#and i think she can tell that it bothers me a lot because she'll stay by me extra close when it's worse than usual

[exactly103]

sometimes one of my cats will sit on my nightstand staring at my bedroom door for a while and sometimes it makes me wonder if she's watching it for me

[katiascraft]

✐ᝰ "You knew all too well i was right where you left me" | CL16 ࣪𓏲ּ ᥫ᭡ ₊

parings: retired!charles leclerc x writer!ex!reader

series summary: It’s the story of a woman frozen in the moment her world fell apart. A perfect dinner ended with, “I met someone else,” and while everyone moved on, she remained stuck in that instant, unable to let go of the past. A poignant tale of heartbreak, grief, and the weight of being trapped in a “forever” that never was.

🔎 chapter one: “love is short but forgetting is so long”

🔎 chapter two: “did the love affair mail you too?”

🔎 chapter three: “you kept me like a secret but I kept you like an oath”

chapter four: “help, I’m still at the restaurant” -> chapter five

‼️ best friends in this chapter: nikola (nik) , dorothy (dottie) and beatrice (betty). They all know each other from Oxford University where the four of them studied creative writing.

word count: +5,1k.

BLOG MASTERLIST - series masterlist

⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

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agostinabff: hope you have a lovely week off mon amour!! You deserve it. We love you 💘

↳ yourusername: thank u for being the best part of my life 💌

y/nstan: omg GIRL we are the same person wtf 😭

user4: who is he and where can i find him to KILL HIM?????

nikolabff: is my air bnb recommendation good enough ????? (That looks disgusting, uber eats exists darling)

nikolabff: can't wait for tomorrow!! London should be scared of us 😈

nikolabff: did dorothy call you? She isn't answering my calls

↳ yourusername: babes!!!! Aaaaaa i'm so excited. I just ended call with dottie. She arrived safe and well, i missed you guys so much 😭 did betty text you?

↳ nikolabff: tbh she didn't but you know how she is. can't wait to see you all tomorrow!!

arthurleclerc: hey y/n i know this may be weird but just wanted to say, i read your book and it is amazing! my brother was an idiot you know? you are an amazimg person im sure you'll find someone who loves you deeply (if you didn't already. maybe you did) okay, i don't bother you any longer. hope we can meet again someday!

⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

⋆˚࿔ a week ago 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

“There'll be happiness after you, but there was happiness because of you. Both of these things can be true. There is happiness, past the blood and bruise, past the curses and cries. Beyond the terror in the nightfall haunted by the look in my eyes that would've loved you for a lifetime and leave it all behind. Tell me, when did your winning smile begin to look like a smirk? When did all our lessons start to look like weapons pointed at my deepest hurt? I hope she'll be a beautiful fool who takes my spot next to you. No, I didn't mean that. Sorry, I can't see facts through all of my fury. You haven't met the new me yet” you read that piece out loud from your personal journal to your therapist. She stayed silent for a while. You looked over at her knowing you skipped some parts but what you read in the end sank in.

“I think there’s a lot to discuss from just that single piece you wrote. But I wanna ask you something before anything else: do you really believe there will be happiness after him?” your therapist made you a question that felt like daggers pinching you that resulted in leaving you breathless for a few seconds. you loved and hated therapy for this reason. There were things you couldn’t question by yourself  because you never thought about it and things you didn’t know how to answer like this one.  

“I wish I could say yes. But i don't think i’ve been happy since he left” saying that out loud hurt yourself even more. It was not something easy to admit and accept.  But it was the truth. You have never felt really happy since then. 

She nodded, writing down in her notebook “but do you believe you can be happy without him? Why is he still so important or has so much space in your life that you can't be happy if he isn’t there? Why were you happy when he was with you?” as always, too many questions with so few answers. You felt exhausted, frustrated by the fact you didn't know what to think about it all. 

“I'm sure I want to be happy, I can't live like this anymore. I'm tired” you assured her and  yourself. You took a few seconds to think and she respected that. “I guess if I want to then I can, right? I mean, I talk to my friends and all of them tell me time and time again ‘don't let what happened define you’ and I try but I don't know why it is really hard for me” you explained looking at the floor. 

“And what’s that definition of yourself?”

“That i'm not worthy of love i guess. that there will always be someone better than me, more attractive, more lovable, more interesting. I can't be the one, for anyone” admitting it felt like an elephant stepped on you and you just died in the act. Your therapist, Maria, nodded looking at you. 

“Well, but in what you wrote you tell this woman he left you for, that you hope she is a fool like you, right?” she intervened. You nodded. “What can you tell me about it?”

You looked at your hands a bit sweaty. “I really don’t know. I mean her existence made me compare myself to her. She is so different. It made me feel all of those things I said before. And maybe i blamed her existence because if she didn't existed then, charles would still be here” 

“You think so?” 

“I guess, yeah” you looked at her. She wrote down more stuff on that notebook you were so intrigued by. 

“So, for you, there doesn't exist the possibility that maybe he just stopped loving you? Like even if she existed or not - could be any other woman or could be no one at all. Would it hurt more if he just stopped loving you?” you felt your brain make a 180 turn on itself. 

“I don’t know. Maybe, yeah, I mean. I Think it’s easier to blame someone then not have an explanation for it” your therapist nodded. 

“So,  why would she occupy your same place then? If you are different from each other, why would she be just like you? As a replacement it seems and at the same time who’s at fault for all of this situation and insecurities. And before you answer, I think we can connect that to what happened between your dad and mom, right?” she saw your face so confused she knew this was gonna be the end of the session so you could think about it during the next two weeks. “You told me you discovered your dad cheated on your mom. So all you ever dreamed was to find someone who would be better than him, to prove yourself that that isn’t your destiny, just like your mom. And then Charles left you for this other girl. And everything you built up in your mind to try to believe in love and to escape from the reality you had to live through, then it crumbled down in that instant. Leaving you feeling like there was no way you could be worthy of love, because you tried but Charles did exactly what your dad did to your mother. And since then you couldn’t date anyone else. This is a theory, I'm not saying it is what it is of course. But it seems that if they didn't exist then you wouldn’t be this hurt and maybe forgive charles,as you said when you wrote ‘and leave it all behind’ just like your mom did with your dad”

Her words echoed in your head for a while. The knot in your throat intensified. “Charles was my everything just like my parents were. And after what happened, with Charles and my dad, I guess I let that define me. I wanted to show myself that the love i’ve seen in books and movies existed, not like in my house. I wanted to make things right. In a way, to mend what hurt me the most. The betrayal of my dad. So I put Charles under that pressure and maybe that made things the way they went down. I don’t know to be honest. I don’t know why I want alexandra to be like me. Maybe that’s another way of convincing myself I'm not the only fool in this mess.”

“I don’t think you are a fool. Relationships are complicated and the reason he decided to leave could be based on a million reasons, and even in that situation. Maybe any of them are because of you or who you are as a person. People are complex and most times messy. Feelings aren’t easy to control or understand” she explained to you. “So, coming back to this new encounter you had with him, how did you feel about it?” 

“It felt weird, very uncomfortable to be around him. But at the same time a force drove me closer to him. I wanted to be closer. Ask him everything and at the same time punch him. He felt the same to be honest. Just like the previous day he left, when everything was alright.” you pulled a face you didn't know how to describe at that moment.  

“And you felt the same?”

“No i think, i didn’t” she nodded and half smiled at my answer. 

“Then, what’s the new you he didn’t meet?” 

“Who i am now i guess”

“And who are you?” her question made you realize you didn’t know how to answer that question yet. You knew you were different, because you felt different although stuck dealing with the aftermath of that relationship. She noticed your silence (because she knew all too well you didn’t know how to answer it) and smiled gently.

“Alright, y/N. Let’s leave it here and continue next session, okay? See you in two weeks”

Who the fuck were you now? 

⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

Mornings at your balcony were your favorite moment during the day. Your coffee was warm and comforting on a grey and windy day. You were covered in clothes and blankets. You needed that moment anyway. You wouldn’t let the winter win. You watched your neighbor cleaning his living room. He had his window opened so you could see a bit of what he was doing. However, you didn't see him very well because you didn't have your glasses on so it’s a bit blurry. You thought there was someone else with him. Probably a girl.but you weren’t that interested.the only thing you hated about your balcony was the fact that the view was partially blocked by that damn house up the hill. 

After a while, you took your stuff and went into your house again. You felt warmer instantly. You left the blankets on the coach and washed up what you used to have for breakfast a few minutes ago. You had to pack as soon as possible. On saturday, you travel to london to see your college friends and also because your friend franco, another formula one driver you met by chance at a college party, it was his birthday party. You wanted that week to be a good one. Be a week you genuinely enjoy and just be happy.

But after everything that happened the last month around Charles, it was really difficult. Your therapist was a really good help of course. But you hated not knowing how to handle all of these feelings you didn’t understand and that paralyze you. 

You only had one phrase in your head: ‘no one teaches you what to do when a good man hurts you’.

You couldn’t think of Charles as a bad man, or person or anything. Yes, he was stupid. And he destroyed your self esteem. And your trust. And yes, you still were kind of stuck in that restaurant. But you also had some kind of responsibility. And that also troubled you a lot. 

Your self esteem shouldn’t be defined by anyone else but you. What do you think about yourself? Who are you? That was your fault. You didn’t know how that would affect destiny for him to leave you but well, it is what it is yet. You kind of thought that maybe it’s the price you had to pay for putting him in a role he didn't want to be in. maybe you were too much. Too intense. Too dependent. He only wanted someone to talk and have fun with. But you wanted a good husband at 18, and a good father, and the one who would take away your pain and fix your traumas. 

Maybe he wasn’t the only one who hurt someone, but you also hurt him in some way.

Ten years in, and you still couldn’t explain what happened. What did you do or not do for him to stop loving you? Or perhaps you can actually stop loving someone but you didn't experience it yet. 

You sighed, reaching your travelling suitcase from on top of your closet. You almost fell so you had to grab a chair from your kitchen. You loved travelling but packing was a nightmare (also, because you couldn’t decide which outfits were good so you had to take two suitcases and pay extra everytime. Not that you didn't have the money and it was a problem. But you knew it was an unnecessary spend). 

That’s when you remembered how it was like to travel with charles. And you hated yourself for remembering his stupid laugh so cute it made your heart melt every time. Would he still laugh like that? Maybe it was best not to know it. 

If you were younger and he came back, you’d probably forgive him and leave it all behind just to be happy with him. But now, you wanted to leave everything behind: him, his family, the memories, the feelings, the hurt. And maybe that is what changed.

That was the new you.

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Your laugh was so liberating. Your hair was free in the wind. He was driving through the Monaco coast. It was finally summer break and you decided to have a picnic at the beach. His hand on your tight. David Guetta on the radio. You were singing along without a care in the world. 

Your fingers brushed his hand making him look at you through his sun glasses in a beautiful cute smile. 

“You look gorgeous, cherie” you saw his lips pronounce those words in slow motion, feeling your every fiber get wild inside you. Your smile was so big and your cheeks pink. He could melt forever just to see you this happy. You wanted to freeze those moments with him and live in them forever.

“I love you, Charles,” you said so warmly and softly. It was your romance movie playing over and over again. That’s how you felt. But when he heard you say those words, his face turned serious. Almost pulled a face of disgust. For some reason you got so scared you wanted to jump out of the car to save your life. 

You wanted to save your life. 

He noticed you wanted to escape so he tightened his grip on you tightly, hurting you but he wasn’t letting you go away. 

“Charles, let go of me” you said almost in a whisper. Your breath was fast. You needed to jump. You started fighting so he would let you go.

“Stop, cherie. We’re gonna have our happily ever after, isn’t that what you wanted?” he said, trying to drive and grab you at the same time. You started crying not knowing what to answer. The anxiety took over you.

“You said you loved me cherie, you can’t go now” he was crying and let go of the steering wheel. You got desperate seeing the car had no control and you were at the Monaco cliffs.

“Charles! CHARLES!” you screamed from the top of your lungs as you watched both of you exiting the driveway into nowhere. All the sea around you. Slow motion Charles looked at you with a huge smile. 

“Happily ever after baby” he said and you looked horrorized. But when you were about to scream again as if that would change anything.

Everything went black. 

You woke up drowning in cold sweat and tears. Your heart was beating too fast for your liking. The feeling you had in that moment of pure confusion was scared to death. For a moment you didn’t know if you were alive or dead. Your room was pitch black so it kinda felt like you died. But you were thinking and you thought there was no way you could think when dead, so you were alive. 

After a few seconds of paralysis, you react and turn on your light from your bed table. You took a deep breath and scrubbed your face to wake yourself up. Your face was wet still from your tears. The moment you were conscious again you felt defeated. It was the third time in the night you were having this kind of nightmares, now three days in a row. You laid back again in bed for a moment.frustration was all over your face. You were so tired of living like this. Yet, you didn’t know how to stop. You grabbed your phone to see what time it was. It showed 5:46 am. You snarled, hating your brain more than anything in the world. 

You got up from bed and went straight to the bathroom to wash your face. You knew all too well you couldn’t be able to fall asleep again nor you wanted to. It has been a terrible night already. So you let your brain win once again. 

You went downstairs to your studio where it was warm. Sun isn't out yet, so here you’ll be warmer. If not, you probably would have chosen the balcony as always. Or the restaurant, although you haven't come back to it since the last encounter with charles. You just didn’t want to go back there ever again. Just like the time he left. 

You sat on your chair at your desk. Eyes tired. You opened your journal. You didn’t remember writing so much like in the past week or so. But you had so many thoughts to write sometimes it got difficult for you to function properly. You just had to stay at home writing non-stop. Not only your upcoming book but your feelings. After the dream you had, a lot must be processed. 

I know I'm probably better off on my own than loving a man who didn't know what he had. And I see the permanent damage he did to me. 

Never again. 

I just wish I could forget when it was magic. 

But I also just wish you could’ve been a better man.  

You sighed reading your words again on paper. You felt worried about yourself. Like, maybe you were broken and couldn’t ever be fixed. You were scared that you wouldn’t be able to fix yourself back up again. Or even thinking that maybe you were born broken so how could you fix yourself then? You were scared there was no way out of this pain, agony, self hatred, nightmare you have lived these past years… or your whole life. You dreamed about being in love again with someone so different from charles yet maybe who makes you feel the same high. Or maybe higher erasing every trace of him or memory of your dad. Now lines were blurry. You didn’t want to think about your dad, not only because he was gone and you couldn’t do anything about it, but because it felt weird linking him in some way to charles, but if your therapist said so, maybe you were more troubled than you thought. 

Would there be a good guy? Do they even exist? You guessed you’ve never met one of them yet. 

I hold onto this pride because, these days, it's all I have. And I gave you my best, and we both know you can't say the same. 

Were you writing about him? Or about your dad?

You stared at the wall thinking about the answer that never came around. 

Just like the both of them did when it came to you. 

⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

It was 10 am in the morning already. You didn’t sleep a bit. You’ve been in a zoom meeting since 8. Talks about the movie in the making were held. Casting started so they sent you a few ones they think are perfect for the roles so you have to watch them after the meeting. Also, they go through the aesthetic and changes they will make from the book, and that’s why this meeting has been so long. They needed to discuss everything with you to make sure you agreed. They wanted to be respectful with your work and you appreciate it very much. It made you feel important. In other news, they thought that taylor swift could make the soundtrack for the movie and you got very excited about it. You loved Taylor's songwriting and believed (and were almost sure) she would make the perfect song for the movie. 

It was gonna be a long day ahead, full of work and watching hours of footage from castings. But it was for your dream. You still couldn’t believe you had your book be a movie in the making. It still feels surreal. 

Then you remembered charles’ ex followed you and liked your posts. And you were mad at him again. You were sure (no doubts at all for real), she didn't know who you were. Because he kept you buried like you were sin. 

A part of you wanted to believe he did it because he knew he fucked up and didn’t want people to judge him for his lack of sympathy towards his last lover. But at the same time you just found it cruel behavior with no reason at all to do that. You kinda felt dirty as if you were bad. Very bad. Banned from his life. 

You shook your head, getting yourself back to the present time and starting working again. Your lack of rest doesn't help in getting distracted with thought every minute but you were doing the best you could. Plus, work helps you not to think about anything else. And that’s good. 

You really needed a break from thinking. 

⋆˚࿔ finally the london trip arrived 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

yourusername made a post

liked by nikolabff, beatricebff, francolapinto, landonorris and 678,435 others

yourusername: first few days back in london = first few days of happiness ❤️‍🩹

tagged: @nikolabff , @beatricebff , @dorothybff and @francolapinto

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user345: girl is happy we are happy

user3: omg such QUEENS

↳ francolapinto: i guess ur not talking about me

↳ user3: oh im so talking about you too

↳ francolapinto: 🤨

nikolebff: the girls girled

dorothybff: happy looks very hot on you darling 🫦

beatricebff: can you kiss already??????

↳ yourusername: no ❤️

nikolabff: gossip so good bro was giggling and kicking his feet

↳ francolapinto: it was indeed

↳ alexalbon: better bring that gossip to the paddok asap

↳ yourusername: it's CONFIDENTIAL

↳ alexalbon: booooooo ur so boring

↳ oscarpiastri: i wanna be part of this group please

↳ nikolabff: yes you can sir

↳ francolapinto: i thought no one else was allowed

↳ nikolabff: stfu 🩷

User231: i love this crossover of y/n and formula 1 drivers. I would've never expected it tbh

↳ franstan: same!!! I love it!! Didn't know she was friends with franco

↳ user354: i think they met a few years ago, y/n was asked about it on insta questions and she said they met randomly at a college party

↳ franstan: interesting

User1: girl!!! You look so good omg

francolapinto: te amo amiga so happy to see you happy ❤️‍🩹

↳ yourusername: te amo tambien ❤️‍🩹

↳ user778: EXCUSE YOU ???????

↳ franstan7: OMG OMG OMG

user4: WHAT IS HAPPENING ?

user324: so no one is gonna talk about lando world champion fucking norris being on the likes ????? 🤨🤨🤨🤨

↳ landostan: that was what i was thinking

⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

⋆˚࿔ finally the london trip arrived 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

Laughter was all over the place as well as a lot of bottles of alcohol with names you haven’t seen in your life. It was finally Saturday night, which meant it was Franco's birthday celebration. And because it was his birthday of course all the decorations were argentina flags everywhere and boca junior club t-shirts for everyone, including you. As you got to his house you were given one at the door to wear it. Fortunately, for you it didn’t ruin your outfit and I could say it looked great on you. Or well, that’s what franco said to you while preparing you a drink you haven’t ever tried before. He said it was called fernet with coke. You were already a bit drunk because you were drinking vodka with the girls while getting ready. You didn’t like vodka that much but after everything that happened in your life, you kinda felt the urge to drown in vodka or tequila. Mi gente latino music was playing non-stop. You knew Franco loved duki and bizarrap, and they were actually at the party. You couldn’t talk to them yet. So everything was a bit crazy even if you weren’t that many people. He was just a close friend to franco. So i guess it was like 60 people. Way too many people to be honest but for a famous 2 times world champion it was really a small amount of people so it was super intimate. 

“There you go, hermosa” he said, handing you the glass full of black liquid. You looked at it a bit worried in a funny way and grabbed it. He let out a cute laugh. “Try it, you’re gonna like it, i promise” he encouraged you. He couldn’t resist the view of you with that boca juniors on. Probably, the combination of you and that was his heaven made on earth. He was really down for you, since it felt like forever. Probably since that night at that party back 6 years ago or so. You always have a different light that anyone can match. and that’s what he liked most about you along with your authenticity. You were so unique to him. He looked at you biting his lip a little trying not to be so obvious. 

You tried the drink looking into his eyes. You were really close  but you felt really comfortable. Your friends have left you alone with him the minute he came forward to  you, of course. They really believed you could work out with him. And after vodka and long talks about it with them, maybe you would give it a try. But it scared you, you didn’t want to use him as a friend. So it was a risky situation in your opinion. Although, you could see he liked you for a long time now. And you found him funny and really attractive in your opinion. You give it a few more sips to taste it fully. “Oh I think I like it,” you said, giving him a funny smile. 

“I told you. I’m the best fernet preparer in this whole country… and also, I did it with love just for you” he said, making you laugh and blush after the last sentence he said. 

“I’m sure it’s the love you put in it” you gave it another sip looking at him. His face turned red and let out such a cute giggle. Alcohol was making you melt for your best friend? We guess so.

He got closer grabbing your waist and planted a sweet kiss on your cheek making you nervous as you never felt for a long time. However, it felt weird. Maybe as if this shouldn’t be happening. 

⋆˚࿔ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

Franco’s house was enormous. The party was being held at the gallery near his garden. It was cold but the lights and the people stuck to each other made it warmer. You were with your girls again dancing to bad bunny and los del espacio songs. You didn’t understand a word because Spanish was definitely not your talent. You tried to learn because of Franco, and he tried to teach you, but failed every time. You did learn a few words anyway but speaking fluidly was something you won’t ever do. Or that’s what you thought about it. It was your third fernet. You didn’t know it was so good. Also it could make you so drunk. And you were way too drunk by now but you never felt so happy. You were laughing about anything and everything. Dancing without a care in the world. Enjoying being surrounded by your friends. Charles wasn’t on your mind nor any trace of him or his family or the history behind you two. Memories have faded away, washed by the alcohol in your veins. You didn’t remember having so much fun since forever. Your girls were right. Life was so much more than Charles, you were so much more than what you were with him. And all of this you have it because of you and you alone. In that moment you felt liberated. Free from the curse it was put on you. Free of judgment. Free of insecurities. Until you saw that damn mullet and when it turned around you felt kind of speechless. Your eyes locked in that man you didn’t know but he was so hypnotic. You couldn’t stop looking at him. 

“Girl! Close your mouth, you're drooling! Is it for franco, huh?” Nikola joked when she saw you like that, making you laugh while shaking your head. 

“No it isn’t girls, is that guy over there i don’t  know who he is but he is so beautiful” you said pointing your finger in his direction unconsciously. Because when you looked at him again he was looking at you straight in the eyes. You almost freaked out and ran away from there. His fucking smile. What the hell is happening to you? Your friends looked over at him as well with no simulation at all. The four of you were pretty obvious. And that’s when another guy turned around to see where his mate was looking over with that face. Nikola almost fell to the floor.

She turned around freaked out, making all of you stop looking at them so weird. Alcohol makes you behave so embarrassing for your liking. 

“Holy shit girls, it’s oscar fucking piastri and lando norris” her eyes were leaving her face for a bit. You grabbed her arms still confused. You didn’t know them but you heard nik talking about that oscar a few times. Betty and Dottie looked over at them again but they were gone. 

“Okay they are gone nik” dottie said. Betty took a sip from her drink. You wanted to say something but you felt someone grab your waist from behind and kiss your head.

“Hello ladies” of course it had to be franco. You smiled nervously looking at your friends. One of your hands placed over Franco's arms not wanting him to let go. You liked it. Or that’s what you drowned in alcohol though about it. 

“Hello mister, i guess we will grab more drinks at the bar, goodbye bye byeee” Betty said, taking her two girls with her leaving you alone with franco. You laughed and resigned. Nik gave franco a warning sign ‘im watching you’ making franco laugh too. And they disappeared through the people dancing and talking. 

He kissed your cheek letting you go a bit so you could turn around to face him. “Hey handsome, where have you been? Are you having fun?” you said surrounding his neck with your arms and he did the same around your waist. He nodded in a smile. 

“Now that I'm back with you, I'm really having fun,” he said cheeky.

“Oh shut up” you said rolling your eyes funny because of his flirty side. 

“Hey, I'm telling the truth. I was with my school friends though ,they came from home” he told you and made you smile while stroking the curls on his head gently. Your fingers in his hair sent shivers down his spine. He couldn’t stop looking at your lips and you noticed. But you liked it so you let him. 

“I’m happy you’re enjoying your night fran. You deserve all of this love, world champion” you said sweetly looking at his eyes so shiny and deep green right now. Your words made him melt. 

And there were you, the girl who can win over the man known for being the most professional at flirting. You always win with him. He is so down bad for you he felt stupid. You were so beautiful in his eyes. So amazing. He hated Charles so much. He even celebrated when he retired. They couldn't even pretend to like each other and actually it was one of the most famous feuds between drivers in the history of the sport. Franco just couldn’t comment anything positive about charles. Even if he tried he just couldn’t. The most infamous moment was when Charles won his first championship and he was asked about it. He said he didn’t want to comment about it because he had nothing to comment about. So franco started to be known as the guy who was nice to everyone except for charles leclerc. And it was hilarious to see because no one knew why. And the why was always you. 

Franco wanted to have you and couldn’t. Charles had left you alone and destroyed another woman. How could he? Franco took that as an insult. You were an amazing woman. The most amazing woman he has ever met and that asshole did that to you. He just couldn’t stand him. Breathing the same air as Charles was unbearable for him. 

All of these thoughts rambling around and neither of you didn’t realize you were kissing already. Your lips melting into each other in the sweetest and softest kiss you have ever had. Even better than any kiss Charles could have given you before. You hated yourself for comparing every guy in your life with Charles, but you couldn’t help it. But this felt different. It was sweet but at the same time it felt so wrong. 

But you couldn’t stop. 

And you didn’t want to.

⋆˚࿔ TO BE CONTINUED 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

chapter fiver: coming soon.

author's note: things are getting complicated around here!!!

what could happen next? who knows

tag list: : @a-beaverhausen , @priniya , @annaluna12 , @thehoplessromanticclub , @emryb , @hadids-world , @kaztheemyth , @freyathehuntress , @diorbrxtz , @theseerbetweenus , @sie17136 , @leila-030304 , @charlesgirl16 , @ricciardosheart , @weekendlusting

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for telling my wife her book isn't that good?

So me (27M) and my wife (27F) have been married for 5 years. In the entire time we've been married, she had put her professional advancement on hold and chooses to stay at an office job with little potential for career advancement because her true dream is to write and publish books and she says she won't have time to write and pursue that dream if she has to put all her energy into a career she doesn't care about. I think that's not a good attitude to have, because being able to make money from writing books and getting published is really difficult and depends a lot on luck and her career choices impact me because we're married. If she doesn't reach her earning potential then I will need to make up for it by earning more for the both of us. So I feel a lot of the burden in finances while she just gets to chase her dream.

She has been resentful of me for a while that I don't support her writing, but I do! I think she's a great writer and I'm very proud of her, and I tell lots of people that my wife is a writer when they ask what she does. The only thing is that she's always talking about her books and thinking about them and talking about them to her friends and writing partners. She claims to have ADHD and writing is her hyperfixation but she's never been officially diagnosed and hasn't ever tried medication or anything. She'll work on them when there are things to do, like the kitchen is a mess or it's dinner time. And before people get mad at me for expecting her to be a maid I cook and clean a lot too. I just want more participation from her because I get tired of doing everything and sometimes I just want to be taken care of, too. She cleans and cooks sometimes, though she always half-does things, but it just bothers me when I get home hungry from work and she's been home for 20 minutes or so and she hasn't started cooking and the house is a mess and she's just sitting at her laptop.

If I'm honest, I don't like reading. English isn't my first language which makes it harder, and she writes what she calls "young adult books" and they're plots about teengers that aren't very interesting to me. I tried to read her book and got about six chapters in, but it was just really hard for me to keep going so I never finished it. Honestly I don't really care about her books, and it bothers me that her books are ALWAYS on her mind. For example if we're intimate, sometimes her gaze goes distant and I can tell her mind is elsewhere and probably on her books, and when we finally get time together it's like she's not interested in the conversation until it touches on writing or her books. I don't usually talk to her about her books much though, so to be honest she doesn't talk that much to me about it, she'll text other people. But I can tell she always wishes I would talk to her about it. I just wish she could be interested in something that isn't her own writing, like me and our life together.

So this issue kept coming up with her saying I'm not supportive, and I decided to take it to heart. I wanted to support her as a writer and help her achieve her goal of publication. So I sat her down and told her that while she's a good writer and her finished book is good, it's not great, and she's telling a story about a girl who's experiencing poverty and death and mental illnesses, all of which she doesn't have experience with, and it shows. It's a good accomplishment, but probably won't be published so if she wants to be published, she should maybe start something else. Well, she blew up at me and started yelling at me that I have no room to say that because I'm not the intended audience and I never finished it anyway and that she knows more about publishing than I do and her friends and family that read it thought it was amazing. But first of all, she can't trust her family and friends because they'll just support her even if it's not what she needs to hear, and I should be the one who she can count on to tell her the truth. Besides, I'm in the finance industry and know much more about business than she does. She got angry and stormed away and refused to talk to me for the rest of the day.

I don't want to apologize, because I think she needed to hear it. But she was so mad and even talked about it to her therapist, so I'm wondering if I'm the asshole for saying that in the first place and if she's actually right and I'm not really supporting her.

What are these acronyms?

[speedycoffeedelight]

An Animalistic Disaster

CH-19 : A Deer Vs Wolves

Masterlist

Summery :Where you get your ass saved from being almost killed.

*Some time after you left*

Alastor and Niffty was sitting outside the cabin, lazily enjoying each others company. Niffty had turned into a human and leaned against Alastor's body. Alastor, even though he hated dogs,he has learned to at least tolerate Niffty's presence. That doesn't mean he allowed her to stay close to him in her full dog form. That form irked him.

"Hey Alastor.." Niffty finally broke the silence. "Do you think you'll ever transform?"

'Of course I will. Why would you doubt that?'

"Because what if you don't like (Y/n) ever? You need to like her so you can be human again."

Alastor scoffed and looked away. ' Don't you worry your little head about it. I will find a way somehow. I am the radio demon after all.'

Niffty still wasn't convinced as she looked into the distance again. "You know, she's likes you a lot! We talk about you sometimes."

That got his attention. He turned his head towards Niffty again. 'What did you guys talk about? It better not be something to tarnish my reputation my dear!'

" That's girl's talk silly. I can't tell you that! " Niffty chuckled with both hands covering her mouth. Alastor rolled his eyes at such a display ."But I can tell that she really likes you."

'We know that already. That isn't something new. I'm used to ladies fawning over me.' Alastor thought back to his time as a human in the 19's. Indeed, despite his colour back then, women would throw themselves at him nonchalantly. It was both a blessing and a curse for him. Blessing since it helped his popularity grow, curse since he hated those type of contacts. This lowered a lot after he became an overlord. People were far to afraid to approach him then.

"Yes but she's different. She might like you but she'll never push herself onto you. You're rumoured to be asexual and she respects that."

'I'm a what now?'

"Asexual!" Niffty repeated herself. "Don't you know what it is?"

'I'm afraid not dear. Is it one of those modern slangs?'

"Of course not! Let me explain what it is then."

And thus Niffty spent almost an hour and a half explaining different types of sexualities to him, including asexuality. It took a lot of tries to get Alastor to properly understand the concept.

' So you mean to say, that it's normal to not want to engage in such activities? My, all this time I thought I just hadn't found the right girl for me to have those desires. Or worse, there was something wrong with me...' Alastor's smile faltered a bit. It was crazy how times had changed. Normally he didn't like such changes but this was one of the better ones.

'Of course, not that I mind about having something wrong within me. Haha! I am a serial killer after all.' His smile came back as quickly as it disappeared, not wanting to seem vulnerable in front of someone. He supposed he could admire your respect about his boundaries too. Unlike those other girls in his past, you actually cared to make him comfortable, no matter how much you liked him. It made him feel a bit....warm inside.

He spent the next few hours just chatting with Niffty. As sun began to set, Vaggie came over to the pair.

"Hey, (Y/n) hasn't returned yet. It's already getting late. She said she'd be back before sunset. Have any of you guys seen her?"

Niffty and Alastor looked at each other and shook their head. "No...we haven't. We've just been chatting here all afternoon." Vaggie sighed, worry immenent in her face. "I see... sorry for bothering you then."

As Vaggie went back to the cabin, she couldn't help but think about what might have happened to you. You were an adult human. You could handle a night out yourself. Still worries begun to rush in one after another.

"Alastor...you don't think something happened to her do you?" Before Alastor could reply, a howl broke through the night. Both Niffty and Alastor's ears perked up. A blue light caught in the corner of their eyes. Whipping their head towards it, they strangely found a bright blue butterfly that was seemingly glowing in the dark.

Just like you before, they couldn't help but follow it. It felt like it was the right course of action. Though they couldn't tell why. They began to chase after the butterfly at full speed as it was rushing through the forest. Niffty had already transformed into her dog form to run faster.

Soon Niffty picked up scent of something. It was blood. There a familiar scent with it. Your scent.

Niffty's eyes widened with the realization as she shouted at Alastor to let him know. Soon enough, they were able to hear faint growls, snarls from distant. What really made their heart almost stop was the low moaning of you.

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You tried. You really tried to hold on by yourself as long as you could while trying to find find a way to escape. You picked up a nearby branch you found to defend against this horde of wolf that were dead set on eating you.

But there were only much you can do. After some time, you were bleeding all over, barely standing. A wolf's claw teared a big slash on your back. Another one almost teared your leg off before you gave it a good punch. There were small scratchs and bite marks all over. The blood coming out from all over your body was starting to harden on your clothes.

It was hurting to stand already as your body reached it's limit. You collapsed on your knees as the bloody branch you were holding fell down with a thud. You couldn't do this, not anymore. It all hurt too much. You felt tears pricking at your eyes as you thought of your inevitable death. Would there even be anything left of your body after these wolves finished eating you? How much would it...hurt?

A wolf jumped on you, teeths bared to finally consume your sweet flesh. It's teeth were only a few inches above your face as you closed you eyes. Suddenly something small but fierce jumped onto its neck from a side and bit onto it, pushing it to the ground. A sickening crunch followed soon after.

You opened your eyes warrily a little. Your vision was still blurry so you couldn't see clearly. Judging by the sound of the small thing...it was probably a dog. It looked back at you and transformed.

"(Y/n)!.......okay?? We'll...out..here.."

You couldn't hear her words clearly. You saw a big black figure rush through and stand in front of you protectively while facing the wolfs. Did they come to protect you? If so, you could rest a little right? You finally collapsed and shut your eyes.

Your head fell down on Niffty's lap as she shook you to keep you awake. 'Niffty my dear! Focus on protecting (Y/n) and getting her back to the cabin. I'll deal with the wolves!'

Alastor shouted out while looking forward at the canines. It was clear the wolves remembered him just as he did, increasing their anger tenfold. His consciousness was shouting at him to run. He doesn't need to do this. You weren't worth risking his life for. But against his better judgement he was still standing here, between you and these vicious animals.

One of the wolfs lunged forward as he quickly moved out of the way and pierced it with his antlers. But another one quickly followed and bit behind him. He kicked it off him as fresh trail of blood flew from his body.

"Alastor! Her conditions getting worse!" Niffty said screaming. "She'll die if we don't do something about it!"

Alastor knew that already. Niffty didn't have to spell it out for him to know how dire your situation is. He only gritted his teeth. No matter how much he thought, he couldn't think of a way out. It seemed like you understood that as well.

"L..eave..me..go.."

You choked out with the last of your breath before blacking out. Alastor pulled his ears back. You remained ever the good girl till your last drop of consciousness. Always sacrificing yourself for others sake. How admiring....

It's not like that thought didn't cross his mind. Leaving you here should be the wise course of action here. Yet why did did he feel so....bad? Is it because he lived with you all this time? Or when he saw how careful you are with touching him when you were stitching? Or the things Niffty told him about you this afternoon? He wasn't sure. He knew if he returned without you, everyone would shun him out.

"Haha...." He chuckled bitterly at himself. Perhaps you have began to make an effect on him. Whatever happens, he decided,

He was going to stay by your side.

Golden light shone brightly along his body, blinding the wolves that were about to approach him. Alastor looked at his hands. "Finally... about time..."

Suddenly a familiar blue light shone in the corner of Niffty's eyes. Turning her head towards it she saw the butterfly again. It was sitting on top of a carcass. Wait no, it was sitting on top of a handle. A handle that sparkled brightly from the moonlight radiating of it now. It was (Y/n)'s knife, Niffty recognised.

Looking around, when she saw no wolves close by she chased to it. The butterfly flew away again into the distance as she arrived. Niffty picked up the knife in a swift motion. "Alastor! Catch!"

Alastor eye's darted towards Niffty's voice that wasn't behind him anymore. He was about to scold her for leaving you alone but held his tongue when he saw the sparkle of a knife shine in her hands before she threw it at him. He caught it effortlessly in his right hand. As soon as she threw it, she ran back to you and scratched at a wolf that was threatening to come too close for comfort while growling.

Alastor was bleeding from his forehead and multiple gashes from all over his body. But he felt newfound strength flow through him as soon as he held the knife. Ah, he missed this, this thrill of the hunt. He had a crazed expression on his face as he looked over at the wolves standing before him now. The ears on his head perked up as it sensed a wolf coming in closer. Just as it launched he moved out of the way and cut a big slash across it's neck and kicked it away. The wolf's now limp and dead body fell onto the ground beside you and Niffty.

"Come on, it's time to play, puppies..."

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On the other hand, everyone was worried sick at the cabin. Angel found the bag you left at the edge of the forest and brought it home.

"What if something bad happened to her... Vaggie I'm scared!"

"Clam down toots! I'm sure she's fine.... probably..." Angel looked away, not being convinced by his very own statement.

"We cannot find Alastor and Niffty either. If Niffty was here, maybe she could have sniffed (Y/n) out." Pentious pointed at his nose. Husk took a gulp of orange juice you had since alcohol was gone. You really needed to stock up on some alcohol.

"What if we all go find 'er?" Cherri proposed. "She should be around somewhere here right? Since her bag was found close, she should be close as well."

"We... could do that...but what if we get lost? It'll take forever for everyone to get back together again." Vaggie looked at everyone present. "But it'll be our last choice, if she or Alastor or Niffty doesn't come back within half an hour. We're going out."

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The fight was going much better then before. Alastor easily transformed between deer and human befitting of the situation. He could stab a wolf with a knife and then toss it in the air and kick another in its shin after transforming. Then again collect the knife after becoming human. It was fun.

But this couldn't go on forever. He knew that from the fatigue coursing through his body. He had to end this quickly while the adrenaline was still present. After some more slashes and stomps, he remained the only one standing in a field of fresh corpses.

He didn't have time to celebrate his victory. As soon as the last wolf was down, he quickly returned to you. The black stripes of his dress has been painted red with both his blood and the animals. He crouched down to inspect your pulse. It was weak, but you still had it. Alastor let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding.

Alastor put the knife away in his pocket. He softly picked you up in his arms, careful not to put too much pressure on the cuts of your body. His own body was hurting severely, but he needed to be strong for your sake.

"Niffty, run back to the cabin and tell Vaggie to come immediately. And also bring someone to help carry her quickly. I'll be right behind you."

Niffty nodded her head and began sprinting towards your cabin. Alastor looked at your face with a soft gaze. He leaned down and whispered, "Stay strong my dear. You'll be fine, I promise.." With a final breath he began heading towards the cabin as moonlight shone on both of you.

Perhaps because he was so caught up to save you, he didn't notice a pair eyes watching the whole thing.

"Interesting...."

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By the time Niffty reached the cabin, she found all of them standing outside, ready to depart in search of you. Their eyes widened seeing Niffty with blood on her dress.

"NIFFTY WHAT HAPPENED??"

It didn't take long enough for Vaggie to reach Alastor with Niffty alongside to guide her. Alastor gave a small smile towards the crowd as they collectively gasped seeing the both of you. Without wasting a moment, you were transferred on the back of Husk as Vaggie cast her healing. Alastor was about to fall down but Pentious caught him just in time.

"Hang onto me!" Pentious took one of Alastor's hands and slid it over his shoulder to support him. Vaggie kept casting her healing all the way to the cabin as Charlie started to cry. You were placed in your room with Vaggie, Charlie and Cherri. They changed your bloody cloths and cleaned you up first. Only then the boys were allowed to come.

Alastor on the other hand was placed on the lounge in the other room with only Niffty and Husk. Niffty sew up all the cuts and scratches he had and Husk just stood in a corner watching. Alastor wasn't comfortable with showing anyone else his bare body.

After that was done Alastor laid down on the lounge with a cover on his body as Angel walked in and popped next to him sighing and started a smoke.

" How's....(Y/n)?" Alastor found himself asking while looking at the ceiling. He didn't want to appear too worried for you, yet he could help but be anxious. " She'll live. Vaggie's doin all she can to save her." Angel took a drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke. "But what exactly happened? Why was she in that forest and how did you two find her?"

Alastor and Niffty began to tell their tale from when they found the butterfly to Niffty seeing the butterfly on the knife to Alastor carrying you. He skipped the part of his determination to protect you though. But he greatly told the tale of him slaughtering the wolves with great detail that left Angel's stomach turning.

" That butterfly...do ya think it could be a demon like us?"

"It's very much possible. It certainly wasn't any normal butterfly. But how did it gain the power to control us? I don't think any of us had any power like that."

" What if it's something entirely different from us? " Niffty jumped in.

" That would certainly explain this phenomenon. Though we can't really be sure. To know about it properly we need that butterfly. But that isn't a safe choice considering what happened today. "

A silence befell the room once again as Cherri slipped into the room. She took a sit next to Angel. "Vaggie's working her magic right now. If she wasn't here, not sure what woulda happened to her."

" Yeah...also smiles, ya transformed..." Angel said with a toothed grin looking back at him. He had deep curly brown hair and light brown skin. Two fluffy deer ears stayed atop his head. His glasses which were drowning in blood when they first saw him was cleaned again and sitting on his face. Plus Angel could swear he saw a brown tail poking out from behind Alastor's dress when Pentious carried him back.

Alastor's amber coloured eyes scanned Angel's face. He knew exactly what Angel was trying to get at.

" So ya do have feelings for-"

" None of that! "

" But you needed to have intense feelings

  to transform ~"

" I merely wished to protect her that's

all. If I came without her you all would have scorned me."

" Same thing!"

With Alastor transforming, it meant the whole crew was human once again. Things should be a lot easier now.

" Also...does (Y/n) know about this? That

  we need to have feelings for her to

  transform? "

" Obviously not. We all collectively agreed to keep this a secret from her."

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The night went by rather quickly. Before Alastor knew it, he was falling asleep. The fatigue and the effects of blood loss finally caught up to him.

You opened your eyes the next day at afternoon. The first thing you realised that almost every part of you hurt. With a huff and a grunt you pushed yourself up a bit. Vaggie was sleeping lying her head on the bed and and her hands on your torso. Charlie was asleep on the desk on the other side of the room. Angel came in with a plate of food and he let out a scream seeing you awake. He quickly put the food down on the table and rushed to you.

Apparently Vaggie has been healing you nonstop throughout the night, she pushed her body to her limit and passed out around the morning . Charlie was the same, she used her ability to smoothly clean your cuts and remove branches stuck to you. Your eyes widened hearing about Alastor.

" Alastor? Where is he?"

" He's fine, he's in the other room. Do you want me to call him to you?"

" Yes, him and everyone else. I want to know what exactly happened..."

Alastor wore one of Pentious's shirt's for now. He and others soon joined in your room. You made sure to talk quietly so you didn't wake up the sleeping girls. They deserve to rest.

"That butterfly....that damn butterfly is the reason behind all this.."

"But I don't understand one thing." Pentious looked lost in throught with a hand on his chin. "Why would that butterfly bring you both to danger and then help you fight back?"

"To know that we need to be in contact with it. But there's no need to rush considering what happened."

You sighed loudly, all that matters that all of you were still in one piece. You'll have to take a few days off from your work to recover. You'll ask your colleague to cover for you. He owes you one anyway for the time you secured him a date with his crush.

That being said, you finally looked at Alastor properly. This guy was handsome as fuck. His brown locks fell onto his bandaged forehead in a lazy manner. His honey eyes locked into yours as he felt you staring at him. You quickly averted your gaze, but you knew that he knew you were staring. A smirk formed on his face as he leaned in close to you.

"Don't I get a thank you for saving you back there, my darling?"

You let out a small yelp and whipped your head towards him. Then again backed your face away when you found his face inches apart from yours. When did he get so damn close?

"Yes uh, thank you..for saving me back there."

Alastor's grin just got wider seeing your flustered expression. He booped your nose as you blinked in confusion.

"Dear don't think I forgot all the things you did and said when I was stuck as a deer. I promise to pay back every.last.bit."

You couldn't help but gulp in the way he said it. Plus the intensity of his stare just added to this making you feel like fainting for the second time now. Just what did you get yourself into?

"Yeah, smiles ya gotta back up a bit. If Vaggie was awake she'd chew your ass up."

"Don't worry, I won't bother her too much. Rest assured my friend."

Something clicked into you just then. Today's the day you've been waiting for a long time. Hazbin hotel season one has officially been released!

"Guys, wake Charlie and Vaggie up again! We have your future to watch!"

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A.n: Sorry for the long wait. College has been straining all my energy and will to live (⁠っ⁠˘̩⁠╭⁠╮⁠˘̩⁠)⁠っ

This was one of the main scenarios that has been on my mind since the beginning of the fanfic. I had to start writing a whole ass story to make it understandable lol.

Also guys! GUYS!! I GOT FANARTS!!! LOOK AT THIS!!

These two were the first ones that got sent. It's Vox as the blue butterfly. Man I love his suit 🫠🫠

The second was this, our two girls!! Charlie and Vaggie both in their animal and human forms!! Also there's our first ever transformation moment~

Y'all remember the iconic moment of Husk putting on our shirt? 🥹🥹 They drew this!!! And there's our cutiepie Niffty and Mr. Precious!!

Man I can't believe my silly little fanfic inspired someone to draw fanarts!!! God I was so thrilled!! All of these wonderful fanrts are drawn by @/ Little_Wonders7 (twitter) @littlewonders7 (Tumblr) thank you again!!!

As for who the butterfly actually is....I think this will disappoint a lot of you..

Yes, tis I, your own author. Or the Hazbinfication animal of your author. I couldn't think of any way to bring reader back to the forest where the transformation was supposed to take place. So I forced a reason by placing myself there.(⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

This conversation is a thought I had while putting myself there so I decided to draw it.

A clue about this was on my twitter account where there's a blue butterfly on my pinned plus my profile. Shout-out to "sdsblogmainblog" to be the only one to get it!! I feel sorry to everyone who came up with cool theories on who the butterfly could be (⁠；���^⁠ω⁠^⁠）

Also no, the pair of eyes watching Alastor and reader was not the butterfly and DW I won't interfere in the story much.

And the winner of the voting issss

🎊VOX🎊

Vox had 27 votes on wattpad

0 votes on Tumblr

11 votes on ao3

Total - 38

Velvette had 12 votes on wattpad

3 votes on Tumblr

16 votes on ao3

Total - 31

I wrote "Your vote has been counted" on the votes I collected. So if you guys want, you can recheck. And I'll explain the requirements of a new character arriving in our world in the next chapter since this is already getting long (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

Also towards people who are sad velvette lost. I only asked who'll be in the harem, not who'll come into this world. And this goes for every single character. Take this how you will.

Stay tuned folks~

Tag list: @legostars @glowinthedarkbones1150 @darifes @aria-tempest @rainbowcake1212 @luxylucylou

[mollymauk-teafleak]

Do you have any headcanons about the birth? Is it angst ridden? Is it light hearted and fluffy? Who’s there? I have the cutest image in my head about Angel being afraid to look at them, all his insecurities in his mind (that all sound like Valentino), roaring super loud. But then Husker dumps one of the babies on his chest and all the doubts go out the window 🥺🥺 <3 (even when he’s like ew gross more body fluids but you’re PERFECT) (I love the Huskerdusk family if you couldn’t tell) <3

Oh my god absolute DREAM ASK sorry it took so long, I wanted to do it justice :')

Putting the rest under a cut for anyone who doesn’t want to read trans male pregnancy stuff!

As Angel Dust gets to the end of his pregnancy, he's very very done with it all, he's serving these wriggly brats an eviction notice. When walking up and down the hotel stairs doesn't work, he goes to the pregnancy books Charlie had swiped from the human realm for him. A few pages later, he's slamming his hand on the bar and saying to Husk 'you need to fuck me. a lot. now.' Husk just blinks like '.......yes ma'am.' And he does, Angel is a little awkward at first, unsure if Husk will find him attractive like this. But when he admits this to his husband, Husk is so gentle about it and promises that he'll show him exactly how gorgeous he thinks he is. And he makes good on his promise, Angel actually enjoys those last couple of days. Of course when it actually starts he's like 'what the fuck have I done'

The angst comes from the fact that all the abuse he's suffered has trained Angel to hide when he feels pain, to never admit that it's bothering him, like he has to do at the studio. So even as his labour drags on and on and gets worse, he's still insisting he's fine and staying completely silent and insisting he doesn't need anything. Of course Husk immediately calls bullshit and when they're alone, he strokes his hair and promises that he doesn't need to be silent to be brave, he's brave anyway. And he doesn't need to hide when it hurts or refuse to ask for help, that's his whole job? He's here for Angel no matter what. And thats when Angel breaks and admits how scared he is and how he doesn't think he can do this. Husk promises him he can, he wouldn't lie to his Angel about that. He promises he won't leave his side for a second and they'll do it together. Angel feels a lot better after that and Husk manages to get him into bed so things can get serious

As for whose there, Vaggie clears the rest of the Hotel family out but as Charlie's leaving, Angel catches her hand like look obviously he doesn't care one way or another, don't be weird about this, don't cry but...you can stay. if you want. because he doesn't care, obviously... Of course Charlie can't help tearing up a little and squeezes his hand, of course she'll stay. So it's her and Husk supporting Angel.

Husk is so calm throughout it all, he's the perfect support, even when Angel is swearing up a storm at him in Italian with every contraction. Charlie asks what he's saying and Husk hums mildly like you don't want to know, princess and keeps rubbing Angel's back. Of course when the twins arrive and Angel is cleaned up and having a well earned rest, Husk goes and screams into a pillow to get all the pent up stress out. But in the moment he's calm, just being a rock for Angel to cling to, singing to him when he asks for a distraction, ignoring the mushy looks from Charlie

But it is Bad for a long long time until Angel feels that first warm weight on his chest and realises oh fuck, he actually did it, there's a baby in his arms, his own baby. Bella comes first so he comes back to himself and sees his little daughter squeaking and snuffling and she's just the most perfect thing he's ever seen. He just laughs in disbelief and strokes her damp fur and tells her she felt a hell of a lot bigger ten seconds ago. Husk's just silently crying, grinning so wide and kissing Angel's head over and over telling him he's fucking amazing. And of course he gets to hold Bella for the first time while Angel delivers Howie and he just can't believe that a loser like him made something so perfect. Two perfect something's in fact, when their son is born too.

I think things go a little wrong when Howie is born, just for a while. He's turned the wrong way and there's a very scary moment where he isn't breathing but Charlie intervenes, a little bit of her sorcery and his eyes are opening and he's squeaking and snuffling. Angel is shaking and clinging to him in relief, croaking at Charlie that not even a minute old and she's already saving their lives? Charlie just nods and needs to lie face down on the floor for a while. But first she gets to go down and announce the good news to the rest of the hotel family who are just delight

After the twins are sleeping soundly, Husk helps Angel shower and there's just a moment where he has to hold him because fuck he loves him more than anything thats ever existed right now and he's so proud of him. And Angel is just glowing, yeah he's kind of amazing huh?

[arcadiabaytornado]

Who are your top 10 misunderstood characters from Life is Strange and Telltale’s The Walking Dead and why?

Kate (LIS) - Kate isn't misunderstood the same way Rachel and Chloe are, but I do think she's often portrayed as much more feeble then she actually is. For example: Kate stands for herself plenty in game. If you tell her to wait for more proof, she'll send Max this text. "Max. Sorry to have bothered you by asking for your advice. I guess I shouldn't do anything but let people enjoy my video all over the world." She'll also bluntly confront Max if you don't intervene when David's in her face. Don't get me wrong, Kate IS an utter sweetheart, but she's not a doormat either. She has a bit of a bite on multiple occasions.

Max (LIS) - Max is similar to Kate for me. I think she's often portrayed as much more feebly then she is. Some people treat her like she's a ...well...doe but she has a very strong bite to her! I mean, she's back with Chloe for 48 hours at most and she pulls a gun on Frank and maybe pulls the trigger. Also, if you don't side with Chloe for a choice, Max is very sassy about Chloe's objections. Chloe will say something like: "If you only you told David it was your joint," and Max will go "Oh, sorry, I was to busy saving your life. 🙄" Max is a very strong character, so I'm shocked that a lot of people see her as being super delicate. She's the furthest thing from a doormat.

More Undercut

Rachel (LIS) - Rachel deserves better. I can't even really get into this fully on this post because I want to keep my reasons shortish (well...short for me) but for a very quick and not detailed recap of my thoughts. 1. We don't even know if she cheated on Chloe, so, no, she's not the devil for sleeping with Frank. 2. Rachel is manipulative to a certain degree, but there's no indicator that she was an evil serpent women who only spoke in lies and manipulation. 3. There's plenty of in game evidence that she cared about Chloe. We can argue all day about whether she was ever in love with Chloe or not, but there's more than enough to back up that she at least cared for her.

Chloe - I'm going to make short points with her like I did with Rachel because this another topic I could make a full rant about. 1. She is mean, but some people really exaggerate the extent of it. 2. She's not evil for being mad that her best friend who ghosted her figured out how to work a phone when Kate called. 3. She's not a bitch for not liking her Step Father who is abusive to her. 4. She's not terrible for having a tense relationship with her Mother, who made it very clear that David is more than important than her. 5. Women are allowed to be flawed.

Ryan (LIS TC) - I will defend Ryan until the day I die. I know it isn't his best moment if he doesn't believe Alex at the end...but of course he doesn't believe Alex in all the endings?? Jed is his FATHER. A father he's close with and has been told his entire life is a hero. Then Alex (rightfully) bursts in and pops his bubble, and in the moment, he doesn't handle that well unless there's a lot of confirmation that his loving father is actually a hidden monster. And yes, I know that Steph backs up Alex no matter what...but Jed isn't her Dad, and she isn't as connected to the town, or it's stories, as deeply as Ryan is. She loses way less if Alex is telling the truth, while Alex's (rightful) honesty destroys what's left of Ryan's family after he already lost his Mother.

Violet (TWDG) - I've always thought it was weird how upset people got when Vi betrayed Clem in the cells. First off...Clem betrayed her first?? Vi spent the entire game defending Clem when no one else would. When AJ killed Marlon she stood in front of them with a cleaver to protect them from the other kids. When everyone voted to kick Clem and AJ out, she was the one shouting from the rooftops that it was unfair. When Clem and AJ came back, she was the one who insured that they could stay. And yet, when Clem saw her in danger, she chose not to save her. It's not shocking that she feels so upset, but it did shock me how fans reacted to it, and I'm someone who saved and romanced Louis! I mean...how unfair is a betrayal really if they stab you with the same knife you stuck in their back?

Louis (TWDG) - It's crazy how much of Ryan's paragraph I could apply to Louis. Of course he gets mad when Clem's murder toddler, who has never been taught restraint, puts a bullet in his best friends head. Marlon had given up. The gun was no longer in his hands. Clem had it handled peacefully, and then the situation ended with a bullet. I totally understand why he was mad, and I even understand why he wanted them to leave and not come back. He was mourning, and his pain is made even worse if you had Clem appeal to him because he helped disarm Marlon and that led to his death. So, in other words, I think his rage in episode 2 is very understandable. Plus, he moves on from his anger and apologizes for kicking them out in...Episode 2. The same episode the anger starts.

Sarah (TWDG) - People complain about her being a burden so much, but honestly that's Carlos's fault. She never really got a chance to be a survivor in the apocalypse because she was sheltered non-stop, and there's multiple moments that imply that she could have made it if things were different. I don't FULLY blame Carlos for sheltering her since I understand wanting your child to grow up in peace instead of surrounded by horror...but he really screwed her over. I think people should be way harsher on him than her. Sarah was doing her best. Carlos was not.

Ben (TWDG) - In the same manner as Sarah, people often complain that he's a burden. And...he kinda is, but also he's also literally sixteen years old. He makes bad choices because he's naive, not because he's malicious. Also, I know he indirectly got Duck and Katjaa killed, but the bandits were threatening to kill EVERYONE in the group if he didn't slip medicine to them. What Ben did got Katjaa and Duck killed, but who's to say the bandits wouldn't have kept their word and killed the entire group if he had refused. He was put in a no win situation, and honestly I just so much pity for him. I'm glad my Lee looks out for him.

Jane (TWDG) - Jane is...weird because she is a bad person but also some people act like she never cared about Clem and had entirely selfish motivations. She cared about Clem enough to teach her how to survive, which is something she never bothered to do with Sarah, even though she needed a mentor much more than Clem. And for as much as I disagree with her of philosophy of "never trust anyone, people are bad," I do think she was genuinely trying to help and giving what she thought was good advice. She also comes back and saves the group during the shoot out for Clem's sake, which proves that her motivations aren't entirely selfish...just mostly.

[maxislvt]

i would like to discuss the washing r’s mouth out with soap idea because DAMN. plz wanda wash my mouth out with soap and then sit on my face so all i taste is you

warnings: toxic behavior, possessive behavior, mommy kink, pet play if you squint, Stockholm Syndrome

toxic Wanda headcanons because I'm on my period and I get to spoil myself!!

You have no idea what you're getting into when you first meet her. Wanda seems so nice and gentle when you first start talking, that you ignore the tiny red flags that may pop up when you two first become friends. For a moment, you're convinced that Wanda was entirely oblivious to your feelings at first. It's hard talking to her, so you opt to make her jealous instead.

It works a lot better than you intended and Wanda is pissed. Like, drag you to another room and spend an hour giving you hickies pissed. You stupidly take this as the sign of a new relationship, but Wanda refuses to make anything official for some weeks. She goes on "dates" with other people and won't show any affection towards you.

Eventually, she makes the demand that you two won't become official until you've "cleansed yourself". You agree without even thinking about it but immediately regret when she makes you kneel on the bathroom floor and open your mouth so she can brush your teeth with soap. Wanda makes you gargle it like seven times before she's done and then she spits in your mouth. She makes up for it by giving you a bath, but she gets you dirty again because she face fucks you to finalize the process.

After that, you two have a constant on again/off again relationship. Wanda constantly blames you for it though. In her mind, the rules she makes are completely reasonable and you're just being difficult when you refuse to follow them. It's always you who comes crying back to her because you'd rather die than live without her.

It's on, then off, then on again only a few more times. After putting up with her god awful behavior enough times, you end up leaving for goods. You don't even bother telling her you've moved out. One day she comes home and it's half empty. You're lucky you don't get to see her flip her lid. She nearly destroyed the whole apartment that day.

Not that it truly matters. Wanda spends weeks stalking you. What she finds genuinely makes her sick. You're independent. Living on your own and you seem happy. Wanda doesn't know what to do with herself. You need her and she's going to remind you whether you like it or not.

Her plan is simple. Wanda shows up once you come back from work and acts like nothing happened. She pushes right into your house and suddenly it's all "oh babe, you look so tired. why don't I make you dinner today? I'm sure you forgot to eat. you're too scared to force her out and she ignores you every time you tell her to leave. Denying her doesn't work either because she's crank everything up to 11. she'll be all over talking about how much she missed you and won't ever treat you like that again.

It doesn't matter if you're not convinced because she planned on fucking you dumb and convincing you to stay with her anyway. The second she gets between your legs it's all "see, your little pussy missed my cock so much! i bet it's extra said because you tried replacing mommy with some loser who can't even fuck you half as good as I can"

You're lucky if she lets you see your friends after that. If you ever leave the house she'll put a tracker in your bag somewhere.She totally plays hero with it if you ever lose your wallet or keys because she'll just magically know where everything is

God forbid she has even the slightest physical advantage over you because she lives off of intimidating you. It's even worse because you'll grow to love it. She can toss and turn you anyway she wants and you'd be completely hopeless against her

Gaslighting 24/7. "You're hanging out with your friends more than me, why don't you just stay home tonight? You know all your friends hate me. Just stay, please?"

Oh, you fully get downgraded from partner to pet. Wanda slowly takes away your right to care for yourself. Everything from cooking to showering has to be done by her or at least with her permission. You'll be completely naked around the house and it becomes a "privilege" to sleep in the same bed as her.

Wanda loves forcing you to get body modifications too. It's just a small tattoo that says "Property of Wanda Maximoff" on your wrist. Maybe she'll force you to get matching piercings sometimes too. Anything that shows that she literally fucking owns you

Obsessed with making you cum. Like the only way you can ever get through to her is by denying her sex. Wanda has this weird thing where she can't ever force herself on to you. If you say no or can't get wet enough, she'll do absolutely anything if it means getting you to relax and go into subspace. "Please baby. Show mommy she's doing a good job and cum for me. Please? I promise I'll play nice if you do, just cum for me again."

You make the mistake of using it to get some autonomy back, but it bites you in the ass mega hard. Clothes overstimulate you now, your food doesn't taste nearly as good as Wanda's does, and you miss being on your knees for her. Of course, she rubs it in whenever you go back on the freedoms you gave yourself, but she's happy you've learned your lesson.

[albertonykus]

Another concept for the "main character Shizuka AU". This one is based on the Doraemon story "Mirror World", in which Doraemon takes Nobita through a mirror leading to a "reverse world" populated by people who have opposite personalities to their main-universe counterparts. Reverse-World Nobita, for example, is a violent bully who is dreaded by the other children in the neighborhood.

So what is Reverse-World Shizuka like? The obvious route would be to simply make her "mean Shizuka". However, what led me to explore this concept is the fact that Reverse-World Shizuka is a canon character, though she only appears in a single panel in the manga, where she mistakes main-universe Nobita for Reverse-World Nobita and tells him to stay away for being mean.

That's interesting, because at first glance that might sound more like something main-universe Shizuka would say, doesn't it? It's possible that Fujiko F. Fujio just didn't put much thought into the personalities of the Reverse-World characters other than alternate Nobita. Thinking about it though, there is some logic to Reverse-World Shizuka acting this way.

Main-universe Shizuka is very forgiving. Consider how she continues to treat Nobita kindly even after multiple occasions on which he deliberately manipulates her or invades her privacy, or how she maintains her friendships with Gian and Suneo despite knowing that they pick on others (and sometimes suffering from their bullying herself). She may get justifiably angry at her friends for these actions, but it is implied that she ultimately forgives them most of the time.

Maybe Reverse-World Shizuka is not so forgiving, and is quick to cut people off if they wrong her. That is the interpretation I've built off of, at least. What else have I come up with for Reverse-World Shizuka? Some of the obvious opposite traits from main-universe Shizuka are that she doesn't like bathing, isn't afraid of frogs, does poorly at school, and is extremely good at the violin (but dislikes playing it). She doesn't care much about following rules, and is a lot more likely than main-universe Shizuka to openly speak her mind, which means that she's often not easy to get along with. That being said, she tends to avoid direct confrontation, preferring to simply avoid those who bother her. She's fine with not having many friends, as she's a bit of a recluse who tends not to voluntarily help others without being asked. However, compared to main-universe Shizuka, it might actually be easier to persuade her into doing things that she really doesn't want to, though you can bet that she'll be grumbling all the way.

I've spilled more than enough ink on this for now, but a conversation between the two Shizukas might be an interesting scene to write someday.

[spaceorphan18]

I just need to get some feeling things off my chest - because it's in my thoughts and I feel like I'm stuck unless I express it - you know?

Anyway, I'm putting it all under a cut because A) It's XMen 97 speculation and might be spoilery? there are no spoilers but I don't want to run anyone else's fun, B) I'll be talking about Beau DeMayo, and C) lord help me, I'm bringing up Rogneto

Okay - I want to talk about this first. I read this last night and it made me throw up in my mouth a little. And my ultimate first reaction was that I was glad he was fired.

Honestly, I've been worried that we're headed on an AoA direction for a while now, and even though I actually am fine with the AoA comics, I just do not want it here. The thing, though, is that AoA was always meant to be undone - so if he had had his way and this was Season 3 out of 5, the idea of that doesn't bother me so much.

Granted (logically) - the fact that he's outright saying this when he's been so cryptic about everything else means that it wasn't ever on the table. Still - the guy is just a hardcore Magneto fan. I wouldn't be surprised if the (one) reason the triangle thing even happened is that he does/did like the idea of Rogneto.

Ultimately, to each their own - ship what you like. But doesn't mean I would enjoy that scenario.

x

Then there's this.

There's another post where he talks about using a Star Trek Next Gen episode for homework. And it's one where they're stuck in a time loop.

And it had me thinking that Rogue will get a chance to go back in time and at least tell Remy how she feels. She'll get some closure. Which is -- good for her, and I want her to not be in pain anymore.

But kinda sucks, because closure is closure, you know? And maybe dead is dead?

x

It's so funny because emotionally - my senses tell me that Gambit's story really is done. And that just makes me so sad to think about. They really did the thing and the door is closed and what next, we all move on and be happy? *sigh*

But then there's the logical part of me that kicks in. The one who has been to dark places with fandoms (and even this one) before. The one who knows that even Jean and Morph have been dead before and have come back. The one who knows that every time a comic book writer ends their tenure on a book there's always something the next writer will inevitably retcon.

There's no way - with all the experiences I've had with these mediums that Gambit stays dead. It's still a comic book world. And dead is dead just doesn't happen.

x

Also, in the while I'm thinking about it category -

Last week ole Beau teased a 'I can feel you' hint. I really think this was referring to when Rogue wakes up from her coma. She was dreaming that she could feel Remy. I'm kind of surprised I haven't seen that speculation though.

x

So, idk - I try not to spend a whole lot of time on Twitter, and this guy is ultimately fired and doesn't control direction on the show. And there's still the comics where everything is actually going pretty well. So. I really should be normal about a cartoon.

OOff.

x

ETA: I forgot I was going to mention the Grant Morrison influence.

If you pick up any trade of Morrison's run, he shares his outline of his original plans for New X-Men, and one of them was that he'd kill off Gambit to further Rogue's story. Now - Marvel was like, nope, Claremont wants to use them, so Morrison was denied. (And thank god, Claremont's XTreme run had some of the best Rogue/Gambit stuff in years.)

But I can't help but think that DeMayo may have been playing a little from that playbook. New X-Men has definitely been an influence on the show - from E is for Extinction to the psychic affair between Scott/Jean/Maddie. It wouldn't put it past me that the original Morrison outline that mentions killing Gambit off wasn't a least a little bit of an influence.

[sngj08]

[User] idol!sungchan x fem!reader

summary: Sungchan just broke up with his girlfriend he had since his debut in RIIZE. Eunseok tried to cheer him up to play roblox with him, the other members and his friends. Sungchan feels relaxed hanging out in the roblox go that he talks in the ge more often. He ends up being close to you, Eunseok's friend and Sohee's sister. You guys talk more often until things get a little complicated.

08. the deal

previous | masterlist | next

"You KNOW she and the company will react after you said that Sungchan." Eunseok said to Sungchan as he shakes his head, thinking what he has done.

"Why not just tell her we broke up so that I wont be associated with this any more cuz this seems to be the problem of you, the company and who ever that girl was back there." Yn said which made the guys look at her.

"She won't believe that either way. They broke up not long ago, she kept on bothering him recently and only now you came into the picture but then you break up randomly? She'll catch up on what's happening is not real." Anton said out of no where.

"So what do we do now? Sohee won't let this slide you know?" Eunseok said making everyone look at Sungchan for an answer.

"Then why not keep up in doing this for a few then call it off? Me and Yn don't have any mutual feelings toward each other anyways so no biggie." Sungchan shrugs off his 'smart' idea as the other members shake their heads in disappointment of how he reacts to his problems.

"Yeah, I mean whats done is done so we have to grow within it I guess." Yn said, backing up Sungchan's dumb idea.

"She really be doing a lot for her bias." Eunseok whisper's to Anton as the young one just smiles weirdly.

"Oh yeah, to make it more believable, join us later. We're eating at a hotel." Anton sparked up an idea to make the play more believable.

"Let's not, Yuni will be there-" Sungchan said making Eunseok cut him off.

"Isn't that the point?" Eunseok said while hitting his head with his palm.

As the day past and they were at the hotel, eating with other staff. Sohee was with the other members while Eunseok and Anton were busy talking to other staff. Yn was forced to stay beside Sungchan because of the idea of Sungchan playing this through. Yn was scrolling on her phone while Sungchan was eating right beside her, an idea pondered in her mind.

'It's now or never I guess' She sad while quickly opening her camera on her phone and waiting for the perfect moment until she took a picture. As she pressed the white button on her phone, you could hear a small click which caught her red handed.

"Can I see the picture?" Sungchan placed his plate down and tried to get the phone but she placed it behind her.

"No." She said as he suddenly snatched it behind her because of her height difference.

"Don't post that! Retake it." He sad giving the phone back without deleting it and quickly grabbed his plate and posed.

"Uhh." Yn was surprised by his personality but shrugged it off and took another picture with a smile on her face.

"Let me see~" Sungchan said while she handed over her phone for him to see.

"Can you send it to me? I'll make sure to credit you." He said taking his phone out, waiting for the photo on his phone.

"Thanks!" He said as he soon received it and started making the story.

"There, I posted it and tagged you." He said showing the phone to her very quickly.

taglist: (open) @saranghoeforanton @onlyhyunjin @enhacolor

note: tried to make this as interesting as possible for today!! I was lowkey shocked people wanted this story to be posted more in the poll I made today so right when the numbers started shooting up, I have made this chapter last minute so no corrections at have been done as of right now but I will totally be looking at this tomorrow, fixing and editing the story without changing the story line... this is my first time making a fake instagram story thing from scratch on my laptop and it looks so real with my sleepy eyes lol... spoiler: I also made a fake twitter photo and was going to use it here but I think it would be better for next chapter so please look forward to it and dont forget to like!!

[yournaothings]

I have a lot of wip, more for myself that I'll probably, most likely never share. But, I was thinking of all the little fics and stories I've been writing.

Undertale, my favorite Sans is Reaper. Yet, I haven't written anything for him. I have an idea for Reaper, but it involves Geno and Goth.

Basically, reader (totally a self insert by the way 👀) is roommates with Reaper and Geno. Simply because she needed a place to stay when she met Reaper. Of course he told her to move in before asking Geno.

Geno isn't happy about this, especially since Goth is about a year old now. Reaper letting a stranger in their home was reckless, but Reaper promised that reader was safe.

Reader moves in, she doesn't own a lot of stuff, so it's easy and mostly stress free. She has a decent job, getting paid minimum wage. She buys her own food and once in a while will cook for Reaper and Geno. (This doesn't happen until after Geno warms up to her.)

Eventually, Reader agrees to babysit Goth. Here is where it gets messy. With more free time, Geno is able to do more and have more time alone (without Reaper around too, lol.) but, Goth starts loving on reader; because she sings to him a lot. So, Goth recognizes her voice and will want her.

Example; Reader wakes in the middle of the night to hear Goth crying. She goes in to check on him; after she cares for him and warms him up something to eat, she lays on the sofa in the living room while cradling him. They fall asleep there.

Geno wakes in the early morning- the sun isn't up yet. He panics and wakes Reaper. "Goth is missing!"

Reaper isn't too concerned, but he does get up and help Geno search for Goth. He could have climbed out of his crib- after all, he was an adventurous little guy.

Geno rushes into the living and sees Reader cradling a snoozing Goth, while she sleeps. He's well protected, positioned to where when he moves or tries to escape, she'll wake up.

Reaper awes, and is quick to snap a picture cause it's so cute!

Geno is /pissed/ but doesn't voice it- his face sure does show it though. Reaper is not bothered. Geno gently removes Goth from reader which startles reader awake. Geno walks away while Reaper calms the reader's worries.

Days go by, reader notices that Geno is giving her the cold shoulder and isn't allowing her to help with Goth unless Reaper has Goth.

And of course, this makes Reader upset. She goes to Reaper about it. "Is Geno angry with me?"

"of course! He's just been busy with other things-"

"Geno acts like I'm going to steal Goth, Reaper. Did I... Overstep?"

"no, of course not. Don't worry about it, I'll talk with him. He's not angry."

Reader isn't convinced, but is left to let it go for now. Until she over hears Reaper and Geno talking about the issue.

"Of course I'm angry! Goth is /my/ child! I'm the parent! She doesn't need to worry about caring for Goth."

Reaper isn't upset and only grins. "She just wanted to help. Don't be angry, just let her know when you need help-"

"I don't need it."

"....you're jealous that Goth has been wanting to spend more time with reader, aren't you?" Reaper finds this funny and tells Geno this. It makes Geno more upset but Geno eventually promises to talk to reader.

Reader hears most of the conversation and walks away. She decides maybe it's best to move out. She's causing problems with Geno and she doesn't mean to. Last thing she needs to do is split the two up.

Reader leaves for work early the next morning, Geno isn't able to speak with her until she comes home. However, it comes to a surprise when she does come home that she tells Geno that she's found a new apartment.

"I can give my next month's payment before I leave."

"Wha- why are you leaving?"

Reader is uncomfortable with confrontation and starts to get nervous and twitchy, ready to run away if needed. (And trust me, in her head, it's needed.)

"... I think I have overstayed my welcome here. So, I figured I'd find somewhere else to live."

Geno is stunned, speechless. All the while, Goth is in his arms, cooing cutely between the adults. He has no idea the stress they're feeling.

"No- reader. You haven't-" He sighs and begins to apologize for his behavior. "I'm just don't want Goth getting hurt." While it's true, he didn't tell her /everything/.

Reader is tense, but soon relaxes. "I understand being protective. I'm sorry for jumping to conclusions-"

She doesn't move out. From then on, her and Geno are on better terms and Reaper is ecstatic about it.

Then begins the love interests.

I know this is pretty messy, this is kinda how I get my plots put down before writing. 😅 Anyway, if anyone is interested in seeing more of this story, let me know.

Fun fact, by the way. My intentions when beginning stories is writing for she/her but I always end up with "they". Which is weird cause I never used to write like that. But, in the end, it makes me happy cause then /everyone/ is able to enjoy. I hope, anyway.

[lucius-morningstar]

Next Time Listen

Lucius decides to go to Cannibal Town with his mother, it goes about as well as you'd think. ----- Lilith: Lucius focus please. Lucius: Huh? Lilith: What did I just say? Lucius: Focus Please? Lilith: Before that. Lucius: You said my name. Lilith: .... Lucius: ..Sorry. Lilith: *Sighs* Look I get that cannibal town is piquing your interest but I need you to focus on why we're here. Lucius: Still don't know why I'm here, Rosie and you usually talk alone. What could I benefit from being here and why didn't Charlie come along. Lilith: ..The cannibals freak her out a little and I asked you to come along so you can learn more about your people. What I've been trying to do for a while but you've been insistent on staying close to home. Close to Charlie. Lucius: That bother you? Lilith: Not bother, more concerns me. You're allowed to make friends out here you know. Learn how people work. Lucius: Didn't dad say- Lilith: Your father speaks out of hurt, these are his people whether he likes it or not. Are you actually talking to him again. Lucius: Not as of late but on the times he tries to talk he's making sure we don't make deals. Like he thinks we're 40 or something. Lilith: ..He's just looking out for you in his own way. Lucius: Yeah well maybe if he made more of an effort to see us I'd believe that. Lilith: Lucius it's- Lucius: Complicated so you keep saying, so he keeps saying. Lilith: First of all, do not cut me off and second. It's more complicated then you think. There's a lot going on right now. Lucius: We're almost in our two hundreds and the most we get out of him is a text message, when he's not doing that he's asking for favors. Lilith: Yes, I know. Lucius: Just because he's choosing to be a shut in- Lilith: Lucius enough. I'm sorry I brought it up let's just.. Do what we need to do. Lucius: ... ------- Rosie: Why I can't believe my sore eyes. If it isn't the Queen herself coming to visit lil old me and did she bring herself a new man. I kid I know it's you, your highness. How are you doing Prince Lucius. Lucius: Fine Rosie, and you. Rosie: Oh you wouldn't believe it, a new overlord is rising the ranks and with two young girls no less. She's becoming quite the name for herself. Lilith: Is she now, do tell me more. Over tea perhaps. Rosie: You read my mind dearie. Lilith: Lucius, why don't you explore around town and please, do not cause any trouble. No flirting with any young debutants. Lucius: Oh mother I am hurt, do you know who I am. Lilith: Yes and that's exactly why I'm telling you to listen to me. No flirting. Lucius: Yeah yea, I'll see you in an hour. Rosie: ..He's not going to listen is he. Lilith: What do you think? ------ Lilith: Were you able to behave yourself. Lucius: Mhm.. Lilith: ..What did you do. Lucius: Nothing. Lilith: Then why are you sitting like that. Lucius: Promise not to get mad. Lilith: What'd you do.. Lucius: I-I met a girl. Lilith: What happened? ---- Lilith: Oh my satan, what were you thinking. Lucius: She was hot and when she offered to go down I didn't think she was gonna do that. Lilith: Oh for fucks sake-.. You're seeing Bel and you're telling her what happened. Lucius: Please don't make me do that, she'll tell Bee. Lilith: Good, then maybe next time you won't go shagging with a cannibal. I told you to listen! Lucius: I didn't think she'd turn my dick into a piccolo flute! Lilith: How did she even do that, you let her bite more then once?! Lucius: Well... Lilith: Lucius Morningstar, Next time listen to me!

[knightyoomyoui]

SaHyo (Sana x Jihyo) - "Middle Ground"

Jihyo reflects on how much it would take for her vulnerability to move forward through her journey alone, finding that her wife, Sana: the sole significant person who satisfied her desire for connection, gave her a deeper sense of purpose in life, and established a loving relationship with her; is now slowly slipping away from her loving grasp.

Jihyo is in the middle of a drive in the cold, dreary, rainy weather that forces most of the roadways in Seoul congested with traffic.

She is indeed not in the mood to try and offer patience in this circumstance, especially when she's already drained from the demanding schedule she just finished for today.

She wants to rest immediately, but of course there's no way she'll be spending a lot of time staying in this particular place that feels suffocating, noisy, and messy.

She wants to be at home again. Inside her comfy room, with her precious wife Sana by her side. As she leaned her head back to relax her neck while waiting for the cars to move again, her phone went beeping.

A phone call incoming from her wife Sana appeared on the screen. She quickly grabbed and answered it to hear her wife's soothing voice that will put her in ease immediately despite of her current situation she is into.

She just miss her so much already, so she already provided her attention for Sana as urgent as possible.

"Hi, babe." Jihyo greeted Sana. "You already at home?"

"I'm already here, 2 hours ago." Sana answered. Her voice was stoic and lower. From the other line, she is just sitting unamused and blank on the floor of the living room, her back is leaning on the wall with the telephone in her hand.

"Oh good, I'm already on my way there. I am just stuck right now in this damn traffic." Jihyo hissed.

"Mmmhmm... okay." Sana said uninterestingly. The call went silent for a moment, both sides has no idea how to respond. Jihyo starting to feel that something's different from the way how Sana is conversing.

"You still there, babe?"

"Yeah."

"Are you sleepy now? You can go to bed now without me, I'll just gonna join you later when I get there."

Jihyo only heard a sigh. Sana was shaking her head as she lowered it, done enough with this usual scenario that both of them couldn't just be together on the right time where they mostly need theirselves the most.

"Ji." Sana called her wife's nickname. "C-Can you listen to what I'm going to say?"

"Sure, what is it?"

Sana looks upon the nightsky with her pale eyes, her heart aching as she prepares herself from what she's about to tell to her wife.

It's no doubt that her marriage with Jihyo for 2 years was an adventure of a lifetime experience. A dream come true and an honor to fall in love and win this magnificent woman's heart.

Their relationship was surely to be depicted as a story filled with highs and lows, but if Sana can notice this, then definitely Jihyo should be the same.

But this is where they diverge from one another.

If Jihyo could remain optimistic and positive, Sana was just completely bothered and cautious.

Until finally tonight, she could no longer get her grip tight and avoid going into danger.

She is tired already of pretending, despite of here best efforts that no matter how much she wants to try and keep the two of them safe, she knows that in the end it will just lead to both of them accepting the damaging outcome.

Because it feels like after all this time, they were just destined to lose, particularly when they share in common that drags both of them down and prevents them from controlling this one truly important word known as freedom.

"I-... I don't think... this could go on further anymore." She swallowed in her throat, clearing up the bitter taste that was left of saying it in her mouth.

What do you mean, Sana?" Jihyo asked puzzledly.

Sana's tears drop slowly in her cheeks, but her face remains uncontorted, as she is still busy viewing the nightsky with all their memories they made together replaying in her mind.

"Jihyo, can you just wake up to the reality and see what's happening to us?" Sana said on the phone. "I think this isn't working anymore for the both of us. We should end this all tonight."

Jihyo leaned away from the driver's seat, surprised and nervous at what Sana is trying to tell. "W-what are you saying, Sana? Are you being serious, right now?"

"I've been contemplating about this for quite some time now, Ji." Sana replied. "I tried to consider the better option, but from what I've been observing between it makes me to decide again on what's truly right to choose."

"Jihyo, we're losing our track now. I couldn't see the direction we are heading if we are just both lost in our ways. Just for tonight, admit it and be honest with me: you know it too, right?"

Jihyo rubs her face and places her hand on the steering wheel with a clenching fist. "I-I know. Is this because we are losing too much time for each other, Sana? Because I'm telling you for real, I've been giving it all to try and save some to just be with you, like today? Don't you see it?"

"How could you ask me that if I'm the one who's telling you here about what it does to us?" Sana confusingly asked.

"Ji, I know that both of us are idols. We have a career to prioritize and entertain the fans by preparing treats of what we could provide to them. We have to comply with our daily hectic schedules in our company most of the hours, but if we are going to continue having this along with our relationship... it doesn't feel compatible anymore.

Jihyo, we're just forcing ourselves anymore with all of the reasons we could have to stay together. Nothing seems sincere, and I hate that."

Jihyo rubs her temple and closes her eyes as the emotions start to increase within her.

She knew about this main problem they've been going through but never dared to properly speak or talk about it.

People close to them who had an idea of their situation has started to take sides, and their mothers were simply frightened for their status.

She thought it would be a good idea to just ignore it and continue her best to keep their relationship strong.

But she was wrong, in fact; she's now facing her worst inevitable fears that have successfully manifested from her mistake.

She should've made things clear for both of them earlier.

Was it crazy for her to believe all this time that there was a middle ground for them?

"Sha, I know that what we're going through is hard, but there was never a time that I struggled to make you recognize how much I love you. I never "tried" to love you; that's out of concern. Please... don't do this." Jihyo begged, her hand holding the phone beginning to tremble in fright. "A part of me still believes we could make it out, alright? Tell me you're regretting it, Sana. Tell me you're not giving up."

Sana sniffs at her tears, wiping them off. Her breaths became heavy. "Why does it need to be difficult for us, Ji?"

Jihyo felt like her heart was crumbling when she heard how Sana just released all of the stress and exhaustion that that one single question, which says it all, brought on her.

I know what we've put ourselves into, but... All I ever seek is to be with you when it matters the most, yet our job keeps on pulling us apart like it was intentional, a sign that I have to sacrifice something important to lose.

Jihyo, I love you, and I never get tired of saying this to you. I feel for you too, but... I just could no longer tolorate our current state anymore. We deserve better, and I think it's not going to happen unless we find it ourselves. on our own this time.

I regret that I have to break up with you, but it's the only way. I'm sorry if I'm not choosing you to be saved, but we still have a family and a career to prioritize. At least we're doing this for good. Let's break up here and now, Jihyo. Thank you for everything. For being my first and last love. For being my wife."

"Sana, no... don't...." Jihyo shakes her head, her face narrows as she lets out desperate whimpers and an agonizing sobs through the phone. "Don't go, please. We'll find a way, just don't leave me."

Jihyo feels like she could be down on her knees right now, pleading as she needs her to believe there's still a way to solve this.

Sana just holds the telephone in her ear as she listens to her poor wife's devastating and yearning cries. "It's going to be okay, Ji. We're going to be okay."

"It's not..." Jihyo said breathily. "In all my life, I needed more than myself. I needed what I have never felt. You brought the answers all to me, Sana. How c-can I be okay now that I'm losing you?"

Sana nodded as she understands it clearly what Jihyo meant.

She was her peace, hope, guidance, the light, the reason for her existence and many more.

She keeps on whispering "I'm sorry" to herself as she cries while listening to Jihyo's sorrowful wondering.

"I'm not mine and I'm not even yours anymore. I'm just not sure of anything now, Sana." Jihyo wailed. "Please, just... let me know. Would you hear the sound, Sana? Will you still be there once I search for you?"

"I will, now that we can be free again to do whatever we want. I will simply come after you, probably as your friend now even though my heart would always be yours."

Finally, Sana smiled a little from the response she gave to Jihyo. She wants to assure theirselves that nothing between them would be affected negatively after what happened this night.

She wants their connection, their closeness, and their memories to stay intact.

Because as for Sana, she can't muster to lose Jihyo also in her life.

She doesn't want her to be a stranger, and to be just a part of her memories sooner.

She still needs someone special like Jihyo.

Jihyo had the exact same reaction as Sana. She tightlipped, and her tears welled in her exhausted eyes. "I will count on that."

"Goodbye, Jihyo. Now go home and sleep with me one last time. Don't worry about me; I'll still wait for you. Then, we can release all our pain together."

Minutes later, Jihyo eventually escaped the traffic and went home safely. She kissed Sana with a bit of aggression, not wanting the last opportunity to go to waste.

Sana caressed Jihyo's hair as the younger girl collapsed on her knees like she felt compelled to do so, profusely apologizing to her that she had failed to protect this relationship they had.

They embraced together in the bed, Sana consoles Jihyo as she watches her slowly fall asleep.

She noticed their hands touching together, Jihyo's fingers intertwined with her exactly as to how it looks like whenever she holds her hand.

Jihyo doesn't want her to let go.

Sana's tears flow out in her cheeks again as she slowly removes her hand on Jihyo's after giving it a final squeeze.

"I also want to have faith in it too, Jihyo. This is not going to be the last of us, I'm staying and I'll be waiting. One day, maybe we can start all over again.

I will never change, it will still be you I would be in love to."

Sana presses her head against Jihyo and hugs her in slumber for the last time as her motion of temporary farewell for her lover inside their personal bedroom, where they shared most of their intimate memories that occurred here; to leave this dreadful night and enter their respective dreams where they are together without getting opposed and to worry about.

A dream that is, hopefully... a glimpse of the future that lies ahead for them.

[widowstingsposts]

Words: 1582 words

:Very Fluff:

Summary: Y/n and Natasha is married and they have two daughters their oldest is asked by someone a date and gonna ask permission from both of her parents.

Not proofread

________________________________________________________________________________________

Y/N-

It's a normal Saturday here in our house. Our 5 year old Daughter would be in her room playing with her toys and our 16 year old Daughter would be in her room as well doing her own stuff. My Wife Natasha is in the compound doing her paper works or doing training with the new recruits.

Currently im making our lunch when suddenly my eldest Daughter came and sit on the chair near me.

"Hey Xine, Darling you need something?" I said while chopping some Potatoes.

"Mommy....." She said while fidgeting her fingers.

"Come on Sweetie, you know that you can tell me everything." I calmly said still cooking our lunch.

"Theresthispersonthataskmeoutandisaidyesbutidontknowhowtotellyouormommabecauseiknowyoubothwillfreakout" she said faster than Pietro. So i look at her stop on what im doing even turn off the stove.

"Darling sweetheart i need you to speak slowly so i can understand what you said."

"There's this person who ask me out and i said yes but i dont know how to tell you or Momma because i know you both will freak out..." She said slowly and making sure that it was understable but still fidgeting her fingers.

"Oohhh......My lovely daughter is a big girl now someone ask her out.." teasing her and a bright pink appired in her cheeks

"So..... who's the Guy?" Asking her while turning on the stove and continue what im doing.

"One of my Classmates and it's a Girl...." Looking down after she said those words. That makes me look at her and cope her face to look at me.

"Hey sweetie it's ok if that person is a He or She as long as that person will take good care of my baby girl that it'll be fine with me." Hugging her tightly after telling her those things. I feel her arms around me before telling me "Thanks Mommy.." burying her face in my chest.

Pushing her out of my embrace. "But you know we do need to tell your Momma about this like you said she'll freak out." I told her while looking at her.

" I know... that's why i told you first before telling her." Looking at me nervously

Both of our girls are scared of Nat. Because she is the one who gives them authority and im the one who's always gives what they wanted specially when they give me their puppy eyes and pout im a sucker for those faces.

"How about i talk to her first conditioning her and then you ask her permission?..Hows that sound to you?" I ask her. I don't want to be the one telling Natasha about her date i mean it's her date and she needed to experience things like asking her parents permission for a date.

"That's unfair!!!" Xyra our youngest shout from the stairs.

"Why big sis gets a cuddle and i don't!?" Xyra said while walking towards us.

Xyra speaks straight at her age because we never baby talk her and she was smart at her age. Both of my girls snuggle with me and and help me doing our lunch.

~Fast Forwad~

After we eat im still thinking on how would i Condition Nat about Xine's date i know this will be a big deal for her given the fact that she doesn't see us more often because of her work and she needs to stay at the compound more specially now they give her a lot of mission and it will be more convinient for her and safe for us her staying at the compound.

"Mommy!! Mommy!! Mommy!!" Xyra snapping me out of my deep thoughts.

"What's the matter sweetcake?" I said walking towards her.

I see her being carried by Natasha. I didn't know that i was lost im my own thoughts for so long that i didn't realize that Nat was here.

"My love....are you ok?" She ask me worriedly

"Yeah... Im just thinking of something don't worry." assuring her

She put down Xyra and walks toward me and kiss me passionately and full of love.

"My love im your wife you can tell me everything if something is bothering you." assuring me that i can tell her everything. She cuddles with me and telling me sweet nothings until we heared a snapping of camera followed by a bright flash

I saw our daughters holding my phone and taking a picture of us cuddling so we decided to to snuggle in our living room and watch some movie.

In the middle of movie i heared a small snores so i look at my youngest daughter and see that she have been fall asleep while watching the movie. And i thinks its the right time to tell Natasha about our Xine's Date since it's just the three of us awake.

"Honey, my love so sweet....." I whisper in her ear.

"What do you want?" Nat ask me while giving me her famous smirk.

"I wanna tell you something but promise me that you won't freak out.." i said and look her very nervously

I saw her face tense up and look at me full of worry and panic.

" Let's talk later... I'll just put Xyra in her bed" she told me lifting Xyra while giving me a forehead kiss.

"Uhm....this involved Xine as well.." i told her and she look at Xine so i followed her gaze. Seeing Xine tense up and looking down fidgeting her fingers so i reach for her and hold her hands

"Well talk when i get back.." Nat said sternly while looking at us deaply in our souls. At that moment i think my soul left my body.

Nat was caring, loving, sweet, and big softie yet she was scary specially when it comes to our safety and health.

I kept holding my Daughter's hands and squeezing it to assured her.

After a felt forever Natasha arrived with her serious stare and eyeing the both of us.

"Hun....you know that our Xine is 16 year old already right?" I stand up and walk towards her. Still giving us her stern look.

"And she would do something and make a decision of her own...." I continue and cuddle her. She kept her silence

"But ofcourse she needs to ask her parents for blessing and permission..." I look at her directly in her eyes. She stares at me like saying that she knows. Im about to continue what im saying when Xine Cut me off.

"Momma..... There's this person who i really like ask me out and i said yes..... So i was just wondering if you would let me out for a date?" Xine said looking at her fingers like it was the most interesting thing to look at.

-Natasha-

"Momma..... There's this person who i really like ask me out and i said yes..... So i was just wondering if you would let me out for a date?" Hearing those words from my daughter felt like my soul left my body.

"WAIT WHAT!?" I look at my daughter and my wife for a minute.

"YOU AGREE WITH THAT!?" I ask Y/n angrily and look at her but i know the second i look at her deep e/c eyes almost immediately it calm me down. I really can afford to be mad at her for a very long time.

"Ok so......... you're asking for my permission to go out for a date?" I said calmly this time.

Looking at my daughter seeing her looking down on her feet. I sigh heavily and hold my wife's waist pulling her walking to our daughter's direction. We sit besides her.

"Do i get to know this guy first?" I ask her.

"Uhm...... It's a she Momma..." She whispered but enough for me to hear what she said.

"Then do i get to know this girl first before you go with her for a date?" Asking her again this time looking at her and holding her hands.

She looks up to me and smile widely. "Sure i'll text her and tell her that you both wanted to meet her." She said smiling widely and snuggling in me more.

Then suddenly Xine pulled away and told us that she would just be in her room texting the girl that we want to meet her first. When our daughter is gone. I hold my wife tightly like she was my lifeline.

"Thank you for not keeping it a secret to me." Whispering in her ear still holding her tightly but not enough to hurt her.

"Even if im not here very often because of my line of work you always make them include me in their lives."

"And also thank you for loving me, saving me in anyway that the person can be loved and saved." Holding her face this time and locking my sight with her deep e/c eyes.

" I love you and our kids more than everything." Kissing her passionately to make her feel how much i love her and adored her.

She brings out the best of me. Tamed the monster that my past build in me. Accepting me for who and what i am. Making me feel things that i don't know i have.

I look at her face again memorizing her features.

"I love you forever my Natalia." She said and close the gap between us once again.

And I'm willing to do anything just to proctect this family that i build with her.

P.S just inspired of something but original story....hikhok

[kachikirby]

GranEssex Chronicles: Chapter 18 - The Turnabout

The day after the tournament concluded, Meta and Fettuccine were ready to head out on their journey to prove the innocence of the kind doctor Erhard. Currently he was being seen off by Kurabe, who was simultaneously sad and proud about him leaving.

"Meta, not that I don't trust you to, but please be safe on your trip. And please call me twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, ok?"

"Sensei, I'll be fine. Besides Mercury's coming with us, isn't she? You don't need to worry about me."

"I may not need to, but I still will. I worry about everyone under my command."

"I know, but still. I'll be fine."

"You still need to call me regardless. I can't help with the case if you don't keep me updated."

"But Mercury can do that, can't she?"

His mentor gave a huff. "Well, I'm sorry I'm that replaceable to you!"

"Sensei, that's not what I meant." He replied, only to see her laugh.

"I know, I'm just teasing you. I know that you'll never stop caring for me, just as I'll never stop caring for you. Seriously though Meta, there is a reason I want you to be the one to call me."

He tilted his head in questioning. "What is it?"

"Training. You don't have much experience giving progress reports. While admittedly boring, it's still an important thing to be good at."

He let out a groan. "I know, I know. Trust me, Meta, I wouldn't have you bother with it if it wasn't important."

"I understand, sensei."

"Good. I don't need to worry about you, at least in terms of combat. But you will encounter some people who like... to play mind games. I haven't fully prepared you for that, so be careful."

For some reason, that made Meta grow concerned. "What do you mean?"

"The legal division, they tend to talk a lot. They also tend to find weaknesses in a person. They will try to mess with you, get you to say what they want to hear without you even realizing it. My advice, stay close to Fettuccine, let her deal with them. Don't let yourself get in a situation where you are alone."

"But shouldn't I worry about her as well?"

"No, she's prepared to deal with those people. It's practically apart of her job."

"Ok..." Meta slightly frowned. Hearing that gave him a feeling of helplessness and he disliked that.

"But. Don't think you'll be useless. I know you, Meta, you're very sharp, good at reading people. Besides, there's some situations that need a bit of...muscle to solve."

"Like what? Won't this just be speaking? You know I'm not good with speaking!" By his tone, his mentor could tell he was upset by this.

"Meta, some people refuse to talk and when that happens." The air around suddenly became cold and her eyes hardened. "You need to make them feel fear, then they will talk."

"But I'm not good as you with that!"

"Oh, my sweet Meta, you don't give yourself enough credit. And don't compare yourself to me, that's really not fair to you. You have the talent, or are you forgetting the time you made someone faint from fear just by glaring at them?"

"...did that happen? Or was that because you were with me?"

"Stop that, you're doubting yourself again. And no, I wasn't with you when that happened. I walked in after you caused him to faint. That was all you."

"Could you blame me after I was told I would be mostly useless?"

"Meta, when did I say you would be useless? Like did I actually say that or are you just giving up before you even get started?"

"You didn't say it, but you implied it!"

"No, I implied that it would be difficult on you, but not impossible. I have faith in you, don't think for a second that I don't." She then flicked him on the forehead. "I even specifically said that you wouldn't be useless. If a fight arises, you will be the only one who can protect Fettuccine. You have decent detective skills. And most importantly, you are a pillar."

"...A what?"

"A pillar. Meta, Fettuccine needs you. She'll need your support, otherwise she'll crack under the pressure. Unfortunately, maybe even shatter if it gets that's stressful for her. She has complete trust in you, so it's up to you to keep her calm. You're the only one who can."

Meta was silent as if he was skeptical.

"Why are you so skeptical? You have arguably the most important job because of that."

"But what about Mercury?"

"Fettuccine doesn't know Mercury. Her trust for her is only that of associates, nothing more. You, however, are close friends. She trusts you enough to tell you about her goal, something very few people knew about. Hell, all the progress she's made recently is because of your assistance. Your presence. Not Mercury, not me, but you." Kurabe gave another sigh. "I hope that you understand how important your role is on this mission now."

"...So even if I'm not as smart as her, I'm still just as useful to her regardless? Is that what you mean?"

"Of course. Again, your job is protecting her and giving her support!"

Meta nodded, feeling more confident, but also scared. Not for himself, however... "...Will she really shatter without my encouragement?" He then paused before continuing. "...as in her core?"

Kurabe gave him a sad look. "Yes. It's rare and unlikely to happen, but a Limet's core can shatter from stress. That's why you are so important. You need to protect her, both in mind and in body."

"...I can imagine this would be a situation where that could happen..."

"Exactly. That's why you have arguably the most important job. You are a guardian and I know you can keep her safe. I have complete faith in you. She has complete faith in you."

"...thank you, sensei."

"No need to thank me, Meta. Just do your best, that's all I ask of you."

He nodded in understanding.

"Do you have any more questions?"

"No, I think I'll be fine now, sensei."

Kurabe gave a smile. "Good." She then gently patted his back. "Now you better get going."

"Ok!" He nodded happily. "I'll make you proud, sensei."

"You always do."

The youth only smiled at those words.

"Now go, Meta, be the guardian I know you are."

"I will, sensei!"

Kurabe smiled. "Now, go!"

Meta nodded and ran off.

"...He's growing up at an impressive rate, isn't he Mercury?" She asked, seeing the silvery woman step out from behind a corner.

"Yeah, he is. I assume that's why you didn't hug him?"

"Somewhat. Besides, I'll just hug him when he gets back. I have a feeling he will want one."

"And what makes you think that?"

"All the political bull crap. I'd be surprised if he didn't have a splitting migraine by the end of it."

"Yeah, good point. He already hates that stuff, so it'll probably get even worse..."

"Exactly. So, I'm sure by then he'll need a hug."

Mercury chuckled. "Yeah. Besides, I'm sure Fettuccine will make up for whatever hugs he'll be missing before then."

"Right. I sincerely doubt the two will get into much trouble, but keep a good eye on them, sis."

"Oh, Meta's completely oblivious to that stuff, so it won't be a problem. But I will anyway." The silver woman replied with a smile.

"Oh, he's not... yeah, he is that oblivious, isn't he."

"Yes."

Kurabe chuckled at the blunt response. "Regardless, keep an eye on them. Not for anything dirty, but just in case they, or rather, Meta needs your support."

"I will. You can count on me."

"I know. Now you better get moving as well. Don't want to keep them waiting."

Mercury gave a nod and walked off with her baggage in hand.

---------

Meanwhile, Fettuccine was waiting at the star jet they would be taking, her baggage already on board.

"Hiya, Metty! You ready to get going?" She exclaimed as she saw him approaching her.

"As ready as I can be, Fetty."

"You got any luggage?"

"Yeah." He said, pulling a suitcase from out of his cape.

"Alright, let's add that in."

Meta nodded and walked past her, stopping in his tracks right before he fully went in. "I'll protect you."

Fettuccine blinked for a moment, but then began to blush. "I... thank you, Metty..."

"You're welcome." He replied, not knowing why she was blushing.

Seeing this, Fettuccine quickly tried to go back to normal. "S-so, anyway... where's Mercury?"

Meta silently pointed behind her, seeing said woman smirking at them.

"Ah, let me take your luggage!" Fettuccine quickly said as she grabbed Mercury's bag and put it in the ship, quickly entering it.

"Meta, what did you say that made her so flustered?"

"I don't know. All did that said I would protect her."

Mercury laughed. "Young people are so entertaining sometimes."

"...I don't get it."

"Well to put it this way. You know how people can be embarrassed by things they like sometimes?"

"Um... yeah?" He tilted his head.

"She loved that you said you will protect her, but how you said it caught her off guard. Just like how Kurabe praises you and you act embarrassed about it because you weren't expecting it."

"So, it's because of how nice I said it?"

"Yeah, pretty much."

He only scratched his head, somewhat confused by that. "But I wasn't trying to be nice. I was trying to be serious."

"And you were being seriously nice. Don't you think telling someone you will protect them is a nice gesture?" Her face then became serious for a moment. "Trust me, Meta, your words got through to her. She knows how serious you are about promises."

"Ok."

"Good. Now let's get inside. We have a long trip ahead of us."

The puff nodded as he walked inside the ship.

"Alright everyone, let's go over our plan again. First, we go to the legal division to get the case open again. That's honestly going to be the hardest part." Fettuccine said.

"So, what are we doing?" Meta asked.

"Heading to the main base of the legal division to open up the case."

"Let's focus on doing that first."

The puff nodded, understanding that if they didn't get the case opened up, then that would basically be game over. "Well, let's get going to their base then."

Without another word, Mercury took the controls and blasted off.

---------

In about an hour, they arrived at the planet where the legal division was stationed. Meta was about to step out, but then he saw Fettuccine with the most nervous expression he'd ever seen come from her.

"...I'd ask what's wrong, but I think I already know." He said, taking her hand.

"...Yeah. It's funny, I was so confident before, but now that I'm actually here, I can't help but think about what will happen if I fail."

"I'm nervous, too, but I think everything will be fine. You and Mercury are with me, after all." She smiled and clenched his hand. "Would you mind holding my hand until we get inside?"

"Of course. It makes you feel better, doesn't it?"

"Thank you."

"Well, let's get going, shall we?"

"Let's." She replied with a nod.

The two walked off the ship and caught up with Mercury. "You two good to go now?"

"Yeah, now let's go do this!"

"Good to see your confidence back." Mercury commented with a smile.

"Yeah, thankfully." Fettucine smiled back.

"Sensei was right. I'm the only one who can support her. Don't worry Fetty, I'll keep you from shattering, no matter what." Meta thought to himself. He noticed the woman looking at him, and she squeezed his hand harder upon seeing the determination in his eyes, as if it encouraged her.

"Well, moment of truth. Are you ready, Fetty?"

His friend gave him a smile in reply. "Yeah, I'm ready because you're with me."

Meta nodded and the group entered the building.

---------

The inside was fairly plain, set up like a typical law office. Honestly Meta was surprised by how normal it all seemed.

"...I honestly thought it would be a bit more decorative..." he thought.

"For the sticks in the mud that run this place, this is decorative." Mercury said.

"I assume you've met them before, Mercury?"

"Yeah, with Reedy. They're technically under the Intelligence division's jurisdiction, actually."

"Really? Then why not have Reedy command them to open the case?"

"While I wish it was that easy, that would be an abuse of authority. And you know how much Reedy values following the rules."

"Not even if his younger sister asks him?"

"Again, abuse of authority. If I could easily get Reedy to do it, I would. However, if Reedy did abuse his authority, there's a chance he could get demoted. I'm not going to risk ruining my brother's career. So, we have just had to do this the legal way."

Meta only sighed.

"I prefer it this way, actually." Fettuccine said.

"Why's that?" The youth tilted his head in questioning.

"That's simple, really. I want to make a real difference; I want to expose how corrupt and unfair certain aspects of the legal division are. I can't exactly achieve that if I just have Reedy do it for me."

Meta nodded in understanding. "I see. That makes sense."

"And even if it's harder that way, it will be worth it once Erhard is finally set free."

"Yeah. I agree." The youth smiled. "So, is there anything I can do at the moment, Fetty?"

"Just stay by my side."

The soldier nodded, understanding just how important he really was right now.

"I'll be waiting outside, just to make sure no one bothers you two while you get to work." Mercury said as she walked out.

The two nodded and walked up to the desk of the division's leader, Wolfreid.

"Fettuccine, what business do you have here?" He asked in deep yet polite voice.

The woman briefly gazed at Meta before answering. "I'm here to ask for you to reopen the Erhard case."

"What for?"

"Because I have some information pertaining to the case that proves that there's still mysteries needing to be solved."

He seemed to stare for a moment. "I see. And what is that information?"

Meta noticed Fettuccine was starting to shake and silently grabbed her hand. "Relax, Fetty, you can do this."

She breathed out deeply to clear her thoughts. "To begin with, there are a few individuals connected to the incident that have gone unaccounted for. Not dead, not in lockdown. Just gone. These individuals were also directly connected to Erhard."

"And do you have the names of these individuals and their relation to Mr. Quinter?"

"Wade and Rebecca Forde, the children of Dr. Dru Forde. The doctor Erhard worked for."

"I see. And do you have any other evidence that they might somehow be connected?"

"Yes. Erhard begun to regain a few memories about them. How one of them always argued with the doctor. Then there's one other important detail. Veno, the one in charge of the case as I'm sure you're aware of, is the Stepbrother of Dru. And don't you find it strange that he was quick to blame Erhard despite there being no incriminating evidence against him outside of him being there?"

"I can see why that was unusual. That is why Veno submitted a report about his findings."

"I believe I can uncover the truth. Please, just give me a chance. You can even put me on a strict time limit if needed."

The man stared for a moment. "...very well. I've heard about you from the intelligence division head and I'm interested to see your abilities. I'll give you... say... 5 days."

Meta looked shocked and quickly looked at Fettuccine, who was sweating. "Fetty...I believe you can do it."

However, she still seemed frozen.

"Fetty, calm down. You have what it takes. You are the only one who can save Erhard."

"That will be fine." She managed to say, making Wolfreid raise an eyebrow.

"Are you sure?"

The woman breathed deeply before replying with her answer. "Yes, it will."

"Very well then. The case will now be officially open once again. Good luck to you, Fettuccine and you... what is your name?" He asked Meta.

"My name is Meta."

The man gave a chuckle. "I see, the unkillable's student. I assume you are assisting Fettuccine?"

"Yes, I am."

"Relax. A good assistant needs to be less stiff. Take it from me. Now you two, good luck with your investigation."

"Thank you very much, sir." Fettuccine said. "Let's go Meta."

The youth nodded and followed after his friend.

"He was a lot more reasonable than I expected." Meta commented, seeing Fettuccine visibly relax. She only silently nodded in response. "...are you ok?"

"Metty, do you really think we can solve a case like this in five days?"

"If we work together, I think so. Everyone talks about how smart you are, Fetty."

"Yeah, but-"

"No "buts" about it. You are going to do it and that's final."

She smiled quietly. "...thank you, Metty."

"You're welcome. Now let's get back to Mercury so we can tell her the good news."

"Ok." She nodded as they began to head back to the ship.

"You'll also need to call Kurabe, Meta, let her know she can legally read Erhard's mind now."

"I will when I get back to the ship."

"I know that, silly." She giggled, which Meta was glad to hear.

"She seems to be better already." He thought as he smiled, and they continued their return to the starship.

---------

Once more, Meta spoke up on their trip back. "So, where do we even begin searching? The school it happened at?"

"That would probably be the best location to start with." The woman replied, with her friend nodding and then gaining a quizzical expression.

"Fetty, do you know who owns the school?"

"I believe it's the king of Brightfall. While he doesn't rule Currumpaw, he donated a lot to help build and fund the school..."

Meta blinked for a moment as if that sounded familiar. "...Wait, Brightfall. That sounds familiar. Oh, the loud penguin!"

"Oh, you've met King Bebebe before?" She asked.

"You could say that. He was a guest at that party. He was incredibly cooperative, if a bit noisy."

"Yeah, that does sound like him. I guess it also makes sense that you'd know about him since he's one of Kurabe's closest friends."

"Yeah, if anything this is a lucky coincidence. He should be willing to help us."

"Especially if I'm with you, probably."

"Right. How far away is Brightfall anyway?"

"About an hour from here."

Meta nodded as waved at Mercury who was waiting for them.

"Hey, you two, good news I hope?"

"Yeah, he's reopening it and we've gotta solve it in 5 days."

"Well, the reopening part is good at least."

"Yup. Now we've gotta head to Brightfall to talk to the owner of the university where the incident occurred."

"And you need to call Kurabe, Metty."

"I know, I know..." He grumbled as he walked onto the starship.

"It's important to the mission. We need her to read his mind ASAP."

"I know..." Meta dialed Kurabe's number on his phone and waited.

Almost immediately, she picked up. "Hello?"

"Hello, sensei. We got the case open, so you can dive into Erhard's head now."

"I see. That's good. How are you holding up?"

"I'm doing fine. And... you were right. I am important to this mission."

His mentor giggled. "See? You were all worried for nothing."

"I suppose I was."

She continued to giggle, which made Meta feel even more embarrassed.

"Anyway, we're going to Brightfall next. I'll update you about how that goes later."

"I look forward to hearing about it. Good luck, my little knight."

"Thank you, sensei." Meta said as he hung up. "...That wasn't nearly as embarrassing as I'd thought it be."

"Despite what you may think, Kurabe's good at knowing when is and isn't a good time for jokes."

"Yeah, I suppose you're right Mercury."

"I'm always right!" She said with fake pride.

"Really? Then why do you almost always lose bets to sensei?" He said with a knowing smirk.

"That's a different matter altogether!"

"Of course. So, Mercury, are you friends with Bebebe like sensei is?"

"I'm friends with him, but not to the level of him and Kurabe."

"I see. Well, he at least trusts you right? That should make talking to him easy. Well, easier. He seems fairly approachable to begin with."

"Yeah, he is. If a bit loud..."

"I'd rather deal with a loud noble over a despicable one." Meta commented.

"Yeah, Bebebe's probably the friendliest nobleman you'll ever meet. Unlike most royals, he doesn't have a greedy heart."

"Well, he's sensei's friend. I trust him to be like that..."

"Yeah, we're lucky it's him we're meeting. He might not be the smartest, but he makes it up by being so cooperative."

The youth nodded in agreement.

"I've never communicated with him directly." Fettuccine admitted. "But I've been in the same room with him before while watching him talk to Reedy. So, I know this part of the job will be simple."

"Well, let's head off to Brightfall then."

---------

About an hour later, the group landed on the Planet Brightfall in the Crescent Kingdom. The kingdom itself seemed to be very peaceful. It also seemed to be an interesting mix of summer and winter, with a hot sun and cool snow somehow coexisting.

"...This is an interesting planet." Meta commented.

"I know, right? It makes me want to study it..." Mercury uttered.

"As tempting as that sounds, we have a job to do. Mercury, could you lead the way? I assume you've been to the castle before." Fettuccine asked.

"Of course, I've been here with Kurabe multiple times. Follow me." She waved them on as they headed to the front door of the castle.

"I'm surprised the guards are just letting us move by without any fuss. I guess they really trust us Organization soldiers." Meta commented.

"Of course. Bebebe is an avid supporter of ours."

"I know that. Guess I'm just not used to such a... friendly army."

"I can see why you're so confused."

"Yeah, yeah. Oh look, I think that's the captain of the army approaching us."

Ahead was a small creature wielding a spear. This was Izumi Dee, a Waddle Dee. "Hello visitors. What business do you have here?"

"We're here to visit King Bebebe." Mercury replied.

"Again, what business? I need an actual reason."

"We're here to speak with him about a school he owns. It's important for an investigation we're holding." Fettuccine responded.

"...oh. About that school again. Yeah, let's get this over with, I guess..." He sighed as he began to lead them.

"Why are you complaining, Izumi? It's not like you have literally anything to do with this." Mercury asked.

"We've gotten hounded by people about it a lot. It's why I drink."

"That implies you're over a hundred years old." She deadpanned.

"Who knows? Maybe I am!"

"Darling, quit making up excuses as to why you drink. It's unbecoming of a captain." A secretary Waddle Dee that was approaching them said.

"So, you just saying I can just drink whenever I feel like it?"

"No, I'm telling you that your behavior is unbecoming. That includes the drinking while on duty."

"Look, can you two talk about that later? We'd like to talk to the king." Mercury quickly said.

"Right of course, just walk through this door."

"Thank you." She said before nodding to her allies and stepping into the throne room.

Sitting in the middle of the room was King Bebebe, diligently signing some paperwork.

"Huh? Who is it?" He asked as he looked, eyes widening when he saw who it was. "Ah, Mercury and Kurabe's kid, it's good to see two in good health."

Meta only looked at him in confusion, causing Mercury to giggle. "Good to see you too, Bebebe."

"How's Kura-chi doin'?"

"She's doing fine, but that's not what we're here for." She looked towards Fettuccine, who stepped forward.

Bebebe stared at her for a moment before speaking once more. "You... you're an intelligence member, right? Guess this is for something important."

"Yes, my name is Fettuccine. I'm a member of the intelligence division and I'm here to ask you about the incident at Seton University."

"Oh! I guess that case finally got opened back up. Alright, what do you need?"

She took a quick look at Meta before looking back at the king. "Simply put, would it be possible to get access to records and video footage from that point in time?"

"Sure. I assume Kura-chi's helping ya?"

"Uh... yes she is." She replied, surprised by how cooperative he actually was. "Well, seeing is believing, I guess..."

The king then laughed. "Oh, don't be too surprised. You're the girlfriend of Kura-chi's kid, ain't ya?"

Fettuccine reacted as one would expect and turned pink. "N-no. We're just good friends."

Meta only tilted his head in confusion. "...of course you're a friend of mine, Fetty."

The king just laughed. "Alright, that's enough fun for now I suppose. Morimura! Bring her what she wants!"

The Waddle Dee entered the room as she pushed up her glasses. "Yes, your highness."

"Now while I don't mind assisting ya, would you care to explain why you reopened the case?"

"Because it's unfair to punish a man like Erhard for a crime he probably didn't even commit."

The king hummed. "Yup. Ya gots a point there. I myself thought it was a bit weird."

"Yeah. Wait that was a long time ago, how old are-"

Before she could ask that, Morimura came back in with the requested documents.

"These were the documents you requested, correct? Take your time to look them over." She said while handing the thick folder to them.

"You have a library we can sit in?"

"Yes, allow me to take you there."

"Thank you, Mrs. Morimura."

"You're welcome." She said as she began to guide the group to the library.

---------

Once fully settled in, Fettuccine immediately got to work reading over everything. As for Meta, he decided to look around the library with Mercury, believing it would be best to just let Fettuccine concentrate. He started by looking at some of the books that were on display.

"There's a lot of books I've never seen before here."

"Of course. Some are written in the native language of Brightfall and the others are simply rare books you won't find anywhere else. Like this book, Pilgrim's Travel Log!"

"Who is Pilgrim?" Meta asked, causing Mercury to giggle.

"Oh, pilgrim isn't the character's name. It's what the main character is. The protagonist is named Christopher and he's taking a long and difficult journey to a promised land. Even if it's clearly come kind of spiritual allegory, I think it's more interesting to read as an actual story."

"Must be an ancient story based on how it sounds."

"Yup, I think it's actually older than me and Kurabe. If you take a look at one of the copies of the book on the shelf you can tell it's falling apart a bit."

"Shouldn't something like that be in a museum then?"

Mercury shrugged in reply. "Probably have too many copies of it."

"I suppose that makes sense." "Yup. So, you see anything else that sticks out to you?"

"Not really. Mercury, have you been here often? The castle as a whole, not just the library."

"Somewhat. Not as often as Kurabe."

"Why is that? Does sensei just happen to take a lot of jobs from here?"

"Yup. Her and Bebebe are old friends."

"How old exactly?" Meta asked, curious about the past of his mentor.

"Since Bebebe was a prince."

"So, old then. Were they close?"

"Yup! Really close!"

"Could you go into more detail?"

"I would, but Kurabe would probably be very angry if I did." She giggled.

Meta just tilted his in confusion. "Why's that?"

"Let's just say there's one part of it she doesn't like anyone knowing about..."

"Is it bad? But she and him seem to be on good terms."

"It's not bad at all, just something she's embarrassed to talk about."

"Well, then just tell me about the not embarrassing stuff."

"The two of them often worked together on missions that she took on Brightfall, so you can say that they're allies in battle."

"Really? Him? He doesn't look much like a fighter. Not in the physical sense, but mentally. He doesn't give off warrior vibes like the soldiers do."

"Oh, that's because he doesn't fight anymore due to tearing a ligament in his arm and trying to hide it."

"That would explain it then. It looked like one arm was weaker than the other."

"Yup. He's been learning magic to make up for hit from what I've heard."

"Really? How...weird for a noble to actually take action like that."

"Yeah, but Bebebe's different."

"I know and that's why it's weird. But in a good way."

"Yup. I think so, too."

"...Mercury, do you think Erhard is guilty or innocent?"

"Honestly... I'm not sure. But I came along with you to find the answer myself."

"I see. I think he is, but we'll never know if we don't find anything. I wish I could help more with the actual investigation."

"I understand, Meta."

"But I'm sure I'll get my chance to be useful eventually."

"Yes, you will." "...You think I might have to do any fighting during this mission?"

"Yup."

"Why do you think that?"

"...if Erhard is innocent, do you really think that Veno will just sit on the side and wait for Fettuccine to solve the case?"

"You think he might send people after her?"

"If he has something to hide, yep."

"Then in that case, i should get back to Fetty, just in case."

"I'll go with you then."

The youth nodded as his friend followed him.

---------

Meanwhile with Fettuccine, she was getting a headache. Not out of annoyance, but due to the large amount of information she was getting. Rubbing her head, she took a moment to stand up and stretch.

"At least this stuff should help. At least a little."

Her head still throbbed a bit in pain due to all the information that she read through.

"Fetty, are you ok?" She heard someone ask.

"Oh, I'm fine! I'm just a bit tired!"

"You sure? You seem pretty exhausted."

"No, no, I'm fine!"

"...Alright. Did you find anything useful."

"Oh, a lot of things!"

Meta smiled, glad that the time spent here was indeed useful.

"Well, you should probably take a break then." Mercury said.

"I'll take a break when I... need... one." She said, falling asleep near the end.

"Which is right now." The woman sighed.

"Will she be fine?" Meta asked, worried for his friend.

"As long as she rests, yeah." The youth nodded.

"I'll take her back to the ship. Mercury, would you mind thanking the king for us?"

"Of course!"

"Thank you." Meta told her, picking Fettuccine up and walking out.

---------

In a couple of minutes, Meta returned to the ship and laid Fettuccine down in the sleeping quarters. He then walked outside and punch in front of him, causing an invisible figure to grunt in pain.

"Reveal yourself, assassin."

However, he was immediately slashed by the attacker.

"The hard way it is." Meta said calmly, slashing the assassin twenty times in one second.

Almost immediately, the assassin's invisibly cut off and they fainted right in front of the puff.

"Let that be a lesson for you. Don't mess with those under my protection."

Of course, there was no response.

"Well, that confirms Mercury's suspicions I suppose." He commented, dragging the unconscious assailant into the ship, tying him up.

"Guess I'll wait for him to wake up so Fetty can interrogate him when she wakes up." Meta sighed. Depending on how one viewed it, this whole case just became simpler or more complicated. More than likely, though... it had just become more difficult.

"Did I miss something?" Mercury said as she arrived to see the tied-up assailant.

"More or less that you're right about assassins coming for Fettuccine."

"Well, isn't that just wonderful?" She replied sarcastically.

"It seems like I really will be able to help in this case after all..."

"Duh. Everyone member of a team has a role to play. Even if that role isn't obvious at first."

The youth seemed to blush in embarrassment. "...I've been silly lately, haven't I?"

"Yes, you have been." The woman giggled.

"Well, I just hope she wakes up soon."

"I hope so, too. She needs to tell us all that information she found."

"Right. Let's just hope things don't get too hard for us."

The youth nodded in agreement.

---------

After an hour of waiting, the sleeping beauty finally woke up.

"Hmm...? What happened...?" Fettuccine uttered as she stretched her arms.

"You fried your brain." Mercury bluntly stated.

It was as if everything that happened came back to her, because Fettuccine's entire body turned pink.

"Right, that did happen. Um... anything happen while I was unconscious?"

"We were attacked by an assassin, but I easily took them out and tied them up if you want to interrogate them." Meta explained.

"An assassin!? Great, just what we needed. Bring the punk to me."

The puff nodded and brought the person into the room.

"You ain't getting nothing out of me!" The would-be assassin yelled.

"I assume we just need to leave this to you, Fetty?" The youth asked.

"Yeah, this won't take long at all. Gimme five minutes."

Both Meta and Mercury nodded in response before leaving the room.

"Alright, talk already. Who sent you?"

The assassin was silent.

"You know, I could just have Meta come back in and kill you."

"I am prepared to die for my mission."

"Are you now? What about your wife and daughter?"

"What about them?"

"Well, firstly, thanks for confirming that you have a family." She said with a smirk. "Secondly, do they even know that you're an assassin?"

"I don't know."

"Oh, is that so? So, I could kill you right now and they'd never even know they just lost a husband and father. Wouldn't that be terrible, leaving them behind without any answers?"

The man only remained silent.

"But we can easily avoid that messy nonsense if you just tell me who hired you."

"No one did."

"How old is your daughter? Four? Five?"

"None of your business."

"Oh, I disagree. You were hired to kill me, meaning I am your business. Now just tell me what I want, and your daughter won't have to be without a father."

The assassin seemed to grin before beginning to cough up blood.

"Oh, trying to kill yourself. Sorry, not happening-" Fettuccine started.

"...are you stupid? This is poison!" He then immediately fainted, no longer breathing.

Fettuccine blinked for a moment in shock before letting out a sigh. "Well, so much for that."

Almost immediately, Meta entered. "Fetty, what happened?"

"Moron killed himself."

"Oh..." He then looked at his friend. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Check his body, he might have an ID on him."

The youth nodded, slightly surprised by how unshaken his friend was.

"Oh, this isn't the first time this has happened. It's incredibly disturbing don't get me wrong, but you learn to deal with it."

"...I know, but I thought you would be a bit shaken by it..."

"Oh, trust me I am, I'm just good at hiding it. Go ahead and read my emotions, Metty, I don't mind."

The youth nodded and closed his eyes, focusing only on Fettuccine. "...I feel sadness. I guess you are taking it hard."

"I am. I hate death of any kinds besides natural causes. It's just you learn to deal with it until the mission is over. That's when you, or I guess I, can cry."

Meta knew that feeling all too well.

"Besides, now's not the time to let our nerves get the best of us. We have a case to solve!" She said with a smile, but Meta knew it was slightly forced.

He stared for a moment before walking over to Fettuccine and hugging her.

"...Thank you, Metty."

"No problem, Fetty."

"Now, did you find any sort of ID on him?"

"Here." He said, handing her a card.

"Kno Wan. Kno Wan. His name is literally no one. Darn assassins and their annoying aliases."

"So, I guess we don't know who he is then."

"No one knows. Well, whatever, at least we have proof of an assassin trying to kill me. That means someone doesn't want me investigating. Which means we're on the right track."

"So, what planet are we heading to next then?"

"Anywhere that doesn't have anything to do with the case and has a hotel. Less likely to deal with assassins that way."

"Alright, leave it to me." They heard Mercury from the door.

"A hotel, already?"

"Yup. We need a good place to rest and go over the information we got."

"It's that late already?" Meta asked in confusion.

"No, but we know assassins are after us. It would be better to lay low. And if my hunch is correct, they'll be waiting for us in certain locations. Which is why we need to go out of our way."

He nodded in understanding. "Well, I'm sure Mercury will take us to a planet that none of them will expect us to be on."

"Plus, now I'm more confident with our five-day time limit." Fettuccine smirked.

"I'm happy to hear that, Fetty."

"I'll tell you why I am when we get to a hotel room." She said while sitting down.

He nodded in response and sat next to her. "So, what now? Besides going to a hotel, I mean."

"Simple. Knowing your sensei, she should be getting ready to read Erhard's mind. We just have to wait."

---------

True to Fettuccine's predictions, Kurabe was indeed getting ready.

"Alright, Erhard, you might feel a bit of discomfort from this. Are you fine with that?"

"If this is going to help me in the end, I'm ready for it."

Kurabe nodded. "Lay down and close your eyes, clear your mind. Searching for specific memories requires that you don't have many stray thoughts running around."

"That will be easy. I've done that quite a lot in solitary confinement."

"Good. There's nothing more annoying than searching through a storm of incoherence. Now on the count of three I'll enter your mind. You ready?"

The doctor took a deep breath before letting it out and answering. "Ready as I'll ever be."

"Then, three, two, one." Kurabe placed her hand on his head. Next, she knew she was in what appeared to be a doctor's office.

"This must be the form his mind takes. It's well organized at least." She then let out a breath. "Well, time to look around."

Her first thought was to open a file cabinet, but it was locked much to her annoyance.

"I could just force my way in, but that could damage his already fractured memories. I'll just have to find the key for it."

She then began to look through the nearby desk, trying to find anything that looks like a key. That's when she noticed something on nearby desk. A large pile of torn apart paper. Or to be more specific, a torn-up picture.

"Ah, I've dealt with this before. It's like a jigsaw puzzle, just need to put the pieces together and you'll form a picture." She giggled, enjoying jigsaw puzzles, and began to put it back together.

"And done. Oh, it's a family picture, that's him as a kid, those must be his parents." She smiled.

Suddenly a new part of the office that was previously blocked off was now open to her.

"Repair his memories and more memories reveal themselves. Simple enough."

She then moved forward, hoping to find the key soon. She had a feeling the most important memories were locked in that cabinet.

"Well, this will take longer than I thought. But don't worry Erhard, I'll get your memories back. One step at a time."

---------

Back with the investigation trio, they had finally landed on a faraway planet.

"So what planet is this, Mercury?" Meta asked.

"I don't know. I just picked one at random. I think the map said Tabni, or something like that."

Fettuccine shrugged. "As long as it's not connected to the case, it'll work."

"Alright then. So why a hotel? Why not just tell us here in the ship what you found?"

"Safety mostly. You never know, they might have put microphones or something on the ship to spy on us."

"Well, that makes sense. So, what kind of hotel are we staying at then?"

"Whatever this town we landed in has to offer. We don't have the luxury of picking one beforehand." Mercury told him.

"Should be easy. I believe this is a planet known for its nightlife, so there are a lot of hotels here."

"That description fits a lot of planets, Fettuccine. Come on, let's get moving."

"Okaaayy..." She grumbled as she dragged Meta along.

"Why are you grumbling? This is your idea. Besides I'm the one paying for it."

Meta didn't say anything, but he got the feeling that it was because of how dismissive Mercury was of Fettuccine's expression of knowledge.

"Well, whatever, we got better things to worry about." The woman shrugged as she followed them to a hotel.

---------

Once fully settled in a nearby cheap, but well-kept hotel, Fettuccine got ready to explain what she learned. She was then given a plate of food.

"I hope you don't mind, but I ordered room service for dinner for all of us." Mercury said.

"It's fine. I guess I'll explain after I eat."

"Of course. You're hungry, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I guess I am."

"Then enjoy your food!"

"I will. So, who is sleeping where? There's only two beds and one couch."

"I'll sleep on the couch, you two sleep on the beds." Mercury said.

"You sure?"

"Oh yeah! I can sleep just about anywhere!"

"I mean, me and Meta can share one bed and-"

"I'll take the couch."

Fettuccine pouted. "Metty, what do you think?"

"I don't see the big deal. If she wants the couch, she can have it."

She continued to pout.

"What?"

Her pout became bigger.

"Quit pouting and eat, your food is getting cold."

She did so in silence.

---------

After a half hour of eating in silence, now it was time for Fettuccine to reveal what she learned.

"So, what did you learn, Fetty?" Meta asked.

"First. A very interesting fact. Veno was actually a huge donor to the school. Donating large amounts of cash each year, more than enough to sustain it. That until a certain year. 15 years before the incident, his donations became smaller and smaller. Thanks to Bebebe, the school was still able to function, but nowhere near as much as it used to."

"I see. Do you have an idea of why they decreased?"

"Yeah. As you know Veno is the half-brother of the doctor. According to these records, 15 years before the event was when the doctor and his son reportedly started getting into those arguments Erhard remembered. The most likely reason as to why Veno lessened his donations was that he was on his nephew's side and most likely wanted to sabotage his half-brother."

"What were those arguments about?"

"Apparently according to these records, his son wanted them to get into developing weapons. Poison weapons."

"I see."

"Like what happened during the incident." Mercury said.

"Obviously the good doctor was against this and shut down any proposal made about it."

"So, now what? Does that mean the son was the culprit?"

"Not necessarily Metty, but it does make him a suspect."

"What else have you found?"

"Something very interesting from the parking records. You see every visiting vehicle needs to be registered upon entering the school grounds, for secure purposes. One of the registered visiting vehicles on the day of the incident, belonged to Veno."

"So, I assume he's another suspect?" Meta asked.

"He already was, but now he's even more suspicious."

"So arguably he might be the biggest suspect, is that right?"

"Precisely."

"I see..."

"As for anything else. Something very interesting. I found the schedule for all employees. Erhard, was not supposed to be there but was apparently asked to come in by the doctor's son."

"Why?" Meta asked.

Mercury hummed. "Might just be me, but I get the feeling it was to lay the blame for what happened there on him."

"But why him? Sure, he was close to the doctor, but why not frame one of the employees that were already there?"

"It's because Erhard was against his idea for poison weapons."

"So, they wanted to take out two birds with one poisonous stone."

"Exactly." Fettuccine nodded.

"Why not just kill him then instead of leaving him alive? Why set up a scapegoat at all?"

"Hmm... that's a good question..." Mercury uttered.

"Simple. If there was no culprit to be found, the investigation would still be on. With a scapegoat however, the case is closed, and the true culprit gets away with no effort." Fettuccine said.

"I see... that makes sense." Meta nodded.

"Now for the hard part. Finding the good doctor's missing children." Fettuccine said, putting air quotes around missing.

"Do you have an idea where they might be?"

"Nope." She sighed.

"Well, I guess that's what we investigate next." Mercury said.

"But where do we start?" Meta asked.

"...We'll have to wait until we get the info from Kurabe."

"So, I guess we're just hanging out here until then, huh?"

"We don't have much of a choice."

"Well, it'll be a nice breather, won't it?"

"I guess so." Meta then smiled.

"Don't worry, Fetty. I'm sure sensei will get back to us as soon as she finds more information."

"You're right, we still have four days after this one. It won't do any good to stay agitated." Mercury clapped her hands.

"Yup. So, let's take this time to relax a bit until Kurabe calls us."

"I hope it's going well." Meta said.

---------

"...I'm getting so tired of these puzzles." Kurabe groaned.

While she had been having fun with the various jigsaw puzzles, they had quickly begun to all other kinds of puzzles. Logic, cryptic, mechanical, sudoku, mathematical, all of them were present throughout these areas.

"Well, at least I'm getting close, just need to find that key."

She let out a stretch and sighed, being particularly stuck on this logic puzzle for quite a time. It was a seemingly simple puzzle, she just needed to input a password and the puzzle would be finished. Unfortunately, she had no idea what the password was or what it could be.

"Maybe I should look around this room a bit more..." She thought.

"Do you require assistance?" A voice said from behind her. Turning around she saw a little boy that looked a lot like Erhard.

"If you wouldn't mind, I would appreciate it."

"Ok. What's the question?"

"The question is, why did you become a doctor."

The child tilted his head. "Isn't wanting to help people enough of a reason?"

"A one word answer please. The password can only be one word."

"Then "people"?"

Kurabe nodded and wrote in "people".

"Is that it?"

Suddenly a key fell onto Kurabe's head.

"I'll take that as a yes..." she grumbled as she rubbed her head. "Well, thank you..." She started to say, but then noticed that the kid was gone. She then shrugged and then continued through the next door that she had opened with the key.

"Well, time to open up that file cabinet already. About time, speaking of, I wonder how much time has passed in the real world." She then shook her head. "I'll see when I get out. Hopefully not too much time."

She reached the cabinet and inserted the key.

"Alright, moment of truth."

After turning it and jiggling the handle, she began to feel the cabinet open up. Suddenly a flood of memories rushed out of it. Kurabe smiled at this and quickly left Erhard's mind. Back in reality Kurabe looked at Erhard.

"What do you remember?"

"...Everything."

"Would you like to discuss it then?"

"Once my headache passes."

She chuckled. "Very well. I will wait however long I need to."

---------

After thirty minutes of rest, Erhard was ready to speak.

"So, are you ready to talk?" Kurabe asked.

"I am, yes."

"Well let's get this out of the way then. Do you remember who the true culprit is?"

"I... think I have an idea..."

"Who is it then?"

"Veno."

"Of course it's him..." Kurabe sighed heavily.

"He wasn't alone. The doctor's son was his accomplice." Erhard continued, exhibiting an emotion he hadn't had in decades. Anger.

"...I see." The warrior replied with a sympathetic gaze. "Do you have any idea where the son might have gone?"

"An idea yes. In the Merbuda system, the doctor had a vacation home."

"Merbuda, you mean the system with constant active black holes?"

"Yes, that one."

"Why have a vacation home in some place so dangerous?"

"Exactly. You wouldn't think to go there, would you?"

"Of course not. I rather have mine in a more peaceful part of the galaxy."

"Which makes it a perfect place to lay low."

"Indeed. Well, I should probably notify my student about this development."

"Before you do, there's something else you need to know."

"What is it?"

"Veno like you, is psychic. However, while you can read and bring out memories, he manipulates them. That's how I lost mine in the first place. It only works on those with weak wills, which is why he couldn't use it on the doctor or head of the law division."

"A psychic, huh? He'll be a difficult opponent then."

"Yes and no. He can only use his powers by physically touching people. Also, he's not exactly physically strong."

"Oh. Then that will be easy." She chuckled darkly.

"And it only works on those with weak wills. I've only known those kids for a short time, but I'm sure they aren't weak in the slightest."

"Of course not. Meta's my student!" She huffed. "But wait, what about you? You don't seem weak."

Erhard smiled sadly. "Veno did something that weakened my will."

"What's that?"

"He killed the doctor." He said bluntly.

Kurabe blinked in shock. "But... why...?"

"You know the old saying. You're either with me or against me. The good doctor refused to submit to Veno's horrific plans. You can imagine the rest."

"I see... I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's fine. I can grieve after Veno gets caught."

For a moment, Kurabe became silent before she hugged Erhard, who had a surprised expression at the sudden action.

"I understand. But please, just let it all out..."

"Uh... thank you."

Kurabe giggled at the slightly shy reply. "Well now, I better tell them what l learned."

"...can you let me go?" Erhard uttered, now feeling a bit crushed by her.

"Oh, right." She then let go. "I'll come back to you later." She said as she dialed in Meta's number.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Meta. How's your investigation coming along?"

"Fine, but we hit a roadblock. We suspect we need to find the doctors children, but we don't know where to start."

She giggled. "Well, lucky for you, someone happens to have an idea of where they are."

"Really? Did you get his memories back?"

"Yup. We also know who the culprit is now."

"Who is it?"

"Veno, with Dr. Dru's son, Wade, being an accomplice."

"...Of course." Meta gave heavy sigh.

"I think you already know where to find Veno, but for the doctor's son, the doctor has a vacation home in the Merbuda system. Go look there."

"Alright, thank you sensei."

"One more thing to note, Meta. Be careful of Veno. He has the ability to manipulate the memories of the weak minded. So, keep your mind strong."

"Really!?"

"Yes, oh and only through physical contact."

"Is that all you have to tell me?"

"One more thing. Veno killed the doctor."

There was a moment of silence, as if her student was processing that.

"...I see..."

"Yes, now good luck Meta. I'll stay here with Erhard just in case Veno tries something."

"Ok. Thank you, sensei."

"You're welcome, my student." Kurabe said as she hung up. She then turned to Erhard. "Now... where were we...?"

"You were hugging me."

"Oh, that's right!" She exclaimed as she resumed her hugging.

"...So why are you hugging me again?"

"Just let it all out, Erhard..."

"Let what out? Oh, you mean my tears."

"Yes, that's what I mean."

"Oh, that's quite a problem then. I can't physically cry, it was a medical condition I was born with." Despite this though, his voice sounded like he was crying even if he wasn't.

"Perhaps, but you sound like you are."

"I am, aren't I?"

"Yes, you are." After a moment of silence, Kurabe spoke up. "Erhard, I have a proposition."

"...what is it?"

"After you get set free, how would you feel about working for my ship?"

"But why though?"

"You want to keep being a doctor, correct?"

"I would love to."

Kurabe held out her hand. "Then welcomed aboard."

"But... doesn't a battleship as important as yours already have a doctor?"

"The Bukisets, but they aren't dedicated doctors."

"But-"

"But nothing. You can never have enough doctors." She then began to pat his cheek, being too short to pat his head. "Especially since you will be specifically dedicated to being a doctor."

"Well, if you really want me aboard, I don't see a reason to refuse."

"Oh please, I know you would ask anyway." She pouted.

"Why are you pouting?" Erhard asked, not understanding anything about social cues. She then stopped hugging him and reached out her hand.

"Then shake my hand."

"Oh right. Of course." He took her hand and shook it.

---------

"So, what exactly is Merbuda and why do you two look so worried?" Meta asked his compatriots.

Noticeably, both Fettuccine and Mercury were sweating profusely upon hearing that name.

"It's... it's an area that's full of black holes." Mercury uttered.

"...Damn."

"Yeah, it's one of the hardest places to navigate."

"Not to mention a death trap." Mercury added.

"Yes, but that's the most likely place where the doctor's son is."

"Well, we'll just have to be extra careful."

"Leave the piloting to me then." Mercury said.

"Alright. Well Fetty, we're making even more progress."

"Yeah, and I'm glad for that." She smiled.

"Well, we should get going then."

"Hold your horses, Metty. It's late and we need to sleep."

"And I already paid for our room." Mercury added.

"Oh... I guess so. Well, I'm going to head to bed now." He said as he headed to one of the beds.

"You too Fettuccine." Mercury ordered.

"I know, I know."

"Good night you two."

"Good night, Mercury." Meta said with a yawn as he fell asleep.

---------

The next morning, Fettuccine was adamant on getting out of the hotel as fast as possible, only taking time to eat breakfast.

"Fetty, why the rush? Today's only just day two."

"Because the Merbuda system is a long way from here. The sooner we leave, the sooner we get there."

"Ah... I understand." He then tilted his head.

"How long will it take for us to get there?"

"At our top speed, twelve hours. Not to mention dealing with those black holes."

"Oh. So, it'll take all our daylight."

"Yes and no. The Merbuda system is...strange to put it lightly. Combined with the constant black holes, there's at least ten suns there."

"Ten? How is that possible?"

"No one knows. The Merbuda system is incredibly mysterious and incredibly dangerous."

"I see."

"Also, Metty, I have a question."

"What is it?" "What were you eating at two in the morning?"

"Nothing."

"A parfait." Mercury said.

"I assume he does that often, Mercury?"

"Almost every day."

"And he always eats an affogato every day when he wakes up?"

"No, I don't. Now can we get going already?"

"We're already on our way to the ship, Metty."

"...and yes, you do." Mercury uttered.

"No, I don't. Now drop it."

She only giggled, seeing his pouting face. "Fine, fine. I need to focus on driving anyway."

As Mercury turned back to her task at hand, Meta saw Fettuccine looking at him.

"Metty, do you like sweets?"

"Yeah, I do, why?"

She then looked a bit nervous. "When this is all over... would you like to go to one of my favorite ice cream places?"

Meta tilted his head, not sure why she would be nervous about asking that. "Sure."

She let out a relieved sigh. "I'm glad..."

"Well, I'm glad that you're glad then."

She gave a smile towards him.

"Do you still feel nervous about solving this case?" Meta then asked, thinking of a possible reason why she could be acting like this.

"A bit, but I feel better when I remember that you'll be with me all the way..." she uttered shyly.

"Well of course. You sure you're feeling alright? You should probably get back to sleep if you need it."

"Yeah, I'm alright. Don't worry about me, Metty. You being here with me is enough."

"Well, alright then."

"What about you? Are you nervous?"

"Not really. Not about the case anyway." She tilted her head in questioning.

"Then what are you worried about?"

"The black holes. I'm not scared of anything I can cut, but I can't exactly cut a black hole in half... yet."

"Mercury will take care of it. Don't worry."

Meta nodded. "Yeah. Well, I'm going to train."

"Right now?"

"Of course. I have to train whenever I can."

"...do you mind if I come watch you?"

Meta shrugged. "You can do whatever you want. Not sure why you'd want to though, I'm just going to be doing weightlifting."

For some reason unknown to the youth, Fettuccine's entire body turned pink as she looked at the floor upon hearing that. Meta, confusing her reaction as confusion decided to elaborate.

"Well, I can't exactly do my usual training routine without destroying the ship."

She silently nodded. "Can... I help...?"

"With weightlifting? Sure, I guess."

She smiled happily while following him out of the room.

---------

After a few hours, Fettuccine slightly regretted that choice.

"My arms are so soreee."

"You offered to help me, Fetty. You brought it on yourself." Meta replied while drinking an entire bottle of water in one gulp.

"But did they have to be so heavy?"

"Heavy? Those were the lightest I had."

"A hundred tons is not light!" She said, shocked that he considered those weights to be light.

"...you might need to build up a bit of arm muscle, Fetty."

"Limets don't have muscles Metty, we're slime."

"Then couldn't you make yourself have more muscles?"

"What do you think I was doing!? My strength is not the issue, it's that you are way stronger than I am."

"You should get stronger then."

"Nah, I'm good. I'm not a fighter, I don't need to be freakishly strong. That's your job."

"Then why did you ask to help me?"

"To spend time with you, silly." She said with a blush.

"Oh, well thank you then." He replied, clueless as to why she would seem so embarrassed to spend time with a friend. "But next time, I don't mind if you just want to watch me."

The woman nodded in response.

"Alright you two, it's time to get serious. We've made it to the system." Mercury said.

Quickly and curious, Meta looked out the window. To his utter shock, he saw three black holes in the distance.

"How is that possible?"

"Merbuda is a star system that cannot be understood. That's all there is to it." Mercury simply replied.

"I don't think we should stay here for long. Wait, do people even live here?"

"Besides the people we're looking for, probably not."

"Or people who don't want to be found in general." Fettuccine added.

"Why would anyone willingly do that?" Meta asked, not understanding why anyone would live in a death trap.

"Simply because no one would come to a death trap willingly."

"Besides us anyway."

"Yes, but our business here is different."

"We're still willingly coming to a death trap, our reasons don't really matter."

"A deathtrap..." Meta uttered.

"Meta, I know what you're thinking, and I get it, but it's time to be serious. I need both of you to search for anything that could be a vacation home."

The youth stared at her in questioning, wondering why she said that, but then looked out the window.

"What are you so on edge for, Mercury? You're an expert pilot, right?"

"My piloting skills mean nothing if a black hole magically appears in front of us. Neither of us can afford to dwell on thoughts not related to our mission. Now get to looking."

"Ok..."

"Hey Mercury, do asteroids usually have palm trees on them?" Meta asked.

"They shouldn't. Why?"

"Look to your left."

The woman did so. True to Meta's words, there was a large asteroid, almost the size of a small moon, with what looked like palm trees on it.

"Guess that's it."

"Well, only one way to find out for sure." Mercury said as she flew towards it.

---------

In a few minutes, the group landed on the asteroid.

"Well let's get searching you two."

The two nodded and they began to search around. The asteroid, upon further investigation, appeared to be man-made instead of being something natural.

"...this must be it." Mercury said.

"That explains all the random palm trees."

"Yup."

After walking for what felt like an hour, they came across what appeared to be a modest sized house.

"This must be it. I'm surprised it's not better guarded." Meta said.

"Well, it's not like anyone else knows this place even exists."

"Even so, you would think that..."

"No, putting guards here would just alert us. In some cases, having no defense is the best defense."

"What about traps?"

"Realistically there won't be any. They've been hiding out here for centuries. They probably don't see a need for any."

Meta nodded, but kept a hand on his sword just in case.

The group advanced towards the house.

"So, do we just knock on the door?"

"I guess we can try it. Just keep your guard up."

Meta nodded and knocked on the door, ready to attack if needed. Nobody answered. Meta decided to go with plan B. Which was kicking the door down with full force. He instantly did so, causing his two allies to jump a bit.

"It had to be done. HEY! QUIT HIDING AND COME OUT!"

There was no response. However, he could sense that there was definitely someone here.

"I said come out. I can do a whole lot worse than kicking down a door."

Nothing.

"You might have to do worse, Metty." Fettuccine said.

Suddenly, she froze before falling to the floor face first.

"FETTY?!" He then saw a man standing in the hallway. Immediately, Meta cut off the man's arm, causing the man to suddenly regret showing up. "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!?"

"What did you think I do, you brat!?"

"A STRAIGHT ANSWER, UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO CUT OFF YOUR OTHER ARM!"

"I stabbed her damn core, that's what I did!"

"Then I guess you want to die!"

"Metty, that's enough. I'm fine." Fettuccine said as she stood up.

"What the?!"

"Oh please, that wasn't the first time I've been stabbed. That little stab doesn't even make it to the top ten stabbings I've been through."

"...I'll give you a few seconds."

"Yeah, I know I'm poisoned. I'll probably die if I don't get treated soon."

Meta only stared in shock before slashing at the man again.

"Metty, I said stop." Fettuccine said, stopping him from killing their target. "He's Wade Forde, the doctor's son, we need him alive."

The youth glared at her with an emotion she'd never seen before from him: wrath.

"Metty, calm down. If you kill him, then our mission will be a failure, Erhard will stay imprisoned, Veno will walk away Scot-free, and I would have died for nothing. You need to calm down. We have a job to do, an innocent man's life to save. If I die, I want to die successful. Now calm down." She let out a cough.

Meta looked at her, the anger in his eyes disappeared, now replaced with worry. "Alright Fetty."

"Damn Veno... how could he mess up something so simple...?!" Wade uttered.

"You've been a free man while an innocent one was blamed for a mass murder you were a part of. You don't get to complain." Fettuccine spat out, coughing violently.

"I can complain if I want, bitch!" He said, smacking her across the face.

"Do you really want to push your luck when my friend has his sword pointed at your throat?"

Before Wade could respond, Meta stabbed out one of his eyes. "You are at my mercy, scum."

He only continued to grin. "...tell me, do you know what CIP is?"

"Yes, I know what it is, but I don't care. You might not be able to feel pain, but I will make you feel fear!" Meta yelled, making Wade piss himself in fear. "Now tell me where the cure is!"

"There is no cure!"

"Bullshit!"

Before Meta could say anything else, a woman's voice he didn't recognize called out. "Yes, there is, don't listen to my idiot brother."

-

-

-

Continued HERE

[rikaluver]

P.U.N.K Girl - Tfem Springtrap x GN Reader

Chapter Two

Rating - Mature-ish

No actual warnings

Also available on AO3

She doesn't seem dangerous. Sure, she's taller and stronger than you but that doesn't mean she's a threat. She's a sweetheart, and even if she wanted to hurt you, she's had plenty of chances to already. She just seems lonely.

That's how you justify coming back every night. It's not because you want to get yourself killed one of these days, although you wouldn't mind. You're doing it out of the goodness of your heart.

"You know, I realized I've never asked about your past."

The statement catches you off guard. You've never really talked about your past.

"Uh, there isn't really much to say. I don't live an exciting life." You force a laugh, hoping it'll be enough to convince her.

"Oh, lay off it. That can't be true."

"Trust me, it is."

"There must be something about you? Do you have any siblings...or a significant other?"

"Uh, no. I'm as single as they get, plus, my family and I are seperated."

"How'd that happen?"

"It's, um, not really important." You hope she'll get the message and move on.

"I think it is, seeing as you won't tell me."

You sigh. She's persistent but you really don't want to tell her about your past life. You left it all behind you for a reason.

"Look, can we just not talk about it? There's not really much to say. Besides, aren't you a lot more interesting than me?"

She laughs. It's a strange noise, coming from her. A deep, staticky laugh that sends a chill down your spine. It's quite unpleasant.

"Why won't you tell me what happened? Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you! I just, I really don't wanna talk about it, okay? Can we please talk about something else?"

She lets out a small hum as if thinking, before replying. "Fine, we'll drop it."

A wave of relief washes over you. Thank god. You really don't want her knowing the shit that's happened in your life. It's too much, too soon, and you don't need her thinking of you any differently. You know you'll have to open up to her eventually, but you're not ready to yet. You hope she'll understand and accept you for who you are when the time comes.

"What do you do when I'm not around?"

"Nothing." The answer seems detached. It's different from how she usually responds to you and you can't help but feel as though something's wrong.

"Oh, well, what about when you were alive? You can't have spent your whole life here, right?"

She chuckles. "Not even close."

"Can you tell me more about your life? What was it like?"

"Why should I?" Her answer catches you off guard. It feels as though the animatronic has changed in an instant. You can't place the feeling, but you suddenly feel nervous and afraid.

"I...I was just curious. I thought maybe you could tell me some stories about when you worked here or something."

"I don't think so." Her voice is cold and harsh. It makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. "I'm not here to entertain you, you know?"

You try to stay calm. "No, no, I know that, I was just asking because I want to get to know you better."

"Then stop prying."

You're taken aback by her sudden change in tone. She sounds angry, and it's honestly scaring you a little. "Did I do something wrong?"

She lets out a low, rumbling growl. It makes your blood run cold. You'd never thought of her as dangerous before (besides when you first met) but now you're oh so very terrified she might do something to hurt you.

"Maybe."

You swallow. Hard. "Well, what did I do? If I did something wrong, I didn't mean to."

She lets out a bitter laugh, not bothering to respond with actual words. She's not giving you much to go on so you decide to try a different approach. "Look, Springtrap, I'm sorry if I upset you, okay? I didn't mean to, I just wanted to get to know you better."

"And how come you're allowed to do that but I'm not?"

She's not making any sense. "I didn't say you couldn't ask about me, I just said I didn't want to talk about my family life."

"I don't care."

You stare at her for a second, mouth agape. How is she not getting it?

"Are you serious right now?"

"Yes."

"So, you're telling me, you're mad at me because I didn't tell you about my past, even though I told you I didn't want to talk about it?"

"I'm not mad at you. I'm just not going to share anything about myself if you won't."

You finally let our frustration bubble over. "That's not fair!"

"It is fair."

"No, it's not. That's not how this works."

"Then maybe we shouldn't talk at all."

The comment stings. It feels like a slap in the face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I don't want to talk to someone who won't even be honest with me."

"I'm not lying to you!"

"You're avoiding the question."

You take a deep breath. She's infuriating, and you can't understand why she's acting like this but you need to stay calm if you're going to effectively explain anything to her. "I'm not lying, and I'm not avoiding anything. I'm just not comfortable talking about my past."

"Whatever. It's not like it's important anyways."

You sigh. You're tired of arguing with her, and you're not getting anywhere, anyway. "Fine. You know what? Whatever. If that's how you feel, then fine."

"It is."

"Okay. Well, I'm done talking about this."

"Me too."

"Fine."

"Fine."

"Fine."

"Fine."

The conversation dies there, and the two of you sit in silence. You can't believe how stubborn she is. She's acting like a child. You try to calm yourself down, taking deep breaths, counting to ten, doing whatever your old therapist told you to do though it doesn't help much and you're still fuming inside.

"Why're you still here?" She asks, her voice drips with venom.

"Because you're my friend."

"You could've fooled me."

"Springtrap..."

"Just leave, would you? I don't want to see you anymore."

"Don't be like that."

"I'm serious. Leave."

You can't help the way your heart sinks in your chest. You don't want to leave, but you know you're not going to get anywhere with her.

"I'll see you later."

"No, you won't."

You leave without another word. You don't know why she's acting this way. You don't know what you did wrong. You just hope that whatever it is, she'll get over it soon.

The next day, you can't get her out of your mind. No matter how hard you try, you can't stop thinking about her. You miss her. You miss her voice. You miss her laugh. You miss her presence. You're not sure if she still doesn't want to see you but you don't want to risk making things worse.

So, you avoid looking for her.

The hours tick by and your shift passes slowly. You keep an eye on the cameras, just in case. But there's no sign of her. She must be avoiding you, or she's still in the room you found her in before. You hate that. It feels like she's shutting you out, and you can't stand the thought of it. You try not to dwell on it, though. There's nothing you can do, anyway.

You're about to pack up and head home for the day when you hear something. It's faint, but it sounds like footsteps. They're coming from outside. You turn the monitor off and look through the window, hoping she'll be there. But she isn't.

You let out a disappointed sigh and go back to packing up your stuff. You're just about done when you hear it. The footsteps. They're loud and they're getting closer. They match what Springtrap's footsteps sound like and you feel your ears metaphorically perk up.

Your heart races as you see the familiar shape of her towering figure.

"Hey, Springtrap."

"I didn't think you'd come back." Her eyes are downcast and she sounds sad, it breaks your heart.

"Well, I did, gotta get paid." You joke, trying to smile. "Listen, Springtrap, about yesterday-"

She cuts you off. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I was just...I was angry. And frustrated."

"I get that. I'm sorry too, I just...don't really like talking about my past."

"I understand. And I shouldn't have pressured you to talk about it. I'm sorry"

"It's okay."

"Really, I am. And I'm sorry for saying we shouldn't talk anymore. I don't want that."

"Me neither."

She smiles, or at least you think she does. The animatronic suit is technically always smiling.

"So, are we okay?"

"We're okay."

There's a brief pause before you speak again. "Do you want to tell me about your past? I can stay a little after hours, I'm sure my boss won't mind."

"If you want to hear it, then I can tell you."

"I do."

"Okay, so, I was married to someone. A lovely lady named Clara, we had three kids together. Two boys, and a girl. Their names were, well, still are, Evan, Elizabeth, and Michael. Michael was the oldest and Evan was the youngest. Elizabeth was a handful but we loved her, anyways. We all lived together in a nice house and everything was great. Until...Evan died."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"It was hard, on all of us, but Michael took it the hardest. He blamed himself for his death, he shouldered all the blame even though it was an accident."

"This was when Fredbear's Diner was still a thing. Michael and his friends were playing around with Evan and stuffed him into one of the springlock suits. The springlocks snapped into place and killed Evan, though he didn't die immediately. He was put in a coma for 5 days before finally passing in his sleep."

You cringe, something in your brain tells you you were there when this happened but something else tells you you're delusional. "I'm so sorry. I can't imagine losing someone like that."

"Neither could Michael. He shut himself off from everyone after that. And I take the blame too, as his parent I should've been there to comfort him. But I didn't."

"I'm sure that's not true."

You don't know what else to say. It's obvious that Springtrap feels guilty about Evan's death. "I'm sure you did the best you could."

"I wasn't there when Michael needed me most. So, when Elizabeth died and Michael got a job at the Pizzeria, I took the chance and tried to make amends for my mistake. But I ended up just hurting him even more."

"How?"

"I'd rather not say."

"That's alright." You pause, processing the information. It's a lot to take in. You can't imagine going through that. "What happened after that?"

"The restaurant closed down and I was left alone." You can't help but feel like she's omitting a few things from the story but you leave it alone for now. All you want to do is comfort her.

"I'm so sorry, that must've been hard on you."

"It's fine, I learned to cope."

"Well, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here for you." You place a hand on her shoulder, hoping it'll give her some comfort. "Do you have any more stories you want to share?" You ask, trying to change the subject, and hopefully lighten the mood a bit. She doesn't respond, her eyes are distant and she's staring off into the distance. You decide to take the initiative and continue talking. "I mean, you had three kids, I'm sure you have a bunch of stories. What were they like?" She doesn't say anything. "Come on, humor me." You chuckle, nudging her slightly.

After a brief moment, she finally speaks. "Elizabeth was a ball of energy. She loved animals. And she always wanted to dance. She used to wear a little pink tutu and perform for us." She lets out a soft, sad laugh. It sounds different than usual, it's more human-like and less mechanical. "Evan was quiet, shy, and reserved. He was a good kid, though, he didn't cause much trouble. And Michael, well, Michael was just like me when I was younger. Stubborn, determined, and a bit of a trouble maker." You smile as she speaks. It's nice to see her open up about her past.

"What about your wife?" You ask, curious. She'd mentioned her earlier but hadn't said much about her. You were wondering if she had any stories about her. "Clara, was it?"

"Yes." A small, wistful "smile" graces her face. It's almost enough to make you forget she's a corpse-filled animatronic. Almost. "Clara was beautiful. She was smart, funny, and caring. She was the love of my life. And the best mother. She loved our children more than anything. They were her whole world." Her voice trails off. There's a hint of sadness in her voice, and you can't help but feel bad. You wonder how long it's been since she's spoken about her family and her loss. You wonder if it hurts her to think about them.

"You're very lucky, to have had such a wonderful family." You tell her, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "I wish I had had something like that." Your voice cracks a little, and you're suddenly reminded of just how alone you are. Sure, you have friends, but you don't have anyone like what Springtrap describes. No one's ever loved you like that. Nobody's ever cared enough to stick around. Not even your own parents. You'd never really known love, not like she did, not like her family did.

You feel something wet trickle down your cheek. You realize it's a tear, and quickly wipe it away, hoping she won't notice. She doesn't. Her gaze is fixed somewhere else, far off into the distance, and you're pretty sure she's not even aware of you. You sit quietly, letting the silence settle around you, enjoying the moment. But eventually, the quiet starts to eat at you, and you feel the need to say something, anything, just to fill the void. So, you ask the first question that comes to mind. "So, do you miss them? Your family, I mean." It's a dumb question with an obvious answer.

But the way her eyes light up makes your heart ache. "Every day." She replies, her voice barely a whisper. "Every day, I think of them. And every day, I wonder if they'd forgive me." She looks at you, her gaze is intense and unwavering. "And, sometimes, I wonder if I can forgive myself." Her words cut through the air like a knife, and it feels like they're digging into your very soul.

"Of course you can." You reach over and grab her hand, holding it tightly. "There's nothing to forgive. You didn't do anything wrong." She pulls away, her expression unreadable. But then again, was her expression ever readable. "You were only doing what you thought was best. It's not your fault that things turned out the way they did. You did the best you could, under the circumstances. That's all any of us can ask for."

The sentiment doesn't seem to comfort her, though, and she just looks away, her expression grim. You know you shouldn't push, but you can't help but wonder what happened to her.

Your wondering is cut short when you hear keys jingling outside the door. Your boss, you presume, has arrived. Shit. "You should probably go, I'll be fine if he catches me here...but not with you." You don't really care about yourself, but you can't stand the idea of him doing something to Springtrap. She just nods, not saying anything. You watch as she leaves, your heart heavy with sadness. You wish you could've helped her more, but there was only so much you could do. As you close the door, locking it, you can't help but wonder what will happen next. Will she ever forgive herself?

The door opens and your boss steps in. You're about to speak up but he cuts you off. "Whoa, dude, you're still here?"

He doesn't sound annoyed, or angry. In fact, he sounds impressed. "Uh, yeah, I was just doing some stuff." You're not sure why, but you can't help but feel a little embarrassed. It's silly, really, but you feel as though you've been caught red-handed. You'd never stayed after hours, and you're not sure how your boss will react. After all, it's not like you have any valid excuse for being here. "Sorry, I know I wasn't supposed to stay late." You mumble, feeling like a chastised child. Your boss just waves his hand dismissively.

"Nah, it's cool. Just don't let it happen again, yeah?" He chuckles.

You feel relieved, and you let out a sigh of relief. It was silly to be worried, really, but you couldn't help it. You weren't exactly in the habit of staying out after hours. "Yeah, sure thing." You reply, before turning to gather up your things. As you do, your mind wanders, and you find yourself wondering about Springtrap. You can't help but worry about her. She seemed so...despondent. You'd never seen her like that, and you can't help but feel bad for her. Maybe you could do something to help. Or maybe you could even do some research. After all, it couldn't hurt to look into things a bit, right?