#and said i Had to hand it whatever i had. hence why it was unfinished

[lokh]

just remembered that one linguistics unit where i only did half the final assignment and handed it in like a week late and they still passed me for the unit

[acid-ixx]

They aren't finished but I wanted to give you these! They're all WIPS so so far. Some are a bit older and you can tell what the newer ones are that I just made right now.

Thank you for posting a new chapter. It was an amazing read and I just loved it so much! Still trying to find those song references 😂

chapter spoilers and drafts (again &. again)

— masterlist ! ; chapter 4 ; ash's commisions

OH MY GOD THIS IS SUCH A BLESSING??? BANGER AFTER BANGER AFTER BANGER I SWEAR 💞

ash, you have always provided my little fanbase for my series so much food for thought, this is absolutely beautiful in every way. i literally don't care if they're wips or unfinished because either way you always make do with what i write, descriptive or not. i love your artstyle and how soft you draw the mc and how handsome conner is (i literally showed your art off to all my friends). you're so talented and i wish to reciprocate all the efforts you've done for this series 😭

i'm serious. from your portrayal of the mc, to them flying with conner, you never once disappoint anyone.

because of this, i'd like to leak some parts of my story from chapter five and beyond 💕! thank you so much for this, and i hope my yapping below suffices.

major spoilers below the cut!

the graduation photo! i have something planned with that, and i'd delve so much deeper (soon) with just how much a single photo can influence bruce's line of thought once he discovers that picture frame. love how happy mc is in the photo because, for me, it symbolizes them growing up (quite literally) and acknowledging a new path in life, alongside only finding alfred as their only father figure compared to bruce.

you consider yourself reserved, and prefer your life living within the confines of privacy and protection from media exposure. your mother always told you: better safe than sorry once; right after you've asked her about why you can't seem to find personal information about your father when she helped you search him up occasionally.

all the questions you ask her about the lack of your father's preferences — because you merely wanted to know more about him beyond the stories she told you! — she rebutted with a soft smile, a kiss on your head, and an explanation.

she'd warn you about the dangers of media exposure, about how your father and her prefer to keep their relationship a secret, and how too much cameras and paparazzi flashes can blind you.

she said that someone's perception of another person could be ruined once their deepest secrets are revealed. that's why your papa isn't seen beyond the doors of the manor he resides in; because people are attracted to mystery and allure.

hence why she'd restricted you from the usage of any devices within your household during your childhood, other than the excuse of having no money to afford it.

and you always abide by that principle of secrecy; especially right after alfred had saved you from... whatever happened years ago in elementary. from when that man... no, those men knew about your identity...

so, safe to say you were an introvert, at least when it comes to social media. the concept of the fear of missing out never once rattled your brain, no matter how anxious you are whenever you're with your friends; scared that you wouldn't fit in. but they never cared and accepted you with open arms, so it doesn't really matter, no?

you're safe now that you're at metropolis.

and like she always said, better safe than sorry! keep it within you and never out!

so why?

why is it just right after you've opened your twitter app— why is it that your face is plastered all across news accounts?

anyways, the second and third images are so romantic!!! and cute, and cured my depression i swear. i showed this to my one friend and she told me that conner's hand size compared to mc's is straight up hot, and i agree! i love the hand placement, and the way conner holds the mc so softly! yes, i too, would love to touch his man-tits beyond his impeccably tight shirt and play with his hands!

and the cute little panel with him squishing their face and desire their confirmation that, they do, in fact, think they're hot. he's a very insecure man after all, and his self-worth would revolve around your perception of him. he doesn't see you as god, but he doesnt see you as his everything. every opinion matters from you, and that's what makes the green flag part about him.

fun fact about him in the series! he loves to moisturize his hands with lots of skin care products because he read from an article once that some people prefer the feel of soft or moisturized hands. he definitely did not wait for the moment for you to touch him for the first time in forever since he first saw you! yeah, he's a bit more freaky than i let him out to be. the more you're exposed to him, the more you'll learn just how obsessed he is.

as for all the people asking if i'd write more about him: the answer is yes! he's a vital character, so don't worry because he'll appear in many scenes either way. for those concerned about why he didn't save the mc— well, chapter five will explain soon 🩷

and this art perfectly portrays it! it's seen from an outside perspective and they look very pretty, yet from what they see with their eyes is a different thing. the longer you stare at yourself, the more your image is distorted. i intentionally added the flower analogy because flowers are portrayed as pretty, no matter the size and shape. even as they wilt or sag, they still retain some color and a semblance of what was once a history of their prime.

then lastly! the mirror scene. it all returns to chapter three, chapter four was a sequel of their breakdown containing mirrors. reflections and the perception of one self is an important aspect of my series because it reminds me of myself, so them nit-picking each and every insecurity whilst staring at the mirror; that's a scene i wrote based off of a real life experience of mine. having both attractive parents, or those acknowledged as conventionally pretty, whilst being in an environment filled with as equally smart or attractive people, comparing yourself to them all the time, is a struggle.

the only way to make flowers 'ugly' is by destroying them, by stepping on them, ripping them apart, never once caring for them. i think that's very crucial because people do see anything destroyed or stripped away from its foundation a mess, or so. but there's always beauty in everything and i abide by that thought!

again, thank you so much ash for drawing this and bringing my story to life! you, alongside many other users who send in their fanarts, are always such an inspiration for me to write! you guys are the backbone of my series and i stand by my sentence!!! may you get plenty of commissions and plenty of money to support you <333

also, the FLOWER BOTTLE AND THE CAT PAW REFERENCE! i love how everyone accepts that we have a canon cat now based solely off of this. i think that's precious, and having a feline pet is a great little choice for my own plot (just to lessen the pain of the angst).

i hope you enjoyed this little mess rant!

(as for the songs, don't worry, the lyrics become more prevalent for chapter five! chapter four doesn't have any explicit lyrics contained in them, only implications.)

[sorcerersseestars]

just like you <3

warnings: Gojo makes inappropriate jokes. Reader is gender neutral but refers to Gojo as “such a boy” once and is called princess by Gojo thrice. (it’s part of the story, I’m sorry ;-;). Kissing, suggestiveness, & confessions! Gojo is wearing his shades but I was too lazy to keep writing that in…

word count: 2.1k

I feel like Gojo and reader are in their late teens/early 20s in this! Also, I think this feels like more of a snapshot of one moment than a complete oneshot…I guess it’s a drabble then?? Not sure haha pls let me know if there’s a term for this

Gojo hates classical music. Growing up, his parents would drag him to so many ballets and operas, especially around the holidays. He can’t count on both hands how many performances of the Nutcracker he has seen, which was always such a snooze fest for him—he used to point and laugh at the poor child who had to play the rat, which is usually how he got out of seeing the rest of the performance, since the ushers would quickly kick out him and his family for his behavior.

In essence, Gojo has always gone about his life convinced that classical music is horribly boring and that he abhors it.

That is, until you reintroduce him to it. When you ask him if you mind listening to a piece with him, he’s a bit surprised—and of course, apprehensive. How is he going to break it to you that he hates something you hold so dear? But it’s you, so he relents—how could he ever say no to you?

“It’s called Scheherazade,” You say, shyly tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. “It’s based on a Thousand and One Nights, y’know, the really old story. Do you know it?”

You’re both sitting on your bed. You are sitting cross-legged, while Gojo rudely stretches out his legs (manspreads!), leaving little room for you. You don’t complain, though—you like being this close to him, even if you can’t admit it to yourself.

“I haven’t heard of it,” He admits. He feels so relaxed with you that he yawns even though he isn’t necessarily sleepy. You seem to take this the wrong way, though.

You become embarrassed. “Oh shit, this stuff is kinda nerdy, huh? I don’t want to bore you-”

“You won’t,” He says immediately, firmly. His blue eyes seem to look right through you, making you nervous under his persistent gaze. Maybe if this was music history class, he’d sigh and moan, but since you’re the one telling the story, there’s no possible way he could get bored.

“Oh, r-really?” You stammer out, quickly looking away from his bold gaze (does he always look at you like that?) “Okay then. Uh, so basically, this king found his wife in bed with another man, so he uh– killed her and all of her servants. He kinda went crazy after that and took revenge on women by summoning one virgin to his chamber every night and executing her before the night was up.”

He shifts from his position, leaning in toward you to whisper, “I don’t think he was a very nice king, but don’t tell him I said that.”

You laugh at his lame joke, which makes him feel warm inside.

“Well, one night, a woman named Scheherazade volunteered to be the virgin to go to him one night. Her family was distraught, thinking they were going to lose their daughter to their insane king. But after the first night was up, everyone was surprised to see she was still alive in the morning. This repeated on and on. She was really clever and told him an unfinished story every night, telling him that he would have to wait until the next night to hear the ending. And she did that One Thousand and One times, hence the name of the story.”

“So you’re telling me that she edged him with the same story for one thousand and one nights and he never noticed? Seems kinda gullible, if ya ask me.”

“Why do you have to put it like that?” You say, flustered by his wording. “Ugh, you’re such a boy sometimes.”

“Am I wrong, princess?” He smiles. Your heart skips a beat at his use of a pet name, but you try not to make it obvious.

You roll your eyes. “W-whatever! Anyway, he eventually fell for her and made her his queen. That’s what this piece is based on—or that’s the simple version of it, at least.”

“So, let me get this straight—she tamed an actual virgin-killer?”

“Satoru!” You try to sigh, but can’t hold back your laughter. “That’s not the point!”

“It kinda is though, isn’t it?” He playfully argues. “Actually, I’d argue that’s the climax of the story. After that, everything gets resolved!”

You make a face when he calls it the ‘climax’. In turn, he pokes your cheek.

“What, you don’t like my literary terminology? C’mon, that’s literally what it’s called!”

“You’re such a perv! Virgin killer this, climax that,” You wrinkle your nose in semi-faux disgust. “Just shut up and listen, I’m going to turn it on.”

“Oooo, you’re gonna turn it on!” Gojo says, waggling his fingers and doing jazz hands.

You cross your arms and put on your sternest look. “Do you want to listen to it or not?”

He holds up his hands in surrender. “I’m sorry, officer, I’ll behave now!”

You giggle. “Okay, enough. I’m gonna start it now, for real. It’s kinda long, so sit tight.”

You press play on your device, fiddling with the volume for a bit since classical music has such high highs and low lows. You’re still nervous if he’s going to like it or not, so you aren’t as immersed in the music as you usually are. You keep glancing at Gojo out of the corner of your eye, praying you’re not boring him to death.

As the music plays on, you begin to relax and imagine the story in your head. You close your eyes, savoring the colorful tones of the different instruments and the singing melodies.

You open your eyes at the start of the second movement, and are surprised to find Gojo’s eyes completely on you. The solo violin sings beautifully iand the harp tugs at your heartstrings in the background, making the sensation of his eyes on yours all the more evocative. You lose your breath; neither of you look away. It should be awkward, but it isn’t.

“D-do you like it?” You stupidly ask.

“It’s beautiful,” He says softly, eyes still on you. Just like you are the words left lingering on his tongue, right there yet left unsaid.

“Really?!” You answer excitedly—but again, stupidly. “I- uh, I’m gl–”

You cut yourself off with a yelp as the mood in the music suddenly changes. You had turned it up during the quiet opening, since you could hardly hear, so this loud and sudden start to a stormy section catches you off guard. You instinctively flinch and grip the nearest thing around you for comfort…

…That ‘thing’ being your friend, Satoru Gojo. You’re holding his thick biceps tightly, not realizing your blunder in your haste.

He smirks at you but doesn’t move away. If anything, he leans in to you. “Aw, did you get scared? It’s just vibrations wiggling the air, there’s nothing to be scared of.”

You instantly let go. He laughs at how quickly you back away, and you can only hope he doesn’t sense the heat on your cheeks. So embarrassing.

“You–! Ugh! I was just caught off guard!” You say, brushing your hands off just for show. "It just suddenly got so loud that I got startled.”

“That sounds like an excuse to me,” He jests.

“Think whatever you like,” You sigh, exasperated. “But c’mon, we have to finish it! We’re only halfway and we just missed some.”

“Okay, okay, let’s keep going then.” He says, motioning for you to continue. “Just so you know, it’s fine if you need to hold onto something—or should I say somebody—at the next ‘scary’ cymbals crash…”

You glare at him and harshly press the volume up button. You smile as the music returns to your ears, and you slightly sway to the melody. You’re too into the music to notice how Satoru gazes affectionately at your gentle swaying, a small smile gracing his lips.

By around the middle of the third movement, The Young Prince and the Young Princess, you check back in on Gojo. This movement is calmer and slower, not as exciting as the first two, so you worry he may not find it engaging enough.

“What do you think about this movement?” You ask him quietly.

“This one?” He responds, and you nod. “I like it, maybe more than the others. It’s very romantic. And it’s kinda fitting.”

You have no idea what that could mean. You freeze, worrying that it’s a joke that you’ll fall for and get hurt over.

But you ask anyway. “Fitting?”

“Mmhmm,” He rumbles. “The Young Prince and the Young Princess. That’s the title of the movement, isn’t it?”

“It…it is,” You confirm hesitantly, afraid to misunderstand him. “A-and…?”

“Well, princess,” He says, and you again practically melt at the pet name. “I think this movement is very pretty.”

“Pretty?” You echo back. “Yes, I guess it is.”

“Yep, pretty,” He says. “Just like you.”

“I–huh?!”

He said it so casually and with so much ease that you practically missed it.

Just like…you?

“What did you just say?” You ask with wide eyes. You’re trembling and your face feels so hot.

He inches closer to you. You have to fight not to react—whether that would be to lean in or back away, you do not know. You like him so much that it scares you—he practically holds the reins to your emotions.

“I said that this movement is pretty, just like you,” He says, eyes flickering down to your lips then back up to your eyes. “Is there something wrong about that? You can’t crucify me for telling the truth.”

You brain cells start to fizzle out. All you can think to say is, “Crucify you?”

Gojo chuckles. “I call you pretty, and you’re focusing on my wording?”

“Well, I- you’re talking like it’s biblical times or something!”

“Maybe your story reminded me of that. You were the one talking about executing virgins,” He says, then comes closer still. “Pretty.”

He’s so close that you’re sure he can feel your quick breaths fanning his face. You’re so nervous that your breathing comes fast and shallow.

You swallow your fears. It’s now or never.

“Satoru,” You start shakily, then steady yourself with a big breath. “I think…I think you’re pretty, too.”

He blinks. You blink.

You’re so sure that he’s about to make fun of you for what you said—is it weird to call a boy pretty?—and you’re so sure that he’s going to boisterously laugh in your face and reveal that it’s all one big joke that everyone else was in on.

You’re so embarrassed. You cover your face with your hands, mortified by your own actions. The laughter is coming, you know it.

And it does. But it’s different than you imagined.

He’s laughing softly. You peek through your fingers. He seems to be…amused?

“You’re so cute,” He says. “So pretty. So endearing, d’ya know that?”

Your voice comes out so small and vulnerable. “Really?”

“Really,” He affirms. “And I…I really want to kiss you, pretty.”

Your eyes meet his. You’re electrified by the genuine want and need in his gaze. He’s serious.

“Then kiss me, Satoru.”

Ah, so there’s the sassy tone you usually have towards him. He chuckles and traces your jawline with his fingers. He savors in the way you squirm and how your breath hitches when his fingers reach your neck.

He leans in and circles his arms around your waist, pulling you into a deep kiss. You hold onto his biceps again for support, which flex under your palms as he takes the kiss deeper. You feel even hotter than before, if that was even possible.

He finally breaks the kiss, and you’re surprised to hear his equally shaky breathing. “I really like you, princess. I really like you.”

You laugh softly, pressing a hand against his firm chest. “Satoru, I like you too. If it wasn’t obvious.”

“Maybe it was with the way you practically fell into my lap when you got scared–”

“I did not!!” You bury your face in your hands again.

“Kidding, princess!” He kisses your cheek. “You’re so easy to rile up…Oh, by the way, did you know that I hate classical music?”

“You do? Really? Oh, god, you must have been so bored the whole time, I knew it–!”

“No, no I really enjoyed this. Seriously.” He says with conviction. “I wasn’t faking anything. Ever. It just feels so different with you…”

“Satoru…” You whisper.

He starts leaving kisses on your jawline, causing you to shiver. “You just drive me crazy, princess. ‘Couldn’t stop thinking of you while we were listening. I wanted to kiss you so bad the whole time.”

“Then we gotta make up for the lost time, huh?” You say, pulling him into another kiss.

“You’re gonna be the death of me.” He sighs, letting himself get lost in you.

Scheherazade continues playing in the background, but it’s on neither of your minds now. You barely even hear it, even though you had been so insistent on listening to the whole thing through before. Even when the ending chords fade out, both you and Satoru are trying to catch your breath, craving more.

Fin.

Thank you for reading!! I don’t feel like it’s my best work, but i hope it’s still a little enjoyable! 🥹 I got the urge to write this out of NOWHERE and wrote it all today…I never do that haha so that was quite the surprise for me.

Note: To all the fellow classical music nerds out there, I’m aware that Scheherazade isn’t actually classical, but…let’s just put that aside, shall we? :) I’m just using layman’s terms so that everyone can understand and enjoy!

[2023-512kaylawilliams]

Second pre-formative hand-in critique

After making a number of changes (as per David's feedback) since last Monday, I went through my booklet with Emil today, which was really helpful. It highlighted unnecessary things, small changes that would make big improvements to streamlining the book's flow and key elements I hadn't included (a key one being captioning photographs). He ran through a lot of things I had looked over and also needed to improve upon, which I will take into account this week and make those changes before the Thursday hand-in.

The symbol is meaningless (i.e. has no purpose) - get rid of it.

Though the rap around text was good - the two words split by the spine were unecessary distraction from the title (if that's what i choose to be the title) which is Gimlet Display.

It was suggested that I incoperate more of the meaning of the booklet in relation to my pepeha in the front cover. I think some development into making the covers (front and back) more useful in that sense could be explored.

A suggestion for graphically displaying the text in a very simple way was a large G/GD on one/both of the covers, which as above, i'll use in development.

He liked that I used my tartan which links to my Scottish heritage. Exploring the relevance of it could be a good idea. My idea was to, in moving around some of my spreads as later suggested, that i could put the information/history page as pgs 1-2 and explain its relevance there.

Something of my own reflection was the cover image was a little distracting. I might edit it a little to make whatever text I place on the front more in the foreground but without losing the detail and impact of the tartan. I have since scaled it down (it was scaled up in the above print out) which I think this may work better. Also having the text larger will help with this.

This page is unfinished (hence the palceholder text for blocking); this will be something I need to finish but the formatting of it is okay thus far i think.

Point to mention in the rationale *why is this font good?* > *why did i chose it -> relation to my pepeha*

Captions were something i needed to add for the photograph here but i think i will be changing it anyway.

Emil mentioned that streamlining all of the footer elements on the pages was a necessary detail. As he said they are the 'normal' elements and everything else will show as a deviation from that to show what the typeface can do.

These two spreads were relatively untouched by feedback apart from the note about footer details.

However, I did have a personal reflection for these. I though that the text overall might be on the smaller side. I have noticed in all of my spreads that has been the case. So i think being a bit more bold with my choice of font size would be a good idea to bring contrast between the smaller pt sizes and larger pt sizes.

Something that isn't super noticed once printed was the fact that i did make all text a dark green shade. Which after playing around does make a significant difference on the eye even if it is subtle (compared to plain black). However, for further refinement I might try a colour combination.

Another element i need to add is the pt sizes and font names on all the pages.

Three main points for this spread:

The text in the poems does look too similar to the footer text > could be changed to medium weight to differentiate?

Move the Haere Mai poem/song title to the top of the block of text to signal that it is another piece of text (not flowing on from the previous page), where to start reading and that it is the title of that section of text.

Note the authors of the texts (My Great Aunt) and the relevance of the text - why is it there?

The biggest problem with this layout was the text crossing (what I have come to call) the no-go zone. Anything crossing that line will be lost even a little because of binding and alignment.

However, suggestions were to play with the spread a little. What different kinds of AEIOU's could I showcase? Try moving them around and play with the space in the spread.

In regards to the photo asset on this page, again, needs a caption. A further suggestion was to see what it looked like spread over both pages. I do have a limit on its dimension but I could play with this a little.

Last point was if it was necessary to label every page with the footer 'Gimlet Display' > it will be obvious given the start of the booklet what the typeface is called, so maybe use this space for what specific font is used, point size etc. instead.

This spread got a big tick. Emil said it was a good resting page. Given that my booklet does have a lot of detail-heavy pages, spreads like this one give the eye a rest from having to follow any detail whilst also showcasing alternative versions of one glyph the font has to offer.

A way to further this might be to make another spread in this kind of format (which I think I could use to replace the image page on pg. 22 maybe). A symbol that Emil pointed out that was quite unique in its form was the # from pg. 17. He said it's got a unique skew and weight variation. Thus, it could be a cool idea to make that a key point somewhere in the booklet, just to give rest as well as iterest and pinpointing a cool feature of the typeface.

This page got a pretty good go ahead neatly showcases all of the accent alternatives. The only thing to change was the title of the spread. Emil said to have a look into what other type specimens have named this kind of layout.

The left spread:

[1st line] doesn't quite fit with the rest (I think it's because of its "lack" of detail compared to the other lines?) > move down to balance?

[2nd line] good.

[3rd line] As mentioned before, Emil thinks the # deserves a feature (bold/scaled up in another spread?)

[4th line] symmetry of this one is great, well balanced.

[5th line] the cents symbol is the only one that stands apart but can't be changes and still makes sense.

[6th line] the No. symbol doesn't work with the rest, if it can be used elsewhere go for it but otherwise probably not hugely necessary. The tilde is a nice one to include though > find where it can go?

The right spread:

What is the significance of the numbers, and why is one outlined? > explain in the caption. Or repeat to create a pattern/rhythm.

Old style numbers need explaining (otherwise one would think i did that myself) > its a feature of the typeface so label it somewhere (page title?)

Split the page titles.

Suggested this could be moved to the front of the booklet, given that it is key information about the font (not just the history > rethink the title or split the titles over the two pages).

For clarification, Schadow is the correct spelling :) but showcase that this was what the typeface was inspired by. Include more clearly what each typeface looks like on there own.

The comparison between the typefaces is good. Could do a lot more labelling (this could be where i do some "diagrams" on type form features.

A note for the second paragraph on the left page; showcase those different fonts on a larger scale to more clearly see their disctint features. > This may have me rethink some of the more text heavy pages as i could showcase these here instead? given this spread may become quite busy with the changes and level of detail.

It was suggested I move all larger text to one side and bulk text to the other, as there is blank space that is being unused.

Also a final point was to extend the written part, dig deeper into the typeface itself.

Caption for the photo, again.

Move this spread to the front > key information?

Personal note > move the line for language support up one line.

Overall I am super happy with this draft of my work; it is by no means the final draft. I have come quite far from my earlier drafted pages, but I'm not finished yet. This draft aligned with how I wanted the booklet to look, but there is still much to improve, and I will continue refining it even after the Thursday hand-in.

[marisakage]

Home is where the Heart is

One thing that I give big props to Mihoyo is the brilliant way they incorporate tropes. They introduce the characters as one-dimensional then expand them. Thanks to how realistic their portrayals are, they seem human. They all come from different upbringings and circumstances. These two elements shape the characters to become relatable and engaging.

Luke is an example of this case because he is such a trope-y character. He embodies the childhood friend trope super well.

At first glance, some people wouldn't bat an eye on him, writing him off as a boring character. Given that Luke is the childhood friend, his arc should be very predictable. But little did they know that we are not dealing with a typical otome game.

With that said, my essay will delve into why I adore Luke and Rosa's dynamic. I am 100% biased towards this ship, and I feel so strongly about them.

SPOILER DISCLAIMER since I will talk about some of Luke's unreleased cards!

Luke is Rosa's childhood friend, but his arc is so entangled with the main story route. The NXX drug that the team is currently investigating may or may not be behind the death of his parents as well as his shrouded background. He's the person who's directly involved with the problem that the NXX members are dealing with at hand. Marius is investigating because of his missing brother Giann. Artem is doing whatever he can to uncover the truth behind his mentor's disappearance. And Vyn is just there unless he's got some reason that's yet to be revealed.

That leaves Luke as the person who is indeed directly involved with the issue itself. The drug has greatly affected Luke, reducing his lifespan to just three years.

This ordeal puts Luke in an agonizing and harsh situation as he's been struggling with an inner conflict ever since. His conflict being Rosa.

He woke up in the hospital room by the sheer will of living (Rosa indirectly saved him), surrounded by his fellow mates who turned out to be dead.

Luke's “I will become the God of Death” line which took place in his Lost Gold route conveys a whole new meaning.

Imagine waking up and being the only survivor in a room full of deceased people who once were your teammates. Luke must have felt extreme guilt. He would definitely think he robbed them of their lives hence the God of Death title. It also does not help that he is often associated with Crows -a symbol of death in many cultures.

All this time, he regarded himself as such -a being who is undeserving of living, much less next to his crush. It is the reason why he took a while to appear in front of Rosa. His guilt and self-loathing are what disabled him from indulging in his time with her. If he could disappear, he would easily do it. And he did it once in his Shape of You card; when he prayed to the Land God to take him away from Rosa and to make him disappear from her life.

Luke reappeared again because he had unfinished matters to deal with, a.k.a the mystery behind the drug and his parents' background. He wants to use his remaining time to pursue the truth and look after Rosa before he is gone.

His conflict comes into play when he realizes that the drug effects are irreversible and that his impending death is coming nigh. He was at a loss when it came to Rosa.

Must he be selfish and choose to stay by her side until his time is up?

Or must he disappear from her sight so she doesn't get hurt?

Luke was torn between what he wanted to do and what he needed to do, and he came to these two paths without confronting Rosa about them. He was in a complete dilemma.

He shouldered all of this weight on his own for a long time. He eventually reappeared again in front of Rosa, much to his dismay. The moment he saw her, his resolve wavered. With each passing second, his longing to stay with her grew bigger.

His tendency to overthink and to be overly overprotective stems from the conflict with which he is struggling. He doesn't wish for anything bad to happen to Rosa. Because if that were the case, he would hate himself for it. Some people think that Luke is treating Rosa as an inferior, a weakling. Someone incapable of holding her grounds. But that is wrong.

These people fail to see the helplessness of this guy. He feels worthless, hopeless, pessimistic, and very undeserving of being near Rosa. But he also feels responsible for Rosa's protection despite only being granted a short amount of time.

Nothing about this screams inferiority/superiority complex. It's Luke's helplessness that's screaming and ripping him apart.

The fact that he won't be by her side in three years. The fact that he has to bid her farewell in three years. The fact that he has to entrust her to some other guy in three years. The fact that he is unable to support her in three years. Knowing all of this shatters his heart. It's gut-wrenching.

Imagine the pain he felt this whole time. Luke missed out on eight precious years that could have been spent with Rosa. And to make matters worse, he now has a ticking timer above his head reminding him of the fragility of his life and the cruelty of losing everything before his eyes. This whole issue not only has affected him but also Rosa. She is a direct factor in this.

All of Luke's cards; regardless of how the timeline works; are pretty much tied. Each card focuses on Luke's character as well as his relationship with Rosa.

In Timely Rescue, we get to witness the overbearing nature of Luke's overprotectiveness and how it started to get on Rosa's nerves.

In Among the Great Blue, Luke reminisced about his past with Rosa and her parents. He has been raised as if he were a member of the family. Luke felt both blessed and grateful in that regard. Because of that, he thinks that as long as he is a part of Rosa's life; he mustn't care about where he stands. Because of his condition, Luke accepted that crossing the boundaries with her is futile. He would rather keep their friendship until his days are up. What's poignant about this is that Luke made it clear that he gave up. He came to terms with his reality before long which is utterly sad and devastating.

On top of that, moon jellyfish only live up to three years which parallels his lifespan. The expression Luke had when he talked about them was so heart-wrenching.

"Life is short, and one should enjoy every second of it" hits right in the feels considering Luke's situation. The line is also a bit ironic because he did not abide by it as shown in his Iridescent Heartbeat card (Which I will talk about in a bit.)

What's also bitter about Among the Great Blue is that Luke is in so much pain; both physical and emotional. Yet, he tries to hide it all through lying. Luke is an expert at concealing his pain. He would go out of his way to bury everything that might expose his situation as shown in Moment of Danger and his personal story.

Luke is such an enigmatic person. There is still so much that we don't know about which serves as an interesting juxtaposition of being the character we're supposed to know best, but we also know so little about.

His Shape of You card revealed a little more about Luke's past and how much he struggled to stay with Rosa.

He got shunned by her relatives for always being around her. He is an orphan, and the only people he interacted with are Rosa and her parents, so it's only natural to be attached to them. They were his only family. But others didn't take that too well and started dissing him.

That pushed Luke to pray to the Land God. He prayed to disappear from the face of the earth and everyone's memories if it would make Rosa feel better. No child deserves to go through that.

Fortunately, Rosa reached out to him and rescued him from falling too deep into the pits of darkness.

That card not only touched on Luke's past but also showcased a new side of Rosa.

When Luke ran off somewhere to catch the thief, Rosa felt helpless and desperate to find him. She had the feeling that she might lose Luke once again. Never to be seen. Never to be found.

Rosa's position in this card is understandable because she went through this twice. She almost lost him the first time when they were kids. This accident made her dread going to any festivities.

And the second time is when Luke unofficially left her side and went to the Capital upon turning 16 years old. He didn't contact her as much for eight years. You can only imagine the melancholy that she felt. She even refused to visit Prague simply because it doesn't feel the same without Luke.

Shape of You managed to give yet another layer to Rosa. Rosa isn't just your typical, strong, and level-headed protagonist.

She went through a lot and has endured so much by herself without anyone's support. (personal story ch2)

However, Rosa is an emotional person who has doubts and fears. She has problems and conflicts. Rosa is almost always concerned for Luke.

The moment he is away, she would immediately start panicking.

Because if she were to let go of him this time, what would happen to him? What would happen to her?

She is just as dependent on him as much as he is on her. The feeling is mutual. Luke and Rosa cannot be away from one another because they have been inseparable for so long.

“Rather than wanting to be by her side forever, I hope to protect her forever. No matter if I am still here, no matter in what form.” No words can describe just how heart-breaking this line is.

Radiant Sunlight was about re-creating memories that both Rosa and Luke have missed. For example, the graduation day that Luke could not attend. The card proves that it is not too late to make new memories together. It offers a positive perspective in contrast to Luke's pessimistic one.

Inner Sanctum was a cute love story of an elderly couple. The card showcases how the couple never gave up on one another.

No matter how much time has passed and how much their health has declined, the couple will always treasure each other's presence. Their love for one another grew stronger despite the flow of time. Love is a boundless feeling as it transcends time.

Inner Sanctum conveys a positive message: Even if you've hit rock bottom and you feel like there's no way out, someone is waiting for you at the end of the tunnel. Luke has been in a hopeless situation for the longest time, but someone is out there for him. Someone is waiting for him with open arms to hold him. All he has to do is to reach out for the light.

The lyrics of the song that Luke hummed are heartfelt yet sad.

“When we can say goodnight and stay together

Wouldn't it be nice if we could wake up

In the morning when the day is new?”

Not only do they describe Luke's feelings, but they also hint at the shackles holding him back. But his response to the lyrics was very hopeful.

“I believe that there are no ifs between the two of us. I will make it all come true.”

Perfect Partner had Luke and Rosa work on a case that had a bittersweet conclusion. Timing often plays a role in relationship success. Something that could have easily been a miss had Luke and Rosa not met after eight years. The conflict of the case was due to miscommunication. Both parties could not clear the misunderstanding because they kept missing each other. I can't help but think that it could have been a possible outcome for Luke and Rosa had they not met in time.

In Iridescent Heartbeat, the relationship between them took a step forward, and it developed even further. Everything that happened in that card occurred for a reason.

Luke's pessimism and overprotectiveness took a turn for the worse, almost ruining the whole date. Rosa's patience ran super thin as there's a limit to everything. And clearly, Luke has crossed the line with how overprotective he has gotten.

Time is of the essence, yet Luke wastes it by brooding over the what-ifs:

"Should I take the safest shortcut so that Rosa doesn't get hurt?" "Sticking to this activity is better than doing bungee jumping cuz we might run into accidents."

Luke's thoughts have clouded his reasoning. He believes that counting every step he takes to ensure Rosa's safety is the right thing. But by doing so, their date has quickly turned into a sour one. Luke's behavior makes sense as mentioned before.

But this is where Rosa comes into play. She grew tired and sick of his tendency to overthink things since Timely Rescue. She is not going to stand by and watch the guy decays as he ponders over every single thing that concerns her. That is just a waste of precious time.

Luke's going the extra mile to guarantee her safety at the expense of his fun and her fun.

If Luke is not having fun, then what is the point of the date?

If he can't even do whatever he wants to do, then what is the point?

Life is too short to be wasted on trivial matters such as "possible accidents". Accidents are bound to happen.

Humans are prone to get injured, to trip over, to get hurt. We don't have plot armor, and we are definitely not bulletproof. If things happen, then let them happen. Let them become a part of their experience, part of their memories. So that someday, they can look back at that time and laugh at how silly they were. That is why I find his line in Among the Great Blue quite ironic. He is not sticking to it.

The whole interaction between them proves that Rosa is not afraid to step up and speak her mind. She refuses to stay idle when things are going wrong. She definitely doesn't stand looking at Luke not enjoying himself because his happiness is her happiness.

The story was beautifully connected to Timely Rescue and other cards. It displayed a realistic quarrel between two people who had clashing views.

Luke still hasn't decided to confide in her about his condition yet, and he is still very hesitant whether he should be with her or not.

Rosa was kept in the dark the entire time. Despite that, she could tell that something was off with him.

They resolved the issue through communication which is a primordial element in any couple's road to happiness. Without it, you and your significant other won't last at all.

Rosa is an honest person, and Luke's overprotective trait bothered her so much because he has crossed the line several times. Not only was he restricting Rosa's freedom but also his freedom.

The whole ordeal gave huge character development to Rosa. She looks out for Luke and is greatly concerned over him as well. Luke is not the only person who is busy thinking about her. Rosa also does think about him, and always has been.

The card portrayed a healthy relationship that runs into issues and solves them through communicating.

Luke listening to her and feeling extremely blessed to be by her side was the cherry on top. He understood her, apologized to her, and he promised he won't cross the line again. Her reassuring words held some weight because you only live once. Why would anyone waste their time instead of enjoying themselves?

To Luke, it hits him harder because it involves time which is something intangible and not everlasting. He absolutely shouldn't waste it, especially in his case. He should spend every single minute of his life doing the things he likes, hanging out with the people he loves, and making new and timeless memories with them.

Rosa ended up teaching him a lesson about life and how valuable it is. The way she snapped at him as she ran out of patience and as her frustrations grew all the more obvious has only rendered her as more than a third-dimensional character. Rosa is too real. Too realistic. She has the most natural and wholesome interactions with Luke, and that says a lot about their relationship.

Moreover, his Lost Gold route expanded his character even further. We get to witness his Raven side first-hand. A side that he is ashamed of showing.

But because of the whole ordeal in Timely Rescue, he decided not to cross the line. He made up his mind and showed her the side that he's been afraid to reveal all this time. A side that developed over those eight years. Rosa witnessed it, and her reaction to it was genuine as well as sweet. She immediately figured out how ashamed he was. And she also understood him and his predicament. Because of his job, he has to be harsh to his suspects. And as Rosa stated, she prefers Luke to be ruthless to protect himself rather than get hurt because of his kindness. Rosa has embraced all of Luke's sides and accepted him the way he is.

Granted, Luke said: "I will become the person that you like", but Rosa doesn't want that. Rosa wants Luke. The genuine person with all of his flaws and all of his strengths.

His response to what she said was so sweet. His embrace and his Thank You were so emotional and meaningful. Luke was afraid he might disappoint her with how much he changed. So, her reassuring words were such a relief to him. Nothing beats being wholeheartedly accepted by your significant other.

Rosa has always felt that the person in front of her is no longer familiar. She thought she always knew him. But the truth is she did not. Rosa has been feeling this way since day one of their reunion. And she openly expressed that in several cards like Alluring Gaze, Xmas Card, Among the Great Blue, to name a few.

Despite her lingering doubts, Rosa still accepts the person who is standing in front of her. Luke might have changed, but Rosa is willing to hold onto him and never let go. She is ready to embrace that unfamiliar figure of his because she loves him.

Her resolve to see past the distance that separated them had never faltered. That is because Luke means much more than that.

Xmas Card revealed that Luke has been hiding from Rosa for a while. It personally pains me to see him run away from her. This card adds more to how much he struggled with himself. Luke wanted to meet Rosa as soon as he came back. He wanted to share all the experiences and the stories that he had in the past eight years. He wanted to confide in her about everything. But, Luke was unable to do so. On top of his illness, he is ashamed to talk about his work as an agent. God only knows what kind of misdeeds he did. It saddens me to know that Luke has been through so much for the past eight years, unbeknownst to Rosa. He has been in many perilous situations. He got so wounded that he does not need an anesthetic to treat himself. Luke grew numb to the pain which is messed up. He got tormented for the longest time. (personal story ch3 and 4)

Luke has been exposed to danger at a young age which explains why he hates seeing Rosa go through the same path.

That also explains why he was so against the idea of her joining the NXX team in the main story.

In RRG, Luke and Rosa's relationship took a shift and started to progress. Rosa felt bummed out because she thought she knew Luke best but realized that those eight years made him seem foreign to her. Her desire to know all of him and get close to him has been made clear in that card. Rosa seriously started looking at Luke. Her feelings slowly and steadily started surfacing and taking shape.

The whole card was incredible. From us finding out more about Raven to them acting like parents (to Xia Xia) to Rosa getting all emotional over Xia Xia's departure. Rosa's nightmare also proves that she refuses to be apart from Luke and that she is determined to hold onto him because he might slip from her at any moment. A sentiment that she has expressed since Shape of You. Rosa also figured that Luke has been hiding from her for so long, fearing he might bring her trouble. She got upset because she always wanted to be by his side no matter what.

Despite the dangers that Luke may face because of his work, Rosa wants to support him however she can. She is worried about him, and she hates that his life is always at stake, but she has decided not to get in the way of his dreams. Instead, she would bear the brunt with him. They will both go through ups and downs together, hand in hand.

The promise that they made is very precious because it shows just how much they care for each other.

"I promise I will do my best to not compromise myself.

In every minute and every second, I will choose the way that makes me happiest to live.

In every minute and every second, I will remind myself to avidly pursue everything I yearn for.

I definitely will not make this person in front of me, who supports me, feel unhappy or not blessed."

This promise is important because Luke always puts others above himself, and Rosa had enough of that. She wants him to be happy and to think of himself before others.

I would like to take a moment to talk about Luke's design. He is often seen with many gadgets. One of them is a camera.

His camera helps in capturing the moments, turning them into memories that transcend time itself. Luke is still coping with how short his lifespan is. Hence he wishes to savor the beauty of this world by saving every moment in his camera. Because surely, those moments will outlive him, never to be forgotten.

I like how Luke is the owner of an antique shop. An antique shop consists of items that are desirable because of their age, beauty, rarity, and personal emotional connection. These items represent a previous era or period in human history.

Luke as an antique shopkeeper is just so fitting because it feels like he is gathering all sorts of stories and memories connected with each object in his tiny little space to preserve them. After all, they will persevere against the flow of time. An ability that Luke would have liked to possess to put an end to his misery.

Luke seems to be associated with crows which are a symbol of death. But that symbol represents more than that.

Rosa often thinks of Luke as a free-spirited person, unshackled by any constraints. She firmly believes that he deserves to be free like the birds.

"I hoped that I could also protect Luke, this eagle flying high with his wings spread, and his smile that was as warm as sunshine."

Her impression of Luke has always been that of an eagle spreading his wings in the sky. He represents freedom to her. Seeing Luke restrained by his shackles hurts Rosa to no end. Luke should not be in a cage. Luke should be flying high in the sky. That is where he belongs.

Rosa wants to protect that within her power because he deserves to be happy.

Not only has it been mentioned in the Electrifying Night card but also SoTT.

In SoTT, Luke worships the birds because they soar high in the blue sky. They are the symbol of freedom. But in this story, the roles are reversed. Rosa is trapped in a cage (society conventions) while Luke reaches out to release her. Luke is willing to give up on his freedom so that Rosa can live the way she always wanted to.

“I pray that you will continue to live bravely onwards, as you had described.”

Luke would do anything to see Rosa be happy, even at the cost of his freedom. That is the weight of his sacrifice.

On an unrelated note, Luke's design in SoTT is very self-contradictory and interesting:

His mask is that of Anubis; the God of Death, whereas his necklace is that of Ankh; the symbol of eternal life.

Going by that analogy, the necklace that was given to him by Rosa represents life. Despite being on the verge of death, Luke managed to live thanks to her.

Honorary Mention:

Looming Nightmare is such a lamentable story. But looking past that, there's a lot of foreshadowing regarding Luke and Rosa's relationship.

The ruby and the sword made a cameo in this card.

Ruby symbolizes romantic love. It brings happiness and passion. It is said to inspire devotion and faithfulness within a romantic relationship.

This symbolism depicts Luke's overflowing feelings towards Rosa.

Because the ruby's hue is close to the color of blood, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body, the gemstone also represents vitality and vigor.

As for the sword, it symbolizes power, protection, authority, strength, and courage; metaphysically, it represents discrimination and the penetrating power of the intellect.

It is a symbol of knighthood and chivalry which is very fitting for Luke.

“Passion is the sword of love that pierces through the wall of fears that hold us back.” Lewis Howes

Based on the game's poster art, Luke might also become Rosa's weapon when her ideals will be put to the test.

This card proves yet again just how much both of them are willing to sacrifice for one another.

Granted, it is romantic but it is just as foreboding. Because of his desire to meet Rosa and be with her, Luke was easily deceived by the witch. In this case, not only did Love blind him but also drove him to his death (and ultimately Rosa's death). A tragic ending.

On a side note, we get to see a very wholesome moment between them at the end of the card.

They always find comfort in each other's company and it's simply heart-warming.

I just love how close and intimate they are even before they started dating.

Their relationship is dynamic since both parties are willing to sacrifice so much to ensure the other is happy. Their love for each other is very pure, selfless, and unconditional. Not only that, but they are also characters with so much depth to analyze. Rosa and Luke are such layered individuals, and it is such a treat. There's more to these characters than what meets the eye (especially Luke)

Luke's personal story focused on the entire three-year issue. Episodes 1 and 2 were angsty enough. But Rosa has sprinkled some of her optimism which also plays as foreshadowing to the anniversary card.

The story behind the escape room puzzle is a straight nod to Luke's whole conflict.

Sphinx/Aaron purposefully planned this so that Luke would have enough balls to confess everything that he has covered from her.

Rosa's answer regarding the escape room's story is an indirect answer to Luke's confession. She insisted that even though your lover might someday disappear, the time spent with them is far more valuable than being apart from them.

Their entire existence brings them joy. So why would anyone be away from their source of happiness?

Luke took it personally because he resonated with the whole story.

At that point, Rosa does not know a thing about his illness, yet her answer hits Luke's very core and being.

The anniversary card was the culmination of several events throughout their story.

Luke's confession happened because reality has slapped him right in the face. He always thought of his short lifespan, but he never considered the possibility of losing Rosa before his eyes.

Rosa is selfless, almost to a fault. Episodes 3 and 4 displayed how she would readily put others above herself. She would easily risk her life for someone else. The incident that almost scarred her gave Luke the last push to finally come clean and confess everything.

For the first time, he revealed everything that he buried for years. Rosa's reply was just as emotional and just as groundbreaking. Everything; from their confrontation to them breaking down into tears to the starry sky in the background turning their childhood place (their old house) all the more intimate to their longing and desire burning in their eyes to them not even needing to utter another word because they yearn to fill each other with warmth; was perfection. The build-up was impeccable. I was a sobbing mess by the end of it.

The music box (Luke's gift) that emanates a rainbow is a throwback to the double rainbows that they saw in Iridescent Heartbeat.

Legend has it that if you keep following a rainbow, you will find a buried treasure underneath it. And as corny as his line may sound, Luke indeed found his treasure (Rosa) a long time ago. It's a whole circle back to the key in his necklace. A gift that was given by Rosa when they were kids.

The music that Luke has picked had so much significance. And the decision behind it was both melancholic and symbolic. His explanation is enough to let us know that Luke went through hell and back for Rosa. Luke was in emotional turmoil the entire time, suffering by himself. But not anymore. Because Rosa's answer gave him hope. It gave him a reason to keep pushing forward.

When Luke talks about the future, he either uses ambiguous terms like always and forever or becomes pessimistic, knowing he only has three years left.

But it all changed when they started dating. Luke wants to make up for the eight years that he and Rosa have missed out. It neither sounds like an intangible dream nor a regretful mourn. Luke now has more belief in the future and is slowly overcoming his insecurities as they fall in love.

His concept of forever is no longer limited to the three years written in health reports. That concept became the longest time he spends with Rosa. And it's just overflowing with hope compared to how incurable he thought he was.

"So, I’ve decided. If the road ahead is fated to be covered in thorns, then I will grow with you by your side, no matter what comes at us, traversing this bumpy road fearlessly."

Luke's arc is a whole self-love journey. It is about finding yourself amidst all the darkness and hopelessness. It is about being hopeful in the face of despair. It is about living tomorrow to the fullest as if your life depended on it. It is about appreciating and treasuring those who have always supported you. Be it family, friends, or your significant other. It is about cherishing the time you spend with your loved ones. It is about being selfless and chasing after your happiness no matter what the hurdle is.

Luke's arc is a journey that taught him and Rosa many life lessons. They both grew together, went through many hardships, and are maturing together. They are learning to compromise and to adjust to one another. And that makes their bond even more beloved.

Luke no longer needs to shoulder all of the burdens by himself because now he has someone else's shoulder to lean on. Rosa has Luke's shoulder to lean on as well.

It's a journey of self-growth and self-love for both of them.

Rosa and Luke are more than just childhood friends. They are more than just a couple. They are soulmates.

Two individuals who got each other's backs no matter what life throws at them. Their bond is so precious, so dear.

What Luke and Rosa have is special. And watching them grow together is such a sight.

People believe that they are canon. But even if they are not, I am convinced that they will always find each other because they are soulmates.

Credits: @tiramisiyu for the amazing translations!

[hubbytaeil]

Hiiiii can I request a hyuck smut with 6, 16?? Like oc being super cocky and bratty and him not being able to keep up with her sometimes so he just has to fuck her up a little bit, idk maybe turn her fierce personality into a pillow princess? I can’t believe I’m gonna ask for this but can him suck/lick her cheek?

Thanks so much for sharing your works✨💕

Donghyuck + #6 It’s a real shame that no one asked for your opinion &  #16 Did you hear something

genre: smut

contains: swearing, way too many petnames, praising

word count: 2525

a/n: this has been sitting in my drafts for a while (hence the santa claus joke) but hey she’s here, hope you like it <3

-ˏˋ⋆ ̥ prompts ̥ ⋆ˊˎ-

"Did you hear something?" "What?" Donghyuck turns his head, following where your gaze has posed. It gives you enough time to steal a punch of fries from his plate and stuff them in your mouth. When he realises what you're doing (for the umpteenth time during lunch), he is the face of disappointment. "I'm going to break this plate over your head if you do that again." He replies with the straightest look you've ever seen on him. "No, you wouldn't." You assure him, sending him a flying kiss to which Donghyuck answers with fake gagging sounds. "Drama queen." You hiss, biting onto your hangover burrito. "Oh, look who's talking." "Oh, shut up." "Someone's forgotten the scene she caused last night." You munch shaking your head left and right. "I have no idea what you're talking about, are you sure it wasn't you?"

 You tease after swallowing the big bite. "I wasn't blacked out drunk, clinging on my friend and whining like a little bitch." You snicker at how offended he looks, fists tight on the edge of the table. "So what? Are you mad you couldn't get any pussy because of me?" Donghyuck's eyes widen in shock as the restaurant falls silent. You have a sneaky look in your eyes, perfectly aware that every single client has heard your not so ladylike remark. You bite into your plastic straw and Donghyuck is not sure why his cheeks are flushed now. "I wouldn't worry too much, Hyuckie." You say after taking a sip of soda. "It's not like you would've gotten any if I wasn't there anyway." Donghyuck gives you a dry laugh, glaring at you. "As a matter of fact, you didn't get laid either, missy." "At least I got some offers" "Oh, yeah? From who? The stripper that was dressed like Santa Claus?" You chuckle remembering how absurd (and hot) that guy looked. "No, from Mark." Donghyuck's jaw drops to floor, as you finish your drink, purposely exaggerating the sounds coming from the can. "You fucked Mark?! What the fuck, y/n." "We didn't fuck." You affirm, standing up to get the bill. 

Donghyuck haunts you all the way back to your apartment until you spill every detail. "So, he chickened out?" Donghyuck laughs, anticipating the moment when he will be able to tease Mark about the entire incident. "I guess he was taken back, the poor thing." "By what exactly?" He looks at you from head to toe mockingly. You hit his shoulder purposely hard and he whines. "We weren't doing anything crazy once we got back to his place, just the usual... some groping, some kissing..." Donghyuck shakes his shoulders vigorously letting out disgusted sounds, trying to shake off the vision of his friend Mark in a sexual situation. "But then I started talking dirty and he just sort of... stared at me. Like, just staring. He looked like a deer in headlights. Just stood there." "Oh my God." Donghyuck bursts out a big laugh as he imagines everything you're saying. "Please, tell me what you said to him." He is more than ready to take written notes if that means embarrassing Mark Lee. "Well..." you hesitate, wondering if you're getting a bit too personal. "Something like 'yeah baby, I know you want to fuck this pussy, come and get it you bastard'." Donghyuck stops his steps on the concrete, not expecting to hear these words flow out of your mouth at 2 p.m. on a Sunday. You turn around and see him take in the little too graphic information. Slowly, he starts massaging the bridge of his nose, sighing, feeling unexpectedly bad for his strictly vanilla sex-oriented friend. "Y/n, of course he chickened out, Jesus. I mean... I guess you don't know him that well." You shrug your shoulders unbothered. "Whatever, he looks like he only does it in missionary." you both resume your walk. "And he probably does." Donghyuck chuckles. "I guess no one can tame me." You joke, but Donghyuck doesn't take it as such. Those word stick with him until you reach your door. It doesn't help when the wind swiftly blows under your dress while you're unlocking your door, teasing Donghyuck with a quick glimpse of your white laced panties, you don't even notice. That's when he realises, he's been staring at your ass.

The afternoon continues lazily, both of you still feeling the final effects of last night's drinks. You put on some classic rom-com you both saw thousands of times just to kill another few hours and have the excuse to slack on your couch. Every time the handsome male lead comes on you let out a weird strained sound that annoys Donghyuck until he can't take it anymore. "He's not even that good looking, y/n." "It's a real shame that no one asked for your opinion." You fire back, lifting up your leg to hit him with your foot. He groans but doesn't do anything to stop you, so you just keep on going, curious on how long he'll last. "Y/n, stop." His tone is lower than ever, he's not even looking at you but it's enough to make something snap in you. "What if I don't?" You whisper, tapping your foot on his thigh restlessly. He finally turns to you, setting up little flames all over your skin with just his eyes. He goes from your cocky smile, to the slightly visible line of your breasts, and down to where your dress is barely covering what's under it. Donghyuck grins without moving any other muscles. "Really, y/n?" "What?" You protest all the while 'casually' exposing the panties Donghyuck couldn't stop thinking about for the past forty minutes. His throat runs dry at heavenly sight, but he doesn't break. "I'm not going to fuck you just because you couldn't score some dick last night." He states, biting the inside of cheek. You huff, annoyed at him wanting to play hard to get at a time like this. You let your left leg hang off the couch, just to give Donghyuck a better look. "Then you're just going to watch." You affirm before letting your hand trail along your thigh as you reach your wetness. You had been ‘in the mood’ for quite some time, if one counts last night’s complete failure, and you noticed just how wet you were already just by touching the outside of your underwear. Donghyuck holds his breathe while his eyes scan every single movement of your fingers. You chuckle way too innocently when he coughs in the back of his throat. You never take your eyes off him as you work your way towards pleasure. You've done this so many times, it's like applying an obvious mathematical formula to you. But having someone watch you do something reserved to the intimacy of your bedroom is new kind of thrill. It feels especially thrilling with Donghyuck gawking at your skilled fingers caressing your folds with the perfect amount of pressure. You feel your breathe shortening, throwing your head back on the cushions. You pull your panties to the side and Donghyuck suppresses a low moan when you eagerly put a finger in, chasing after your high like a wild animal. He waits a few moments to enjoy the view of you pumping in and out of your heat, juices making lewd sounds that fill up his ears. "You dirty girl." Donghyuck whispers before dragging your hand away from yourself to which you whine loudly. "You want someone to tame you, uh?" Donghyuck mutters before putting your fingers in his mouth, savouring your taste. You can't help but moan at the contact, feeling sensitive in every inch of your body. "Think you can?" You blurt out and within seconds your friend has you pinned on couch. You sigh loudly when he swiftly resumes the work you had left unfinished, all the while securing your hands above your head. Donghyuck doesn’t need to ask how his fingers feel inside of you, he can read in your more than satisfied expression, he can hear it in your ever so delighted moans that come straight out of a porno. “Fuck, I should bother you more often.” you whimper in between chuckles and whimpers, struggling to keep your legs apart, overwhelmed by bliss. “I think you do that way too much already, doll.” Donghyuck remarks before aiming for your neck to place sinful kisses. His fingers work skilfully to find out when to slow down and when to speed up, you grab his bicep encouraging him whenever he hits the right spot. You start wondering why you haven’t done this earlier. Your mind is too cloudy therefore you are taken by surprise when you perceive Donghyuck sucking slightly into your cheek. You hold your breathe, surprised at your own enjoyment and you both smile at each other. You are quick to connect your lips to his, brushing your tongue against his as soon as you get the chance. “Greedy, aren’t we?” Donghyuck groans, amused and aroused at the sight of your neediness. You just hum in response, palming his member over his gym shorts. “I need it.” you plead, showing him your best puppy eyes. “I know you do, baby.” he smirks as he says this, taking his fingers out of you, completely soaked in your juices. “Look at this. Look at how needy you are.” you nod desperately at his statement and Donghyuck is beyond pleased. You, caged under him, not being able to put into words how badly you wanted to get fucked. A sight to see indeed. “How do you want it?” he asks, helping you out of your dress and underwear and removing his t-shirt afterwards. You open your legs once again, not needing an explicit answer. Donghyuck clicks his tongue in disappointment, showing off an indecent smile. “I thought you were against missionary.” he reminds you, but you are fast to bring your hands to his, pulling him over you. “I never said I was against it.” you whisper, at this point consumed in your lust. Donghyuck takes his time to caress your hair, your cheek, until his fingers ghost over your hardened nipples and over your stomach. You take in the sudden affectionate gesture, then you feel his weight over you shift and you see him rummage inside your bag from the night before that had been forgotten on the coffee table. You’re not shocked when he pulls out a condom, given that you were the one who had put it there for ‘good luck’. “I guess we can finally put this to good use. Don’t we, babe?" You hum happily, savouring his assertive yet considered tone. You sit up on your elbows admiring every second of him putting it on. “Now, where were we?” “Need a reminder?” You suggest getting closer, ghosting his lovely lips with yours. He smirks amusedly before pinning you down once again. “Ready, baby girl?” the pet names were driving you crazy in a way you had never experienced before and Donghyuck had been taking note of that every time you moaned at the sound of those words. “Interesting, knowing you I thought you might’ve like being called a whore or something.” he mocks you, aligning himself at your entrance without giving you full satisfaction. “How do you want to call me?” you moan softly in response, revealing to him your most docile nature that surely you hadn’t let a lot of people witness, let alone lovers. And you knew that he was enjoying every second of it. “Let me think... I quite like babe.” he utters as he delivers a first thrust. You throw you head back, feeling more than joyful in receiving what you had been craving. “Baby girl is nice too.” A second hip movement, this time painfully slower, in between frustration and gratification. The slower he goes the more you can feel just how much he fills you up perfectly. “I think I’m gonna go with baby girl.” you cry desperately at the third thrust, both at the pleasure and the words he whispers in your ear. “Yes, yes, call me like that.” you almost scream when he finally speeds up the rhythm. Lewd sounds of skin against skin fill up the living room, now you understand why they call it afternoon delight. “You feel so good around me, baby girl.” You smile at his statement, squeezing around him purposely, to which Donghyuck grunts happily. “Let me take care of you.” he then positions your arms around his shoulders, setting his head in the crook of your neck, delivering even deeper thrusts that make your eyes roll in the back of your head. You can’t help but turn into a moaning mess, unable to answer when he asks you how good he’s making you feel. He chuckles at the gibberish that comes out of your mouth followed by a long and strained sigh that is music to Donghyuck’s ears. “This is what you wanted, didn’t you? Getting fucked until you can’t function?” he groans before giving a sloppy kiss that can only muffle your now uncontainable whine. “Hyuck-ah.” His name is all that you can mutter as he pushes himself into you quicker and quicker. Donghyck knows that he can’t hold on any longer, not after hearing his name flowing out of your lips. “God, I want you to fuck me all the time.” you blurt out. It’s no use say that your brain can’t filter your words anymore. “All the time? Oh, don’t tempt me, y/n. I could fuck you on this couch for hours, until you can’t take it anymore.” Your mind runs wild, imagining getting stuffed with Donghyuck’s cock for hours on end, in every corner of the house. You haven’t finished yet and you’re already lusting for more. Electricity sparks throughout your body when Donghyuck balances himself on your knees, spreading your legs even further apart. “C’mon, baby. Come all over my cock, you’ve waited long enough.” He’s not wrong. Those words are enough for you to crumble under him, perceiving the familiar grip in your stomach you had longed for far too long. “That’s it baby, let go.” you can’t help but do as he says and when your high finally hits you the ungodly sounds you release are out of this world. When you finally open your eyes, you see Donghyuck still painfully hard inside of you, the pulsation almost hurting you. “Cum on me, Hyuck.” you whimper, wishing for him to feel just as good. He is more than happy to do so as he removes himself from you, discarding the condom and grabbing his member right above the space between your breasts and your stomach. “Fuck, y/n.” “Let me do it.” He lets you do as you please, letting you milk his cock with so much fervour, moaning with him, encouraging him just like he has done with you. It doesn’t take long for him to shoot his cum all over your breasts, you hum at the feeling of the warm liquid. Donghyuck takes his time to admire the sinful vision right below him. “We... are gonna need to do that again.” “Touché.”

[jangmi-latte]

do you know this kiss ? the one you do in the stairs when you are cheating to be taller than your boyfriend, to finally bend and kiss him ! if find it sweet, like : very; how about scenario with stairs-kiss with riddle, malleus and your favourite character ? take all my love *here* !

❞ 𝐀 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐀 𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 ❝

➻ content: a singing..donut..

➻ warnings: diabetes..?

➻ comments: we're going to pretend you're shorter than riddle in his scenario..like 4'11" *cough*

࿐. . . RIDDLE ROSEHEARTS (ft. Trey Clover)

Saturday. Saturday means rest day, rest day means 'Riddle no work for you today'. You sat by the stairs whilst watching your hard-working redhead go back and forth around the main hall of Heartslabyul. Whatever he was tending to sure made him distracted from giving you attention.

Pouting, you stood up and leaned on the railing, "Riddle!" you called out. It fell into deaf ears as Riddle continued to flip through the book of who knows what. Trey had heard your call for the dorm leader and tapped his shoulder, "Riddle. Y/N's calling for you," he said and took the book from Riddle's hands and nudged him over.

The shorter male racked a hand through his hair and walked over to you who had a big pout on your face and arms crossed, “About time,” you huffed. Riddle simply sighed and went up the stairs, two steps away from you, “I have too many unfinished dorm duties,” he groaned as he placed his hands on your waist. It was just you, him, and Trey in the main hall as it was quite early in the morning for the rest of the dorm members to wake up on a weekend. 

You cupped Riddle’s cheeks, using the temporary height change as advantage, and tenderly kissed his lips. His eyes went wide and the male blushed a light pink the moment you pulled away, “I told you, that can wait for tomorrow. You need a rest every once in a while Riddle,” you hummed. Riddle just looked away and pulled you closer, making you go down another step, “Fine, maybe just for today,” he gave in. After all, this side of him is exclusively shown to you only. 

“Can I have another kiss?”

࿐. . . MALLEUS DRACONIA (ft. the three Diasomnia Boys)

“Lilia-san,” you whined and flopped on the couch. You went to Diasomnia the moment classes were over, only to encounter Lilia in the dorm’s living room and no sight of the tall dorm leader, “Darling, if I were you why won’t you look for him?” Lilia shrugged and took a sip of his tea.

“But he said he’ll meet me here.”

“He isn’t around, now is he?”

Huffing, you stood up and went to Malleus’ room only to see it empty. If he wasn’t in his gargoyle research society club then where on earth was your beloved and tall fae? Just on cue, the door opened and in came Sebek, Silver, and finally Malleus himself. You were by the stairs with a pout on your face while leaning on the rails. 

Malleus just had to deal with some school projects, hence why he took so long. Once he did arrive, Lilia snickered while Sebek and Silver went to do their homeworks, “Malleus,” Lilia called out. The said male looked over at his senior with a small hum, “Why don’t you look at the stairs? You’ve made someone quite impatient,” he snickered and leaned back on the seat.

Malleus looked over at the said direction and that’s when realization dropped on him like a boulder. He told you to meet him back at the dorm. Now here you are looking all cute with that pout on your face. A deep chuckle escaped the dark fae’s throat as he approached you. Standing on the end of the staircase while you stood two steps away from him, “I get it, you want attention.” “You made me wait,” you huffed. The male simply gave a smile as he held your hands, “How can I make it up to you then?”

“Give me a kiss.”

With that, Malleus leaned in and gently pressed his lips against yours. You wrapped your arms around his neck, having an easier time to kiss him this time without having to stand on your toes. Sebek and Silver snapped their heads at the both of you with wide eyes, “EH?!” 

Lilia facepalmed, "What? You never knew?"

࿐. . . LEONA KINGSCHOLAR 

It was a shocker to see Leona moving around rather than seeing him on his back with his eyes closed. He was scolding a few Savanaclaw students which you knew would drain his energy and end up with you being his pillow again. You leaned on the stair railing, waiting for him as Ruggie now let the students go.

Leona was pinching the bridge of his nose, obviously irritated and tired from wasting his energy over stupid carnivores. He turned his back and walked over to the stairs. You pushed yourself off the railing and welcomed him as he was a step away from you, “Tired?” you giggled and lazily placed your hands on his shoulders. The king rolled his eyes and held you by your waist tightly, “You think it’s funny?” he grumbled and shoved his face on your neck.

You just let out another laugh and racked your hand through his locks, “Well you did make effort this time,” you teased, only to let out a small noise when Leona lightly bit on your neck. He rolled his eyes and kissed your jaw before holding your chin in his fingers, “Don’t I deserve a reward then?”

Ah, of course.

It was your turn to roll your eyes with a smile gracing your face, “Maybe,” you said before Leona made his move. Slamming his lips against yours in a rough yet passionate kiss. Yes there are students watching but does he care? No. At least they know who you belong to. After quite the make out, you slapped his shoulder, receiving a chuckle from the male before he hoisted you over his shoulder.

“I think I deserve more than that.”

[firebrands]

chances are | steve/tony

1.9k, T, unconscious acts of affection as told through the avengers’ POVs + fluff and getting together | “stony bingo prompt fill: unconsciousness | on ao3

***

1. Acts of Service

Clint’s halfway through his cereal when Tony walks in, suit jacket in hand. His sleeves are rolled up and his tie loose around his neck. He takes one look at Clint and sighs dramatically.

“I hate being alive,” he says, slumping over the coffee machine and mournfully pressing buttons to make himself a drink.

Clint snorts in response, used to the melodrama of Morning Tony.

As if on cue, Steve enters, carrying a box of donuts and a cup of coffee.

“Tony!” He says, grinning brightly. He sets the donuts down. “Glad I caught you before your next meeting.”

Tony remains slumped over the coffee machine, making a sad sound as it slowly whirs to life.

“I got you coffee,” Steve says gently. He places it on the counter in front of Tony, and from where he’s seated, Clint can see that his smile has faltered, a little.

Huh, Clint thinks to himself.

“God answered my prayers!” Tony says, jumping to life and taking the cup. He takes a sip, then turns to Steve, surprised.

“You know my order?”

“Yeah,” Steve says, coloring slightly. Clint only notices because he’s watching them closely. “I remembered you had a big meeting today and figured you’d need a pick me up.”

Tony looks down at his coffee, trying and failing to hide his smile.

“Thanks,” he says.

The kitchen goes quiet, save for the coffee percolating.

“Well what about me,” Clint cuts in, because it’s just too much.

Steve laughs, and looks a bit grateful for Clint’s interference. “I got the team donuts.”

“Well, I’m off,” Tony says, clearing his throat. “Thanks for the coffee, Cap.”

“You’re welcome.”

Tony hesitates at the door, and he turns to say something else, but Steve beats him to it.

“And don’t worry about your report from yesterday, I got it covered,” Steve says in a rush.

“Oh,” Tony says. He blushes a little, and Clint briefly considers stabbing himself with his spoon. “Thanks.”

“No problem.” Steve waves Tony off. “Go on, you might be late.”

“They can wait,” Tony says, smirking at Steve. “But okay. Thanks, really.”

Once a few moments have passed and Clint is sure Tony’s out of earshot, he turns to Steve with a raised brow.

“Never expected you to play favorites,” he teases.

Steve rolls his eyes. “Go eat your donut.”

2. Quality Time

It’s a perfectly normal Tuesday afternoon. That in itself should have been warning enough, but Bruce is sitting comfortably beside Tony on the couch, and he figures that he ought to make the most of the silence. Tony hums absently to himself as he adjusts calculations on his tablet. He’d come up from the workshop earlier to ask for Bruce’s help, and elected to stay upstairs in case he needed Bruce’s input again to save him the trip.

Then Steve steps out of the elevator, evidently freshly showered.

“Hello,” he says, smiling at them. Bruce nods in response, then goes back to reading.

“Hey,” Tony looks up from his tablet and stands up. “How was the mission?”

“Fine.” Bruce tries not to eavesdrop, but can’t seem to focus—he’s read the same sentence thrice now.

“Wanna get a snack?” Tony asks. “It’s been a minute.”

“Yeah?” Bruce looks up just in time to see Steve scratch the back of his neck, looking vaguely embarrassed and a bit flushed. “I’d like that. If you’re not too busy.”

“Of course not,” Tony says, smirking. “Come on, there’s an apple pie in this cafe I found that has your name on it.”

Bruce frowns back at his book. Tony had mentioned earlier that he was working on something urgent, hence the need for Bruce’s support.

Evidently, it wasn’t as important as getting pie with Steve.

He hears the doors to the elevator slide open.

“Oh, shit,” he hears Tony hiss. “Bruce?” He shouts, across the living room.

“I’ll pass,” Bruce says, waving his book at them. “Enjoy the pie.”

He bites back a smile when he sees both of them blush at the same time, then look away from each other. If he were a more scheming man, he’d discuss this with the rest of the team. But he isn’t, and he goes back to reading.

3. Words of Affirmation

Thor slumps down on one of the seats in the quinjet and lets out a sigh of relief. The battle earlier was exhilarating, but he hadn’t gotten any rest the night before.

He’s about to nod off when Steve speaks. Thor cracks an eye open to look at Steve talking to Tony.

“The new suit you made,” Steve says, patting his side as if to make his point, “it fits like a glove. I have a much better range of motion.”

“Great.”

“Seriously Tony, thank you. It means a lot that you keep working on upgrades for us.”

Thor watches as Tony turns an amusing shade of pink.

“Yeah, it’s—it’s whatever.” Tony turns away.

Thor sits up a little straighter. “Indeed, Anthony,” he says. Tony stops in his tracks. “Even I, for all I’ve seen, am amazed at your abilities.”

“Oh,” Tony says, looking shocked. “Thanks.”

Steve beams up at Thor. “See. Like I said, you’re amazing.”

Tony’s blush deepens, and Thor laughs.

They arrive in the Tower soon enough, and it’s still early in the day that Tony can still make it to meetings. Steve and Thor are eating their second breakfast in front of the TV when Tony steps out of the elevator, looking immaculate despite the frown on his face.

“You okay?” Steve asks. He shifts forward, as if to get up, but stays seated.

Thor quirks an eyebrow at the movement, but Steve doesn’t notice.

“Yeah I just.” Tony waves his hand around, not finishing the rest of his sentence. “I think I need a coffee, or fifty.”

“Sure, let me,” Steve says, apparently deciding to finally get up.

“No I—I was just saying,” Tony sputters, following Steve into the kitchen.

Thor huffs, brings his bowl of cereal, and goes into the kitchen as well.

“It’s the least I can do,” Steve says, already pouring some beans into the grinder. “Seriously, Tony. You’re already doing so much, it’s honestly kinda amazing how much you juggle every day.” He turns to Tony, looking a bit embarrassed before he finishes by saying, “Well, I guess my point is, you weren’t exaggerating when you said you were a genius, huh?”

At the compliment, Tony turns to Thor with a look of disbelief.

Thor scoops a large amount of Froot Loops into his mouth. From behind Tony, Steve gives Thor a look.

“Indeed,” Thor says, chewing a little before adding. “You are a marvel.”

Tony makes a few strangled sounds, accepts the cup of coffee from Steve, and turns to walk out.

Thor is sure that both he and Steve notice that Tony stands a little straighter, despite his sputtering.

4. Physical Touch

Natasha notices it first over dinner. Tony touches Steve almost incessantly, first to get his attention to pass the salt, then a pat on the back to say thanks for cooking, then ruffling Steve’s hair when he makes a joke.

She decides, as Steve and Tony jostle over who does the dishes, that this is for further observation.

Then, as it is, the world’s on fire.

Still, on the quinjet, Natasha turns to Clint and tilts her head toward Tony and Steve’s general area, her eyebrows raised.

Clint looks, then snorts. “Maybe we should put up posters.”

They don’t have time to say anything else, arriving at the scene of the AIM attack. Natasha’s too focused on staying alive, listening on the comms for the next move, when she notices that a line has gone silent just as the battle winds down.

She finds them first; surrounded by rubble and quiet. The tenderness of the scene almost takes her breath away. “Is he—” she starts. Tony looks up, startled, his hand stopping mid-motion from stroking Steve’s hair away from his face.

“Yeah, I. Medical’s on the way.” Natasha breathes out, and fully takes everything in now that she’s adjusted to the threat level.

Tony’s helmet is on the ground, right beside Steve’s. She picks them up as she walks toward them, watching the way Tony cradles Steve’s head to his chest, keeping his head elevated. With his other hand, the one not carding through Steve’s hair, he’s pressing down on a hole in Steve’s stomach. He keeps touching Steve, his hand moving erratically from Steve’s hair, to his face, to his shoulder, his neck. When Natasha finally gets close enough, she can barely hear Tony whispering.

“Stay awake, I got you,” Tony says, and Steve is looking up at him, probably too exhausted to speak, but his eyes are open. There’s a bit of blood on the side of Steve’s mouth, and Natasha only notices it because she was wondering why Steve was smiling.

5. Giving Gifts

Steve takes a deep breath before he punches in his code for the workshop. As he enters, the volume of Tony’s music goes down considerably.

“Ah, Steve,” Tony says, lifting goggles up and off his face before turning to smile at him. “C’mere.”

Steve keeps his hands behind his back as he walks, his fingers flexing around the book he’d brought along. He takes another deep breath.

“Before you,” Steve pauses. “I mean, I was out this afternoon and.” He pulls the book out from behind him—a first edition copy of Tolkien’s Unfinished Tales. “You mentioned it was the only one missing from your collection,” he finishes.

Tony looks down at the book, taking it gingerly in his hands before looking back up at Steve. “You remembered,” he says, sounding shocked. “I mean, thanks. Wow. You remembered?”

“Yeah,” Steve tries to smile. He’s not sure if he actually achieves it. “Anyway. You said you wanted to talk?”

“Oh,” Tony says, looking away. If Steve wasn’t so focused on his own shyness, he’d say Tony looked a bit timid, too. “Well, this is perfect, really, because I got you something too.”

He turns around and pushes things around his workbench, then turns to Steve with a flourish. “A few weeks ago you talked about how you never got to see Europe during peacetime, and well…” Tony pauses and licks his lips. “I figured you’d never gone on vacation, either. After everything. So.”

He hands Steve a piece of paper, and when Steve glances down at it, he sees a printed ticket and an itinerary.

“I have a bunch of places there anyway, so you can stay wherever you want, JARVIS can set you up,” Tony says in a rush.

Steve holds the paper, then looks up at Tony, smiling a little.

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Well,” Steve stops himself from fidgeting, and swallows hard when he meets Tony’s gaze.

“Maybe you’d like to take some time off so you can read.” he gestures to the book in Tony’s hand, only to notice Tony's white-knuckled tony’s grip on it.

It gives Steve a sorely needed boost in confidence. “I was thinking we could go on vacation together.”

Tony makes a soft, choked sound. “Huh?” Then he holds up his hand. “Wait. Really?”

Steve bites his lip and looks away. “I mean, if you have the time.”

“If I have the time,” Tony repeats to himself, sounding disbelieving. “Steve.” He steps in front of Steve, forcing him to meet Tony’s gaze. “I have all the time in the world for you.”

A laugh bubbles out of Steve, joyful and unbidden, and a little bit shocked. “Good,” he says, reaching out and holding Tony’s hand, which is as disgustingly sweaty as his own. “Good.”

[tjlikesprettythings]

Joshua Tree Playlist-A Macriley Fic

So I’ve done it again, not sure what’s wrong with me or where this came from but enjoy my obsession. Thanks for the motivation and support from my other posts. I’m still waiting for my invite from Ao3 but wanted to share this monster with you guys. 

This fic was inspired by music that I thought fit the general tone of this story, so I decided to make a spotify playlist linked Joshua Tree Playlist hence the name. Now of course you guys don’t have to listen to it, I know we all have different preferences, but I would recommend listening to the last song by Dylan Schneider “Wannabe” so you get the full context of what I was trying to write. I also mention the songs that I recommend listening to. Well anyways Enjoy and do let me know what you think!

This is very long, just a heads up! Please let me know if I should continue writing. 

Joshua Tree Playlist

Chapter 1: Day 1

Mac sat on the deck after his run, another sleepless night. The nightmares felt more and more real each day. Looking out on the early morning LA skyline he felt like a stranger in his own life. There was so much anger in him that he didn’t know what to do with himself. The loss, the tragedy that was his life felt like a weight he couldn’t bear. He’d give anything to go back to that pressure chamber in Georgia again instead of this, at least things made sense then. He was spiralling, he was aware. Scrubbing his hands across his face he let another breath pass. He didn’t hear her coming but saw her shapely bronze legs standing in front of him dressed in khaki shorts and a black singlet one hand holding a backpack and the other on her hip. It was definitely early for her to be up, especially on an off day. 

He raised an eyebrow at her, “what’s up Riles?” 

“Get up, we’re going on a trip.” She simply said swinging the backpack at his feet. 

“What?” he was confused by the situation unfolding in front of him, maybe he was dreaming? 

She turned to walk back into the house, “You heard me Macgyver, get your ass in the car in 5!”

He stood up and swiped the backpack off the floor and chased after her. She was already in the truck sunglasses pulled down with her arm out of the window, fingers drumming against the door. “Riley.”

She nodded her head in the direction of the car, “come on, we haven’t got all day! Get in!”

He could have stood his ground but honestly, he was too tired to argue with her. So he threw his backpack in the back and got into the passenger seat. She started the car and connect her phone to the Bluetooth, a playlist called Joshua Tree Playlist that was curated by Riley Davis came on the on-screen deck. He discovered that Riley didn’t just listen to Beyonce, old school rap, and rock. Her music like her was multifaceted and ranged from what you’d expect to complete surprises. He even walked in on her listening to Harry Styles to which she had just shrugged and simply said “I’m confident in myself to like what I like, besides watermelon sugar is a tune.” But currently, she quickly scrolled and threw on Mumm-ra’s “Summer” the indie rock song had a classic indie bass and guitar combo as the intro, she shimmed her shoulders to the music. He couldn’t help but actually crack a smile at her antics. 

Her head turned to him then as she bopped to the music and gave him that brilliant smile lipping the words to the song “I’m only happy in the summer...I’m only happy with you, lover...” She was like a prism, all clear but as soon the light hit her she was vibrant colors and sounds. “Now that’s more like the Mac I know. Nice to have you back for a second.” 

Her words hit him fully, leave it to Riley to bring him back down to earth. To notice that he was struggling. He didn’t know what to say, so he opted for the next best thing. “Are you going to tell me where this semi-voluntary kidnapping is going?”

“Hey, no kidnapping vibes here. We’re taking a couple of days and chilling out. Matty already approved it. We have four days to ourselves. So we’re going on a road trip! Next stop Joshua Tree.” She simply stated as she drove down the hill and towards I-10E.

He widened his eyes and gave his head a shake, letting loose a chuckle he threw up his hand and let them slap his highs. “Ok! I’ll bite.” the brilliance of her smile made him feel like he made the right choice, the breeze already warm blew in through the open windows, the loose strands from her bun floating around her face. 

“Yea! Bozer is going to meet up with us there, he has an errand to run before. Unfortunately, Desi can’t make it, she’s on a mission.” she said sparing him a glance.

He shifted in his seat if he were honest, he was now just looking forward to spending time with her and Boz. “Yea, probably for the best.”

She didn’t say anything waiting for him to continue if he wanted to. The great thing about Riley was she pushed when there was something worth pushing for but otherwise gave him space to talk to her on his own time. Without saying it, he could feel her body asking him if he and Desi were ok.

“I’m not sure I’m what she needs right now.” He simply stated and the unstated that he probably didn’t need their complicated and messy relationship right now either. They were too volatile and while that gave spark to great sex, it left everything else scorched and untouchable. It wasn’t fair for Desi to be stuck with him while he was stuck in his head.

He watched Riley shift in her seat, lately, he noticed there was a strange distance between them but then here she was stealing him away as the old Riley would. Maybe four days would give him the answers to why he felt like she was slipping away slowly, the thought put such a tight feeling in his throat, he couldn’t lose one more person. Especially not Riley, not his amazing, smart, loyal, beautiful friend singing along to a cover of Billy Joel’s “Vienna”. Suddenly it was easy to smile again, it didn’t take all of his efforts. “Hey, did you pack my bag for me? Or am I gonna have to survive in these running clothes for four days?”

He didn’t think to change when she gave him 5 minutes to meet her at his truck.

“I got you, Mac, everything you need is in there boy! Why would I give you an empty backpack?” she tapped on with the music and threw him another smile. If the next few days were going to be filled with smiling Riley he was already glad she kidnapped him voluntarily.

“Did you go through my underwear and sock drawers?!” He asked narrowing his eyes and laughing as a soft blush spread across her cheeks, Riley Davis can be bashful what do you know. 

“I mean we’re all adults here, no need for this juvenile behaviour. Yes, I packed your undies and socks.” He could see her rolling her eyes behind her sunglasses, but he was amused by the blush that graced her face. Mac always thought Riley was attractive, men and women constantly commented on her beauty. Her looks helped them with countless ops. He wasn’t blind, just looked past the obvious. She was his friend, Jack’s daughter, and a relationship he couldn’t sacrifice. But these moments when they’re alone and he could look at her and steal glances he saw just how gorgeous she was as a being. 

They had become closer the past couple of years for sure, he felt completely at ease with her. Could talk to her about anything, seek her counsel about things that were on his mind. She usually could read him already ready to jump into whatever stupid situations he got himself into. Even now he couldn’t believe that she followed him into Codex. She had told him she trusted him, and he felt like he could breathe just from those words. Knowing she stood with him gave him the strength to follow through. 

They stopped for coffee and bagels, laughing about the guy in front of them that took ages to order. They made fun of a couple of housewives of Beverly hills type and how Bozer would’ve recognized who they are. It was just easy his mind kept saying to him. When he pointed to a smidge of cream cheese in the corner of her mouth, she attempted to licked it away with her tongue, he couldn’t help but gulp down some of his iced coffee and watch her miss it. Reaching over he brushed the side of her lips and without thinking licked his thumb clean. She froze for a second and looked at him with an intensity that he couldn’t read. “You were struggling” he shrugged. 

“Thanks,” was all she said with an almost shy smile, unaware of course of how that small act sent fire all over her. She was thankful that she was on her last bite and he was already finished with his bagel, now casually leaning back in his chair letting the sun warm his face, his golden hair casting a halo around him. She needed to run away, “ready to start the journey again?”

Smiling he stood, they took their unfinished coffee and bottles of water with them. For the next 15 minutes, they joked about the new episodes of Rick and Morty, as more of her playlist played in the background, glancing at the screen he saw the current song was “Good Life” by Randell Kent. The lyrics washing over him as they finally pulled into the expressway. This could be a good life, at least it felt that way right now. 

They passed the next 15 minutes in silence, but it was the kind they had often where it was just comfortable. They didn’t feel the need to fill the void. They just listened to music and watched the road and let their minds wander.

She hummed along with the new song that came on, he never noticed that she had a pretty nice singing voice. “...don’t overthink it...just surround me...hmm” LÉON's "Surround Me" played in the car. He leaned against his window and watched her quietly.  “Why don’t you take a nap, I know you didn’t sleep much last night. We’ve got another 2-hour drive ahead of us.” She finally says to him softly turning the music down a bit and rolling up the windows opting for the ac.

Of course, she noticed, it wasn’t a big secret that he had been spiralling out of control. He wasn’t sleeping or eating well, his mind obsessing over Codex. But now there was nothing but a jumbled mess of things and just pure grief and exhaustion left behind in the aftermath. Strangely enough, he actually felt ok enough to take her up on the offer, she made him feel safe. Knowing she was going to be here when he opened his eyes brought a feeling of comfort and peace he was struggling to have, it was like the darkness couldn’t get to him. “Yeah ok.”

He drifted and for the first time in a long time found sleep came quickly and a dreamless sleep took him over. No nightmares, just soft hum engulfed him. It was when he felt warm fingers on his cheek brushing back some hair did he open his eyes and came face to face with Riley’s hazel eyes and full lips. He blinked a few times to adjust to the light. “Hey,” she said softly. 

“Hey, are we here already?” He asked sitting up, it didn’t escape his mind that he didn’t mind that Riley was the first thing he saw when he opened his eyes, it never did but he filed it away with any other thoughts that ever came into his mind about her that seemed more than friendly behaviour. 

She stepped away from him and cleared her throat and nodded, “yea, we’re here. I’m glad you got some sleep” she smiled again. She was entranced with watching him sleep, she almost didn’t want to wake him, he was beautiful, soft and so vulnerable in this moment. She knew how much he was struggling, which made her predicament even more complicated. How could she tell him she would be moving out? Instead, her brilliant idea was to steal him away for a few days. She was playing with fire, but she also knew that as strong as he was, any more change might send him over the edge. She decided she’ll tell him about her move after this trip, but her priority will always be to protect him, her heart can deal with it. 

His own faced turned up, “yeah I guess I needed it, and who knew what I needed was you humming off-key to songs in the background to fall asleep.” She swallowed and told her heart to stop its stupid summersaults. 

“I’ll make you some tracks and make sure they’re extra off-key! I’ll be your white noise” she said quickly teasing back. 

“My very own ghost.” his eyes crinkling in the corners. This was the most she’s seen him smile in a while. 

Rolling her eyes and doing a mock laugh “careful or I will haunt your ass for real” to which she got full dimples, this was going to be four long days.

“Ok so I got us a house actually” she cheekily said pointing at the well-maintained terra cotta colored house they were parked in front of on top of a hill surrounded by sky and desert landscapes with cacti and boulders, the house faced the road below that brought them into town. The front porch had a couple of lounge chairs, a table for four, a couple of lanterns neatly hung around the arches and a small pathway that led to a circular covering what he deduced was the hot tub. There were shrubs and succulents neatly planted around the house giving some green to the otherwise very warm hue of the area. 

Mac looked around and already his head felt lighter under the sky that just seemed bluer here, probably because the air pollution was nonexistent here. He sheepishly said, “I kinda thought we’d be camping,” rubbing the back of his neck, “but the house looks nice.”

“Listen, we can camp I bought everything, but we can also stay in this awesome house with a hot tub, pool, and functioning toilets and showers.” she shrugged tucking her hands into the back pockets of her shorts. “What can I say, I’m a city gal and honestly we do ‘camp’ a lot for work.”

He shook his head lightly, “yeah I guess you got a point there,” thinking of all of the times they did camp out without any real equipments. “You thought of everything huh?” He asked softly taking her in fully. “Thanks, Riles.” watching her smile and nod made his heart feel warm, a feeling he’s been missing for a while.

As if on cue Bozer pulled up behind them. Riley’s smiled widen. Mac turned towards the car and he thought he was seeing a ghost. Then he heard the familiar sound of a Texan drawl. He turned to Riley wide-eyed and then back at where Bozer stepped out of the car with a shit-eating grin and next to him was none other than Jack Dalton. 

“How’s it going hoss!” He waved with a laugh as he approached Mac and took his hand and pulled him into a hug.

“Jack! Man, it’s so good to see you.” Mac said hugging the older man hard, he felt his eyes water just a bit.

Jack pat his back and pulled away smiling, “it’s good to see you too, kid.”

“Yeah, the OG gang is back together” Bozer claimed jumping with excitement.  

Jack turned to Riley and embraced her, “Hey baby girl!” Pulling her off the ground as she shrieked with laughter. Riley held onto Jack for a moment longer before releasing him and smiling, she didn’t hide the tears that were softly rolling down her face now. 

“I’m so glad to have you back.” She said softly. Jack brushed away tears from her cheek and nodded. 

“Me too.” he turned to look at his crew and smiled at the kids that somehow came to mean the world to him. “So we ready for this crazy weekend or what?!” his arm still around Riley. 

“Hell yeah!” exclaimed Bozer already heading to the trunk of his car to grab his and Jack’s bags. 

Mac just stood dumbfounded for a second taking in the 3 most important people in his life and finally feeling something, he’s been so scared that something in him was shifting but seeing them here smiling at him brought back the warmth he felt has been slowly seeping away. “Thank you, guys.”

“Come on man, we’re family,” Bozer said squeezing his shoulder. 

“You always got us,” Jack added a giant grin. “Alright now, let’s get settled and decide what we’re doing. I’m craving a cold one for sure!” He said picking up his bag.

Riley on cue walked over to the door and pressed in the security code into the door handle and opened up the door. “Welcome to the digs boys, we’ve got the living room” pointing to the right, “the master bedroom just past there as well as the second bedroom. Just ahead is the dining room and kitchen, around the hall to the left we have the other two bedrooms and bathroom. Laundry room and back porch with the grill AND pool. You saw the fire pit and hot tub in the front of the house.” she said sweeping both her arms around the house that was meant to be their home for the next four days. 

“Damn Riley! You did good!” Bozer said as he scanned the house, decorated with a mix of modern and country house feel. Walking over to the kitchen he hummed in approval, “I can work with this! I’m gonna grab the groceries!” he bounced back out the door. 

Jack gave a whistle of approval, “man, after the places I’ve been sleeping in, I’m gonna sleep like a baby!” as he went around ducking into rooms and giving his approval.

Mac didn’t care much about the house but did agree it was a nice one with all the comforts of home. 

Riley suddenly stood in front of him and gave him a warning “Macgyver don’t use any part of this house, I would like to get my deposit back.” He laughed holding up both hands in agreement. 

Jack turned the attention back to the group, “ok kids whose taking what room?”

“Riley should have the master,” Mac said right away. Jack did jokingly protest that he’s the one who’s been sleeping on rubbles and jungle floors. Bozer bounced into one of the bedrooms to the right, jack decided to take the bedroom next to Bozer. Which left him and Riley to the right side of the house. “Masters all yours.”

She smiled, “umm you sure you don’t want it?” to which he shook his head, all of the bedrooms where sizeable with queen beds and dressers, it honestly didn’t matter and being the only girl they didn’t mind giving her the room with space and vanity table so she can paint her face as jack put it to which she rolled her eyes. “So there is the bathroom down the hall next to the other bedrooms but one here on our side the bathroom is actually in the master, so feel free to use it if you need it. The shower in there looks amazing!” She said nervously.

He smiled “yea ok.” He helped her unpack the car and bring her bag into her bedroom. He looked around “maybe I should take this room,” which earned him a light shove at his shoulder and he chuckled. 

“Too late it’s mine now. Ok! So I say we get changed grab some lunch and chill for a bit while we plan the next few days.” She laid out the plans looking up at him both hands on her hips and she stretched forward towards him. That familiar hammering came back in her chest, the next thing she knows he’s embracing her. “Mac…”

He just needed to be close to her just for a second, releasing her from the embrace he softly said, “I just...I know I said thank you, but really, thank you.”

She held onto his biceps and squeezed them, ignoring the way that made her feel she just smiled at him “hey what are friends for if not to kinda kidnap you for a mini-vacation.” He laughed and she decided that was her favorite sound. Letting her hands fall to her side, “go get settled, I’m sure Boz will make us something to eat, I’m starving.”

He smiled once more and left her standing in the middle of her room feeling so many things. The next four days were going to be the hardest four days of her life she reminded herself again. She survived two years in prison, she’ll be fine, she hoped. Taking a deep breath she walked into the kitchen where she could already hear Jack and Bozer. 

Bozer was laying out sandwich meats and cheese he had picked up while swatting Jack’s hands away from stealing slices of the cold cuts. She felt a bit emotional seeing them goofing around, something about Jack being home made her feel like everything was going to be ok, that Mac would be ok and she would have the strength to get over what was currently happening to her in regards to Mac.

“Some things never change.” She heard Mac say softly now changed into a pair of trousers t-shirt and button-down. “Thanks for the clothes you picked out, I don’t think I could have picked better.”

Again she felt her face warm, what the hell was wrong with her. She couldn’t recall a time that she felt this affected. Usually, with guys she had found attractive, it was always coyness and subtle flirting but never did something so simple trigger this kind of response. She chalked it up to the heat even though the state of the art thermostat read a cool 70°. “Yea, of course, you’re welcome. And I’m glad that some things don’t change.”

Mac looked down at her, he agreed but maybe some things changing wouldn’t be too bad. Pulling up the chair at the kitchen island, they took the beers Jack handed them one by one raising his bottle “it’s good to be home, cheer!” They all clinked the bottles together and shouted cheers. Jack took a long swig off his beer, “Damn that’s good.” 

Mac couldn’t help but feel like he was transported back to a couple of years ago when things were simple and good. They saved lives and had fun. Everything seemed so much heavier and complicated these days. But right now at this moment, he felt the most present he’s felt in a year. 

“What are we having Boz, I’m starving!” Riley whined softly. 

“Girl I got you covered. I’m making a medley of sandwiches, you got a Cuban, prosciutto and mozzarella with balsamic vinegar and basil, and a BLT coming at you with my homemade mayo,” he said already working on prepping the bread with condiments. 

“Damn Bozer, have I missed your cooking!” said Jack with an excited glint in his eyes. 

“So I was thinking we take it easy for today don’t know about you guys but I could take a dip in that pool, we’ll start early morning for the hikes, if we want to camp tomorrow night we can, day 3 and 4 are open for whatever you guys want to do. We need to be back in LA by noon on monday.” Riley laid out the plans.

“Pool party, I’m in,” Jack said nodded seriously. 

“Me too! I can’t remember the last time I just had a day to do whatever I wanted.” Bozer said thoughtfully while working on their lunch.

“Yea, it’s been a lot going on hasn’t it.” He said picking at the beer bottle label. The room fell into silence for a moment, each reviewing the events of the past year if not longer. They lost so much as a collective but Mac and the most. 

Jack took another sip finishing off his beer and shook his head, “Nah, we’re here to have fun, let’s focus on that.” grabbing one of the pickles that Boze laid out, Bozer gave him a side-eye but said nothing. “This weekend we’re gonna unwind and be thankful for this beautifully weird place. Nothing is blowing up, no one is shooting at us, the worst thing will be the hangovers and food comas,”

Riley and Bozer both collectively knocked on the wood of the kitchen island, “don’t jinx it!”

To which Mac proceeded to explain that ‘jinx’ wasn’t a scientifically proven, and went into a ramble about logic. It wasn’t until he noticed all three of his friends smiling affectionately at him that he stopped dropped him head mouth curving into a smile. He knocked on the wood too just in case.

                                                         II

Twenty minutes later Bozer served them his masterpieces as he called them, and they all agreed that they were works of art. Jack had caught them up as much as he could on his mission with the deltas and catching Kovac, leaving the classified information out. It seems so natural that they wouldn’t give details, that they understood that somethings they could never talk about again. 

Finishing off his third sandwich Jack stood to plug his phone to charge “can you believe this phone lasted me almost 2 years?!” 

To which Mac rolled his eyes but his mouth still twitched upwards. “I can’t help that a phone has key components for most builds.”

“Yeah you left and it became either me or Riley. I feel like it was mostly me though.” Bozer said pouting. 

“Appreciate you picking up the slack, I already upgraded my insurance just in case.” Jack pointed at Mac. To which Boze and Riley hollered. 

Mac held up his hand and shook his head, “hey man I promise if I don’t need it, I won’t ask for it.” 

“Alright, Alright let’s get to the pool!” Jack said already pulling his shirt over his head. “Riley throw on some tunes, preferably something country or rock or close to my generation that we can all enjoy.”

It was Riley’s turn to roll her eyes, “don’t worry old man, I got us all covered. A bit of Brooks and Dunn, a bit of Ozzy,  a bit of Technotronic, a little Beyonce, and of course Drake for Bozer.”

Mac’s face squinted into lines. “Wait is Techtronic for me? Or is Beyonce for me?”

She laughed, “guess you’ll just have to find out, though I do recall you know the lyrics to at least one of Techtronic’s’ song.” her own eyes squinting to tease him. “Alright, I’m gonna go change, be right back.”

“Yeah ok fair enough, but only cause it was on the radio…saved your booty,” she heard him mumble as she passed him patting his shoulder. 

The guys were already set up by the pool when she walked out. Bozer managed to find a pool floaty from where they didn’t know and mildly suspected he might have packed the one that he was currently laying on and enjoying the sun. Mac and Jack sat next to each other with their feet in the water.

“I’m sorry about your old man.” Jack finally said softly. 

Mac’s lips pulled into a line before he sighed and looked down at the beer bottle in his hand “yea, as it turns out its hard to be mad at a guy that always chose the utilitarian method. He sacrificed himself, I wish I could just be sad or just angry but how I feel is just…” he didn’t know himself.

“Hey man, I get it. I know what it’s like to lose a father. No matter who and how he was as a person, he was still your dad.” Jack said placing a hand on Mac’s shoulder and giving a light squeeze. “But you know I‘m here if you gotta sort through all the jumbled mess in your head. I’ll be your sounding board.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that” He did appreciate it, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to, let alone where to start to untangle the mess that his life became. He was brought out of his brooding when Bozer whistled loudly.

“Damnnnnn Riley!” to which Jack knocked him off his floaty, when he resurfaced drawing water away from his face he whined, “I was just paying her the compliment she deserves!”

Mac knew that Riley had an amazing body, her tight jeans and crop tops proved this countless time if not by the countless gowns and tight dresses she had to wear for ops, but they’d never seen her in a bikini in the four years of working together. He swallowed hard and pretended not to stare, but it was hard when she was all bronze and glowing, toned abs and round hips, her smile radiant even if her eyes held a teasing annoyance at the attention. It suddenly felt hotter than 89°. 

Jack knew better than to tell her to cover up, and he knew that he could trust these guys but still, he pouted about her lack of clothing. “Jack, what do you want me to wear to the pool, a potato sack?”

“No, but...never mind!” he just mumbled. 

She shook her head, but she was trying to distract herself from the fact that Mac had looked at her hard, their eyes locked for a second and she could’ve sworn she saw something there, the way his adam’s apple bobbed make her skin tingle. She decided that she’d read it as a compliment. 

The rest of the afternoon passed with a game of pool volleyball, naps here and there or reading, Riley’s playlist playing in the background. Memories being solidified to sounds, smells, and feelings. She chided them to apply sunscreen and even offered to help with their backs. 

“Riley not sure if you’re aware but I’m black,” Bozer said to her proudly.

“So? Black people burn too and are you trying to get cancer?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

Deflated he shook his head no and sat down. One by the one they gave up the protests as she threw savage shade at them. She applied a boatload of sunscreen just cause they gave her a hard time and decided to snap some pictures as well for blackmail of course.

Mac was last and sat in front of her as she steeled herself and slowly applied the sunscreen to the back of his neck, the hair at his nape tickling her fingers. She worked quickly and ran her fingers between his shoulder blades down his back. She felt him tense and worked faster. As much as she enjoyed being able to touch him like this, it was also inappropriate. He didn’t know about her feelings, and she felt sleazy as if she were taking advantage of a friend. Closing the bottle cap shut, she lightly tapped his shoulders, “done, now you don’t have to be an embarrassing lobster.” She weakly cracked.

He wasn’t new to attraction, or the body’s response to the said attraction. He didn’t expect to be so affected by her fingers running down his back, her nails making a slow trail that left him imagining those nails digging into his back for a completely different reason. He cleared his throat, “thanks, wouldn’t want that.”  he managed as he looked over his shoulder. Fuck him, she was adorable as she chewed her bottom lip and nodded. Ok, maybe four days of this Riley was going to be a challenge.

                                                        II

Around later afternoon everyone decides to shower and get ready for the evening, agreeing to head into town and grabbing dinner there. They decided with the drinks they’ve had best to grab an Uber into town. The awkwardness of the poolside sunscreen still fresh as they piled into the car. It was a short ride but felt long as Riley sat squeezed between Mac and Bozer. Bozer just grinned, of course, him knowing her feeling about Mac was going to be her downfall. When they were dropped off, She felt like she had been holding her breath for hours.

“You ok?” Mac asked her to which she nodded.

“Yep, just need a drink!” His brows raised and he seconded that feeling because he definitely could use one.  

Walking around the old Pioneer town setup, Mac explained different tools and contraptions that were displayed around the old buildings from the 1800s, Jack dazzled them with stories about Texas that either made no sense or was inaccurate according to Mac, Bozer, and goggle. They decided to have dinner at Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace, where the smell of barbecue wafted through the warm evening air, They could hear the bustle of music and glasses clinking. Bozer was already rushing in to get them a table saying something about getting his hands on some ribs. Jack hollered that he has to see if this place is as good as Texas barbecue.  

Mac looked down at Riley as her eyes sparkled with excitement the earlier awkwardness finally forgotten. Even though they’ve been everywhere in the world, this place had her vibrating. “I never knew you were a fan of the country life.”

She laughed, “I don’t know, I didn’t think that I was either, but there is something about this place that just, I dunno gets me kinda hyped.”

“Hey, guys they have a table for us!” Bozer shouted over the live music and chatter. Apparently they came on open mic night and the local dentist was doing this rendition of Hank Williams’ “all my rowdy friends” and killing it. The energy was just infectious.

They sat down as Bozer rubbed his hands together, “I already know this is gonna be the bomb. I mean can you smell that hickory?!”

“Hell yea I can!” Jack chimed in.

Mac smiled at his best friends, Bozer and Jack were always bouncing off each other in any room the three of them were in, but since Riley came into the picture they’re better behaved. They listen to song after song and the cheers of the crowd as they ate. Jack approved and hummed in appreciation. 

“I’ve missed this, the good ole USA, bbq, and country blues.” 

“Every song is about beer, a truck, a woman, but man is it catchy” Bozer stood busting out his moves as he called it. 

“Jack, it makes sense you should feel right at home at this place.” She said with eyes twinkling. 

Mac took a swig of his beer and chuckled, “This whole place is Jack if he were a bar, maybe throw in some Black Sabbath and ACDC in and you have Jack.”

Jack grinned and nodded, “ok, ok, you’re not wrong. I’m totally digging this place.” His eyes finding the eyes of a pretty blonde at the bar.

“Classic...” She agreed, crinkling her nose up in that adorable way when she found something slightly distasteful, thought Mac. For a moment they took the time to acknowledge the man who became a father to them both with affection. If they ever have to thank someone for their sincerity they could claim Jack as one of the big influencers. They’re musing was broken by Bozer shouting,

“Guys come on lets dance, how often do we get to do this anymore?” Bozer ushered them onto the dance floor. He already found himself a couple of dance partners. Ph.D. in partying Bozer was out tonight. 

It was true, they didn’t do these things anymore. Things haven’t been the same for a while. It’s only been about a year and yet he felt like his whole world shifted. An avalanche of shit hit him. 

“You don’t have to tell me twice,” Jack jumped up and was already making a beeline for the woman at the bar. They could hear a vague “how you doing?”

Mac and Riley just rolled their eyes and joined Bozer on the dance floor as the new performer of the night decided to sing Shania Twain “Man, I Feel like a woman.” As soon as they joined Bozer, of course, within minutes Riley was stolen away for a dance. Mac was happy to watch her, the joy finally reaching her eyes today. Maybe they all needed this, a moment to stop and appreciate their lives. 

He liked seeing her like this, Riley was always fun to be around. But right now she was everything he thought to himself, everything about her made his heart feel full. Finishing his beer off, he decided that he wanted to be the one to dance with his friend. The more he played with the word, somehow it didn’t seem enough anymore to call her that.

“Can I steal her for this dance?” he asked not really waiting for an answer already pulling her close to him. “You good?” looking to make sure he wasn’t misreading the situation.

She looked up at him and nodded, “yeah, I’m good.” looking down at their joined hands, it was this hand-holding that started the thud in her chest in Germany, and here it was hammering away. She was so screwed. There was a part of her mind that asked her, why not? He’s not attached anymore, so why not? But she knew better, he didn’t need this right now. He didn’t need her feelings to complicate his life. Lost in her thoughts or the blues of his eyes she wasn’t sure which, she didn’t realize the music was changing as the next performer took stage and cheers were heard. 

The music changed to a slower one, something about it just seemed fitting and he’d watched her dance all night with other people but now it was his turn. He stepped up closer to her, her eyes on him as he took her hand and swayed with her. She laughed softly as they danced to a soft country song about a man who wanted to be a girl’s everything. How ironic.

“If you wanna be with a guy who's gonna bring you flowers A guy who's gonna talk on your phone for hours A guy who's gonna wanna hold the door for you When you wanna walkthrough A guy who's gonna pick you up A guy who's gonna take you out and make you Wanna get a little dressed up and get a little down”

She once told him that she wouldn’t mind a small town, the quiet, after all things they saw daily. He wondered if secretly she wanted to be one of those ‘girl next door’ country girl. He felt her warmth through the shirt she wore, his finger brushing the soft exposed skin of her midriff. It was like an electrical current ran through him, which was of course plausible and probably didn’t mean anything.

“I wanna be the guy with the roses Number on speed dial, ladies first, don't you know that's my style Hop into my truck I got plans We’ll head on down to Jimmy's and we'll do a little dance There's a lot of things in a small town a guy can be But if its by your side for the rest of my life Baby, you can call me, a wannabe (a wannabe) Be be a wannabe (a wannabe) (a wannabe) Be Be”

She knew how dangerous this was getting, but she couldn’t help herself just for this one song. Couldn’t help giggling when he spun her around and pulled her close. Couldn’t help but let her stupid heart thud at his deep laughter. Where she could touch him for a little while without question, without worry. She can feel the hair at the nape of his neck as she wrapped her arms around him because they were just dancing. This stolen moment getting filed away as one of the best nights she’s had to date. 

“If you wanna be with a guy whose gonna give you The whole world from the back of a dirt road farm Scribbled in ink with a big heart a tattoo on my arm I'm talkin' kissin' like crazy, can't shut it down Can't you see how I wanna be the guy that you’re out with Arm that's your names on”

With every sway, he felt like he was taking a step towards where he should be. The person he should be and wanted to be. The doubt that has been clouding over him slowly clearing a little. He felt like he could finally see the light shining through. If someone like Riley could stand next to him as the world ended then life couldn’t possibly be that bad, right? So for now at this moment, he pulls her closer, lets her scent make him dizzy. Lets his hand splay across the small of her back to let each finger feel her.

“Be the lips baby that you wanna put your lips on All-day, all night, moonshine, sunrise, your favorite song There's a lot of things in a small town a guy can be But if it’s by your side for the rest of my life, baby you can call me A wannabe (a wannabe) (a wannabe) Be be a wannabe (a wannabe) Be Be”

There is a cheer from the crowd and she laughs “This song is fucking catchy,” She says as he dips her, the audible gasp vibrating through her to him. He decided then that he loved dancing with Riley. He loved her laughs, the way her whole face lit up. 

“I wanna be the guy you make a life with, picket white fence with Maybe a little later hell even make a baby with Just you and me livin' that life long dream There's a lot of things in a small town a guy can be But if it’s by your side for the rest of my life”

He placed his forehead against hers and held her close. She glances up at him and his eyes hold hers. She’s mystified by their intensity, her body on fire from his breath fanning across her face. They were so close, he could kiss. He wanted to kiss her. As they got lost in each other, they failed to see the silly smile on Bozer’s face as he watched them or Jack who also softly chuckled from where he got distracted from wooing his lady friend Carla. If he was being honest, he can’t believe it took this long for them to get to this point. Well, he supposed he’ll have to have a chat with Mac about what he can expect if he hurts his little girl. Turning back to Carla he spared them one last glance then he was all Dalton, Jack Dalton. 

“Baby you can call me, a wannabe (a wannabe) (a wannabe) Be be You can call me your wannabe (a wannabe) Be Be A wannabe (a wannabe) (a wannabe) Be Be”

The crowd clapped cheered and whistled around them, he held her eyes still in a trance. Something definitely shifted between them. She cleared her throat and let him go smiling. “Thanks for the dance. That was so much fun.” Turning to make her way through the crowd to their table where a fresh bottle of beer was waiting for them courtesy of Bozer she assumed. She didn’t wait to see if he was following.

The heat from the dance coming off her now as if she had a full HIIT workout. She took a sip of the beer and before she could swallow it, he was standing next to her. 

“Riley…”

She gulped down the beer and looked at him, she was so fucked. 

[sincerlypadfoot]

Tumbling Downhill (6)

~During the time of transfer Harry from 4 Privet Drive to the borrow everyone is stressed out, especially you, losing Mad eye,everything spirals, but a new curse strikes you and changes your life.

Word Count-1680

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I quietly followed Regulas, him following the noise, I looked around for Kreature who was nowhere in sight.

“Lia?” I jumped turning around about to shout and scream but saw Harry Potter standing infront of me with a smile. 

“Bloody hell,” I cried out running over and wrapping my arms around the tired boy, almost falling down. “You scared me half to death,” I whispered not letting him go, grateful to see him.

“What are you doing here?” He asked holding me as tight as I was holding him. “What happened at the burrow, is everyone alright?”

“Everyone is alright and fine, sent home,” I let go of Harry and looked at him with a sly smile. “I’m here on my own quest to find something, what are you doing here?” I asked curious, forgetting about Regulas for a second, still wrapped around each other.

“It was the only place I knew that was safe, Ron and Hermione are here somewhere,” Harry explained smiling at me. “I’m glad you safe,” Harry pulled me closer to him, leaning his head on my head, I smiled admiring.

“Sorry to cut whatever this is short but i’m going to bed,” Regulas mumbled tapping my shoulder then walking up the stairs, my graze followed him, almost feeling bad.

“Lia, Harry,” Ron Weasley voice said behind me, I turned around with a smile looking at Hermione and Ron who stood beside each other.

“Hello,” I waved letting go of Harry, we stood beside each other for a second, looking at the pair who stood infront of us.

“We’re looking for horcrux,” Hermione explained walking towards me, she brought me into a hug before I could protest.

“Horcrux?” I asked tilting my head as Hermione let me go. “I have to go do something, make yourselves at home, we have almost everything you could imagine here, but you guys already know that,” I smiled turning around and running up the stairs and into my room where Regulas sat on my bed.

“Hello,” Regulas mumbled not looking up from the book he was pretending to read, since it was upside down. 

“Your looking for a horcrux,” I paused walking towards him. “How did you die?” I asked sitting down and taking the book from his hand.

“Sacrificed myself for Kreature, to get a horcrux, he knows where it is,” Regulas stood up and faced me. “I died to get Salazar Slytherins Locket, after the dark lord had almost killed Kreature, I knew what to do, and I died because of it,”

I was speechless, hadler ever hearing about Regulas at all, then hearing that he sacrificed himself and getting why he was so angry that it wasn’t here anymore.

“Regulas,” I whispered looking at the cold boy who stood infront of me. “I’m gonna save you I hope you know,” My arms wrapped around his cold body and his hands wrapped around my warm one, creating a equal share of warmth.

“Thank you,” Regulas whispered holding me tightly. “and i’m sorry for what I had said earlier, just that Sirius told me some things about you,”

I was surprised on what Sirius might have told other people. “I get it from him, the recklessness, but it's true, i’d rather be upset, if it means everyone around me gets to be joyful and happy,” I didn’t let go of Regulas, but stayed leaning against him enjoying the moment.

“Dance with me,” Regulas whispered slipping his hands more into my shirt. “Just let me forget about everything right now,” His hands slipping out of my shirt flicking his thumb, the sound of my record player started up, playing my favorite song, not knowing how Regulas had known that, his hands slipping back in my shirt and I leaned my head against his chest, slowly spinning around, listening to the rhythm of the song that took our souls away.

“Regulas,” I whispered not lifting my head up. “What if,” I paused gathering my thoughts. “I saved you, and we go together, looking for the locket, do it together,”

“Lia,” Regulas replied back leaning his head down. “I’m not sure if I can be saved, it’s never been heard of before, my body is at the bottom of the lake, and the Inferis, you’d die saving me,”

“I’d die saving you if that meant that i’d be able to do this forever,” I whispered not meaning to say it. 

“Lia you don’t mean that,” Regulas whispered keeping his grip tight as we spun around, his fingers ran circles along my back.

“I do mean it, because there is something about you, that I haven’t felt for anyone else, I know we have just met, and your a ghost and i’m me but,” I paused feeling a single tear fall down my face.

“Kreature has some information about a horcrux,” Harry softy said behind me, I let go of Regulas and turned around, a frown on my face and my heart aching in pain. “Are you okay?”

I paused for a second, looking at Regulas then at Harry. “I’m fine, I wanna hear what Kreature has to say,” I followed Harry downstairs, whipping my tear away, I held my tears back, wanting to look more at Regulas, telling him I was just emotional and that what I said was impulsive but it was true.

“Kreature, you tell Lia what you told us,” Harry demanded walking into the kitchen, where Kreature stood on the table looking nervous. “I demand you to tell us everything you know,”

“Who is RAB?” Hermione asked shoving a book towards Kreatue, he had coward in fear, I watched nervously unsure of what was going on. 

“Tell us, he talked about you, who was he?” Ron now demanded angry, he took the book from Hermione and pointed at the pages. “Your name is right there, talking about a horcrux, tell us what you know,”

“That’s me,” Regulas whispered in my ear.

“Regulas Arcturus Black,” Kreature cowered covering his head. “He was my master, Sirius Blacks brother,” His head was down. “He died,”

I looked back at Regulas who was looking at Kreature, he walked passed me and I watched the black hair boy walk infront of Kreature, his face was pure with a frown.

“What did he know about a horcrux?” Harry asked taking Rons place, standing beside Regulas who stood taller than him.

“A locket, Salazar Slytherin,” Kreatures head was still down. “He died retrieving the locket, giving it to me,”

“Where is it now?” Hermione pipped up walking through Regulas and looked at Kreature whos head was up now.

“Someone came in and took it,” A pause was made. “Kreature had seen the man, short man with a bald head, he took the locket and only the loket, Kreature is unsure why,”

“If you found the man, could you bring him here?” Harry asked, Regulas walked over to me, passed and out of the room. I looked at Harry then back at Regulas, chasing after him.

“Where are you going?” I asked following Regulas up the stairs, he didn’t answer but kept walking. “Regulas i’m sorry about what I said earlier,”

“It’s not that,” His voice fell flat as he opened a room, a library filled with books after books to the top of the roof. “We’re gonna find a way to save me, because I sure as well am not letting Kreature suffer anymore, and I have some unfinished bussiness,”

“I thought you said it wasn’t possible.” I walked into the library shutting the door behind me and watching Regulas rummage through the books.

“It’s never been heard off I said, but maybe we could discover something new tonight,” 

I waved my wand in the air, a pile of books landed on the desk infront of me and I just smiled.

“Infires, theres were  we start, we learn about them, learn their weakness, learn how to kill them,” I pulled out a chair and looked at Regulas who looked at me, a small grin appeared on his face, sitting down beside me.

“Weakness is fire, I didn't have it that night, but Kreature did, I watched him, we take him with us, he can destroy the inferies, talk to him,” Regulas suggested opening a book, rummaging through the pages, we both did the same thing, not looking up.

“What are you up too?” Hermione asked walking into the library, I closed the book I was reading and looking over at Hermione amazed in the library.

“Just some simple researched, hows the rest of the conversation go?” I asked smiling slightly, my heart beating unusually fast, I stopped moving and held my breath, stopping my heart from beating almost out of my chest.

“Kreature has gone to find the man who stole the locket, this place is amazing,” Hermione walked over to the shelves pulling books down.

“I grew up in this place, I know,” I laughed looking at Regulas who held his book closer to his face. “You can borrow anything from here, i’m sure Regulas and Sirius wouldn’t mind,”

Hermione pulled a book out from the shelf and turned it around. “Thanks good, thank you, and I hope whatever you're looking for you find it,” 

“Me too,” Hermione walked out and Regulas and I were left alone, searching a way to bring a dead man back to life.

“So what your saying, is your half dead, half petrified, half your soul is in you?” I asked looking at Regulas confused.

“That is exactly what i’m saying, when the Inferies take someone, your half dead, why is because your unliking to be recovered, hence why i’m a ghost because i'm not really dead,” Being a ghost is either you have unfinished bussiness, or your not really dead, Regulas being the exception.

“Well then what if we distract the inferies,” I suggested shrugging my shoulders. “Distract them, and go get you well their doing something else, but,” I paused nervously. “I’ve never put someone's soul back in their body,”

“Kreatures knows how,” Kreature said standing at the door, I shot my head over looking at Kreature who looked nervous. “Who are you talking too?”

“You know how to put someone's soul back in their body?” I stood up walking towards Kreature, he nodded his head. “We can save Master Regulas, but I need your help,”

[halequeenjas]

Not So Friendly Meetings || Alcher & Jasmine

TIMING: Before the incident with Alcher and Leah PARTIES: @zahneundklauen & @halequeenjas SUMMARY: At Leah’s suggestion, Alcher seeks Jasmine’s help. 

For good measure, Jasmine asked Lea’s friend to meet her at her office. She’d only been slightly nervous about taking the wards down, but since Leah had provided her with a vial of tears, at least she had her left arm back which meant she could more easily swing an iron rod if Larry Bob decided to pay a visit. Hopefully, this woman’s ghost wasn’t violent. She doubted they would be and would probably relish at the chance to talk to their sibling. At least, most ghosts seemed to like being able to relay their message. It was odd being a telephone of sorts, but if Leah was friends with this woman, she could offer up her services free of charge. Even if that was reluctant. Her office was in pristine condition with some of her certifications hung up on the wall as well as her Equal Housing Opportunity Acts poster as was mandated by the law. She kept her office somewhat modern looking with touches of plants here and there. Most of them came with a care guide from Nell to save them from her… whatever the opposite of a green thumb was. She saw Ada approaching through the glass door to her office and smiled warmly as she entered. She extended her hand to shake, “You must be Ada.” Her eyes lingered behind her for a moment, not seeing any trace of a ghost. She couldn’t feel anything off either. The woman definitely wasn’t possessed at the very least. “Leah explained that you may be experiencing some ghost problems. Sorry to jump right into things, but could you tell me a bit about it?” 

 Alcher was never opposed to getting help, but the inherent problem with exorcists was that they were human. Human plus, sure, but still human. They all mostly still operated within human law and human morality, which meant she would have to monitor what she said and how she acted. Even the office the woman had Alcher come to was filled with human stench and human commodities. The only good parts were the plants. Alcher approached the doors, waiting for her to open them, glancing down at the extended hand, but not taking it. “I am,” she answered, looking back up at the woman. She seemed relatively normal, but then again, there was very little about mediums that stood out among humans. “You must be Jasmine.” Alcher took a seat across from her and took in the office around her. “I’ve been seeing my dead brother around,” she said simply, “I had an encounter with something Leah told me might be Deogen fog, and ever since then, I’ve been seeing him around. I believe only I can see him, and he talks to me.” Took another look around before resting her gaze on Jasmine. “He’s not here now.”

 Considering what Jasmine agreed to help with, the aloof nature and lack of niceties from Ada took her by surprise. The hand she extended fell back to her side and her perfectly arched brows furrowed together momentarily. If Ada wasn’t going to keep with what was considered polite then neither would she. “That’s me, yes,” she answered plainly. She sat tall in her chair as she sat down at her desk and listened to what Ada had to say. If an encounter with some other monster had set off being able to see her brother, it seemed more likely it was an illusion. People didn’t just gain the ability to see ghosts… except for that one time ghosts were visible in White Crest. Okay. maybe it wasn’t entirely impossible, but it seemed unlikely. “If Leah believes it was a Deogen fog, I’m inclined to believe her. She’s very well versed in this sort of thing. I don’t believe that would give you the ability to see ghosts though.” Her tone was matter of fact though she would need more details. “There are ways to be sure though. I had taken the wards down here temporarily so a ghost may enter if they wish. If he’s a ghost, I’d be able to see him while he’s present.” If he seemed to be keeping to himself outside of that, Jasmine doubted that would work. “Are there certain places he usually appears to you? There are a few things we can test.” 

 “It’s not all ghosts,” Alcher corrected, not bothering to keep the ice from her tone, “just the one. And, like I said, I’m not sure he’s a ghost. Hence why I’m here.” She trusted Leah, she truly did-- but humans were all the same. They would either believe her or write her off, and Jasmine would be no different. She didn’t owe this woman anything, especially not her politeness. “He’s not here now, as I said before. I only tend to see him in--” she paused, clicked her teeth-- “moments of distress.”  She glanced around the office once more, as if to check and make sure she was right, that Klaus was not here at the moment. “What are these tests, then? I’d rather not have to linger on this, if he’s not actually a ghost.” 

 “I never said it was,” Jasmine snapped back unable to fully hide her annoyance. She had offered her help up to this woman. What was with the attitude? If she had this all handled on her own then she could be gone. Deep down, Jasmine’s sense of purpose wouldn’t allow for that. So, through gritted teeth, she said, “Moments of distress are hard to imitate, but you should keep some salt on you.” She fished through her purse and pulled out a ziplock bag that was filled with rock salt. It wasn’t ideal and she’d much rather see this “ghost” for herself, but she was finding she wasn’t too eager to spend much time with this Ada woman. She handed the bag of salt over and explained, “When you see him again, sprinkle a bit of this on him. If he fades or flickers, he’s likely a ghost. They’re also sensitive to iron. If the sale has no effect, then you have something else on your hands. Likely an illusion. Does your brother ever ask you to do anything?”

 Alcher eyed Jasmine warily when she pulled out the bag of salt. Her annoyance was lost on Alcher-- human sensibilities just didn’t matter to her, and so often, she was blind to them. She reached out and took the bag, giving it a small shake. “That’s it? Just...pour salt on him?” She lowered the bag and returned her gaze to Jasmine, crinkling her nose. “Right. Will do.” And iron. She would keep these things in mind, no matter how much she begrudged learning them from a human. She thought for a moment, trying to remember all the things Klaus had said to her. “No, not really. He mostly just…” reminds her of her failings, “talks about our childhood with me. Or tells me I’m doing something wrong. Typical older brother things.” She was certain of that. “So how do you know Leah?”

 The woman in front of her seemed wholly unimpressed with her suggestion. Sure, it wasn’t much, but it’s not like Jasmine could do all that much considering the maybe ghost wasn’t even here. Plus, it was more knowledge than Ada had previously. She hardly needed praise from this woman though. “Yes, that’s it. If it’s really a ghost, they’ll disappear for a while. I could also put wards up around your home if that’s something you’d like. If you see your brother in the building with wards up then that’d also be a dead giveaway he’s not a ghost and more likely an illusion.” Still, if this was a ghost problem, she had some obligation to help even if she found she wasn’t a big fan of this woman. “Hm,” she said pondering what exactly that could mean, “Not sure that really feels like an unfinished business sort of thing that would keep him on this plane, but I guess we’ll see. Let me know how it goes when you see him next.” The small talk surprised her given Ada’s general demeanor. Alright, maybe she was trying. Not everyone was great at the social thing. “Oh, Leah? We’ve been good friends since we were kids. We went to school together and have stayed friends all these years. How do you two know each other?” 

 So that was it. Ghosts, Alcher though, were pretty pathetic, then. Just a swing of an iron rod, or some salt? Sad. Well, they were dead already, but unlike vampires and zombies, they had no solid form. Perhaps they’re only advantage was that they could not be seen by the normal eye. Alcher postured to herself whether or not it might be possible to see them through some magical means, and if she was willing to stoop to the level of a human to ask that. She went with no, for now. Perhaps if this turned out to actually be a ghost, she would reassess. “I will pass on the wards for now, until I know for sure what he is,” she answered shortly, brushing off the rest. She was, however, much more interested in the other woman’s answer about Leah. Childhood friends. She wondered if this woman knew of Leah’s true nature and how truly special she was. Her brows knit together. “Have you lived here your whole life, then? In White Crest?” she shifted on her feet, plastic groaning as it took on all her weight for a moment, before switching back. “We actually met at one of the restaurants here. We got to talking and it turned out that we had a few things in common. She’s helped me with a few problems, as well. She’s a very smart girl,” she answered, “very special.”

 None of her knowledge seemed to be all that impressive to Scars over here. Jasmine didn’t need her praise. She knew her extensive knowledge of ghosts, exorcism rituals, and background with languages was impressive. Hell, she’d put a lot of time into all of the above and this woman was here for her help. Albeit, she couldn’t provide the most help without meeting the ghost or not ghost in question. “Hold off on the wards, got it,” she agreed. In this town they were always a good idea, but it was her brother in question here. She remembered how she removed the wards from her own home when it was Bea that was the ghost. “Oh yeah,” she answered, a bit more cheerful now that Ada seemed to be engaging more in there conversation, “Born and raised in White Crest. Definitely an interesting place to grow up to say the least.” She listened as the woman explained how she met Leah. It was no surprise to her that Leah was making new friends so easily. Her arms rested on her desk and she nodded along. “Leah is a great person to get to know. Even if it’s not a ghost, it’s likely one of her books has something on this. I can’t tell you how many time her books have literally saved the day.” Clearly she liked Leah’s manners, but that was okay. The way she said special though caused Jasmine to raise a brow. “She is very special. In many ways, but most importantly, she’s one of my dearest friends and one of the kindest people I know. Did she have any other ideas for what could be going on with your brother?” 

 “Interesting is one word for it,” Alcher agreed, “though I’m not sure you’d understand the word I would use to describe it.” Not many Americans bothered to learn German, or even Polish, for that matter. Too far deviated from their beloved romantic languages. Not that she cared much for human language, but it was the one she was taught to love and communicate with, and so she held it close to her heart. “She’s already trying very hard to research what it might be. Hence why she sent me to you in the meantime.” She reached out and ran her hand along one of the bookshelves in the office, letting her fingers trace some of the spines. A strange collection of books, though Alcher could only understand the titles of half of them. “One day her compulsion to help others is going to get her into trouble,” she commented, turning her eyes to look at the other woman, but not her body, “she needs someone around to protect her when that happens.” It was the unasked question that hung in the air before Alcher turned to fully face Jasmine. “If it’s not a ghost, she believes it’s some sort of leftover magic from the Deogen fog. So I suppose all that’s left to find out is if I need a witch doctor or, well,” her eyes looked Jasmine up and down, “you.”

 “Try me,” Jasmine said with a hint of a smirk on her face, “Though I only know English, French, and Latin fluently, I have a baseline understanding of a good number of languages… given they’re all ancient languages used for different exorcism rituals.” Was she being a little show off-y? Probably. Did she care? Not even a little bit. There was still a certain air between them that made her feel more inclined to brag. She wasn’t sure how she got along with Leah so well, but she wasn’t going to question Leah’s choice in friends. “That sounds like Leah. I’m sure she’ll be reading book upon book until she finds the answer,” she responded and she watched as the woman ran her hand along her books. Most were on real estate seeing as they were in the office. There was the occasional book on ghosts and the like on her shelf though none were in English. No one ever questioned that too deeply and if they did, she simply said she enjoyed the study of languages. Not entirely off base as it was. Her eyebrow raised at the mention of Leah needing to be protected. Did that mean she knew Leah was a phoenix? If anything, her favorite flame thrower was far more capable of self defense than most, but this town had a way of throwing some pretty crazy loopholes and Leah wasn’t entirely down to harm others. “I don’t disagree with you there. This town can be dangerous… for everyone really. I love who she is and how willing to help others she is, but I think I’ll always worry for her. Unless it’s a ghost, I’m not the most helpful protector… though iron rods are good for whacking people. Just don’t have the enhanced strength to back it up. Do you feel inclined to protect her?” If it had anything to do with magic, she knew Leah had that covered. “Hm,” she said slowly, “Well, I think either way, Leah has contacts to cover it. She has me for ghosts and our other best friend for magic so… you could say we’re quite the trio.” 

 Alcher pondered a moment, before the right word came to mind. “Kuddelmuddel,” she answered simply, a word that had no direct translation from German to English, but meant something along the lines of unstructured chaos or mess. And while Jasmine’s repertoire of languages would have impressed any normal human, Alcher had no care for it. She knew a few languages herself, out of necessity, but the language she preferred was the one of her beast, and therefore it was the only one she cared about. “I do,” Alcher answered honestly. Leah was small and fragile and her talents lie in helping others through information and research. She was not a fighter. She should not be in positions that put her in that situation, no matter how strong or capable she thought herself. If there were monsters out there that could give Alcher a run for her money, then Leah was hopeless. Alcher would not let anything happen to her, on her watch. “It’s a pity you exorcists aren’t granted with anything other than words and sight. Your cousins get superstrength, after all.” She folded her arms back over her chest and tilted her head. “A magician and an exorcist. Leah makes the most interesting friends, doesn’t she?”

 Jasmine listened closely to the word only to realize she’d never heard it before. It didn’t have any familiar Latin or Greek roots to it that would have made it rang a bell. It sounded more Germanic which while the language had some ties to Latin and Greek, it was a beast all its own. “You got me, I don’t know what that word means. Good word though. What does it mean? Roughly, anyway.” She knew better than most that not everything translated well to English. There still seemed to be an air about Ada that she wasn’t quite sure about, but she was admittedly curious about this friend of Leah’s. Especially since losing Bea, she found she was considerably more protective over the people she loved. If this woman felt so inclined to protect Leah, Jasmine wouldn’t complain even if she wasn’t necessarily a fan. She absentmindedly organized some of the files out on her desk and raised an eyebrow. “Cousins? I don’t have any cousins with superstrength,” she asked with a her features scrunching together in confusion, “Mediums don’t have super strength either if that’s what you mean though some of them have telekinetic like abilities.” Blanche came to mind though the young woman was still learning how to harness said abilities. There was something in the way Ada mentioned Leah’s friends and called Bea a magician that caused Jas to let out a huff. “Pretty sure magicians and witches aren’t the same thing. One does party tricks, one does actual magic. You sure seem rather concerned about the company she keeps for someone who only just met her.” 

 “I suppose the closest thing would be...chaos, a mess, unpredictable.” Not that Alcher had enough understanding of the English language to explain properly. But that wasn’t the important thing here, and she didn’t care to explain further. “No, I’m aware exorcists have no superstrength. Cousins as in...hunters,” she said with a hiss for that last word. The reason she had been brought into this world, to take down the hunters. “Wardens. You people who think you are chosen to protect mankind. I don’t take issue with exorcists usually, if they mind their boundaries.” Her eyes settled back on Jasmine. She doubted the woman had many hunter friends, but one could never be too careful. “All magic is just tricks,” she said evenly. “I understand what it’s like in this world for her more than you or your magician friend ever could. Bond is not forged through time, but trust.” She let the words sink in before taking in a breath and standing up a bit taller. “But, if that’s all-- I think I’ll take my leave. I’ll let you know if it turns out my problem is a ghostly one.”

“Huh, I’ll have to remember that one,” Jasmine mused as she took mental note of the word. Perhaps she’d find a better translation later. The next part left Jasmine a little perplexed. Hunters were hardly cousins to exorcists and mediums. If anything, exorcists were more closely aligned with spellcasters and even there, their abilities differed considerably. Still, she didn’t quite like the sound of hunter. Sure, she had nothing against them and they were helpful, but she still couldn’t wrap her mind around actually killing someone or something. “I would hardly say hunters are our cousins. If anything, maybe spellcasters, but even that’s a stretch.” Then she was talking about minding boundaries and she was suddenly even more eager for the woman to leave. Jas didn’t really care what this woman thought of her, but she didn’t need some sort of threat out of this. “Right. Well, this exorcist was offering to help you so maybe you could chill on the whole pseudo threatening vibe thing.” She rolled her eyes. This woman thought she was better friends with Leah than her or Bea? Not that it was a competition, but she sure felt the need to assert herself there. “Whatever you say,” she scoffed, “I think Leah is more than capable of deciding who her friends are. I don’t really feel the need to assert that I’m a good friend to her.” Thankfully, she was ready to leave now and Jasmine gave her a slight glare and said, “You know what, I think that’s a great idea.” She didn’t bother with a wave and shook her head for a moment before she returned to her actual, paying work.

[sunarintoes]

Dear Whoever: [Oikawa]

Synopsis: two broken strangers hold a mutual understanding of each other as they silently complete jigsaw puzzles together every Wednesday afternoon.

WC: 4K

TW: mental health issues, reader sucks at math, swearing, angst (but a lot of fluff) please do not read if you feel uncomfortable by these themes. Also: this fic has nothing to do with volleyball and is set in a clinic for mental health

Note: this is in no way meant to romanticise mental health issues, it is simply a story of a person (reader) who is struggling with their mental health and eventually gets better through the silent support of a friend she makes (Oikawa)

18/6/2020

Dear diary?

Is that how I'm supposed to start these entries off? I'm not sure. Well, uh...today I went to see a psychologist for the first time. Her name is Mary and she gave me this book, told me to try it out and write in it as much as possible. I feel awkward though. I don't think I'll use this.

Until next time,

Yn

30/6/2020

So uh… hi?

My therapist told me to write here even if I'm not sad? So if something memorable happens. I don't know honestly. This is way too awkward. Maybe I'll get used to this. Maybe not?

Cya,

Yn

18/7/2020

I stayed true to my words, I really haven't written here that much. I'm doing good and I don't think there's anything wrong with me! I'm not sure why I'm being forced to go to therapy. I feel how I feel and it doesn't matter! I know there are people worse off than me and I don’t have the right to feel sad - I have a good family, good friends, go to a nice school and I have money (or well, my parents do). So why should I feel sad? And I just have a resting bitch face. It's not called being ‘depressed’ or whatever.

Asides from all that, the only reason I haven't kicked up a huge fuss about being forced to be interrogated is the fact that every Wednesday - the day I visit my psychologist, there's always the same cute boy sitting in the same seat opposite me, not to mention the same somber expression he wears.

I'm not sure why, but I feel oddly connected to him. As if our minds are connected and in tune. I feel like I know him and he knows me. I've been reading too many books. Lol! There's no way we have that connection. Besides, I've only seen him about 4 times. Yeah, I'm definitely making this up in my sad, lonesome head.

Farewell for now,

Yn

21/7/2020

Dear diary,

I saw him again. I still don't know his name. But today he looked up at me and smiled a bit, I tried to smile back but I probably just looked angry. Not that I have a problem smiling or that I'm angry or upset. I'm just stuck on default - stuck with a heavy frown on my face.

Sincerely

Yn

29/7/2020

It's a shame, really; I've spent so long trying so hard to get better. And I do want to get better, but it’s not easy. If I'm being honest, I thought I was getting better but when the quarantine hit I began to bottle things up again. Not seeing my feelings, having them buried deep beneath - locked away in the deepest pits of my heart… well, it was soothing in a sense. That way they did not exist, they were forgotten. I didn't have to deal with them. But I forgot the most important thing of all, ‘with good comes bad’ they say, I wish I had listened - to myself and to those around me, that bottling up feelings is really the worst thing to do. Because the longer you ignore them, the stronger they grow and the darker they get. I'm an idiot; really. I was a coward, too scared of my untamed, ugly feelings to face them head on, too scared to ask for support to help me face them. So here I am now, wallowing in the depths of my despair with an increasingly depressing inner monologue, typing this out in tune with it. I'm really bashing myself up, bottling up is the most harmful way to inflict violence upon one’s self, and I'm really feeling it. My brain hurts from narrating my problems and inner thoughts - it’s working overtime as a sort of coping mechanism. But what hurts the most - what burns the most, is my ever dry throat and teary eyes. Having to swallow the ever present lump that happens to make itself comfortable right at the back of my throat seems to really suck the moisture out of my mouth, hence my dry throat. My eyes really sting, the tears come and go, and boy, let me tell you - it takes so much strength to fight them. To stop them from rolling down as they would wish to. Feeling the tears well up and then forced to go away really burns. I'm not sure why; I do know that despite not having cried even once, my eyes burn as if I havent stopped crying since last week.

As dramatic as this is, this is how I feel. Quite underwhelming considering I've been harboring such strong, hating and dangerous feelings to myself since march. Though, this is my first time letting these frustrations out. I'm glad I've finally realised the burdens I carry. There's not much I can do.

See you next time,

Yn

2/8/2020

Hi,

Didn't expect to write that much in here but shit has been going down this week. Today my math teacher kept me in to tell me that I failed my math test, she told me that it was irresponsible of me to get as low as I got. The whole time she scolded me, I felt uncomfortable and like I could cry - I was close too, the tears were forming in my eyes. She asked me if I was planning on dropping maths, she basically suggested for me to drop maths. Oh! She also told me that I had to stop drawing in my book and that it was preventing me from learning because apparently ‘if you draw that just proves to me that you have no idea what's going on and you don't want to ask questions.’ and I'll give her that, I don’t - to both things.

The seats are so close it makes me anxious, I don't want everyone around me to know that I don't understand math! And besides, I seriously do not understand it so she'd have to sit with me the entire lesson to explain everything… I think there's something wrong with me.

Until next time,

Yn

3/8/2020

Hey, me again.

It’s still slightly weird to vent into a little diary but I'm getting there I guess. I'm so frustrated! Today has been the worst fucking day that I've ever experienced. For starters, I did double math for periods one and two, and then we got our tests back and I failed :) yep 23%!

I'm just soooo happy. If I'm being honest I don't care anymore. Maths is hard and no matter how much I study I fail at it. There's no point in me even trying now. I give up. What's worse is we had a substitute teacher and when she handed out the papers she gave my paper to some other girl in the class - who then of course, proceeded to have a fit about how bad the test is and that the tests were definitely mixed up. Well, they were but did she really have to explain to the whole class about how bad the score is? It was embarrassing to have to put my hand up and get the paper - my test, handed to me. It felt like everyone’s eyes were burning holes into my body. Right then and there I had a panic attack - I had already felt on edge since yesterday but the test conforming results plus the fact that everyone knew how badly I scored tipped me over the edge. I felt the tears well up but I pushed them back - refusing to show everyone how weak and pathetic I am.

I excused myself to the bathroom and cried a little before texting my friends and telling them that I was about to have a meltdown. Unfortunately they weren't online and didn't respond, I had to go back to class anyway.

When the break came, I left to go back to the bathroom - my tears were still clouding my vision and I couldn't get rid of them. I think I may be superstitious but while I was walking I was stuck behind the girls who saw my test - they were talking about their tests. I didn't really care but then one of them said ‘how much do you need to pass?’ and the others just laughed, so she continued and said ‘seriously! Is 24 percent a pass?’ this made the other girls laugh even harder, it felt like a slap to the face. Like they were indirectly mocking me. The same girl then said ‘surely 25 percent’ which again, was met with laughter.

It really hurt. Even if I was just overreacting. Surely not. They had to be talking about me. Why else would they talk about low test grades when they are literally on to top of the class.

I just want to disappear.

Sincerely,

Yn

8/8/2020

I dropped my Ipad today - twice if I may add. I cried when it hit the floor, the protective screen shattering into small, sharp pieces. The ‘up’ volume button is stuck and can no longer be used, neither can the ‘on/off’ button. Guess I can only use the home button to turn it on and wait for it to go to sleep if I don't want to use it. I'm kinda fed up with life. I want to be taken away. I don't care how far I go. I just want to leave.

Not soKindly,

Yn

14/8/2020

Dear Diary,

Today has been alright, I made mini cookies which helped put a smile on my face. Ever since the first time I exploded in this diary, I've felt a humongous weight lift off of my shoulders. Picture this, a single person holding up 50 tonnes of bricks and then telling themself and everyone around them ‘I’m fine! I can do this! I don't need help!’ but then one day, the person feels even more bricks pile up which becomes overloaded and they can't keep it up anymore. So they begin to crumble under all the pressure and the weight until they just explode! After their explosion a new person appears out of nowhere and helps them hold the stack of bricks. It is not that lighter, but it's the extra support - the extra pair of hands helping keep the first person stand straight, that really means something. I'm not sure if that makes sense but it’s how I can describe how I feel. Still feels heavy in my chest, but this time it just feels a bit lighter - like the world isn't entirely against me.

From,

Yn

30/8/2020

Dear Diary

When I went to the clinic earlier this week, something unexpected happened. The cute boy - who i like to call my ‘Therapy Buddy’ pointed over to the small table where a bunch of unfinished puzzles lay. I was confused at first but still walked over there. We sat down opposite each other and offered small smiles to one another. And without saying anything we finished off the jigsaw puzzles until we had to part ways.

For the first time in a while, I felt calm - as if my nerves were soothed. Maybe I should upgrade his name to ‘Miracle Buddy’ because I am 100% sure the reason I felt at peace was his doing - his presence.

Until next time,

Yn

7/9/2020

Dear Diary,

Therapy Buddy and I completed the jigsaw puzzles again today; no words were exchanged. I think he’s cute. I don't have a crush on him. I literally don't know him. I just like being in his presence. And besides, we've only done this twice. Who's to say we'll do it next week?

Cya,

Yn

15/9/2020

Whats up bitch Diary

Haha. Therapy Buddy is definitely smart. He was so quick to complete a 200 piece puzzle! I barely helped… he's cute when he concentrates as well. Oh yeah, we did end up doing them today. I noticed he also carries a diary with him. Maybe he writes in it like I do? Who knows. I hope he's written about me… I mean he probably hasn't but who knows, am I right?

Sincerely

Yn

21/9/2020

Hey Diary,

I'm really struggling going to school, I find it hard to concentrate in math class. Actually yeah, I like going to school but it's when I step into the math class, when I go in I feel my chest tighten and my throat dry. I have spoken with my parents a lot. They said I can drop maths if I want to. I'm still not sure what I want to do in the future but I have a faint idea: a psychologist or an artist. I need maths for psychology I think. I'm not sure. I think I'll just stick with it and hope next year goes better.

From,

Yn

29/9/2020

I look forward to going to the clinic. It no longer feels like an interrogation now that I walk in with an open mind. I'm still not getting much better with maths so I asked to be dropped down a level and now that i'm in a new classroom, a new environment, i feel less nervous. Maybe i’ll be able to get at least something done.

Kindly,

Yn

12/10/2020

This is a disaster, the other week when Therapy Buddy and I were sitting together - in comfortable silence might I add, we mixed our diaries! I can't believe this. I didn't realise until I got home! I had no ways of contacting him either. I hope he didn't read through it. If he did, I'm in trouble, I'm not doing good. I feel sick in my stomach and my throat is constricting. Ok I'm going to go, I'm having a panic attack just remembering.

Until next time

Yn

13/10/2020

Hey Diary!

In the midst of panic yesterday, I missed an important detail. Therapy Buddy left his name and phone number in my book. He must have opened up to write in it only to realise it wasn't his book. I hope. I'm a bit scared to text him. He has a pretty name - Oikawa Toru.

If I'm going to be honest, I read a little of his diary! I couldn't help it, I just wanted to write my feelings but I opened up on his latest entry, I read it and I shouldn't have. I feel a bit guilty but now, more than ever, I feel closer to him. He's feeling a similar way to me.

Yeah, I think I'll go for it. I think I'll text him.

Sincerely,

Yn

20/10/2020

What's up Diary!?

I'm glad I texted Toru! Since then we've been texting non stop but we've made a promise - to not speak to each other in person until we’re both doing better. That's fine with me. I just know my voice would betray me if I decided to chat him up in person. I've found a sense of comfort with Toru, he's no longer just my Therapy Buddy (although that's his contact name), he's now my friend who I can seek comfort in, and he seeks comfort in me too. I hate to say it, but I think I may have a small crush on him. This is a pain in the ass, I really hope I don't. He's just my friend. He's just my friend. He's just my friend. He's just my friend. But he’s really cute

Kind regards,

Yn

25/10/2020

Hey diary,

I'm feeling a lot mentally better, I wish I had realised sooner that going to therapy was helpful. Having someone who just listens to you and doesn't give their input unless you want it is soothing. I'm not as anxious to go to math class, of course I'm still trying but I've adopted the mindset: what's done is done, all I can do is look forward.

I have good news about Toru. Today he said to me ‘when I’m ready I want to love you and for you to love me.’ I know I don’t love him but I’m not an idiot, I know I have some more-than-friends feelings towards him.

From,

Yn

27/11/2020

Dear Diary,

Things have been really looking up for me. Im feeling a lot happier and the weight in my chest is a lot lighter. I almost feel free. I've been thinking of career paths a lot lately. I think I want to be a psychologist. If it weren't for Mary, who knows where I would be now. Thanks to her I've been able to feel better and do better. I want to be like her. I want to be able to help people through their problems - whether it be a minor inconvenience or a major one, because I know how it feels. I understand what it feels like to have the whole world against you - as if every force and person in the universe were working unanimously together to bring me down, ‘but I survived and so can you.’ That's what I will tell them. And also ‘We can get through this together,’ and let's not forget ‘this will be challenging so we both have to put in 100 percent to getting better!’

Sincerely

Yn

12/12/2020

Hey diary,

I am full of joy.

Today Toru texted me and asked me if i wanted to spend New Years Eve with him! I said yes and were going to go to the park to have a picnic and watch the fireworks! I'm so excited. I hope he is too! I just cannot wait.

Oh yeah! I can't believe i haven't written it in until now! I've just been so happy and excited and wow but the two of us went out to a cafe and he bought me a drink - we still haven't exchanged words and spent the whole time sitting next together while texting.

In that moment I felt so happy, I knew that this is the guy I want to be with. I have a crush on him and wow... I it feels good to get that off my chest and out into the open,,, I wonder if he’s ready? It doesn’t matter, I’ll wait as long as I have to because Toru is special and I don’t want to lose him.

It is New Years Eve and I have made plans to catch up with Toru, he's going to pick me up at my house and together we’ll walk to the nature park where we’ll spend the night having a picnic and being in each other’s presence. In my small bag I have snacks and drinks packed, along with some board games - why not? After all, I'm planning on confessing to him tonight and I thought doing it while engaging in one of the things that brought us together was the way to go.

There is a timid knock on the door and I quickly run to answer it.

As soon as I open the door I’m met with a cardboard poster with the words ‘Happy New Years Eve, Yn!!’ written in big, large letters. I smile as I look at it, Toru definitely was not an artistic person but the thought was sweet and made my heart swell. I pull out my phone and text him a thank you before receiving one back from him; ‘you look extra beautiful… Yn.’

I read the text a few times before my brain finally gets the message, a large smile creeps up onto my face and I hear him try to stifle a laugh.

I turn away from Toru and yell out ‘bye bye! I'll see you tonight!!’

When I turn back I see Toru reaching out his hand; as if he were asking me to hold it.

Toru’s hand is pretty, our fingers are linked together and they rest comfortably. Nothing feels forced, it all feels natural. I look up at him and wonder if he feels the same, as if he knew what I was thinking when he squeezes my hand. Yeah, we definitely have some strange connection.

We spend the whole journey to the park texting, and as much as I love texting him and hearing him quietly chuckle during conversations it no longer feels like enough. I want more. As greedy and selfish as that sounds. I know I said I would wait for him - as long as it would take, but I'm getting impatient. Tonight i'm going to speak to him… I hope he does as well.

The park is beautiful, the flowers are trees surrounding the border and trap out the outside world. It almost feels like I'm in a magical fairy realm - or something like that.

We found a spot near a garden bed and I noticed the arrangement of flowers fairly quickly. I find it funny, the flowers almost represent everything i feel for Toru - maybe our meeting was indeed, fate and maybe this was fate telling me to confess.

I pull out a 5000 piece jigsaw and text ‘wanna play?’ which Toru of course agrees.

I have had fun, all night we’ve spent playing various games and eating snacks. We still haven't spoken and that's getting me down. I can't help the intrusive thoughts - ‘does he not like me?’ ‘he's not ready’ ‘you're just a friend.’ I try to push them out of my head but before I crumble I find a new thought: ‘maybe he's just too shy to make the first move.’

That is, it was up to me and it was the perfect time to confess - ten minutes until the new year. I quickly got up and made an impromptu bouquet of the flowers that resided next to us.

Shaking, I turned towards him. “Hey… i’m Ln Yn and this is for you…” I handed him the bouquet and tried my best to ignore the look on his face - I couldn't tell if it was shock out of happiness or anger, “you asked to know the meanings right?” I move closer to him and point out a flower, “well, see that flower? It's a light purple lilac that resembles young love… and this one here, it's called a belledonne which means silence, this one’s a begonia - representing dark thoughts, oh and this one! It's a pink camellia which symbolises longing - particularly longing for a romantic relationship with the receiver, and this daisy right here means innocence and hope. And lastly, the hibiscus represents delicate beauty.’ I swallowed a lump in my throat as I looked up at him, I didn't realise how close I got to him - our lips were mere centimeters away.

‘Hey… I'm Oikawa Toru and I like you too. Why don't we give a relationship a try?’

I smile. I smile so large I feel my cheeks hurt. This, this is the happiest i've ever been. ‘I’d like that.’ Toru smiles with me, he’s beautiful, even with the dak thoughts plaguing his mind.

‘I like your voice’ we say to each other before laughing.

‘Wow.. we really said that at the same time huh?’ he laughs. Instead of responding I grab a hold of his hand once more and squeeze it. ‘It’s kinda annoying, I wanted to confess first…’

‘Not my fault. Bet it wouldn't have been as romantic as what I did.’

‘So telling me the meanings of flowers is romantic?’

I gasp as he doubles over in laughter and without realising we fell into an easy conversation - much like one we would have over text. Everything with Toru felt natural.

The fireworks go off signalling the beginning of the new year, Toru leans in closer and his eyes don't leave mine.

‘Hey,’ he says softly, ‘can I kiss you?’ I gulp and nod, within seconds his lips were delicately pressed against mine, they were soft and smooth - even if they were slightly chapped. They felt natural against my lips. The kiss was short and sweet. Deciding that it wasn't enough to satisfy me, I went back in after we pulled apart and we both smiled into the kiss - our lips passionately moving together, like two jigsaw pieces that were made for each other.

When we pull back, Toru drags me into his chest and says, ‘I'm ready to love you.’

Taglist: @ladyrenart

Hushudhidwhuwihahuaf ïm im sorry this is horrible and I definitely don’t plan on using this style of writing anytime soon! I promise the rest of the series will be written nicely !

[the-cosmic-blogger]

Okay, I’ve been meaning to put this here for a while now but kept putting it off. But now I decided “enough procrastinating”, especially since I have another story coming for Vin. So.. I hope you enjoy! - warning, it’s a long story!

(///////////////)

Change, a Post-AHiT Story

Vin was sitting in the corner of Hat Kid's bedroom, his tail occasionally bumping against the pillows. He was reading a rather disturbing book, and laughed to himself. This was the best idea he's ever come up with. Death Wish. Since she wanted him to be her "best friend forever" so badly, he'd just give her extremely unfair and deadly challenges for the rest of her life. 

Forever. 

He soon heard small footsteps heading up to him, and he looked over. Of course, it was none other than Hat Kid, with that smile, albeit surprised, on her face. There was always something about that smile when she looked at him that he couldn't pinpoint, but he pushed it away every time. Instead, he grinned evilly, and asked, "Ready to die?"

The girl bit her lip, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

She was confused right now. For one, she was surprised to see Snatcher on her ship. For two, the question had thrown her for a loop. Vin frowned. He forgot to tell her. "Ya know, kiddo. I figured as BFFs you'd want something fun to do. So I came up with these challenges. Hence, my question. Ready to have some fun?"

The little alien girl's eyes brightened up, and she immediately nodded. Kids were always suckers for fun, alien or not. Excellent. He cleared his throat, and brought out from his fluff a map of earth, and on every single area was a challenge to do. He gave it to her. "Have fun!" and die. Hehehe.

Hat Kid looked over the map, and frowned. These challenges didn't seem fun at all. She looked up at Vin, tilting her hatted head. "These challenges seem.. hard.."

"Never stopped you before, now off you go!" he took a claw and pushed her down the ramp. She slid down it, unwittingly pressing one of the stamps on the map, and a portal opened up and took her away. 

Finally, some peace. And from his book, he'd watch. Maybe he'd get to pull her soul from her dead body some time. ========= A quick hour and some disparaging and mocking comments from Vin later, Hat Kid returned, sweating. Some parts of her were covered in ash and others were burnt. But she wasn't dead. 

She panted as she sat by the door, having completed all of the sets in the first challenge. Vin hid his anger, and floated over to her, grinning. "You look awful, kiddo."

She looked up at him tiredly before she looked down. She wasn't smiling. But of course she wouldn't. She just had gone through a metaphorical hell and back. But.. what was this feeling?

He crossed his arms, huffing. "A simple hello would do. What? did the lava burn your tongue too?"

Hat Kid shook her head, still not looking at him. She should have expected this. The pain had died away, only to have another pain sneak in. She felt that her cheeks were wet. 

The demon frowned, and reached for her chin to lift it up, being surprisingly careful so he wouldn't slice her neck. She barely fought this, and that's when he saw tears in her eyes and dripping down her face, and she still refused to look at him. Vin's eyes widened, the feeling spreading just a little more. He let go and backed off, holding his own chin as conflict bubbled up inside him. 

Hat Kid finally looked up at him, using her burnt sleeve to wipe off her tears, and Snatcher growled softly, turning away from her. "Go clean yourself up, kiddo.. and get some rest too. Your reward for completing the challenge will be ready in the morning.." There wasn't any emotion in his tone, his arms crossed.

The girl bit her lip and got up, approaching him with concern. She tugged on his midtail a bit, and he immediately whirled around and snapped at her, "GO!"

She whined loudly, startled, and rushed out of her bedroom and to the laundry room. Vin's eyes widened once more, before his brow furrowed with.. regret? he sighed, and returned to his spot in the corner, leaning back against the wall and clutching at his face.

Why was he feeling this way? ======= That night, Vin had decided to give her her reward earlier than tomorrow. He.. felt she deserved it, for some reason other than completing the challenge. And when he saw her face light up.. well.. that feeling he felt spread some more. Snatcher bit his lip with all the thank yous he received from her, and returned it with a "Whatever, kiddo.." ======== The kid had been completing harsh tasks left and right for weeks, all without dying like he wanted her to do. And the more she did, the less disparaging and mocking he became for some reason. 

One day, she came home partly covered in feathers and nicks from the mad crows, tired too, and he looked up from the disturbing book he was now halfheartedly reading. She greeted him with a wave, "Hey, Snatcher.." 

"Hey, kiddo.." he replied, looking just a tinge concerned. 

She stared at the demon with those big blue eyes of hers, noticing that he looked different. He had more defined eyebrows now. 

Vin furrowed his brow, growing impatient with her staring, and snappishly retorted, "What is it?"

Hat Kid flinched, but gestured to her own eyebrows. "You.. have actual eyebrows.." 

That caused one of his white eyebrows to rise. "Eh? I swear if you're joking, kid…" he couldn't complete the threat. Just sighed as she rushed up to him, pulling out a mirror. 

Vin stopped her moments before she crashed into him, not wanting feathers in his fur, and she practically shoved the mirror into his face. He growled a little, tail lashing slightly, and pushed the mirror back and grabbed it so he could properly see. 

And.. the kid was right. He had thick, fuzzy and white eyebrows. ...was he really that old?

"Snatcher?" she called, waving a hand in front of his face. Apparently he'd been thinking and staring for a long while, and he snapped out of it. 

"Oh.. uh.. don't worry about it, kid.." he gave her back the mirror, and rubbed these eyebrows. "I'll shave them off."

Her big blue eyes stared at them, before she shook her head. This was a sign of something.. she didn't know what, but this was a sign. The purple demon's eyebrow rose, and he quietly asked her, "You don't want me to?"

"Nope! I think they suit you just fine!" Hat Kid smiled, closing her eyes this time. 

That feeling was back again, his eyes wide. He clenched his claw, and it shook for a moment. He couldn't seem to work himself up to get angry. Or make this feeling go away. But for some reason, he felt like the feeling belonged. Was it.. something he perhaps missed? 

He took a breath and gently patted the crown of her head. "Thanks.."

She was thoroughly surprised, her eyes snapping open and widening. It was her turn to stare now. He bit his lip, withdrawing his claw, and shook his head. "Now.. why don't you go clean yourself up and-?"

He was greeted with and interrupted by a brief hug, and then she sprinted out of the room. In a state of shock, he couldn't be mad about it. He simply just plucked the feathers off and vanished them away, and sighed, leaning against the wall with an expression of utter bewilderment. 

The demon pulled up his own copy of the map he gave Hat Kid, and stared at it with a frown. These challenges… were so unfair… 

But he couldn't bring himself to quit. Part of him was invested in this idea. That and the girl hadn't died once. Though if she did, that'd be it for her. He was.. admittedly curious. 

But, one thing he knew for sure, many more rewards were in store than what he'd initially had… ======= Effective immediately, he thought of rewards-a-plenty to give her, and it included toys, new machines for her ship, and many more outfits for her to wear. 

Days later, he was currently sewing more of said outfits, when Hat Kid entered the room, absolutely soaking wet. He promptly hid the unfinished clothes and patterning, and looked at her with a little smile. "Hey, kid."

She smiled up at him, like usual, and squeezed her sleeves to try and get the water out. Vin did one better and dried her off with his magic, having snapped his fingers. She instantly felt better, and her smile grew, though it was surprised. "Thanks, Snatcher.." 

"No problem, kiddo," he brought out a book, a different one from the disturbing tome he was reading in the beginning, and started to read. 

"Hey.." Hat Kid began, walking up to him with her hands behind her back, "you seem different nowadays. A lot different." 

"However so..?" he asked softly, a white eyebrow raised as he glanced at her.

"You're softer now.." she replied, and her smile returned. Hat Kid reached out to pat his fluff, but he shrank back, a glare sneaking onto his face. She backed off, biting her lip. Apparently not soft enough.

He realized the face he was making, and huffed. With that snarl he always had in his voice returning, he warned, "Don't touch me."

She nodded, and let out a slight sigh, walking down the ramp. She looked back at him for a moment. He's changing. I know it… and I want him to. Please stop fighting it, Snatcher.

The demon bit his lip, feeling bad for his behavior, but before he could reach out and apologize, she had left the room. Conflict was strong within his heart, and long ago he thought it vanished. Sighing, he brought out the unfinished clothes, and resumed working on them.  ============ Another week of challenges, and during that Vin had more been gently encouraging her with such a soft voice Hat Kid'd never actually heard. Last week didn't come close to this. 

She entered the bedroom with Pons sticking to her, and dumped them all in the box nearby. And then she looked up towards where her BFF usually was and found an interesting sight. He was a lighter color, the ends of his claws, fluff and tail had a deep seafoam green splotched on them, and freckles, white as snow, had appeared on his cheeks. 

The demon ghost was sleeping at the moment, curled up atop the mountain of pillows. She grinned. Whatever this change was, she really liked it. Hat Kid hopped into the pillow pile and swam through up to him, poking her head out. 

It didn't take much to wake him up, and he opened one glowing eye and stretched much like a cat. He blinked at her, watching her bob up and down in the pile, and chuckled. "Back already, huh, kiddo?"

There was that softness again. She nodded. "Yeah. The last challenge was easy to do!" 

"Good job, kid," he smiled, a rare genuine and kind one, and it only made her beam. 

"Why, thank you!" she giggled. And then she reached out to poke his freckled cheek. He let her this time, though he raised an eyebrow. 

"Freckles…" she muttered, tracing them. 

There went the other eyebrow. "What."

"You have freckles now."

Vin blinked, and then he remembered back when he was alive. He had freckles back then. He.. wasn't sure what to think of this. 

The demon was soon caught more off guard by a hug. "I know you said not to touch you, but you look like you really need it right now.." she explained, nuzzling his fluff.

Vin blinked, before he smiled and eventually hugged back. He'd allow it. Cod, he forgot what hugs felt like… were they always this warm?

The kid soon pulled away, and noticed the thoughtful expression mixed in with his smile. "Snatcher?"

"Please…" he began softly, "call me Vin."

"Is that your real name?" her big blue eyes got even bigger.

Vin nodded, grinning. Before he thought some more, a claw upon his chin. "Actually, I'm not.. quite that sure.. but it seems close enough." He laughed quietly. 

Hat Kid smiled. "Okay, Vin."

...that felt nice. He reached into hammerspace and pulled out a present, and handed it to her. The child gasped, holding it close. "For being such a good kid," he explained. 

She bounded out of the pillow pile with the gift and opened it. It was a new pair of clothes! punk rock too. She liked it better than the mask on the Cat Crimes outfit. Hat Kid squealed out a thank you and rushed out of the room. "RUMBI! LOOK WHAT VIN GOT ME!"

Vin's smile got even wider as he settled in for sleep again. That felt really nice. ========== Hat Kid had fought through every single boss she'd encountered on her journey, having saved them for last. From Mafia Boss to Mustache Girl. Only one remained now. 

She found herself back at Subcon, in the wide open area where she fought the toilet of doom, and looked around. 

From the middle emerged a giant Vin, now sporting a cowlick among his other changes. 

"Hey, kiddo!" he called, and she turned to face him. 

While it wasn't the first time she saw him that tall and big, it was the first time in a while. And she was so happy to see him. "VIN!"

She bounced on her heels and smiled. Vin chuckled, scratching the back of his head, "Aww, shucks, kid… glad you're happy to see me."

Unfortunately, this was supposed to be a boss fight. Fortunately, he'd made this whole thing, so he could change it however he pleased. Except, apparently, make them easier from the start.

But it didn't matter now. She breezed through every challenge, including every bonus. And he was so proud of her. 

"Well, kid, I suggest you give yourself a big, glorious round of applause, because this is your last challenge. You've completed them all and I'm so proud of you!" the demon ghost smiled at her growing smile. "Now.. instead of fighting me like you fought all the others, I'd like to train you how to fight aerially." 

That was one thing he never saw from her - attacking from the air. And he wondered why. Hat Kid got a bit confused, raising an eyebrow. But then she steadily worked it out in her head. She nodded. 

"Excellent!" he vanished from the center, and reappeared at his regular six foot height beside her but several feet away with an umbrella of his own. "Get ready, kiddo!"

She pulled out her blue umbrella, despite having a bat now. With a smirk, she got into a fighting stance. 

"First, jump, and then swing your umbrella in the air!" he instructed. 

Hat Kid hummed a bit, before she tried it. She jumped and attempted to swing her umbrella, but it was a bit hard. She managed a small radius. 

"Good for your first try!" he leaned on his umbrella. "But I know you can do better, kid."

The alien girl nodded, and jumped up again, and swung her umbrella. This had a greater radius than the previous one. "I'm doing it!"

The demon smiled. "Now attempt to attack multiple times in the air."

"Multiple times?!" she gaped, before she looked determined and jumped up again, swinging her weapon this way and that way. Now that Hat Kid had gotten the hang of swinging it once, she seemed to be able to do it twice too. 

"Okay, good. Twice is good for now. As you practice on your own, you'll find that you'll unlock more times to attack."

Hat Kid nodded.

"Now let's see how you'll do with some pressure!" he picked up his umbrella and charged at her. 

The girl wasn't expecting this, and dodged with a yelp. Vin stopped, and looked back at her. "C'mon, kid, fight me. It's for you to learn."

"I don't want to fight you, Vin.." Hat Kid shook her head, bowing it too. Not again. 

The demon pursed his lips. "Aw.. hey, it's okay, kid.. I understand." He pawed at his fluff, wondering what he could do. And then he thought of it, and snapped his fingers. A bunch of sleepy raccoons, ten of them, popped up. "But I bet you'll be wanting to fight these guys."

They steadily floated to her, snoozing giant bubbles. Hat Kid scrunched up her face, and nodded. "It's on!"

She summoned her umbrella again, and jumped up high to the first one. She stomped it, causing it to pop, and swung her weapon at another, twice. It popped. Using a homing attack, she destroyed another one, and hit another with her umbrella.

Vin watched the bloodless carnage, a smile on his freckled face. She'd grown up so fast. It was amazing how she picked up on this as quickly as she did. 

Soon, Hat Kid was done, landing on her feet, and she was tired, panting. Vin let his umbrella vanish, and approached her, scooping her up. She smiled up at him. 

"I'm sure you'll find great use of what I just taught you in the future," Vin smiled back.

"Hey.. Vin..?" she began.

"Yeah, kiddo?" 

"Thanks.." she hugged him again. "You're very nice."

A small pang of guilt hit him. He wasn't always nice to her. And he wondered what happened to spark such a change. It would take him looking back on this day to realize that Hat Kid brought out his humanity, and that that was what it was called. 

But for now, he chuckled softly, nuzzling her. "No problem, kiddo. No problem at all."

And then they vanished, back to the treehome. Days later, Hat Kid bid him and everyone a farewell, but to Vin especially she promised to write him. 

And so she did, and they were best friends and penpals ever since.

The End (////////////////////)

Aaaaaa, man, this was a doozy. I had to use the laptop version to post this bad boy. But at least I finally did it. I hope you enjoyed! I’ll see about uploading all of these stories to Fanfiction soon. (Also, yes, Hat Kid does seem a little OOC in the earlier scenes, but frankly, Vin was terrifying to her when she did tasks for him, a little worse than the actual game in fact, and yes, in the end Vin had yet to regain the part of his humanity that didn’t like putting animals in harm’s way. So yeah.)

[minijenn]

A Whole Mess of Unused Keys To The Kingdom Content

Because sometimes when I’m working on Keys, I get overzealous and write scenes that don’t contribute anything so I decide to cut them out or change them to make the flow better. So here’s a bunch of unfinished scenes from the first third of the fic (since we just passed the first third of it, I’m sure I’ll make a follow up to this once we get 2/3s done with it). Make of these what you will, I’ll try my best to explain why they were cut as we go along: 

From Chapter 7; I largely cut this bit when I remembered Kairi would actually know who Aerith is because of KH1, but of course I didn’t remember that until AFTER I wrote this scene out, either way its a pleasant interaction between the two, I think, even if I cut it because it makes no sense in terms of what actually happened in past games (I also had to straight up screencap this one bc its on word and my use of word expired so it won’t let me straight up copy stuff anymore lol): 

From Ch. 17; I originally wanted the Moana chapters to sort of carry all of the same songs as the movie did? And for the most part they do, what with Your Welcome and Know Who You Are and stuff like that but when I got to Tamatoa, I realized that the Shiny scene just wasn’t working as a musical number, hence I rewrote the whole thing and cut all this out: 

“Because if you are… I will gladly do so. In song form!”

Sora and Moana only had the briefest chance to look to each other, absolutely confused before Tamatoa launched into said song, one that was filled with nothing but all the self-adulation the crab could possibly give. Which, of course, was quite a lot. 

“Well, Tamatoa hasn’t always been this glam. 

I was a drab little crab once. 

Now I know I can be happy as a clam,

Because I’m beautiful, baby!”

To show off said beauty, Tamatoa began to spin around his cavern, allowing the mass of treasure he’d collected to glisten off its walls as he continued to latch onto his captive pair all the while. 

“Did your granny say listen to your heart?

Be who you are on the inside?

I need three words to tear her argument apart:

Your granny LIED!

I’d rather be shiny!

Like a treasure from a sunken pirate wreck,

Scrub the deck, 

And make it look shiny! 

I will sparkle like a wealthy woman’s neck--

Just a sec-”

Tamatoa’ already wide grin grew as he glance up at the pool of water hanging above his head, one that was filled with a swarming school of fish just waiting to be devoured. 

“Dontcha know--

Fish are dumb, dumb, dumb,

They chase anything that glitters!

Beginners! 

Oh, and here they come, come, come, 

To the brightest thing that glitters!”

The giant crab opened his maw wide as the fish swam down toward him, attracted by his glistening glow as they fell directly into his waiting mouth. 

“Mm, fish dinners!

I just love free food,

And you look like seafood…”

From Ch. 22; I’m surprised the longest chapter of Keys so far doesn’t have more cut content but I had started writing this bit before realizing that it would have been redundant. I wanted this information to be explained to Sora and the reader at the same time to give it more potency and emotional weight, hence why I cut this out (also cut it out to give more flow following the scene between Kairi and Axel near the beginning of the chapter that this would have immediately been after): 

Despite this reassuring thought, the mood the pair was met with upon venturing back into the house was anything but based on the first thing they heard upon entering. “What do you mean there’s nothing more you can do for him?!” Donald asked, both him and Goofy looking to Aerith for answers. 

For her part, Aerith still remained as calm as she had been before, though she did let out a small, sad sigh, stealing a glance back at Sora as he lay, still unconscious, on the makeshift cot behind her. “I’ve healed just about all of his wounds, but… to be honest, there weren’t even that many of them,” she began to explain. “The problem is that he was poisoned. Heavily poisoned at that.”

“So? Can’t ya just get rid of the poison using some sort of spell?” Yuffie asked. 

Aerith shook her head. “I tried that, several different spells in fact, but… none of them worked. I’ve never seen anything like it before. Whatever kind of magic Maleficent created it from must have been very powerful and very devastating, but… she definitely knew what she was doing when she cast it on him. It’s like she gave him just enough to incapacitate him completely. Any more than what’s already flowing through his blood stream would have-” She stopped short as she happened to glance over Kairi’s way, a brief spark of dread flashing through her expression before she put a hasty end to her explanation. “Um… n-never mind.”

From Ch. 26; the longest cut scene so far, pretty much a song-less version of I’ve Got a Dream (which I happen to be listening to while posting this, oh the irony); It’s a cute, fun little scene but it ultimately adds nothing to either the Tangled side of things or the original Keys side of things. In fact it kind of ruined the entire chapter’s pacing as a whole (I didn’t cut this out until the chapter was done as a matter of fact). Anyway here it is, because I still like it but again, it brought the chapter crawling to a huge grinding halt and I didn’t want that: 

“But more might show up,” Sora pointed out. “It’s hard to tell when they might-”

“Yep, exactly,” Flynn interjected hastily. “Which is why maybe we should get out of the woods for a bit. Just to wait ‘em out. Is anyone hungry? I know a great place for lunch.”

“Lunch?” Sora raised a curious eyebrow at this. “I thought you wanted to get to the kingdom as soon as possible.”

“Yeah, well, we can’t do that on an empty stomach,” Flynn urged the others to follow him. “Now come on. You’ll know the place when you smell it.”

***

The place Flynn led the group to was rather underwhelming compared to how he’d described it:  a squat, rather misshapen building that certainly looked its age based on the withering wood it was built from. It was practically propped up against the overgrown tree it stood in the shadows of, casting the entire restaurant in a rather shady light. 

“Aaaaand here we are!” Flynn grinned in satisfaction as he began making his way down the path that led to the diner. “The Snuggly Duckling. Don’t worry, very quaint place, perfect for you, blondie. Don’t want you scaring again and giving up on this whole endeavor now, do we?”

“Well… I do like ducklings,” Rapunzel shrugged with an oblivious smile. 

“Yay!” Flynn returned her bright grin almost mockingly. 

“So, what makes this place so ‘great’ anyway?” Sora asked, curiously. 

“Oh, you’ll see…” Flynn said, an air of mystery even as he threw the restaurant's door open. “Garcon! Your finest table, please!”

Rapunzel couldn’t hold back a terrified gasp upon getting her first glimpse at the other patrons of the restaurant. If there were any men who fit the description of “ruffians and thugs” perfectly, then they were all right at home in this restaurant, or tavern, to be more precise. The dingy dining room was packed with all manner of big, burly men, a vast majority of whom were scarred, unwashed, or weapon-wielding as they all turned their intimidating glares toward the group that had just stepped through the door. Rapunzel didn’t hesitate to lift her frying pan up in self defense and likewise, the trio was somewhat on edge as well, only barely hesitating to summon their weapons since none of the thugs had really made a move to attack them. Even so, they didn’t really rule out the option that they might based on the threatening manner they all mutually carried. 

“You smell that?” Flynn was still grinning as he began to guide Rapunzel onward into the tavern, despite the fact that she was clearly terrified by the frightening assemblage around her. “Take a deep breath through the nose. Really let that seep in. What are you guys getting? To me, it’s part man-smell, and the other part is really bad man-smell. I don’t know why, but overall it smells like the color brown. Your thoughts, sunshine?” he asked Rapunzel, who let out a horrified gasp as one of the thugs suddenly grabbed her hair. 

“That’s a lot of hair…” the thug noted, even as Rapunzel hastily pulled it away from him so she could flee. 

“She’s growing it out,” Flynn remarked. “Say, is that blood in your mustache? Blondie, look at all the blood in his mustache!”

“Hey, Flynn?” Sora interjected, his expression aptly suspicious in light of the circumstances. “What’s the big idea here?” 

“Why, I have no idea what you mean, kid,” Flynn rebuffed, feigning innocence. “I just wanted to give blondie a taste of a real five star establishment here.”

“This is what you call five-star?” Donald asked dubiously. 

“...More or less.”

“I dunno… Rapunzel looks awfully scared... “ Goofy frowned, glancing over at Rapunzel, who had essentially backed herself into a corner, her hair bundled up in her arms and her frying pan still held at the ready to attack. 

“Well, hey, you know, if that’s the case, then maybe we should just take her home and call it a day,” Flynn shrugged apathetically. “She’d probably be better off anyway. If she can’t handle this place, then maybe she should just go back to her tower.”

Despite his smooth, convincing grin, the trio only offered him a shared, disapproving glance at this, none of them on board with his plan to coax Rapunzel back into the sheltered, stifled life she’d known before. Still, Flynn didn’t get much of a chance to sway them otherwise as one of the larger thugs suddenly spun him around roughly to face him. 

“Is this you?” the thug asked, pointing to the wanted poster in his hand that sure enough, depicted Flynn Rider. 

“Uh… n-no?” Flynn shrugged, hoping the man would somehow believe him. 

“Oh, it’s him alright,” another thug, one with a hoof in the place of one of his hands, spoke up with a greedy grin. “You!” he pointed to another nearby ruffian. “Go get some guards. And as for you,” the thug used his hook to pull Flynn in by the collar of his shirt. “That reward is gonna buy me a new hook.”

“I could use the money,” another thug stepped in, grabbing Flynn roughly before another one did the same. 

“What about me? I’m broke!”

“No, that reward is mine!”

“But I want it!”

From there, an all out brawl began to break out between the thugs, with each of them clamoring to apprehend Flynn so they could claim the hefty prize that came along with his capture. Rapunzel and the trio were aptly startled by this sudden, violent shift, and even though they were greatly outnumbered, they all rushed in to try to put a stop to it. 

“R-ruffians! Please, stop!” Rapunzel cried anxiously. 

“Yeah! Leave him alone!” Sora shouted, finally calling upon his Keyblade. Donald and Goofy gaped at this, both of them realizing that Sora was more than likely to get himself into an unnecessary scuffle in doing so, but that hardly seemed to matter to him as he joined Rapunzel in trying to pick through the burly crowd Flynn was struggling to escape. 

The hook-handed thug was just about posed to land a heavy blow to Flynn’s jaw to cease that struggle when Rapunzel finally put a stark end to the aggressive outburst. All it took was using her hair as a whip to land a sharp, yet effective blow to said thug’s bald head, to get everyone to freeze in surprise at just how bold this unassuming girl seemed to be. 

“Put him down!” Rapunzel ordered fiercely, catching an ire-filled glare from the thug in the process. She gasped, afraid as the thug began to approach her, pulling out the axe hanging from his back as he did. Fortunately for her though, Sora hurried in to her defense just in time. 

“Back off!” he warned, brandishing his Keyblade against the much-larger thug’s weapon. 

“Tch, what are you gonna do with a key that fancy, kid?” the thug sneered. “Unlock the world’s biggest door?”

“Oh, believe me, you don’t wanna see what I can really do with it,” Sora retorted, more than ready to use it to keep both Rapunzel and Flynn safe. 

“Sora-” Donald and Goofy tried to mutually protest, though it didn’t really do much good as the thug inched his axe in closer. 

“Try me,” he growled coldly.

“W-wait!” Rapunzel interrupted from her spot behind Sora, not wanting to see any additional fighting break out. “L-listen, “ she pleaded with the hook-handed thug. “I don’t know where I am, and I need him,” she pointed her frying pan at Flynn, who was still being held aloft by the rest of the thugs. “To take me to see the lanterns because I’ve been dreaming about seeing them my entire life! Find your humanity! Haven’t any of you ever had a dream?!”

The thug said nothing to this at first, his expression still just as stoic as dense silence filled the bar. That is, until that stoicism finally wavered into a softer, wistful expression. “I… had a dream once…” With this, he tossed his axe aside, and as it struck one of the bar’s already weapon-ridden walls, he headed over to the piano on stage and began to play a surprisingly jaunty, upbeat tune. “I’ve always yearned to be a concert pianist!”

At this, the other thugs in the pub began to ease up a bit as well as a few of them started voicing their own hopes and dreams. “I really want to make a love connection!” a rather large-nosed ruffian proclaimed with a romantic gleam in his eyes. 

“I want to quit and be a florist!” another thug cried as he quickly began fashioning a surprisingly lovely floral arrangement. 

“Interior design!” a ruffian remarked with a flippant flair as he expertly rearranged a small corner of the pub. 

“Ulf here is into mine,” a thug pointed out his companion, who sure enough was playfully miming next to where Flynn was sullenly hanging as he watched this ridiculous display play out. Even so, Rapunzel was instantly charmed by it, and likewise, the trio eased up, confused yet curious to see where this bizarre and wholesome scene might be going. 

“You have to try Attila’s cupcakes, they’re sublime!” 

“I knit!”

“I sew!”

“I do little puppet shows!”

“And Vladimir collects ceramic unicorns!” 

“What about you?” the hook handed man asked Flynn with a suspicious glare. 

“I’m sorry, me?” Flynn scoffed, rolling his eyes. 

“What’s your dream?” the big-nosed thug pulled him down off the hook he was hanging from. 

“No, no, boys,” he rebuffed with a laugh. “I’m not into the whole sappy dream thing.” He quickly changed his tune however, as just about all of the thugs pointed their deadly weapons right at him threateningly. “Ah-ha… o-ok, well… I-I’d like to be filthy rich and live on my own private island faaaar away from anyone else. Does that work for you fellas, or what?”

The thugs let out a rowdy shout, catching Flynn off guard once more as they all threw him up into the air once more. At the same time, Rapunzel climbed up onto one of the tables, more than eager to voice her own life-long desire as well. “I’ve got a dream too!” she announced brightly, all of the thugs turning to her to hear it. “I want to see the floating lanterns! You know, today’s the first time I’ve ever left my tower, but I’m so glad I did after everything I’ve seen and all of the lovely people I’ve met like all of you!” The thugs all let out a solid cheer of support at this as Rapunzel grinned down at the trio standing on the ground next to her. “What about you guys?” she asked them curiously. “Do you have a dream too?”

“Oh, uh…” Sora hesitated, facing sudden scrutiny from both the thugs and from Donald, who was sending him the unspoken order to maintain the world order in his answer. “W-we… we want to find a special Key and use it and a bunch of others to help our friends!” he proclaimed, knowing that was a very simplified version of the whole story, but fortunately, it was enough to satisfy his companions and the pug thugs alike. 

“So you see?” Rapunzel turned back to the thugs, still maintaining her warm grin. “We’re all not so different after all! We all have dreams we want to see come true someday!”

The thugs and ruffians all let out another round of cheers at this, their excitement palpable in the aftermath of everyone sharing those dreams. The levity wasn’t able to last too long, however, as the tavern door burst open to reveal the thug that had been sent off just a while ago. “I’ve found the guards!” he announced, sending a startled ripple through the entire pub. 

Even so, Flynn wasted no time in grabbing Rapunzel and the trio alike at this, pulling them all out of sight as  a handful of armored soldiers stormed in. “Where’s Rider?!” the captain demanded. “Where is he?! I know he’s in here somewhere. Find him! Turn the place upside down if you have to!”

The captain only barely missed spotting the group hiding under the bar, not really having anywhere else to go, especially as even more guards filed in. Flynn narrowly peaked over the edge of the bar to see that they weren’t the only ones either, as he just so happened to spot them toting in his now-arrested former partners in crime: the Stabbington Brothers. Former, in the sense that he’d been the one to abandon them with the prize they’d stolen together, not only to escape the guards but that first round of marauding Heartless alike. 

Yet despite Flynn’s apt panic at such a daunting situation, the entire group was caught off guard by the hook handed thug. He said nothing as he joined them behind the bar, instead nodding for the group to silently follow him over to the far side of it. From there, with the flick of a single inconspicuous switch, a secret door opened up, revealing a passageway down into a cavern that led out of the pub completely. Just about the best means of escape they were going to get, all things considered. 

“Go,” the thug whispered with a warm smile. “Live your dreams.”

“I will,” Flynn replied, immensely relieved. 

“Your dream stinks,” the thug scowled. “I was talking to them,” he nodded to Rapunzel and the trio. Flynn simply carried an annoyed scowl as he began to crawl into the passageway. 

“Thanks for everything,” Rapunzel said, the trio offering the same grateful sentiments as they also began to make their way into the cavern. They did so just in time as the hook-handed thug closed the door to the passage way up, concealing it from sight right before the guards began to search behind the bar, only to find not a single sign of Flynn Rider, or anyone else for that matter, to speak of. 

From Ch. 27: aka the chapter I’m currently working on. Idk Tangled has a lot of scenes that went unused in KH3′s take on things and I figured this one would be necessary to explain why Rapunzel and Eugene got separated but I only ended up writing a paragraph or so of it last night before deciding I wanted to shift focus back over to the trio instead at that point. So here it is: 

“Ah! There you are!” Eugene greeted the Stabbington Brothers with a show of faux camaraderie, knowing he was just about the last person they probably wanted to see in light of his earlier betrayal. “I’ve been searching everywhere for you guys since we got separated. The sideburns are coming in nice, huh?” The brothers simply eyed him harshly at this, silently telling him to get the point already. “A-anyhow, I just wanted to say that I shouldn’t have split. The crown is all yours.” He tossed the satchel their way, the crown spilling out of it as it landed. “I’ll miss you, but I think it’s for the… best...” 

He trailed off as one of the brothers stood to approach him, hardly paying any mind to the crown as he did. “Holding out on us again, eh, Rider?”

[mattschues]

Harder to Breathe || MEvan

Tagging: Matt Schuester and Evan Williams When: Saturday night Where: Matt’s house Notes: Evan talks to Matt about what’s on his mind.

Matt

Matt grabbed a couple slices of pizza and tossed them onto a plate. After a quick trip to the fridge he hauled the six pack over and set it on the coffee table. He knew Evan been going through things, the guy allowing a glimpse into that not too long ago in their texts and he figured they may talk a little more about it; hence the hanging around at the house and way from the public. "Want a beer?" He asked as he dropped onto the sofa with his plate. Matt reached over and plucked a bottle from the pack and popped the top off with a bottle opener. It'd been a long day and his body was somewhat sore from the football game earlier in the day. It was fun, though. It was always good to get out and play with friends.

Evan

Evan wasn’t very hungry, it came with being sad, the loss of appetite and all of it. I’m all honestly it felt hard for him to be there. Sure, maybe a couple days ago he wanted to talk about it but he was allowed to change his mind, right? Matt was a nice guy, he’d understand. Anxiety bubbles up in his stomach as he waits for the older man to bring up their previous conversation and the bite of pizza he takes drops in like a bomb. Maybe it wasn’t a great idea to be eating. If anything, he felt nauseous. He didn’t want beer. He shakes his head and puts the slice of pizza back on his plate, using a handful of napkins to clean the grease from his fingers. His hands then start digging into his jeans. He’s obviously nervous.

Matt

Matt chews a bite slowly and goes to wash it down after Evan declined a drink. He isn’t exactly known for prying. God knows he has his own things he wants to keep under lock and key. “Did you have to go into work today?” The weekends are the only times he doesn’t go into the coffee shop since those are his off days from the station. “We had this football game earlier. One of this girls vs. guys thing. The girls kicked out asses but it was all in good fun.” He chuckles at this and takes another bite. Between that and his time with Blaine he feels completely ravenous.

Evan

Evan shakes his head softly. In all honesty he was a bit hungover still. He had spent most of his Friday night drinking. At one point he didn’t even remember why he had begun in the first place. “That sounds fun.” He replies in the softest voice. He knows Matt won’t push him to say anything and Evan almost feels guilty taking up his time. He also needs to say something. Say what he needs to, out loud. “I’m confused.” He tells him hesitantly, his lip starting to quiver a bit.

Matt

One slice was gone after a few bites and Matt went to town on the next one. Not that he’s pigging out but there’s a solid change he’ll demolish at least one of the pizzas on his own. Matt set the plate on his knee and takes a long pull from his beer before he leans back on the couch and gives Evan a look over. That feeling returns. Something’s definitely on his mind. Matt licks his lips and places his bottle on the table with his plate. “What about?” He asks, leaning forward to show Evan he’s completely there.

Evan

Evan looks away from Matt. He felt embarrassed and guilty and scared. And he hadn’t even told Matt what was going on yet.  “Everything?” He lets out hesitantly. He shakes his head and wipes his face with his hand.  “I-.... I don’t know who I am. I don’t know what I want. What I like. I just...-“

Matt

Matt’s features soften at this and his heart went out to the guy. He knew he’s lucky when it comes to figuring out what drives him at a young age. Did that mean he has complete confidence he made the right call? Hell fucking no. “You’ve gone through all those years working and taking care of your mom. Looking after her and making sure she’s okay. It’s not like you had a whole lot of time to focus on you.” Matt remembers what Evan said, feeling that anger about his father threaten to surface. “Did something happen to get you feeling the weight of this this week?”

Evan

Evan sighed, he hated being emotional, especially around other people , but he felt safe with Matt. “I...Ive developed feelings for Blaine that I’ve never really had for a guy before? Fuck. I’m sorry.” He pauses and wipes his eyes that he can feel begin to tear up. “I know, I know you guys are a thing and I’m not here to break whatever you two have... I’m just, I’m confused. I’ve always liked girls. Always. And I never really had second thoughts about that. But then Blaine comes along and then staying with you and your stupid shirtless body, and I’m having all these feeling that I’ve never felt before and I mean, I’ve never even kissed a guy before. And I’m just like hoping this will blow over for me and maybe it’s just my age but I’m like really fucking horny all the time, especially when it comes to guys and it’s driving me crazy cause I keep thinking about what my dad would say to me and I know I shouldn’t care, but I do. I care too much. I just don’t know what to do, I just...” Evan can’t seem to stop rambling, his breathing even becoming more staggered, it was almost comedic, but he was in emotional pain.

Matt

There's a lot to unpack here and Matt stares at Evan, mostly to make sure he's finished speaking. Matt presses his lips together and nods slowly before he reaches out and places a hand on Evan's knee. "Hey. Just take a minute to breathe, okay? You don't have to unload everything you're feeling all in one breath but this is a good start." He squeezes his knee and pulls back and tries to think of what to focus on first. "Your dad bailed on you and your mom. He was a piece of shit and as much as I wish it's easy to forget things that leave a mark on us. I know it's not. He's not in your life. He hasn't been since you were twelve. He's not going to come around and talk shit about the people you're into. And even if he did resurface, so what? But coming to terms with yourself, recognizing your self worth and getting a better understanding of who you're attracted to. That can go a long way and can help you figure out where you want to go in life. You talked before about liking girls and now with Blaine, who I get. It's hard to not crush on the guy since he's basically America's sweetheart. That doesn't mean you're some awful person or you're doing anything wrong with finding him or my hot self attractive. Just means you're into guys and girls. You can be bi or pan. Or anything else. Hell you can just not go by labels which I tend to opt for but we live in a world where people need that for some reason." Matt quiets a moment and hopes he's saying the right things.

Evan

Evan flinches as he felt the man touch his knee. Thoughts of his dad rushing into his head of all the physical interactions and fights they’d been in. He looks at Matt and you can see the slight panic in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean to flinch.” Evan apologizes. He listens to what the man has to say as he takes in deep breaths to try and soothe himself.  “What if it’s all in my head? What if I don’t even like guys? I mean I’ve never kissed a guy or even done anything remotely sexual with a guy. What if I’m not bi or whatever else you said?” He pauses. “I just don’t want to put myself out there like that and then regret everything.”

Matt

"Then if you don't feel anything about it then you don't. You don't have to put yourself out there. You can be at a club or chat up a guy and see where it leads." There is a passing thought to lay a big smooch on his lips, just so he can have his first guy kiss, but Matt knows that it's bette for Evan to share that with someone who will want to more. There's also Blaine and he is so fucking head over heels for the guy he'd not do anything to hurt what they have going. "I knew I liked girls. Just like you. That was always known. Sure, there were some guys I felt something for but it wasn't until high school when I took that big step and kissed one. Then dated. People thought it was kind of weird but people will always have their opinions." Though he knows there are people just like Evan's dad, and worse, who want to hurt you for being yourself. "And maybe one guy doesn't do it for you, but it doesn't mean there won't that'll sweep you off your feet. Because sometimes those moments come when you least expect it. You could be having the most awful night and morning and just see a guy, or girl, and it's as if you're hit by a bus. But in a good way. Because life is unpredictable like that." Matt went quiet for a couple moments and an idea came to mind. "What if we go out to a bar or club? It can be just us or we can ask if Blaine wants to join in. Just go and cut loose. Maybe you'll find someone who you're into. Guy or girl. And see what happens."

Evan

Evans anxiety just kept building and he wasn’t feeling any better about anything. He knew Matt was trying to help but Evan wasn’t feeling up for it. He shook his head. “No, not my scene.” He replied to Matt. He left the unfinished slice and plate on the table and stood stood up from the sofa, a hand running through his hair. “I think I’m just gonna go.” He shrugged sadly. “I- uhm. I appreciate you listening to me.” He told him as he went to grab his coat.

Matt

There isn't a whole lot Matt can do at this point. Not when it feels like Evan wanted either some space or didn't like what he said? "Yeah, sure." he says as he moves to his feet and heads to the front of his house. "And it's cool it's not your scene. I don't know a whole lot when it comes to what you're into since we've been basically two ships passing in the night on the days you do sleep over." Matt's hand goes to the lock and turns it. "You plan to come back tonight or you staying somewhere else?"

Evan

Evan stayed silent, he felt like if he spoke he might start crying, but he didn’t want to cry in front of Matt. That’s the last thing he wanted. He didn’t want to look weak and helpless even though that’s how he felt. He shook his head as he finished buttoning up his coat. “I’m not coming back.” He whispered to confirm. Sure his apartment was cold but he’d live. He wasn’t sure he wanted to be staying at Matt’s anymore and it had nothing to do with Matt. It was all on Evan. It was his personal struggle and stubbornness.

Matt

Now this did cause to blink in surprise and he asks, "Why aren't you coming back. I thought with how thing are with the messed up heater you were going to keep here. At least until you find a new place." He knows better than to tug at the thread but the whispering and how it seems he can't get a good read on the guy; it's hard for Matt to not pry.

Evan

Evan wasn’t used to be taken care of. he wasn’t used to being thought of or anyone caring about what he did or if he would be okay. Maybe his mother tried to some degree but it was always him that did the caring for and held himself together. Just the thought that someone else cared enough to pry was overwhelming for him. Being and living at Matt’s house was overwhelming for Evan. The fact that he even cared where Evan slept was overwhelming. He knew Matt cared to some degree, but what if at some point he stopped? Evan couldn’t go through that. He takes a short shaken breath and he can’t look Matt in the eyes because he knows he’s start crying. “I-I’ll be fine.”

Matt

This isn't an answer. Not exactly and Matt looks at the door and then back to Evan. Everything about this does not feel fine and he's left in this place where he's not sure if he should say okay and let him leave. He's an adult and didn't any type of handholding. But he's an adult who sounds as if he's about to lose it, especially with what sounds like he's struggling to keep it together. "Do you feel like I don't want you here? I know last night I wanted the house to myself and I put that whole February deadline. Or is there something more? Maybe because of Blaine or the fact I don't like to sleep with a shirt on?"

Evan

Evan can already feel the tears start trickling down his face and he, himself, can’t find a reason why he shouldn’t stay. Maybe it was hard to see him and Blaine together. Maybe because Blaine was the first guy that made him feel something again and he knew it was unrequited, he knew it would never ever happen and he was fine with that. At least he thought so. Maybe it was the deadline and the anxiety that came with it. Like ‘Sure, stay with me but I don’t want you here forever.’ Evan understood that. He understood that perfectly. Or maybe it was the fact that he was horny 24/7 when he was here and he couldn’t really do anything about it. Sure he could call some girl up and get off but it wasn’t satisfying anymore. Maybe it was everything Matt had mentioned but he knew it was more than that.  Evan doesn’t want to respond, he doesn’t know how to respond or where to start or even where to end. He was endlessly fucked up and he knew that. He doesn’t even remember the last time he let himself cry. Sure, he was sad a lot of the time but he never really let himself cry.

Matt

Matt's seen his fair share of tears over the years, hard not to when he dealt with people coming to terms with their whole lives changing after some terrible happens. Or when they lose loved ones. That one...that one got to him. A lot. When Evan didn't make a move for the door Matt's hand slips from the door knob and he can see there's a struggle in play. That Evan's eyes may not be on him but that stray tear that lingers on the tip of his nose before dropping had him wanting to give this guy a hug. "Hey..." he spoke with a gentle tone. "You don't have to leave if you don't want. We can talk about something else. Put a video game on. Even a show or movie."

Evan

Evan let out a soft cry. It surprised him because he wasn’t used to it and now the tears were falling even more. His arm coming up to wipe his face and his sniffling nose. “I- I don’t want to talk.” He choked up as he looked at Matt.  He just wanted to cry,

Matt

There is a hesitation from Matt. If this is family or one of his closest buds there would no question about wrapping him into a hug. There is a lot about Evan Matt doesn't know and he understands he upset he's feeling. He may not have been through the same but he knows how bad your head can get. And, well, Matt did start to look at Evan as someone he can see himself caring about but was he about to overstep? This is one of those split second decision and Matt's heart won out when he steps to the guy, who was still sniffling and having a hard time getting words out. Matt's arms went around his body and as soon as he could he brings him close to hug.

Evan

The moment Matt wrapped his arms around him he began to sob into his shoulder.  His own arms clinging onto his sides. “I’m sorry.” He said in between cries and he couldn’t stop, as if he couldn’t control or turn off his emotions

Matt

As soon as Evan hugs him back, clinging to Matt in the way which tells him this is the right call, his arms tighten and he says, “It’s fine. You’re safe here.” Which he means completely. “I won’t think any differently of you, so get as much out as you need.” Matt knew all too well what it felt to crumble in front of someone. It’s why he’s worried about letting his true sadness appear. It’s why it was far easier to hide behind jokes and a charming smile.

Evan

Evan laid his head on the mans shoulders as he cried. He cried so long that he started to hiccup and his body was feeling heavy and tired. “C-can we sit, please?” He asked softly.

Matt

"Yeah, sure." Matt said, aware his hand is on Evan's back in an attempt to soothe him. "Head to the couch and I'll get you some water." And kleenex. But Matt kept those words to himself. "I think you should stay tonight. I know you wanted to leave before but you have a bed and warmth and there's also me who wouldn't mind getting a game in with you." Matt talks as he went into the kitchen and poured cold filtered water into a glass. He returns to the living room and plucks a kleenex box from an end side table and sets them both next to the pizza boxes.

Evan

Evan nodded and wiped his red nose, heading over to the couch. He slumps down on the couch and waited for the man to comeback. He kicked his shoes off and curled himself up on the couch. “Could we watch a movie instead? I don’t think I’m really up to be playing games.” He sniffled and took the glass of water from Matt. He took a couple sips before he put it down.

Matt 

After he settles down Matt picks up the remote and turns the TV on. He doesn’t have a whole lot of down time during the week but weekends are used to watch things on all the streaming services and play games. While he went to his HBO app he asks Evan, “What do you like to do for fun?” They’ve talked about his past and things from tonight but Matt know close to nothing him him. All he knows is clubs aren’t his scene.

Evan

Evan settles next to Matt. He felt so small. He felt like a little kid. He grabbed a decorative pillow and placed it against Matt, resting his head on it. “I like to go to the beach. Runs on beach, walks. I like to play volleyball. I really like music.” He lists quietly.

Matt 

He went to one movie to the next, mostly on the hunt fit one which both of them want to see. “Which you won’t get too much with the winter. Are you the outdoors type of guy? Camping? Hiking?” He went to the next row of movies, then to the next. “I love to hit up live shows whenever they come close to here and I’m not busy.”

Evan

Evan nodded. “Yeah, perhaps why My mood is lower during the holidays.” He starts. “I love being outdoors. California had really beautiful places to be. Especially to camp and hike.” Evan forgot how exhausting crying could be. He felt drained, physically and emotionally. He yawned quietly and nodded. “Live music is really good. The piano bar is fun to go to sometimes.”

Matt

There was no say on movie choices and Matt picks one at random. Half of the shit he watches is picked that way. “I get it. I have a physically demanding job but even with that I like to get out. Fresh air and all.” He set the remote down and picks his beer up before returning. Matt adjusts the pillow Evan used against his arm and places an arm across the back of the sofa. He thinks about what Evan told him tonight, especially the part about having feelings for Blaine. It’s one of those things he wants to be like Hell yeah because that’s the guy he’s super into. But another part feels somewhat guilty because Evan and Blaine work together and maybe have better chemistry than they do... That last part lingers but Matt doesn’t say anything. He knows what he and Blaine have feels incredible and they get along easily. “I haven’t been to the piano bar in, fuck. In a long time, actually. Want to hit it up next weekend?”

Evan

Evan feels a little calmer now but he's still feeling a lot of guilt. He shouldn't have told Matt how he felt about Blaine. He didn't need to know because Evan was never going to act on it and Evan knew that nothing would ever come of it. Blaine wasn't into Evan like that and Evan understood. Hell, until today, Evan hadn't really accepted the fact that he may be into guys. So the idea that Evan would ever be with a guy seemed far fetched. He just hoped he hadn't ruined anything for them. Still how was he going to feel when he saw the other man again. Would Matt tell Blaine what had just happened? Honestly, perhaps Evan preferred it that way, just so he would have to tell Blaine himself. It felt too heavy to go over it again. "With Blaine?" Evan asked?

Matt 

Matt watches the beginning of the movie. If looks vaguely familiar but he couldn’t place it. This happens a lot because she puts movies on at random and goes about his night until he’s ready to sit down. “I meant with you but we can totally invite Blaine to join us. He mentioned he plays piano and it’d be cool to see him perform on one.”

Evan

Evan sighs. “I’d rather it be just us.” He comments. “Not because I want us to like be alone or anything creepy like that but I just don’t know if I want to keep being around Blaine as much. At least until my feelings subside...” he confesses. “I don’t think it’s fair to you or him. And you guys really seem to like each other.” Evan tells the older man. “But He is really good at music. You should ask him to play for you sometime. He’s very talented.” Evan said fondly.

Matt 

He looks from the screen to the top of Evan’d head, staring at the blond hair before he smiles. It’s soft and one that shows that he gets where he’s coming from. He knows he can’t see it but they doesn’t stop him from doing so. “It’s cool, Ev. I don’t hold anything against you for telling me you have feelings for him. Shit. I’m surprised Blaine’s single because I imagine he has a line of men who want to date him. So it’s fine, I get it. I was crushing on him for a year and a half before I finally asked him out. So when it comes to you and me? We’re fine. What you tell me it’s between us. I told you before I won’t say a think and that carries over to this.”

Evan

Evan shrugs, his eyes glued to the screen even though he’s not doing much watching. “Still, I don’t want you to have to worry about me being around Blaine. Especially since we work together a lot.” Evan took his eyes off the tv and turned to look up at the handsome man. “I really appreciate you. I appreciate this and what you’re doing for me. Also for not being angry or upset about my feelings.” Evan gave him a small soft smile. “I feel very comfortable and safe around you. In a platonic way.” He tells Matt vulnerably. “Maybe it’s the whole firefighter thing.” He jokes.

Matt 

“I’m not worried, Evan. I feel very secure with what I have with Blaine. Which might sound weird since were only dating. But I’m not worried. And if Blaine tells me it’s not working, well. It’ll suck but I’m not gonna be pissed. And if he starts to see you then I will hope for the best because he’s just this incredible guy and he and anyone he’s with deserves happiness. But you really shouldn’t change how things are. You’re a good manager and I know he looks up to you to help guide him.” Matt says, speaking honestly. “I’m glad you feel comfortable. I’ve told you before this is a safe place for you. Firefighter or not, you can talk to me about whatever.”

Evan

Evan nods. “You’re good for him.” He smiles. “Thank you.” He repeats to the man and puts his attention back to the movie. It’s not long before his eyelids feel heavy and sleep starts to overcome his body

Matt

Matt quiets for awhile and drags his attention from the screen back to Evan, who didn’t say anything for awhile. Matt peers down and notices his eyes are closed. There is a moment he considers carrying him to bed but he thinks he might not want that. In the end Matt pulls the blanket from the back of the couch over and covers him with it. He shifts the pillow on his shoulder to position it on his lap and keeps it like this so it wouldn’t fuck up his neck. Matt stays this way until the movies over and slips away, leaving Evan there to sleep while he takes care of a few things himself before going to his room.

[twdmusicboxmystery]

FTWD 5x05: Analysis

How did everyone like last night’s episode? Did I see any symbols or parallels? A few.

That sarcasm! Holy crap, there were some interesting things in this episode. We got some massive, MASSIVE hints at what's going on here and things are clicking into place all over the place for me. 

***As always, spoilers abound for FTWD 5x05. Don’t read past this point until you’ve watched! You’ve been warned!***

This is the episode about what happened to Althea. At the beginning, we see her get hit in the head by the person in the helmet. It’s a woman who, to me, looks a lot like Jadis. She has the Heman haircut going on. At first, I was thinking the opening sequence reminded me a little bit of Alone. Because Al sort of hurt her leg and lost her boot.

And to be fair, we definitely had lost shoe/foot symbolism.

If this is leading to Beth, as I firmly believe it is, that does make sense. Especially because I believe the loss shoe/lost foot symbolism is a foreshadow of the death fake out. Beth seeing the shoe by the tracks in Inmates was a foreshadow of Beth’s arc. Having the military walker’s foot come off with Rick in 7x12 was a foreshadow of his. So, if this is leading to Beth, seeing that symbolism here makes sense. Plus, Al was a missing girl for time before her group found her again, which makes her something of a proxy to Beth.

But as I got into the episode more, it became clear to me that structurally, it's much more like 6x06, Always Accountable, than Alone. Think of it this way. In Always Accountable, Daryl was hit over the head and taken captive people he didn't know (Dwight and Sherry). Those people were part of a bigger group (the Savior's). Naturally, Daryl thought they were bad guys because they, you know, smacked him over the head and tied him up. As the episode progressed, they talked, got to know one another, and he soon realized they were basically decent people who were just doing the best they could. They even came to see eye to eye at one point. But by the end, Dwight and Sherry return to that oppressive group and they and Daryl parted ways.

Yeah, exact same thing happened here with Al. She was taken prisoner by a person who is a member of the helicopter group. And it’s obvious from what she says that they’re a fairly strict, oppressive group. (She says, “no one just walks away.”) 

At first, she and Al were naturally at odds but as the episode progressed, they had to rely on each other to survive and soon became friends. (Unlike Daryl and Dwight, Al and Isabelle even made at the end.) But in the end, helicopter chick—that’s Isabelle—returned to her helicopter group, and she and Al parted ways.

There was even a part where Al sees an opportunity to escape, grabs her bag and runs away, just like Daryl did in 6x06 and he grabbed the bag with his crossbow in it and ran. 

But just like him, Al ends it back with that same person who first attacked her.

So definitely a symbolic parallel to 6x06. In that light, it's kind of interesting because, if this group needs to Beth or this is where she is (and with each passing episode I’m more convinced of that), then all the Beth symbolism we saw in 6x06 was, in a way, a foreshadow of this.

Let's get more details. At one point, Al woke up in a car with her hands tied together (in front of her like Daryl’s were in 6x06). 

It gave me some serious 5x09 vibes. Parallels to the walker waking up in the front seat. 

We also saw example of that in 6×06 when Daryl found Patty 2 and there was a walker in the front seat.

Al escapes and eventually finds Isabelle’s helicopter. She gets in, picks up the radio, and the helicopter people answer her. Isabelle's call signal is Ground 17. I can't help but think of the missing 17 days after Coda. Perhaps this is a clue about that.

Probably the most shocking thing I heard in this episode is that when Isabelle grabbed the radio from Al, she answered the helicopter people. And guess what she said? She use the term KIA. Guys, that's freaking huge!

Remember, one of the lines on Morgan’s wall in Clear that we’ve always struggled to interpret was, “No KIA's on BEF.” People have theorized the KIA stood for, “killed in action,” but we couldn’t be sure. But that definitely seems to be what it meant here. I had to go back and listen to the dialogue again after first watching the episode to figure out what Isabelle said. It went very fast and was hard to interpret the first time.

It turns out, Isabelle killed the other person who was with her in the helicopter, a man named Beckett. She tells Al all about it later in the episode. And he, Becket, was the mission leader, rather than Isabelle. So, when she talks to the guy on the radio, he says, "Is this the lead?" Isabelle says “No, the lead is KIA.” In other words, killed in action. She then says they were non-hostiles, which I take to mean walkers rather than people who are hostile, and she also says there was a breach in protocol. These are all things that are revealed throughout the course of the episode.

We find out later that the “breach in protocol” is that Beckett tried to run. Tried to leave Isabelle and the helicopter operation behind. (Again, much like Dwight and Sherry ran away from Negan and the Saviors in S6). But again, “no one just walks away.” Any time there is a threat to the operational security of the helicopter people, that threat is taken out. Hence, Isabelle killed her partner.

The radio guy asks if the payload is secure and she says yes. We don’t really know what the payload is. She mentions the nuclear reactor site that the kids’ parents died at. I'm thinking they needed some sort of nuclear technology for what they're doing.

I just have to reiterate that the KIA is huge! We’ve literally been trying to figure that out for four years! On one hand, you could argue we can't prove it's about Beth. It was on Morgan's wall in Clear and it's Morgan who's in FTWD. But hey, at the very least, they've had this planned since Clear in S3. Anytime it becomes obvious that a plan has been in place that long, that’s good for us and for Beth’s arc.

Also keep in mind that other things on Morgan's wall have been successfully tied to Beth. Like ABIBEL and the sun.

Isabelle accepts Al’s help because she needs fuel for the helicopter. Gasoline has been a big theme, especially in 4a with the gas station. We've seen several gas stations over the seasons as well.

It's also worth mentioning that the cut on Al’s head where Isabelle hit her is in the exact same place that Beth was shot. And remember that Daryl had the same thing in 6x06. Another clue of what this whole thing parallels to.

Eventually, Isabelle talks to Al and tells her what happened. When her partner, Beckett saw the contaminated (radioactive) walkers at the nuclear plant, it frightened him and he tried to run away. (She used the phrase, “he cracked,” which reminded me of how Dawn described Captain Hansen at Grady.) 

This is when we got the info about no one leaving the helicopter group and protocol is just to kill anyone who tries.

To be honest, I was glad to hear that the helicopter people are a somewhat hostile group. That goes a long way to explaining why Rick never came back to Alexandria. It's not a group he can simply walk away from. I'm sure he's trying to get back, but for whatever reason, he hasn't been able to get away.

That said, what other major community did we see that did not allow people to leave? That would be Grady. People were taken there and held hostage. As Noah explained, they were simply never allowed to leave. Grady might have been a foreshadow of this community. Or, the tie may be more literal than that. I’ll explain.

Isabelle didn't give us a completely straight answer about what they're up to. She did talk about them purifying water, which is important. I'll come back to that in a minute. But something struck me when she sat by the fire with Al. She kept saying this operation (the helicopter people) was bigger than her, bigger than Al, bigger than just one person. 

It sounds like they think what they're doing will save humanity and end the apocalypse. That's why they're so exclusive and don't let anyone leave. There are too afraid of the operation being vulnerable and getting destroyed.

The thing about that is that it reminded me a lot of what Dawn said to Beth. I did theories about this back in the day, not long after S5 ended, in which I talked about how so much of what was said at Grady was left unexplained. The ward system was not explained in detail. Whatever Grady was doing was not explained. Many people think they were trying to cure the virus, and they may well have been, but they never came out and told us that.

But Dawn told Beth that being a part of Grady was the biggest, most important thing Beth would ever do. That never made sense to me. What was Dawn talking about? If they were trying to come up with a cure, then what Dawn said would make sense. But the show never told us that. It was very secretive about what was actually happening at Grady. Which was always simply more evidence to us that this arc remains unfinished.

I'm thinking more and more that the helicopter people must be either an outgrowth of Grady or connected to Grady in some way. This is where my TD brain starts making all kinds of connections. Whatever this helicopter group is doing, what if Grady was a part of it? Maybe Grady was in communication with this helicopter group and were conducting just one branch of the operation at the hospital. Maybe whatever this group is up to with the water purification is specifically what Dawn was referring to when she said told Beth how important it was

Furthermore, I couldn't help but think of her conversation with Beth about being rescued. She said they just had to keep things up until someone came for them. Beth then yelled at her that no one was coming. 

It's funny, because even among TD-ers, I've never heard anyone question why Dawn believed that. I’ve never questioned it myself. I suppose it just seemed plausible that there would be people who were in denial about the extent to which the world had ended. They naively believe there must be some functional community out there that will eventually come save them. It's ignorance and shortsightedness on their part, but it's also understandable.

But what if Dawn’s belief way more than that? Not quite as misguided as it seemed. What if she'd actually been in communication with this helicopter group and had some kind of agreement with them to come and get her and the people of Grady? Much like Jadis did. Maybe she was trading supplies with them. There's no way to know at this point unless we go back to Slabtown and look for signs of it, but I think it's a real possibility.

This could even explain why, after Beth was shot, no one other than Noah went with Rick’s group. Again, that seemed well-explained at the time. We could already tell they were fairly narrow-minded people, because they remained under terrible (rapey) conditions rather than escaping and surviving on their own, and of course they didn’t know Rick and Daryl’s group. And to be fair, our beloved TF came across as fairly rough people, especially after Rick killed Officer Lambson.

But again, maybe it was more than that. Maybe they knew they had a bigger operation to fall back on. Yes, I’m totally letting my imagination run away with me here, but I can’t help it. This episode and the connections to Beth’s arc made me so excited.

Then there’s the water purification Isabelle mentioned. @wdway figured out long ago that Beth =s water, and boy was she ever right! Talking specifically about water purification reminded me of a specific scene. The one just prior to Coda where Glenn, Rosita and Tara were trying to purify the water from the river. 

This is also the episode we see Tara with the yo-yo. I think that's important because I always assumed the yo-yo right before Coda was a foreshadow that Beth would survive. Yo-yos going down and coming back up is a type of resurrection symbolism. So, this water purification thing right before Coda could also be a foreshadow.

And if the if Beth is with the helicopter group and what they're doing has to do with water purification, that alone explains why the use water as such a heavy symbol for Beth. Because she will eventually be involved in this operation. It's also a foreshadow of where Beth will show up. That her eventual return will have something to do with water purification.

I’m telling you, my mind can just keep going. I was thinking this must pertain to Beth because the only other people involved in the water purification scene were Glenn, Tara, and Rosita. Glenn and Tara are now both deceased and Rosita is in Alexandria and we’ve never seen her connected to water purification after this S5 scene.

But that just made me think of the fire truck and the fact that they ran out of water. I’m wondering if there will be a situation where the world is out of water and other water is contaminated (we saw a foreshadow of this recently in S9 when Negan escaped and drank the water and it made him sick) and will have to go to this helicopter group in order to find clean water. Just feels like a great big foreshadow to me.

Either way, this has heavy connections between water and the helicopter group and it suggests even more so that Beth will be connected to this group.

There was even a part where Isabelle talked about how she hesitated, made a mistake, but still shot her friend Becket. At first, I was just thinking that many people have theorized that whoever shot Beth (because it obviously wasn’t Dawn) may have been aiming for Dawn and shooting Beth was actually an accident. This wasn’t exactly the same as what Isabelle was saying (she was saying that hesitating to shoot her friend was a mistake) but it just made me think about Grady and Beth getting shot. But once I started making connections to Dawn and Grady, I can’t help but wonder if that shooting happened because of something to do with “operational security.” I don’t know exactly what it would have been, but that was emphasized so much in this episode, I can’t help but be suspicious.

These were the biggest things I originally saw in this episode. Then, when the re-watch was on and I was putting together this analysis, something else occurred to me. I said earlier that Al and Isabelle make out at the end, right? Well, this was by no means a deep, abiding relationship. These two ladies spent exactly one day together before parting ways, so the kiss felt more whimsical than everything. And kind of desperate in an I-need-some-human-connection sort of way, because the world just sucks so much.

All that said, I DO think it’s supposed to be something of a parallel to Beth and Daryl’s relationship, albeit a small potatoes/less deep one.

The reason I think so is because of this scene. 

They spent the night in an elevated tent (to keep away from walkers on the ground). Look at the way they’re both sitting here. It’s almost exactly like how Beth and Daryl sat on the porch of the moonshine shack. 

And in this scene, Al says to Isabelle, “What I told you today? I’ve never told anybody that.”

How many times have we said that about Beth and Daryl? That he told her things he’d never told anyone else. Then there was the fact that they really connected and came to understand one another. Again, not with nearly as much depth or beauty as Beth and Daryl did, but the parallels are there.

And think about what I’ve already said. If this is a parallel to 6x06, with Al in Daryl’s role, then Isabelle would be Beth’s stand-in. And just as I’m sure at some point Al will run across the helicopter people again and find Isabelle there, so Daryl will run across the helicopter people and find Beth there. (Hinting at things are we, Ms. Kang? ;D)

Another thing we can compare this to? At the end, Al kept her word to Isabelle and didn’t tell Morgan and the others what she knew about the helicopter group. 

The other time we saw that was with Tara and Oceanside. When she returned to TF, she didn’t tell them about Oceanside, but of course she soon found a reason to do so and they visited Oceanside. The same will obviously happen here. And that could be one of the reasons for seeing so much Beth symbolism at Oceanside. It was a foreshadow of this, which may be where Beth actually is.

I’m mostly going to stop there. Don’t get me wrong, there were other small symbols that we could pick out. 

Isabelle had Beckett’s key (Key Theory) to a cabin (Cabin theory). We didn't see this cabin, only heard it spoken of, so it was purely symbolic. 

There was a big H spray painted on the ground at the fuel drop. I just made me remember how there was an H emphasized this past season because the woman from Hilltop made the H coins. 

Isabelle and Al also shared a beer. Obviously, we always connect anything to do with alcohol back to Beth. 

Al makes a comment about how she doesn’t “stay in the car” and that policy has saved her life. Feels like a reference to Beth being left in a car. At one point, Isabelle says they have to walk but they’re ten clicks out. Plus in the very top picture I put in my post where she says the nuclear plant is 10 miles away. Maybe references to S10? So, I noticed lots of things like that, but they’re things I’ve said dozens of times over dozens of episodes.

Overall, the comparisons to Grady and 6x06 were the big ones. And the KIA, of course. I'm more convinced than ever that this group will lead to Beth. We're getting there, slowly but surely. If Beth did end up back at Grady after being left behind, and the helicopter people are connected to Grady, both of which we have pretty good evidence of, chances are good Beth is still with the helicopter people.

What did everyone else think of this episode?