#and steal spare grammar out of their pockets

[masked-disciple]

I both love and hate worldbuilding so much.

Like, I'm thinking about how I want to do languages in the Aethel, and I'm like, "there's language groups and usually language just drifts, it's rare people up and intentionally make a new language and it catches on, although trade and politics definitely can help a region's power swap from one common language to another" but if I want to make diverse languages, even if they don't actually appear front-and-centre, I have to do all this goddamn research.

Like, cuneiform looks like That because they used hexagonal 'pens' of sorts to press into clay, and kanji looks like That because they use brushes, and Irish ogham looks like That because it was typically carved into rocks, and Latin cursive looks like That because we used feather pens. But did we diverge alphabets from each other in the proto-indo-european days because of different tools, or was writing invented repeatedly in different places and that's why it's different?

Furthermore, what shapes language itself? Icelandic is a very gutteral language that hasn't really changed in a thousand years because it doesn't need to, but Japanese is a very melodic language with a very firm consonant-vowel-consonant-vowel structure. Why's that? They're both island cultures who kept to themselves for a good chunk of history. What made them different? Why is it that only like five languages use a tongue-click as a sound, and only some roll Rs? What happened to make these naturally happen, and why aren't they more common?

Why is it Japanese is an incredibly indirect language but also incredibly concise, whereas Hebrew and English are both typically pretty direct? Why do some languages not even have relational left/right, and only ever use cardinal directions? Aren't there a few completely atemporal languages? Why is it that English only has a few tonal indicators, but if you fuck up any tones at all in Cantonese, it changes everything you just said? Whose idea was that, and why did it stick around?

These are all questions that absolutely build and help make worldbuilding that much more natural and realistic. But answering them is going to require a goddamn linguistic anthropology degree. I can't just wikipedia this shit in one night and then keep going.

It's worse once you get different species in the mix. A draconic language is not likely to sound anything like a human language, and may not be at all possible for any human ever to speak. I've been writing Denellic almost entirely as "what if Icelandic people got the ability to roll every single consonant that exists, and also knew Latin, and aggressively wanted to insult Latin at every point, and was a language intentionally made to do so, but also the species that primarily speaks it has seven distinct arcanobiological genders with cultural meaning and expects you to stack them on every noun because being neutral on a topic is culturally unacceptable".

I'm literally dying. Am I having so so so much fun? Absolutely. But I'm also literally dying, and if anyone wants to help a worldbuilder out and knows the answers to some of these questions, please please please tell me it'll make my worldbuilding cooler.

[hoppity-scotch]

~Midnight Break In~

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: This is an 18+ account, if you are a minor please DNI!!! There are other interesting things you can explore on this app but this ain't one of them!

BTW this had not been proof read so apologies of any grammar errors.

___________________________________________

‘Click’

Just like that, the lock on your window came undone. Connor couldn’t help but frown, were you really sleeping soundly with a lock that could snap so easily? He reminded himself that he should fix your lock with something stronger and harder to open. Of course he would have a key to get in, no point fixing a lock only to break it again every time he wanted to come see you. 

Connor takes a moment to examine your room, dirty clothes lying on the floor and in a pile on a chair in the corner of the room. Your walls were covered in posters, figurines, and other items that you enjoyed and love to collect. A soft smile fell to the corner of his lips, your room may be disorganized but it felt cosy and warm. 

He catches one of your favourite shirts lying on your bed. He picked it up in both hands and examined the colourful characters printed on the front. Connor smiled as he remembered how much you obsessed over this show, you would go off on tangents about the story and over analyze every moment between your favourite ships. He used to be a fan of the show when he was little, he only got back into watching it because of you. 

It’s one of the few things he loves about you, growing up he had to put away any childish nonsense, it was what society demanded of him. But you? You celebrate and praise him for his hobbies, never making him terrible for expressing his interests. You��ve also helped him be more open minded about exploring other passions that he’d never even dream of pursuing. He truly believes you bring out the best in him, the thought of seeing your face again already makes his heart thump in his chest. 

Connor brings the shirt to his face and inhales your scent, he couldn’t tell if it was perfume or just your musk but it was intoxicating. It’s been getting harder and harder for him to keep his distance with you. Every minute feels like agony when he doesn’t have you around to make him smile and laugh. Oh how he wishes you were here so he could hold you, feel you, sometimes he wishes he could just crawl into your skin and stay there forever. 

In the corner of his eye he notices another piece of fabric, it was lacey and small.

It was your underwear… 

From what he could tell it had been recently worn, he could feel the heat in his cheeks begin to rise. Connor wondered if you wore those today, did you wear them especially for him? He places your shirt back on your bed, he hesitates for a moment before picking up your underwear. It was slightly moist, with a lingering sweet smell, he could feel himself getting drunk off your scent again.

A sickening thought crosses his mind 

“They wouldn’t care if these went missing right?”

Connor shakes his head in frustration, he knows he shouldn’t take them, It's already suspicious enough that your lock is broken, taking this would just leave more evidence that someone was here. Not only that, what sick freak takes someones used underwear? 

He swallows thickly, his mind torn between leaving the lingerie here or stealing it away with him. Unfortunately he didn’t have much time to think it over when he heard footsteps approaching your room. 

His heart quickens, the mere thought of you seeing him in your room makes his stomach drop. What would you think of him if you saw him like this, with your panties in hand? With no time to spare, he shoves your panties in his pocket and as quietly as he can crawls out your window. Connor sprints down the street in fear that you would catch him outside your window. 

Finally getting to a quiet spot, he takes a moment to catch his breath. He takes his hand and shoves it in his pocket and takes out the pretty piece of lingerie. He stares at it for a moment, almost scared of what he’s about to do. But the mere aroma of you danced in his senses like a symphony, throwing away any dignity he had left, he huffed in your scent.

Connor groaned in delight, the bulge in his tight pants felt like they were going to burst. He leaned his body against the nearest wall as his legs felt like they were going to collapse. To think this is only a small taste of you, he tucks your underwear back inside his pocket and starts to walk home. 

A shiver crawls up his spine in delight as the corner of his lips turn into a sinister grin, he only had one thought in mind…  ‘He couldn’t wait to taste all of you…’’

___________________________________________

Hope you enjoyed! I promise I'm not dead just burnt out cause of work and the holidays. I will be posting more yandere content so stay tuned!

[lluvia-lu]

Constellations

❗⚠️Please do not steal or copy! Give credit if inspired:)⚠️❗

This is a small script/scene? Between a character of mine (Priel) and a friend's character (Conel)

Some songs to listen to while reading:

- 4runner by Brenn

- 100 moons by Savannah Saturn & Jonmarco

- Won't you stay? by One Hope

- Constellations by Jade LeMac

- Show me how by Men I Trust

- Big Jet Plane by Angus & Julia Stone

Apologies in advance if there's any grammar mistakes of any sort or repetition. English isn't my first language <3

Main credits to my friend who came up with the scene.

Enjoy!

»»————> 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 <————««

He packs up his papers and pens in his tote bag, his expression solemn and tired as he softly sighs. Throwing his bag over his shoulder, he picks up the clipboard and begins walking down the long hallway towards the exit of the school. This has been one of the hardest cases he's had to investigate.

Why would anyone ever want to harm teenagers? Teenagers who are just trying to live the best of their life.

A gust of wind blows through his face as he opens the glass door, inhaling the icey breeze with closed eyes. Feeling some weight leaving his shoulders as he opens his eyes.

He begins walking again, his shoes softly crunching against the ground. Tapping on the pavement, then the soil as they come to a halt.

His head tilts back, gazing up at the boundless sky set ablaze with the fire of the setting sun. He breathes, his warm breath coming out as soft mist in the air.

It's cold..

Priel disassociates from the world around him for a while. Lost in the vast sky above him that slowly dips into hues of blue, purple, and pink. His teal eyes glimmer a bit at the sight of some stars. He feels an odd familiarity in them.

`

`

`

Tap, tap, tap..

Priel snaps out of his thoughts when he hears soft footsteps padding against the soil beside him reaching his ears as he sees someone familiar approaching him at the corner of his eyes. He turns and sees Conel, his eyelids raise a bit. In a little joy of seeing Conel, he can't quite put his finger on it, but for some reason, he feels an odd comfort in Conel's presence.

"..any plans for tonight?"

Conel asks, snapping Priel out of his stare. Priel blinks before turning away, his cheeks flushing a little in embarrassment for staring.

Dammit Priel, quit embarrassing yourself.

He thinks to himself as he looks down at the ground.

Conel's hands slip into his pockets as he takes a glance at the darkening sky, blank oplaine eyes staring back at him with a certain excited glimmer.

"If not, could I spare a moment of your time? I have something I want to show you."

Priel partially blinks as he looks back up at Conel for a moment. He feels an excited feeling grow inside him, it's only rare for someone to be asked that on his behalf. A smile crosses his lips, tilting his head a little as he answers.

"Of course, I'm not really up to anything tonight."

Conel has a small gentle smile, "Thank you, Detective." He turns and begins walking. Priel stands there watching with a softened gaze. Till his brows raise and eyes widen a little realizing he's supposed to follow him once he's about 10 yards away from him. He takes quick steps over with a small jog to catch up to Conel.

`

`

`

As they walk, Priel follows by Conel. Not right next to him, maybe about 2 steps behind to let Conel lead the way.

Their feet carry them down the paved walkway, past rows of picket fences and loftly swaying trees dancing in the breeze beneath the growing darkness and littered grains of silver.

Their stroll is filled with silence, except the occasional question Conel asks Priel about his day and such, which Priel happily answers as he feels more relaxed and less tense over the earlier stress he was feeling.

Conel's longing gaze filled with familiarity often pulled upwards as his feet bring him forward. Priel notices his eyes often looking up, and each time Conel does, his eyes follow. Priel stares up at the sky until he hears Conel come to a gradual stop, where Priel also stops. Looking back down towards Conel, then at where they've arrived.

They reached a rusty back gate, which opens with a hesitant creak.

Conel steps foot into his backyard, a quiant little desolate yard covered in freshly cut foliage and matters of jasmine vines creeping along the wooden fence. Priel takes a look around, a little hesitant to enter. He's never been in any other home than his own, but after a bit he takes a step forward.

Gently placing his bag and clipboard by the gate door. His teal eyes scan the area, until they rest on a large metal telescope already set up pointing at a specific location. Priel's eyes light up at the sight as a smile spreads on his lips. He follows behind Conel, Priel has never been this close to a telescope before. Seeing one so up close brings him immense joy and excitement. Albeit, he gently bites his bottom lip to contain his emotions.

It's a telescope! I've only ever seen them in pictures and videos, but there's actually one right here in front of me!

Priel thinks, twiddling his thumbs a little as he watches Conel smooth the back of his coat as he sits down on the soil, peering into the telescope momentarily before slightly sliding away to the side and gesturing Priel to have a look.

Priel blinks for a moment before sitting down next to Conel, peering into the telescope a little in wonder and suspense.

Warm sunbeams shine through cloudy blue eyes as Conel's lips purse together in anticipation when Priel looks through the lens.

A clear close-up is seen of the dark sky, blanketed with glistening speckles, pulsing and gleaming in unision. Particularly 6 stars, that are positioned in an oval with the largest a little bit over the center, perched near the top.

Priel's eyes glimmer just as brightly as the burning sun's in pure awe. His lips parting a little in amazement of what he's seeing.

"Do you see the six stars? It's a small little—"

"Constellation.."

Priel finishes in a whisper as he leans away from the telescope to look up at the constellation without the close-up.

Conel's gaze turns upwards as a tender smile melts on his face, hands that were in his pockets slipping out and holding a small square shaped piece of paper.

"It's special because..I won't pry, but you seem to be going through a difficult time, one more turbulent without the aid of knowing oneself."

Priel's lips close as his eyes move to meet Conel's.

Conel's gaze meets Priel's just as well, his eyelids slightly lower, expression blank yet understanding as he pulls out the piece of paper which is a small star chart of the constellation with it's coordinates on the side.

Priel's eyes are drawn to it, much to his knowledge, he doesn't quite know what a star chart is despite his love for the night sky.

"Therefore I got you your own star constellation."

Priel's breath is almost swept out of him as his eyes dart back up to meet Conel's in surprise. His heart skips a beat as his teal eyes glint a shimmer of admiration for Conel.

"My..own star constellation..?"

He asks in a breathy tone, his gaze following Conel's finger which lightly trails the circle pointing up towards the sky in a swift motion.

"Those 6 stars are you in the sky..they're actually registered. You can see it from anywhere in the world."

Am I dreaming..?

I'm seeing colors lately..

Priel's soft blonde hair subtly blows in the breeze as he listens to Conel's soothing voice. It feels as if every worry in the world is slowly vanishing. As if nothing else matters now, it's just him and Conel.

Conel's heavy eyelids close as he speaks,

"So wherever life takes you, wherever you end up, you can always look for these constellations and you would see those stars together, to see that you're not so alone in the world."

Handing the chart over to Priel, which Priel carefully takes as he looks down at it. His fingers lightly gripping it as he feels tears prick the corners of his eyes. He's never felt so cared for or notices like he feels now. His jaw tightens so to not let his emotions get the best of him.

`

`

Conel gives Priel a soft side gaze, tone quiet as he says,

"Sometimes we need a reminder..they're like seeds of hope, bearing a fruit of preservation."

A strike of embarrassment hitting Priel through the chest as he blinks into a blank expression. His cheeks flushing red as he looks up at Conel with slightly widened eyes and mouth agape.

Seeds..? Fruit..?

✧[Meaning of the name 'Priel' —> 'Fruit Of God']✧

Conel's eyes fill with winsome light as his smile parts into genuine faint laughter, glancing at the star chart of the constellation which was purposefully positioned to look like an orange then back at him.

Priel's eyes dart from the chart to the sky, chart, sky, and back to the chart. Now seeing the way it looks like an orange, filled with embarrassment. He's never been found of his name, so right now, he wants a big black hole to appear and gobble him up completely.

God this is embarrassing...

He thinks to himself as his clamy hand covers his flushed face with lips formed into a sheepish wobbly frown.

"I've always really liked your name, it's lovely."

Lovely...

Priel peeks at Conel through the crack of his fingers, seeing the fondness in his expression. The way his hand partially covers his mouth as he brings his knees closer to his chest.

Conel lays his chin on his knee caps as a warm glow filters through his irises.

"It suits you."

Priel's hand slowly falls from his face as his eyes fixate on Conel. The hand holding the small sheet of paper lowering as it rests on his knee of his crossed legs. He can't help the warm smile that forms on his lips and the way his eyes soften as he looks back down at the chart, and back up at the constellation in the sky.

If only you knew the things you do to me.

"Thanks..Conel."

Priel says softly, his eyelids lowering slightly.

"For....this. For..For caring and..taking the time to do this for me.."

He mumbles as his thumb traces the coordinates of the chart.

There's a moment of silence as Priel gets lost in thought as tears fill his eyes. Only, he immediately takes a quick deep breath. Looking up at the constellation to stop the tears as he let's out an airy chuckle.

`

`

`

`

"Thank you."

`

`

`

`

I think.. I want to stay here.

`

`

`

`

Priel sits in silence next to Conel as the cool air blows through their hair, the sound of the foliage rustling tuning into the silence. Gazing into the dark of night and at the burning stars that bring light into the hours of dusk.

— 𝑞𝑜𝑒

[violettelueur]

— ITADORI YUJI + FUSHIGURO MEGUMI + KUGISAKI NOBARA || COMFORTING THEIR S/O DURING THEIR PERIOD

↳ featuring : itadori yuji + fushiguro megumi + kugisaki nobara from jujutsu kaisen

↳ warnings : grammar issues

↳ form : headcanons

↳ published : 27 january

↳ pronouns : she/her

↳ request : hello!! I love ur blog sm it’s so cozy and safe!! i just wanted to order a black coffee of being comforted and taken care of by the main three (yuuji, megumi, and nobara) when the reader is on their period ;-; tysm!! ❤️❤️

↳ barista’s notes : hi there! let me admit this about my time of the month, i only get cramps/backache on like the first day and people tell me they don’t realise i’m not my time since i don’t have mood swings - which is surprising because i thought i did  ʕ ㅇ ᴥ ㅇʔ other than that, i hope you enjoy your cup of classic black coffee (jujutsu kaisen request!) and come to the cafe again soon ʕ￫ᴥ￩　ʔ

The day your period arrives, Itadori will have no idea and will probably be confused about why one second you are angry and the next you are crying - he is just a confused little baby.

Of course, Kugisaki will call him an idiot and will inform him that you are on your period if he hasn’t figured it out yet.

Once he comes into your room and finds you huddling under a mountain of blankets, he will slowly and carefully crouch down to your height and ask if you need anything - since asking if you were okay was not the ideal question (also advised by Kugisaki).

To be honest with you, all the knowledge and advice he has gotten about periods is from Kugisaki - I feel like she made him pay as well for lessons.

Of course, if you tell him you buy you chocolates, he will come back from the convenience store with more than that like snacks, water, chocolate, sweets, ice-cream and pads/tampons.

Just know there are multiple types of pads/tampons in the plastic bag because he doesn’t know what to pick for you and, of course, you thank him because you know he tried his best.

He will also provide you with a hot water bottle that probably has a cute animal cover on it for you since he doesn’t want the heat as well as plastic to burn your skin.

Itadori will cuddle you if you ask for it while placing his hand on your lower stomach to help soothe the cramps with your permission of course.

He will also set up yours or his laptop to watch movies and anime together, he will probably eat some of the snacks he has bought you - which made him learn to buy his whole for the next month.

Sometimes both you and Itadori will have a game night together, where you both would have your Nintendo Switches - which I don’t have personally - and probably play Animal Crossing - New Horizons to help make you forget your pain.

Sukuna will mock him for being a tiny bit scared at your aggressive behaviour when your mood suddenly switches.

In conclusion, Itadori is someone that will be wary around you since he doesn’t want a Kugisaki 2.0 to be his girlfriend but will try his best to make you feel the least amount of pain as much as he can.

Unlike Itadori, Fushiguro will know when you have started since he does have an older sister as well as two female cousins within his family.

When you had your first period during yours and Fushiguro’s relationship, he probably marked it on his calendar and has it on a series for it every month.

Fushiguro knows that you will come to his room when you are on and just flat drop flat on his bed because his scent helps you to forget the pain - this happens with me like sometimes the smell of lavender helps with my cramps...maybe it’s just me.

You probably know this but Fushiguro has all the essentials you need in his dorm kitchen and bathroom because of your monthly visits - he is prepared and very organised.

He will make sure you have eaten first before giving you painkillers since he wants you to feel somewhat better than you are now.

Fushiguro will summon one of his rabbits for you to cuddle with since he knows that some sort of warmth helps you - the thing is once the rabbit is in your arms, it is not escaping.

If you are having back pains, Fushiguro will help you by massaging your back to help comfort you - his divine dog will probably use its paws to help as well or maybe the rabbits will bounce on your back, I don’t know.

If you ask for something, Fushiguro is already on it and has it prepared as I have mentioned - he just doesn’t want to deal with your sudden lack of patience since he knows that you can get irritated very quickly.

If you suddenly start crying, it is over for Fushiguro because he wouldn’t know how to comfort you - his shikigami will do a better job than him and if Kugisaki was with him, she would yell at him 100%.

He would start by holding you in his arms but he will be stiff, of course, that doesn’t matter because you will tightly hold him back - which surprises him since for some reason this hug is stronger than your other ones.

If you want cuddles from him, he will be hesitant at first because of your mood swings, but once you give him the puppy dog eyes, he can’t resist you and will join you under his covers.

In conclusion, your monthly visit to Fushiguro’s dorms is one of his favourites because that means he gets to come back from missions and find you in his room, he is always prepared and ready to handle the situation - even though, he is quite wary of the short-temper that you have for the next 5-7 days.

The expert of periods is here! Kugisaki Nobara is the one to be with when you have your period because this girl probably knows everything compared to Itadori and Fushiguro.

When I think about it, she probably has spare pads/tampons in her bags/pockets and will offer one to you when you need it.

However, unlike Fushiguro, she probably doesn’t have any painkillers with her and will probably have to make a trip for you to get some or ask Fushiguro if he has any to save time.

You don’t have to worry about snacks because I know she has a stash of sweets and cakes in her dorm room and will give you some of it - mostly likey chocolate cake or chocolate-covered strawberries.

She already has a water bottle prepared for you as well as a back massager because she is boujee with that Jujutsu Tech money that she has been provided with.

Like Itadori, you and Kugisaki will play games together - I feel like people forget she’s a gamer since she did mention Smash Bro’s in the anime and little scenarios in the manga as well - especially battle games as a way to release your anger from the pain you are suffering from.

If you ever cry about being ugly - because we are emotional - she will hype you up with an angry tone: “WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT BABE? YOU ARE GORGEOUS, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL, STRONG AND AMAZING, DONT SAY ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT!”

Kugisaki will also do your makeup since she wants you to feel your most beautiful since she and you know that breakouts during periods are just not it.

She will also help you with your skincare and probably introduced to some new products along the way since why not? 

You and Kugisaki will cuddle a lot during the beginning week and you both will probably have matching pyjamas on because you both just give off cute couple outfits vibes even when you both don’t go out.

Sometimes during your cuddling sessions, you and Kugisaki will be looking at her phone swiping through a few clothing sites and suggesting what you both should buy for your next date together and maybe research a few new cafes to try out.

Definitely will send cute selfies together to help you feel beautiful to the boys on the group chat because they need to know that you are in pain and they should send their condolences.

Netflix and ice-cream will be an everyday thing for the whole week you are on and to be honest, it is better than any date because you both are together with no distractions.

In conclusion, Kugisaki will make the time during your period a self-care girl’s week for the both of you and this will happen when she is on as well - and please, when you are both on, it is a nightmare for Itadori and Fushiguro (they will be nervous and avoid you both)

© violettelueur 2021 : written and published by violettelueur - do not steal or repost

[lovelyirony]

Could I get number 30 "Why is arson always your first answer?" With winteriron?

England wasn’t necessarily Tony’s favorite place to be. For one thing, Pepper always asked for some sort of collection of Burberry scarves, and Tony would rather die than step foot in a store, but Pepper is the one who makes sure he gets out of countries and into countries as discreetly as possible. 

For another, England usually means either expensive art or expensive jewelry, and art is a bitch to get out of an event if you haven’t worked up a back story for the last year, and jewelry is...well. People are bound to notice if it’s famous enough. 

This go-round, it’s art. A rare miniature of a high-society woman, someone Tony doesn’t at all care about. He has a buyer from the middle of nowhere Montana, and he’s not sure why a cowboy from Montana cares about this so much, but he offered a pretty steep salary for Tony, so here he is. 

The thing is this: Tony Stark is not known as a thief. No. He is known as a reclusive billionaire who only comes out of his house, like, once a year to mourn his parents. 

Except he doesn’t do that, that’s just the yearly walk that he lets them notice and take pictures of. 

Anthony Carbonell is known as an elusive thief who likes to make fun of every single agent of any organization that attempts to track him or the works that he’s stolen. It’s cute, honestly. 

Agent James Barnes is the newest hire at SHIELD Protection, which moonlights as an insurance agency. 

His newest job is one that no one else has managed to complete: capture Anthony Carbonell, and protect the newest artwork. 

It’s sending him to England. He has to wear a suit and everything, and he’s not exactly excited about it. 

All they know is that he’s dark-haired, is shorter than six feet, and has a penchant for playing practical jokes on the agents when they end up not capturing him. 

- 

Barnes touches down in England, follows one of their British agents to a safe-house, and gets out the tuxedo. 

God help this night. 

- 

Tony usually isn’t thrown for a loop when it comes to guests at high society auctions. Most everyone is publicly known, or at least known when they should be known. 

There’s a new man in town. 

Tony can’t deny that he has the nicest looks he’s ever seen. A jaw that won’t quit, eyes that seem to observe everything, and a tasteful bun drawn at the back of his head. He also fills out a tuxedo quite nicely. 

Something about him screams danger. Tony smiles to himself in his cocktail; he’ll keep his eyes on that man, so far as everything goes to plan. 

- 

Bucky can feel eyes on him, but he can’t tell if it’s because he’s technically new to all of this, or if it’s because Anthony is here and he already knows. 

He wasn’t stupid. He knew as soon as he walked in that Anthony would be here, and he would be aware. But he’s not really going to focus on the people milling about. He sticks close to the miniature, observing the security measures. 

Or lack of. 

The security measures are barely there. If Bucky could cause a distraction in the room, or maybe pull a fire alarm, he could easily abscond with it. 

He assumes that’s why the band is in another room. He had read the reports that Clint had managed to nick; the band was supposed to be playing in the room, but an anonymous guest had suggested that the acoustics were better in a room adjacent. 

He’s pretty sure that Anthony had recommended that, wherever he was. It’s not like any of the rich people would have had common sense enough to call ahead and ask about the placement of the band, and take into account the arch of the room with the acoustics of a violin. 

It’s smart, honestly. Everyone is dancing, they want to notice what other people are wearing so that they can either discreetly copy them later or make a laughing stock of them in about six minutes, give or take, and no one will notice if someone who wasn’t supposed to be there in the first place slips out. 

He’s not exactly wrong. 

But Tony has been working for an exclusive catering company for two months. Very fun stuff. He learned that he will never want to eat another crab cake again, and he learned how to improvise descriptions for food that is essentially chicken fingers and ketchup. 

Barnes is looking for someone who looks like they fit in. And Tony does, just...not in the way that he actually knows how to do. 

If he was high society, he’d be recognized immediately; everyone still knows how Howard smiled, how Maria moved around the room with the practiced grace of someone raised to be a fun little accessory on your arm. 

Tony has both of those attributes, and if people actually noticed others, they would clock him easily. 

-

He got bold. 

Too bold. 

He was serving appetizers, and he offers one to the new guy on the block. 

“Care for one?” he asks, eyes timidly looking up, energy nervous. 

“Thank you,” New Guy says, and he looks at Tony directly in the eyes. “I appreciate it.” 

No one thanks you at events like these. 

And no one looks at you. 

This was the mistake. 

-

His features are umistakable, Bucky decides. The way his head tilted when he offered the food, the way his eyes look at his, and they’re not used to being looked back at. 

It almost fooled him. Almost. 

But most who work for the upper class learn early on from someone or another that you don’t look, even if you know that they won’t spare you the time of day. 

He’s tempting the odds, and he’s exactly the kind of person who would do it. 

Bucky has Anthony Carbonell’s face memorized, from the surprisingly warm brown eyes to the way he walks away. 

- 

Tony has blown this mission. He knows it. He fucking knows that SHIELD knows who he is right now. 

He texts Pepper, incorrect grammar and everything: 

tell guy job is over. i can refund him for inconvenience. 

what do you mean, over? 

been had. :( 

i don’t like that that’s your reaction. but get out of there, whatever means necessary. i can’t get you out of there until tomorrow morning, or i lose the deposit on your room . 

srsly??????? 

yes, seriously. the woman who let us rent it was very specific about two-day-stay. in the mean time, maybe grab a bottle of wine or something. how are you going to escape? 

well...

don’t you dare

-

Arson is an art that has to be carefully done, if you were wondering. You can just decide to do it, but you need to have some experience for it. 

Tony has. Kind of. 

He has a matchbook from a local hotel that he went into, and it’s been tucked into a pocket of his pants, and he is currently debating if he can actually finish the job or not. 

“Is arson always your first answer?” 

Shit. 

“Uh, smoke break?” Tony asks, knowing that it’s a Very Stupid Excuse because he doesn’t have any cigarettes. 

“Be real with yourself,” Barnes says. “You also have a very unfortunate British accent, as in it sounds terrible.” 

“My apologies if I didn’t work on it,” Tony says. “I’ve been too busy with...other things. Speaking of which, you’re new to SHIELD, aren’t you?” 

“You’re my first mission.” 

“How unfortunate.” 

“And why is that?” 

Tony smiles at him, and it’s disarming how genuine it looks. How genuine it is. (Bucky’s been able to spot a fake smile since he was seven and his mother let Mormons into their house. He knows a lot of things.) 

“Well, darling dearest, I’m going to make my escape.” 

“And you’re saying I can’t find you?” 

“Oh, you’ll find me. You’ll see me everywhere.” 

Tony then proceeds to kiss the ever-living hell out of Barnes. 

It is probably the best kiss of his life, honestly. 

And it leaves him dazed. 

Dazed enough that Tony only has a light jogging-pace as he makes his escape, stealing one of the various Rolls Royce cars that is parked underneath a brilliantly-lit lamp. 

- 

Bucky keeps thinking about that line, about seeing him everywhere. 

He doesn’t know what it means. He describes Anthony Carbonell to a sketch artist, they ask around, and then there’s Friday. 

Friday. 

It’s the day everything becomes clearer and yet infinitely more complicated, because Anthony was right. 

Tony Stark is dedicated to a more “transparent’ image for his company. He’s stepped into the limelight, and all the attention is on him. Everyone in the world is stalking his every move. 

It’s smart. Bold and risky if any former clients have seen his face, although Bucky has no doubt that he has enough money to make sure they go away quietly. 

It means that he can’t be touched. For at least one year, maybe two. 

God, it’s smart. Be so well-known that even the secret agencies would be found if they even attempted to reach you. 

- 

Pepper thinks Tony is God’s Given Idiot. 

Arson probably would have been the better choice. It’s not like the building didn’t have insurance, and it’s not like the fire would have lasted for that long. 

Instead, Tony has decided to make himself internationally known and request a meeting with the guy who could have ended his career, and still could if he talked to the right people. 

-

Sam thinks knows that Bucky is God’s Given Idiot. 

He agrees to the fucking meeting. 

It’s a well-known, public restaurant. It means that Barnes is going to be well-known, or at least photographed from an angle that’s unflattering. 

He should’ve debated, should have fought for a secluded place, or at least somewhere on their turf. God, that would’ve been an iota smarter. 

- 

They both sit down. Peruse a menu that neither are interested in. 

Bucky is wondering what the procedure is on leftovers. And if he’s paying for his own bill in this. He was invited, but with everything going on, he’s not sure. 

Tony sits across from him. Tony, with a now-distinctive goatee, an easy elegance, and a satisfied look in his eyes. 

“You amaze me, James.” 

“Bucky.” 

“I refuse to call you that out of respect for humanity.” 

“I don’t answer to James.” 

“Then what about another nickname, hm?” Tony asks. 

“Like what?” 

“Take your pick. You could be honey, darling, or love. Or something more creative, although if it’s kinky, I’d like it in writing before I refer to you in public with that, so-” 

“James is fine.” 

“Knew it would be,” Tony says smugly. “So. Let’s talk about the fact that you know my dirty little secret.” 

“I wouldn’t call it ��little’, would you?” 

“It’s a hobby.” 

“Rich people steal shit as a hobby?” 

“Usually not with my methods, but yes,” Tony says. “They usually do it with the careful guidance of the IRS or some shit.” 

Bucky does a little laugh at that one. 

Their waiter comes out, jovially asks how their day is going. 

“Oh it’s going magnificently,” Tony says, peering up through violet-tinted glasses. “How is yours...Lincoln?” 

“Brilliant,” Lincoln responds with a large smile. “What can I get you to drink? Our seasonal cocktail is to die for, and if you’re not in the mood for a cocktail, the cider is simply divine...” 

It’s mundane conversation. 

Tony Stark is a thief who goes by (went by?) Anthony Carbonell, and he’s listening to Lincoln the Waiter talk about seasonal drinks and desserts. 

It’s kind of...grounding. Also odd. 

“And for you?” 

Bucky fumbles with the menu. 

“Uh...water? With lemon?” 

“Refreshingly good choice,” Lincoln says, grinning. “I’ll be right back with those, you two catch up on whatever you need to catch up.” 

Bucky nods, turning to Tony with an eyebrow raised. 

“So, what do we need to catch up on?” 

“Well for one, you need to use my name. It’s Tony, and I’m betting it sounds heavenly coming from you.” 

Bucky’s eyes widen a fraction. 

“Alright. Tony. What do you need to talk about?” 

“Keeping our little secret a secret.” 

“I’ve already told others about you.” 

“Who?” Tony asks sharply. 

Lincoln comes back with their drinks, asks if they need more time to decide. 

Bucky just goes for it and orders a plate of mini quiche-things that he’s not exactly sure he’ll like. Tony orders something with a perfect accent, because of course he does. 

“You do this often?” 

“Go out to eat? On special occasions, and every other Friday.” 

“Tell me what you want.” 

“Touchy, touchy,” Tony says, unfolding his napkin. “But I...have a deal for you.” 

“And why should I take it?” 

“Because it’s going to benefit SHIELD in the long-run,” Tony says. “And they’re all about benefits, if the rumors hold up against them.”

“And what rumors have you heard?” 

“I’ve heard plenty, although I seem to recall one about a flooded pipeline and a Broadway performance being improvised.” 

Bucky shakes his head. 

“Not true? Damn...” 

Tony looks around the restaurant before his eyes meet with the captivating ones across the table. 

“I have a secret identity. So do you.” 

“And we’re against each other, aren’t we?” 

“Only sometimes,” Tony says. “I essentially steal shit because it’s either random or has a purpose.” 

“And the miniature job you pulled was what, part of a scheme?” 

“Hell no,” Tony says. “A farmer in Montana wanted to see if I could do it because the face vaguely reminded him of his great-grandmother. I also, as a principle, try to steal as much shit from England as possible.” 

That’s funny, so he laughs. 

“And what do you want from me?” Bucky asks. 

“Oh my darling dearest, I want a lot of things from you,” Tony leers. “I only want one thing from SHIELD. I want them to keep my identity secret without any strings attached.” 

“It doesn’t work like that.” 

“I was hoping you wouldn’t say that.” 

“Well, it is what it is,” Bucky says. “I’m not gonna get you what you want, but I think you knew that. That’s why I’m out here dining with you, and I’ll be in the magazines for what, about a week?” 

“And notoriety for all time,” Tony says. “Your face is known, or at least on the internet. You should be prepared for people to ask you to model, by the way. God knows that you could kill it on the runway.” 

Bucky is amused. 

“Aw, you think?” 

“Of course I do. No one is gifted with that amount of shock in their eyes and goes on life being normal.” 

“My, how flattering you are,” Bucky says. 

Lincoln brings their food. Tells them that they can take their time, but there’s the bill. 

“You know who I need to talk to,” Tony says. 

“Maybe I do,” Bucky answers, evasive as possible. 

“I know you got hired for skills, but if it was for lying, then this is child’s play,” Tony says. 

Bucky rolls his eyes. 

“It wasn’t for lying. It was because if I was about two hundred feet away, I could shoot your right pupil out and you wouldn’t even know.” 

“You think I don’t have my own tech encircling the city?” 

“No,” Bucky answers. 

Tony stops sipping on his cider. 

“Explain yourself, blue-eyed wonder.” 

"Because if you’re found out, it destroys every single reputation you’re going to have to build from the start, and the climb to the top is too delicate for that.” 

Tony sits back. 

“I’m impressed.” 

“Don’t be,” Bucky says. “But you’re going to want to meet my boss. I’ll take you to him some time this week, if you need. Or he can meet you.” 

“I doubt he’ll be able to.” 

- 

Okay so maybe Tony shouldn’t have said that, because there is a man with an eye-patch and a truly impressive trench-coat sitting in his office chair. 

“If that’s supposed to be an intimidation tactic, that’s what I learned for my ninth birthday with dear ole’ dad,” Tony says. “Literally none of them work on me.” 

“Then change your ‘visitor’ chairs, they’re damn uncomfortable,” the man says. “My name is Director Fury.” 

“Any first name?” 

“None that you need to know. Barnes told me that you wanted to talk to me about a deal.” 

“I don’t do deals.” 

“And yet you run a business.” 

“Noted,” Tony says, leaning on the window. “So. I want to keep doing what I do, and I want you guys to butt out of it.” 

“And why would we do that?” 

“Because it’s technically only making rich people sad,” Tony says. “And the occasional museum, but oh well. And, I can easily make your life worse.” 

“You think I haven’t been threatened before?” 

“Oh I know you have, what with your sparkling personality and charm,” Tony says. “But I’m threatening the whole of SHIELD. I have been in the dark for a long time, Fury, and as much as you hate to admit it, you don’t know half of what I can do. 

The only thing people really know is that I’m a genius and so was my father, but nothing else. Neat, isn’t it?” 

Fury doesn’t say anything for a moment. 

“What’s your deal?” 

“Glad to know you know what I can do for you,” Tony says. “I can provide security and make sure that every single person has the latest technological updates. I have one stipulation: I get to make Barnes a new arm.” 

“That’s your only condition?” 

“Oh, you’ll be grateful it’s the only thing I’m asking for,” Tony says. “Believe me, I’ll still be annoying. I can promise you that.” 

Fury looks at him carefully. Tony Stark is still a mystery, although he seems to overestimate himself. Or how much Fury can actually see about people. 

“Why Barnes’ arm?” 

“Why not?” Tony asks. “After all, he deserves an arm that looks as nice as he does.” 

“No in-work relationships.” 

“Consider me not an employee,” Tony says. 

“Then you’re not on the payroll.” 

“I don’t have to be paid to get what I want to get,” he remarks. 

Fury gets up from the chair (he’ll make a note to Maria: he needs something like it soon) and gives Tony a pointed look at the doorway. 

“You sure about this?” 

Tony’s eyes gleam. 

“Are you sure you’re ready?” 

- 

Director Fury is not ready. Tony shows up in floral-printed shirts and makes sure to blast rock music wherever he goes, or worse, metal. 

Barnes has never had a good poker face, which is why he’s the sharpshooter. Damned man turns to goo whenever the billionaire struts onto their property. 

But he’s happy about his office chair. 

[mimymomo]

These Scars Tell Promises

Sequel! Sequel! Sequel! So, since I seem to be the Orphydice parent AU person in the Hadestown fandom, here’s the sequel to my first Orphydice story posted here. Also, no one beta-read this so...be prepared for some bad grammar.

“Okay, the first thing on our list is what Orpheus?” Eurydice asked, swinging hers and Miko’s entwined hands back and forth. An earlier competitive match of who could squeeze the other hand harder now at a standstill.

“Let me see,” Orpheus said, using one hand to fish in his pockets, the other holding their empty woven basket. After a few seconds, he draws out a crumpled piece of notebook paper. He placed the paper on his thigh and fruitlessly attempted to iron out some of its crinkles. He brought the list back to his face and began reading. “So, we need to buy clothes, a mat, a toothbrush, huh...I can’t read the rest.”

Eurydice gave Orpheus a look, “didn’t you write the list yourself?”

“Yes...”

Eurydice rolled her eyes and laughed at her husband’s endearing silliness. “It’s fine. We’ll just figure it out as we go along. Miko, you stay close to us, okay? It’s really busy here.”

The market is located in the middle of town. Years ago, when Eurydice had first arrived, the market barely existed- nothing more than one or two stalls selling half-decent goods at overblown prices. Desperate sellers trying to make a buck from desperate survivors. But, ever since the return of spring and the balance of seasons a few years prior, produce and trade had exploded, resulting in the market heavily expanding. Now stalls, tents, and pushcarts lined the streets and filled with not only fresh fruits and vegetables but livestock, clothes, jewelry, homemade goods, and everything under the sun. Sometimes, even live music would be played near the entrance. With a careful ear, the boisterous songs could be heard when walking through the maze of screaming business.

The family of three pushed their way through the crowd. They stopped at nearly every stall in an attempt to check some items off their list. With not much money to either of their names, the couple knew how to bargain down prices with owners- Eurydice with her seasoned haggling skills and Orpheus and his boyish charms, they were a force to be reckoned with (plus a reference to the Hadestown experience and be the reason for the return of spring usually got people to change their minds real quick. Orpheus hated using this tactic so it was only used for the direst of instances and when Orpheus wasn’t present).

Miko stood a few steps behind the two, whipping his head around to take in all the sights. He had been to the market before, usually staying close to the exits so he could beg for scraps or spare change. The one time he ventured further into the fray, he had gotten caught trying to steal some bread from a particular cruel vendor and got beaten as a punishment. Then, he met Euri. Miko was grateful for his new home with Euri and Orphe, away from the mean man and his wife. No more yelling and cursing, no more hits and slaps and painful bruises, no more running away in the middle of the night and begging on the streets. He was free.

Then, from the corner of his eye, he saw him. A chill went up up the young boy's spine. No, he couldn’t have been there, he never comes here. He always made Miko or his wife go, ‘too much work’ he would say. Yet, Miko could recognize that jacket anywhere- black and maroon flannel lined with a cream fleece interior. Miko felt his breathing hitch. He couldn’t catch a breath no matter how deeply he inhaled. The world was spinning, round and round and round. The noises of chattering townsfolk and hollering shop owners rang in his ears- it was too loud. He wanted it all to stop.

“Okay, I think that’s about everything,” Eurydice said, rearranging the contents in their basket. “Miko, are you okay?”

Miko glanced back up at Euri, wringing his fidgeting hands, “I, I thought I saw-” He turned back around, but the man was gone, no sight of that familiar red in the dense crowd. “I...I okay.”

“Are you sure? You’re shaking like a leaf?” she asked, a ribbon of concern lacing every word. Miko just shook his head, still partially out of it. Eurydice didn’t believe him but glanced over to her husband. She was new to this mom thing. She had no clue how to handle situations like this.

Orpheus shook his head. There was no need to push him, he’d open when he was ready. “Yeah, it’s kinda chilly out here, huh, Miko?”

“Huh? Uh, yeah, yeah it is.”

“I think Kimberly runs a hot apple cider stand just up that way.” Orpheus pointed in the direction back the way they came, “let’s go grab a cup, okay?” Miko nodded his head, and Orpheus smiled, running his hand over the boy’s dark hair and down the side of his face, “okay then.”

Eurydice grabbed Miko’s hand and squeezed it. Then they were off. Miko felt the uneasiness in his stomach begin to lighten, replaced with warm relief at only Euri’s strength, and Orphe’s hopeful air could give.

“There’s Kimberly’s stand,” Orpheus said. Kimerbely’s stand was nothing extravagant- three large pitchers, two see-through, the other sterling silver, were on top of a single table covered with a red tablecloth, covered by an awning. Lime green and orange juices filled the two clear pitchers, thin slices of oranges, and what looked to be lemons and limes were placed in the jars as well. That left the silver pitcher to be the one with the cinder. Stacks of wrapped cookies and fruit bars lined the right side of the table, and a small chalkboard with prices occupied the left. A sweet, fruity scent filled the air as they approached, drawing them in, their mouths watering. However, they didn’t seem to be the only people who craved a warm treat on a chilly afternoon. They were greeted to a line stretching back to the middle of the pathway, a good dozen people or so.

Once they reached a few feet from the stand, Eurydice dropped Miko’s hand to pull out money from her satchel. “Okay, let’s see, where exactly does this line start?” Eurydice searched while Orpheus stood on his toes to catch a peek at the price board, both their backs turned to Miko. With both of them distracted, they failed to stop what happened next.

Miko felt a harsh tug and the back of his hood, forcing him to backpedal. Before he could scream, a grimy hand slipped over his mouth. 

“Well, well, well.”

 Miko froze. ‘No, no, no, no,’ he repeated his mantra of pleads his head, slowly turning around and was met with his worst nightmare: his father.

He was wearing the flannel jacket, covered in various colored stains from years of inadequate care, and a dirty black cap, the one he always wore when going out. It pushed back his greasy brown locks while hiding his menacing blue eyes under the brim. He removed his hand, “so, this is where you ran off to.”

Miko slowly stepped back, but his father continued to loom over ahead, his large frame casting a dark shadow over Miko, blocking any light. “Me and the wife have been looking for you.” Miko hardly believed that- his father only cared about him when he was useful, which wasn’t very often in his eyes. And his wife was probably passed out at the table, buzzed out of her mind from all the “juice” she’s consumed. His “parents” weren’t the type to go and gather a search party at the prospect of his disappearance.

“It don’t matter now. You’re back. Come on we’re going home.”

Miko shook his head, “no.”

His father began to scowl, eyes as pointed as freshly sharpened daggers. “What the hell you just say to me?”

Miko felt his little remaining confidence began to waver like someone had begun chipping away pieces of his armor. But he stood his ground, “not going.”

Ablaze of fury lit inside his father's eyes. The monster had unleashed, and he wasn’t happy. He reached out with his filthy fingers and coiled them around Miko’s arm. And with a forceful tug, he drew the boy close. He bent down, face to face with Miko, the strong stench of booze stinging the little boy's nose. “I didn’t fucking ask you what you wanted. Get your ass in gear, and let’s move!”

…

The line was much shorter than they thought, the group the dozen or so individuals all left at the same time which, left Orpheus and Eurydice next.

“Hey, long time no see,” Kimberly said, her eyes and smile bright as usual. “Let me guess, two hot ciders?”

“Actually, make that three ciders please,” Orpheus corrected politely.

“Three?” Kimberly asked puzzled. She glanced at the couple, “are one of you planning on drinkin’ two cups?”

“No, it’s for…” Eurydice spun around to see the spot next to her was vacant. No blue sweatshirt, no dark curly hair, no small boy, no Miko. “Miko? Miko? Miko!” Eurydice turned to Orpheus, “where’s Miko?”

Orpheus’ eyes widened and he began to search for Miko as well, “I, I don’t know. He was just right here! Miko!”

“Miko? Miko!”

The couple felt themselves start to panic. Eurydice frantically spun in circles looking in every direction for the young boy whole Orpheus scanned above the crowd. But they both were coming up completely empty until Orpheus saw a familiar hoodie in the distance.

“There! I see him!”

“Well then let’s go!” The two took off, completely forgetting about Kimberly and their ciders. They had their boy to get back.

…

He was pulling too hard, Miko’s wrist on fire from his grip. His father led him in the direction of the exit opposite of where he, Eurydice, and Orpheus had entered. He bumped into people’s legs with his shoulders and stepped on other's toes. People scoffed and yelled, but his father didn’t even bat an eye. Miko yanked his arm as hard as he could, again and again, and again. But, it didn’t matter, the older man was way too strong.

Just as Miko began to embrace his fate, he heard his name being called in the far distance.

“Miko! Miko!”

“Hey, stop!”

Eurydice and Orpheus.

“The hell…” his father spit, forcefully maneuvering himself and Miko through the crowd and into a dark, shady alley. While trying to escape the view of onlookers, the hammered man tripped over a piece of debris, loosening his grip. Miko slipped away his wrist and turned to run. However, his plan was quickly thwarted by his father, who took ahold of his hood and jerked him back, cutting off his airway for a short second. Miko gasped and coughed, falling to his knees from the shock of being choked, even if it was just for a short period. His father took him by the hood again and brought the boy up in the air, the tips of his feet just barely touching the ground. “The hell stunt you tryin’ to pull boy?” he growled.

Miko struggled to breathe, the cotton fabric of his hoodie pushing against his throat. He was getting dizzy and light-headed. He wanted his Euri and Orphe.

“Miko!”

Miko, twisted his head to see Eurydice and Orpheus running in his direction. “Eu..ri,” he slurred, his voice still raspy and sore from the constant pulling of his hood.

His father addressed the young couple, “just who the hell are you people?”

“Give is our kid back,” Eurydice snarled, not bothering to dignify the man with a proper response to his question.

The man cackled, “your kid?” He sauntered over to the young woman, cockiness oozing through each footstep. “You sure as hell don’t look that whore I banged a few years back. Who left that, leech,” he spat as if poison on his tongue, “on my porch, claiming that was my kid. Forcing me to look after that ingrate. So, no girly, that ain’t your kid.”

Eurydice’s fingers balled into a tight fist, blood pounding in her ears. She knew she needed to keep her composure, but it was a losing battle. She took a deep breath closing her eyes, “well, I know damn well that we’d be better parents than you could ever dream of being. And that Miko would much rather come home with us.”

“That brat doesn’t know what he wants!”

“Yes, I do,” Miko said, running to stand between his father and Eurydice. “I want Euri and Orphe!” The man sent a quick slap to Miko’s face, the sound echoing in the deserted alley.

Eurydice felt something snap inside her, and without fully realizing it, she impulsively punched the man in front of her.

A brawl broke out between the two. The man may be twice her size, but Eurydice was quicker on her feet. She had been in plenty of fights in her life, mostly in bars or beds, and usually with men like Miko’s supposed father: sloppy drunk.

All of a sudden, Miko felt his body get scooped up and wrapped in a tight embrace. “Orphe!” he wailed, burrowing his head against Orpheus’ warm skin, violent sobs wracking his tiny body. Orpheus cradled the back of Miko’s head into the crook of his neck, wanting to shield the boy from the fighting in front of them. 

“Shh, shhh, I’ve got you, Miko,” Orpheus cooed, bobbing his body up and down in an attempt to soothe the frantic child, “we’re here. Everything is fine.”

Eurydice continued her assault on the older man, venting all her wrath through the sharp, snappy attacks of her fist. The sound of heavy punches and kicks hitting tough skin and pained grunts and moans sang throughout the alleyway.

“Fine,” the man yelled, pulling away from Eurydice, his lip busted and bleeding and nose unnaturally crooked. “If you want that little shit so badly, take him. He ain’t worth any of this!” He hurled venous insults at the family as he staggered away, the sight of his limping body disappearing in the sea of people.

Eurydice pulled herself to her feet, spitting a mix of blood and dirt from her mouth onto the grimy pavement. After adjusting her rumpled dress and with a quick swipe at her nose, she spun around to face Orpheus and Miko. Suddenly, as if someone had flipped a switch, all the anger vanished from Eurydice’s eyes, replaced with a look of alarm. “Miko! Oh, honey, are you okay?” 

Miko timidly lifted his head from Orpheus’ shoulder and was greeted by an unholy sight. Eurydice was sporting a jagged cut on her forehead, puffy, and covered in muck. Her left eye was swollen shut. A dark mark that most certainly would bruise rested on her cheek. And blood pooled from her nose, dripping crimson droplets onto her now ripped dress.

    Miko’s face scrunched up in agony, his chin trembling, “Euri! Euri, I sorry! I sorry Euri! I so sorry!”

“Oh, Miko,” Eurydice cried, urgency bleeding through her words, as she sped over the boy. She placed her hands on Miko’s wet cheeks, gently avoiding the red welts of an imprinted hand. Orpheus gasped at how raw and bruised her knuckles were. But Eurydice paid no mind to her pain, completely centering her focus on the weeping child in her husband’s arms. “Miko. No, no, Miko, don’t apologize, this isn’t your fault.”

“No! Euri hurt! Euri hurt, and it’s all my fault!” Miko was hysterical, the dam holding back his tears had decimated. Soon his words were lost in a slurry of blubbering tears and slobbery sniffles.

“No, no, Miko, that’s not true. Right, Orpheus? Orpheus...” Eurydice trailed off taking a good look at her husband. 

His eyes were red and glassy from trying to hold back tears, his body oddly jerking. He looked so pained and lost, like a young child, like Miko.

Eurydice frowned, she didn’t realize how worried not only Miko would be, but Orpheus as well. She felt exhausted, her body aching. Silently, amidst her tears, she pulled the two boys into her arms, her fingers curling into the hair on the back of their heads. The boys quickly followed suit, Miko dipping his head into Eurydice’s neck, Orpheus wrapping his one empty arm around his wife’s back. They hugged and hugged tight until not an inch of space was left between them, the air unbelievably hot. The three stayed there in the alley weeping for who knows how long. Noises from the bustling market just a few steps away faded to nothing, static in the ears. The pungent smell of putrid produce and rotting meat wafted through the air around them, but none of them cared. They just held each other close, and listened to their muffled cries, mumbled apologies, pounding heartbeats, and shaky breaths.

Eurydice was the first to pull back, eyes shifting back and forth, from Miko to Orpheus, Orpheus to Miko. The young boy had stopped his stopping crying, heavy sobs, exchanged for soft hiccups.

“Miko, Miko, listen to me,” Eurydice said, her voice stern yet brimming with love. “You listening?” He nodded his head. “This was not your fault. None of it, absolutely none. You hear me?”

Miko shook his head, “but-”

“No buts,” Eurydice said fiercely, burning brown eyes locked with teal green. She needed him to hear her, understand what she was saying. She couldn’t let him continue to blame himself and living with undeserved guilt. “This, all of what happened here, wasn’t your fault. You are not in trouble for any of this.”

Miko sniffled once more, “but you got hurt…”

“I’ll be just fine,” Eurydice smiled, brushing dark locks out of Miko’s face. “Cuts and wounds heal and fade away. Some may become scars that stay, but even those, in turn, heal. And each scar tells a story, some pleasant, some painful.” She stares into shimmering teal irises. “And these scars I have here,” she points to the cut on her forehead and the scratches littering her face, “are tales of promises. Promises that I will always, always, protect you. From any harm or any danger. Okay?”

Eurydice didn’t know where these words were coming from, but she had a strong suspicion. After years together, her poet was rubbing off on her. All his constant promises of love and stability and a brighter future, his quiet affirmations on her darkest days that light was still there, and things would get better his loyalty and faith. Eurydice knew the power of true love and promises, and she wanted to share that with the other most important person in her life. She may have only known the boy for a little over a day, but she couldn’t imagine her life without him or Orpheus in it. When she fell, she fell hard fast. 

The young boy rubbed his nose, “okay, Euri.”

“Can you smile for me?” she asked, yet Miko continued to frown. “Ahh come on, can I get one smile please?” He gave her a weak, uneasy smile. “Nope, that won’t do. I need a real, big smile. I guess I’m just gonna have to...tickle you for it!” Eurydice wiggled her fingers on Miko’s tummy, causing him to laugh, a wide grin spilling over his lips.

“Euri!” Miko screamed through giggles.

Eurydice abandoned her assault, “there, perfect.” She leaned over a placed a quick kiss on his flushed cheek before turning to face Orpheus. “Lover, why are you crying? You and I both know I’ve been through much worse.”

Orpheus didn’t respond. Instead, he reached out to cup Eurydice’s cheek. Smeared blood stained his calloused hands, still sticky and faintly warm. Hazel eyes dimmed, fingertips running light circles over red bruises. He could’ve stopped this. He should’ve stopped this. What kind of husband just stands and watches his wife take on a man double her size? A bad one.

Eurydice, as if she could read his mind, shook her head, “you couldn’t have done anything, Lover.”

“I could’ve helped you,” he said lowly.

“You did. You protected Miko and kept him safe. That helped me more than any punch.”

Orpheus lifted her busted hands to his face, placing feathery kisses over each knuckle. His lips the best medicine she could ask for. Next, he moved to her cheeks, then her temples, and nose, careful not to apply too much pressure, and finally her lips.

“Yuck,” Miko gagged, sticking his tongue out and closing his eyes.

The two pulled away and glanced over at their boy. “Yuck? What do you mean ‘yuck’?” Eurydice asked, feigning offense. She began kissing all over Miko’s face, Orpheus joining in as well.

“Ahhh, no,” he shrieked, squirming in Orpheus’ arms.

With a final kiss, Eurydice backed away, “alright, you two, ready to head home?”

Orpheus sighed, “yes, please.”

Miko grinned, “home!”

The three made their way out of the darkened alley and back onto the main road. The sun was setting over the horizon; the sky tinted an array of oranges and purples. The once crowded street was now nearly desolate. Men and women, and others were busy wrapping up and shutting down their stalls.

“I guess the market is closing up,” Orpheus concluded as they continued their walk.

As they reached the entrance, Miko spoke up, "hey Orphe?”

“Yes, Miko?”

“Where’s the basket?”

Orpheus furrowed his brows. “What basket?” he asked, puzzled.

“You and Euri’s.”

Oh, their grocery basket! “Oh, that’s right…” Wait, where did they put it at?

Suddenly, Orpheus froze in his spot.

“Orpheus?” Eurydice asked, confusion plaguing her expression.

“Eurydice.”

“Yes?”

“We left the grocery basket in the alley…”

“...shit.”       

[thesaltoforion]

Not a Monster

[Diana x Brynn]

[AU where Diana works at an archery arena and hunts monsters in her spare time. Brynn is still half valkyrie but nobody actually knows about her ancestry. She lives on earth so she can learn more about humans.]

------------

The employee at the archery arena leans against the wall behind the register. She holds an open book in one hand and an apple in the other. She takes another bite out of the half-eaten fruit and turns the page. In gold letters, the hard cover reads The Odds and Ends of Monster Anatomy: A Pocket Encyclopedia for the Expert Hunter or Huntress. It was a gift to herself, along with a new model of night vision goggles. The copper name plate on her work-issued black shirt says Diana. Several scratches lie across the plate and the corners have worn down to a dull silver.  

Diana listens to the children shrieking in the party room. She smirks as she hears strands of her co-worker’s voice. It seems the parents won’t discipline the rowdy kids so poor James has to do it himself. She feels bad but not enough to trade spots with him. She’s not on break but nobody’s lining up to register or pay for gear so she’s taking advantage of the situation.

The glass doors swing open and a group of people drone in. Diana judges that, based on the attire, they’re here for a company function. Many of them carry duffel bags or backpacks – probably filled with athletic clothing. She looks bemused. Most of those clothes probably haven’t been used in a while. She opens the ledger sheet on the computer.  She sees the entry for the birthday party and under that, she reads: Bee9 Solutions – 13:00, company package, 17 persons.

She tosses the rest of her apple into the bin under the counter and closer her book. Seventeen employees, all of them probably fed up with each other and annoyed at their boss, she smiles professionally, they’re going to eviscerate themselves.

A man approaches the counter. He has a chiselled beard and thinning hair. The suit he wears looks expensive. She registers his party and he shoves a business card under her nose. Politely, Diana pretends to tuck it into her pocket. She drops it in the waste bin when he looks away.

She leads them to the locker rooms and rounds them up to the armory once they’ve changed. She spells out the safety rules and shows them how to put the safety gear on. She watches as they fit arm guards and chest plates around their bodies. A cute, blond, lady catches Diana’s eye. Dozens of braids weave up her head and into a tight side bun. Diana muses over the intricacy of it. Must’ve taken her hours. Does she have to be so extra?

After issuing the bows and quivers of arrows, Diana address the large group.

“If you need anything come back to the armory. Look for someone in a shirt like mine – you can’t miss it, there are white targets printed on the back and the front of each shirt. I’ll be up in the arena rafters, reffing and watching for foul play. Have fun, kiddos.” She leaves just as Kayla arrives to open the arena doors. After a quick elevator ride, Diana steps out above the arena. The “rafters” is just one large platform that circles the arena. Two bridges intersect in the center, connecting the halfway points of the platform. They do a quick training with Kayla before she sets off the countdown on the large score board.

Diana watches with mild interest. The office drones handle the equipment better than she expected but their skills are dismal at best. Still, the insults they scream at each other are enough to entertain. She catches sight of the blond from earlier. Her braids catch the arena lights as she weaves between the obstacles. Diana leans against the metal railing and watches. This lady moves like she has wings on her back – her feet barely touch the ground. She nails most of her shots with compelling accuracy. Diana figures she must have prior training. She watches for the rest of the hour.

They regroup in the armory and Diana wanders among the employees, offering help with the armor. Casually, she makes her way over to the blond. If she wasn’t going to get a number, Diana at least wanted a name.

“Need any help?” She starts, lamely.

“That is kind of you.” The lady smiles, “I have enough practice to do it on my own.” She rips the Velcro apart on her arm guard. Her tone pitches high but not in a grating way. It pitches in a regal way – the sort of way that makes one shut up, sit and listen.

“It seemed like that. You’re pretty good, for an office drone. Almost as good as me.”

“My performance was lacking. I was trying to keep things fair for the other team.”

“Careful, they might hear you. What’s your name?”

“Brynn.”

“Brynn.” She hums. The name rolls off the tongue like butter. “Where do you usually do archery?”

“Sometimes the forest behind my apartment. In all honestly, I’m more prone to axe throwing.”

Diana gives her a once over. It’s questionable but Brynn certainly has the biceps of an axe-thrower. “You should try practicing in our complex. We have the newest equipment from this season and you won’t find prices like ours at other arenas.” Diana pulls a business card out of her pocket and holds it out between two fingers. “Besides, you’ll get to see this pretty face every time you walk in.”

Brynn takes the card from Diana. On the front is the name, phone number, email and fax number for the arena. On the back is Diana’s cell number. She has more of these cards, for specific situations such as this one. She raises a thin, blond brow, “It’s a little forward of you.”

“I’d hardly consider this forward. If it’s forward that you want, I can show you forward.”

Brynn’s eyes dart back to the small card, “I think I’ll pass. Perhaps I’ll send you a text tonight. It wouldn’t be too much trouble to get an employee discount?”

“None at all.” Diana smiles easily.

---------------

Brynn glides in through the automatic doors the next Tuesday. She wears a peach button down that tucks neatly into a navy pencil skirt. Her black pumps click against the linoleum. She’s already put her hair up in a tight bun. She’s made fewer braids this time but it’s still very intricate.

Diana stands behind the register and pretends to read. There’s a small, flat mirror concealed in the pages of her book. She checks the state of her double winged liner before she closes the book and puts it on the shelf under the counter. She watches Brynn click across the floor and envies the employees in her department.

Diana makes her way around the counter and takes Brynn to the locker room. They make small talk and ask about each other’s day.  

“How do you do your hair like that?” Diana asks as they put on the armor.

“Magic.” Brynn answers, distracted with the straps on the chest plate. Diana decides that Brynn must be joking. The get their weapons and settle into the arena. Everyone’s gone home for the day. The score board remains dark, but Diana keeps track in her head.

Diana lets Brynn play man hunt for a while. She keeps hidden behind barriers and obstacles. She uses the tactic in competitions and, more frequently, on monsters. Eventually, the impatience wears on their higher-level thinking and they start to take riskier attacks. Brynn’s arrows nearly nick Diana a few times.

After ten minutes, she steals herself and loads her first arrow. She runs from the barrier and catches Brynn by surprise. The arrow leaves her fingers and the string reverberates through the bow. It heads straight for Brynn’s shoulder.

The arrow never hits its mark.

“Huh?” She’s not sure what went wrong. Brynn loads another arrow and the rubber head catches Diana’s side. The chase continues. Diana gets a chance to tie up the score. She misses again and this time she can see the way the arrow drifts slightly to the left, like something unseen diverts its course. By the end of the hour, she manages to score two hits. Brynn, despite the obvious advantage, only manages to land three arrows.

“Say… how did you get into archery?” Diana asks as they strip their armor. She doesn’t really listen as Brynn describes a sunny village and her fierce aunt. She watches the way Brynn removes the chest plate. The Velcro parts but her fingers barely clutch and pull at the straps. Her muscles flex in odd patterns and Diana notices fangs in her smile.

“Magic.” She remembers Brynn’s voice, powerful and uninterested. Fuck. Now you’ve done it. You’ve seduced a monster, Diana concludes. What even is she? Vamp? Fae?

“Diana, are you alright? You look a little pale.” They’ve moved into the locker room and Brynn is back in her skirt. “Did you drink enough water?” Her concern makes Diana’s heart skip.

The monster seduced you, more like.

“What? Oh, no, I’m fine, thanks.” She puts on a smile, “I realized that I … didn’t pay my cable bills this month.”

“Be thankful it wasn’t your credit balance.” Brynn closes the locker and Diana follows her out, shutting the lights on her way. “Do you have anything else going on tonight?” Brynn asks as Diana locks up.

Stakeout at a graveyard, she doesn’t say. “Thinking of you, probably.” Diana winks instead. Her mouth feels dry.

“Why don’t I take you axe throwing next week? My treat.”

“Sounds like an axe-cellent idea. I’m super axe-cited.” Diana imagines the way Brynn might lodge an axe into the thick bark of an ancient tree. She shivers pleasantly.

Brynn’s giggle delights Diana’s ears. “Great.”

Maybe she isn’t even a monster. She could be a different mystical being. Or a hybrid – hybrids aren’t technically monsters.

“Yeah… I’ll text you tomorrow.”

“Of course. Good night, Diana.” She gazes under her lashes at Diana. 

“Good night.” Diana nods. She walks briskly to her red Toyota Yaris.

She can’t stop thinking of Brynn’s smile and the way the moon glittered against those pretty fangs. 

- Fin.

Requested by @onetrickdiana for that writing prompt post. Hope you like it :)

Sorry in advance for any spelling and grammar errors.

[sieben9]

“only you”/“an untold story” impressions

{Quick request to anyone reading: I’m watching OUaT for the first time, and I want to avoid spoilers. So, if you want to discuss something spoilery, I’d be grateful if you could start a new post for that. Thank you!}

Yes, both in one post. Mostly because I watched them in one go. And because they’re really just one long story, anyways.

please feel free to insert your own episode-relevant pun here

Before I get into anything else: NO MORE UNDERWORLD LIGHTING! I’d almost forgotten how much that stupid red filter bothered me, until I didn’t have to stare at it while going through my screenshots. Dobby is freeeee~

Anyways, to my intense surprise, especially after the mess that was “Last Rites”, I really liked this finale! Not as a season-finale, because it wasn’t, but it was a very solid, fun two-parter that feels like it should have aired halfway through the hiatus between seasons. (I have Opinions™ on the “season finale followed by a mostly-unrelated epilogue/setup for the next season” format, and not one of them is positive.) The setup for the next season did get me cautiously excited, though. Not quite the “holy crap, I have to watch that!” of the s4 finale, but still good.

Just for clarity’s sake: I will be referring to this two-parter as one episode, just for ease of conversation. I have not slept this weekend, and I refuse to juggle grammar.

OK, just so I have it out of my system:

Gay roadtrip!

“i know we spent the last ten episodes getting my boyfriend back from the dead, but there isn’t room for four in the bug, so bye!” — emma swan, apparently

My joyful little shipper heart aside, the Emma/Regina bits in this episode were just fantastic. From their little heart-to-heart about Regina missing Robin (and Emma actually properly empathising this time) to the oddly even more personal topic of Regina’s constant battle with her “evil” side, it was all that I might have wanted and more.

The scene also left me with a weird feeling, because on the one hand, sure, it’s hard to constantly have to censor a part of yourself in order to be accepted in the company of the people you love (and who love you), but on the other hand… if that part of yourself has “kill it with fire” as the first response to any and all annoyances, maybe, just maybe, that’s something that you should censor. That said, Regina, you should definitely make an appointment with Archie. That sounds like his cup of preferred beverage.

And now to maybe my least favourite part of the episode, so we get it over with… the actual “main” plot. Or the excuse plot, as I will call it, because, really, the whole “Henry destroys magic” thing never really felt like a credible threat. It was more something to get everyone into motion so they could do the actually interesting stuff.

Don’t get me wrong, Henry snapping after losing yet another person—even by proxy through his mother—is perfectly understandable and realistic. That he’d turn his anger on magic as a whole isn’t exactly out of left field, either. He’s done this before, after all. At least this time, he didn’t try to blow up the magic well. I like that well, recent drama notwithstanding.

instead, we get the reverse-cornucopia of magic, apparently

But the plotline itself seemed far too rushed and low-energy to really grab my attention. And the resolution was… ::sigh:: there’s a dilemma for me, here, because I unabashedly love cheesy “The Power Is In You” moments, and the scene at the well did hit that button. It just felt unearned, which is why I couldn’t really enjoy it. (Also, I don’t know what New Yorkers are like, but I know how people from around here would have reacted to a performance act like that. Ah, well. Never Mind All That.)

the real magic was convincing so many people to throw away their spare change

I don’t even know what to say about the Dragon cameo. Nice to see he’s not dead, after all, but everything else in that scene... Nick, if you’d be so kind?

OK, that’s over with. Luke-warm excuse plot with some nice elements to it. I’m not sure if Violet needed to be in this, but I guess Henry needed someone to talk to.

Just as a pick-me-up, I want to give a shoutout to one of the best-executed bits of comedy on this show so far:

“Guy on the third floor is involved in some kind of satanistic ritual and dumped his food on the floor. Pretty polite and tips well, though. 8/10”

Just… very good performance and comedic timing on both parts. I liked it.

Aaaaand over to the “they got sucked through a portal. Again.” part of the episode.

ah, zeppelins; the easiest shorthand for “alternate universe” there ever was

I do kind of like the sound of the Land of Untold Stories and I really, really hope this gets a little more fleshed out in the coming season. How do people end up there when they’re not sucked through Yet Another Portal Accident? Is this what happens to all stories that haven’t been written down by an Author, yet? Is Harry Potter in there somewhere?

So many questions, so little screentime… I’m not sure if I would have liked 8 episodes of stumbling around in this new world, but I would have liked to find out if I did. …listen, it made sense in my head.

This plotline included what is probably my biggest complaint about the writing this episode: Snow selling out Belle. Just… with little to no hesitation. Which is why blaming the writing and not her. If this was supposed to be some kind of big, dramatic moral dilemma, I expect we’d have seen at least some semblance of guilt on her part. Instead, she just told this clearly violent individual about the defenceless, sleeping-cursed pregnant woman within nanoseconds of him threatening Hook. I know Snow’s characterisation has been a bit inconsistent recently, but come on. This isn’t her, and I am disappointed that the show even tried to sell this to me.

And I think I would have believed the version where Snow just blurts out the information about Belle and later feels awful, because holy crap, how could she? (There’s… some precedent for poor judgment on Snow’s part when it comes to sharing information, after all.) But this wasn’t even a Thing for her. I just… ::frustrated noises:: why, show?

So, yeah, the Bad Guy kidnaps Belle. Well done, there. By the way, wasn’t it incredibly difficult at some point to make portals to the Land Without Magic? I get why portalling to Storybrooke would be easier—it’s got magic, after all. But hotel room 318, New York? I guess you could argue that the crystal brought the magic along, but still.

i giggled at this bit, i’m afraid. fellow cat owners will understand.

So, I’m not sure what the “intended” reading here is, but I find it interesting that Rumple seems to understand himself so much less than Hyde apparently does (prediction: they totally know each other; mostly because Rumple knows everyone—guy gets around…) So he went to protect the magic crystal, because what else would the thundering teleport-vortex of doom have come to steal? As has been noted before, Rumple doesn’t really go after people through their loved ones, with one very recent exception, and he had to ask his dad for help to come up with that one. The idea that someone would kidnap Belle to get whatever the hell they want from him, doesn’t seem to occur, even though it has happened multiple times, already. Just… maybe you should have kept that box in your coat pocket, my friend.

Yeah… this is sure going to be fun, I can already tell. What does Hyde want with Storybrooke, anyway? It’s been established that it has one of the least-fun-to-rule populations, and everyone and their dog has magic. Seems like a bad pick, overall.

You do you, though.

And from Jekyll and Hyde, we finally come to this…

that still looks so very unpleasant.

I’m… ambivalent about the personality split, and I really want to wait and see how it turns out. Clearly, this is a good way to have the Evil Queen around again without also having to sacrifice Regina’s redemption arc, which I’m grateful for, believe me. It’s bad enough to have one of my faves on a redemption-yoyo—no need to add a second one.

is it bad that i missed her?

OK, look I’ve seen this Star Trek episode. Ten bucks that it turns out the Evil Queen isn’t “just” Regina’s evil side, she also got many of her more forceful, but overall positive character traits, and both are less without the other, leading to them re-fusing or something. (Yes, wrong fandom. So sue me.)

…obviously, I’m willing to be surprised, but I like this version a lot more than the idea that you can just siphon out the “evil” parts of yourself. (Even Hyde wasn’t really Jekyll’s “evil” side—just the collection of his socially unacceptable traits made flesh. I only read an abridged version of that book, and that a while ago, but Jekyll still seemed like a bit of an ass to me.)

While we’re here: shoutout to Snow and her flask of cocoa-fortifier. That got a surprised (and amused) laugh out of me.

Also, do we want to talk about whether or not it’s healthy to be so at odds with a part of yourself that you think killing it is the best way to deal with it or…? ‘cause, honestly, I would like to talk about that. Seems like Regina is a lot less OK than she’d like others and herself to think…

yeah, that’s not a “finally i’m free!” face

So, cautiously optimistic about s6 so far. The villains definitely seem interesting, and this episode was a good reminder of what I liked about the character dynamic in the first place.

An addendum about 5B:

Goddamn, but this season dragged. There seems to be simultaneously too much plot for too little time and not enough plot to fill ten episodes. This is probably based in my personal biases for and against certain characters (and the fact that I was insanely busy and couldn’t watch the season all in one go), but… yeah, I’m kind of relieved it’s over, to be honest.

[five-hour-anxiety]

CREEPY HAUNTED HOUSE TOUR: DON'T FOLLOW US IN 👻💀👽😦😈 | The Theory of Real-Activity | LOGAN FOUND A BODY YOU GUYS

@zerogettie  @spacevirgil  @tree4life25 @thebiggestnaturaldisaster@pailettehazel @jordandobbertin @thecityofthefireflies @the-fabulous-kimball @azuranightsong @virmillion @erlenmeyertrash @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch  @the-sanders-sides @punch-you-with-friendship @captaincantatrice @clovenpinetree @jughead-is-canonically-aroace @aplaceinthevoid @zennyo

Word Count: 4500

Warnings: panic attacks, arguments, haunted houses, talk of demons

Pairing: platonic analogical

Summary: Logan and Virgil run a vlog together, and have decided to film in a haunted house.

“Virgil, for the last time, ghosts aren’t real.”

“Yes, I know that! You know that! Roman and Patton don’t, though, so we need to go ‘ghost hunting’ to prove it once and for all!”

 “I understand where you are coming from, but do we really need to do this? There must be a better approach to the issue – one that will not cost as much and save us the tour of a condemned building.”

 “Oh, that’s hilarious – you think I want to step foot in there? My anxiety is spiked at the thought of what could go wrong on the way out there, much less once we actually go in.” Virgil sighed and ran his hands down his face. His grape colored bangs fell back into place, and he blew on them in an annoyed manner. “Unfortunately, Roman has access to our Twitter and already made a poll.”

  “You mean to tell me-”

 “Yep. The people want a ghost busting episode.”

 “Why on Earth did I give him the password for the account? What was I thinking?” Logan brought his tie up to his mouth, and Virgil strained to hear the muffled curses over the mouthful of cotton.

“Roman basically just challenged you to a giant game of chicken – a public one, and are you really gonna let him win that easy?”

 “Grammar, Virgil, but you have a point. I cannot let that day-dreaming ditz best me. Clear your weekend schedule, we are going on a… what did you call it? Spirit pursuit?”

 “Okay, first – I have no weekend plans as that would require having more than three friends, and two – it’s a ghost hunt so unless you want me to meme the shit out of you again, never call this a spirit pursuit again.”

 “Oh, please, our audience does not need another joke – it’s bad enough you got everyone and their cousin to call the video blog ‘The Theory of Real-Activity” instead of its official name.”

  “Look, that’s better than ‘VirgeofDiscovery’, and it’s a vlog Logan stop trying to sound smart for once in your life.”

***

“I think that I saw this on Buzzfeed Unsolved, once. Just put the flashlight down and ask… something… to turn it on.”

“You know this won’t work, right?” The camera’s mic picks up Logan, who was exploring another room. “And it’s Buzzfeed, why were you watching that garbage?”

“Because I love Shane Madej, the only perfect human.” The camera swings upward so that we see Virgil’s face, and he points at the lens. “You can all quote me on that – make sure he knows that Virge from The Theory of Real-Activity loves his work.”

“Oh my God, Virgil, are you using our video blog in a sad attempt to get your internet crush to notice you?”

 “I-No! It’s a squish! And stop calling it a video blog!”

“If I were as childish as Patton, I would begin to sing one of those schoolyard chants about you and Mr. Madej sitting in a tree.”

“Well, gee, thanks for-”

“I am going to rap it instead.”

 “LOGAN, I SWEAR TO GOD.”

“Virgil and Shane, sitting in-” The camera stops recording.

***

 “Alright, do we have everything we need? My bag has a portable charger, extra batteries, and some water bottles as well as the camera I plan to use.”

“I have the salt.”

 “Virgil, didn’t we agree that ghosts aren’t real?”

 “Yes, but you can never be too safe. Besides – Patton wouldn’t let me leave without it, so now we have a pound of salt.” Virgil shook it around and shimmied. Logan groaned, and reached for the other’s bag, looking to see if anything else was in there.

 “Oh, I see you have a first aid kit – that’s a good addition. You also have the snacks, flashlights, and a camera but I don’t see your stress ball? Are you sure you wish to go without?”

“No worries, man, I got it in the car.”

“Why is it in your car?”

 “Roman had to drive me to my therapy session, and the chariot-”

 “You mean that disgusting minivan?”

 “Yeah, the chariot. Anyway, I have it in there because Roman was driving.”

Logan frowned at the thought, knowing that the man often bragged about having a lead foot while driving. Virgil just shrugged and hoisted his bag over his shoulder, shaking the salt container as he went out the door.

 “Hey, we both made it to the office in one piece, it’s all good. Moving on, we should probably do the intro before we leave the house. Get at least one shot with decent lighting.”

“Ah, yes, that is a good idea – do you wish to hold the camera or should I?” Logan locked the door behind him, making sure the spare key hadn’t been moved in case he misplaced his set.

“I’ll film, whenever you try to do anything in selfie mode you trim off half our heads.” Virgil threw his bag in the trunk and moved over to the passenger side door.

 “Why is it whenever we go anywhere in i car you refuse to drive, Virgil?”

 “If you didn’t leave your car at the university this weekend, we would’ve taken yours. And driving makes me anxious.”

 “Then why do you own a car?” It was a question Logan asked frequently, and never got a satisfying answer to.

 “I have a car because I’m too lazy to skateboard everywhere.”

  Logan rolled his eyes, and slipped into the car, taking the keys from the lanky man. He tied his hair back into a ponytail and motioned to Virgil to start filming.

 “Sup everyone, we still need an official video intro so keep sending in ideas. And I’m sure that you read the title, so y’all know we’re going on a ghost hunt today.”

 “Please, Virgil, don’t make it a clickbait title. Please don’t hurt me like that.”

 “I do what I want, nerd.” Logan groaned and started the engine as Virgil continued to talk, only interrupting to correct the brand name and to offer his stance when Virgil asked if he believed in ghosts. Despite his easy tone, though, Virgil seemed tense and his shoulders were drawn up close.

 The drive was by no means a long one, but by the time they finally reached the old house, Virgil had somehow managed to go through his entire playlist, having skipped each song after one or two measures. Logan found it annoying but said nothing, as he could see Virgil gripping his stress ball out of the corner of his eye.

This wouldn’t end well.

***

 “Logan, Logan it turned the flashlight on please, please tell me there’s a logical explanation for that!”

“I don’t know! Maybe it’s a faulty battery, or… or the switch isn’t fully on so it’s flipping between its off and on mode!”

 “OH MY GOD IT’S MOVING!”

 There’s a high-pitched scream, and the sound of footsteps retreating. The recording cuts to Virgil’s camera and shows Logan sprinting away as fast as he can.

 “YOU COWARD, DON’T LEAVE ME HERE! LOGAN!”

***

 “So, this is the place – leave it to Roman to pick a fucking mansion.”

 “Yes, well, I would expect no less from him. The Victorian style is quite breathtaking, despite it’s less than perfect condition.” Logan was leaning against the car, cleaning his glasses. Virgil shifted from foot to foot and fiddled with the straps on his bag.

“Do we really have to go in? We could just tell Roman there was like, a cop here or something, and he of all people should know that trespassing on private property doesn’t end well.”

 “I do not believe breaking and entering the theatre to steal a prince costume is quite the same, Virgil, and Roman would find that story compelling. No, we would have to mention that the officer was angered by our intent to enter a condemned area – we would at least have Patton on our side with that.”

 “Please don’t remind me of how unsafe this is. Not while I’m holding the car keys.”

 “You won’t drive anywhere.”

“At this point, self-preservation would let me do anything.” Virgil sighed and threw the keys at Logan. “Just hold on to these – don’t think you want me driving off without ya.”

 Logan hummed in agreement, pocketing the keys as he walked towards the front door. By the time he reached the porch, he looked back to Virgil who still hadn’t moved. Logan gestured towards the door.

 “Okay! Fine! But if something happens, this is all on you and your ego!”

 “If I recall correctly, you were the one who wanted to come here.”

 “Well, I changed my mind. C’mon, let’s just get this over with. Camera’s rolling.”

***

 “Logan, this isn’t funny!” The camera picks up a breeze from Virgil’s jacket as he sprints in the direction he thinks Logan went, his cries ignored.

The camera shifts suddenly, and we come face to face with the man himself. Virgil had stopped running and is standing in the front room.

“I never thought I’d say this, but I wish I was back in Logan’s basement listening to him rant about Mothman again.” He sighs, putting his free hand behind his head. “I’d rather listen to him confess his undying love for the thing than be here, choking on dust.

 “But! Instead, I let Roman win – which, by saying that, I feel nauseous – and now we’re here running around a death maze. There’s a ton of rusty nails and if we get cut on those we aren’t gonna get to a hospital in time. I think I saw a bat earlier? And where there’s bats, there’s disease-carrying mosquitoes. Not to mention those jacked up stairs.” The camera focuses on a flight of rotted stairs, the floorboards broken and, in some spots, missing altogether.

 “Yeah, stairs aren’t supposed to be bouncy. I’m just-I’m just gonna call Patton and see if he knows what to do from here.”

***

“I think there’s more dust in here than in Aunt Patty’s attic, and that’s saying something.”

 The house was older than anything the two had ever seen, and there was a fine film of filth covering every available surface. Logan couldn’t help but notice the numerous cobwebs and think of Patton – specifically, how much the man would hate being around so many.

  “Hey, do you, uh…” Virgil moved his flashlight over to one of the webs and stuttered out a few more false starts. “Do you think any of the spiders who made those things are, like, poisonous?”

 “If there are any venomous spiders, they will not bite you unless you give them a reason. They cannot eat you, so there is no purpose in wasting their venom on a large creature like you.” This seemed to calm the taller man down, and Logan moved over to the staircase.

 “Hey, don’t go up those, nerd, I already checked them. They’re not safe – the wood’s so rotted it’s squishy and soft.” Logan nodded and made a mental note to locate a different way upstairs.

The two continued to look around for a while longer, not finding anything remotely interesting. After about half an hour of quiet observation, Virgil suggested they started filming, claiming that the sooner they wrapped this up, the sooner they could drive away and never come back.

 “Salutations, class-”

“Logan, you’re boring.”

 “I am talking like I normally do, Virgil, how else should I speak? Like Roman, perhaps?”

 “God, no, please. Anything but that.”

“Well, in that case – greetings one and all! We’ve finally arrived at our grand destination and have been parading around the grounds for a few hours!”

 “I will throw this salt at you.”

 “Little grains of salt are no match for a prin- oof!”

 “I told you I would.”

 “You threw the entire container at me! Like a savage!”

 “What, you can pretend to Roman and I can’t?”

***

“Okay, so calling Patton was a bust. He told me to use the salt like a weapon and I had to tell him I already chucked it at Logan’s face.” Virgil snickers, running a finger under his nose. “That was the best thing to happen today if I’m being honest. Pat didn’t really appreciate it, though.

“Roman was also a wasted call – apparently he’s at some audition and when he answered, well, he just started screaming about newspapers.” Virgil pauses, and we hear something shatter off-screen.

“H-Hello? Demons?” The camera slowly pans across the room, almost making a full circle as even more thumps can be heard. Before it can finish, Virgil screams and drops the camera.

The screen is filled with static.

***

It had been about two hours, and in that time Logan had somehow managed to: find a way upstairs, provoke something into turning that flashlight on, proceed to run upstairs, get lost, and find a new respect for supernatural beliefs.

 “I cannot believe I’m saying this, but I believe in ghosts now.” His words echoed around the attic, unheard by anyone but him and perhaps the mouse he saw earlier. At least, he hoped that’s what it was. He couldn’t stand the thought of sharing space with a rat.

 “I believe in ghosts, so can we stop playing this juvenile game? How on Earth do I get back downstairs?” He waited for an answer as the logical part of his brain scolded him for speaking to thin air.

 He didn’t get one.

“This is ridiculous, I should know better.” He paused and listened again. “If I change my mind and say ghost are not real, will one of you tell me how to get back downstairs?” Logan removed his glasses and began to pace the room. The amount of dirt that had gathered on his frames was astounding – perhaps he had stumbled through a cobweb in his hasty exit.

“Well, what would Patton do in this situation? At present, he may make a joke about his poor eyesight and lack of- ow!” As he spoke, Logan ran into an old china cabinet – it didn’t fall, but he still held his breath as it swayed back and forth.

“Well, that was embarrassing,” Logan whispered, moving to the front to see if anything was inside. He found a few plates and teacups, though none were particularly impressive. If he were Roman or Patton he may have found the painted flowers beautiful, but he wasn’t, and he didn’t. The maroon one rimmed in gold paint did remind him of a set Roman owned, however, and made a mental note to come back for it if there was time.

But first, he had to find his way downstairs and reunite with Virgil.

***

“So, as you may have seen – though I can’t be sure because obviously, I do not know how this will be edited – I was forced to make a hasty, yet calm, retreat from the study.”

The screen cuts to a replay of Logan fleeing the room, and trombones play as he screams. Text pops up and it says “logan lies” in comic sans.

“After my exit, I managed to find my way upstairs and now I am unsure how to get down – much like a cat climbing a tree. But I did stumble across a cabinet full of teacups that I think a friend of mine would enjoy. I have also concluded that there are too many mothballs in this house and I will not cross meeting the Mothman off my bucket list today.”

Logan crosses the room as he paces, chewing on his lip in between sentences. “Despite my own disappointment, I find myself upset the most over being separated from Virgil. I do not believe he is well – I am ashamed to admit that I have only now realized he was suppressing a panic attack as we drove out here.

“To be quite honest, camera, there is a very good chance this footage won’t be posted online. It depends on how Virgil is doing and whether he is okay with releasing footage taken of him during an atta-”

Logan trips and falls into the china cabinet once more, a plate shattering upon impact. The camera swings around to show the floor and a trap door that was slightly ajar. A ladder falls from the floor, designed to be hidden when not in use.

“Well, here is my way down. This ladder does not look up to code,” He steps down on a rung, testing his weight, “but it should hold long enough for me to get down.”  He begins his descent but stops suddenly. Logan moves over to the cabinet and pulls out a teacup, placing it carefully in his bag. His footsteps are heavy and echo as he travels down the ladder.

At the bottom, he screams out Virgil’s name.

 ***

  “Virgil! Virgil, can you hear me?”

Logan shook him hard, but he got no response.

 “Virgil, please, you need to get up. I need to know you are okay.” Logan had spotted him collapsed in the middle of the room and jumped down the ladder as soon as he could, forgoing the last four rungs and sliding over to where Virgil lay.

“Mm, not so loud Logan. My ears are ringing.”

 “Well, I expected that. You must have hit your head when you collapsed – can you tell me if I sound muffled as if I were underwater?”

 “No, everything’s just beyond loud.” Virgil winced as he sat up, Logan taking note of where he grabbed his head.  “Logan, are you okay? You’re crying!”

 A quick swipe at his eye revealed that a few tears had formed and escaped.

 “Well, of course – I am not without a heart, Virgil. The sight of you sprawled out like that was… immensely alarming, to say the very least.” Logan’s breath shuddered, and a few minutes of silence passed between the two, interrupted by an occasional hum from Virgil.

 “The ringing is gone.” The silence was broken, and with its absence came Logan’s ability to breath deeply.

 “That is wonderful, Virgil.” Logan stood up and dusted his jeans off before offering a hand to the other man. “May I ask what circumstances led to you losing consciousness?”

“I don’t know.” Virgil kicks at the floor. “So, don’t ask.”

 “Well, may I share some theories I have developed?”

“Knock yourself out.” Logan winced at the phrase, and Virgil mumbled an apology as he collected his equipment.

 “Virgil, I knew you were edging toward a panic attack on the way here – so I would like to start by offering a sincere apology for not saying anything sooner.”

    “Don’t. I didn’t tell you, so it’s my fault. I just didn’t want you to worry too much – or to turn around. I know Roman would have given you a hard time if we didn’t film an episode here, so I figured I would just deal.”

 “As I have told you many times, there is no ‘dealing’ with these situations alone in our friendship. Regardless, I knew you were not okay and didn’t say anything.”

 “God, Logan, can’t you let me blame myself for once? At least let me share the blame.”

“Fine, we shall share at your insistence. Moving on, I believe the building panic caused you to experience an irregular breathing pattern. I deduce that the lack of oxygen led to you losing-”

“No. You’re wrong.”

 “I beg your pardon? You just told said you did not know what happened how can you say I am wrong?”

 “Because it’s embarrassing, okay?! Damnit, Logan, it’s embarrassing how bad this attack was and how ridiculous my shit brain makes me react.” Virgil strode away, and out of the room, calling over his shoulder.

“Just help me film some stuff so people don’t know that the passing out act was real. I’ll lay down over there, and just… I dunno we’ll improvise.”

“Is it wise to publish this footage? Roman and his teasing be damned, it is more important that you are okay, Virgil! These cameras likely have footage of you panicking and us arguing! Are a few views really worth it?”

“Yes, because I wanted this episode! I put the poll on Twitter, not Roman, okay? So please, let’s film something stupid, make the whole thing look staged, and leave.”

 “Virgil-”

 “Please, Logan.”

 “No.” Logan crossed his arms and stood up straight. He was taller than Virgil, and his glare was cold enough to give Virgil goosebumps.

 “I’m sorry, ‘no’? Oh, so now you say no! Not when I asked to come here, not when I asked for demons to turn a flashlight, not when-”

“Virgil, stop this. You are behaving in an immature manner and this needs to stop. How was I supposed to know that you wanted me to tell you ‘no’? I am not a mind reader, so you cannot blame your poor communication skills on my inability to instantly know what you want.”

Virgil said nothing. He glared at Logan and sat down on the floor, eventually inviting him to do the same. They sat there for a while, as both needed time to calm down before speaking.

 After what felt like an eternity later, Virgil finally spoke up.

“I’m gonna start, but you need to let me finish before you cut in, okay?” Logan nodded, and Virgil took a deep breath. “I wanted to film at a haunted house because I knew we would get way more views than we normally do.

 “I thought, hey! More views means more add revenue – and yes, I know it’s not a lot – but with that extra money, we could start building up the funds to rent an apartment. I’m sick of living with my parents, Logan, and I know you are too.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, Virgil, but I would rather endure a few more years with them than have you hurting for the sake of loose change.”

 “Yeah, well. What’s done is done, I guess.” Virgil sighed and leaned over on Logan. “I lied, you know. I do know why I passed out earlier.” He sighed and buried his nose into Logan’s shoulder.

“I will not deny that I want to know why, Virgil, but I do not want you to share if you are uncomfortable.”

 “Heh, well, maybe you’ll learn something new – did you know that anxiety can make you see hallucinations? Specifically, when the fight or flight stuff kicks in?” Logan raises an eyebrow but remains silent. “When the, uh, the – instinct, for lack of better word – kicks in, your pupils dilate.

 “And when that happens, the sudden light change can cause a person – like me – to see shadows and figures at the edge of my vision.”

 “Fascinating – but I assume this is a rare situation and does not happen to you often?”

“No, it doesn’t. But it did when… did you break something upstairs? Because something shattered, there was a lot of thumping, and then they just- appeared. I think that made me panic even more, and then yes – the lack of oxygen probably did the rest.”

“Ah, yes, I fell into a cabinet of china, and I believe a plate was shattered. I apologize for my involvement.”

“Nah, no worries about that. It was just shoddy circumstances. And,” Virgil looked up, offering a weak grin to Logan, “As cheesy as it sounds, we are probably a bit closer than we were before this whole trip.”

“You are right, that is extremely cliché. I appreciate the sentiment, however, despite how infuriating your statement is. Shall we film the ending of this video, now?”

Virgil snorted, pushing himself up using Logan’s shoulder.

“Yeah, let’s this thing wrapped up.”

 ***

  “Virgil! Virgil, please get up!” Logan is frantically shaking Virgil’s shoulder, his voice wobbly. The camera has been left on after being discarded in a hurry.

“Logan… Logan no, don’t- don’t go in the closet.”

 “I spent ten years in the closet, I have no intention of going back in.” Logan sniffs as he speaks, and Virgil gasps awake, shooting upward.

“Huh? Wait, what happened? …Why would you go back in the closet?”              

 “You said not to go in there – what happened to you?”

 “I don’t- I don’t remember. There was a- I think I saw something, Logan. A shadow, maybe?”

 “You must have seen my shadow as I came down the ladder.”

“No, I don’t think so.” Virgil pauses and stares at a spot on the wall behind Logan. “Where is the ladder you came down?”

 “To your left.” Logan gestures with his head as he hoists Virgil to his feet.

 “That means it couldn’t have been your shadow. The light wouldn’t have hit you correctly to cast a shadow over there.” Virgil points to a closet off to the side of the ladder. “Besides, the shadow didn’t look… well not to be cliché, but it didn’t look human.”

“Preposterous.” Logan has moved over to the camera, and the screen goes black as he picks it up. A few moments later, it’s aimed at Virgil as he talks about what he saw in detail.

“…and it had, well they weren’t horns per say, but they were definitely not something that’s on your head, nerd. But, whatever,” Virgil rolls his eyes, “I can tell you don’t believe me. Let’s just get out of here.”

  Logan hums in agreement, and the screen goes black.

 ***

  “Goodbye, murder house, see you never!”

 “Well, this footage is unusable.”

 “Wait, why?”

 “I am not ending the video with you flipping off an old house.” Logan sighed and turned the camera off. Virgil pouted and turned to finish packing the equipment into his car.

“Hey, I know what I’mma call this video. ‘Logan finds a body’!” Virgil spread his arms out in emphasis, narrowly missing Logan’s face in the process.

 “That is absolutely morbid, Virgil, and uncharacteristically short.” Logan shut the trunk with a slam and fished the keys out of his bag as Virgil moved to the front seat.

 “Yeah, no, it’ll have emojis in it, the vlog title of course, and-”

  “By chance, will it be the proper title?” The car started with a roar, and the two were met with a blast of warm air. Virgil scrambled to open his window and Logan quickly shut off the air flow. “Because the channel is called ‘VergeofDiscovery’, not the childish pun Patton came up with.”

 “The Theory of Real-Activity is an amazing name, and I will fight you on this. You’re just jealous that you didn’t come up with it.”

 “Falsehood!”

 “Keep telling yourself that, nerd. Pass me the aux cord.”

The drive home was lighter than the last one – Virgil never once changed the music and the two could be heard screaming along as they flew down the road. The stress ball remained in the cup holder, untouched until the next big adventure.

[sufferthesea]

Pink Peonies (Kakashi/Reader) Part 3/5

I wish I could add a boiled egg to my ramen, but eggs make me sick )): Luckily I can enjoy as many eggs as I want in Fanfiction Land! (Sorry for any grammar/spelling errors! Feel free to *kindly* point them out so I can fix them!) 

A/N: RIP editing on Tumblr is awful. I had to remove the InteractiveFics box bc it wasn’t working properly and Tumblr kept removing all the edits I did grrr. 

Words: 2.776

Rating: General 

Read part one here: ao3 // Tumblr Read part two here: ao3 // Tumblr  Read on ao3

Tagging: @thetoxicstrawberry​ @thefoxthief​ 

“Wait,” Kiba said slowly, looking from Ino to Sakura with an expression full of suspicion. “So you’re telling me somebody came into your shop and stole six flowers?” “Not just any flowers,” Ino stressed. “Peonies. Pink ones. They’re so pretty - and kind of expensive. They’re really nice flowers and I’d like to find them. My parents left me in charge of the shop and if they find out that somebody stole merchandise, I’ll —” She froze, eyes shooting to the size of saucers. “OH NO!” she screeched, turning white as a sheet. “My parents! They’ll be back from dinner soon! And I left the shop unattended! I didn’t even put up the Closed sign! I’m gonna be in so much trouble!” Frantically, she grabbed a fistful of Kiba’s jacket and yanked him closer. “Listen here, mister, you’re gonna use your dog to find those flowers - and you’re gonna find them fast. Got it?” “Y-Yeah, sure - whatever!” Kiba struggled to free himself but Ino’s nails dug into the fabric even tighter. “P-Please - you’re choking - me!” Akamaru cowered on top of his head, sinking his claws into the hoodie to keep from falling off. “I’m glad we understand each other!” Ino released Kiba and gave him a threatening smile. “Now, get to work!” 

Kiba grabbed a shaking Akamaru and set him on the ground. “It’s okay, boy. Don’t listen to her. Do you know what peonies smell like?” Akamaru whined and shook his head. “UGH! WE DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS!” Ino screamed, startling nearby shoppers. “You guys wait here - Sakura, make sure they don’t leave!” With that, Ino stormed off down the road and back to her flower shop. “Where’s she going?” “I don’t know,” Sakura admitted, watching the girl sprint away in a storm of dust. “Hopefully she comes back, though.”

Kakashi stood outside of the bookshop, eying the new releases displayed on the shelves. “Hm,” he sighed quietly, feeling the cool stems of the three flowers against the pads of his fingers. “I wonder how Y/N is doing. Ha. I’m sure they’re fine. They are a shinobi, after all. Ah - is that?” His eyes stopped on the cover of a pale blue book in the corner of the display bookshelf. “Is that a new Icha Icha book?!” Quickly, he ran inside the shop, not sure if he quite believed his eyes.

Panting and sweating, Ino stumbled back to the group and held up a single, solitary pink peony. “This … is … a peony … You … should … smell it … so you … can find … it.” She shoved the flower at Kiba who dangled it to Akamaru’s level. The small dog took in several hurried sniffs and yipped. “What’s that, Akamaru?” Kiba asked excitedly, pulling the flower back and tucking it into his jacket pocket. “Hey, you can’t keep that —” Akamaru barked again and took off down the road. “Come on, guys!” Kiba shouted, running after the dog. “Seriously?” Ino gasped, resting her hands on her thighs. “I just ran all the way to my shop and back, and now I gotta run again?” “Well,” Sakura said casually, “you don’t have to go. I can just find out who they’re for and tell you.” “Nice try!” Ino jumped up and glared at the girl. “You’re not going anywhere without me! They are my flowers, after all! Now let’s go before we need another tracking dog to find Kiba!” The two girls took off together, barely keeping up with Akamaru and his owner. All four followed the dog through crowds, behind a few shops, and finally down a street that seemed mostly deserted. “This doesn’t seem right,” Sakura said quietly. It was getting dark fast and the air was thick with the smells of oil and fire. “Where are we? I can’t imagine Kakashi-sensei coming down here.” “Huh?” Kiba asked, glancing over his shoulder. “What’s Kakashi-sensei got to do with this?” Ino threw a punch at Sakura and hit her in the shoulder. “I - I - I mean -! I can’t imagine a flower thief would come this way! Ha ha ha ha ha!” “Billboard Brow,” Ino hissed through clenched teeth, “you keep your fat mouth shut before you spill the beans!” “It was an accident!” she hissed back. Akamaru stopped suddenly and began sniffing the ground, turning in circles. “What is it boy? Do you smell something? Where is it? Where are the flowers?” Akamaru lifted his head and started off down another side street. “Jeez, this guy sure went a long way,” Kiba muttered. “I wonder what he wanted with flowers, anyway? A waste of money if you ask me. I guess he thought the same and that’s why he stole ‘em, right? Ha ha ha.” “Hey!” Ino growled, ready to throw another punch. “Flowers are a beautiful expression of love and appreciation! They are appropriate for any occasion and can often say more than what we ourselves are comfortable saying! And nobody asked you!” “Whatever. Huh? Look! That guy there - he has a pink flower!” “What? Where?!” both girls shouted together, shoving against each other to be the first to see. Sure enough, down the street was a man in a light blue yukata with dark hair, carrying a single peony. “That’s not —” Sakura began before stopping herself. “I mean, Ino, is that the person who stole your flowers?” Ino gave a worried look to the other genin. “Gee, I don’t know Sakura, I didn’t get a good look at his face.” “It has to be - come on, guys! Akamaru, wait up!” Kiba took off after his dog and the two girls reluctantly followed. Akamaru nipped at the heels of the man and barked wildly. The man, caught off guard, let out a surprised yelp and stepped backwards, dropping the flower on the ground. Akamaru grabbed it in his mouth and growled at the man. “H-Hey, is this your dog?” he cried when Kiba approached. “Yeah, and you’re a thief! Where are the other flowers, old man?” “Wh-What? What other flowers?” “You know what I mean!” Kiba grabbed the peony from Akamaru’s mouth and shoved it violently into the man’s face. “These flowers! You stole six of them! Give ‘em all back or else you’ll have to pay.” “P-Pay?” the man sputtered, looking terrified. “Yeah, pay what you owe to the shop! You can’t steal things, man! It’s not cool!” Proud of himself and his ninken’s work, Kiba turned to Ino and Sakura. “I caught your thief. You’re welcome.” “N-No,” Ino stuttered, looking bewildered and very embarrassed. “I - I don’t think this is him —” “What are you talking about? I caught him red-handed! He has the flowers! Or, at least, one of them. Again - where are the others?” “Listen, I don’t know what you’re talking about! I didn’t steal anything! I was given this flower!” “Huh? Given it? By who?” Sakura asked. “I don’t know. There was someone walking down the street and they offered me one. Didn’t say much - except that they had a few to spare. Said I could take it home and give it to my wife. Give it back!” He reached out and snatched the flower from Kiba’s hand. “Well,” Ino began eagerly, “who was it? What did they look like?” “I don’t know - nothing memorable. They had a yukata on, like me. I think theirs was … kinda green-ish? And they had hair lighter than mine.” “Is that all you remember?” Ino gaped in exasperation. “Well, which way did they go?” “Listen, kid, I met them about five minutes ago. They could be anywhere by now! They seemed to be in an awful rush, too. And so am I!” Turning on his heels, the man stormed away, muttering unkindly about the state of ninja these days. “Well that was a bust,” Kiba sighed, his shoulders slumping. He reached down and scratched Akamaru under the chin. “You did good, boy. You found what you were supposed to!” “Yeah, but not all of them.” Ino looked up and down the street, contemplating what to do next. “Do you think he can try again? Please? I really need to find them - even just a few of them! I can explain away one or two missing, but six? My parents are going to be so mad.” “Fine. Akamaru, do you smell anything now?” The dog sniffed around in the dirt again, trotting along down the side street. Sakura and Ino both felt a wave of relief wash over them when he started leading them back to the main street where most of the people were. They hung back a ways as they followed, making sure Kiba couldn’t hear them talk. “What do you think Kakashi-sensei’s doing, giving away the flowers?” Sakura whispered, her voice almost lost in the clamor of the upcoming busy street. “I don’t know. Is that like him?” “I’ve never really known sensei to buy anything for anyone. He’s kind of a cheapskate.” “Huh. So that means that whoever the flowers are for is really special, right?” “Yeah, I’d say so.” The pink-haired girl sighed and looked up to the darkening sky. “I’d really like to know who they’re for, too, you know. I think it’s so romantic that Kakashi-sensei has somebody he’d buy flowers for. I’d like to meet that person, whoever they are.” “I think Akamaru’s onto something,” came Kiba’s sharp tone. “Hurry up you two! It’s your flowers we’re finding!” “Okay, okay,” Ino relented, “we’re coming!”

Somehow you’d managed to pass by Kakashi again while you were wandering around the village. You’d just come back from walking around the Academy and now you were headed towards Ichiraku. You saw Kakashi strolling about, his nose deep in another book. Figures, you thought a bit bitterly, a final peony in your hands. Kakashi still had two more, though he didn’t look like he was busy getting rid of them. When you passed by, he glanced up and smiled. “Yo,” he said, throwing up a peace sign as best as he could, the two flowers dangling precariously from his palm. Without saying anything else, he walked off. That man, you grumbled as you headed off towards the ramen stand. If he’s not gonna buy me dinner until this whole thing is over, I might as well treat myself. I’m starving! I wish I’d gotten some dango while I had the chance. As you headed towards the brightly illuminated stand, you passed by a group of strangers. One was walking slower than the rest and you nearly bumped into them. “Oh, sorry!” you said quickly, looking up from your courteous bow of apology. You froze, bug-eyed, and stared at the person in front of you. They stared back, just as concerned and perplexed. “You - You - You -” they sputtered, pointing a shaking finger at you. “You have my - my face!” Oh of COURSE! Of all the people I could run into it HAD to be the civilian I transformed into! You laughed wildly, shaking your head. “W-Wow! What a wild coincidence! I’ve heard that there are seven people in the world who look like you - I never thought I’d meet one so soon! Ah ha ha! Well, I don’t want anyone thinking I have an evil twin out there! So you behave for my sake, and I’ll behave for yours. Bye!” You scurried off before they could say anything, though you could hear them trying to form a coherent thought as their friends backtracked to ask what had happened. Teuchi and Ayame greeted you warmly as you ducked under the cloth curtains and took a seat at one of the barstools. The strong aroma of grilled meats, fishcakes, and fresh veggies hung on the air, cut through with the sound of bubbling dashi and the solid thunk of a large knife slicing through food and hitting a wooden cutting board. “Good evening!” Ayame beamed, heading over towards you. “Welcome to Ichiraku! What can we get for you?” You looked over the menu tacked to the wall and cupped your chin with your thumb and index finger, your heart still racing from your exchange with the civilian. “Hmm. You know, I think I’ll go for the barbecue pork ramen - with an extra egg!” After all the ridiculous crap you’d gone through today, you certainly deserved to treat yourself. “Sure thing!” You pulled out your wallet from under the thin belt of your yukata and thumbed through the bills. Tch. I should really charge Kakashi for this. Oh well. “Oh, that’s such a pretty flower!” Ayame breathed, noticing the peony you still held. “Huh? Oh, thank you! It was a gift. I mean - uh, it is a gift.” You laughed lightly and held it up for both cooks to see. “I’ve only got one left!”

Kiba, Ino and Sakura stood outside of the bookshop, looking at the display window of new releases. Akamaru insisted that this was where the smell was coming from and he would not budge from his position beside the front door. The flowers were in the shop. “Well, we’re not getting any younger,” Kiba finally said. He pushed open the door and the others followed him inside, though rather reluctantly. There were few places to hide and spy in the store and they didn’t feel like confronting Kakashi in such a cramped place. Still, they had no choice - if Akamaru said the flowers were here, then that’s where they were. Inside the shop, they carefully studied the lady at the front counter and a few customers who were browsing the fiction section, but none of them had any flowers. Kakashi wasn’t among them. “I think your dog’s sniffer is broken,” Ino grumbled. “There’s nothing in here.” “Just give him a minute. Look - he’s onto something.” Kiba led the group towards the back of the store and around a corner. Their eyes were trained on Akamaru as he darted back and forth down the aisle and to a bookshelf. He turned and let out a soft grunt, letting Kiba know that this was where the smell was coming from. “Now I know it’s broken,” Ino griped. “There’s nobody here. Maybe he’s got some smells crossed and he’s been sniffing out something else?” “No way. Akamaru is an excellent tracker. There must be something here.” Kiba started hauling out the books and inspecting the wooden shelves. Ino and Sakura followed his lead and removed stacks of novels, checking in between pages and even seeing if someone had possible taped a flower underneath the shelves. “I can’t find anything,” Sakura said desperately as she shook one book violently. “Where else in this aisle would they be? Who hides a flower in a bookshop anyway?” “You know who,” Ino growled quietly, shooting a mean look at the other girl.    Akamaru whined when Kiba picked up a pale blue book and pawed at the boy’s leg. “I think this is it, guys!” Kiba grinned, not bothering to look at what book it was. He flipped through the pages and soon a handful of pink petals came tumbling out from the book, followed by a few torn leaves and a crushed stem.    “What?!” Ino cried, collapsing to scoop up the ruined flower. “Who did this? Why would they do this? My - My flowers!” Kiba grimaced at the sight and then turned his attention to the book, hoping maybe there’d be a clue as to who left the flower there or where the others were. His face flushed bright red and he shoved it back on the shelf. “Uh, guys - I don’t think we’re supposed to be here.” “Huh? What do you mean?” Sakura started, helping Ino clear up the mess. “This is a —” “Hey! You kids!” The three of them wheeled around to see an older man standing there, gesturing wildly at them. “You get out of there! That section is adult only! You can’t read any of those until you’re 18!” Sakura and Ino jumped up in horror and looked to the book Kiba had just reshelved. It was one of the Icha Icha books, which Sakura immediately recognized as the series her teacher read. “S-Sorry!” she stammered out, grabbing the two other ninjas by the wrist and dragging them off. “We - We just got lost! Trying to find a book our friend recommended. It’s not in there, though! Bye!” As fast as their legs would carry them, the three ran out of the shop and onto the dark street.

[girlcrushchaeng]

Glasses — MiChaeng

Title: Glasses Pairing: MiChaeng [Myoui Mina/Son Chaeyoung] Fandom: TWICE Genre: Romance, fluff Summary:  When it came to glasses, TWICE might as well be the winner. Almost all of the members had bad eye sight. Therefor, it was often the theme of Jeongyeon's jokes. Hiding glasses, stealing lenses, causing the members to try and find them back blindly. Son Chaeyoung might as well have the worst eye sight. At a certain moment, she had to get new ones, taking Mina with her. Having barely ever spent time with the other girl alone, things got intimate pretty fast. Sometimes, having bad eye sight wasn't so inconvenient... Word count: 3500+ Rating: T A/N: Excuse the grammar mistakes, I am not a native english speaker.

Read it on: AO3 & asianfanfics

Chaeyoung had always known that she had a bad sight. Since her early teenage years, she had had glasses, although she preferred to wear lenses. Limited eye-sight wasn't really inconvenient, it just sucked that she had to go back to the opticien regularly for new glasses: her sight got worse and worse over the years and it even came to a point now in which her old glasses didn't help her see anymore. To admit that to her members was... well, kind of embarassing. She knew Jihyo had glasses too, like Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Nayeon and Tzuyu, but mostly just for reading, whilst Chaeyoung needed to wear them — or her lenses — at all times because she'd be a helpless fool without. One time Jeongyeon and Dahyun had stolen her glasses early in the morning before she was awake, hiding them somewhere in the dorm, when she had lost her lenses the other day before. Without the help of Mina, she would've never gotten them back. So that was why she trusted Mina in this sort of matter. The members were her closest friends but Mina carried this softness about her that she just adored. Mina was sort of special, even though Chaeyoung didn't dare to admit that. So she was probably the best choice she had if she had to pick someone who would help her choose new glasses. After dinner, when it was their turn to clear the table, Chaeyoung had asked the brunette if she liked to come with her. Mina had looked at her — with her head tilted a bit, imitating the look of a confused puppy — with a strange expression, then smiled warmly and agreed. Chaeyoung couldn't help but to grin back when she heard the words 'Yes, of course!'. Her belly started to tingle in excitement. It always did when Mina and she were together, but it had never been so present as now. The other members wouldn't come with them and they'd be together, just the two of them. She had set an appointment immediately after school on a Friday. Tzuyu and Dahyun still had class, but she was already done with school, so she left as quickly as possible to meet Mina. When she exited the building through the great doors, she immediately spotted Mina through the crowd of school-sick students. She remembered how she had waved cutely, with that shy expression on her face that just made her even more an eyesight. Some of the boys turned their heads when Chaeyoung met with Mina, but Chaeyoung had always reckoned that it was because Mina was an idol. And normal citizens didn't see idols that often in real life. But when she walked by, arms linked with Mina, past a group of her classmates, and they kept staring, Chaeyoung couldn't help to shoot them a foul look. She knew Mina was pretty to see and of course, her friend would never date someone like them, but that didn't help to ease the bubble of jealousy in her belly. "Why aren't the others coming?" Mina asked them, on their way to the opticien. Because they both couldn't drive yet, they had decided to walk. It was more than a half an hour trip, but Mina had been home all day watching her favourite drama and Chaeyoung's homework could wait. It could always wait when she was with Mina. "Ah well, you know how they are.." Chaeyoung muttered. "Jeongyeon would hide them if she knew I got new glasses, thought you were the safest choice to pick." Mina chuckled and nodded. They walked further in silence, with their arms linked. The afternoon sun was bright, and Chaeyoung started to regret keeping on her school uniform. The dark colours seemed to radiate heath. Half past the walk, she took off her blazer and pullover and her tie as well. She stuffed them all in her backpack, leaving he rjust in her blouse and her skirt. Chaeyoung wasn't a big fan of skirts — she was more the, sweater, skinny jeans type of girl — but it wasn't like she had a spare pair of jeans right now. The blouse was fine though. She just took it out of her skirt and let it hang loosely, with the first two buttons open. Mina chuckled when she saw her fidget with her clothes. "You don't like your uniform much, do you?" she asked softly. Chaeyoung chuckled. "Does any girl like their uniform? Even Nayeon and Sana prefer pants over skirts. If even Sana chooses sweatpants over a dress, then you know how much I hate wearing a skirt every day," Chaeyoung replied, causing Mina to chuckle a bit harder. The other girl placed her hand in front of her mouth to hide her giggles. The laughter was stiffled a little bit, but Chaeyoung couldn't help to even pay more attention to her chuckling friend now. For a moment she was even lost in the beautiful giggling mess that was her best friend and it took her a few moments to snap out of it. When Mina's chuckling had died out and Chaeyoung was back on this earth, they walked in. The next hour was filled with the question "Left or right?" by the opticien and a nervous, doubting answer from Chaeyoung, either left or right. Mina laughed softly at the weirded out answers Chaeyoung gave, especially when the opticien asked if she was sure, which she totally wasn't. It was almost always a matter of gambling because either way the both dots were both blurry or both very sharp. "Your suspicion was right, miss, I guess you'll have to buy new glasses, your eyes have gotten worse," the opticien eventually let them know, in which Mina sighed and Chaeyoung dramatically moaned. She had already used up all the money her parents had given her this month, so she had to buy one from her own pocket money which, for the record, wasn't very much, even as an idol. "Ah well, I wanted another type of model anyway.." she sighed. They thanked the man for his time and walked back into the shop. "Do you have enough money for new glasses? Can't you just take lenses? You prefer them anyway," Mina suggested. Chaeyoung sighed. "Yeah, but I want to have something extra. If I ever loose my lenses I can't see," she answered. "I'll just have to find the right model." They started to dig into the different kinds of models, sometimes taking out test glasses to see whether it would fit her. She let Mina put them onto her and she would be lying if she said she didn't shiver when Mina's warm hands stroke over her cheek when she let her put another pair of glasses on her nose. "What about this Ray Ban? You like that brand, don't you?" Mina asked softly, as she studied Chaeyoung's face. The tinier girl gulped under the gaze of the brunette. "It's the same as the one I already have, and I'm kind of getting bored of that one, I suppose," Chaeyoung replied. She pushed the strand of hair that had fallen in front of her eyes away, but her short hair almost fell back the exact same way. It was not long enough anymore to push behind her ear, but it was only a little inconvenience in comparison to the big joy it had given her when she had finally cut her hair. Against the will of her manager she had cut it, and it had been one of the most freeing things in the world to do. She didn't regret anything. When it fell back, Mina pushed it away this time. Her hand lingered a little too long on her cheek for it to be casual, causing both girls to nervously pull themselves away from each other. Mina immediately turned away to find another model, whilst Chaeyoung slowly took the glasses off of her face. When her fingers brushed over her skin, she felt how hot her cheeks were. Mina pulled out another pair and pushed them in her hands, not daring to put them on her face herself anymore. Chaeyoung took a look. The frame was thin and gold tinted. The metal reflected the light, causing some parts to light up a little bit. The glasses were big and round. It looked like something Jeongyeon would wear, all hipster-ish. She didn't think it would fit her much. Chaeyoung put it on nevertheless though and looked in the mirror. Mina stood behind her and her face lit up. "Oh, Chae, it looks amazing on you!" she marvelled. Mina turned her around and fixed her hair with her fingers again, then taking out her phone to snap a picture. She showed it to her and even Chaeyoung had to smile. "It indeed looks okay," she agreed. Mina rose one of her eyebrows. "'Okay'? It doesn't just look okay, it looks great! You're gonna take these, right?" she asked eagerly. And when there stood someone like Mina in front of you, gleaming because the glasses looked so good on her, how could you say no? "Of course," Chaeyoung chuckled. It took them half an hour before they had it all settled. Chaeyoung would be able to pick up her glasses the next week. It'd cost a lot of money though, but she reckoned she'd get paid soon enough, and perhaps her parents were willing to pay a share too. Mina and Chaeyoung walked back to the dorm. The sun was beginning to set and she was getting hungry. Hopefully Jihyo had cooked something nice today, she thought, she really felt like eating kimchi. Content with the lowering sun warming her face, she reached for Mina's arm, meaning to interlock them again. Mina at first seemed to budge, but as soon as Chaeyoung had their arms installed, she slipped her hand away. Instead, she took Chaeyoung's hand and let their fingers intertwine. With wide eyes she looked sideways at her friend, who kept stubbornly looking at the ground instead of acknowledging Chaeyoung's shocked gaze. It almost seemed like her cheeks were a bit darker, but perhaps that was because of the sun and the orange light that it casted over Seoul. Chaeyoung turned her gaze towards the street again, letting the tip of ther tongue slowly go over her lower lip. Her cheeks burned, but she didn't pull her hand back. Their hands became a bit sweaty during the walk home, but neither of them wanted to let go. Only when they arrived at the front door, they had to let each other go, because Mina took her keys out of her pocket and opened the door. As soon as they stepped in, they were greeted by excited shouts, and they were both pulled apart. Momo and Jeongyeon claimed Tzuyu and Dahyun pulled Chaeyoung to their room to explain something about maths. One week later, Chaeyoung was about to go back to the store to pick up her new glasses. She was already putting on her shoes and a thin jacket, in case it got cold, when Mina suddenly stood behind her. "Were you not going to take me with you?" she asked, a bit offended. Chaeyoung strang up, not expecting the other girl to stand behind her. With her shoelaces half tied, she straightened her back and blinked a couple of times. Awkwardly, she rubbed the back of her neck and averted her eyes. "I.. I didn't think you'd be interested anymore," she mumbled. Mina tilted her head in confusion. "Is someone going to drive you then?" she asked. Chaeyoung shook her head. She felt like going for a walk, mainly to clear her head. Since last week, her mind had been playing tricks with her again. The hand holding had been intimate, she had felt the emotion behind their intertwined fingers. Of course, she had held hands with the other girls as well, but that was all fan service. She had never purposefully grabbed their hands because she loved to hold them. With Mina it was different. She had enjoyed it, wanted it to last longer. Her heartbeat had gotten faster until a point where she thought she would suffer a heart attack at any moment. Later, when she had gotten to bed, Mina kept dancing in front of her eyes. And at that point Chaeyoung wasn't too stupid to realize that these feelings belonged to being in love. And she couldn't help but to think of herself badly. Homosexuality was already so poorly supported in Korea, let alone an idol being homosexual, even with a member of the same group! But in the days that followed, she couldn't help to try and look of signs that Mina felt the same. All those times, they had barely directly spoken to each other. Mina had constantly been around Momo, Jeongyeon and Nayeon, whilst Chaeyoung was stuck at school and otherwise studying. It had saddened her heart when she had realized Mina didn't even know that she made her heart flutter. So she had given up, since that was the easiest and best thing to do, and hadn't asked her to join her, even though she probably owed it to her. But Mina had caught her sneaking out, and she felt too bad to tell her no now. "No.. no one is driving me." "Then why are you walking all alone, silly? Let me walk you." Mina smiled sweetly and already darted off to get her shoes as well. Chaeyoung looked at her back and sighed. She ran with her hand through her hair — it was such a nice feeling to do that — and just let it be. She went on with tying her laces. Perhaps, the holding hands was just a one time thing and after today, her feelings for Mina would return to how they used to be. The sun was up high when they got out of the dorm. Mina almost immediately sought for her hand and took it. Chaeyoung bit down on her lip as she tried with all of her willpower to make her fastly beating heart stop. "You don't mind that we hold hands, right?" Mina asked eventually. Chaeyoung woke up from her thoughts and shook her head. "No, of course not," she said. In fact, I don't want you to ever let go again... But she never said that. Mina smiled shyly. "I thought you mightn't want me to come.. because, you know.. last time, and such-" she stuttered. Chaeyoung smiled and shook her head. It was so cute how Mina couldn't express herself well. It probably was due a little bit to her being a foreigner, but she knew that Mina was naturally a shy person and had trouble with sharing her feelings. But gosh, it was so darn cute. "No, I don't mind at all," she said. Mina smiled back and pinched her hand. "I'm glad to hear that. I don't mind it too. Makes me feel more.. secure, when I'm holding hands with you." Chaeyoung looked down to hide her blushes. They arrived at the shop. It took them only ten minutes before they were back outside again. Chaeyoung only had to pay and take the small packet. When they left the shop again, they stopped and hit a smaller street, in between the stores, so she could try on her new glasses. Whilst Chaeyoung was fumbling with the zipper of her backpack, Mina took out the glasses and held them up to her. She took them from her and placed them upon her nose. "And, how do I look?" she asked, grinning. After staring at the picture Mina had taken the last time they had visited the shop, she had eventually fallen in love with the model and brand too. The other girl had been right: it did fit her. Mina grinned too. For a moment, Chaeyoung was transfixed by that worryless smile that she only saw so rarely. "You look like a nerd,"Mina chuckled. Chaeyoung frowned. "A nerd? Well.. thanks. I know I get the best grades out of the us high schoolers but to call me a nerd-" she started off, a bit aggravated. Mina chuckled and shook her head. "You didn't let me finish. You're a cute nerd." Chaeyoung's frown grew even deeper at hearing that, especially when she say how Mina placed her hand in front of her mouth again to hide her smile and avert her eyes to the ground to hide her coloured cheeks. She opened her mouth to say something, but her mouth was too dry for her to pronounce anything. All she could do was stare and it didn't take long before her eyes found Mina's lips, when the took her hand away. For a moment, she almost forgot to breathe. Suddenly, Mina looked up, and Chaeyoung was not fast enough to lift her gaze up and Mina caught her staring. It almost seemed like her eyes were stuck, glued on those perfect pink lips, as if they were attracting her. She had never felt this way before. "Is there... another reason why you came with me today.. I have walked this route before and it's not dark," Chaeyoung heard herself mutter. Because dear god, she wanted Mina to have another reason so badly. Mina bit down on her lip and stepped closer. Her heartbeat immediately started to race. The closer Mina came, the faster it went. Slowly, the other girl let her arms curl around Chaeyoung's waist, only to lay her head upon her shoulder afterwards. Chaeyoung, a bit overwhelmed, took a moment to hug her back. "I just like being with you." Chaeyoung sighed. "I like being with you too." Mina lifted her head and smiled weakly. Before Chaeyoung could even brace herself, she had already bowed down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Completely perplexed, all she could do was stare at Mina, who was looking back down to her shoes again. They still held each other. For a moment, Chaeyoung doubted, but then she bowed in too and placed the same kiss on Mina's cheek. This time it was Mina who looked up surprised. She didn't know who leaned in first. Perhaps they both sensed the moment and leaned in at the same time; Chaeyoung couldn't remember. But their lips touched each other. First, for only second. But when they opened their eyes to check if the other one was okay and saw the willing gaze, the leaned in for a longer kiss. Oh gosh, Mina's lips were so soft. It felt like kissing pillows, or clouds. They slid easily over each other, fitting perfectly. She brought up her hand to cup Mina's cheek. It was tender and sweet, something Chaeyoung had always wanted from her first kiss. It didn't matter that she had never kissed before, it was almost as if she did it instictively, as if her body had prepared itself all that time for Mina and it just knew what to do now that the moment was finally there. Chaeyoung was the one who broke the kiss, because she lacked oxygen. Because she had been waiting as long as possible, she was panting when their lips disconnected. She immediately opened her eyes, seeing how Mina still had them closed, heavily breathing too. She felt her heartbeat fastly beating in the vein in her neck. Eventually, Mina opened her eyes too, a bit dazed, and slowly looked up. She smiled shyly. "I-" she started, but Chaeyoung cut her off with another kiss. She had to get up to her toes to kiss her properly, but for once, she didn't mind being smaller. Mina grabbed onto her jacket to keep herself steady. When they broke apart again, Chaeyoung let her head still rest against Mina's. "I like you... I have always liked you..." she blurted out softly. The vulnerability of those words was almost crushing her, but she felt more sure of her case now that they had kissed. Realizing that they really had kissed, made her smile like a love drunk idiot. Well, she was a love drunk idiot, wasn't she? "I'm sorry.. I was too scared to tell you how I.. how I felt," Mina replied softly, almost inaudible. "It's so scary.." "Tell me something," Chaeyoung chuckled nervously. "B-but, you and Momo-" "Me and Momo?" Mina laughed. "What are you talking about? She is my best friend and she knew I was going to try to.. well, you know, I was trying to make you aware tonight, that's why I was around her so much, she helped me.. I just didn't dare to talk to you anymore. I thought you didn't like us holding hands.." Chaeyoung burst out in laughter, simply because of the nerves. She took Mina's head in her hands and pressed a long kiss upon her lips. When she bowed back again, she smiled. "You don't know how much of a relief that is to me," she said. Mina smiled too. "S-should we go back? To the dorm?" Mina looked up and smiled, but shook her head. "Let's stay outside for a bit more? Do you feel like getting something to eat with me?" "Then what about the others?" Chaeyoung asked. Mina smile grew wider. "They'll manage. And we will too, because we're together."

[beautiful-liu]

Glasses - Michaeng fanfiction

Title: Glasses Pairing: MiChaeng [Myoui Mina x Son Chaeyoung] Fandom: f(x) Genre: A little angsty but with romance Summary:  When it came to glasses, TWICE might as well be the winner. Almost all of the members had bad eye sight. Therefor, it was often the theme of Jeongyeon's jokes. Hiding glasses, stealing lenses, causing the members to try and find them back blindly. Son Chaeyoung might as well have the worst eye sight. At a certain moment, she had to get new ones, taking Mina with her. Having barely ever spent time with the other girl alone, things got intimate pretty fast. Sometimes, having bad eye sight wasn't so inconvenient... Word count: 3,500 Rating: T A/N: Excuse the grammar mistakes.

Read it on: AO3 & asianfanfics

Moodboard: x

Chaeyoung had always known that she had a bad sight. Since her early teenage years, she had had glasses, although she preferred to wear lenses. Limited eye-sight wasn't really inconvenient, it just sucked that she had to go back to the opticien regularly for new glasses: her sight got worse and worse over the years and it even came to a point now in which her old glasses didn't help her see anymore. To admit that to her members was... well, kind of embarassing. She knew Jihyo had glasses too, like Jeongyeon, Dahyun, Nayeon and Tzuyu, but mostly just for reading, whilst Chaeyoung needed to wear them — or her lenses — at all times because she'd be a helpless fool without. One time Jeongyeon and Dahyun had stolen her glasses early in the morning before she was awake, hiding them somewhere in the dorm, when she had lost her lenses the other day before. Without the help of Mina, she would've never gotten them back. So that was why she trusted Mina in this sort of matter. The members were her closest friends but Mina carried this softness about her that she just adored. Mina was sort of special, even though Chaeyoung didn't dare to admit that. So she was probably the best choice she had if she had to pick someone who would help her choose new glasses. After dinner, when it was their turn to clear the table, Chaeyoung had asked the brunette if she liked to come with her. Mina had looked at her — with her head tilted a bit, imitating the look of a confused puppy — with a strange expression, then smiled warmly and agreed. Chaeyoung couldn't help but to grin back when she heard the words 'Yes, of course!'. Her belly started to tingle in excitement. It always did when Mina and she were together, but it had never been so present as now. The other members wouldn't come with them and they'd be together, just the two of them. She had set an appointment immediately after school on a Friday. Tzuyu and Dahyun still had class, but she was already done with school, so she left as quickly as possible to meet Mina. When she exited the building through the great doors, she immediately spotted Mina through the crowd of school-sick students. She remembered how she had waved cutely, with that shy expression on her face that just made her even more an eyesight. Some of the boys turned their heads when Chaeyoung met with Mina, but Chaeyoung had always reckoned that it was because Mina was an idol. And normal citizens didn't see idols that often in real life. But when she walked by, arms linked with Mina, past a group of her classmates, and they kept staring, Chaeyoung couldn't help to shoot them a foul look. She knew Mina was pretty to see and of course, her friend would never date someone like them, but that didn't help to ease the bubble of jealousy in her belly. "Why aren't the others coming?" Mina asked them, on their way to the opticien. Because they both couldn't drive yet, they had decided to walk. It was more than a half an hour trip, but Mina had been home all day watching her favourite drama and Chaeyoung's homework could wait. It could always wait when she was with Mina. "Ah well, you know how they are.." Chaeyoung muttered. "Jeongyeon would hide them if she knew I got new glasses, thought you were the safest choice to pick." Mina chuckled and nodded. They walked further in silence, with their arms linked. The afternoon sun was bright, and Chaeyoung started to regret keeping on her school uniform. The dark colours seemed to radiate heath. Half past the walk, she took off her blazer and pullover and her tie as well. She stuffed them all in her backpack, leaving he rjust in her blouse and her skirt. Chaeyoung wasn't a big fan of skirts — she was more the, sweater, skinny jeans type of girl — but it wasn't like she had a spare pair of jeans right now. The blouse was fine though. She just took it out of her skirt and let it hang loosely, with the first two buttons open. Mina chuckled when she saw her fidget with her clothes. "You don't like your uniform much, do you?" she asked softly. Chaeyoung chuckled. "Does any girl like their uniform? Even Nayeon and Sana prefer pants over skirts. If even Sana chooses sweatpants over a dress, then you know how much I hate wearing a skirt every day," Chaeyoung replied, causing Mina to chuckle a bit harder. The other girl placed her hand in front of her mouth to hide her giggles. The laughter was stiffled a little bit, but Chaeyoung couldn't help to even pay more attention to her chuckling friend now. For a moment she was even lost in the beautiful giggling mess that was her best friend and it took her a few moments to snap out of it. When Mina's chuckling had died out and Chaeyoung was back on this earth, they walked in. The next hour was filled with the question "Left or right?" by the opticien and a nervous, doubting answer from Chaeyoung, either left or right. Mina laughed softly at the weirded out answers Chaeyoung gave, especially when the opticien asked if she was sure, which she totally wasn't. It was almost always a matter of gambling because either way the both dots were both blurry or both very sharp. "Your suspicion was right, miss, I guess you'll have to buy new glasses, your eyes have gotten worse," the opticien eventually let them know, in which Mina sighed and Chaeyoung dramatically moaned. She had already used up all the money her parents had given her this month, so she had to buy one from her own pocket money which, for the record, wasn't very much, even as an idol. "Ah well, I wanted another type of model anyway.." she sighed. They thanked the man for his time and walked back into the shop. "Do you have enough money for new glasses? Can't you just take lenses? You prefer them anyway," Mina suggested. Chaeyoung sighed. "Yeah, but I want to have something extra. If I ever loose my lenses I can't see," she answered. "I'll just have to find the right model." They started to dig into the different kinds of models, sometimes taking out test glasses to see whether it would fit her. She let Mina put them onto her and she would be lying if she said she didn't shiver when Mina's warm hands stroke over her cheek when she let her put another pair of glasses on her nose. "What about this Ray Ban? You like that brand, don't you?" Mina asked softly, as she studied Chaeyoung's face. The tinier girl gulped under the gaze of the brunette. "It's the same as the one I already have, and I'm kind of getting bored of that one, I suppose," Chaeyoung replied. She pushed the strand of hair that had fallen in front of her eyes away, but her short hair almost fell back the exact same way. It was not long enough anymore to push behind her ear, but it was only a little inconvenience in comparison to the big joy it had given her when she had finally cut her hair. Against the will of her manager she had cut it, and it had been one of the most freeing things in the world to do. She didn't regret anything. When it fell back, Mina pushed it away this time. Her hand lingered a little too long on her cheek for it to be casual, causing both girls to nervously pull themselves away from each other. Mina immediately turned away to find another model, whilst Chaeyoung slowly took the glasses off of her face. When her fingers brushed over her skin, she felt how hot her cheeks were. Mina pulled out another pair and pushed them in her hands, not daring to put them on her face herself anymore. Chaeyoung took a look. The frame was thin and gold tinted. The metal reflected the light, causing some parts to light up a little bit. The glasses were big and round. It looked like something Jeongyeon would wear, all hipster-ish. She didn't think it would fit her much. Chaeyoung put it on nevertheless though and looked in the mirror. Mina stood behind her and her face lit up. "Oh, Chae, it looks amazing on you!" she marvelled. Mina turned her around and fixed her hair with her fingers again, then taking out her phone to snap a picture. She showed it to her and even Chaeyoung had to smile. "It indeed looks okay," she agreed. Mina rose one of her eyebrows. "'Okay'? It doesn't just look okay, it looks great! You're gonna take these, right?" she asked eagerly. And when there stood someone like Mina in front of you, gleaming because the glasses looked so good on her, how could you say no? "Of course," Chaeyoung chuckled. It took them half an hour before they had it all settled. Chaeyoung would be able to pick up her glasses the next week. It'd cost a lot of money though, but she reckoned she'd get paid soon enough, and perhaps her parents were willing to pay a share too. Mina and Chaeyoung walked back to the dorm. The sun was beginning to set and she was getting hungry. Hopefully Jihyo had cooked something nice today, she thought, she really felt like eating kimchi. Content with the lowering sun warming her face, she reached for Mina's arm, meaning to interlock them again. Mina at first seemed to budge, but as soon as Chaeyoung had their arms installed, she slipped her hand away. Instead, she took Chaeyoung's hand and let their fingers intertwine. With wide eyes she looked sideways at her friend, who kept stubbornly looking at the ground instead of acknowledging Chaeyoung's shocked gaze. It almost seemed like her cheeks were a bit darker, but perhaps that was because of the sun and the orange light that it casted over Seoul. Chaeyoung turned her gaze towards the street again, letting the tip of ther tongue slowly go over her lower lip. Her cheeks burned, but she didn't pull her hand back. Their hands became a bit sweaty during the walk home, but neither of them wanted to let go. Only when they arrived at the front door, they had to let each other go, because Mina took her keys out of her pocket and opened the door. As soon as they stepped in, they were greeted by excited shouts, and they were both pulled apart. Momo and Jeongyeon claimed Tzuyu and Dahyun pulled Chaeyoung to their room to explain something about maths. One week later, Chaeyoung was about to go back to the store to pick up her new glasses. She was already putting on her shoes and a thin jacket, in case it got cold, when Mina suddenly stood behind her. "Were you not going to take me with you?" she asked, a bit offended. Chaeyoung strang up, not expecting the other girl to stand behind her. With her shoelaces half tied, she straightened her back and blinked a couple of times. Awkwardly, she rubbed the back of her neck and averted her eyes. "I.. I didn't think you'd be interested anymore," she mumbled. Mina tilted her head in confusion. "Is someone going to drive you then?" she asked. Chaeyoung shook her head. She felt like going for a walk, mainly to clear her head. Since last week, her mind had been playing tricks with her again. The hand holding had been intimate, she had felt the emotion behind their intertwined fingers. Of course, she had held hands with the other girls as well, but that was all fan service. She had never purposefully grabbed their hands because she loved to hold them. With Mina it was different. She had enjoyed it, wanted it to last longer. Her heartbeat had gotten faster until a point where she thought she would suffer a heart attack at any moment. Later, when she had gotten to bed, Mina kept dancing in front of her eyes. And at that point Chaeyoung wasn't too stupid to realize that these feelings belonged to being in love. And she couldn't help but to think of herself badly. Homosexuality was already so poorly supported in Korea, let alone an idol being homosexual, even with a member of the same group! But in the days that followed, she couldn't help to try and look of signs that Mina felt the same. All those times, they had barely directly spoken to each other. Mina had constantly been around Momo, Jeongyeon and Nayeon, whilst Chaeyoung was stuck at school and otherwise studying. It had saddened her heart when she had realized Mina didn't even know that she made her heart flutter. So she had given up, since that was the easiest and best thing to do, and hadn't asked her to join her, even though she probably owed it to her. But Mina had caught her sneaking out, and she felt too bad to tell her no now. "No.. no one is driving me." "Then why are you walking all alone, silly? Let me walk you." Mina smiled sweetly and already darted off to get her shoes as well. Chaeyoung looked at her back and sighed. She ran with her hand through her hair — it was such a nice feeling to do that — and just let it be. She went on with tying her laces. Perhaps, the holding hands was just a one time thing and after today, her feelings for Mina would return to how they used to be. The sun was up high when they got out of the dorm. Mina almost immediately sought for her hand and took it. Chaeyoung bit down on her lip as she tried with all of her willpower to make her fastly beating heart stop. "You don't mind that we hold hands, right?" Mina asked eventually. Chaeyoung woke up from her thoughts and shook her head. "No, of course not," she said. In fact, I don't want you to ever let go again... But she never said that. Mina smiled shyly. "I thought you mightn't want me to come.. because, you know.. last time, and such-" she stuttered. Chaeyoung smiled and shook her head. It was so cute how Mina couldn't express herself well. It probably was due a little bit to her being a foreigner, but she knew that Mina was naturally a shy person and had trouble with sharing her feelings. But gosh, it was so darn cute. "No, I don't mind at all," she said. Mina smiled back and pinched her hand. "I'm glad to hear that. I don't mind it too. Makes me feel more.. secure, when I'm holding hands with you." Chaeyoung looked down to hide her blushes. They arrived at the shop. It took them only ten minutes before they were back outside again. Chaeyoung only had to pay and take the small packet. When they left the shop again, they stopped and hit a smaller street, in between the stores, so she could try on her new glasses. Whilst Chaeyoung was fumbling with the zipper of her backpack, Mina took out the glasses and held them up to her. She took them from her and placed them upon her nose. "And, how do I look?" she asked, grinning. After staring at the picture Mina had taken the last time they had visited the shop, she had eventually fallen in love with the model and brand too. The other girl had been right: it did fit her. Mina grinned too. For a moment, Chaeyoung was transfixed by that worryless smile that she only saw so rarely. "You look like a nerd,"Mina chuckled. Chaeyoung frowned. "A nerd? Well.. thanks. I know I get the best grades out of the us high schoolers but to call me a nerd-" she started off, a bit aggravated. Mina chuckled and shook her head. "You didn't let me finish. You're a cute nerd." Chaeyoung's frown grew even deeper at hearing that, especially when she say how Mina placed her hand in front of her mouth again to hide her smile and avert her eyes to the ground to hide her coloured cheeks. She opened her mouth to say something, but her mouth was too dry for her to pronounce anything. All she could do was stare and it didn't take long before her eyes found Mina's lips, when the took her hand away. For a moment, she almost forgot to breathe. Suddenly, Mina looked up, and Chaeyoung was not fast enough to lift her gaze up and Mina caught her staring. It almost seemed like her eyes were stuck, glued on those perfect pink lips, as if they were attracting her. She had never felt this way before. "Is there... another reason why you came with me today.. I have walked this route before and it's not dark," Chaeyoung heard herself mutter. Because dear god, she wanted Mina to have another reason so badly. Mina bit down on her lip and stepped closer. Her heartbeat immediately started to race. The closer Mina came, the faster it went. Slowly, the other girl let her arms curl around Chaeyoung's waist, only to lay her head upon her shoulder afterwards. Chaeyoung, a bit overwhelmed, took a moment to hug her back. "I just like being with you." Chaeyoung sighed. "I like being with you too." Mina lifted her head and smiled weakly. Before Chaeyoung could even brace herself, she had already bowed down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Completely perplexed, all she could do was stare at Mina, who was looking back down to her shoes again. They still held each other. For a moment, Chaeyoung doubted, but then she bowed in too and placed the same kiss on Mina's cheek. This time it was Mina who looked up surprised. She didn't know who leaned in first. Perhaps they both sensed the moment and leaned in at the same time; Chaeyoung couldn't remember. But their lips touched each other. First, for only second. But when they opened their eyes to check if the other one was okay and saw the willing gaze, the leaned in for a longer kiss. Oh gosh, Mina's lips were so soft. It felt like kissing pillows, or clouds. They slid easily over each other, fitting perfectly. She brought up her hand to cup Mina's cheek. It was tender and sweet, something Chaeyoung had always wanted from her first kiss. It didn't matter that she had never kissed before, it was almost as if she did it instictively, as if her body had prepared itself all that time for Mina and it just knew what to do now that the moment was finally there. Chaeyoung was the one who broke the kiss, because she lacked oxygen. Because she had been waiting as long as possible, she was panting when their lips disconnected. She immediately opened her eyes, seeing how Mina still had them closed, heavily breathing too. She felt her heartbeat fastly beating in the vein in her neck. Eventually, Mina opened her eyes too, a bit dazed, and slowly looked up. She smiled shyly. "I-" she started, but Chaeyoung cut her off with another kiss. She had to get up to her toes to kiss her properly, but for once, she didn't mind being smaller. Mina grabbed onto her jacket to keep herself steady. When they broke apart again, Chaeyoung let her head still rest against Mina's. "I like you... I have always liked you..." she blurted out softly. The vulnerability of those words was almost crushing her, but she felt more sure of her case now that they had kissed. Realizing that they really had kissed, made her smile like a love drunk idiot. Well, she was a love drunk idiot, wasn't she? "I'm sorry.. I was too scared to tell you how I.. how I felt," Mina replied softly, almost inaudible. "It's so scary.." "Tell me something," Chaeyoung chuckled nervously. "B-but, you and Momo-" "Me and Momo?" Mina laughed. "What are you talking about? She is my best friend and she knew I was going to try to.. well, you know, I was trying to make you aware tonight, that's why I was around her so much, she helped me.. I just didn't dare to talk to you anymore. I thought you didn't like us holding hands.." Chaeyoung burst out in laughter, simply because of the nerves. She took Mina's head in her hands and pressed a long kiss upon her lips. When she bowed back again, she smiled. "You don't know how much of a relief that is to me," she said. Mina smiled too. "S-should we go back? To the dorm?" Mina looked up and smiled, but shook her head. "Let's stay outside for a bit more? Do you feel like getting something to eat with me?" "Then what about the others?" Chaeyoung asked. Mina smile grew wider. "They'll manage. And we will too, because we're together."