Chapter 1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The day seemed to keep dragging on and on. A certain University student sat in a lecture dozing off. Maybe he should have logged off when Sapfyre had. His purple irises where bloodshot from the two hours of sleep he did manage to get. His lids were heavy as he rested his chin in his palm attempting to focus on what the Professor was saying. Knowing he had a quiz at the end of the week, and the professor had promised all they had to do was show up and pay attention to pass. However, it was getting harder and harder to keep his eyes open. One of his classmates had kicked his chair trying to keep him alert, the action made him blush as he dopily stared at the front of the room. You’d think he would have learned his lesson time after time again he ended up staying up all night playing LOLOL. 

The bottle-blond thought back to last night and the newbie he had managed to befriend. They were nice, extremely noobish, but they had fun. He smiled to himself remembering the promise to meet up again tonight. They had managed to raise at least 9 levels and they had chosen the cleric class as promised. Yoosung was overjoyed to know he might be able to get a half-decent healer for the guild as he helped the newcomer practice the craft of the game. The gamer couldn’t help but think of all the things he could do to help his newest party member advance in the game. 

His classmate kicked his chair again and he glared over to him, annoyed that he was constantly being pulled away from his thoughts. Truthfully he just couldn’t wait to get home and log onto LOLOL. Sapfyre said they were a student and they were in the same timezone, most likely had day class’s if the panic about their project that was due was any indicator. Meaning they would most likely log in at the same time as him, or a little after. Yoosung hasn’t felt this excited over a new person since Mi-Cha came crashing into the RFA messenger a little over a year ago. It made his chest kind of ticklish, which was weird. There was a very high chance Sapfyre was another dude on the other side, and possibly underage too. Yoosung groaned rubbing his dry eyes trying to calm his inner musing and push thoughts away. How desperate is he becoming?

Sighing softly to himself he decided maybe overthinking last night’s LOLOL encounter was a bad idea. He was just lonely, and watching two of his friends fall in love over messages and eventually get married in the same year had his chest twisting with a sense of jealousy. Sure he was happy for them, of course, he supported them. It was as an onlooker with no romantic history that made him envious of their partnership. Seeing his best friend so happy, and the way Saeyoung and Mi-Cha just seem to get each other. They fought for one another, faced every challenge as a team. It was a really beautiful relationship. 

He wanted what they had. 

He wanted it badly. 

Eventually, classes concluded for the day and Yoosung felt full of energy all of a sudden. He hadn’t taken in anything the professors had attempted to teach him. Mentally he questioned why he was even bothering with university then his mother’s face flashed behind his eyelids. Ya, she would have been pissed if he just up and quit school. Though after everything that has taken place he honestly debated changing his major. He only had two years left, it would be like starting all over. 

On his walk back to his dorm room with a meal from the convenient store, his mind wandered to Rika. Zen and himself had shipped her away to Alaska, trying to save her from both Jumin and Saeyoung’s rath. It was a foolish move as more and more truth about her illegal activity came to light. After Saeran opened up to the abuse he endured under her. Yet, someone boyish part of him still didn’t want Rika to suffer, he wanted her to get better. He wanted his cousin back. Only he seemed to be the only one in the RFA that gave a damn about Rika’s recovery. 

Yoosung let out a sigh as he unlocked the door leading into his dorm room. His violet eyes scanned his livingroom and frowned. “It’s pretty lonely.” He whispered to himself as he dropped his school bag on the couch and made his way to his bedroom. On instinct, he sat at his computer and booted it up. He opened his store-bought sushi and began to nibble it as his hindows ran an update check before booting up his desktop. He had LOLOL set to automatically load once the computer came to life. The icon showed a loading hourglass and then the main screen loaded up with the daily newsletter. Yoosung took a moment to read it over not noticing anything interesting and logged his tank up. 

The first thing he did was claim his daily bonus and check his friend’s list. Saeyoung and Mi-Cha where online in some dungeon. He smiled hoping they married couple was enjoying their time playing games with one another. Saeran didn’t appear to be online, and Yoosung wondered what the younger twin could be up too if his brother and sister in law were actively playing games. He scrolled noticing that Sapfyre hadn’t logged in since they said goodnight last night. He sighed putting more food in his mouth as he got a bunch of party requests from random players. He declined them all and idled himself. 

Yoosung chewed and check his phone noticing a miss call from Zen and rolling his eyes. He had a few emails about possible party guests for the next RFA party. He took a moment to look at them before forwarding them to Mi-Cha. She handled the rest from there. Jaehee, Zen and Jumin were all active in a chatroom. Yoosung cringed wondering if he should go be a cushion for Jaehee knowing the men in the room were most likely arguing and her trying to keep them on track. 

As his thumb hovered over the enter chatroom icon and notification popped up on his monitor. His eyes read over it and smiled. There was Sapfyre, they must have just gotten home from school. He closed the RFA app and silenced his phone. He shoved the rest of his food into his mouth as he opened his private messages with the newbie. 

SupermanYoosung★: Hiya! 

SupermanYoosung★: Ready for more dungeon crawling?

Nervously he chewed on the pad of his thumb waiting for the stranger to reply to him. After all, it was coming home and playing with this person that had gotten throughout his day. He didn’t want to come across clingy though. After a small intervention involving Saeyoung and Zen, he had realized that his problem was that he was a stage five clinger. Sighing with a blush dusting his checks he waited patiently for them to reply.

‘Plus this person was most likely a guy’ He reminded himself and thought of his guild member’s horror stories about being catfished on the site. 

Sapfyre: Oh Hey You~

Sapfyre: Haha I’m up for more! 

Sapfyre: The monsters will have no idea what hit them when SupermanYoosung is through with them!

Yoosung smiled, really wishing this person owned a headset. He was curious about what they sounded like. They wrote in a manner that was similar to Mi-Cha but that didn’t mean anything. Maybe they were just feminine, maybe they are playing to role play like a girl. It wasn’t uncommon for members to role play out relationships and the such on here. The game even offered and marriage system for such a thing. It was diverse in how a player would like to spend their time within it’s the massive world. 

SupermanYoosung★: Hell ya!

SupermanYoosung★: We should be able to pick your class today, you’re almost level 10! 

Sapfyre: Only thanks to you!

Sapfyre: Honestly if I had been left to my own devices last night I wouldn’t even be close to level 10!

Sapfyre: So thank you!

Yoosung chuckled liking the attention and praise.

SupermanYoosung★: no thanks is needed ^^

SupermanYoosung★: I’m having a lot of fun playing with you!

SupermanYoosung★: I’ll create a party, one sec.

 He swiftly invited his new friend to make a party with him. He waited for her to join as he organized his inventory. 

Sapfyre: One of these days I’ll figure out how to do this

And just like that their avatars where linked together. Yoosung couldn’t help the way his heart pittered. He really needed to get a hold on himself and remind himself that the other player was, in fact, a dude. Not that Yoosung was personally offended by same-sex relationships, he just wasn’t interested in starting anything with another dude. 

“Really wish they had a mic so my brain could stop thinking about this too much.” Yoosung wished to himself, readjusting his hairpins to push his bang out of his face more. 

SupermanYoosung★: Until that fateful day I got you covered. 

Sapfyre: My hero lol

Yoosung began preparing for their next quest, he knew of a couple they could pair off with and each get the exp. Simple missions that involved them slaying a certain number of minor enemies and such. He was also going to get them to up their cooking and fishing skills so she could brew their own potions. How useful support was in actuality and a money saver. 

SupermanYoosung★: First I’ll bring us to a place where we can fish. I’ll just hand you over what I catch. Then you can cook them all to build those skills.

Sapfyre: Aye Aye Captain!

Yoosung chuckled as his eyes lit up. 

SupermanYoosung★: Sorry if it seemed like I’m bossing you around ^^;;

SupermanYoosung★: It just helps the arch maester class brew potions and buffs.

Sapfyre: Oooh that sounds cool.

Sapfyre: Don’t worry about bossing me around~ 

‘How suggestive’ Yoosung pondered biting his lip before teleporting them to the fishing island. There he quested an item share and handed them a nice fishing rod that wouldn’t break every five seconds. Then they got to work. Since it was a pretty basic automatic action he wanted to take this chance to get to know them better.

SupermanYoosung★: This might take a while.

SupermanYoosung★: So you mentioned you’re a student. What are you studying?

Sapfyre: Wow this is really a grind, huh?

Sapfyre: I’m an art and digital design student. 

Sapfyre: Nothing too exciting, what are you studying? 

SupermanYoosung★: I’m in training to be a vet ^^;

SupermanYoosung★: sometimes I wonder if I made the right choice for myself 

Sapfyre: A vet? You must be pretty smart then. 

Sapfyre: I think we all doubt our educational choices.

Sapfyre: isn’t that what being a student is all about? Being unsure about our future and trying to make sure we make the right decisions?

Sapfyre: If you’re passionate about animal’s you could make all the difference one day ^^

Yoosung blushed nearly crimson reading their messages. No one had ever sided with him and his doubts. Maybe they were feeling it too. Art wasn’t something that guaranteed a job in the future and was hard to get noticed in. 

Sapfyre: If anything you could just transfer to human medicine. It’s all under the biology major, is it not?

He hadn’t even thought of that possibility. Indeed, he could just transfer and just suck up an extra year of school. SKY university did offer an internship program after the medical exams. Yoosung bit his thumb pondering the possibility. 

SupermanYoosung★: I hadn’t thought of that

SupermanYoosung★: ahaha

SupermanYoosung★: My friends usually just tell me to suck it up and get school over with. 

SupermanYoosung★: That I should just be anxious about finding employment. 

Sapfyre: What's the point of working in a career you have no passion for?

SupermanYoosung★: Are you passionate about art?

Sapfyre: Hahaha

Sapfyre: Yes! Art is the main thing that gives me a drive every day!

Sapfyre: Even if my father thinks it’s a waste of my time and future, I’m going to pursue it. 

Sapfyre: Maybe instead of listening to others, you should listen to the drive within you. Find something you’re passionate about. 

Sapfyre: A vet’s good if you really like animals. A doctor or surgeon is good if you like helping people. 

SupermanYoosung★: I might just do that!

SupermanYoosung★: wow- I didn’t mean to get so serious on you like that.

Sapfyre: It’s fine. 

Sapfyre: We are going to be fishing for a while. 

Sapfyre: And I’d never get mad at someone for voicing their insecurities. 

SupermanYoosung★: You’re a really cool person

SupermanYoosung★: But let's get off the heavy topics

Sapfyre: Hmmmm 

Sapfyre: How long have you been playing LOLOL

Yoosung frowned, at least they didn't ask how much he plays. 

SupermanYoosung★: a little over 2 years

SupermanYoosung★: A friend of mine downloaded it for me, and I’ve been hooked ever since. 

Sapfyre: I’ll confess this is more addictive than it has any business being.

SupermanYoosung★: Welcome to LOLOL hell I hope you enjoy your stay~

Sapfyre: Ahaha thank you

Sapfyre: I think it might just be the company >-< 

Yoosung felt his ear burning. He couldn’t help but agree with them, but at the same time, he wanted to approach this budding friendship with caution. He’d never hear the end of it if Saeyoung finds out he was catfished. Or potentially catfished. The student willed his mind to get it together, they weren’t even flirting with him, he was just lonely and desperate at the moment. That was logical. He’d just play it cool. 

Some Time passed and Sapfyre got a headway into fishing and cooking. An hour had passed since they logged on and talked about pointless things like the latest RPG and anime. Yoosung could very easily see himself being friends with this guy in real life. They had many similar interests. He found himself laughing at some of the corny jokes they made too. Like actually laughing out loud. 

Now they were gearing up to head into a dungeon. Saeyoung had sent him a private message, but the gamer ignored it in favor of getting Sapfyre set up for more monster hunting. Once again the crawling was slow due to him having to fall back to type commands for his companion. He really wishes they would get a headset to make this more swift, and also so they could actively chat more. 

Sapfyre had reached level 10 and they had a long debate on the best support healing class for them. Arche Master won healing spells and potion brewing. Just as Yoosung had hoped they’d choose. 

As he was about to wrap them a voice chat request from Saeran popped up. Yoosung groaned, he didn’t even see him log in. He pardoned himself for a moment and plugged in his headset. He accepted his friends' request, typing to Sapfyre he’ll be a moment. 

“Hey.” Yoosung said eyeing the little ‘take your time’ from his new friend.

“So you ignore my brother, but talk to me?” Saeran questioned, even Yoosung could hear the smirk in his voice. 

“You’re the lesser of the two evils,” Yoosung explained sighing, explaining to Sapfyre he was just setting up his headset to chat with another player before warping them to the first location for a low-level quest. “Anyways what's up?”

Saeran was silent for a moment. “What are you doing in such a beginner level area?” he questioned and Yoosung rolled his eyes. 

“I met someone new to the server yesterday, I’m raising myself an Arche Master.” He chuckled gloating. 

“How the hell did you seduce- Sap-fire? Into becoming a support class for you?” Saeran asked trying to figure out if he was pronouncing the username correctly. Yoosung honestly didn’t know if that's how you say it, but it was as good a guess as to his. 

“Haha~” Yoosung let out a boyish giggle and then lowered his voice. “I know how to get around Saeran. Why you jealous I’m gonna have myself an amazing support!” 

“Sure.” Saeran sighed the sound of his keyboard being typed on made its way into the mic. “It’ll benefit our guild over Mi-Cha’s and my idiot brothers.” 

“That’s true.” Yoosung hummed replying to Sapfyre quickly as he sent his avatar charging into an assault. 

“Don’t tell me they are a typer-” Saeran asked in mock horror at the implication. 

“Ya, but it’s not their fault.” Yoosung defended his new friend. “They are a student like me, and literally just started LOLOL yesterday.” 

Saeran groaned anyway. The faint sounds of Mi-Cha hissing something to her husband were heard in the background. Yoosung let out an amused poof of air wondering what Saeyoung did now to get her riled up like that. 

“Do they always have to be so loud?” Saeran whispered his complaint and Yoosung chuckled under his breath. “So I take it you’ll be busy for awhile helping that person with leveling?” 

“Ya.” The gamer replied typing to Sapfyre about their next mission swiftly. “It’s gonna take a bit more time given we have to type to one another until they can get a headset.” 

“Fine.” Saeran murmured. “I’ll just go sell goods and mine while you help the noob.” 

“Sounds good,” Yoosung replied. Saeran made a noise and their line disconnected. He wasn’t much of a talker, unless it was necessary as Yoosung found out over the year of knowing him. 

SupermanYoosung★: There is glow mushrooms in this cave

Sapfyre: Ooooooh sounds fancy~

SupermanYoosung★: Ahaha they look really pretty!

SupermanYoosung★: Only problem is-

SupermanYoosung★: This is the only place to farm them and it’s a level 45 dungeon.

At that moment he wished he would’ve asked Saeran for help. There was a certain random spawn for a level 98 dragon event happening in that dungeon. The dragon looked sick though, with the mushrooms growing off his body, but he was a bitch to face. 

Sapfyre: I’ll try my best to give you back up!

SupermanYoosung★: We got this >-<

SupermanYoosung★: Nothing can stand in this duo’s way! 

SupermanYoosung★: Let’s just pray the level 98 dragon doesn’t spawn

He pressed teleport and warped them inside the entrance of the cave.

Sapfyre: hahaha

Sapfyre: hahaha level 98 dragon in a level 45 dungeon.

Sapfyre: You’re trolling me, right?

Yoosung chuckled. He wishes he were, but they needed that glow mushroom for a revival potion with a 5% brew success rate. Meaning they’d be here for a while. If he got lucky maybe one of his friends would see where he was and come help. If not they would have to hope for the best. 

SupermanYoosung★: Don’t worry~

SupermanYoosung★: There is only a 28% chance he’ll spawn. 

An almost daring smirk crossed the gamer's lips as he sent both their avatar rushing into the depth of the dungeon. Sapfyre was being cute thinking every droplet sound effect was the dragon spawning. However, as of right now they’d be okay. It wasn’t until the last 5 levels of the dungeon did it ever spawn. 

Sapfyre: This is a suicide mission!

SupermanYoosung★: Naw, I’ve only faced him once and that was after multiple times looking for him. 

Sapfyre’s avatar was farming mushroom’s and Yoosung was fending off monsters. It moved quicker with them both focusing on a task. Surprisingly they were making headway pretty quickly within the dungeon. 

After some time he saw Saeran’s avatar spawn in with them, and Yoosung chuckled feeling like a kid caught with a hand in the cookie jar. In the world chat, Saeran sent numerous question marks and Yoosung sent some back. Soon after Saeran asked to join their party and Yoosung accepted. It automatically created a separate group chat for the team.

Sapfyre: Oh hey! Someone new!

SupermanYoosung★: This is a friend of mine. Seems he’s just as nervous about us running into the Shroom Dragon as you are. 

Sapfyre: I told you!

Sapfyre: This is a suicide mission!

UnknownUserName: What do you think you’re doing ^^

SupermanYoosung★: Making revival potions

Sapfyre: Trying to get us killed!

Sapfyre: Oh more mushrooms! 

Yoosung smiled watching her run towards the farm point and start gathering more of the precious material. Both Saeran and himself fended off the monsters spawning around them. Saeran was a ranged character opting for a longbow. He still hit hard though. They always made a good team. 

Sapfyre: Go boys go!

SupermanYoosung★: Whoooooo!

Sapfyre made her Avatar do a cheering motion as they fought off the critters that were mostly child's play to him and Saeran. Soon enough they all collected up again and moved further within the cave. 

SupermanYoosung★: The moment of truth boys

SupermanYoosung★: May we proceed to victory

Sapfyre: ????

UnknownUserName: It spawns in the last 5 levels 

Sapfyre: You mean I was jumping at every little sound for nothing this whole time!

UnknownUserName: Apparently 

Sapfyre: Yoosung you god damn troll! 

SupermanYoosung★: Thought I mentioned

UnknownUserName: Sure. 

Yoosung chuckled, a little disappointed they newcomer didn’t react to him referring to them all being boys. He sighed resolving himself into finally believing they were, in fact, a dude with a cute Avatar. There was no denying the disappointment he felt. At least the connection they had made could be swayed towards a friendship. Yoosung smiled sadly to himself, mentally scolding himself for being so desperate for a girlfriend again. 

The team proceeded with extreme caution. Yoosung had his headphones on with the volume at a punishing high listening for any telltale signs they were not alone. Even his breathing mellowed out as his heart hammered in his chest. It was exhilarating sneaking about trying to get to the loot at the end of the cove. 

Soon enough he saw two more Avatars run unto the screen. They requested to join the party and Yoosung let out a slow breath of relief. He accepted watching as Saeyoung and Mi-Cha’s user names joined his and Saerans along with Sapfyre. 

AhaChaCha: Wow, really pushing it guys

HackerGod: Will he spawn though

HackerGod: Dun Dun

HackerGod: Come on Saeran, give me a DUN!

UnknownUserName: No

Sapfyre: DUNNNN!!!!

HackerGod: HAHA 

AhaChaCha: Yoosung it’s not nice to get your new friends killed. 

SupermanYoosung★: Meh, we would’ve been fine. 

Sapfyre: Would we really have been though!?!

Sapfyre: Look at all these people concerned about our well being!

Sapfyre: Can’t believe you took me out on a suicide mission T^T

HackerGod: Lolol, Ya Yoosung. 

HackerGod: How

HackerGod: Could

HackerGod: YOU!

AhaChaCha: T^T this is so sad

AhaChaCha: Alexia play Despacito~

Sapfyre: Pbffft

UnknownUserName: How am I related to you fools?

SupermanYoosung★: Only three more Levels to go!

SupermanYoosung★: MEN - Mi-Cha- LET’S MARCH FORWARDS TO VICTORY! 

Sapfyre: Y'all hear that??

As Sapfyre’s message appeared a rumbling roar shook Yoosung’s eardrums. He hissed removing the headset and moved quickly. Honestly, the rest of them could’ve easily made a voice chat, but maybe they were being considerate to Sapfyre who would be the only man out. 

HackerGod: Let us KamiKaze this bitch!

UnknownUserName: Now that’s something I can get behind

AhaChaCha: Stay back and focus on your healing spells, Sapfyre

SupermanYoosung★: Should we cue a war cry?

Sapfyre: FREEDOM!!!

SupermanYoosung★: lmao!

HackGod: GRYFFINDOR!!!

With that, they all took their positions. Saeyoung was a mage and stood back with his brother seeing as their both ranged. Mi-Cha and Himself charged in. She was a duel wielding halfling and him a tank. Saran was careful to position himself before Sapfyre protecting the extremely under-leveled healer. Yoosung was honestly surprised how easily Sapfyre got into the team formation and tried desperately to keep all their hit points up. 

It was a long battle with just the five of them, even with Saeyoung and himself holding the number 1 and 2 place in the server ranking. Mi-Cha and saeran’s characters weren’t anything to scoff at. Sapfyre did good hanging out in the far back healing as fast as their mp gage and cool downtime would allow them. They even started tossing some of the potion’s Yoosung had bought for them the night prior. Event bosses were always a pain in the ass to take down, but the rewards were sooo worth it. 

No one dared type in the group chat, everyone was busy watching for openings for an all-out attack when the defence dropped. Nothing like a risky battle to get your blood pumping, or so they say. Yoosung found himself swearing to himself as his voice got more panic watching his health bar deplete, however, Sapfyre was trying to heal him back up. Maybe this was a mistake, but if they went down, all of them could say they went down with one hell of a fight. 

After a good hour, the beast died and Mi-Cha was like a hit point away from dying. Yoosung could almost hear everyone's sigh of relief as the exp divide between the five of them. Yoosung chuckled watching Sapfyre make their Avatar dance about in celebration. 

AhaChaCha: That was too close for comfort.

HackerGod: At least Sapfyre is feeling energetic enough to dance for us 

Sapfyre: What a rush! You’re all amazing! I went up like 7 levels! 

UnknownUserName: There was a lesson to be learned here

SupermanYoosung★: Ya ya

HackerGod: I believe in the heart of the cards

AhaChaCha: lol! Got some good loot!

SupermanYoosung★: I’m glad you all showed up

SupermanYoosung★: Our ass’s would’ve been grass

Sapfyre: D:

Sapfyre: I told you this was a suicide mission!

UnknownUserName: ^^ 

After a few finishing things, and getting to the field of glow mushrooms everyone left the part. Soon it was just him, Sapfyre, and the loading screen brings them back to safety. 

Sapfyre: It’s so late

Sapfyre: Don’t you ever sleep, Yoosung?

SupermanYoosung★: Sometimes lolol

SupermanYoosung★: I take it you’re headed to bed

Sapfyre: Yes! Are you insane? I have morning classes

Sapfyre: If anything you should be joining me

Yoosung choked on his spit.

Sapfyre: OMG!

Sapfyre: I meant you should be heading to bed!

Sapfyre: Gosh, now I’m blushing 

SupermanYoosung★: It’s okay haha

SupermanYoosung★: You’re probably right

SupermanYoosung★: I’m just not gonna listen :p

Sapfyre: I rolled my eyes

Sapfyre: I guess this is goodnight!

Sapfyre: Nighty Night~

SupermanYoosung★: Night!~

[krycss]

Actions Speak Louder Than Words | Jacob Seed x f!Deputy

Chapter 13

[Read on AO3]

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

So uh, oops? To make a long story short, I got a job and it basically kicked my ass for months. I've had to work on this chapter in just random spurts of creativity which ranged from being able to write a paragraph to just one sentence before my brain gave up. Work has pretty much sucked all joy from my life BUT, thanks to a good friend @poedaneron I was able to get this bad boy finished. I promise I haven't abandoned this story or my Red Dead 2 story, just be aware that chapters are definitely going to be coming out much slower in the future due to work. I've already got this entire story planned out until the start of New Dawn so just know that I have things under control, just slow as fuck.

The cabin was in disarray when they arrived. With what little sunlight was still left, Cat could see the dust floating through the air as Jacob kicked the door in. She laughed into his neck as he gripped her tighter into his arms. He had picked her up into a bridal carry the moment they exited his truck, eager after she teased him earlier.

“I really gotta stop doing that, too old for that shit.” He grumbled, kissing her shoulder as he put her down on the ground.

“I’ve warned you before about kicking doors!”

“Don’t get snappy with me MISSUS Seed.”

Cat looked over at him, smirking.

“What are you going to do about it, MISTER Seed?”

They were both smirking now.

“Well first, I’m gonna unwrap my gift.” His eyes raked over Cat’s wedding dress.

She didn’t dare move, suppressing a smile, as her husband circled her like a wolf on the prowl. She could physically feel his gaze as he came to stand behind her. He brushed her hair over her shoulder, letting his fingers linger on her neck before trailing them down the expanse of her back exposed by her dress. Cat shivered, earning a quiet chuckle from the man behind her. His hands ran back up to the lace sleeves and slowly pushed them down her arms, letting gravity do most of the work for him. Once the dress was hanging from her hips, Jacob ran his hands over her shoulders, following every movement down her spine with his lips, trailing kisses and bites as he sunk down to his knees.  

“You’re beautiful, you know that?”

Cat sucked in a shaky breath as she felt him kiss the scars on her back from her capture.

With a small tug, the rest of the dress pooled around her ankles. Cat stepped out of the dress with Jacob holding onto the back of her thighs to keep her steady in her heels. She turned around and looked down at the man at her feet. He raked his hungry gaze up her legs, from her red heels to the red garter that she had teased him with earlier, stopping his eyes at what was the only thing under her dress. Cat smirked at his expression.

“See something you like?” She whispered into the quiet room.

“Very much so, sweetheart.” He trailed kisses up her thighs, stopping to place a quick one on her hip.

She had to suppress a laugh at what Jacob might think if he found out that they were the wedding gift John had given her. It had been wrapped in a big red bow, sitting in her dressing room that morning with a note that simply said “You’re welcome. Your brother, John.”

They were red, lacy, and had a little bow in the back that Cat thought was both adorable and sexy. If the look Jacob was giving her was anything to go by, he thought so too.

“You’re overdressed now, husband.” Cat ran her hands through his hair, scraping her nails along his scalp lightly.

“So are you.” He looked up at her, keeping eye contact as he ran his fingers softly up her thighs and bring them back down with the lingerie in tow.

When he got to her ankles he helped her step out of the lace as well as her heels, leaving her in nothing but a garter and a smile.

“Perfect.” He whispered.

Cat helped tug him back up to his feet, smiling lightly at the little groan of protest against his knees.

“Have a hard time down there?” She teased.

Jacob just glared playfully at her before picking her up and walking her to the bed. She had to admit, being fully naked while he still had on his dress clothes was doing something for her and based on his expression, he knew it too.

The bedroom was just as much a mess as the rest of the cabin but they hardly cared. The bed still worked just fine. Despite her taunting, Jacob laid her down gently, earning a soft smile from his wife.

It was quiet before he spoke again.

“I’m still waiting to wake up from this crazy dream.” He whispered.

Cat reached her hand up to place it against his cheek lovingly.

“Hate to say it, but it’s not a dream and you’re stuck with me now.” She laughed under her breath. “I love you, Jacob Seed.”

“I love you, Catherine Seed.”

Cat squirmed, it was weird hearing her full name from him but still, it was the first time he’d actually said the words to her. The emotions of the wedding, seeing her friends, and just her general happiness was enough to cause her to tear up. He laughed at her expression as he bent down to kiss away her tears.

“I love you.” He whispered again.

The plan was to spend one week in the cabin. Cat was surprised Jacob okay with allowing others to take over for his time away from the Veteran’s Center. Especially since Pratt wouldn’t be there anymore. Still, she could tell he was antsy and constantly fighting the urge to turn on his radio. He had to find something to do before bed, something to keep him occupied – something that didn’t involve going for round two with his wife just yet. It was late when they had found some old Christmas decorations in the attic and, despite it being the middle of summer, they went to work on decorating their little home-away-from-home. Lights were hung wherever they could be hung, blankets were strewn about the various couches and chairs. They even moved the bed so that it was near the fireplace at night when the Whitetail Mountains cooled. It was cozy. She didn’t end up sleeping until after midnight, but when she finally did, Cat felt like she sleeping in her own home. She was fairly certain that Jacob didn’t get much sleep if any, because when she woke the next morning there was already music playing lightly on the record player and the smell of coffee permeated the air.

Jacob returned to the bed when he saw that she was awake sitting up and trying to tame her wild hair. She thanked him as he handed her a mug before settling into the bed with her once more.

Cat maneuvered herself so that her back was to Jacob’s chest, twining her legs between his.

“I love this already.” She sighed.

He hummed in question. “What do you mean?”

“The peace. Not having to constantly look over our shoulders or worry about anything other than what we’re going to do for the day.” She absent-mindedly ran a finger over the scars on her lips. “Something normal, I guess. In a perfect world I guess this would be where I could see us settling. Like, if all this crazy shit wasn’t happening maybe we could start a family.” She clamped her mouth shut. She hadn’t expected that part to come out.

She felt Jacob put his mug down before he wrapped his arms around her, careful not to spill her drink.

There was a beat of silence filled only by the soft jazz from the record player. It was finally broken when Jacob hummed as he tugged Cat closer to his chest.

“Would you want that?” He spoke lowly into her shoulder.

She hummed in question.

“We’re here for a week. We could always have that perfect little ‘slice-of-life’ while it lasts.” Cat could feel Jacob placing light kisses to her shoulder and neck.

It was something she had thought of. Before coming to Hope County, that is. She had this whole idea in her head about her life – perfect partner, perfect kids, and the best house in the best neighborhood. The whole white, picket fence deal. Now she wasn’t sure what she wanted or if she could have even half of that. She had the first part down at least. But kids? An actual family? That couldn’t happen with Eden’s Gate and the Resistance terrorizing the County. It wasn’t like her and Jacob could move. And if, for some reason, Joseph is right and there really is a Collapse coming soon, then how could she even entertain the idea? She didn’t even know if Jacob would want kids in the future - if at all. Why’d she bring it up?

She felt Jacob nip at her shoulder, pulling her out of her thoughts.

“Don’t get lost in your head.” He lectured.

“Sorry.” Cat whispered. She turned her head and placed a small kiss to his cheek. “Would you want to pretend? You don’t think it’d just be too depressing? To reach for something we can’t have?”

“Hm, why not? I won’t be able to give you that kind of life. Especially with my brother and his plans.” His voiced lowered to a whisper. “You deserve that kind of life…”

Cat knocked her head lightly against his. “Don’t get lost in your head.” She teased.

Jacob sat back, turning Cat around to face him.

“I still can’t understand why you wanted to be stuck with me. Especially since I can’t give you the life you deserve, but.” He interrupted Cat before she could reprimand him again. “I’ll give you what I can for however long that may be.”

Cat put her coffee down on next to Jacob’s.

“I didn’t marry you to have the perfect life, Jacob.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I married you because I love you. Weird familial occupation and all.”

They both laughed under their breath. Jacob gently lifted her left hand, bringing her wedding ring to his lips before lightly slapping her thighs.

“Alright. Come on, you.” Jacob groaned, pulling both of them to the edge of the bed. “We got some fishing to do.”

They had packed two coolers into the back of their pick-up truck. One, empty for the fish they would catch, and the other filled with some sandwiches Cat had quickly put together and some beer that Jacob managed to gather. According to him it was a “going away present” from John. Cat wasn’t about to rat him out if meant having a lovely afternoon with her husband. They drove out to the edge of a lake right at the end of the cabin’s property. They were isolated as much as they could from Hope County, but there was still the faint sound of gunfire in the distance ever so often. The weather was still cool this early in the morning so Cat was thankful when Jacob offered her his jacket to wear until the air warmed up. Snuggling into the oversized coat, she plopped down into the folding chair next to the man. Jacob was already throwing his line in by the time she baited hers.

“So, any other plans for the day or are we just gonna spend it out at the lake?” She inquired.

Jacob shrugged. “I don’t see why not. At least until you start burning up like a lobster.”

Cat laughed, nodding her head.  “We wanna do a fish fry or something?”

“Sounds good to me.”

Cat could admit, having idle chatter was not their strong suit. As the silence went on it seemed Jacob had the same thought as her.

“We’re not very good at this ‘normal’ thing are we?”

They both chuckled under their breath.

“Definitely not. It’s weird not thinking about tactics or worrying about things constantly.”

Jacob snorted. “Trust me I’ve already got the over-thinking part down. I’ve got about ten different exit strategies for the cabin if something goes down.”

It was silent once more but this time it wasn’t uncomfortable now that they acknowledged it. A good four hours had passed and that was enough time for the few cans of beer that Cat had drunk to start taking effect. She had completely given up on fishing at this point and was just staring at Jacob unabashedly.

“What?”

“Baseball dad.” Cat nodded sagely.

“The hell are you talking about now?” Jacob put his rod down to stare at his tipsy wife.

“Was tryin’ to figure out what kind of dad you’d be. You’d be a baseball dad. The one who tries his damnedest to fight the umpire every time there’s a penalty on his kid.”

“Oh really?”

“Yup.” Cat drew out the word, ending with a pop. “Ooh! Maybe you’d be the coach of the team instead!”

By this point Cat had gotten up out of her chair and was situating herself in Jacob’s lap much to his annoyance. Still, he watched her with an amused smile at her outburst.

“Well, I suppose anything’s better than turning out like my old man.” He muttered, running his fingers through her hair.

Cat sobered up a bit at that, bringing hand up to Jacob’s cheek. He leaned into the touch. “That’s not gonna happen.”

Jacob raised a brow at her.

“It’s not!” Cat turned so that instead of her knees over his lap, they were now on either side of his thighs, straddling him. “Wanna know why?”

Jacob chuckled under his breath. “Why?”

“Cuz you’re not alone anymore. You got me as your wife and I wouldn’t let you get like that.”

“You wouldn’t let me, hm?” Jacob wrapped his arms around her waist.

“You know you’d let me get away with anything.” She smiled sweetly at him before pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. “Besides, you took care of your brothers pretty much, right?”

“Look how that turned out.” Jacob rolled his eyes.

Cat rocked her head back and forth. “Technically that part happened later when you weren’t there, but still! My point still stands.”

They sat there in silence for a short moment, just listening to the sounds around them. There was a light breeze shaking the leaves and every so often there was the sound of a fish jumping in the water.

Jacob laughed to himself, causing Cat to raise an eyebrow.

“Our kids will be stubborn as hell if they’re a combo of us two.”

Cat snorted. “They’ll be adorable though.”

They were silent again and Cat somehow knew that they were both thinking that it was unfair to be having this conversation since kids wouldn’t be option for them with their lifestyle. Still, neither voiced it, choosing to live in their pretend life for the moment.

Then Cat had an interesting idea, and without saying anything she got up out of Jacob’s lap and started walking towards the edge of the lake. She left a trail of clothes behind her until she was in nothing but her underwear – she didn’t need the fish in the lake touching anything they weren’t supposed to.

“Now what’s my wife up to, hm?” Jacob took a slow sip of the rest of his beer, eyeing Cat down.

“It’s so hot out here, Jacob.” She turned and walked into the water, putting an extra sway to her step. “Thought I’d go for a swim.”

When she was about waist deep she turned around, crooking her finger to beckon Jacob in.

With a laugh that ended in a bit of a growl, Jacob followed dutifully. Cat wasn’t hiding her gaze as she watched him remove his shirt. He was still clearly uncomfortable in his own skin, but she knew he appreciated how much she seemed to like it. He walked tortuously slow as he got closer to the water. Removing his jeans wasn’t as smooth but Cat still bit her bottom lip anyways.

“The water’s cold and you’re teasing me! I need you to warm me up, Jacob. Stop being rude.” She giggled at the way his eyes shot up to hers as she swam further away from him.

“Oh you’re in for it now.”

They went back to their cabin later with a decent amount of fish which led to a filling dinner and plenty of leftovers. The rest of their honeymoon was spent in much the same way. Each day something new with a hint of their pretend “normal” life. Little chats by the fireside about what their life would be like if they lived in the suburbs, had normal jobs, or how they would have met outside of this life. Cat says she’d still be a cop, and Jacob said he’d probably be the homeless vet she got calls about but ended up taking care of instead. Cat instead suggested that perhaps he was the sexy fireman that always flirted with her when they showed up to the same emergency.

Another day was spent hiking through the Whitetails – avoiding the areas most likely to be patrolled by either side of the Hope County civil war. They ran into a bear at one point, but Cat was surprised to find that it was actually Cheeseburger just passing through. Jacob almost had a heart-attack as he watched his wife run up to the beast and wrap it in a, quite literal, bear hug before she explained anything.

They talked about their childhood one night, although it was mostly Cat just telling Jacob about how she grew up. Single mother, no siblings. She took up a career in law enforcement to try and understand her late father who died in the service before she was born. She knew Jacob’s childhood already from talking with Joseph and reading his Book. Still, it was good to hear it from the source without any preamble or opinions from his younger brother. It was good to hear, even if it required drinks and lots of cuddling afterwards.

All too soon though, their last day in the cabin had arrived. They hadn’t packed up, hadn’t taken down any of the decorations they put up earlier. They spent the day just lounging, knowing that they would never have this peace again for a very long time. They were lying in bed currently, Jacob had his head in Cat’s lap as she ran her hand through his hair. There was a certain sadness in the air that neither talked about but both understood. They didn’t want to leave this little sanctuary. Once they left, the danger would increase again for them, especially now that they’ll be worried for each other even more.

Cat sighed, finally breaking the silence.

Jacob opened his eyes, glancing up at her. “What’s wrong?”

She bit her lip, moving her hand down to rub his cheek. “I…I don’t want to leave.”

Jacob hummed noncommittally, moving his own hand up to hold hers against his cheek, pressing a kiss to her palm.

“In a perfect world.” He mumbled. “But we have our duties. Our family. We can’t leave them.”

“God knows what they’d do without us.” Cat chuckled under her breath.

Jacob rolled his eyes as he nodded his head incredulously, shifting to sit up straight.

“I promise you this, though.” He ran his hands through her hair, leaving both of his hands on the sides of her head. “I will always protect you. I’ll always love you. Even when shit hits the fan, got it?”

Cat nodded, blinking back tears. “And I’ll do the same for you. Partners.”

Jacob smiled, staring into her eyes. “Now how about we make the most of our last night here, hm?”

“I think that sounds like a smart idea.”

“Cheeky.”

Cat chuckled, removing herself from Jacob’s grasp.

“I’ll show you cheeky.”

Jacob snorted, earning a mock glare from Cat. She only had on one of his shirts and a pair of cute, but comfortable, underwear which made stripping for her husband that much easier. Once she was naked she turned around, crawling back up onto the bed next to Jacob who hadn’t taken his eyes off of her. Cat dragged her hand up from Jacob’s thigh to the end of his shirt before helping him remove it. She ran her hands over his chest, kissing his collarbone as she pushed him back onto the bed.

“One last night of pretend.” She whispered to his neck before biting it gently. “Let’s make it count.”

[tojohq]

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life Review

The end of Kiryu’s story. As ominous as it sounds, that’s one of the biggest selling points of Yakuza 6: The Song of Life. The character that has been leading the series since its very first game finally has an ending chapter to its saga. As an old-time fan, that made me worried and intrigued: How do they plan to end its story? What’s the series going to do moving forward? And, more importantly, how does the game compares to its predecessors, with all the changes made to its engine?

The following review aims to be as spoiler-free as possible, but be advised some spoilers may occur for previous games of the series, like Yakuza 5. Read at your own discretion.

Kiryu Kazuma, the series’ main character, spent several years in prison following the events of Yakuza 5. He is released only to find out that Haruka is in a coma after having been hit by a car. She also had a kid, Haruto, who is at risk of being taken to an orphanage. Kiryu must fight for and maintain custody of Haruto, while investigating the strange mysteries surrounding Haruka’s accident. The stage is set as we initially enter Kamurocho once again, and after he begins his investigation, the trail leads to Onomichi: a peaceful town that is more than it seems.

The new Dragon Engine was introduced in Yakuza 6, bringing several innovations to the series. For starters, the graphics got a revamp compared to the older engine (used from Yakuza 5 to Yakuza Kiwami), being the first game developed exclusively to PS4. The level of detail in textures, character models, and the world itself, is outstanding. A common complaint about Yakuza 6 is the presence of screen tearing on the game, but I must say I wasn’t able to notice said issue. It’s worth noting that the game runs at 30fps, compared to 60fps on Yakuza Zero and Kiwami. New physics were added, both to the open world exploration and the battles. Exploration-wise, Kiryu can now jump over things, climb stairs, and even fall down from certain buildings. The inventory has also changed. You don’t need to send items to a hideout-like place, like in previous games. Your inventory can store as many items as you like; however, you can only hold 5 of each health/heat restore items, or 10 of each food/beverage items.

Things have changed - the year is 2016 and even Kiryu has a smartphone now, which acts as the game’s menu. Through it, you can find your current tasks and missions; access your inventory; check your stats and mail; check your completion list; change settings; and even take photos or selfies.

With the new graphics engine, Kamurocho has been completely reworked. We have new explorable areas, like Millenium Tower’s rooftop gardens and the Kamuro Theater. We can enter and explore several random buildings, making the city more alive than ever before. We have the same number of taxi stops as before, but more destinations as a whole. It’s worth it to note that certain portions of the map have completely changed. Little Asia is a primary example, and some underwent… peculiar changes, like Pink Street, which is in a diagonal orientation now. However, not everything is good news: some explorable areas that have been around since the first game have been removed, like the Champion District and the Kamurocho Hills/West Park area. We also have fewer stores than before (Kotoburi Drugs, for example, is gone).

Onomichi is considerably smaller when compared to Kamurocho, and has less shops, restaurants and entertainment spots. This more accurately reflects the cities’ real-life counterparts. It’s a port town based on a Hiroshima city that goes by the same name. Here you can access the spearfishing and baseball mini-games, as well as the Snackbar Gaudi. Snack bars are, on that note, popular places on Onomichi to hang out, considering the city doesn’t have Cabaret Clubs. You can also find a few restaurantes, a temple, and a pawn shop.

We have quite a few new minigames compared to previous games, like the Live Chat, which - more than just being sexy - manages to be funny and quirky due to Kiryu’s reactions; full ports of SEGA games, like VF5FS and Puyo Puyo; and classic arcade games from the 80s, like Space Harrier.

The RAAP Gym features a series of minigames where the player should press the buttons accordingly to make Kazuma exercise. After a session, the trainer recommends a dish you should eat, which impacts the evaluation you receive. Before you attempt to train again, you need to engage in a random encounter in the city.

There’s also a baseball team management minigame.  You can recruit new members through substories or around the city and train them. On a match, you can manage your players and sometimes control the hitter. It’s a bit confusing, and, honestly, I didn’t manage to find it too enjoyable.

The Gaudi Snack Bar - unlocked during the baseball team quest line - is actually one of the most fun addictions to Yakuza 6, mini-game wise. For it, Kiryu is invited to a small and familiar bar in Onomichi. In the minigame, you speak with NPCs about their problems, enjoy a few drinks with them, and can even play darts or sing Karaoke. All these things help you develop your friendship with them. Each NPC has its own story, and each one of them is enjoyable, and some of them are tough nuts to crack - you will will need to be persistent with these. I’ve gotten so invested in this specific portion of the game I started to think about the NPCs as close friends of Kiryu, and it made me like Onomichi itself a lot more, since some of these characters are shop owners. It’s a simple yet great addition that gave even more life to the city.

The Clan Creator is another minigame first introduced in Yakuza 6. It involves recruiting NPCs to your very own Kiryu Clan and using them in battles - but Kazuma himself doesn’t fight, he just commands them like in a strategy game. You can set your hierarchy: Captain, Lieutenants and so on. There’s also an online mode available, where you can fight other player’s Clans. You can, also, add new members to your Clan by entering codes, made available at several different places and through the Yakuza Experience website.

Another feature is the opportunity to help a Cat Cafe that… happens to have no cats, since its owner doesn’t do well with the animals and they all ran away. It’s up to Kazuma to find new cats in Kamurocho or Onomichi for the shop by giving them food and earning their trust. After you max out the trust gauge of a cat, someone will go get the felline, which you can always see in the Cafe from then on.

The spearfishing minigame is basically a shooter with a fishing theme. You can earn money from the fishes you catch, and there’s a spearfishing level: the higher your level, the higher your HP in this minigame. You have different spears to choose from and three different areas to fish in - both selections make an impact on the mini-game difficulty.

Some classic mini-games have been removed, like bowling, pool, UFO catchers, and gambling. Changes have been made to Karaoke and its song list: they are all new this time around. The batting cage minigame has also changed slightly. The Cabaret Club minigame has also been reworked, with a new card-based system that has made it more enjoyable.

Yakuza 6 has 52 substories in total, from which a considerable amount is tied to mini-games like the Snack Bar Gaudi, the Clan Creator, and the Baseball team. We also have 40 different Trouble Missions. Trouble missions are picked through the app ‘Troublr’ on Kiryu’s phone. They usually require the player to battle against an enemy or a group of enemies who’s causing - as the name implies - trouble in Kamurocho or Onomichi. Trouble Missions usually spawn nearby you, are time restricted, generally under 5 minutes, and are considered failed if you engage in another event  (like a cutscene or a minigame).

The soundtrack and effects of the game are once again memorable. Differently from previous games, there’s no opening theme this time. On the other hand... some of the songs really stand out, like Joon-gi Han’s theme, several battle themes, and some of the karaoke songs (prime examples would be ‘Hands’ and ‘Today is a Diamond’).

With the new graphical engine and physics also came a new combat system. The very core of it - characteristic to the series - remains the same: fight, do combos, use heat actions. However, the changes run deeper. It was reworked from the ground, with completely new combos, actions and Heat Actions. Unfortunately, Heat Actions are one of the biggest flaws of Yakuza 6 in that there are very few of them. That said, the new physics also make the combat both hilarious and satisfying at times: it’s not rare to see objects being destroyed simply by running through them, or enemies being thrown far from you by doing a combo finished with a kick.

In Yakuza 6 - once again - we see a new leveling system. We have five different experience points: Strength, Agility, Spirit, Technique and Charm. Different activities award different amounts and different kinds of experience. For example, you will get more Strength and Agility by fighting than by doing entertainment activities. You can spend experience points on basic stats (Health, Attack, Defense, Evasion, and Heat Gauge), battle skills, heat actions, and other skills.

We also have an in-depth buff system this time, like increased experience gain, increased money drops, increased stats, and so on. They can be achieved through different means (such as temple blessings, statue offerings, food buffs, and machine drinks) and last a set amount of time or battles.

What was played:

A full playthrough of the main story, 40 substories, and all minigames at least once. Around 60 hours of game time.

Pros:

Graphics are gorgeous and detailed

Great OST

The cities seem alive and as detailed as ever

Several new minigame addictions are fun and rewarding

Good story with likeable characters - both on the substories and the main plot

Cons:

Certain classic mini-games were removed

Areas that have been accessible in Kamurocho since the first game, like the Champion District and the West Park/Kamurocho Hills area are off limits now

Combat seems simplified compared to Zero/Kiwami: less combos, less heat actions

No system to craft weapons, or even to carry then

Verdict: A fitting end to Kiryu’s story, with great graphics, OST, and side content, but not without a few hiccups. Fewer heat actions and the removal of certain minigames detract from it, when compared to previous games of the series.

Score: 8.5/10

Disclaimer: Reviewed on a standard PS4 model using a review code provided by the publisher.

[khrsecretvalentine]

Summer Woes

Tsuna sighed in his seat, staring at his phone with a dejected face.

“Man, I died again. This boss is too hard!”

Sighing once again, he checked his character revive at the capital city of Sofya. He clicked his tounge in frustration, checking his items once more before going to the blacksmith. It seems he couldn’t defeat Roshan with his character yet, so he would train his blacksmithing skills in the meantime.

But before that, he’d need materials.

After talking to the NPC, Tsuna went out and started asking other players for extra materials, which he obtained by buying from them. He then checked his blacksmithing skill - 86% which is not that bad.

“Tsu-kun, dinner is ready!”

Tsuna nearly dropped his phone in surprise. It was already 6? Really, he’d been playing that long?

“Coming!”

He teleported to his house inside the game and logged out.

- - -

“Yo!” “Good morning, Jyuudaime!”

Tsuna smiled and greeted the two. It was the summer holidays, and his guardians were all but scattered to different places due to training Reborn suggested one time. To his surprise, however, Reborn went away saying he had something to do, leaving Tsuna with no mentor, so he took the chance (really, this is a rare chance) and immersed himself with games.

Ah, right. Before Reborn came, Tsuna was already playing online games - mmorpg’s to be exact - since he gave up trying to study and it interests him. He played numerous games before, but now he’s playing a new game called Toram Online which was made by Asobimo.

He’s not the best at games though, but he seems to always pull through the challenges, so why not?

“Tsuna, you okay?”

The young Vongola blinked and smiled sheepishly. “Sorry, just thinking about something.”

This seemed to surprise the two. Gokudera put on his determined face and asked, “Is something bothering you, tenth? I’ll take care of it!”

“No, no! It’s nothing, Gokudera, really!”

“If tenth says so!”

Just then, his cellphone blinked indicating a notification.

- Maintenance at 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM JST (Japanese Standard Time) today! - New map to be explored! New monster and boss will be released! - Main quest will be updated! - Level cap will be raised from 80 to 85! - Fixing bugs about the inventory problem. - Adding new Gacha costumes!

Tsuna can’t help but to be excited. Asobimo seemed to be putting some good updates this time! He didn’t notice his guardians peeking from behind.

“Toram Online?”

“Hiiiieeeee!” Please don’t scare me like that!

"Maa, maa, that game seems interesting.” Takeshi said, fishing out his smartphone.

“Shut up, baseball freak! Sorry about this idiot, tenth!” said his storm guardian, also getting his phone from his pocket.

“Um, what are you guys doing?”

Gokudera beamed at him.

“We’re going to play with you from now on, tenth!”

- - -

As expected, the two we’re good at the game. Gokudera seemed to really liked the games mechanics - where he could pick his own skills and try to wear many costumes. Takeshi, on the other hand, was a casual player at most; where Gokudera was busy leveling his Alchemy skill, Takeshi would go and use the Mercenary system and would sometime hire another player - or Gokuder’s. Most of the time he would sit at Rakau Plains doing nothing, but he’s always with the other two when fighting a boss or completing a hard quest.

Gokudera picked a DPS (damage per second) mage, while Takeshi picked a dual-wielding swordsman. Tsuna himself was a DPS mage, but more of like a tanking-healing one since he really doesn’t like to die (this is why Gokudera’s second character was pure healer and would use it sometimes for support).

They progressed immensely by that time, and their main character were all above level 80 by the time the last two weeks of their summer started to roll.

It wasn’t until the next update for the incoming event happened that problems started to arise.

To begin with, Tsuna doesn’t spend money for in-game purchases, since gacha doesn’t really interest him - but this turned out to be a problem within the latest expansion when a bug targeted players without single purchase from the shop and rendered their currently weapons obsolete, which in turn raises millions of questions and anger from players around the world.

Asobimo released a statement, apologizing for the inconvenience and annound a full day maintenance the next day.

It was fine, really. But Gokudera wasn’t okay with it, so he sent out a full-blown letter demanding the company to fix everything within the day, which in turn they replied with more apologies and a promise they would fix it as soon as possible. They did this three days later, adding the new event, Summer Troubles, with limited time map dedicated for monster and a boss during the event as compensation.

Two days later the event was release - Tsuna was about to cry.

The game was fixed and everything, but another problen arose. The bug was removed but it affected the new map for the event significantly, making the monsters stronger and the boss even more so.

“This is ridiculous!” Gokudera snapped when they were killed yet again. The event boss, Yselenica, was an archangel that had fallen during the Battle of Worlds - meaning the story where the world of the game was created. The boss information also stated that during his long time of being alone, Yselenica’s sadness turned into hate making the once kind angel into something sinister.

For starters, her level was 100 - the cap was still 85, so overpowering her by level is impossible. Additionally, she has an array of attacks where her magic removes every buffs/bonuses a player has - and also instantly killing the entire party upon hitting them. Also, most of her skills were AOE (area of effect), meaning almost all of her skills were wide-ranged, making it hard for tanks and melee fighter to attack; save for one skill.

This skill was a single line attack, but also one of the deadliest. It deals thousands of damage to a player and unless you’re a tank, you should be worried. That’s when another problem comes in - the boss likes to target magic casters - which were already vulnerable as they were. Tsuna’s character for one, is a pure INT meaning most of his skills were for dealing damage rather than protection like tankers does.

Takeshi, who was always acting as a tank, always die first - which is funny, since his character build isn’t really for tanking. He’s a swordsman, damn it. Takeshi’s character is just a proxy tank - which gave them another problem - they don’t have a proper tank. So one day, they’ve decided that Takeshi would make a proper tank.

Once they’ve successfully turned it to lvl 80 (with the help of exp buffing items), they came back to the new boss to challenge it again - in Nightmare mode (because Gokudera wouldn’t want to defeat it in easy mode). The animation starts, and the battle begins.

“Takeshi!”

The swordsman responded by running towards the boss, activating a skill to get it’s attention; Tsuna and Gokudera hitting it with spells in the background. Then they started counting. Bosses, specifically, have predetermined attacks - meaning their attacks were set to a certain order. But if an attack hits it with flinch, it would suddenly get randomized and then its nigh impossible to beat.

“AOE, dodge!”

They ran away from the red circle, almost hugging the edges of the map. After that they continued this for minutes, with Takeshi taking aggro of the monster and the two buffing him and healing.

Until Tsuna’s attack made the boss flinched.

“Shit!” he cursed, running away from the deadly single attack that was suddenly aimed at him. Just when we managed to get his HP down to 8%! He managed to escape, but then got hit by another surprise attack and died. “Oh, come on!” he said as he stared at his dead screen. NO, god dammit, they were going to finish this thing off!!

“Takeshi, continue holding her down, Gokudera, keep healing him. I’ll use my revive this time.”

“Got it!”

“Roger, tenth!”

Tsuna wait for another attack to finish, before reviving his character and running to the other direction. “Takeshi, take her to the other side of the map! I’m going to use my new combo!”

“What, now?!”

“It’s fine! Let’s just hope she’d die before we did!”

Takeshi laughed at this, but obeyed nonetheless. Gokudera gave Tsuna an ATK raising buff and nod at him gratefully. “Right, here I go!”

Tsuna clicked the skill button and his character released a couple of attacks, each one hitting stronger than the last - and one attack managed to hit her too hard and the boss suddenly turned to him. He released another combo this time, and screamed when an attack made a critical hit, dealing 83,674 damage - killing the boss.

“YEAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! WE DID IT! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”

Beside him, his guardians were screaming as well. “Good job, Tsuna!”

“No, idiot, tenth is more than good! He’s amazing, the best!”

Just then, something hard hit Tsuna’s head and he screamed in pain. “Having fun, Dame-Tsuna?”

“Reborn, that hurt!”

Reborn’s aura went dark. “Oh?”

“Hieeeeee! Don’t shoot my cellphone, Reborn!!”

- - -

Ryohei was doing his EXTREME jog to Namimori when he saw the trio walking down the road. “Hey, how’s yo- AHHHHHHHHHH!!! WHAT EXTREMELY HAPPENED TO YOU GUYS?!”

Tsuna’s pale, thin face greeted him. Takeshi and Gokudera seemed to be in the same situation. A small, hollow laugh came from the young Vongola, creeping the Sun guardian.

“Reborn punished us.”

Well, he didn’t have anything to say to that.

- - - A/N: Hi, yes, I love games you see. I hoped I didn’t made this one very complex, as that would be detrimental for both of us. I hope you like thia though! The bit part about Yselenica is made up, but Toram Online is very much real and I love that game! Thank you for participating in the event! You can ask me anytime for questions or requests if you do have one! ^^

From @iruiji to @transreborn

[darkhymns-fic]

Beginner’s Luck

Zelos takes his friends out for a night at the casino. Things go as well as you expect.

Fandom: Tales of Symphonia Characters: Lloyd Irving, Colette Brunel, Zelos Wilder, Genis Sage Rating: G Mirror Links: AO3, FF.net Notes: Written after playing TOS on steam - the casino minigames in paticular. My boyfriend was doing good as Lloyd with the blackjack game, and the image of Lloyd playing it was too fun. Also I'll make something nice for Zelos someday, promise.

“Now watch, my hunnies, as I clear this place out!”

It was unclear as to who Zelos was ultimately talking to. The only girl in the group was Colette, who was busy being entranced by the fancy displays in the casino. Lloyd was there too, also more enraptured than his country-living brain could handle. Genis, the only one unfortunate enough to fully pay attention to the Tethe’allan Chosen, just sighed.

“So you’re gonna hit on every girl to the point that they leave?”

Zelos glared at the kid with a sneer. “Ha, very funny, brat. But hey, I’m feeling pretty generous, so I’m gonna show you uncivilized barbarians a few tricks to racking up the cash here.”

Lloyd seemed to have finally heard Zelos’ voice. “Can you stop it with the barbarian crap?”

“This place is so bright!” Colette commented, lost in her own world. “But, um, are we allowed to be here? The sign said only people who are 21 can enter…”

“Angel cakes, you worry too much. With me around, you guys are basically getting a free pass!”

“Is Regal even okay with this?” Genis asked aloud.

He, of course, received no answer. With a flourish, Zelos tried to get his under-aged friends to explore the entirety of the casino. There were these giant machines to the right, where the middle of them would spin a fantastic array of colors and shapes. A few people kept pulling at a lever, holding plastic cups in their hands. To the left was a table, where a device called a ‘Roulette’ by Zelos was also spinning frantically to a random number. At each corner were the casino employees – young women dressed in a black leotard and bunny ears that Colette found to be so cute.

“So, these are games?” Lloyd asked, looking around as much as possible and barely understanding any of it.

“That’s right, my slow friend. Altamira has the best night life around. Guys and gals who don’t know what to do with their money and looking for some high thrills come here!” Zelos flicked back his red hair, posing for his oh so lucky companions. “I’m practically a shark around these parts, you know. Chips just fall into my lap like no problem!”

Colette blinked in wonder. “Wow, Zelos. You don’t seem to have sharp teeth like a shark though!”

“Nah, but he certainly has the face of one,” Genis replied with perfect understanding.

Zelos nearly stumbled. “Kid, don’t kill my groove.”

“What’s that?” Lloyd pointed to one table, where a blonde-haired employee was shuffling some cards, almost too quick for the eye to follow.

“Blackjack. Usually, that stuff’s too easy, but I guess I’ll show you how it works!”

“Oh! Is it like Go Fish?” Colette clapped her hands. “I love that game!”

“Nah, this is a bit more advanced than that…”

“Oh my! Chosen One!” The bunny employee smiled prettily. “Will you be playing a game with us today?”

Zelos, with a swagger in his step, leaned forward on the table. His smile was a practiced gleam. “Sure thing! I’m feeling pretty lucky. Know what I mean?”

“Haha, perhaps you truly are lucky,” the girl purred, then placed the cards on the table. “Only one way to find out!”

“So, you free tonight or-?”

“Please pick a card from the deck, sir!”

Genis snickered. “Still a charmer.”

Zelos chose to ignore the kid. “Got this in the bag.” He sat on the stool, cooly putting down one chip on the table. “Ready when you are, babe.”

Lloyd raised an eyebrow. “What? You’re just betting one chip?”

“Bud, these things cost like 500 Gald a chip. Cut me a break here.”

The dealer placed the chip in the center, then proceeded to cut the cards with deft precision. “I hope you will go easy on me, Chosen,” she said graciously.

“Well, can’t make any promises. Gotta look good in front of my loyal fans!”

Genis and Lloyd looked thoroughly unimpressed at that, but Colette seemed excited. She clapped her hands. “I know you can do it, Zelos!”

Another swift card shuffle, then the dealer placed the deck at an even distance from both her and Zelos. She dealt him a card, then she dealt herself one.

Lloyd was already getting bored and was looking back at the spinning machines. Genis was openly judging, and Colette was awestruck.

The dealer smiled at Zelos’ card. “Not a bad start!”

Zelos crossed his leg with confidence. “Yeah, I’m just a natural at this.”

“You only have a 4,” Genis uttered.

He was dealt another card, then the dealer dealt her own, but this one face-down. “What would you like to do now, Chosen?”

Genis was staring at the two cards. “Yeah, I don’t think-“

“Staying with my hand, baby!”

“What? You only have a sum of 12!” The boy was glaring at the Chosen openly. “The heck are you doing?”

“Look, brat, trust me. No matter what I do, I’m winning this thing.” Zelos shrugged, then laughed as he leaned back dangerously on his stool. “Ya think they would ever make the beautiful Chosen here lose?”

“Dealer wins! Player loses!”

“Wait, wha-” Zelos slipped his butt right off the stool and onto the floor, neatly hitting his forehead on the table edge. His two cards were no match for the perfect 21 sum of the dealer’s.

Hearing the guy’s cry of dismay, Lloyd turned back to him with full attention. “Oh, are you already done?”

The dealer took the single chip with a bright smile. “Thank you so much for playing! Would you like another game?”

Zelos rubbed a hand against the forming bruise, though there wasn’t much he could do to nurse his pride back. “Hey, uh, babe, whatever happened to the other girl that was here actually? I think her name was Sarah-”

“Oh, yes, she got fired!” The dealer nodded quite enthusiastically about it. “She kept giving freebies to the players!”

“Oh…” Zelos turned around. “Well, this place blows. Let’s go!”

“Yeah, guess your luck’s ran out, huh?”

“Kid, one more word out of you, and I swear that you’re getting a wedgie.”

Colette was still looking at the cards. “Hm, this actually looks a bit easier than Go Fish. Can I try?”

Lloyd was suddenly much more interested. “Hey, yeah, I wanna see!”

The dealer tilted her head questioningly. “Do you have a license? I’m sorry but only adults are allowed to play.”

“Oh, that’s right…” Colette then held up one of the same plastic cups other casino-goers were carrying, this one filled about half-way with chips. “Do you know who I can give this too, then?”

“…Colette, how did you get one of those?” Genis asked.

“I tripped over someone… and then suddenly I had this! I tried to find them, but they already left, I think.”

“Are you saying you just used your item thief move on somebody by accident?”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!”

“Hey, that’s okay,” Lloyd reassured. “Also, we got free chips!”

“Lloyd!” Genis glared at him. “What about that whole ‘lying is the first step to the path of thievery’ thing you keep saying?”

“Oh! Uhh…” Lloyd clearly struggled with this, but then he smiled at Genis. “But Colette didn’t lie! So it’s okay!”

“Do you even seriously understand what you’re saying here?”

“Maybe there’s a lost and found somewhere?” Colette mused aloud.

The dealer eyed the chips and then with a gracious smile, beckoned Colette near. “Oh, well if you already have some chips, it would be unfair to not let you use them! Would you like to play, miss?”

Colette was smiling back, Lloyd was excited, and Zelos was still being grumpy about his loss. Genis felt like the only person here with any common sense. “Okay, so you won’t let Zelos win, but you’re okay with letting us play even though we’re not-”

“Please place your bets!”

“Oh! Okay!” Colette gingerly took out five chips and gave them to the dealer. “Um, is this fine?”

“That is perfect, miss!” She took the chips, then cut the cards in order to start the game.

“Colette, do you know how to play?” Genis asked her. He was sure that Zelos didn’t even explain to them how the game worked…

“Mm, I just have to reach 21, right? Or close to it before she does?” Colette nodded. “Yeah, it sounds really simple!”

Lloyd looked nervous. “Wait, so you have to count?”

Once Colette was dealt her two cards, she thought carefully on her next move. “Umm, another one, please!”

“Man, I don’t think I can follow this…”

“You are such a hick, bud! It’s just simple mathematics!”

“Yeah, didn’t you lose just now?”

“…Both you and Genis are being really unnecessarily cruel to me.”

“Wow, these Jack cards are so pretty!” Colette held one up to Genis. “They look like you and the Professor almost!”

Her hand was pretty good, actually. She was already at a value of 20. Zelos was impressed. “Whoa, angel. Think you might win this thing.”

“This is really exciting!” Colette waited patiently as the dealer drew a card, this one also having a nicely drawn picture on it. “Oh, that looks like me!”

“Um…” Genis eyed the dealer’s smile. “That’s not good, Colette. She just took away half of your bet.”

Lloyd was undeterred. “That’s okay! You can still win this!”

Colette opted to stay with her hand, and the dealer drew another card.

“Hey, Lloyd! That looks like you!” she commented happily.

Zelos sighed. “That’s…an instant blackjack.”

Lloyd looked confused. “For Colette?”

“No! For the dealer, dumbass!”

The dealer took away the remaining chips and cards. “Dealer wins! Thanks so much for playing! Would you like another game?”

“That was fun! It’s too bad I lost though…”

“I wanna try next!” Lloyd announced.

“Guys, we’ve already been here for a while,” Genis tried to reason.

“And we could just get our money back if we refund these chips,” Zelos added.

“These aren’t even our chips to begin with!”

But Lloyd and Colette seemed to ignore the argument behind them, both focused on the game. The dealer was only too happy to oblige. “Welcome, young man! You’re most welcome to try a game!”

Lloyd took a handful of chips from Colette’s cups and clumsily dumped it on the table. “I bet this much!”

Colette’s eyes widened. “Wow, is ten chips too much though?”

“Nah, I think I get how this game works!” Lloyd was already seated on the stool in the middle, excitedly gesturing for Colette to sit next to him. “If I lose, we can just switch off or something!”

“That is a very sound strategy, sir! One way to keep your luck fresh!” The dealer shuffled her cards to the eyes of excited country kids, while half-elf and noble playboy verbally duked it out.

“Why’d you even drag us out here? We already see you fail with women on a daily basis!”

“Ha! I’m not even going to take offense to that! I know you’re just jealous that I can talk to any woman on this planet and the next, while you’re still having trouble giving actual rocks to little rosebud.”

“You shut up! We’ll see how much you’re laughing when I tell Sheena what you’ve been-!”

“Player has 21! Player wins!”

Genis and Zelos stared at each other in silence before turning back to the blackjack table. There was Lloyd with a new pile of chips and Colette cheering on his success.

“You won, Lloyd! You’re so cool!”

“Man, that was really easy!” Lloyd scratched the back of his head, laughing.

“Very good! Would you like to play again?” the dealer offered. “Maybe you can win even more!”

With his now twenty-chip pile, Lloyd visibly pondered on that. “Hmm… what do you think, Colette?”

Colette’s feet swung from her stool, also thinking deeply. “It was really fun seeing you play. Maybe one more!”

Lloyd smiled. “Yeah, one more!” He turned back to the dealer. “I wanna play again!”

Genis was still behind them, boggling at how Lloyd had managed to win.

“Tch, just beginner’s luck,” Zelos said. “Next game, he’s gonna lose. Guaranteed!”

Honestly, Genis had just wanted to go to the theater tonight…

“Hit me!”

The dealer dealt Lloyd a card.

“Hit me!”

She dealt him another one.

“Umm… hit me!”

“Lloyd, are you even adding what you have?” Genis asked, entirely seriously, and still entirely confused.

“Yeah, yeah! No problem!” His friend barely paid him any attention, eyes on the cards.

“But you already have 19! You’re going to lose-“

“Instant blackjack!”

Genis stood there, stunned as Lloyd got that strange swordsman card from the deck, granting him the win.

Colette was clapping, eyes bright with wonder. “You’re winning a lot! You must be really lucky!”

“Perhaps the real luck is you, miss.” The dealer gave Lloyd his won chips, her smile on Colette. “Many of our customers like to have a beautiful lady next to them, believing they give them luck.”

“Hey, yeah! You’re the real lucky one, Colette!” said Lloyd, already accepting the narrative. He wrapped an arm around Colette’s shoulder, both of them laughing as he pushed forward another large set of chips. “Play again!”

Zelos had the same stunned expression as Genis, watching this country hick clean house right before his eyes. “I can’t believe what finally gets these two together is through gambling. Of all things.”

“Who cares about that?!” Genis shouted. “This is so stupid! This shouldn’t even be possible!”

“For once, brat, I’m agreeing with you.”

Both Lloyd and Colette leaned in close to the card deck. “Hit me!”

Third card dealt.

“Hit me!”

Fourth card dealt.

“Hit me!”

“A lucky ace!” The dealer smiled, though if one looked at it closely, it seemed strained. “Player wins! …Again!”

“Whoo!” Lloyd pumped his fists in the air, then grabbed Colette in a hug. “This is the best game!”

Genis was ready to tear his hair out by the roots.

“Lloyd never even passed math! How the heck is he winning at a game where you have to count correctly?”

It had been three hours and Lloyd showed no sign of stopping.

“Hit me!” Third card dealt. “Hit me!” Fourth card dealt. “Stay!”

“Dealer has busted. Player wins!”

Zelos and Genis were just sitting on the floor, watching morosely as the simple country boy from Iselia gathered more chips by the minute. Genis couldn’t even begin to fathom how much his friend had won. But at least Lloyd and Colette seemed happy about it.

“Sooo…” Zelos said, leaning his back against the wall of the casino. “Does Lloyd have a gambling problem now?”

Genis scowled. “If he does, then it’s your fault, you know.”

“How was I supposed to know that the guy who’s a fashion disaster is a natural cardshark?”

“You don’t even know what that means!”

“Hit me!” Lloyd was now standing up, fists clenched, eyes on the prize. “Hit me again!”

“Player wins!” the dealer announced, her throat sounding a little raw from all the won games. “Well, sir, you are certainly on a roll tonight.”

Genis watched in growing disappointment. “He’s… not gonna stop anytime soon, is he?”

Zelos shrugged. “Well, little miss angel there certainly ain’t helping.”

Sure enough, Colette was cheering Lloyd on, one hand placed delicately at his shoulder, sometimes interjecting when he should have another card or not. Apparently, her advice was sound, because the dealer pushed forward more chips to join their several small piles.

Genis needed to end this somehow. He stood up. “I’m getting my sister.”

Zelos’ eyes shifted around nervously. “Uh, sure you need to be bringing out the big guns already? I mean, a little gambling now and then never hurt anybody.”

“Zelos, is this the first time you’ve ever even met Lloyd? He doesn’t know the meaning of self-control!”

“So he blows away a couple hundred Gald. It’s a good learning experience- AHH!”

The redhead jumped to his feet, just barely dodging a stray fireball. Genis held out his kendama, his face leaving no room for excuses.

“And you’re coming along for insurance. No way I’m letting you off the hook for starting this whole thing.”

“The hell, kid!? You trying to burn this place down- WHOA!” Zelos dodged again. The fireball dissipated before it could hit the walls of the casino. The patrons never even noticed the brief flash of magic, too immersed in their games.

“You think a genius mage like me would let my magic get out of control? Now hurry up!”

Taking Zelos hostage, Genis marched them both to the front of the casino, hoping to find Raine at the theatre. That was his initial plan until…

“Guys! Glad you’re here.”

Sheena waved them down, standing by the slot machines, looking highly relieved.

“Oh, hey, Sheena. Have you seen my sister actually?” Genis asked, still keeping one eye on Zelos who kept looking for ways to escape.

Sheena gestured behind her. “Yeah, I was coming over to tell you…”

Raine was right there! She had her eyes on the slot machine, though Genis barely paid attention to that detail. “Sis! Hey!” He also didn’t pay attention to how she didn’t turn around to greet him. “Sis, I – we have a problem.”

Raine wasn’t listening. She calmly inserted another chip into the machine and pulled the lever. Blinking lights and colors emitted from its display. The presentation was dazzling, framing her otherwise calm and still figure.

“Um, sis?”

“Not now, Genis,” she finally spoke. Her voice was hovering between the space of teaching mode and sleepiness. “I’m in the zone.”

She inserted another chip, pulled the lever again, and watched the patterns align. Peppy music blared from the machine, though Raine showed little to no reaction to it.

Sheena, who was standing next to her, shrugged. “She’s been like this all night. Once she hit Paradise Mode, she just won’t stop.”

“Oh well,” Zelos interjected. “If the lovely Professor here can also see the beauty in such games, I don’t see why we should-”

Genis smacked the base of his kendama against the Chosen’s side.

“Ow! What the hell!?”

“I’m not dealing with two gambling addicts! She probably heard you were coming here with Lloyd and Colette and look what happened.”

Sheena narrowed her eyes. “Two gambling addicts?” She focused those fierce eyes on Zelos. “What did you do now?”

Zelos gave a long-suffering sigh, nursing his bruise. “Must a guy be punished just for having fun?”

Genis, ignoring the tirade from Sheena that was about to come, was already frantically trying to come up with another solution. Unfortunately, his sister was a lost cause. Who else could they turn to?

Then he knew. The best way to treat a condition was to always get right down to the source…

“Hit me!” Lloyd shouted. His booming voice had become part of the atmosphere in this place. A small crowd had gathered around the table, the other casino-goers curious as to how this young man in the garish red jacket was raking in such a large winning. The game required some skill, but luck played such a huge part. Surely his own would run out?

“Perhaps he’s counting cards,” one aristocrat lady whispered over to her husband. “That would be against the rules, would it not? Just as his choice of clothing should be.”

“It doesn’t seem as if he is doing so,” he whispered back. “Though maybe the girl with him might be able to see into the deck…”

But no one knew for sure, least of all Lloyd and Colette. They were both still riding high on this game of chance.

The dealer dealt the boy a card, then herself one, further busting her hand. “Well! Player wins again!”

“Lloyd, you’ve won so much!” Colette’s face was beaming, seeing all those pretty chips that were now nearly as high as Lloyd’s shoulder!

“Yeah, I know!” Lloyd couldn’t stop grinning, seeing no need to end the game. “Okay, another-!”

“Excuse me.”

The calm tone cut through the ruckus of yammering crowds easily, and even silenced Lloyd’s loud voice in less than a second.

Stumbling, both Lloyd and Colette turned around to find Regal standing behind them. Though he wore his prison clothes, he held his presence as well as his name implied. To his side was Genis and Zelos, the latter looking like he would rather be anywhere but here.

“Oh, hey, Regal!” Lloyd greeted happily. “I was just playing a game! It’s really fun!”

“Yeah! Lloyd is so good at it!” Colette joined in, as oblivious as Lloyd to their predicament. “Are you going to play, too?”

Regal didn’t answer them. His serious gaze was riveted to the blackjack dealer behind them, who was already sweating nervously.

“A-ah! Mr. Bryant! Um, what a pleasure to see you here!”

The President didn’t look so pleased himself. “Miss Taria. Must we go over the employee handbook regarding children participating in these games?”

With a seething Regal standing before him, and a teary-eyed dealer behind him, Lloyd looked back at his piles of chips.

“Wait, does that mean I don’t get to keep these?!”

Getting Raine to stop playing was a different matter entirely.

“Unfortunately, Genis, as she is an adult, there is not much I can do to make her stop.” Regal looked quite saddened by this, seeing the studious professor so entranced by the slot machine.

Sheena considered. “We could just, I dunno, blow that thing up.”

“I would like to avoid property damages if possible.”

“Sis, please!” Genis was tugging at Raine’s coat, which got him nowhere. “Are you listening to us? Do you even remember us?”

Regal said, in a deeply troubled voice, “My casino games have been known to be very addictive. I apologize.”

Lloyd was seated at a nearby table in what was basically a time-out, along with Colette. All their previous chips had been taken away, returned to the casino. “Still don’t see why I can’t play…”

“Hey, can’t have you young’uns ruin it for the rest of us, you know,” Zelos told him, as if the boy was desperate to hear his opinion.

Then, surreptitiously, the Chosen looked all around him. Their friends were still too busy pleading with Raine to hear what he would say next.

“Say, uh, Lloyd, what’s your secret?”

Lloyd had to take a moment. “What?”

“Like, you had some kind of lucky charm on you, right? There’s no way you actually did all that winning on your own. You carve a bunch of worthless crap, so you must have made one of those charms for yourself.”

“…Yeah, I’m done talking with you.”

Genis was still pleading with a zoned-out Raine. “I’ll let you cook anything you want for as long as you want! Just stop playing please!”

“Shh…” Raine hushed, patting her brother’s head absently, eyes still latched onto the slot machine’s spinning colors. “I’m gonna suck this place dry.”

Regal raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”

“Lloyd, bud, my man. Just give me a hint to what you did, and I’ll leave you alone forever.”

“Seriously, can you go away already?”

Colette, seated next to Lloyd, looked at Zelos with some pity. “Sorry, Zelos. We’d help you out if we knew for sure!”

That’s when the playboy Chosen suddenly remembered the dealer’s words, like a fragile whisper in the wind…

“Many of our customers like to have a beautiful lady next to them…”

“It’s you!”

“Huh?”

Zelos grabbed Colette’s hand, dragging her to his side. “My sweet little angel~ How about you and I get to know each other over a round of blackjack?”

“…Huh?”

Zelos wasn’t really paying attention to her, and was thinking about how best to get back his reputation. Sure, he’s had some hot ladies next to him before, but Colette, being as pure as she was, must have been a special case.

Lloyd stood up at the first sign of Zelos’ intrusion. “Hey, what are you doing?”

“Bud, you had your chance.”

Colette blinked owlishly. “I’m very confused…”

It was that moment that changed everything.

Genis, having watched his two closest friends get swallowed by the terrible disease that was gambling, and who was now watching that same sickness take over his only family in the world, felt himself changed. He knew that this would not be a one-time thing. Not with these kinds of addictions. He knew that both Lloyd and Colette would seek other ways to place bets, and that Raine might actually let them get away with it (or join in their efforts). All because Zelos had wanted to show off to everybody that he could barely play some dumb cards.

It was that moment that Genis made his decision.

He was going to freaking kill Zelos.

And now he heard Zelos trying to get them back into that vile pastime.

“This is your fault!”

Everyone in a near vicinity froze – even Raine, who had her hand on the lever, stopped to look at her brother. Her eyes became less cloudy, more focused. Lloyd forgot his anger for a moment to see his best friend’s face turn red with fury. Immediately, he guided Colette back to his side, and several meters away from Zelos. Both Sheena and Regal had the wisdom to stand a few feet back.

Only Zelos didn’t heed the warning.

“Look, brat, was I talking to you-”

His next words were swallowed by a vast amount of fire.

Presea was the only one to give Zelos any sympathy afterwards.

“It is very fortunate of you that Genis’ spell only made contact with most of your hair. If your skin had been targeted, you would have suffered from severe third-degree burns.”

She deftly applied the combover over his scalp, where half of his hair had been singed away.

“And your hair should return to its normal length within two to three months, depending on your diet and physical activity.”

The Chosen was more or less sober about the whole affair. “I have to pay for the damages to Regal’s casinos.”

“That is perfectly acceptable, given your responsibility for much of the situation.”

Zelos hoped his own luck would come back to him someday.

[welcometomysflife]

Regarding the death of loved ones, being in the country and the nickname ‘Poppity’

I’m writing this as I fly back from Lumberton, NC, where my last living grandparent (mom’s mom) and my uncle and family live.  I was called to fly out because my mom told me that my grandma,’Motiba’, finally called us and told us we could come out.  We need permission to visit because over the past 40 years, the relations between the my mom and her 5 siblings have been increasingly fraught and strained, to put it mildly.  We basically have little to no relations with 40% of the that immediate family.  There was some origin ‘big bang’ that I’m not even sure that the siblings even remember the details of. They just remember their grand egos, stiff backs and perceived slights.  Since they’re already predisposed to not trusting or liking each other, even, it has been easy to build lives without each other through the years.

Then, we kids grew up and were like --- what the hell happened in those days? --- and no one is willing to talk about it – using any kind of excuse to change the subject.

The last time I saw most of this family was in 2008 – during my brother’s wedding, weeks after Obama won the first time.

Suffice to say, I don’t really know these people as people – more just as combinations of memory and gossip.

It was under this cloudy sky that I was told by my mom that Motiba had called and told us that she was soon to be called up to see visit her doctor in Philly and would erstwhile move in with another uncle – arguably the craziest and most disagreeable- up there. And before that, we should come out to visit her in NC.   Because we didn’t know when she’d be called away, we decided that my mom should go soon, to visit.  So, she pinched her nose and bought a ticket.  A very pricey ticket.  I was hemming and hawing and wringing my hands for a few weeks – due to price and just not want to go – but finally also pinched my nose and bought a flight – a VERY VERY pricey flight – and flew over for the weekend.

 As far as family weekends go, this was remarkably uneventful.  We ate, a lot.  Like as if there was a family wedding happening kind of quantities and varieties. We also just chatted and slept. We rarely left the house.  This suited my uncle’s family, as they run a motel and are generally just homebodies.  This also suited Motiba, because everyone was under the same roof, in somewhat tighter quarters, making the house feel very full and lively.  It was a unique time to see her with her great grandson, my nephew, playing around.  I always thought that only white people had great grandparents.  Our grandparents just died, tired and worn out. Motiba is the exception – in her late eighties/nineties (not really sure how old she is – she probably doesn’t really know either).  Motiba has always been incredibly resilient – a bastian of determination and effort. She is an uneducated wife of a government worker, with 6 kids and countless extended family members – who would always drop in to eat – who became widowed when my mom, the youngest, was 16. Since then she’s had to live on my grandfather’s pension and the goodwill of her family, children and likely others.  To be honest, I don’t really know what she did for money in that decade after my grandfather died.  I do know that we were desperately poor – living in a very basic government housing complex.  I’ve heard stories from people that knew my mom in that era, that the apartment didn’t even have windows. It opened into a dark hallway and you had to go outside for natural sunlight.  Out of that situation, my mom emerged a great student and worker.  Her success is a testament to what my grandfather and Motiba showed and taught her about the value and power of an education.  I would certainly not be here, typing on a macbook, flying across the country on a moment’s notice to see her, if my mom didn’t know how to survive post divorce, in part by having watched Motiba do it for 40 years.

 That brings me back to this weekend.  Lumberton is a rest stop town, on the north south highway in south-central North Carolina. It is all Indain-owned motels and chain restaurants.  Though my uncle moved his family there from Philly almost 20 years ago, I still think of them as my cousins in Philly that just moved to North Carolina.

This entire trip, though I treated it like any weekend with people I always saw – maybe I’ll come to regret that decision, maybe not – Motiba made no bones about talking about how this might be the last time she sees all of us before she dies.  She, with her relentless sarcasm and play on words, turned a bit melodramatic declaring that she was nearing ‘the far riverbank’, a play on the word ‘kinara’ that refers to borders.  She was shamelessly declaring her nearing death. So much so that she even asked me how I would feel when she died!?  (I gave some equally sharp play on words and got up from sitting with her).  I both haven’t and don’t want to start considering a world without her, nor do I indulge folks who I feel are fishing for compliments. Perhaps she was legitimately looking for some kind approval/legitimacy/declaration that all of her efforts were noted and recognized (whats the word!!!!??), but I’m too emotionally stunted to be able to express those kinds of things without having had a drink first.  And to my grandma, no less!?!  Had I really started it, it would’ve been endless waterworks.  Though I have a tough exterior, I do cry, a lot. Most recently while watching the final act of the stage production ‘In to the Woods. ‘

 I have not considered what it would be like with knowing she was alive somewhere out east, doing her pujas, fasting at least 5 times a month, laughing and telling old stories. She has the sharpest memory and can still tell you the price of a gram of barley from 1950.  She will weave in anecdotes of about some random uncle’s son, who cried a lot during my mom’s wedding…40 years ago, as an add on story to when I would cry, that one cold winter when visiting Philly in the early 90’s.  Apparently the central heating of the building ran too hot, so I would only stop crying when I was walked around in the building’s lobby, and eventually was just set under the Christmas tree to sleep.  Particularly fitting as I love Christmas trees this day.

Motiba is a grad repository of a bygone, and soon to be lost era in my family history.  I’m not connected to anyone on that side of the family enough to be able to go to them for stories on who we were and how we got to be who we are now.  How I got to be who I am now.  Motiba was there through my mom’s childhood, her working, the negotiations around her marriage and the entire marriage.  She was a key player and also a witness. My mom, is almost not qualified to tell me any of those stories and she’ll hold back details, and will have willfully forgotten large parts of her painful personal history.  So what am I supposed to do now? Do I just actually stick to my promise and call her once a week?  Should I be facetiming? Should I have ‘real’ conversations with her – telling her about my struggles at work, in finding my path in life, about my gayness and my love?  Or do I keep it all top level, health and family and work (yeah yeah, its fine!). If I told her my TRUTH over the phone, would she be able to grasp it? Would she lose her mind?  Seeing my uncle with my nephew this weekend reminded me of all of those men that say that their grandfather’s were their best friends in life – my nephew brings such joy to my uncle’s life. I have never see that man so soft and sweet and easy going.  Makes me almost want to reconsider having children – the joy they seem to bring is quite palpable.

Could having a pet get you part of the way towards having that kind of joy?

 Someone posted a comic to facebook today that showed a man sleeping with a dog on his bed.  The man’s dream showed how he had gone through dark times and depression and it was meeting the dog and the dog seemingly saying ‘it will be alright. I am here with you’ that saved his life slowly and brought him to this current content moment.  The man woke up and saw his dog was seemingly having a doggy dream.  The dog’s dream showed how he was abused and abandoned and scared in the world, only to be taken home by a man who showed him kindness and said ‘it will be alright. I am here with you.’  That man, was of course the man in the bed.  

 Is that kind of love similar to the love a man might show for his child or grandchild?  

 Will I even know that kind of love?  I don’t know. Life is a complicated journey – only the universe knows where it will take me.  

I hope that I get to see Motiba again – she’s a living book of my history.

I want my brother’s young son to know her.  I want him to understand that there were people that lived in a village in Gujarat – educated people, who cared for their communities – through whose toil gave rise to him.  That had my mom married someone else, he could have traced his patrilineal lineage to Raavan – the deeply intelligent yet deeply egoistic King of Lanka. 

I hope that I get to see Motiba again because no one will ever love you like your grandma does.  

[survivormyanmar-blog]

Ep. #8 - “THEY HAD IT COMING” - Ashley

After being blindsided at Tribal Council, Ashley and Amanda started to plot their revenge.  With a new majority alliance of Jay and all of the men on the tribe formed (“Leftover Cuties”), Ashley and Amanda and their duo alliance “THEY HAVE IT COMING” came up with the idea of forming an all girls alliance.  After Tommy won Immunity, Brett and Tommy led the plan with the Leftover Cuties to take out Christian because they didn’t want an inactive player to be able to stay.  When Ashley and Amanda found out about this plan they told Christian and Ting Ting and were also able to rope in Leah in a plan to take out Brett.  With Jay being the last addition to the newly formed all female alliance called “KICK THE GUYS’ ASSES”, Jay had to decide if she wanted to stay with the men or join the women.  She ended up choosing the women and convincing Linus to come along with her and Brett was blindsided in a 7-4 vote.

a messy, messy, messy vote. I need to start stepping up my game. I’m serious; it’s kinda getting down to it. I need to be a little more strategically sound and not have random slip ups. I believe I’m in a good spot right now, but I need to keep pushing. I need to make moves!!!!

however, I am happy that other people want to play hard, too. It’s not just me that wants to go against people and make blindisides.

What an eventful night. First, Steffen is voted off. Which is amazing. Gotta give huge props to Jay, Sam and Linus for pulling off a beautiful blindside. Hopefully this marks the start of a wonderful alliance. Brett, Linus, Jay, Sam, Tommy and myself for final 6? Maybe. With a group of 6 against a group of 5, it’s looking promising. Anything can happen though. And then, the immunity challenge which Tommy won in about four seconds. Not really but damn did he finish fast. I guess the good thing is he’s on my side, so there isn’t much to worry about. As well, Ashley has been messaging me saying she doesn’t trust anyone, feels betrayed, doesn’t know what to do, etc. I don’t blame her, she was just on the wrong side of a massive blindside but all I can do is smile and sympathize with her. She could have worked with me earlier in the game but she chose not to. She dug her own grave and I’m not digging her out.

OKAY HERE WE GO. Who the HELL would just go around and spread literal shit all over the walls? Brett. Who is so tied up in this game that he can probably see his own asshole? Brett. Who is going to totally have it coming when he is voted out? Brett. Like come on dude, receipts are a thing. Smarten the hell up and make a call once in a while. In other news I am annoyed and shook that my buddy Steffen is gone. I am soooo pissed about Jay betraying us like that. It is clear to see that she will do ANYTHING to get where she wants. If that includes being so shoved up Sam’s ass and seeing his legit left ventricle, so be it. So now Amanda and I need to pull in the ranks for this next vote. Brett, Jay, or Sam need to fucking go. I don’t care who I have to take down along the way, they are leaving.

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!! My biggest threat went home! (Steffen) NOW I WON THE FIRST INDIVIDUAL IMMUNITY! It feels amazing and I just feel glorious. I’m super duper happy right now and can’t contain my excitement. With the individual immunity around my neck I feel like I want to take out someone this round that I feel otherwise will stick around for a while and negatively affect my game. This way I take the biggest chance with immunity around my neck so if someone goes it isn’t me. I can’t believe everything is falling into place! Of the eleven of us left I feel close to Jay, Sam, Brett, Linus, and Ting Ting the most. Followed by Keegen. That means my target this tribal is between Leah, Ashley, Amanda, and Christian. Leah is really into being a “free agent” plus her original tribe as a fan already makes her a target. Ashley/Amanda were totally blindsided and probably want to get Jay/Sam back which I understand but we have the numbers right now and I want to make sure Jay/Sam stay in my side so keeping Ashley/Amanda in another round is good for my game because it will keep them preoccupied. This leaves Christian who hasn’t spoken a single word to me in pms. Girl you didn’t come to play survivor if you don’t even talk to your tribemates in pms. I don’t want people dragging her to the end because she’s a goat. My plan for this round is to take her out because I don’t feel comfortable with her around. Then after this round I’ll go back to being my sweet old self a letting the “bigger” players such and Jay/Sam who think they are leading this 100% take care of Ashley/Amanda for the following rounds. That’s my plans for now.

And now The merry murderess of the Myanmar Camp in her rendition of….. The Cell Block Tango. Fuck! Loner! Squish! Uh uh, Base Camp, Linus! Fuck! Loner! Squish! Uh uh, Base Camp, Linus! Fuck! Loner! Squish! Uh uh, Base Camp, Linus! They have it coming, They have it coming They only have themselves to blame If you’d have been there, if you’d have seen it I betcha you would have done the same Fuck! Loner! Squish! Uh Uh, Base Camp, Linus! You know how people have these little habits That get you down? Like Sam Sam liked to mess things up, no, not mess, fuck So I come online this one night and there’s Sam Sittin’ at the bar messin’, no, not messin’, fuckin’ So, I said to him, I said “Sam, you fuck things up one more time” and he did… So I took the shotgun off the wall And I fired two warning shots INTO HIS HEAD He had it coming, he had it coming He only had himself to blame I met Jay Berghuis from Who Knows city about two weeks ago And she told me she was a loner and we hit it off right away So, we started working together She’d make the plans, She’d tell everyone, I’d make sure people saw them through, we’d bask in our greatness. Then I found out,  Loner, she told me LONER MY ASS Not only was she aligned, oh no, he had connections to everyone. One of those Mormons, you know So after tribal one night, when she came back to me I fixed her tea as usual You know, some gals just can’t hold their arsenic. She had it coming, she had it coming She took a friendship in its prime And then she used it and she abused it It was a murder but not a crime Now, I’m standing by the fire Carvin’ up the fish for dinner And in storms my acquaintance Keegan in a jealous rage “You were working with Nehe!” He says, he was crazy and he kept screamin’ “You were working with Nehe!” …….Then he ran into my knife He ran into my knife TEN TIMES If you’d have been there, if you’d have seen it I betcha you would have done the same My friend, Tommy and I had this double act And my buddy, Brett worked along with us For the last number in our act We voted out the naïve one One two three four five, splits, spread eagles Flip flops, back flips, votes right after the other Well, this one night we were at camp The three of us, we were in this shelter of leaves ricin’ and havin’ a few laughs and we ran out of water So I went out to get some I come back, open the door There’s Tommy and Brett Doing number seventeen, The Spread Eagle (Get it? Cuz he is so shoved up his ass) Well, I was in such a state of shock, I completely blacked out I can’t remember a thing, it wasn’t until later When I was washing the blood off my hands I even knew they were on jury They had it coming, they had it coming They had it coming all along I didn’t do it, but if I’d done it How could you tell me that I was wrong? I loved Nigel Linus more than I could possibly say, He was a real artistic guy, sensitive, a painter But he was always trying to find a scape goat He’d go out every night looking for one And on the way, he found immunity, Jay, and Samuel I guess you can say we broke up because of artistic differences He saw himself as alive and I saw him torched The dirty bum, bum, bum, bum, bum The dirty bum, bum, bum, bum, bum They had it comin’, they had it comin’ They had it comin’ all along ‘Cause if they used us and they abused us How could they tell us that we were wrong? They have it coming, they have it coming They only have themselves to blame If you’d have been there, if you’d have seen it I betcha you would have done the same You fuck things up one more time Loner my ass Ten times Number seventeen, the spread eagle Artistic differences I BETCHA YOU WOULD HAVE DONE THE SAME

Steffen left messages to Leah and Ting Ting to keep an eye out for the three that got him out, so hopefully Amanda and I can use this to our advantage to get them close with us and be votes for us. I swear to god if this doesn’t work I am going to scream.

Ashley: I love playing with ashley. She’s such a nice human bean and just a wonderful person. But i feel like she’s not as active as the rest of us and she doesn’t really participate in challenges so idk if she’s a threat…but you know who knows Brett: Seems chill. He’s a fan. haha fans make cool wind. chilly Christian: well. Jay: slightly more well than christian. steffen told me to be wary of her, linus, and sam bc apparently they’re all snakes but i like jay and hope we can work together and she won’t stab me in the back lol. love being paranoid Keegan: tbh i kinda forgot who you were. sorry. i’m really tired rn and the hosts are making me write this. still love you boo. but yeah you seem like a fun person but i would work on those painting skills. Leah: i wish i talked to you more often but you aren’t really chatting that much so it’s kinda the same as ashley. i don’t really know what to make of that. Linus: linus is really cool and it’s awesome that i actually got a chance to get to know him and become friends with him. Sam: YES SAM! WAY TO MAKE IT THROUGH TRIBAL! seamus and i were watching the tribal and we both cheered so yay! way to go. hopefully we’ll make it through life and stuff Tommy: damn that immunity challenge tho. way to goooooooo. cool eyes brochacho. Trevor: he seems nicer and i think it’s bc he read my last confessional. he’s still v lazy tho so overall still not a fan Owen: well. yikes. all i have to say.

On 12/16/16, at 11:46 PM, Trevor (FvF5 Host) wrote: > My fave favs! ^^JUST SO IN THE FUTURE THE REST OF YOU SHITHEADS KNOW ME AND ASHLEY ARE TREVORS FAVORITES me after this tribal: http://img.thesun.co.uk/aidemitlum/archive/01871/Britney__1871745a.jpg What i wanted to do at tribal: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/0d/33/42/0d334211f007132e349423053db6fc7a.gif Me and Ashley are Britney, Jay is Ariana: http://sugarscape.cdnds.net/14/49/1417781776-arian19.png to sum it up: http://38.media.tumblr.com/6e5aa91901c65e583adb267f7ce7c108/tumblr_ncdrx5Qt3R1s2ynnio1_400.gif

It’s 5:31am, my boyfriend is snoring so loud I can’t sleep, and I’m officially considering myself the cracked queen of fvf 5. Ashley is pissed at me, which is lowkey surprising, and Amanda doesn’t actually seem to be, which is also lowkey surprising. It seems like literally everyone else is happy about the move we decided to make, so I think I definitely have people to work with going forward. Linus said he found my puzzle and won’t take me out, so I definitely trust him more and more every day. I just don’t want to make the same mistakes I did in Transylvania and let the people who are on the outs with me rise to power to snatch me.

I’m Hali on the beach right now: http://images.yuku.com.s3.amazonaws.com/image/gif/92c3990c0213481abc09dec938801451_r.gif

So Amanda, Leah and I still haven’t heard anything for this tribal. But everything usually happens the day of anyways. I am hoping Jay believes me when I say that I still trust her and am willing to work with her. Because depending on who she comes to me wanting out, I will cut her if I have to. I am hoping we can wrangle Christian and Ting Ting into our alliance so we at least have a solid five. If we can get Jay to vote with us this tribal we could get someone big(ish) out like Sam or Linus. Maybe even Brett. We will just have to see I guess.

I’ll be happy if I never see the words “icon” or “shook” after this game is over. I’m also over “queen.” That is all.

I wasted an idol lol.

hello everyone! I’m coming at you live from the USA’s limp dick–Florida! anyway back to game. On last vote, it was awesome that we were able to get Steffen out on only three votes because it would have been a lot more difficult to get all of that later. It certainly makes the game “easier” for a little bit; I’m not getting complacent, though. we’re voting christian tonight so unless she has something up her ass (and honestly more power to her), the vote should be pretty easy tonight. People are still a little wary of Amanda and Ashley, but I think it’s better to save them for later. Anyway I’m eating shake shack soon so bless up mofos.

The Outcast alliance, consisting of Brett, Linus, Jay, Sam, Tommy and myself are targeting Christian. Good plan, but Ashley was either told of the plan or just coincidentally guessed the vote, since she told Tommy she was voting Christian. We’re sticking with the plan, Jay and Tommy specifically said there’s no sense in worrying and I agree. I think it’s unlikely Christian has an idol. But we’ll see. As long as the vote isn’t me, I’m happy

Someone information has come to light. Apparently there’s talks of a girls alliance forming. The rest of the girls are trying to sway Jay to their side. Kinda last minute, they’re just struggling to find some way to get a majority. I trust enough in Jay that she will stick with us

All girls alliance! Fuck yes. Look at me attempting to save my ass. This is pretty great and I am hoping the vote for Brett tonight actually works. His ass needs to go. He keeps thinking he is in control and every time he speaks in the tribe chat I want to pull out my eyeballs. Like tbh. He is spreading too much crap and I don’t need the whole world knowing about Amanda and I.

Well, I’m at a crossroads. I have a six person majority alliance with all the guys on the tribe and another separate six person majority alliance with the girls on the tribe. The guys are targeting Christian and the girls are targeting Brett, so I could go either way at this point. I don’t want to wake up with half of the tribe hating me tomorrow, so I may just throw my vote toward someone random and force a revote and then potentially rocks. This is the scariest position I’ve ever been in on tumblr survivor. I hate that this is the vote that going to define my game and I barely even had a choice in being shoved in the middle. Tomorrow, everything is going to be different with people I’ve been working with for a long time, regardless of which way I go. This is a lot. A lot. Linus has kind of become my #1 ally in the game since it seems like Tommy may have a bigger mouth and more connections than I thought, so I’ve been telling him pretty much everything and he’s comfortable flipping on Brett with me. Ugh. Ugh. Ugh. Stay tuned, buckaroos.

I sure am glad we don’t play this game on like messenger or something. I seem to lie about reading messages a lot 😅😂

So, last minute  on the vote today it’s brought  to light that  a girls alliance wants  to vote out Brett instead of Christian. Jay came to me to say that she  felt like it may be in her best interest to make the jump. I really don’t feel the most comfortable with jumping on board with a womans alliance, especially since last time I checked I am very much not a woman. However, Jay is my closest ally far and away, and I think she already kind of had her mind set on this jump, so my options were to keep her as an ally and maybe find some new friends, or vote in the minority and lose her trust, so the choice seemed obvious. The truth is my current alliance is sinking, and boy do I not want to swim. So, with that, oh great king of Mata, I bid you ado.

so i finally found the perfect gif for me when steffen got voted out: http://wwwimage.cbsstatic.com/thumbnails/photos/files/asset/10/00/43/94/fbb11cd670f6f1e8_survivor_33_hannah_cant_even.gif BUT YOU KNOW WHAT https://49.media.tumblr.com/6d3fbe5cd1f6e6ad5bf57ac766bf44eb/tumblr_nmiv55gTcN1qhktavo1_250.gif Ashley and I pulled our asses up and got ourselves working and got a group together of all the girls  and the plan is to vote for Brett. I hope this goes as planned cause this would totally flip the game and itd be iconic. As usual though i dont feel safe until tribals done so WE’LL SEE http://49.media.tumblr.com/0a76f378bc9b81ab8012f9ba6558f009/tumblr_nkeojciu3U1sqbiv1o7_400.gif

Brett, The Day After I am very proud of how I played this game. I certainly have things that I feel I could have done better at and moments that might have led to my downfall, but all in all, I did way better than I thought I was going to. I really thought my game was over the second ADRIAN got voted out from AMANDA’s vote advantage, so the fact that I was able to last one more week after that was such a gift. It’s a really fun game and I’m very grateful that I got the opportunity to play it. The plan was to get rid of CHRISTIAN. I felt it was a good move so that no one would be tempted to take her as a goat as well as having it be a respect move for everyone actually playing the game. People tell me CHRISTIAN’s a nice person. I wouldn’t know. She’s completely inconsequential to this game. I really hope she makes the finals now because it will really help me narrow down who to vote for. I’m not quite sure what happened, which is kind of wonderful when you think about it. I figured the other side would pick me as a target. I felt like I had 5 votes coming my way, especially after the other side tried to recruit JAY in the LAZIEST attempt at women’s alliance I’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, two members from my alliance–I’m assuming SAM and TOMMY, but can’t be sure–flipped and voted me out. I don’t have any ill will towards anyone that flipped on me, even if it was KEEGAN or LINUS or JAY. I think most of everyone in there could recognize I was a formidable player and that I should be dealt with sooner rather than later. I actually think that’s my largest game flaw–I made no attempt to dumb myself down. I’m very well written (and humble to boot) and I like to have intellectual conversations about the nature of the game to other people. I think these people liked those conversations, but knew they couldn’t let me anywhere near a jury or near the position to overthrow their grander schemes. I really felt like 6th place was the best I was going to do. I’m thrilled to at least have made the jury. That’s kind of cool. And now the minimal amount of stress I had about this game is now reduced to absolutely nothing. That’s not so bad either. I originally signed up for this game because the last one I played was 7-8 years ago. I was a teenager then. I was a lot more anxious then. I think when you’re younger, you’re more likely to do well because the pool of players is mostly around your age, but it’s an advantage to play when you’re older (unless you’re CAROLINE or MARANDA) because you have so much more going on for you and it’s not the end of the world if something doesn’t go your way. I was more successful in my placement(s) as a teenager, but I feel like my gameplay is stronger now, oddly enough–even sitting here at 11th Place. It’s easier to seem non-threatening when you’re still a child, more or less! Going into jury, I really got along with STEFFEN well and so I was looking forward to spending more time with him. To my surprise, STEFFEN is obnoxious if he’s not “ON” in the game. He’s warm and charismatic to get himself further in the game, but now that he’s out, he has no fucks to give and he’s just saying one irritating thing after another. Oh and there’s nothing WORSE than when someone gripes about twists and how if the hand had been dealt differently, he would have survived and it’s just like: WELCOME TO SURVIVOR. That’s literally how this game works. I’m sure ADRIAN is thinking “If only the swap came one vote later.” I’m sure NEHE & KRYSTEN are thinking “If only both tribes didn’t have to go to tribal council that night I got sent home.” That’s just how it is. You can’t get mad at something that was pre-meditated months ago. He just seems really immature. We are, of course, both rooting for different people to succeed. We can agree to disagree on that. He just comes off as kind of a loser to me now. But that’s the case with most of these players, so he shouldn’t feel singled out. There are nine players left in the game and one CPU level 1 that no one wants to eliminate for some reason. Let’s break them down, shall we? AMANDA is a good player. I would definitely consider voting for her to win if she makes it to the end. She’s been mostly smart with very few missteps. And she’s been alright to talk to. ASHLEY is an average player drowning in her own immaturity. I can’t see myself voting for her to win this game at all and it really just comes down to the temper tantrum she threw when STEFFEN was voted out. “If anyone wants to let me know what just happened, I’ll be online.” How infuriating. Get off your lazy, bitter ass and go talk to people instead of sitting around feeling sorry for yourself! Also, I don’t know why players do this, but it’s beyond annoying when people feign this “Oh I’m so worried it’s going to be me! I don’t know what to do!” Just stop. You’re embarrassing everyone. Go away. JAY is a sweet, sweet girl. And I think she’s playing as well as she can with the hand she’s been dealt. I don’t think she’ll make it to the end, but I commend her for killing it this far. KEEGAN is such a wonderful person. It would take a miracle for me to not vote for him if he made it to the end. I’m worried that I’ll be seeing him next based on the current situation, but I know that he has the strategic chops and challenge prowess to knock everyone else out of the game if he focuses and makes very calculated, purposeful moves. I have so much faith in him. I really want him to win this. LEAH is easily the largest disappointment in my Survivor: Myanmar experience. She’s not playing a good game at all. She just had a massive advantage when the game began of having pre-existing relationships with STEFFEN and AMANDA that presented a pretty uneven playing field, if you ask me. It really jeopardized the authenticity of this whole season to have a “fan” that’s good friends with two of the “favorites.” Had she not had those pre-existing relationships, she wouldn’t have gravitated towards those two naturally, not when they’re on the other tribe originally and not when she wouldn’t have even met AMANDA until the merge. If she gets to the end, it’ll be very hard for me to vote for her as well because she started the game with a rather large handicap. If you set the game on EASY mode, I’m not going to appreciate it when you sit next to two people who had a more difficult road to travel at the finale. My biggest mistake in this game is that I had a major hunch at the very beginning of the game that LEAH was going to work with the favorites because of how many people in the community were well wishing her pre-game. I voiced my concerns to KEEGAN and several others. It fell on deaf ears more or less, but it’s ultimately my fault. When CARLOS was voted out, I could have used social capital to get rid of LEAH and I didn’t because NEHE was a ticking time bomb that favored LEAH and I didn’t want to stick my neck out too far as a leader. Whatever place LEAH ends up finishing, she really shouldn’t be proud. If it’s ASHLEY, CHRISTIAN, and LEAH in the final three, ASHLEY gets my vote 100%. LINUS is a sweetie. And he has so much potential. I really hope that he can rise above his current predicament and cause a major upset. I know he’ll be an asset to KEEGAN and perhaps they’ll find an idol in the coming rounds. For being a teenager, LINUS was very easy to communicate with and has intelligence far beyond his years. I’m excited to see how he plays from here. SAM is one to watch out for. If my gut is correct, he’s engineered the demise of the first two members of the jury. STEFFEN doesn’t have any respect for it because STEFFEN plays a million ORGs at once and has no awareness, but I appreciate SAM’s go-for-it gameplay underneath his calm and mild exterior. He could win this, but I hope he doesn’t Aubry Bracco it–he’s not really seen as this major player among the rest of Toga Tata. He’s a bit too far behind the scenes. I see him, but does anyone else? TING TING is adorable and she’s really done no wrong this far into the game. We never talked strategy, but neither of us really had a use for the other, so it’s understandable. I think she’s becoming a real contender as the days pass by! TOMMY is such a roller coaster of a player. He has personality quirks that made for a very poor first impression with me. When I needed to work with him, however, I found that he can actually be very endearing, too. He’s not all mess and he has some tremendous ideas. I think he was the one who seemed the most conflicted about whether to vote me out or not. I hope he doesn’t regret it coming up. In fact, I’m most intrigued to discover the fates of SAM and TOMMY because their games are the most adventurous of the bunch. A lot of players don’t care for TOMMY at all. If he’s in the finals with anyone that isn’t KEEGAN, I’ll more than likely vote for him to win. I’m wishing him luck. So that’s it! Now I’m in jury with STEFFEN and while I really hope that someone cooler comes to Ponderosa for me to interact with, I would love for it to be AMANDA, ASHLEY, CHRISTIAN, or LEAH. That would be phenomenal. I’ll find out tomorrow evening, it seems. And lastly, to anyone who reads my confessionals and is upset that I referred to you as annoying or “Cookie Monster” or anything else, you really shouldn’t put much stock in my words at all. I don’t know you–and if I’ve used such words about you, I probably don’t want to know you. After this game, I’ll probably leave with one friend or two and not want to deal with the rest of you again. It’s not game bitterness. It’s just that in my daily life, I tend to avoid Disney freaks and people who live in their mother’s basement watching Big Brother live feeds whose greatest life decision is what flavor Big Gulp to get from 7-Eleven. I wish everyone that played this game happiness–I just truly believe for most that that happiness does not include me as a fixture in their life. My happiness certainly doesn’t include them. I don’t expect this to make me popular with the “VL,” but I was never really concerned with being anyone other than myself. The end.