#and mikoto got really really quiet and told everyone he was fine but some people still tried to keep him company

[good-beans]

Miscellaneous Milgram logistics headcanons:

The bell rings in the morning and evenings at regular times. At night when it rings, it marks curfew: the cells don’t lock, but Es takes one lap around the panopticon to make sure prisoners are in their cells. The only time the bells ring otherwise are during interrogations, and when prisoners are summoned before Es in the courtroom to receive their verdict.

In the second/third trial, guilty prisoners’ doors do lock. Innocent prisoners are not allowed to spend the night with guilty prisoners, but those with alike verdicts can share cells overnight.

Requests come in from Es’ room. Prisoners aren’t allowed in their, or jackalope’s, room without one of them as escort. Es is never around when requests arrive, but they can’t seem to find any doors or hatches that would allow entry (or exit). There are warm/cool breezes to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the prison, but no one can find any vents or openings. 

“Increased physical restraint” punishments occur at random, unexpected intervals and appear like the trailer shots (aka, more restraints/equipment than just the uniforms are put into place.) The guilty prisoners could potentially leave their cells during this time, but usually they don’t want to be seen like that. Can happen at any point, day or night, and last several hours. This is when Kotoko planned her attacks. Enforced by mysterious Milgram magic – no one remembers how the restraints fastened, only that they wake up trapped.

(I’ve been picturing an interrogation room, but only just realized it may be done in their individual cells? But in my head,) it’s a room near that courtroom at the end of the hall. There’s a table, prisoner chair, and guard chair. The machine is integrated into the wall and invisible until paneling starts separating – when that noise plays in the voice dramas. Then, it reveals wires, tubes and pretty stereotypical sci-fi nodes/needles that Es needs to attach to the prisoner. A screen also becomes visible to play the video.

From some of the prisoner reactions, I’ve pictured the chair itself changing very suddenly to lock/strap them in place.  Es walks to the opposite wall to pull a lever with their famous line.

Someone mentioned it already, but I like the idea that the interrogation is placed before (rather than the more logical after) the extraction because the machine works off of priming. Es is instructed to bring up their crimes and past just enough to get the idea in their mind. They have to finish by saying “sing your sins” to really ensure the prisoner is thinking of their murder before it begins. The prisoners then enter a dream-like state in which they experience the raw emotions and thoughts that go into the video, but they don’t see or hear it. Afterwards, they’re aware of the kinds of things Es saw, but it's more abstract to them.

[oboetemasuka]

Ah, I forgot to bring up the tags in @good-beanswrites's headcanon post:

#i imagine the first time the physical restraints went into effect caused a lot of panic :(#very personal hc but i think yuno stayed outside fuutas cell the first time to talk him down from panic#and shidou did the same for mahiru#amane told everyone to go away so she could pray#and mikoto got really really quiet and told everyone he was fine but some people still tried to keep him company

Yeah.

I opted to make Mikoto panic and have John front, though.

A much more restricted existence

(An "Order of Attack" side story)

How Amane and the other unforgiven prisoners dealt with the physical restrictions prior to Kotoko's attacks.

Only knowledge of the high concept is needed (that the injuries are swapped around so Amane loses an eye). Actually, if not for the last two sections, this could stand entirely on its own.

This one... This one's 2300 words! How? This is supposed to be a side story. Yet I've edited this with even more scrutiny than the Fuuta VD.

Huge thanks to @good-beans, @purgemarchlockdown, @lostxmelody, and @amugoffandoms for going over it multiple times and helping me figure out words. I also dragged two Discord servers into the making of John's dialogue (which I posted about earlier).

(cws: cults, child abuse, canon-typical violence)

(Sorry for the inconsistencies in quotes. I finally caved and switched from TextEdit to Google Docs so updating the preview would be less of a hassle.)

-

Two weeks after Kotoko's verdict was finalized, the new restrictions were put in place. Everyone else had long been aware of their verdicts, but having it manifest in such a concrete manner was much more distressing.

Amane was unnerved to wake up with her arms wrapped up in front of her, but she shrugged the feeling off and shifted to her knees to pray. She would soon find out she was taking it the best of anyone. 

In the next cell over, Mikoto was loudly freaking out and asking for someone, anyone to help. His cries soon gave way to screams of unfiltered rage. 

From across the panopticon, Amane could hear Fuuta's panicked shouts and swears directed at Yuno.

None of this was her business. In times like this, she had to focus on herself. She tried to tune out the voices and continue praying, only to realize quickly that Mikoto and Fuuta's voices weren't the only ones she could hear. No, these voices were coming from inside her head. 

“She was just following orders, no?”

“But those orders were morally wrong.”

“She needs to understand that she was in a cult.”

“We can’t support the ideology imposed on her.”

“We have to give her tough love.”

“The only way she can break away is if we deny her beliefs.”

No, they got it all wrong! It was an obligation of faith that she willingly carried out. It was a trial that she had passed.

…Had she passed it?

She looked down at the straps binding her arms. The only things she was going to "break away" from were these.

Eventually, Mikoto quieted down. But before Amane could refocus on her prayer, the door opened. Kazui.

"Amane-chan, are you okay in there?"

"Yes, I am fine."

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Kazui sounded like he was choosing his words carefully, which Amane thought was pointless.

"I just told you I am fine." But instead of shooing Kazui away, Amane stood up and walked towards the door to observe the commotion in the panopticon.

Yuno was trying to calm Fuuta down in an embrace, but he continued to swear at her just loudly enough to be heard from the other side of the panopticon. Mahiru had her face buried in Shidou's shoulder, and her shoulders were shaking.

"Kazui-san, your efforts would be better spent helping Fuuta-san over there."

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to leave you alone in here. What if you need something later and can't open the-"

"I can figure out how to open the door on my own. You should leave me alone." 

Kazui conceded and left. Amane tried her best to ignore the voices and pray that this trial too would come to pass.

-

Amane felt a surge of relief as the restraints disengaged and her hands dropped to her lap. She shook her arms to ensure they hadn't gone numb and noticed her sleeves had gotten considerably longer. After she spent a few minutes trying to get her hands out, the door to her cell opened.

"Oi, Amane." Fuuta still looked tense from the events of that morning.

"Fuuta-san, what are you doing here?"

"Everyone's in the dining hall except you. Come on, you've got to eat. You're still growing."

"Very well." Amane stood up and headed out with Fuuta.

A few paces later, Fuuta looked down at Amane's sleeves. "You need help with those?"

"I can figure out how to pull the sleeves up on my own."

"Well, I wouldn't want you to take too long. Breakfast won't wait for you forever, ya know?"

"If I fail to figure it out after a few minutes, then you can help." More paces. "By the way, I was expecting Mahiru-san or-" Amane cleared her throat. "-Shidou-san to come and bother me. Why did you?"

"I'll be damned if I let anyone miss breakfast."

-

Not long after Amane retreated to her cell, her uniform buckled itself, trapping her arms again.

That was the beginning of the strict routine of the unforgiven prisoners. The straps would disengage at specific times throughout the day so they could tend to their basic necessities. The others didn’t take well to being ushered into a schedule. Fuuta in particular complained vocally about having his day dictated for him. But Amane got used to it pretty quickly. She had been living according to routines all her life, so she didn't mind.

Moving around wasn't too much of a hassle. The doorknobs were easy to turn, and it didn't take much to push doors open. Pulling doors open was more of a challenge, but Amane quickly figured out how to hook the handles onto her sleeve strap and lean away until she could prop the door with her foot.

In the moments she had her arms free, she found that biting the sleeves was the most efficient way to get her hands out. (Looking over at Mikoto, she realized she wasn't the only one who thought to bite the uniform.)

And so she used this free time to make more free time. From the dining hall and the warehouse, she pocketed some scissors, straws, and skewers, among other things.

She tried to cut her sleeves, but the scissors were too flimsy to make more than a little slit in the elbows. Better than nothing, she supposed. She wasn't about to go for the kitchen scissors and draw attention to herself. She would just have to make do with the other items to extend her reach. Soon enough, she had a system to open books and turn pages and write. Despite all the restrictions, it worked out really well.

-

After Amane settled into the new daily rhythm, she figured she could impart her knowledge to the other unforgiven prisoners.

Excluding Mikoto. He seemed to be fine and free, and he held that over her the one time she visited him. 

“Oi, pipsqueak, you take one more step in and I'll crush your skull. Don’t think I’d let you off just ‘cause you’re a helpless little cocoon. Didn’t your parents ever teach you manners?”

She turned around and left right then and there, bristling at the remark about her parents. It was all she could do not to charge in and headbutt him. She wasn't about to find out the hard way if the threat wasn’t just a bluff.

She thought Fuuta might be more receptive, but he wasn't interested in becoming a laughing stock.

"Come to mock me? No thanks. I'm not going out there to be seen like this."

But, of course, he would always get her whenever she was just a few minutes late for any meal, so that was her invitation to keep bothering him. He always let her in anyway.

Mahiru was the most agreeable one, unsurprisingly. She was glad to accept Amane's help in figuring out how to pull her cell door open. The difference in uniforms made it a bit more difficult, but the girls were crafty enough to figure it out. Mahiru was more than content to be able to go around the panopticon on her own, regardless of the restraints.

"Oh, these? They don't really bother me anymore. It's like I'm giving myself a nice, big hug."

For some reason, though, Amane found it draining to be cared for in turn, so she spaced out the visits with Mahiru more.

Talking to the forgiven prisoners was more of a hassle. She was especially exasperated with the older adults. They would always look at her with pity whenever she walked around, so she went out of her way to avoid them. Unfortunately, the schedule imposed on the unforgiven prisoners made it impossible for her to stay away entirely.

“Amane, how are you holding up?”

“I am fine,” she would say, settling at the far end of the table.

“Do you need any help with those sleeves?”

In response, Amane bit her sleeve and yanked it up to her elbow in an exaggerated motion.

“Are there any items you would like? I can fill out a request on your behalf.”

Amane stopped answering.

“If there is anything-”

“Oi, Shidou, this steak is undercooked. You mind fixing that?”

Amane was glad Fuuta had caught on quickly. Mahiru and Yuno too.

And yet.

“It’s quiet around here. Have a chat with me.”

Amane thought Yuno was staying away from everyone. Why would Yuno talk to her of all people?

Amane responded with curt phrases to kill the momentum of the conversation.

-

It was supposed to be another normal visit. Amane was supposed to stroll into Fuuta's cell unannounced and preach to him until he cussed her out the door. She never thought she'd find him bloody and beaten on the ground, under Kotoko's shadow. 

Kotoko didn’t even need any descriptive threats. Fuuta’s sorry state clearly conveyed what she was about to do.

Amane was caught in a chokehold of fear. Running was no option (even if she physically could), but she wished she had the willpower to stand or at least speak.

She finally snapped out of it at the first strike. By then, it was already too late.

Adults would get on her case for raising an arm to defend herself from being hit. They would punish her for taking a quick detour to get her bearings. Surely they wouldn't have approved of her crafting her idle time to fulfill her frivolous desires.

Maybe this was her ultimate punishment. For running and avoiding pain all the time, now she was trapped completely. For meddling in other people’s business, she’d have no more nose to stick where it didn’t belong.

-

It turned out that the solution to cutting the fabric was the kitchen scissors after all. Amane was miffed that Kirisaki Shidou did that for her. She would rather have done it herself.

When was he going to let her leave his watch? It was so suffocating. If he was going to steal people's trials, the least he could do was leave her out of it.

At least Shidou wasn't the one cutting the straps when they engaged again. He was preoccupied with Fuuta. Yuno was the one tending to Amane.

Once Amane was deemed fit enough to move out of the doctor's cell, Mahiru wasted no time making permanent sleepover arrangements in her cell. She and Yuno weren't going to let Amane stay so close to the two that had gotten in a brawl, ceasefire or not.

Tired of the overbearing attention, Amane snuck back to her cell while her new roommates were asleep. She pulled off the eyepatch and all the bandages and went to lie down.

She was still awake when the day turned over, lying on her side and staring into the void. 

All of a sudden, her arms were yanked in front of her again. The sleeves were intact again. Her ribs were squeezed so tightly that it would hurt more to scream.

It was quiet. So quiet. She could hear her breath catching in her throat. The voices started up again, loud and clear in her mind.

“She has to be held accountable for her actions.”

“So what if she is a child? The sooner she learns, the better.”

“Even if it wasn’t her fault, we can’t get behind what she did.”

“It’s the only way she can be forgiven later on.”

Those wretched voices only compounded the suffocating feeling.

There were no sounds to ground her to reality. Mikoto must have been oddly at peace since he was free. Fuuta was in no shape to complain loudly enough to be heard across the panopticon. Mahiru no longer worried about the restraints.

Amane was all alone.

In the darkness, she could make out the shape of Kotoko's boots. She could see Fuuta lying nearby. She blinked, trying to get rid of the vision, but there was no light to dispel it.

Kotoko was attacking her, and she could not run.

The opening of the cell door startled her out of her trance, but all she let out was a whimper.

"Amane-chan! There you are!" Mahiru rushed to her side. "Hold on. I'll get those off." She fumbled with the kitchen scissors. 

Amane continued to stare blankly.

"The uniforms reset, but you weren't with us, and I was so afraid of what that meant for you-"

"Mahiru… san… I'm fine…"

Mahiru finished cutting Amane's arms free. "Now you are." 

Amane tried to breathe slowly, making up for lost air without agitating her injuries. Mahiru waited for her to speak.

"W-why did you…" Amane had no real question in mind, just a sentiment.

Mahiru extended a hand to help Amane sit up. "Look, I get that I can be… overbearing at times… all of us, really. But I really can't bear to see you so distant.”

The way Amane averted her eye only proved Mahiru’s point.

“So afraid.” 

The light from the door shone on Amane’s face. She hated that it let Mahiru see her expression.

“So hurt.” 

Amane moved her hand to cover her right eye, but Mahiru gently pushed it away and clasped it in both of her hands. Despite Mahiru’s calm demeanor, Amane could feel her hands trembling.

“If you could just let us in, wouldn't it help us all?"

Amane didn’t respond for several minutes. She thought she would break if she said anything. She just let Mahiru hold her hand in silence.

Until.

She leaned forward and rested her head on Mahiru’s shoulder, gripping the sleeve with her free hand. If anyone asked, she was not crying. Not even a little. Mahiru softly patted her on the back.

Amane used to be the one who went around offering help. Why was she the one relying on others now?

[unloved-cadillac]

Mr Ackerman: Chapter Three.

Y/n L/n is a single mother and the new CEO of Sina Enterprises. She and her son JJ had moved to the city after Y/n’s promotion. JJ is enrolled into Sina Elementary School and things start getting interesting after Y/n catches feelings for JJ’s form teacher, Mr Levi Ackerman. How will things play out?

*playboy smirk* haha. This shit is long over due, haha. I’m sorry, haha. But you cute tho.

𝖤𝖽𝗂𝗍𝖾𝖽: 𝗇𝗈.

As the days went by, Y/n started to get piled with work. So many things of the company needed to be addressed and she needed to stay longer than she liked. And JJ hated it. Even though he knew his mom worked like a dog, he tried not to be so angry. But he was a kid who still needed his mom’s kiss goodnight and not a phone call.

It was the day before his field trip to the Overlook Aquarium and Y/n had made sure that she got his forms filled and money paid for it. Sitting at her office desk, she stops writing and looks at the picture to her right. Her little boy with her and his dad. She missed him. She really did. But she knew that Mikoto wouldn’t want her to sulk over him for forever and JJ needed a good father figure in his life. As she looked at the picture she started thinking about all the things JJ had told her about his teacher. Levi Ackerman. JJ seemed to really like how he was such a grump and preferred things a certain way. “He makes us clean our desks as well. Just like how you tell me to clean, Mama.” She remembers JJ tell her. Y/n checks the time and starts to go back home. “If I rush, maybe I’ll make it in time to tuck him in bed.” Y/n mutters to herself and hops into her car and drives home.

When she pulled up into her driveway, Nanaba’s bike was still there. Y/n takes off her heels and unlocks her door. The house was dark as usual but the TV was still on. “Nanaba?” Y/n whisper shouts as she flicks the light switch on. Nanaba doesn’t answer so Y/n goes to the couch to see her sleeping. Gently shaking her shoulder, Nanaba wakes up. “Oh. Ms Y/n. You’re back.” Nanaba says and yawns. “Yeah. I’m home. You should go too. Thank you for coming her on such short notice. I’ll make sure to include it in your paycheck.” Y/n smiles while Nanaba scoffs. “Don’t be ridiculous, boss. I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh no. I’ll see you on Monday. Don’t forget you got to go with JJ on his field trip.” Nanaba says while putting on her shoes. “Thanks, Nana. Goodnight.” “Night, boss.” When she left, Y/n make she ready to JJ’s room.

She opens it and sees him fast asleep, with his back to the door. Y/n quietly walks up to him and leans down to kiss him. “Mama?” JJ mumbles. “Hi, baby. I’m sorry I’ve been working so long.” She says while he turns to face her. “It’s okay. I forgive you.” He yawns out. “Good news, though. I’ll be with you tomorrow for your field trip.” Y/n says and JJ sits up, shocking her. “Really?! You’re gonna be with me?” He asks excitedly. Y/n nods and he wraps his arms around her neck. “I’m so happy.” He says into her neck and Y/n hugs him tighter. “Me too baby. Now get some rest. Don’t want you be tired tomorrow.” Y/n puts JJ down and tucks him in. “I love you, Mama.” “I love you too, baby.” “I can’t wait for you and Mr Ackerman to meet again. He asked about you.” Y/n cocks her eyebrow to the question. “Asked about me? What did he ask?” “Just if you’re okay. And he said that he hopes you aren’t overworking.” JJ says and closes his eyes. Y/n giggles and kisses JJ’s forehead. She exits his bedroom and smiles as she closes the door. Mr Ackerman, huh?

~~~~

“Mom! We’re gonna be late! I wanna see the sharks!” “JJ, we’re not gonna be late.”

JJ puts on his jacket and shoes while Y/n fills two water bottles for them and grabs her bag. “Mama, can we have McDonald’s today?” He asks Y/n while she puts on her jacket and toes JJ’s shoes. “I’m hoping we can. Unless we have to buy from the aquarium. But I’ll make a plan.” She winks at JJ and he smiles. They go outside and JJ stands by the car door while Y/n locks up the house. “Mama!!” JJ says. “Alright, baby. I’m here.” She unlocks the door and he hops into the back seat and puts his seatbelt on. Y/n stands and watches him. “You’re growing up so fast!” Y/n says and kisses his cheek making JJ laugh. “Mama!! Let’s go!!” He laughs out and she smiles. “Yes yes, my king.” She says and shuts the door. She goes into her driver’s seat and goes to the school. From the school, they would be assigned to certain buses and then off to the aquarium. “So, JJ,” Y/n begins and looks at him through the review mirror, “Is Lily coming as well?” JJ nods enthusiastically. “She says that she had been there before and that she will show me the sharks.” Y/n hums and smiles. Few minutes later, they pull up to the school. Y/n parks the G-Wagon and hops out and goes to JJ’s door. She unbuckles him and he jumps down and stands by his mom while she got some stuff. “JJ!” A pretty voice calls out for him and Y/n turns to see the Ackerman girl run up to them. Her hair was in a pathetic excuse for a ponytail which made Y/n look at her. “Hi, Lily.” “Hello, Ms L/n. I like your jacket.” She points to it. “Thank you. Lily, who did your hair?” Y/n asks. “Daddy did. Well, he tried.” Lily giggles making JJ and Y/n giggle. “Come here. Would you like me to put a ponytail for you?” Lily nods. “Yes please!” “Ok. Turn around.” Lily does as she’s told and Y/n carefully takes out the twisted hair tie and combs her hair. Nearly gathering it up in a high pony, Y/n wraps the hair tie around and neatens the back and front. “There. All done. Do you like it?” Y/n asks and Lily faces the van to see her reflection. She gasps and hugs Y/n. “Yes. Thank you so much, Ms L/n.” Y/n pats her back. “Oh, Lily. Call me Y/n.” Lily pulls away and smiles. “Y/n.”

“LILY!” A fierce voice calls her and she turns to her dad who was looking for her. “Daddy! Daddy look. Y/n did my hair!” She runs up to him and shows off her ponytail. Levi looks up and sees Y/n with JJ. She shyly waves and he nods. “Lily, do you want me to have a heart attack? Don’t run away like that.” He says and Lily cuddles into his chest. “Sorry Daddy.” He sighs and Y/n and JJ walk up to them. “Hi, Y/n.” “Hi, Levi. Long time no see.” “Yeah. Long time.” It’s quiet and JJ and Lily share a look but then the bell is sounded followed by an announcement:

All parents, teachers and students going to the Overlook Aquarium please gather by the front gate so you can be assigned to buses. Thank you.

Levi puts down Lily and Lily takes JJ’s hand. “Let’s go, JJ. The sharks are waiting.” JJ smiles and looks at his mom. “Don’t walk too far away from us.” She tells him and Levi nods at Lily. The young pair talk and laugh while the grown-ups walk side by side. Hands brushing against each other sometimes. “So Y/n. How’s work?” Levi asks after a long silence. Y/n exhales and chuckles. “Hectic. I’m hardly at home and it kills me. I’m pretty sure JJ is mad at me because did that too.” Y/n scratches the back of her neck. “Well you do have quite the job so it’s gonna be hard. But don’t worry. JJ isn’t mad.” Levi says and puts his hands in his pockets. Y/n looks at him. “How do you know?” “He’s more...worried. He told me that you might be overworking. So don’t push yourself too much.” Levi says the last bit softly but Y/n caught it. “Thanks for caring, Levi.” Y/n says and Levi steals a look at her. Her hair was awfully pretty today. It framed her face perfectly. Levi clears his throat and looks ahead. “Y-Yeah. Whatever.” They all made their way to the front gate and JJ and Lily looked ahead. “JJ! Lily! Come here!” Y/n shouts and they turn around and run to their respective parents. JJ stood in front of Y/n while holding her hands and Lily carried Lily while she wrapped her tiny arms around his neck while they waited to see who’s where.

Many names were said and many buses assigned. “Ackerman- Bus two. And L/n-Bus two. Go to your buses and be safe everyone. Kids stay with your parents and drink lots of water today.” The administrator says and waves them off. Lily and JJ smile at each other and y/n and Levi walk to the bus. “Daddy, can I sit with JJ?” “Mama, can I sit with Lily?” The parents look at each other and Y/n shrugs her shoulders. “Uhm, if it’s alright with Lily’s dad it’s fine with me.” She looks at Levi and he nods. “We better go first then so we can get a four-seater.” The two pairs rush to the bus and JJ pushes through the tall people and made his way to the back of the bus and finds the perfect seats. So to book it, he laid across it. Waiting for his mom and friends to join him. “JJ!” Y/n chuckles and looks at her boy. “I saved the seats! Can I sit by the window?” “Aww, JJ. I wanted to sit by the window.” Lily says and JJ smiles. “Don’t worry Lily. If you sit next to me, you see too.” So Lily went in to sit next to JJ and Y/n sat next to Levi. This feeling...was weird to Levi. But not in a bad way. It was just something that he hadn’t felt in a long time if not at all. He wanted to reach over and take Y/n’s hand in his but he stopped himself. He didn’t even know her, for gods sake. But when he subtly looked at her hand, the ring was gone. “I see you aren’t using your ring anymore. You okay?” He asks softly so the kids wouldn’t hear. “Hmm? Oh. Yeah. I realized it was time. You know. To let go. Not that it was easy but it had to be done. I can’t keep dwelling on the past.” Y/n says and smiles softly. Levi looks at her and hesitatingly places his hand on hers making her look up at him. “If you ever need someone to talk to. I’m here.” Y/n eyes widen slightly and smiles at him. “Thank you, Levi.” She says and they look at each other. “Mama! Look at this cloud! It looks like a mouse!” JJ’s voice makes Y/n quickly pull her hand away from Levi’s and looks at JJ. “Where baby?” Levi sighs and rest his head on his fist. “It looks like a dolphin, JJ. Daddy! Doesn’t it look like a dolphin?” Lily calls out to him and he leans towards the window, pressing his front to Y/n’s back making her blush a bit. “I don’t know how that’s a mouse or a dolphin. It looks like a shit.” Levi remarks making Y/n chuckle. But her bright blush was clear on her face. “Mama? Are you okay? You’re red.” Y/n looks at JJ and clears her throat. “Y-Yeah. I’m fine.” She sits back into her seat and avoids looking at Levi who hid his smirks behind his hand.

They had finally made their way to the aquarium and having energetic 8 year olds really were a pain. “JJ. Wait!” Y/n shouts while she got her bag. “Come on, Daddy!” “Lily. I swear to God..” Levi mumbles while he waits for Y/n to tie her lace. “You good?” He asks and Y/n shyly smiles. “Yeah. Let’s go before our kids get lost.” She walks ahead of him and Levi chuckles. When they entered the Aquarium, Lily and JJ were so damn excited. JJ was understandable since he has never been here before, but Lily has been more than 7 times. “Mama! Lily says there a corn dog stand here. Can we have some?” He asks Y/n. “Later. Let’s see some fish first.” She tells him and takes his hand. Levi comes and picks up Lily. “Daddy. We’re gonna see the dolphins again.” She says excitedly and Levi kisses her cheek. “Yeah. We will.” The tour guide comes and speaks to everyone and JJ listens to everything he says while subconsciously playing with his mom’s hand. Something he did when he was nervous or excited. Levi looks at Y/n and JJ and then at Lily. He hair was perfect. If only he could do it like that. He really messed up in the morning. He cringes at the thought. As the crowd starts to walk Lily is set down by Levi and she holds his hand while looking around. “Is that.. Lily?!” An excited voice rings through the place and Lily turns around to see her favorite aunt. “Aunty Isabel!!!” Lily runs up to her and Isabel catches her. “Oh I missed you so much, Lilykins. How are you?” The bright woman asks the little girl. “I’m good. We’re here on a school trip.” Lily says and Isabel smiles. “Yeah I heard.” “Isabel.” Levi says and Isabel smiles at her brother-in-law. “Levi! How are you, bro?” “Okay, I guess.” He says as Lily jumps into his arms. He turns around when he heard JJ’s voice. “Mama, look! Sting rays!” “I can see baby. They’re pretty, aren’t they?” Y/n leans down with JJ in between her legs and points to the various sting rays. Levi smiles softly at them and Isabel catches it. “Who are they?” She asks. “The kid is in my class and that woman is his mother.” Levi says while moving the hair out of Lily’s hair. “Must be pretty special since they’re making you smile, grump.” “I’m not smiling.” Levi says. “Yeah he was, Aunty Isabel. Even in the bus. It’s weird.” Lily says confused and Levi pinches her cheek. “Oi, cool it brat. My smile isn’t that bad.” “So you admit it!” Isabel exclaims while Levi continues to pinch Lily’s cheek. “Daddy! That tickles.” Lily laughs and Y/n looks behind her to see. It was cute. Levi caught her eye and she quickly turned around making Levi smirk. “So, I gotta go back to work. The penguins need feeding. Bye Lily.” Isabel kisses Lily’s forehead. “Bye Aunty Isabel. Please tell Uncle Farlan I said hello!” Lily waves and Isabel yells out a “of course!” Then leaves. Levi walks with Lily to Y/n and JJ who were mesmerized by the rays. “Lily! Look!” JJ points to the rays as Levi sets Lily down and Y/n wakes up. She walks to the the benches with Levi and sits down with him. “So you’re friends with the manager here?” Y/n asks and Levi scoffs. “Friends? Try related.”

Y/n looks at him, with a tilt of her head. Cute. Levi continues, “She’s my married to my brother, Farlan. It’s how Lily was able to come here so often. Isabel would bring her here sometimes.” Levi says and looks at Y/n’s smile. “That’s nice. And about your wife? Surely she must want to take her to aquariums too?” Y/n asks. Levi moves hand to ran through his onyx strands. “I’m not married. Lily’s mother walked out on us when she was two. She was too shit to raise her. But I can’t bad-mouth her too much. She gave me the brightest light in my life.” He says as he looks at Lily playing with JJ. Lily looks at her dad and waves. Levi lifts his hand up and returns it. “I’m sorry to hear that. Lily is a good kid.” Y/n assures him and place her hand on his lap. “You doing great in raising her.” She continues and smiles at him. Her hair falls over her face and Levi moves it and tucks it behind her ear. Y/n breath hitches. Mikoto used to do that. But she doesn’t pull away and nor does he. “Y/n.” He quietly says her name. “There’s something I want to ask you. Will-..” “DADDY!” They adults tear away from each other and look at Lily who was running towards them with JJ. “We’re hungry.” JJ says and places his hands on Y/n’s thighs putting on his best puppy face. “Yeah. My tummy is growling.” Lily tells Levi and he kisses her cheek. “Fine. Let’s get something to eat then. There’s this good restaurant here. Come on.” He wakes up and looks at Y/n. “Well? You coming or not?” Y/n snaps out of her thoughts and nods. “Oh yeah. Come on, JJ.” Y/n says and walks with him.

They all entered the food court and go to the restaurant Levi spoke about. JJ eyes widened at the food. They were huge portions and Y/n laughs at his reaction. “You okay, baby?” Y/n asks him and he nods and starts to eat. Levi and Y/n sat next to each other and JJ and Lily sat next to each other. “Mama. After lunch can we go see the sharks?” JJ asks with a bit sauce on his mouth. Y/n gets a napkin and wipes it off. “Sure. But I have no idea where they are.” “I’ll take us there. Do you like sharks, JJ?” Levi asks while sipping his soda. “Yes. They’re my favorite. Did you know that the average shark has about 15 rows of teeth?” JJ’s eyes lighten up while asking. “Whoa. I did not.” Levi replies. “I want to swim with them one day.” JJ whispers and Y/n smiles. “What if they eat you, JJ?” Lily worriedly asks him and he pats her head. “They won’t harm you unless you harm them. It’s like walking past a person. If you don’t pick a fight they have no reason to.” JJ says and Y/n’s breath hitches. Levi looks at her with concern. “You okay?” Levi asks quietly. Y/n nods and sniffs. “Mikoto told him that.” Is all she says and looks back at Levi. He smiles and holds her hand underneath the table.

After lunch, Levi takes all of them to the sharks tanks. There, JJ’s eyes widened and he stood right by the glass. He put a hand on it and a huge shark swam past, making Lily grab onto JJ’s jacket and hid behind him. “Lily. Look. There’s no need to be afraid. I’m here.” He says and takes her hand and places it on the glass. Lily giggles and they children talk and smile while they adults were by the other tank. Not far away from them. Y/n looks at the fish and reads about them with Levi close by. Y/n was fascinated by the variety of fish and it showed on her face. Levi watched her and man, he could feel himself fall for her. He walks to stand next to her while she watches the fish. “What were you gonna ask me, Levi?” Y/n asks then looks at him. The light illuminated the pair of them making each think how beautiful they were. Levi had his black turtle neck on with his ear piercings and Y/n just wore full black. Levi turned and looked ar the kids first, to see that they weren’t listening, and then back to the fish. “I, uhm. Wanted...to go on a date. With you.” Levi says while avoiding her gaze. And because he was blushing like crazy. Y/n’s eyes widened but she kept quiet. Like she was thinking. It was silent for a long time and Levi got a bit anxious. So he quickly looked at her while she was lost in thought. “No. Wait. Y/n. Shit, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. I didn’t think. Just forget it. I’m sorry.” He rambles on but shuts up when he feels her hand lace with his. He looks at the intertwined hands and then her face.

“I’d love to.”

———————————————————————

“Whew. Long ass chapter. I’ll put the keep reading when my laptop comes back. Comment or message if you want to be part of the tag list.”

🤍🖤 special tags(thanks for being so patient): @cucumberfingers @whore-for-anime @averysinclaire🖤🤍

🖤🤍Thanks for reading🤍🖤

-Caddy.

[ssa25]

Trial and Error - Sasuhina Month 2020 - Day 15

@sasuhinamonth

You’re everything I’ve never believed in.

He saw his fiance surreptitiously pull up the strap of her fuschia bodycon dress that kept sliding off her narrow shoulders. Knowing her and the colours she usually wore, it was quite obvious that the dress was borrowed. That colour on her pale skin was horrendous, and he was sure it hurt his eyes to even look directly at it. But the way the fabric moulded to her figure was exceptionally tantalizing. It was also remarkable that the usually stoic and no-nonsense Hyuuga Hiashi had not burst a nerve and ordered her to change her attire.

He was also quite proud of himself for maintaining his control and not dragging her off to some corner to tear her dress off of her body. That would gratify him on two wholly different levels. He looked around the table and found that almost everyone had their eyes away from the bright pink beacon sitting opposite to him. He reckoned it was probably to save her from the embarrassment.

She looked fidgety and uncomfortable too, but he understood that this was her way of rebelling.

Hyuuga Hinata was the opposite of everything he believed in. And oddly, that made her more endearing and charming to him.

She did not believe in cruel words or hurtful actions. While most people with their kind of money believed in solely the act of donating money for charitable causes, Hinata believed in lending a literal helping hand. She was the epitome of kindness and calm. And here she was, doing everything in her own quiet yet determined way to make him dislike her and break off the engagement. But little did she know that she was failing horribly. He liked her inspite of her dress, hair and unusually heavy makeup.

-

Uchiha Mikoto ran a gentle hand over the short tresses of Hinata that fell to her chin.

“Hmm… You’ve got a new hairstyle I see…”, she commented with a faint bit of suspicion.

Hinata tried her best not to flinch at the way her eyes narrowed. His fiance’s mother had always been nice to her, and she genuinely liked the woman. So it was not an easy decision for her to purposely make her feel disappointed.

“That’s quite strange… I could swear I spoke about how Sasuke likes long hair on women on our last dinner two weeks back.”

“Ah, d-did we? It must have slipped my mind… This is just something I’m trying for summer.”, Hinata lied through her teeth while running her fingers through her hair.

“Oh, that’s… okay… I guess… I don’t think it will grow back much in 8 weeks for the wedding though.”, Mikoto said. “But it’s alright… You look very pretty either way!”

Hinata slumped a little, worrying if she should have indeed shaved the left side of her head off like Tenten had suggested. But she had been too much of a chicken to try something so drastic. And her father would have probably had her head on a platter or something. She had already upset him with her garrish choice of dress tonight. And guessing by the many stern looks he had directed her way, she was undoubtedly going to be reprimanded after their guests departed.

She looked up from her barely eaten plate of food, to see Sasuke looking at her while hiding his smirk behind his wine glass. Immediately, she looked away hoping that she was closer to her end goal, instead of falling for her fiance’s charm.

“Will there be any changes to the living arrangements after the wedding? I’m assuming they will move into the family residence?”, Hiashi asked Fugaku. He based his presumptions on the fact that Itachi was also living with his parents post marriage. And Sasuke’s bachelor pad was not ideal for starting a newly married life.

“Oh yes, I’ve already asked Mikoto to get the eastern suite ready for the-”

“I’m already looking at some properties for the two of us to move in.”, Sasuke interrupted his father, shocking almost everyone in the room. 

“W-What do you mean you’re looking? You must stay with us.”, Fugaku insisted sharply.

Mikoto looked warily at the two of them. The father-son duo locked horns quite frequently, and she wanted to avoid any nasty confrontation in front of the Hyuugas.

But Sasuke just shook his head and explained, “That’s non negotiable. We will need our privacy. I’m sure you know how newlyweds can be.”

Hinata was shocked to hear such a shameless statement from him in front of both their parents. She wanted to hide under the table to save herself from exploding from all the embarrassment. 

Fugaku was enraged at his son’s easy dismissal of his decision. But one look from Mikoto had him press his lips together in disapproval.

Thankfully, even if all the occupants at the table were thinking something, they sure didn’t say anything. The rest of the dinner was a very quiet affair. An uncomfortably quiet affair.

-

“Izumi, if you don’t mind, can I steal my fiance away for a few minutes?”, Sasuke interrupted the two ladies who seemed to get along well.

“Ah, of course… Steal her away… I’m sure she has had enough of my pregnancy chatter anyway.”, the six month old pregnant wife of his older brother replied genially.

Sasuke took Hinata by the elbows and gently pulled her away to the massive patio overlooking the gardens. He could feel half hearted reluctance in every fibre of her body, but he knew she would not voice out her feelings openly. And he was also sure that she was slowly warming up to him, even as she tried to push him away with her futile actions.

Sasuke pushed her lightly against a wide pillar, so that they would be away from plain sight. 

“Hey.”

“H-Hi.”

“How are you, Hinata?”

She shuddered involuntarily at the way he said her name. The smirk on his face told her that the bastard knew the effect he had on her. She was horrified at how her own body betrayed her.

“Fine. I’m fine.”, she cleared her throat. “And you?”

He nodded wordlessly with a wicked tightlipped grin. And asked her another question, “What are you trying to do, Hinata?”

She shrugged and tried to appear innocent. “What do you mean?”

He chuckled and bent down so that their faces were at the same level. “I think I’ll go blind if I look at you long enough in that dress.”

She took a slow calming breath, afraid that any sudden movement will make their faces even closer. “Then… Maybe you shouldn’t look.”

“Ah, I’d prefer going blind instead.”

Her wide gray eyes reminded him of frosted glass with the barest hint of lavender. And her blushing cheeks were tempting enough to take a bite of. He gulped audibly realising the terrifying intensity of the pull this woman had on him.

“That would just prove to be contradictory.”, she quipped as soon as she regained her bearings.

Sasuke shook his head without trying to argue with her. He lifted a wayward strand of her smooth glossy hair and tucked it behind her ears before trailing the finger down her jaw to grip her chin gently.

“Stop trying to push me away Hyuuga Hinata. I won’t budge so easily.”

“Why not?”, she asked him with a frown on her face. “I’m not sure you even like me enough to go through with this marriage.”

He made a humming noise as if he was thinking about it. “I like you enough…. And I’m sure I have told you that before.”

She folded her arms as if she could shield herself from the pull she felt every time he stood close. “I’m not going to be an easy woman to manipulate.”

“Sure.”

“In fact, I think it is a good idea to live away from your family… It will be convenient for us to stay in separate bedrooms and carry on with our lives without any needless intrusion.”, she commented in a haughty manner, hoping to disappoint him.

“I intend to fulfill my marital duties to the fullest extent Hinata… That means I will have you in my bed every night. No separate bedrooms.”

She gasped loudly and looked at him with absolute consternation. “Y-you…. You mean you will force yourself on me??!!”

“Ofcourse not.”, now it was Sasuke’s turn to offended. “You will beg me to touch you.”, he said with a serious and confident expression.

Hinata stared back at him with some frustration and a certain hint of desire. She had never before felt so turned on by such blatant expression of self confidence in a man. But she forced herself to push those dangerous feelings away.

“You’ve lost your mind… I-If you think I will do anything of that sort.”

Sasuke laughed at her accusation. She was completely flustered and he was enjoying every minute of it.

“I haven’t lost my mind Hinata. Not yet. But I’m hoping I will... With you…. For you.”

And with that he had managed to render her speechless. She did not even resist him when he leaned in to kiss her softly.

Maybe there was hope for him, after all.

x

a/n: Doesn’t really match the prompt perfectly, but this is just how the story flowed when I got down to writing it. Also, apologies for the delay.

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Forty-Six: Food ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

It’s funny how food went from a thoughtless necessity to something so...important.

Sasuke had never really given the culinary arts much consideration. Food was just...food. Sure, you could get fancy and expensive with it. Some of it is healthy, some of it is not. Some he likes, some he can’t stand. But it had no real...meaning to him. No significance.

Not until his Home Economics class.

True, cooking and food wasn’t the sole focus of the class. There was sewing, cleaning, managing a home, knowing how to care for children. In a lot of ways it felt a bit...dated, and yet it was all handy to know, once he got over the fact that he was the only guy in a class typically known as a “woman’s subject”.

But, admittedly, the days where they focused on food preparation quickly became his favorite. As neat as it was to learn to sew his own stuff, there was something about knowing about such a basic and necessary skill that was...rewarding. Satisfying.

And, well...there was one other reason.

Most of the students were underclassmen. All girls. The only other senior in the hour block was Hinata Hyūga. Someone Sasuke vaguely knew due to meshing social circles, but had never really had a chance (or reason) to speak to. While everyone else seemed a bit unnerved at his presence as both a guy and an upperclassman, Hinata had greeted him amiably, and was more often than not his partner for any activities the class took on.

She was friendly, warm...and yet quiet and attentive. Not like most other girls Sasuke typically found himself around, like Sakura or Ino. Being rather reserved himself, he found it...refreshing. Even his best friend Naruto was unapologetically loud at nearly every moment, and it was just so exhausting!

Given that the class wasn’t exactly difficult (at least not compared to his other classes, several of which were honors and AP), and the atmosphere so much more relaxed and easily paced...it quickly became one Sasuke found himself looking forward to, especially given its position at the end of the day.

So when the time came to switch classes for the semester...he really didn’t want to.

He’d made friends in the class. Learned a lot. Enjoyed all the activities, but especially all the time partnering up with Hinata, and most of all when they were cooking. Food had become more than just something to do three times a day. It’d become a hobby, and a meaningful activity between two friends.

Stressing about the change for several weeks, he’d talked to her about it, learning more about her own plans before just...deciding to stay, his father and his stuck up standards be damned. If Hinata could stand up to her own about her future in a far bigger way, then...he could do that much!

So, the rest of his senior year passed with Home Ec as his last class. It was mostly more of the same, but...that was just how he wanted it. His little retreat from the rest of the world, the rest of its expectations.

Hinata, he knew, felt very much the same.

The rest of the year, then, was spent just...enjoy it. Come graduation, Sasuke found himself a bit uneasy about the future, as many of his classmates did. But there were some things he knew would be just fine.

“Promise you’ll write?”

“I’m not going to just disappear for a year,” Hinata laughed. The ceremony was over, everyone milling about as pictures were taken and hands shook. “I’ll have my phone, and wifi whenever I can find it. Odds are I’ll be at least texting you a few times a week, okay?”

“Just...be careful.”

“Of course. I’ve been networking all year - I have friends in all the places I want to visit that I’ll be staying with, so...I’ll be f-fine. And I’ll send lots of pictures!”

“You better.”

“...I sort of wish you could come with me.”

Sasuke’s brows rose a bit. “...yeah?”

“Yeah! I mean…” She’d sheepishly tucked hair behind her ear. “Y-you’re a really good friend, Sasuke. I’m...I’m really going to miss you. And our class. No more hanging out after school baking pies, huh?”

“...yeah, guess not. Not for a while, anyway. I bet we’ll make a day of it whenever you get back, huh?”

“Yeah...if I come back,” she lightly teased. “M-maybe I’ll find someplace I really want to stay. Open up my little bakery, right?”

Sasuke couldn’t stop a soft laugh. “Yeah...then I guess I’d just have to come to you.”

“...maybe over one of your breaks, you can meet me whenever I’ll be. If...if you want.”

“...maybe I will.”

The actual goodbye was a tearful one. Going to send her off on her first flight - Hiashi nowhere to be seen - Sasuke had been a bit startled when she latched onto him tightly.

“...I’ll text you when I land.”

“...okay, good.”

“I’ll be heading s-straight to my friend’s place - she’s going to meet me at the airport. So...I won’t be alone.”

“Smart.”

“It’ll probably take me a while to settle in, so...if I go q-quiet after that, I’ll just be busy. But I’ll reply when I can.”

“Yeah...don’t worry about it. Enjoy your trip, all right? Don’t be glued to your phone. Experience it, okay?”

Finally backing up a bit, she let eyes flicker between his own. “...I will. H-have a good Summer if...if I don’t see you before you start school, okay?”

“I’ll give it my best effort, but...no guarantees.”

Smiling, she opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off as the boarding was announced. “...I better go!”

“Yeah, don’t be late.” Waving, he watched her get into line, digging out her ticket and passing through onto the plane.

Moving to a window, he’d watched it take off, a strange tightness in his chest.

...he still hadn’t told her how he felt, but...well, given that she was leaving, it felt like a pretty bad time to try. If she rejected him, it’d probably hang over her and ruin her experience. And if she didn’t - if she returned the feeling - then they’d reach that point only to be separated for an entire year.

He resolved to do it when she got back. Part of him was, admittedly, a bit worried she’d meet some cool foreign guy on her travels and forget about him. But at the same time...he also knew she wasn’t the sort to get swept up like that. Sure, she was a bit of a romantic, but...not that bad.

Summer seemed to crawl by. He kept up his cooking habits, still delighting his mother whenever he joined in to help with dinner.

“Going to be lonely around here, won’t it?”

“Huh?”

“Oh come now, Sasuke,” Mikoto had gently chided. “You think I didn’t notice you moping around after Hinata left?”

Startled pink bloomed in his cheeks, and his mother’s knowing smirk revealed she realized more than he’d let on.

“...she’ll be back before you know it. You two have something tying you together, after all. It might seem like ages, but...time has a way of flying the older you get. She’ll have her adventure, and probably be a different person when she gets back. But food, more than anything else, brings people together. And you two met over it, right? That’s a guarantee she’s a keeper.”

“Mom,” Sasuke had groaned, earning a laugh at his embarrassed tone.

“Sorry, sorry...I’m just so proud of how much you’ve grown this year. It’s nice to have this to share with you. And I know Hinata feels the same way.”

Staring down at the tomato he was peeling, he went quiet for a moment.

“...yeah. I hope so.”

                                                       .oOo.

     (This is a sequel to days 98, 108, 139, 227, 284, 301, and 331!)       This is...a little short, and I wanted to write one more scene, but I am just...too wiped, lol - maybe I'll have a chance to wrap this one up before the challenge is over!      And yes, to anyone just tuning in / behind, I'm still going though 2019 is over. I WON'T GIVE UP xD It's been 365 days, but I haven't written my 365 pieces, so I'm gonna plough through and finish up, no matter when it actually ends!      ...*coughs* Anyway...more of the Home Ec verse. I know this had a lot of time skipping in it, but...well, with the challenge almost over, and without much left to write, I figured I'd just hop forward. I have one more idea for it, and depending on how prompts go, maybe it'll happen in the challenge. If not, I'll just...write it on its own, lol      BUT, now I'm gonna go sleep. One thing I'll look forward to once this is over is (hopefully) getting to bed at a better hour x'D Thanks for reading!

[bonnieisaway]

lost my discretion

cough ow this is really bad but here’s chp 4 to my shit saiki k x reader

tw for mentions of kidnapping

chapter two | chapter three | wattpad link

"S-Saiki..?" (L/n) asks, shakily as she sits on the ground behind the boy. He had suddenly appeared out of thin air, separating the girl and the body in front of Saiki. "Wh-wha...h-how did you..?"

He had teleported, obviously, but the weeping girl behind him didn't necessarily understand. Saiki cursed himself under his breath. There wasn't any way to get out of this one.

Saiki sighed in frustration. It was a simple Saturday morning, but something was annoying. He had had the same stupid prophetic dream and headache ever since the night where (L/n) had walked him home. It was weird, and why he had been assuming his powers were off lately, because usually there was't that much of a gap between when his dreams happened and, well, when it actually happened. The volcano- as much as he hated to think about it- didn't count really, it was only so long ago because he had rewound the Earth fuck knows how many times.

The answer was 6. But, we don't talk about that.

He had no choice but to shake it off as his mother called him down for breakfast. Walking down the stairs he tried his best to clear his mind, sitting at the table and ignoring the idle chatter his mother and father started.

(L/n) was a strange girl. Everything about her seemed contradictory. She was average, yet unique in a way that seemed to keep Saiki guessing, somehow- it felt like there were parts of her unknown. Which was odd, since, he could literally read her mind. Hell, even from where he sat now, if he tried hard enough he could hear her thoughts.

Or, well, dreams. She liked to sleep in.

Regardless, that wasn't all. She carried herself as if she was nothing special- and even then acknowledged by some very wrong people as such- but she was talented and beautiful. An average girl who was unique. Part of Saiki supposed everyone was like that, really. Another part of him supposed there was something different. Other than that that hid within her that he was curious of.

Very rarely was Saiki curious. Very rarely did people manage to hide things from Saiki Kusuo.

Of course, there were things like Nendo, and bugs, that were completely unreadable. But you were complex. He heard your thoughts, yes, but you never turned to stone without his glasses and his x-ray vision never worked on you. It was, well, confusing. Emotions that Saiki didn't necessarily understand.

"Ku, are you alright? You haven't touched your food..." Saiki's mother, Kurumi, fretted.

Saiki blinked for a second. He had zoned out. "Yes... I'm fine.." He sighs, finally picking up his spoon and digging into his coffee jelly. Who needed anything else? Coffee jelly makes all your problems go away.

What? Don't look at him like that. You're reading an x reader fanfiction. He can use coffee jelly as a stress coping mechanism all he wants.

Kurumi looks at his doubtfully before sighing. 'I really do hope he's okay..' Her thoughts echoed. Saiki sighed, finishing his food and excusing himself from the table, walking back up to his room.

He figured he'd read a book. Play that one game he never finished. Something enjoyable. he doesn't want to waste a perfectly fine Saturday fretting about nothing.

°·.¸.·°¯°·.,.·°¯°·.¸.°·.¸.·°¯°·.¸.·°¯°·.¸.

As you woke up slowly, you heard your phone vibrate on the stand next to your bed. You sighed. Who wanted what this early in the morning..? You rubbed your eyes with one hand and grabbed the phone with the other.

Oh. It's 1pm. It's not that early. You just really, really like sleep. You unlock your phone, which is an unholy level of bright, to find a text from an unfamiliar number

???

Heey! I got your number from Chiopipi.

...Who, got it from Teryukoko.. ehhe..

(Y/n)

..uh.. who's this??

???

Oh, sorry! It's Aiura Mikoto.

I'm in ur class?? lol

(Y/n)

oh! you're the gyaru with the crystal ball right??

Aiura Mikoto

That's me! haha

Teryukoko was planning to have all us girls hang at her house tmrw

Her brother's gonna be out of town and her parents are off on some business trip

So it's just us

You in???

(Y/n)

..yeah sure why not

Aiura Mikoto

Lit!!! I'll text you the details tmrw

Read, 1:32pm

.

You set your phone down on your bedside table again and sighed. Well, that was your plans for tomorrow. But you had absolutely nothing to do today. You eyed your bag in the corner of the room.

Nope. Absolutely nothing. Nada. None.

You swung your legs over your bed and sat up, head dizzying and vision blurring momentarily from the swiftness of the motion. You sighed, standing and walking off..you had to take care of yourself, for once. Get dressed, brush your hair, your teeth, blah blah... you get the point.

The day goes by slowly, a steady day of jamming to your tunes and doing work. And totally not watching Netflix. Nope. But eventually the steadily changing light of the sun setting begins to noticeably change the lighting of your living room until the sun is still barely left straddling the horizon.

You stare out the window until you turn, grabbing your shoes and hoodie, slipping them on and grabbing your keys and phone as you leave your apartment, locking it behind you. You weren't sure why.. but something told you to go outside. Take a walk. Vibe in the loneliness of the playground. You'd be fine, I mean, Japan has an awfully low crime rate, doesn't it?

Yeah.. It does.. you remember your mother hovering over your shoulder as you researched the country while still in America. Your father nonchalant about the decision but inside he cared. A lot. His baby would move across the world. Your sister, jealous but proud. You were always the smarter of the two. She was an adrenaline junkie who valued smarts last.

Walking along the empty and quiet streets oddly reminded you of her. She was a type of girl who would run down these streets screaming for some demon to come eat her ass while you laughed in disappointment behind her. Sometimes, if you close your eyes hard enough..

Sometimes you could see her running.  

Sometimes, when you closed your eyes, you saw the day you lost them instead. It's hard to shake.. your bruised and broken sister holding your hand in a hospital bed as heart dropped and the doctors came in like a SWAT team.

It was really hard to shake that thought away from your head.

You had lost your family a while ago now. Just before you started your first year at PK Academy. See, the original plan was you were going to study at PK and live in Japan while your family in America dealt with most expenses. When they died, there was a new plan offered, mainly out of sympathy. Your living situation was paid by the school as you attended. As long as you kept your grades high, they would pay. Once you were out of PK Academy, then you're on your own.

You shook the thought from your head- or at least tried- as you arrived at your destination, the playground. You kicked rocks littered around under the light of the light post that's near.  You're not really sure why you came here. Nostalgia? Wanting to vibe? Bored? Who knew.

It's when you're staring up at the cloudy night sky you feel a tight grip on your wrist, causing you to nearly scream before snapping around. It's a man, obviously older than you, accompanied by his friend, grinning happily.

"Hey, you lost, girlie?" He asks, curiously. You shake your head furiously, mind racing. You did not want to die. Nor get kidnapped. Or anything else like that. "What are you doing out here all alone? It's late, you know."

You don't respond. His grip tightens, and you know it's going to leave a mark. "Let me go."

"You didn't answer my question." His face falls. His buddy behind him pulls up his hood, obscuring his already shadowy face. You feel yourself tremble, and when you look down, you see your fingers shaking like an earthquake tremor.

"I don't have to." You argue, tugging against his grip. "Let me go." You keep a stern face but you're panicking. You want to scream. Cry. You tell yourself you're stronger than this- hell, you work out with fucking Hairo sometimes, of all people, and everything is telling you to knee this man straight where the sun doesn't shine and run away but the fear has you rooted still.

There's a second, where he's going to say something back, and you feel him start to raise your arm up so he can tug you closer, but it stops when a certain force appears suddenly between you and the man, plus his friend, knocking you away and promptly letting you fall on your ass. Ouchie.  

You stare up at the object and when you recognize the stature, the bright pink hair, and weird hairpins, you realize it's Saiki. "S-Saiki..?" You ask, staring up at him.  "Wh-wha...h-how did you..?"

He turns his head back towards the two men, both as shocked as you are. "Close your eyes." He tells you, and you can't tell if it's soft or stern. A wavering mix of both. You listen to him, and when you're given the signal to open them, both men are gone.

"Whe-"

"Don't ask." He spins his body to you and holds out a hand. You shakily take it, and he pulls you to your feet effortlessly. You're shaking so much you can't help but fall forwards to his chest and he lets you, letting you rest for a second.

"..Thank you.." You mutter.

°·.¸.·°¯°·.,.·°¯°·.¸.°·.¸.·°¯°·.¸.·°¯°·.¸.

You sat on the swing, swinging your legs quietly. Saiki had pulled you out of his chest and when he was going to say something you asked that he didn't- that he just stayed with you here. You knew it was nonsensical, asking to stay, but you felt safer when he was with you all of a sudden. Your phone lay under your feet softly playing music and Saiki sat on the swing next to you. It was quiet- a kind of quiet where you couldn't decipher comfort or a still, awkward feeling.

You hesitate, briefly. "How did you...?" The question drifts, before you clear your throat, trying again. "How did you just appear out of nowhere?"

Saiki doesn't respond. He sat still as a statue on his swing, compared to yours, drifting back and fourth slowly, the occasional creek of the swing an undecipherable melody. It's a minute before you speak again.

"You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to." You look away from him and kick your feet at the ground. "..How did you know to come?"

A moment of hesitation follows, before all you hear is a quiet "precognition." It's not part of an unheard sentence, and he won't add anything more, you can tell- it's all he's willing to momentarily share. You accept the answer, humming along to your phone- quietly letting unfamiliar songs drift from the phone. He stands, suddenly, the chain of the swing jingling as the weight leaves.

"I'll take you home." He says, offering a hand. "It's late."

"It can't be.. that late." You look up at him.

"It's 2am." He argues. You sigh and hang your head, muttering an apology as you pick up your phone.

You place your hand in his, and this time it feels different. Tender and understanding, but somewhere you know he's upset that you nearly got yourself killed. You blink, and you're in your apartment, with a nauseating feeling. What the fu-

"Goodnight, (L/n)."

You hesitate. "..'night, Saiki."

He dissapears.

For a fleeting moment, your day feels like a blurry dream- you stare at your hand, steadily counting a precise 5 fingers. You're awake. You're tired, and crave your bed, but you're awake.

The pitter-patter of your feet is all you hear in your quiet apartment before you kick closed the door to your bedroom. It was late now, and if you'd ever fall asleep was a gamble.

°·.¸.·°¯°·.,.·°¯°·.¸.°·.¸.·°¯°·.¸.·°¯°·.¸.

[kusunogatari]

                                                            [ @redlineoffate ]                                                                   𝕩     𝕩     𝕩                                                                   𝕩     𝕩     𝕩                                                                   𝕩     𝕩     𝕩  

“Remember everyone: this assignment will be due at the beginning of class Monday. I know it’s only been the first week, but there will be a quiz to follow.”

A quiet groan seems to come from most of the class, and the teacher perks a brow.

“It can always be worse - just get the sheet done, brush up a bit, and I’m sure you’ll all do just fine. Other than that, have a good weekend.”

“Yeah, good weekend with that hanging over our heads,” a boy behind Itachi mutters as the bell rings, releasing them from their final class of the day. “Like every other teacher hasn’t done the same thing ‘til we’re overloaded…”

Not having any comment, Itachi simply gathers up his supplies and heads out with the rest of the students. In truth, he’s been waiting for Friday just like the rest of them, but for another reason.

The club he’s been in for all of high school only meets on Friday, and he can finally get back to it: the chess club. Putting away his books into his locker, he makes his way down the hall to the classroom they’ve always used.

But, when he gets there...it’s locked. That’s odd. Carefully testing the knob and looking through the narrow window, he sees the lights off, blinds drawn.

“Ah, Itachi…”

Looking aside, he spies the teacher typically in charge of the club, Asuma Sarutobi, coming down the hall toward him, hands in his pockets. “Mr. Sarutobi...is there no club meeting today?”

“I’m afraid not.” A hint of a scowl colors his features. “I was hoping I’d get here before to explain, but...the club’s been shut down.”

“What?!” Though normally quiet and reserved, Itachi can’t help the outburst. “But...why?”

“There’s a few reasons. The way clubs are set up has changed with some new school rules, and there’s been a...redistribution of funds for after school activities. Sadly, the chess club was at the bottom of the list.”

“But...we don’t need any funding.” What could they be spending money on?

“Well, there’s the driver’s time and gas for any competitions we go to. And the supervisor has to be paid. I told them I’d go without, but it’s a requirement legally, apparently. Add in the ‘used power’ to keep the lights on -” Asuma practically growls at that “- and I guess we’re just not worth the cost.”

Itachi’s heart sinks. He’s been in this club all through high school, and was even in his junior high branch. “...can we raise the funds ourselves?”

“I asked, they didn’t really give me a straight answer. I talked to most of the students in the club previously at lunch, but...most didn’t seem that dedicated. They seemed fine just letting the club go.” Asuma claps a hand on Itachi’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, Itachi. That’s just how it goes. It’s honestly a shame...given that most of the funding was rerouted into more legit clubs...in other words, all the sports teams for this season. They bring in more revenue for the school than a chess club.”

The Uchiha bows his head, expression somber. “...thank you for your dedication to the club, Mr. Sarutobi. I’m...sad to see it go, but some things we can’t change.”

“I’m sure you’ll find something else to do and enjoy after class, Itachi. Most should still be accepting members for another week or so, so you’ve got time to find something new.” Smiling grimly, Asuma then offers, “I’d best get going...see you around.”

“Goodbye.” Left standing in the hall, Itachi mulls the situation over for a time before sighing in resignation. About-facing, he instead heads to the large bulletin board near the main school entrance.

There, posters and sign up sheets abound for all of the other clubs still in operation. Most are sports, which Itachi has little interest in. While part of him thinks to simply go without a club activity this year, he knows it looks good on his college applications - the more activities, the better.

“...oh!”

Glancing over at a familiar voice, Itachi can’t help a slight perk in his expression. “Ryū,” he greets, seeing her approach, a poster in her hands. “...here to put something up?”

“Yes, actually.” She gives him a smile, and he can’t help a small flutter of butterflies in his stomach. Excusing herself past him, she fetches a few tacks and puts up her flyer.

It’s for...the theater club?

“Looking for more members?”

“Mhm. Ms. Yūhi was absent for the beginning of the week, so a poster didn’t get done until now. I worked on it during my art class, and thought I might as well put it up! No one will see it until Monday, but…” Her shoulders shrug. “I thought it couldn’t hurt.” It’s then she thinks to look to him curiously. “...doesn’t the chess club meet on Friday?”

Expression falling, Itachi hesitates a moment before explaining.

Looking surprised, Ryū then gives him a sympathetic look. “Oh...I’m sorry. I know you really liked that club.”

“I did, but...well, I can still play chess on my own time. It’s a shame, but -” he gestures to the board “- I’m glad there are still so many clubs up and going.”

“Were you...thinking of joining something else?”

“I was.”

“Well...you could always join the theater club!” Ryū brightens a bit, and her smile begets one of his own. “Even if you don’t want to perform, we could always use help in other ways! People help build sets, manage the lights and sound...it takes a lot more than just the actors to make a show!”

He...hadn’t really considered it that way before. “...I...suppose I could…?”

“Well, I don’t want to pressure you.” Her smile turns sheepish. “I mean...I’ve been in the club all through high school, so...I’m a little biased. But if you do decide to join, we’d love to have you!”

Itachi gives her a smile in turn. “I will think about it. There’s a number of options, after all.”

“That’s fine! We haven’t begun any rehearsals yet, so there’s plenty of time to mull it over.”

“How often do you meet?”

“Well, now that Ms. Yūhi is back, every Monday and Friday! Usually for an hour or two, it depends on everyone’s schedules. Most of the members are underclassmen, so they’re not as busy as us seniors.”

Two nights a week...surely he could handle that. Chess club took less time, and Itachi does typically have a mountain of homework from his upper level classes, but… “I believe I could handle that.”

“Okay! Well, you think it over, and I’ll check back with you on Monday. I guess, either way, I’ll see you then!”

Itachi nods, watching her go before directing his attention back to the bulletin board. The poster she made is quite nice. He doesn’t recognize any of the plays listed that they’ll be doing, but...then again, he’s not overly familiar with plays, anyway.

Already he’s fairly certain he’ll join. Working backstage doesn’t sound so bad, and it’s not too often, or for too long. He should be able to handle his class workload alongside it just fine.

And...there’s another reason.

Itachi has known Ryū since they were fairly young. Her father Jiraiya teaches the literature class in their high school, and Itachi’s father Fugaku - chief of their city’s police - has known him for quite some time. And it helps that their little brothers - Sasuke and Naruto (whom Jiraiya raises as his godson) - are so close.

And, well...over the years, Itachi’s become rather...fond of her. Maybe...more than fond. So, getting to spend a little extra time with her - especially given that so few of their classes overlap - would be...nice.

...that’s all.

With that settled, he retreats to his locker to retrieve his things, mind already buzzing with his weekend schedule...and looking forward to Monday.

Arriving home, he calls out a greeting into the house, prompting his mother to stick her head out of the living room curiously. “Shouldn’t you be in chess club?”

“No...it was cancelled.”

“...the meeting today? Or…?”

Itachi sighs. “The entire club.”

“Oh no...I’m sorry, dear.”

“It’s fine...I think I’ll join something else come Monday.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. The theater group.”

Mikoto blinks, clearly a bit surprised. “...oh! I...wasn’t expecting that,” she admits with a laugh. “What made you decide on that?”

“...there’s backstage work to be done. It would be a change of pace.”

As though sensing her son is leaving something out, Mikoto eyes him curiously. “...I see. Any friends in that club?”

“Just one. At least, that I know of.”

“Oh?”

“Yes.” A pause, but he can tell she’s awaiting a name. Sighing a bit (and going ever so slightly pink around the ears), Itachi admits, “Ryū Suigin has been part of it all through high school.”

At the girl’s name, Mikoto perks up, clearly elated. “Oh, I see!” She gives him a wry smile. “Well, I’m sure you’ll have fun! We’ll have to come watch the plays!”

“I won’t be in them…”

“But you’ll still be part of them! If we can go to your chess competitions, we can go to your plays,” she insists.

Amused, Itachi just gives her a smile before heading upstairs to his room, dodging Sasuke as he runs down the stairs. “Careful!”

“Sorry!” the younger brother calls.

“Be back before dinner!” Mikoto instructs, earning a ‘yes Mom’ in return as Sasuke flies out the front door.

“Heading to Naruto’s?” Itachi asks from the stairwell.

“Of course,” his mother replies. “Something about a new game? I’m not sure.”

Nodding, Itachi heads to his room, shutting his door and preparing for an evening of homework.

For once, the weekend seems to go slowly. Itachi decides to blame it on his eagerness for Monday to arrive. Not something most students do, admittedly. But when the day finally comes, the first thing he does this morning is seek out Ryū.

She’s easy enough to find, chatting with another student before looking over and spotting him. Excusing herself, she walks over to meet him, smiling. “So, going to join us?”

“I am,” he replies, unable to stop a smile in return.

“Oh, perfect!” Hands clap together excitedly. “I really hope you enjoy it! We always end up like a big family, working together so much on each play!”

“Even us in the background?”

“Of course! Every role in the production is important, not just the people who act.”

Before Ryū can explain more, the warning bell sounds before first class. “Well...I guess we can talk about it more after school - see you then!”

“Where do I go?”

“Oh, just up on the stage! We practice there with the curtain closed. We haven’t really started yet given our first meeting was Friday, so you haven’t missed much, don’t worry.”

Nodding, Itachi heads in one direction as Ryū takes another for their first classes of the day.

It’s rare that someone as eager to learn as Itachi looks forward to the school day ending, but...well, this is an exception. Once the final hour block is done, he navigates the hall to the door that leads to the stage. He’s never been up here before. Never had a reason to be. He’s never even gone to see any of the school plays. Something he feels a little bad about, given that Ryū has been in pretty much all of them. It’s just...never really occurred to him before.

The lights are on, which he takes as a good sign. The far wing is filled with old props and backdrops, but the actual stage is clear save for a gathering of folding chairs, and a piano. On this side, out of sight of the open curtain, looks to be all of the sound and lighting equipment. These he looks at curiously, as they’ll probably be what he works with the most.

Itachi’s also not the first to arrive.

Around a dozen other students - mostly underclassmen, from what he can tell - mingle around, talking quietly. His entrance draws a few glances, but they otherwise ignore him.

“Itachi!” Looking up from a stack of boxes, Ryū approaches.

“Hello.”

“Not everyone’s here yet, so we’ll wait a bit. You’ve probably never had Ms. Yūhi as a teacher, right…?”

“I have not.” As the art teacher, she’s not one Itachi’s ever had a class with.

“I’ll introduce you!”

Leafing through a play’s score, Kurenai looks up as the pair approach. “So, this is the young man you wrangled into joining us?” she asks, smiling wryly.

“I didn’t force him! I just...suggested it,” Ryū insists.

“Of course…” Holding out a hand, she lets him shake it. “Kurenai Yūhi.”

“Itachi Uchiha.”

“Miss Suigin’s been telling me all about you.”

Itachi gives her a curious glance, and Ryū’s cheeks go pink. “...has she, now?”

“She’s been very excited to have you join. Ryū is actually the only senior who’s returned this year...which makes you senior number two. I’m willing to bet she’ll end up being voted club president and make sure everything runs smoothly - she’s been very dedicated to the club since she joined. Maybe she’ll even get a lead role, hm?”

“Ms. Yūhi!” Ryū cuts in, looking embarrassed.

“I’m just glad we have someone who’s still passionate about the club,” the teacher replies with a smile. “We were in danger of being one of the after school activities shut down this year, but she fought against it with me.”

“...really?” Itachi asks. “She didn’t mention that.”

Ryū glances aside. “I...didn’t want to make you feel bad about the chess club…”

“Ah, yes...Asu-” Kurenai cuts off, coughs, and then amends, “...Mr. Sarutobi told me about that. A shame...but I guess that’s why you’re here instead, Itachi?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Well, it’s not chess, but I’m sure you’ll have fun. Ryū suggested you’d likely prefer a more behind-the-scenes role than one on the stage, correct?”

“Er, yes.” Itachi itches at his neck sheepishly. “...I’m not sure I’m acting material.”

“That’s just fine - we can always use more hands behind the curtain to make things run smoothly. Today we’re going to do introductions, and see who wants to do what. And there will be time to move people around as they try things out, and maybe change their minds.”

Nodding, Itachi follows Ryū to a few of the chairs, arranged in a ring. “We’ll all sit here and talk about roles! Friday was more of an introduction and explaining about the club, so...we’ll get into actual work today.”

“...should I introduce myself?”

“Sure! Once everyone’s here, we’ll let them know you joined!”

Ten more minutes pass before Kurenai calls the students together. “Welcome back, everyone. First, you may notice we’ve gained one more troupemate since Friday.”

Realizing that’s his cue, Itachi stands, offering, “I’m Itachi Uchiha, a senior. I...hope we’ll get along.”

Kurenai smiles at him, and a few people wave in greeting. “Now, today we’re going to start going over roles for the troupe. We, of course, have our acting cast...but also those who play more supportive roles. The people who handle the lights, the sound, build props and sets...and even handle the camera during the days we film for copies of the play to sell. Usually we figure out those roles first, and then move into who can play who in the play itself. First off, a show of hands of who would like to be part of the support cast?”

A few hands raise, including Itachi’s. Kurenai counts and jots them down. “All right...now, the most important roles there are the lights and sound, since those will be more permanent roles. We’ll need people fully dedicated to those positions. Our actors can also help with prop and sets when we’re not practicing scenes!”

The other students state their preferences, and Kurenai labels them all. “Itachi, any preference?”

A moment to think “...sound, I guess?” He’s worked with equipment like that briefly for presentations and the like. Lights...not so much. “I could also do the camera, if you’d like.”

“Perfect. Once we get all the other parts settled, I’ll walk you and the others through how to use all the equipment, which we’ll need to move back into the overhead room! We store some of it during the summer elsewhere, since it can get pretty hot up there.”

Then begins the casting. Explaining the necessary cast numbers, the group all read through the script before she offers, “Everyone ready for their auditions?”

Itachi blinks in surprise. They have to audition? Aren’t they already in the club? He and the other backstage members move to sit in some of the theater hall seats, watching as the students all give little recitals. Some sing, some dance, some give monologues.

And toward the end is Ryū.

Sitting up a bit as she goes on stage, Itachi listens as Ryū first gives an opening scene, clearly from another play. Then she sings a short song, moving along the stage as she does. It’s clear she’s done this before, a happy, excited expression on her face.

In the back of his mind, he feels a little worse for never having come watched one of her plays before.

A few more students then audition, and Kurenai declares the day almost over. “I’ll work on assigning the cast for this production over the week, and announce it Friday! For now, those of you going to work behind the scenes, follow me - we’ll move and go over the tech you’ll be using.”

They carry up some of the more sensitive equipment, and Kurenai is right - it is hot in the room that overlooks the theater. Heat rises, after all. Once everything is set back up, she walks them through what each device does, letting them test everything. A few students down on the stage try out the microphones, letting Itachi fiddle with sound levels, effects, and managing all of the channels. Lights are shone down on the floor, sliders at their front letting them change color, and both narrow and expand.

“So, think you guys can handle it?”

Everyone nods, and she excuses them for the day. Heading back down to the floor of the auditorium, Itachi finds Ryū still there, waiting for him. “I thought you would have gone home?”

“I wanted to make sure you got through everything okay! Think you’ll enjoy it?”

“I believe so. It will be...interesting to see how this all fits together.”

“It’ll be great!” Hands folding behind her back, Ryū muses, “I hope I get a decent part...especially since this is my last year.”

“Your audition was wonderful.”

“You think so?”

Itachi nods. “I’ve...never heard you sing before.”

At that, Ryū goes a light shade of pink, glancing aside. “...I love to do it. Though I wasn’t brave enough at first. The first two years, I only played little roles with hardly any talking. Then last year, I had a part where I sang with a group. This time, I want to have a solo!”

“I could never do that.”

“But you already do! When you do stuff like a presentation for a class, that’s something in front of a group, by yourself!”

“Yes, but I don’t have to sing it,” Itachi chuckles.

“Maybe they’d be more fun that way!”

They leave the theater hall behind, picking up their things from their lockers. “Do you have a ride home?”

“Oh, I took my bike!”

“Isn’t it a bit far?”

“Well, to be fair, I could use the exercise,” Ryū laughs. “Besides, I need to stop and pick up a few things before I head home.”

“I could take you - I drove.”

“But...my bike -?”

“I’m sure it would fit in the back.” Knowing he’d need to get himself home after the busses had left, Itachi brought his mother’s SUV, which is plenty big.

“...are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all.”

Loading up her bike, Itachi then drives them both to the store she was planning to stop at. A glance shows her looking a bit sheepish in her seat. “...are you all right?”

“Y-yes! I just...feel bad -”

“Ryū, I offered,” Itachi cuts in gently with a smile. “It’s fine.” After a pause, he asks, “Why don’t I just take you home after practice every day?”

“But -?”

“I’ll have to take the car anyway. And I’d feel better knowing you don’t have to go home alone at this hour.”

Having no retort for that, Ryū seems to relax a bit, only moving when she hops out to fetch her few groceries. “I’ll be right back!”

“Want me to come with you?”

“Nope! I’ll just be a minute!”

True to her word, Ryū is in and out, back into the car in hardly any time. From there, Itachi takes her the rest of the way to her house. Once her bike and backpack are out, they stand awkwardly in the driveway for a moment.

“...thank you for taking me home,” Ryū eventually manages to offer, flashing a shy smile.

“Of course. I’ll take you again on Friday.” Another pause, and then, “...I hope you get the part you want.”

“Me too! And...I hope you enjoy being part of the crew. It’ll be...nice to see you a bit more often.”

“Yes...you too.”

The front door then opens, and both teens turn to see Jiraiya in the doorway. Spotting them, he gives a wry grin, leaning against the frame with folded arms.

Flushing even darker pink, Ryū stutters, “I-I better get in and, um...fix dinner! I’ll see you tomorrow!”

“Er, right - goodnight.”

“Night!” Scampering up the steps, she ducks sheepishly past her father with her things and heads into the house.

Glancing to Jiraiya, Itachi can’t help but feel a bit...awkward. He has an advanced literature class with him, after all…and he doesn’t want him to get the wrong impression. “I...didn’t want her riding home alone.”

The man just nods in thanks, watching Itachi get back into his mother’s car and head toward home. Once he gets there, he parks in the garage, heading in and leaning against the door with a sigh.

“So? How was your first practice?” Mikoto calls from the kitchen.

“We didn’t really do much yet. Things are still being...arranged.”

“Ohhh, I see...well, it’s time for dinner now! Call your brother down, will you? He never listens to me anymore.”

Laughing softly, Itachi puts away this things before fetching his brother.

Come Friday, Itachi finds himself nervous. Not for himself, but for his friend. Given Kurenai’s hinting, and how well Ryū did (at least, he thinks she did well), he has high hopes she’ll get a good part...but still can’t help but worry.

The troupe all sit in their chairs like last time, and Kurenai passes out copies of the playbooks. This time, however, they have names and roles written on the front, their lines highlighted. Sitting beside Itachi, he can see as Ryū’s hands curl and uncurl atop her lap in anxiousness.

Pausing as she reaches the seniors, Kurenai waits a moment before handing Ryū her book. “Congrats,” is all she offers.

Glancing over eagerly, Itachi sees her name, and under it, the character she’ll be playing.

The lead!

In spite of herself, Ryū lets out a squeal, and several of the underclassmen from the previous year whoop in celebration.

“Now, for today, we’re going to do another read through of the play, all with our proper lines. You can all work on things like voices and gestures as we go to get a feel for your new character! To those in the backstage crew...I guess you get seats to an early rendition.”

Itachi doesn’t mind at all he has nothing to read, simply watching the other students as they go through their lines. Already, Ryū starts setting up her character, working on a voice to suit her. Even if she’s just sitting and reading, he finds himself rather enraptured.

From there...practice really begins.

Night by night, they work on scenes, everyone memorizing their lines in their spare time. Itachi lends hands with making props and building the sets for the stage, as well as working on the soundtracks and sound effects he’ll be playing at the proper time for each scene. The actors speak, sing, dance, and pantomime as the weeks pass, the show date looming ever closer.

Then, before they know it, it’s the Friday before the shows: twice a day, on both Saturday and Sunday. Itachi and another student will be trading turns to work the sound, and on his turn off, Itachi will be managing the camera to film the last show for all of the parents and students to buy. That and the ticket sales should help cover all they spent on costumes and supplies.

“All right, everyone...tomorrow’s the big day,” Kurenai announces, a sparkle in her eye. “You’ve all been doing fantastic - I’m sure this show is going to be a huge success!”

Everyone claps, and with their two hours of practice over, begin to disperse. Going to his locker to grab his things, Itachi then realizes he forgot to grab his thumb drive with his copy of the music and sounds!

Taking the stairs back up to the overhead room, he pauses as the piano on the stage starts to play. Odd...he thought everyone left? Looking out the front, he spots Kurenai at the keys.

And in the middle of the stage is Ryū. Seems she wants to practice one more thing before they go.

Hands clasped, she waits for the proper bar before looking up, a forlorn expression on her face. It’s one of the pivotal songs of the show: where the main character tries to make a big decision before the climax.

Funny...he’s heard her sing this many times before now, but...this time, it seems...different. Maybe because she doesn’t know anyone is watching...or because, with him being the only one, it’s like she’s singing just for him.

Either way, it brings a strange calm over him, unable to look away.

On and on she croons, gesturing as she interacts with the set. And all the while, Itachi watches closely, feeling the echo of his heart in his chest slowly get louder.

It’s so beautiful…

Then, the last note lingers out over the auditorium...before silence rings. Down below, Ryū relaxes as she drops out of character, talking with Kurenai. From here, without mics, he can’t hear what they’re saying. But then he remembers, he has to drive her home! She’ll be looking for him once she finishes.

Racing back down the stairs, he jogs up to the door where she emerges, coming up short at his hurried pace. “Oh!”

“Sorry, I had to run and grab some things. Ready to go?”

“Yeah, I think so. Just...wanted to get one last round of practice in. I’ll probably be up all night singing...”

“Do be careful not to wear out your voice.”

“I won’t!”

To Ryū’s house they go first, Itachi dropping her off with a wish of good luck.

“No no! In acting, you say, ‘break a leg’!”

That takes him aback. “...why?”

“Because of an old superstition that saying ‘good luck’ for a performer is actually bad luck,” she explains with a smile. “So instead, you wish them the opposite, which...I guess is usually break a leg!”

“...this is why I’m not an actor,” Itachi replies, earning a loud laugh and having to fight a smile.

“Well...see you tomorrow,” Ryū manages once her mirth calms.

Itachi nods. “Get some rest.”

“You too.”

When he arrives home, Itachi has to stave off questions about the last practice from his mother. “It was just...practice.”

“Think you’re ready?”

“As best I can be.”

“What about everyone else?”

“Well, the final run-through went very well.”

“Anyone stand out…?”

Itachi gives his mother a pleading, deadpanned look.

“What? It’s an honest question!”

Rolling his eyes and fighting back a smile, he counters, “I guess you’ll just have to see tomorrow. Is Sasuke coming?”

“I believe so. Naruto said he was going to go to support his sister, so I’d be willing to bet he’ll tag along to do the same!”

Itachi almost retorts - he’s not in the play, after all - but by now he just lets their enthusiasm go unfettered. At least they’ll be there to watch the show.

Saturday morning, he heads into the school early for one last check of his equipment for the sound. All over backstage are the acting students. Most are already in their costumes for the opening scene, going over lines and singing vocal warm-ups. It takes him a few minutes, but eventually he finds Ryū. She’s oddly still and quiet, looking a bit zoned out as she slowly curls a paper playbill in her hands.

“...Ryū?”

“...oh!” Smiling sheepishly, she gives a hello. “I’m...a little nervous.”

“It’s going to be great. And you’ll be great.”

Her head ducks shyly, smiling with a hint of a blush. “...I’ll try my best.”

As the time draws near, Itachi has to retreat to the overhead room, doing his final adjustments as people begin to find their seats. Playing soft music in the meantime, he watches, spotting both his family and Ryū’s as they sit.

Then Kurenai steps on stage, Itachi fading the music as she introduces the play...and they begin.

With his lamp, Itachi carefully watches both the play and his copy of the script, playing all the right songs and effects at the correct times. And every time Ryū comes on stage, he pays extra close attention.

Then, it’s time for her solo.

Alone on the stage, the spotlight is put on her, taking the same pose as the day before in her practice with Kurenai. Itachi starts the music, watching.

Come on…

Then...she sings.

Just like yesterday, he can’t tear his eyes away. And neither can the audience, watching in hushed anticipation as she goes. By the time the song ends, the silence rings out for several seconds before people start to clap.

Pride fills Itachi’s chest. She did so well!

The rest of the play seems to coast downhill with the big song over, and soon enough...it’s done. The theater hall fills with applause, Itachi setting the last music to play before heading down as Kurenai told him to. He and the other backstage help are meant to join in the last bow. Waiting in one of the stage wings, he and the others behind the scenes take their bow before the whole cast steps up to give the last.

Everyone waves, the curtain slowly lowering until the audience is out of sight. Most people quickly scatter to begin getting ready to mingle afterward. Taking a steadying breath, Itachi glances over to look for Ryū...only for her to find him first.

Clearly still excited, she latches onto him in a tight hug, laughing. “We did it!” Once she lets go, she looks at him with a look so full of pride and happiness, he just...can’t help himself.

Before he stops to think, Itachi just...kisses her.

For a moment she goes stock still, stiff with surprise. But once that fades, she softens, shyly kissing him in return. Slowly they part, looking to each other cautiously.

“...I...I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have -”

“I-it’s fine,” Ryū cuts in, flushing pink. “I...I’ve been waiting for you to do that.”

After a pause, they both give nervous smiles and sheepish laughs.

“...so, should we...go out and see everyone?”

“Yeah...I guess we should.” Beaming again, Ryū takes his hand, and they leave the stage behind.

                                                          .oOo.

     Woo, day four! Today we’ve got @redlineoffate‘s Itachi, and of course Ryū, in a modern high school setting!      I’m not the best at writing modern universes - I tend to prefer fantasy or mythological ones. But I gave it my best try xD Hopefully it’s still fun to read!      Mitsuki, I love our ship so much! I hope you enjoyed reading this, and just know that I love writing with you n_n Thank you for putting up with my shenanigans and building such awesome bonds between our muses~ <3      Anyway, that’s the entry for today! Time to go work on tomorrow’s, lol

[darquedeath4444]

First Time to See the World

Chapter SEVEN

Ami, to everyone's relief, was surprisingly quiet for the rest of the journey home. She kept flinching and shooting Sakura fearful glances, which suited the pinkette just fine. 

Sakura had cleaned herself in a river they had come across and was now wearing Naruto's spare set of clothes. She walked at the back of the group, head down and deep in thought. She absentmindedly pawed at the her Hunter-nin mask.

"We'll rest here for tonight," Kakashi announced. "We'll be back by tomorrow."

Sakura blinked at that. "Konoha," she murmured, turning the team's attention to her. "What's it like?"

"It's awesome, dattebayo!" Naruto grinned, but he awkwardly trailed off as though he had remembered something. No one elaborated, leaving Sakura to her musing.

Sakura lay on a branch as the rest of the team slept below. It was nearly morning. She could tell that Hatake Kakashi was awake. He seemed to be reading something.

A few minutes later, the Uchiha began to stir. He slowly sat up and glanced around. He then glanced up and met Sakura's gaze. Sakura hesitated before she nodded in greeting and to her surprise he nodded back.

A while later, Kakashi finally decided to wake up the last two members of the team. There was some shifting and complaining but soon, they were ready to head out again.

True to his words, they reached Konoha by noon. Kakashi talked to the guards, and after a while, they were let through, though the guards kept shooting looks in Sakura's direction.

Kakashi immediately requested a meeting with the Hokage. He told his team and Sakura to wait outside until called, then entered the office.

"The Hokage's my dad," Naruto told Sakura. Sakura blinked, trying to gather what she knew about the Hokage of Konoha. Namikaze Minato, if she recalled. The Yellow Flash. That made the boy the son of someone pretty famous.

An uncomfortable silence settled over them, broke occasionally by Naruto’s almost forced method of trying to start conversations. A part of Sakura found it appreciating it, though, and she listened to the boy ramble without paying it much thought.

After a while, someone called for them and the four stepped into the office. Sakura glanced around the room as she settled herself in front of a desk. Behind it sat a man Sakura knew could tell was important. Beside him stood Kakashi.

The Hokage got straight to business. "You are Sakura, correct?" He asked.

Sakura paused. "Kaguya Sakurs," she said.

The Hokage nodded. "Kakashi has told me about you."

Sakura narrowed her eyes. "I haven't told him my surname." 

"He just linked your bone shifting abilities with a names" the Hokage said, smiling gently. "I am willing to offer you a place in Konoha," he continued. "Kakashi has told me that your skills are very advanced, probably matching those of Chunin. I will see if there are any two-man squads."

Sakura nodded, slightly surprised at how quickly she had been accepted.

“Of course, there will be requirements you will need to meet, as well as rules you must follow. For the first month, you are to stay within the village. You are going to be under watch during this time period, and once you are deemed trustworthy, you will be put on a team." The Hokage sounded sympathetic, but Sakura couldn't blame him. She nodded.

"As for the sword..."

Sakura growled before she could stop herself. As thought reacting to her emotions, the bones with her began to shift, urging her to call upon them. She ignored it. "You are not taking it away from me," she snarled. "If I am to give it in, I will leave the village."

The Hokage eyed her for a while, before she nodded. “We just ask you don’t swing it around everywhere.”

Sakura relaxed and nodded again.

"Until proper arrangements can be made, you are to stay at the Uchiha compound. I've already sent a message to them, and they have agreed to house you."

Uchiha... Sakura narrowed her eyes just a tiny bit. A clan full of skilled ninja.

"I don't plan on going anywhere," she muttered, and the Hokage chuckled. He shared a few more words with Kakashi before he dismissed them. Naruto stayed behind to talk to his father, leaving Sasuke, Ami, Kakashi and Sakura to make their way out of the office.

"Sasuke-kun~ Why don't we go somewhere together? Like, as in a date?" Ami asked, pressing herself up against the Uchiha. Sasuke shook her off rather roughly but Ami quickly recovered, and Sakura wondered uncaringly if this was a common occurrence. 

From what she had seen during their travels, it probably was.

Kakashi sighed, then turned to Sakura. "Sakura, you can join us for training until things are sorted," he said. "Just follow Sasuke, okay?" Sakura nodded.

"I'm going home." Sasuke suddenly said, and he turned to Sakura. "Come on." Sakura quickly followed him, leaving behind a fuming Ami and an amused Kakashi.

As they walked through the streets of the village, Sakura pretended to not notice the chakra signatures following her. The shinobi weren’t even bothering to hide.

Then something caught her eye.

"What's that?" She asked, pointing at a red tube like thing which children were sliding through. To her left was a street of shops. To her right was a clearing like area, surrounded by fences and trees. Children ran around, laughing. Parents sat on benches in the shades, talking to one another with an eye on the kids. Sakura felt a pang of sadness, but she quickly pushed it away.

"What?" Sasuke turned to follow the trial of her finger. "It's a slide."

"A slide?" Sakura asked.

"Wait. You don't know what a slide is?" Sasuke stopped and turned to look at her.

Sakura suddenly felt defensive. "It is not my fault I was born in a place where playing outside can get you into a lot of trouble and grew up with a Missing-nin who's definition of 'fun' was to decapitate people."

Sasuke blinked. "Right..," he paused. "You got into trouble for playing?" He asked.

Sakura quickly composed herself. "The villagers never really trust one another. Most children are forced into the Ninja Academy by their parents. After all, in a brutal place like Kiri, those without any ninja training are most likely to die. Playing was considered a waste of time."

Sakura watched the boy in front of her mold his face into a blank mask. He was good, she thought, but he was still a long way to go if he thought she couldn’t read him. "I think you have heard of the Kaguya clan,"  she said slowly.

Sasuke nodded.

"After the massacre, I was the only one left. If anyone else is alive, I haven't seen them yet." Sakura shrugged. "Ever since, I had been living by myself. I had learned to steal for food and money. Just out of pure luck, I met Haku when Zabuza wasn't around. He had a bag of food with him. I attacked him for it. Then Zabuza-sama came, and offered for me to join him."

She once again forced down the calling of her blood, willing her to take revenge.

"They were all I had left."

Just for a moment, Sasuke thought he heard Sakura's voice break. Just for a second, he saw the pain and the fear and the loneliness and just pure regret in her eyes. Then the girl blinked, and it was gone.

She had hidden her emotions again. He began walking again, this time so that he was in pace with her and could see her facial reactions. He watched the girl sneer in contempt when a little boy ran into a girl near the sandpit and she began to cry. 

During his period of 'death' on the bridge, he had heard Naruto's broken voice.

When a person becomes as strong as you, do they all really become like you? Sasuke wondered. Broken, used, thrown away, picked up, used again, until finally, you're too broken to re-use? Is that all there is to a strong shinobi until one day, your strings are cut and you are left behind for the sake of a more prettier, deadlier puppet?

Really, he thought, was any of it worth it?

Mikoto smiled widely as Sasuke stepped through the door, Sakura in tow. "Oh my, come in, come in!" She stepped towards the girl, only for her to step away, flinching. Mikoto paused.

"Sorry." The girl took off her shoes and stepped in after Sasuke. "Thank you for having me." She bowed. "I'm Sakura."

Mikoto shook her head. "Don't mind it," she said, smiling. "Now, why don't you show Sakura-chan around, Sasuke-kun?" Mikoto asked. "I'll make snack or something."

Sasuke mumbled something under his breath but nodded.

Chapter EIGHT>

<Chapter SIX

Chapter List

[amisbro]

The Road Trip

Fandoms:  K Priject Rating:  G Note:  This fic is the return back to a fandom I hadn’t been back to in a good while and with the “7 Stories” Movies coming up what better way to go back but to get started with the trip back home LET’S GO TO SHIZUME CITY!

Shizume City It was a very quiet day in the city and by quiet JUNGLE/Cathedral weren’t causing nearly the chaos they should have been and the HOMRA bar was getting lively with customers but nowhere near where they could be and Izumo Kusanagi ,The Bartender of HOMRA, knew that well.  He knew there was a spark that was missing and he silently hoped it would come back cos he knew himself that business ,while not down, wasn’t where he would have liked it. At Scepter 4 things were almost in that same vein While the strains were minding their business and not causing havoc the “Youngbloods” were trying to keep themselves occupied with their studies and the Captain and King in Reisi Munakata ,while messing around with his puzzle that he had sitting on his desk, was having a hard time focusing.  Even messing with Fushimi (which could be a fun pastime if done right) wasn’t one of those things that held its appeal when he knew that there was something ELSE that was missing and he needed to see it come back into the city...he and everyone at Scepter 4 knew EXACTLY what they were missing! And THEN there was that gentleman that roamed the city Yukari Mishakuji The former swordsman of JUNGLE ,after turning on them a good while ago, was now employed at a very successful flower shop in the city and for the most part didn’t have to deal with a lot of problems with JUNGLE.  Even after the events of years past now he was pretty much clear of their problems but there was a part of him that wishes he could get back to just erasing those people one by one by one. There was ANOTHER issue with him He missed HIM One common thread that Scepter 4 ,HOMRA and Yukari all had in common was their interactions with a young man that changed all of their lives and it would be a lie if any of them said they DIDN’T miss him because oh did they! The Youngbloods of Scepter 4 missed their mentor HOMRA missed their “secret weapon” on Fridays for the “Kids Day” they started holding when he was there And Yukari...well he missed his man and EVERYONE knew it!  Heck there were times when he would go bug Kuroh at Isana’s place because he missed his man that bad!  This of course annoyed Kuroh so bad that he just told him to leave him alone and “If Joshua loves you like we all know he’ll be back...give him time I hear he’s very busy with his other work as is” and Kuroh was right cos every time he turned on the TV Joshua was working with one of the idol groups he was affiliated with in Tokyo or he was working on his own concerts...but it didn’t mean he would never come back...right? This answer would come soon enough Tokyo in the QN Compound “So you see friends” Joshua started “We have an interesting schedule between now and around May.  We got appearances for HEAVENS coming up and I know QN has at least one concert so there’s that...anything else I’m forgetting?” Joshua asked and Camus was the one to speak up on everyone’s behalf “Curtis-San...when is the last time you went home?” Camus asked and this caught Joshua off guard and had to try to figure out how to answer the question “I-I am home boss.  I was just going over part of our schedule between now and May.” Joshua explained but Camus wasn’t going to give up on the question so he tried another way “Alright...when is the last time you were in the ‘City’?  Surely you miss those people don’t you?” Camus asked and this time Joshua was really caught off guard but he didn’t get angry and just answered as honestly as he could “First off I am going to assume by ‘City’ you mean ‘Shizume’ correct boss?” Joshua asked and Camus nodded before he continued “Very well...I want to say...its been a while.  Do I miss it a little?  Yeah I do but I also am happy to be here with you guys and help you all out you know?” Joshua asked and everyone in the room (the members of QN and HEAVENS collectively) all nodded in agreement.  Camus however knew what had to be done “You know its rare that I TELL you to go do something anymore.  You are pretty much programmed into my routine that I don’t have to tell you anything.  This time however Joshua I am GOING TO TELL YOU that I want you to take an extended vacation.  We have Nanami as a backup so we aren’t going to skip a beat here but I have a strange feeling that there are people back in Shizume that want you to go home to see them.  I also have a feeling one of them is a very talented swordsman that even I won’t mess with!” Camus explained and when Joshua heard this he looked at everyone in the room and decided to ask the question that needed to be asked “Is this how you all feel?” Joshua asked and when everyone nodded he knew what he had to do. “Very well...tomorrow I will go on a bit of a vacation into the City.  Might help with some boredom issues cos I admit wholeheartedly I had dealt with those so I will go cure them and return in time for the concert in May.  Is that a deal?” Joshua asked and everyone nodded but Camus wanted to make something clear so he had to step in. “I know you won’t miss that concert in May and we all look forward to it.  Just don’t go neglecting your friends over there after that.  We appreciate your loyalty here but you are also needed THERE!” Camus exclaimed with extra emphasis on “there” and Joshua knew what that meant.  He was OFF TO THE CITY! The Next Day To say that Joshua had a rough night sleeping after packing was an understatement but it was one of the worst nights he had in a while because he was going back to see a lot of good people and those people kind of felt needed him but he could never outright say it cos he didn’t want his friends there to feel like crap either you know?  As it was when he got up he went and got changed into something a little less formal...even if one of the places he was going to go visit WAS Scepter 4 he didn’t have to get into Uniform for today so he got on a t-shirt and some blue jeans and sneakers and after a breakfast that Kira prepared for him he was out the door to his car to head off to that famous bridge that he has crossed before and he was very happy to start the journey...even if it was a good 3 hours from the QN’s place! When Joshua walked out the door Eiji ran up to him to make sure he had his ID to get into the city and also to get into Scepter 4 when he stopped over.  He knew what security check was like so he made sure he had everything and Joshua showed him just like always that he was prepared for the big trip.  After that Eiji nodded and gave him a big hug before saying his goodbyes and Joshua got in the car and headed off Was the trip a quiet one?  Nah you know Joshua had to have tunes going in the car all the way over and as he was taking the familiar route to the City that he traveled times before his first thought went to Scepter 4 and the boys he helped mentor ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The Youngbloods Joshua still remembers the day the boys created those special armbands for their group.  At first Joshua thought it was a little silly but when Akiyama and Enomoto explained how important he was becoming as a teacher to them and they wanted to really become his students he couldn’t help but smile and take them on because of how important an impact he was becoming and he wanted to keep that bond with them.  Even with his absence Domyouji told him in messages that they were keeping with their studies and they were looking forward to if he were to ever come back to the group...boy were they going to be in for a shock! ------------------------------------------------------------- HOMRA After Mikoto’s death and Anna taking over the role of “King” in the Red Clan things started changing and she came up with ideas along with Kusanagi about how to make a bar that ,to be fair was more of a clubhouse, more accessible for the public and they started to redo their image after that.  It wasn’t until Joshua came in though that things really started changing for the better and the energetic gent started to help get a younger crowd to come in and he always enjoyed hanging out with the young ones.  While he always gave Anna the credit for the idea she always looked at Joshua as one that really could carry the idea out.  According to Anna it was JOSH that should have become the new King but Joshua always joked that “I don’t have that kind of power...you are far better than I could ever be” and she always left it alone after that. And THEN there is HIM --------------------------------------------------------- Yukari Mishakuji The incomparable swordsman formerly of JUNGLE.  The man that ,Joshua credited for saving his life and changing his outlook on a lot of things.  If it wasn’t for Yuari there was a chance that Joshua could have physically been fine but mentally been so screwed up that he couldn’t be repaired!  If it wasn’t for encountering each other there are those that think that they wouldn’t be the men they were now and for that they are both grateful and have said as much to people when they asked. --------------------------------------------------------- As Joshua closed in on the bridge he pulled over to the curb and got out of the car to walk up to the entrance of the bridge and after running his hand up and down one of the sides for a few minutes a noticeable smile appeared on his face and as walked back to the car and got in to start the engine he couldn’t help but blast some good jams as he crossed the bridge and made off to his first stop HOMRA When Joshua took the familiar streets and saw familiar faces walking up and down the sidewalks he smiled and waved at each of them before pulling into the alleyway that he always would use for his parking lot! Best part...no one saw him “I FRIGGIN’ TOLD YOU I CAN HIT A KICKFLIP OFF THIS CURB AND I’LL DO IT DANG IT!” Yata yelled at Rikio who just faceplamed “Bruh every time you do that you end up crying for 20 minutes cos you skinned your knee and then Anna has to go get the first aid spray” Rikio explained and Yata just pouted “He’s right you know” When Yata heard this he assumed that it was Kusanagi that was making the statement but he was just diddling on his phone so he looked at the other members who just shrugged and then the voice made another comment “You know...if Saru heard you say the thing about hitting a kickflip he’d thing it was ALL you were gonna hit...but that’s just my opinion” “WHY YOU I SHOULD BASH YOUR SKULL IN WITH THIS BASEBALL BAT!” Yata Screamed before rushing at the person but when the person calmly deflected the bat from him he smirked and turned to Yata whom looked like he had seen a ghost when he realized who it was “CURTIS-SAN...WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!” Misaki asked puzzled and Joshua just smiled before responding “Oh...Let’s just say I was given a vacation from an employer in Tokyo and he ordered me to ‘Return Home’.  Let’s just say I have a lot of those here so I figured this would be the first one I stop at cos I missed you guys and gals!” Joshua excitedly told Yata and Kusanagi was even more surprised when he heard this “Does this mean you will be coming back to help out on the ‘Kids Night’ that we do?  We could really use the help again.” Izumo explained and Joshua happily nodded “Of course my friend and its well known also that YOU my friend have a birthday coming up...we need to properly celebrate that so we shall in due course I promise!  Now listen I don’t like to cut these visits short but I need to go stop at two other places before heading home for the night.  Good to see you all again and we are back in business I promise you that!” Joshua excitedly proclaimed and with that he took his leave but not before nearly getting dogpiled by everyone...until Izumo told them to chill cos if they hurt him they wouldn’t have his help for the upcoming weekend jobs. Next stop:  Scepter 4 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This one was a bit more of a pain in the butt because he needed to make sure he had his Scepter 4 creds but that wasn’t a problem cos of Eiji reminding him to bring his other wallet and he did so he went up to the scanner and and they let his car into the parking lot which was ALWAYS a pain to get into...no seriously getting into the alley he used to park for HOMRA was always blasted easier! ANWAYS Joshua got into the parking lot and put his other wallet away and so that he didn’t get the creds he needed confused and when he walked into the building and saw the famous stairway he was to walk up if you ever wanted to know what a real GIDDY Joshua looked like imagine the Nintendo 64 kid on steroids 10x alright? As Joshua made his way up the stairs and hung that familiar right to the hallway where the HQ was he could hear the most comical argument ever “Come on Andy...we know that God’s S.T.A.R. is legitimately the more superior song of the 3 Triple S songs...the actual sales proved that!” Goto yelled and Andy had to cover his ears his friend was so loud “Okay that might be but there was something about Immortal Inferno that was just A MILLION TIMES BETTER and everyone with a sense of music knows thi!” Andy hollered back “We adding debate to the curriculum...I’m down” Andy and Ren snapped their heads in the direction of the voice they heard and the smile that came on their faces were INSTANT!  THEIR SENPAI WAS HOME! “CURTIS-SENPAI!” They both exclaimed and hugged their teacher and Awashima happened to peak her head out of the Captain’s office to see what all the racket was about and when she saw even she was uncharacteristically happy!  Like she could be happy but it was moments like seeing her “Son” return that made her quite happy “Its a pleasure to see you again Joshua.  I trust that your trip was an enjoyable one?” Awashima asked and Joshua nodded before replying “It was...even if getting into the parking lot is still as convoluted as ever.  I legit get into the HOMRA alleyway easier but I understand why also.” Joshua explained and Seri chuckled because she was remembering here issues with the parking in the area. “Oh its bad...I had to curse security one time cos of the issues with the scanner.  Do you have time to see the Captain or will you be leaving us today?” Seri asked and Joshua had to think for a second before he made his response “Since I am back for the foreseeable future I will come back in a day or two.  For now I have to go see one more party and then head to my home here.  Tell Our esteemed King I’ll be back in a few days or so alright?” Joshua asked and Seri nodded before heading back into the office and Joshua did as he said and made sure to say his goodbyes to his boys before he made his final stop ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yukari’s Flower Shop This place was one that Joshua had stopped at many times before and every time he goes in its always a more exotic place. Alright there is ONE correction we need to make The Flower Shop isn’t REALLY Yukari’s but because he is the one that grows a lot of the different flowers they sell there the owner practically calls the shop his and it helps to keep his mind off of what he had missing in his life.  The one person that could POSSIBLY make him whole! But he didn’t have much longer to wait As the car pulled in front of the shop near the outskirts of the city and Joshua got out all he had to do was stare straight to the back of the store and he saw the gent that saved his life from being mentally crippled! As Joshua walked in he made his way straight to the back and when the swordsman realized who it was the “Oh my God” look on his face appeared and then he ran up to Joshua and just gave him the biggest hug possible!  To say that he missed him bad would be foolishly understated and the sound of muffled sobs that came from Yukari were all that Joshua needed to know how bad he was missed by his boyfriend.  He knew he shouldn’t leave him for these long periods and but at the same time Yukari has been way more than understanding about his other job but he was glad to get to see him again and that was a fact! “C-Curtis-Chan?  Y-You’re back...YOU’RE BACK?!” Yukari yelled and Joshua smiled and nodded before speaking “Yes my dear Yukari.  I’m back and I don’t think I am leaving again for a good while.  I’m here for you and to go work with my boys in Scepter 4 and such.  I missed them and most importantly I definitely missed you and I would be lying if I said that I worried about you while I was gone.  I’ve just been so busy with work that...well you know I’m sure.” Joshua explained and Yukari nodded as he continued to wipe the tears from his eyes but he was so happy he couldn’t stop crying.  Joshua took him to the back to get him cleaned up and then after that the owner let Yukari off early because of “Special Circumstances”.  Yeah this was definitely one and Mishakuji was definitely very happy to hear the news! As Joshua and Yukari walked out of the shop arm and arm together there was one thing Joshua wanted to do: He got out his PDA and issued the following command in it “Road Trip Status:  COMPLETED!” For Joshua this “Road Trip” and the reunion with his friends and loved ones...was the greatest thing he ever pulled off and now he knew one thing Joshua was in fact...HOME!

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Two Hundred Sixty-Six: Five Thousand Dollars ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata ] [ SasuHina ] [ Verse: Pretty in Pictures ] [ AO3 Link ]

Typically, he’s not the sort to flaunt his money. The Uchiha - or, well...some of them - have always been rather affluent, sticking fingers in as many pots as they can manage in their home city. Even Itachi has been making a name for himself the last few years as a budding politician, eyes set on the mayoral title. He’s even been building up assets to look the part, dating some model for the last few years now.

Politics...aren’t really Sasuke’s speed, though. His father is the chief of police, and his mother runs a charity, hosting fancy parties to build funds for this cause or that. Fugaku is one of the most highly-respected people in their city...at least, in most eyes. And Mikoto is beloved for her social work.

Sasuke, at least so far...hasn’t quite decided what he wants to do yet. Fresh out of high school, he’s been taking a year off to “consider his options”.

And by that, he really means...wander aimlessly for a year, having absolutely no idea what he wants to do with his life. Fugaku seems to think he’s destined to join the force. His mother has always said he has a face for the same path as Itachi’s girlfriend (which always earns a scoff...from both himself, and his father). Itachi is the only one who claims he just wants his brother to be happy.

But...happy doing what? Everything he gives a try just feels...flat. Nothing sparks his interest. Sure, he could just get any job for money’s sake, and for something to do. Money, however, isn’t really an issue. At least, not yet. And if he’s going to do something, he doesn’t want it to be a waste of his time.

For now, he mostly just plays the part of a socialite. Gets stalked by small-time journalists (which is mostly his brother’s fault for looking for spotlights), is forced to rub elbows with bigwigs by his mother at all her galas...and just sort of...glides through life completely without any sense of direction. Hoping that, one day, he’ll stumble upon something that gives him that spark. That...drive to follow through something.

Sitting at an outdoor table at a Starbucks, he heaves a sigh, drink half-empty and sitting ignored on his table. A thumb listlessly scrolls through his phone, reading some new piece that popped up about his brother. Some kind of apparent scandal with his sweetheart...yeah right. Do these people really have nothing better to do than stalk Itachi and try to dig up dirt where it doesn’t exist? Everyone knows he’s due to pop the question any day now…

“...called him, but he just...blew me off. You know how he is…”

Hearing a terse, desperate tone, Sasuke can’t help but glance up. A young woman just emerged, wallet in one hand, drink in another, phone pinned to her ear by her shoulder. Her cheeks are red, and she’s clearly been crying.

...what the hell?

Seeming not to notice him, she sits at another table, relieved of her burdens and switching gears. A hand takes the phone, the other letting her brow rest heavily against her palm. “...I know. Everything was in there. My laptop, m-my camera, my purse...thankfully I had my w-wallet on me cuz I was paying for parking, but just…” Her teeth grit, shoulders shaking. “...my life was in that car, Neji! A-and now it’s...it’s all gone! Ever since Father kicked me out, I’ve had to do this on my o-own. He wouldn’t even offer me sympathy when I called. Just...told me to file a report with the police. Didn’t even ask if I wanted to come h-home! It’s like I’m not even his daughter, Neji! I can’t...I…”

Words fade out into quiet sobs, and Sasuke glances around, feeling...extremely intrusive. But surely if he moves to get up, she’ll only be mortified to see someone’s close enough to hear her. He can’t hear the other end of the conversation, but the woman slowly calms, sniffling and nodding. 

“I...I know. But I don’t want to -? I know that, Neji. But you’ve got your own problems. You don’t need to deal with m-me on top of it all. I’ll...I’ll figure something out. I just paid rent a week ago, I’ve got some time, I just…” The butt of her palm rubs at her brow, sighing heavily. “...I know. I love you, too. You’re really the only f-family I’ve got left, I guess. Hanabi hasn’t even texted to see if I’m a-all right. No...no, that’s all right. Thank you, though. I’ll...I’ll call you later. I just...I had to talk to you. I’m sorry. I know. I’ll...I’ll be okay. Give me a day or two to just...get things figured out. I need to go talk to the police, and...see where to go from there. Yeah. All right. Thanks, Neji. Bye.” Ending the call, she stares at her phone listlessly for a moment before setting it atop the table, folding her arms and burying her face in them.

...well that sounded...unpleasant.

Sasuke lingers, not sure what to do. So, sounds like this girl got robbed...and pretty badly, too. Add in a family that doesn’t seem to care, and she’s in a tough spot.

He’s attended dozens of his mother’s parties over the years. She does a lot of good, helps a lot of people. But this...this feels...different. Admittedly, he’s never seen the people her fundraising goes to help. But this? Right now? This is...tangible.

And just like that, he feels a spark. One of action. He can do something. He can make this right. He can really help someone…!

Carefully standing, he hesitates for a moment before just...approaching her table. “Uh...hey. You all right?”

Her head whips up, eyes wide. “W-what?”

“Look, uh...I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but...I was sitting just over there. Sounds like you’ve had a real shitty day.”

Though tense for a moment longer, his observation lets her wilt. “...yeah. That’s o-one way to put it. My car got broken into, and...just about everything got stolen. I work in, um...photography? My camera and my lenses were all stolen, my laptop...everything. All I’ve got is an empty wallet and a cell phone I can barely afford,” she murmurs.

“Well, uh...I happen to have some connections with the police, if...you need help reporting all this.”

That earns a questioning glance. “...you do?”

“Yeah. My...father’s the chief,” Sasuke admits. Usually a status symbol with most crowds, he almost feels...sheepish telling her now.

Her eyes flicker over his face, and then she brightens. “...you’re Sasuke Uchiha, aren’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh...oh my gosh. I’m sorry, I…” She gives a short, nervous laugh. “I didn’t, um…”

“It’s fine. I’m not exactly a celebrity. That’s more my brother’s thing. I’m the aimless little brother.”

“I...t-that’s not what I -?”

He waves her reply aside. “It’s fine. I’m used to it. My point is...I’d like to help, if I can. Look, uh...how much was all that stuff worth, do you think?”

“Oh, gosh...um…” She seems to flounder for an answer. “...a few thousand, at least. I just started my new job, and…” Tears threaten to spill. “...a-and now all my gear is gone, a-and -”

“Hey, whoa, don’t cry. Here, it’s gonna be okay. Look, uh...we’ll go report this. But I won’t lie, I dunno how good the odds are you’ll get your stuff back.”

Her shoulders fall.

“...so, uh…” Reaching into a back pocket, Sasuke pulls out a leather-bound checkbook.

“...wait, w-what -? What are you -?”

“Your stuff got stolen because the police aren’t doing their jobs,” Sasuke cuts in, pen dashing across the paper. “And you might not get it back, because they’re not doing their jobs. That partly falls on me, even if I’m not one of them.”

“But -!”

“So, I’m gonna do this another way. What’s your name?”

Shock wipes her expression clean. “...Hinata. Hinata...Hyūga…”

Filling in the last space, he tears out the check and hands it over. The sum of five thousand dollars meets her eyes, which go wide. “That should cover your missing stuff, and give you a little buffer. But we should still report it. Who knows? Maybe they’ll find it. Maybe you’ll get some, or all of it back. Either way, though...that’s for you. From me.”

Hinata stares at the slip, clearly, still not quite comprehending. “...I...I don’t…” Slowly, her expression crumbles into more tears. “Why...why are you…?”

“Because I haven’t done a damn useful thing with my life so far that’s done anyone a lick of good,” he mutters. “I’ve attended fundraisers, I’ve given some money...but I dunno where it goes, or how it’s used. But this? Right here? I know what this is. I can see it. And maybe I’ll make one person’s life a little better. I need to pick a direction, and...maybe this is a good start.”

Left a bit speechless, Hinata tries to blink away the sting in her eyes. “This...this is the kindest thing someone’s...e-ever done for me. And it’s coming from a total stranger. I...I don’t know what to say…”

“Just say you’ll use it to get back on track. That’s all I want. And here…” He grabs a napkin, scribbling some digits. “This is my cell. If you need anything, or if something goes wrong, you call me.”

“...Sasuke, I -? I don’t even know you, I-I can’t just -!”

“This is what I want to do. Just...let me do some good in my life for once. Please? I get it, we don’t know each other, but...that’s sort of the point. Let me know how it goes, either way. I want to be sure you get back where you’re supposed to be. Okay?”

She stares at him, eyes puffy and cheeks red. “...I will. Thank you...so much. You have no idea what this...what this means to me…”

He just smiles. “You’re gonna be fine. And hey, keep in contact, all right? Maybe I’ll need some photos taken sometime, huh? Can’t let my brother have all the paparazzi to himself.”

In spite of herself, Hinata chokes out a small laugh, wiping at her eyes. “O-okay. Anything you need photographed, it’s o-on the house. Because I...I can never thank you enough.”

“Don’t thank me at all. I’m happy to do it. Now, let’s get down to the station. Maybe seeing my mug around will make them work a little harder, huh? Don’t want me reporting to daddy that they aren’t doing their jobs.”

Hinata looses another laugh. “I hope so. Either way, I just...w-want to move past this. And this will be a huge help.”

“Any time, Hinata. Any time.”

                                                       .oOo.

     I was really stumped with this, I'll admit...then this idea hit, and poof, here we are! I know it's a bit of a cliche for the Uchiha to be rich, but honestly same with the Hyūga, so...here's a little twist: destitute Hinata kicked out by her father, and picked up by a stranger!      But they aren't strangers now, are they? And Hinata has his number ;3      Anywho, it's VERY late, and I've got a VERY busy day ahead of me tomorrow, so I better get to bed. Someday I'll catch up with comments, and stop being a day behind :'D Life just has to slow down first, lol - but for now, thanks for reading!

[oboetemasuka]

Prev tags:

#very personal hc but i think yuno stayed outside fuutas cell the first time to talk him down from panic#and shidou did the same for mahiru#amane told everyone to go away so she could pray#and mikoto got really really quiet and told everyone he was fine but some people still tried to keep him company

Ooh, these are some nice headcanons.

Though I do prefer to hc that Mahiru and Fuuta (?) stay in Shidou's cell so he can look after them.

I might hang on to the "random physical restraints" hc. I think it's cool. No other reason. Goes hand-in-hand with my hc that Kotoko attacked the guilties when everyone else was away. And your idea that Kotoko thinks they are dangerous monsters and that she has to attack them at their most vulnerable.

I'm glad you made the MV extraction machine post to elaborate.

Good for Fuuta and Mahiru for having someone adjacent to them who cares. Maybe Kazui also cares for Amane, but she just tells him to get out. Poor Mikoto, though. He's alone with John. Adjacent to him is the woman who wants him dead. :(

Miscellaneous Milgram logistics headcanons:

The bell rings in the morning and evenings at regular times. At night when it rings, it marks curfew: the cells don’t lock, but Es takes one lap around the panopticon to make sure prisoners are in their cells. The only time the bells ring otherwise are during interrogations, and when prisoners are summoned before Es in the courtroom to receive their verdict.

In the second/third trial, guilty prisoners’ doors do lock. Innocent prisoners are not allowed to spend the night with guilty prisoners, but those with alike verdicts can share cells overnight.

Requests come in from Es’ room. Prisoners aren’t allowed in their, or jackalope’s, room without one of them as escort. Es is never around when requests arrive, but they can’t seem to find any doors or hatches that would allow entry (or exit). There are warm/cool breezes to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the prison, but no one can find any vents or openings. 

“Increased physical restraint” punishments occur at random, unexpected intervals and appear like the trailer shots (aka, more restraints/equipment than just the uniforms are put into place.) The guilty prisoners could potentially leave their cells during this time, but usually they don’t want to be seen like that. Can happen at any point, day or night, and last several hours. This is when Kotoko planned her attacks. Enforced by mysterious Milgram magic – no one remembers how the restraints fastened, only that they wake up trapped.

(I’ve been picturing an interrogation room, but only just realized it may be done in their individual cells? But in my head,) it’s a room near that courtroom at the end of the hall. There’s a table, prisoner chair, and guard chair. The machine is integrated into the wall and invisible until paneling starts separating – when that noise plays in the voice dramas. Then, it reveals wires, tubes and pretty stereotypical sci-fi nodes/needles that Es needs to attach to the prisoner. A screen also becomes visible to play the video.

From some of the prisoner reactions, I’ve pictured the chair itself changing very suddenly to lock/strap them in place.  Es walks to the opposite wall to pull a lever with their famous line.

Someone mentioned it already, but I like the idea that the interrogation is placed before (rather than the more logical after) the extraction because the machine works off of priming. Es is instructed to bring up their crimes and past just enough to get the idea in their mind. They have to finish by saying “sing your sins” to really ensure the prisoner is thinking of their murder before it begins. The prisoners then enter a dream-like state in which they experience the raw emotions and thoughts that go into the video, but they don’t see or hear it. Afterwards, they’re aware of the kinds of things Es saw, but it's more abstract to them.