#anyways I’m just ramblin over here

[rumble-aint-a-rumble-without-me]

€20 is $22 usd

the outsiders dvd is so cool! it has the movie but it also has like the commentary with the cast n stuff, its really cool. it originally had like a book and pictures of the cast but since i got it second hand they weren’t there. there’s this store over here that you can trade in old tech stuff for money. anything from consoles to just a CD. it’s pretty cool but the dvds can be hit or miss. luckily the outsiders dvd doesn’t have scratches!

anyway i also got a poster of the breakfast club! oh and one of the loki show! for context i went to the city with a friend today, we went to a really fancy department store and tried on like those YSL and louboutin shoes! we probably couldn’t even afford a keychain in that store but it was fun to just pretend we were rich 😭. i also got this really pretty drink in this little coffee shop. (first pic is the drink, second is the ceiling in the shop. it gives the vibe of the cafe) OH and i got new laces for my Dr. Martins. i’m getting the Docs mary janes for christmas this year so i can wear them to school. i got smth else in the city today but i cant remeber what, OH WAIT ACTUALLY i got a few pins from the disney store!! it’s the ones you get in the parks and i actually got to nerd out about the disney parks with the person at the till for a few minutes, my friend was losing her mind

(sorry for ramblin, i’m just very happy)

Oh my gosh! Those pictures are so cute! I’m so glad you had such a good time, trying on clothes isn’t my cup of tea, but I definitely get being psyched over posters and movies and stuff. Don’t apologize for rambling, I love getting asks like this!!

[philipwittebane]

things I will not be ready for if I see them in the toh season 2b trailer

a list by me comprised for no reason

Philip Wittebane. i will see one frame of him and flip my shit. i apologize in advance for the person I will become if philip appears in any way shape or form

More Maskless Belos. ties into the Philip thing cause I’m a hardcore Belos = Philip believer. also I just wanna see this dude without his mask more. I know his lips are chapped as hell but I wanna know why Matthew Rhys said he’s ‘misunderstood’. TELL ME YOUR SECRETS BELOS

Raine. idc if they’re possessed or whatever I just wanna see them again ;-;

any frame of hunter. this kid has been my favorite since I first saw him in may and I’m begging for 2b to have a lot more of him cause he is the best. I know he will cause he’s a major character this season but I’ll flip out anyways

anything involving the day of unity, lore hungry brain go brr

hunter doing glyph magic! cause he deserves it

the collector. it’s unlikely they’ll show up until the next eda episode but I can still hope for the trailer

THEM. WHO ARE THEY. WHY DO THEY HAVE THE BEST DESIGN. WHY DO I LOVE THEM

[chapuyes]

Every day feels like a year but not in a way that I can use, it’s like every day is a year and I can’t stop staring at the wall

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS CHAOS LINEAGE Yoyaku Tokuten Drama CD ”Awakened to Chaos”

Original title: 混沌への目覚め

Source: Diabolik Lovers CHAOS LINEAGE Yoyaku Tokuten Drama CD

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Toriumi Kousuke, Katsuyuki Konishi, Midorikawa Hikaru, Kaji Yuki, Hirakawa Daisuke, Kondou Takashi, Takahiro Sakurai, Kimura Ryouhei, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Kishio Daisuke, Morikawa Toshiyuki, Morikubo Shoutari & Tomoaki Maeno

Translator’s note: Phew. This CD was quite the challenge since it’s a whole 40 minutes long. I have translated long drama CDs plenty of times in the past but it honestly had been a while since I came across one which is longer than half an hour. I guess this CD is meant to be kind of an introduction to the game since it’s pretty much just every boy realizing that something feels ‘off’ about their current family as well as harboring strong feelings for Eve which they cannot quite explain since they’ve all lost their memories and are therefore under the assumption that she’s an absolute stranger to them. 

Ayato: God…Ruki really had to force us to sit through some long-ass strategy meeting as soon as the Supreme Overlord passed away. They talked ‘bout way too much useless crap! All that really matters is that tomorrow we should go and steal Eve - the vital piece in becoming the next Overlord - from the Church, right? 

Yet he kept on ramblin’ on ‘bout other random bullshit. …No way in hell I’m lettin’ those other bastards have Eve. I’ll burst into that Church first and make her mine, no matter what. I won’t let Ruki have her either. I could care less that he’s the ‘oldest’ of the family. I don’t see why I should give her up to him. I’ll become the Supreme Overlord and rise to the top! ーー Exactly. That’s the only reason why I’m interested in Eve in the first place. …Or at least, it should be. So why does something feel off? Is that really…the only reason why I want Eve so badly? Or do I have an even better reasoning for yearning after her…? Hm…

*Rustle* 

Ayato: Argh! Enough thinkin’...! I’m gonna see her tomorrow anyway. That might help me figure this out. 

Ayato keeps on walking. 

Ayato: …Ah? Where am I? I was just mindlessly wanderin’ ‘round and ended up quite far away. …Aah!? Isn’t this place close to the Scarlet family’s manor!? Fuck… Did I really come that far? …Wait, is that? 

*Rustle* 

Ayato: That’s Shuu from the Scarlet Family sittin’ by that tree, isn’t it? Why is he sleepin’ over there? …Heh, whatever. Imma kick his ass to get rid of this annoyin’ feelin’. 

Ayato approaches Shuu. 

Ayato: ーー Oi, Shuu! Why are you nappin’ over here!? 

*Rustle rustle* 

Shuu: Nn…Nnh…

Ayato: Wake up! …Get up and face me. 

Shuu: Oh…Ayato, it’s you. What brings you here? 

Ayato: I’m feelin’ restless right now. Which means it’s the perfect time for a fight!

Shuu: God…I can’t even sleep in peace here? 

Ayato: Oi, get a grip of yourself! What’s the fun in fightin’ someone who’s still half asleep? 

Shuu: Shut up…I’m not going to fight you. Go away. 

Ayato: Oh come on, be my opponent! Stand up already!

Shuu: Pwaah…

Ayato: Che…You don’t know how to have fun. Guess there’s no point in tryin’ to battle a damn sissy. Whatever! I’m goin’ home!

Ayato stomps away.

Shuu: Haah…He finally left, huh? Guess I’ll go for another nap. 

*Rustle* 

Shuu: Oh…Tomorrow we’re heading for the Church to steal Eve, aren’t we? What a pain. Oh well. I guess it won’t matter if I’m not there. I’m sure Reiji will fix it somehow. He was really in his element during our strategy meeting earlier. Reiji wants to make Eve his and rise the throne as the Supreme Overlord. I’m not interested in doing so, hence why I don’t mind helping him out where I can but…What’s even the point in defeating the other families, claiming Eve and earning the title of Supreme Overlord? Doesn’t he know that when you earn something highly valuable, the responsibility might become too much as you’ll crumble? Even if you try to overcome that, you’ll only find the pressure weighing down on you, leading to nothing but pain and suffering. Does Reiji realize that? 

I’m not strong enough to crawl my way back out once I’ve fallen down that pit of misery. I honestly don’t understand Reiji for trying to put himself through all that pain and suffering. 

Well…I guess I can think about it all I want, I won’t find the answer. I’m sure things will become clear once he brings Eve to our manor tomorrow. 

Eve…shall be mine. ーー Wait, what? What did I say just now…? Ugh…Enough of this. Nothing good ever comes from me wanting something. Exactly…It has always been like that. 

Huh…? Why…? Why would I…think that way…?

Yuma approaches him. 

Yuma: Oi, Shuu! Get the fuck up already!

Shuu: Hah? …Oh, Yuma, it’s you. 

Yuma: ‘Oh, it’s you’, my ass! I already found it strange how ya left right after the meeting and just as I thought, ya were snoozin’ over here. Try and think ‘bout those ‘round you! I’m always the one they ask to come fetch yer damn ass. Stop makin’ it hard on me. 

Shuu: Guess I’ll go back or else Reiji will scold me for the rest of the day.

Yuma: You do that. 

Yuma walks away. 

Shuu: Where are you going? You’re not going back with me? 

Yuma: Nope. Reiji said he wants some of my fresh veggies for cookin’, so imma drop by my garden real quick. There’s a few I still have to harvest first. 

Shuu: I see. I don’t need any, okay? 

Yuma: Aah!? You won’t eat my veggies!? Stop seein’ everythin’ as a chore and just give them a try! They’re so good, even the guys from the other families were surprised when I fed them to them! …Of course, it’s entirely up to me whether I share with them or not.

Shuu: Haah…Yuma. As soon as we make our move tomorrow, a fight over Eve will break loose and we will become actual opponents So you probably shouldn’t mention anything about giving food to the enemy, even if it was meant as a joke. 

Yuma: Ugh. …Haahー I know. Don’t get all serious. 

Shuu: I sure hope you do. …Oh well, whatever. The final decision is still up to you. Just don’t cause me trouble as well. 

Yuma: S-Sure…

Shuu: I’m heading back inside. 

Shuu leaves. 

*TIMESKIP*

*Snap* 

Yuma: These tomatoes are first-class…both in terms of color and size…

*Snap*

Yuma: …The other families are now our enemy in every sense of the word, huh? I mean, I didn’t need to have him tell me that. …Still, I wonder why…When I think ‘bout that, for some reason those three come to mind…Azusa, Kou and Ruki. It’s not like I’ve forgotten that they’re our enemy and I really just want to share my vegetables with my brothers but…Why do I somehow feel the need to have those three try them as well? Am I feelin’ pity for the enemy ‘cause food is scarce in this area…? Is that why I want to feed them…or maybe…? 

*Rustle* 

Yuma: Ah, it’s no use! I can’t figure it out! …But what’s the point in even rackin’ my brains over this? …Actually, now that you mention it…Whenever I was feelin’ stressed out like this…I believe there was always someone there with me, smiling and tellin’ me everythin’ will be alright…? Some silly girl who could be surprisingly stubborn yet way too good for this world…confrontin’ me directly with no fear despite bein’ a weakling. …Fuck! Enough of this. I’m only makin’ myself feel even more confused… 

He gets up. 

Yuma: I better head back to the manor already. ーー Wait! You bastard! What are you doin’ over there!? 

Kou: Oh shoot, he saw me!

Yuma: You’re Kou from the Violet Family, aren’t ya!? …Why does this guy have to show up right now? 

Kou: Hm? Did you say something? 

Yuma: No, nothin’! Anyway, how did you get in!? And that’s one of my carrots in your hand, isn’t it!? Give it back! 

Kou: Eeh~? Come on, you can share a little with us, can’t you? See you! I’ll gladly take this~

Kou makes a run for it. 

Yuma: Wait, you bastard! …Fuck. He’s quick to flee. He better believe I won’t forget ‘bout this! 

*SCENE SHIFT*

Kou: …Haah~ That gave me a scare. I didn’t think Yuma would be there on the field. I was in the mood for a quick snack after having to sit through Carla-kun’s never-ending strategy meeting, so I don’t understand why he had to get so upset over it. However, we don’t grow our own vegetables at the manor and it isn’t fair how only the Scarlet Family gets to enjoy fresh produce, right? I mean, we do have food over at our place as well and I’m not exactly a picky eater either, but the stuff we have at home just doesn’t fill me up. 

Kou starts walking back home. 

*TIMESKIP*

Kou: …There we go! I better store the food I stole away. I’m hungry but I’ll just have to bear with it for now. I’m sure Azusa-kun would like to eat together after all. 

*Thud* 

Kou: Now that I’m getting a better look at them, these carrots really look delicious! I guess it’s not exactly fair how I got to have such high-quality vegetables for free? Maybe I should give them something in return? 

But they’re our enemy. …When you get something, you have to give something back in exchange. The world is all about give-and-take after all. 

Regardless of one’s personal relationship,  everything comes at a price. That has never bothered me and it never will…I guess? 

…I wonder why? For some reason…I felt like I just doubted my own thoughts…Someone’s kind words…Their warmth…As if there was someone who told me that…sometimes people don’t expect anything in return…And this person opened my eyes to what ‘love’ is…learning me how to hold someone dear…Fufu…No, must be my imagination. We’ll get to meet Eve tomorrow, so that’s probably why my emotions are a bit all over the place, right? I wonder what she’s like? I’m so excited~ 

Somebody enters the kitchen. 

Kou: …Hm? Oh? What are you doing here in the kitchen, Subaru-kun? 

Subaru: Che…So this is where you’ve been. 

Kou: That’s how you greet me? How cold. Maybe you should try being a little nicer to your Onii-chan~? So, what brings you here? Were you looking for me? 

Subaru: Not me. Azusa was looking for you. …He needs to tell you somethin’, I believe. 

Kou: He does? I’ll go to him then. See you, Subaru-kun~

Subaru: Waitー! Azusa went outside in search of you!

Kou: I see! Gotcha! Thanks for telling me!

Subaru: Haah…I can’t believe Kou…He’s seriously goin’ out to look for Azusa? He doesn’t know where exactly he is, does he? …Those two never change. The way they always cling to each other makes me gag. I prefer bein’ alone, that’s the best. That’s why I can’t relate to them. How do they keep up with that buddy-buddy crap? 

I don’t…get it? No? I shouldn’t…but…Why does it feel like there was someone who tried to understand my point of view and take it into account…? Somebody who would be there by my side, smilin’...Always comin’ back no matter how many times I would push them away…Hah! …There’s no way. I can’t believe someone as naive actually exists… I will always be alone. I don’t give a damn ‘bout Eve either. We’re gonna take her tomorrow and that’ll be the end of it. Then Carla will take the necessary steps to become the Supreme Overlord. 

…Che. For some reason, it doesn’t sit right with me. I don’t give a damn ‘bout bein’ the Supreme Overlord. But…I’m not sure why but…I just don’t like the idea of Carla claimin’ Eve - who is the key to earning that title - as his… I wonder why I feel this way? …Eve is just some random chick I’ve never even met…So why would I care ‘bout her? 

He moves to the living room.

*Thud* 

Carla: …Subaru. Where have you been? 

Subaru: Oh, Carla. You’re still in the living room? The strategy meeting ended a while ago, didn’t it? 

Carla: And what have you been doing, wandering around the manor? 

Subaru: Shut up! That’s none of your business, is it!? 

Carla: Hmph. For now, perhaps. However, I believe the tension between the different Families will increase as a result of the fight over Eve. So you better believe that I shall not allow you to act of your own accord. 

Subaru: Tsk…I know! Fuck off…

Subaru leaves the room.

Carla: Including Subaru, all of my younger brothers obey me to a certain degree, but I cannot sense any devotion from them. Is this what I can expect from a younger brother? I wonder why they just seem lacking in that regard…? No, I suppose it is a mistake on my part for trying to expect anything from them in the first place. As long as they do what I want from them and do not get in my way, I suppose I can oversee their other shortcomings. 

I should think of the bigger picture and present myself as generous and large-hearted. There is nobody out there who is more fit to become the Supreme Overlord than I am. I shall make Eve my bride without fail and rise the throne. …Marry her? No. I suppose that will not be necessary. While obtaining Eve is one of the conditions to becoming the Supreme Overlord, I do not believe it is necessary to marry her. 

Yet…Why? Why would I say that I will make her my bride? Did I speak without thinking? I wonder if there is part of me who wants to marry her? That does not make any sense. I do not need a younger brother who will vow his loyalty to me, nor a wife willing to spend her life alongside me. Everything I do are but the necessary steps in order to rise the throne as the Supreme Overlord. 

However, is that actually true? Why should it be like that? Hm…It is unusual for me to experience internal conflict. I suppose I should step outside and get some fresh air. 

Carla leaves the room. 

Carla: …Hm? That is…? What is a member from another family doing, sneaking around our manor? Looking at them from behind…I believe that is Shin from the Orange Family. What has brought him here? 

Carla approaches Shin. 

Carla: You fiend! What are you doing over here?

Shin: ーー !? 

*Rustle* 

Shin: …Ugh. 

Carla: What’s wrong? Are you not going to answer my question? What are you doing nearby our manor? 

Shin: I’m out on a walk…

Carla: A walk? Silly jokes do not work on me. Now tell me the truth. 

Shin: Should have figured as much. I guess I shouldn’t underestimate the eldest son. …They’re always on top of their game. 

Carla: Hmph. You’re as much of a goof as ever. I shall let it slide this once. Now leave at once. 

Shin: Really? You’re letting me go surprisingly easily. 

Carla: Tomorrow is a very important day. I would like to avoid wasting unnecessary energy now. However, do not misunderstand my words. We will not show any mercy the moment you attempt to do us wrong. 

Carla walks away.

Shin: And with that, off he goes…I thought he’d attack me, but I lucked out that he just went back to his manor. Carla…Whenever I run into him, I can sense that he’s no ordinary guy. Like I have to stay sharp or I’ll get completely overwhelmed. For some reason, I can’t help but want to surrender to him. That honestly pisses me off. Must be nice to be so confident in one’s capabilities. But you better not think things will go as you want…

While the big guys are fighting it out, I’ll wait for the right time and swoop in to make Eve mine… Carla, I’ll surpass you as well. …And my own Nii-san as well. Once I claim Eve for myself, I’ll mess her up right in front of you all. I’ll show you just how powerful I am. 

Hah…Or at least, that was the plan but for some reason…The mental image of this girl whom I’ve never even met in tears makes me uncomfortable! Shouldn’t I get a huge kick out of making her scream out in pain!? Yet I find myself…wanting to see her smile instead. Why!? How!? Why do I think that way!? Somewhere deep down, I don’t even care about becoming the Supreme Overlord or not…Instead, all I want is for her to be by my side…

What scares me more than anything else in this world…is losing her. 

*Rustle* 

Shin: Ugh…What am I even saying!? I haven’t even met her before!? Are my emotions out of control because we’re going to steal her from the Church tomorrow? …I should stop racking my brain over useless crap. No matter what happens, I’ll be the one snatching her away and showing everyone what I’m made of. That’s all I need to do right now. That’s why I’ll play the role of your obedient dog until then, Nii-san. 

Shin walks away. 

*TIMESKIP*

*Thud* 

Shin: I’m home, Nii-san. So you were in the living room. 

Ruki: Yes. You’ve come back from your investigation, Shin? 

Shin: Yeah. I went to check up on the Violet Family, but it didn’t seem like they were up to anything in particular. 

Ruki: I see. …However, I doubt our enemy is as stupid as to do anything that will make them stand out at a time like this. We will keep our guard up high just in case they are plotting something behind the scenes. 

Shin: Good idea, Nii-san. I’ll go and rest up in my room then. 

Ruki: Yes. Good work. 

Shin leaves the living room. 

Ruki: Not only does he heed my orders, but he never forgets to report back to me. It cannot be denied that Shin is very competent. I should have nothing to complain about with a younger brother like that. Still, I wonder why…? It feels as if something is missing. At the same time, I get this same kind of strange feeling from Ayato and Kanato, who both refuse to properly listen to me. I’ve lost count of the amount of times they’ve gotten into arguments with Shin as well. Are those three actually my siblings…? 

However, for now that shouldn’t be an issue. I should focus solely on how I can become the Supreme Overlord and let other trivial inconveniences slide. I am the only one who is suitable to inherit the legacy of the former Ruler and rise to the throne next. My devotion and respect is perfect proof of that. I won’t hesitate to make Eve mine and become the Supreme Overlord. However…What if she refuses me? Will I be able to insist on the fact that I am worthy of said position nevertheless? Will I be able to tell her that I am the suitable King, and therefore she should choose me…? 

*Rustle* 

Ruki: No, I am stressing myself out for no reason, aren’t I? …Eve…I am sure that she - as someone who has endured a never-ending onslaught of pain and suffering - will surely choose me. …!! …What was that just now…? Why did I speak those words just now…? Why would I assume such ridiculous things about a girl I have never even met…?  

Somebody enters the room.

*Thud* 

Ruki: Hm? Who’s there? 

Kanato: Ah, Ruki. This is where you’ve been. …I’ve run out of sweets for the day. Please do something about that right now. 

Ruki: You again, Kanato? How many times do I have to tell you that you will simply have to make do with your daily amount? 

Kanato: And how many times do I have to tell you that this ‘daily amount’ is simply not enough to satisfy me? Are you perhaps doing this on purpose because you want to see me in distress? You are, aren’t you!? 

Ruki: You can cry and complain all you want, but you’ve gotten your amount for the day. You should learn to hold back a little. You are being too much of a glutton. 

Kanato: …I am absolutely starving for something sweet and you’re just going to completely disregard that? You’re basically saying that you don’t care about me at all, do you!? 

Ruki: Nobody is saying that. However, I do believe that you should try and limit your snacking. 

Kanato: Kuh…Whatever! There’s no point talking to you!

Kanato storms out of the room. 

*SCENE SHIFT*

Kanato: Good grief…It’s outrageous how I’m not allowed to indulge in sweets to my heart’s content! I’ve had enough of my life at that manor, I simply cannot stand it anymore. Now that I think about it…I wonder how exactly I survived with an older brother like that for so many years? Ruki has always been the one supplying my sweets, so you would think that I would have grown accustomed to it by now, yet…Hm…How odd…I feel as if there was a time where I was able to actually get my sugar fix…

…Haahー This craving for something sweet is driving me absolutely crazy. I wish that stubborn Ruki would also get a taste of this pain! …Ah. Right! I suppose it wouldn’t be a bad idea if I were to claim Eve as mine, seeing as that’s the only thing Ruki is actually desperate for. 

Besides, everything seems to be after all. I am sure it will give me access to truly sweet and delicious blood~ There are plenty of reasons as to why I would want to get my hands on her. …Fufu. It’s strange. For some reason I’ve got this warm feeling inside. Just thinking about Eve fills me with a sense of joy. ーー I shall make her mine. Mm~ Wonderful! It was just spontaneous thought at first but right now I want to have her no matter what. But I wonder why I’m getting so excited over some random girl whom I’ve never even met before…? 

Somebody approaches him. 

Laito: What are you smirking about, Kanato? 

Kanato: Ah, if it isn’t Laito. I do not want to hear that from the guy who always has that creepy grin on his face. 

Laito: Oh come on, no need to be so rude to me. I don’t see why we can’t have a friendly chat just because our families aren’t on good terms? There’s still a couple of hours before we start fighting over Eve after all. 

Hey, tell me. What were you thinking about? 

Kanato: Nothing special. Just that I’m kind of tired of my life here. 

Laito: Heeh~ How come? 

Kanato: Shut up. I don’t see why I would need to tell you. 

Laito: Ah! Then why don’t I tell you what has brought me here today instead? Carla sure knows how to work his younger brothers to the bone, you see. When I’m at the manor, he’ll assign me all sort of taーー 

Kanato: Did I not tell you to shut up!? Don’t talk to me, please. 

Kanato walks away. 

Laito: Ahーah~ Off he goes. Hm…I didn’t know Kanato hated his life here that much. I kind of enjoy it myself though. There’s five of us brothers but we all get along so well, it’s lovely~ Well, I have to say that I don’t know how everyone truly feels about it deep down. 

Anyway, I’m very much looking forward to welcoming Eve to our manor tomorrow~ I wonder how her face will twist in pain when I mess with her? Maybe she’ll beg me to stop as tears stream down her cheeks? Nfu~ Just thinking about it makes me all excited. Although I’m sure Carla will want to keep her all to himself, but I should be able to get a little taste as well, right? 

But…Deep down, I also can’t help but think of how nice it would be if she could be mine instead. …I could care less about becoming the Supreme Overlord. All I want is for someone to show me affection because they truly care for me, not because I’m someone’s substitute. I don’t want to lose that sort of person…Fufu, just kidding. What am I even expecting from a girl I’ve never met? Oh geez. I’m not acting like myself, am I? 

…Huh? Walking over there, is that…? …Fufu~ Azusa-kuuun~!

Azusa: …!? 

Laito approaches him.

Laito: Why do you seem so surprised? Did you think I was the enemy or something? 

Azusa: …Y-Yeah…I thought I would get ambushed…which spooked me…

Laito: I guess I can’t blame you for feeling that way, considering the current situation. Anyway, what has brought you here? 

Azusa: Ah…Um…I left to look for Kou…

Laito: Heeh…I see. So that’s why you’re this far from our home? You’re almost at Scarlet territory, you see? 

Azusa: I see…I couldn’t find Kou inside the manor…So I figured he might have gone outside…

Laito: Even so, don’t you think you wandered a little too far away? Besides, I actually spotted Kou in the kitchen right before I left the house myself. I’m sure the two of you missed each other. 

Azusa: I see…In that case…I’ll return to the manor. …What about you, Laito? 

Laito: I’m going to wander around this area a bit longer. Carla’s just going to get on my case if I go home now. 

Azusa: Mm…Gotcha. 

Azusa walks away. 

Azusa: Kou…I want to talk to him before he goes to the Church…We decided that tomorrow morning, he will go there together with Laito to steal Eve away…Meaning Kou will have to put himself at risk…There is not much I can say but…I want to at least give him a few words of advice…Also…Once we’ve welcomed Eve to our family…I want to try and be kind to her…so she doesn’t feel anxious…

Carla wants to become the Supreme Overlord…That’s why…Carla will probably make her his but…Still…I want to spend time with her as well…However, am I allowed to ask for something so selfish…? 

Azusa comes to a halt. 

Reiji: Oh dear? Well, if it isn’t someone from the Violet Family…

Azusa: …!? …Ah…Reiji-san…Right…This is Scarlet territory…

Reiji: You did not realize that you had gotten close to our manor? It was rather careless of you to enter the enemy’s territory unarmed. Perfect timing. I suppose this is a great opportunity to get rid of you. 

Azusa: …!! I have to run…!

Azusa runs away. 

Reiji: Fufu…So he made a run for it? I suppose being quick to flee is his only redeeming quality…What a disgrace. Well, I suppose I will not recklessly chase after him either, so I shall let this happening slide for once. …That being said, where could Kino have run off to? I cannot believe that both Shuu and him would vanish right after the meeting ended. Kino in particular is always acting off his own accord. He is quite the handful. 

That being said, while Shuu and Yuma have been following my orders so far, I do not actually know what goes on inside their heads either. I wonder if perhaps…They feel as if I am not cut out to be the eldest son of this family? If they wish to look down on me and assume that I am not even capable of keeping one family together, let alone become a proper Ruler, then so it shall be. …I already have a plan. Tomorrow morning, I shall make Eve - who is the key to becoming the Supreme Overlord - mine. I shall train her well to the point where not just her body, but her whole soul shall succumb to me as well. I am sure that by winning her for myself, they will reconsider. They should instantly acknowledge me as worthy! ーー No, I will make them acknowledge me. Eve is a tool to achieve my goal. 

ーー Exactly, she is nothing but that. 

…Or at least, she should be. I wonder why? On one hand, I realize that she is nothing but a tool…but at the same time, I feel things for her which would point to the exact opposite. On one hand, I want her to heed my every command and learn to behave in a way proper to that of a young, elegant lady. Yet at the same time, I know that she is not the kind of girl who would let others dictate how she should behave. She has a strong mind of her own. I cannot help but feel that way. How strange of me. I wonder why I am harboring these kinds of feelings for someone I have never even met? I should not ignore these emotions which I cannot even put into words. Everything should become clear when I make her mine tomorrow morning. 

Oh…? If it isn’t Kino over there…? 

Reiji approaches him. 

Reiji: Kino! So that is where you’ve been! What are you doing, laying on the rooftop? 

Kino: Ah! Reiji-nii-san…You found me. 

Reiji: You’re playing around on that weird device again? Kino! It’s almost dinner time. You should come down already. 

Kino: …This is called a ‘smartphone’ and I’m playing a game…

Reiji: Did you say something? 

Kino: Nothing! I know. I’ll be right there. 

Reiji: Then please hurry.

Reiji walks away. 

Kino: It’s so annoying to have a family member like Reiji. It doesn’t matter what I do, he will always have something to complain about. Also, he doesn’t understand what’s so fun about these kinds of games at all. ーー But, tomorrow is the day at last. I’ll be able to get my hands on Eve, who has been slumbering inside the Church. I’m sure that everyone is after her. Reiji went through the trouble to set up a whole strategy meeting, but that’s nothing but a waste of time. She shall be mine after all. I will show everyone - not just Reiji - that I am the strongest. 

I mean, it only makes sense for the Prince to wake up his sleeping Princess, right? I will capture both your body and soul, to the point where you cannot live without me. …Eve, please wait for me until then, okay? …Well then, time to get my head back in the game. ーー To win Eve’s heart. 

ーー THE END ーー

[1358456]

Random Rambles!

Sure is quiet around here. I guess I’ve run out of stuff to post or want to post, and my mind has reverted to “enjoying death (of 135)”. So... ramblin’ time? Because this kind of silence from me really delays when I can go back to that state after I’ve reached the arbitrarily determined “10 pages of no frustration posts” objective. 10 pages would be 100 posts, so I just have to reach ??47 posts but round that to the nearest 10 for good measure. ... I’m not even halfway there!

Anyways. It’s a common occurrence, I’ve noticed. Like... I want to do something at one point, it never leaves my mind until I finally get to it, then I start it, and some time later, I’ve basically had my fill, and I no longer have motivation. Like my stories, if you remember. Take Heart, for example. I really wanted to start it, and so I did. And my motivation for the story lasted 3 whole chapters and then it hit a flat 0. Combine that with a lack of view/review, and the story doesn’t get updated until something changes. Like Wings! Why did it exist? Because the thought wouldn’t leave my mind. Why did it not get updated for over a year before my “death”? No motivation from me, no views from you.

Like that Voices post that was supposed to be a thing! That thought plagued me for months. It would not leave me alone. So I started to compile it after the return. And at some point, I was done with it. And now it no longer bothers me!

Hehe. Did you know? I actually did write stuff while I was “dead”. 28000 words, in fact, which is a lot (Heart has 34000). Not coherent by any means, it’s more like random bits and pieces compiled together. In a document titled “Thought Dump” because that’s quite accurate. Got a story idea that won’t f*ck off? Flesh it out here and then walk away. It reminds me of the days when I was making the SA outline back in 2009. Create the critical scenes and then piece them together for the whole story! Heh. I haven’t touched the document in like 5 months.

That Hands post? That was supposed to be followed by a short story. That’s why I gathered the “prior hints” of the topic that was going to be covered. But after I made the post, I didn’t want to do it anymore. Of course, a big part of that is because the tone of that short story does not match my mood nowadays. And the crap that I write usually matches my mood. If I feel like sh*t or something, disasters like SL get made. ... Speaking of which, the coin said no, so I didn’t delete it.

Well then, what mood am I in nowadays, that would determine if I actually do make something? Well, my mood nowadays is... frustrated! The more I work at my parents’ store, the more frustration and deep bitter hatred build up towards the stupid selfish sh*tbags, also known as the average person in the general populace. Oh, I could rant about all that bullsh*t for hours! But the objective is to not have frustration (on average) in the posts, so... silence it is!

So... no frustration. In that vein, the QnA tag is no longer accessible through the tags drop-down menu. I don’t remember why I called it QnA, when the asks aren’t tagged as such, and only review responses were. Hmm. But boy, was there a LOOOOT of frustration and anger in those posts. I guess the looming death did affect me in some ways.

Heh. I wonder if I should make one for the time I was gone. “Review Response, October 23, 2020 - January 30, 2022″. That’s quite the time gap. I don’t even know how many are there. I know there are some, though. ... Speaking of which... a certain someone who has promised to review all of Destiny before I went away... never did as such, nor continued with it while I was “dead”. So is the zombie Mew going to be knocking on the door, demanding “what the f*ck”? Is that what’s going to happen? Hahaha. ... I don’t think that person even knows I’m back.

Anyways. Another thing that factors into story writing is... inspiration! Are the things that I’m seeing or experiencing usable in stories? ... Well... no. Bits and pieces? Sure, but that requires the full chapter worth of stuff already. Like... I can’t include John and Arthur’s antagonize lines from Red Dead Redemption 2, without the chapter’s story already allowing such a thing to happen. I seen mushrooms with bigger brains! And more personality too! But they didn’t smell as bad!

At best, I can use some for banter posts like I have been doing, but even then, some just don’t work out as well as the inspiration. So... I guess until a suitable idea pops up (I’m not actively trying to come up with one), things are going to be pretty quiet...

... Well, this post has certainly gone all over the place. As it should, in the spirit of random rambling!

[thegalarianstarshowcase]

Judging: Feiyun

@cosmoscourge​ Feiyun! Your score is here!

“Feiyun! I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for telling such an impactful, personal story of yours for this event. I was deeply moved by the display, and I just want to say I’m proud of you for being able to bring this story of change forward, even with how negatively it impacted you. If...I had Melia with me right now, I’d send her to you to help offer some comfort. Hell Leon is sobbing like a baby over here!”

Spirit stops for a moment, before motioning for Raihan to go on with his judging, having realized he kind of stole the dragon gym leader’s thunder. Raihan waves Spirit off, before settling his gaze on Feiyun. His rotom phone floats above his head, having caught the entire performance for his livestreams. A second rotom phone has fixed it’s camera on the judge’s table above the stadium. Raihan stands up and claps his hands, offering Feiyun a toothy grin,

“I absolutely agree with Spirit, Feiyun! Your performance was absolutely captivating. I have to admit the story you told before you started kind of lost my interest for like...a second. Just a second though. I’m draconid as well, and despite not seeming like it, I always jump at the chance to learn more about my people that I didn’t know before! I really found myself uhhhh relating is the right word i think? To despite this...huge negative change in your life you finding more parts of your culture that didn’t...make things easier but still helped. I came from Johto a long time ago and...adjusting to Galar was never easy. I wasn’t forced out though so it wasn’t really the same but finding out more about my people here helped make this place...feel like home. Anyway enough with me ramblin’. I really though the lazer mountains and the effects your moves gave made your performance stand out despite its sad, slow pace so I’m giving your aesthetics an 8 out of 10!, The story you told really resonated with me, but I admit I lost a bit of the beginning bit but you get a 9 out of 10 from me! My overall opinion of your performance though is a solid 10 out of 10! You rock, Feiyun! Seriously this is gonna be a hard opener to top i think. Your total score from me is uhh...” Raihan trails off, looking to Spirit and Leon for assistance.

“27, Raihan. Her total score from you is 27.” Leon chimes for him.

“Right! 27. Good job!”

“Right, well I think I shall go next then, right?” Piper says, leaning back in her chair. Her pen taps absentmindedly against her notebook, as she stares at Feiyun in silence. “Personally, I do not agree with Spirit, but I didn’t exactly join this to watch everyone’s deepest more interpersonal stories anyway. However I will admit, the visual aspect of your performance at least kept me entertained. So I’m awarding your aesthetics an 8 out of 10. I felt that while your story was necessary to tell before your performance, otherwise no one would have got it, it took too long to get to what everyone was really here for, so for your story telling skills I’ll give you a 6 out of 10. Overall my opinion of your performance is that it was as typically deep and moving as it could be for what you were telling, and wasn’t my cup of tea. So I will give you a 7 out of 10 for that. Making my total score for you, 21.”

Piper was sitting directly on Spirit’s right, which gave Spirit full right to slap the steel gym leader in her arm. Piper jumped, grabbing her arm, as those damnable scratches burnt at her neck once again. She growled softly, glaring at Spirit,

“What? I didn’t say I’d hold back my opinions now did I?”

“I completely disagree with Piper in every way shape and form! We’re all here to judge unbiasedly, Piper. Please try and remember that when we continue to do this.” Leon’s voice is strained, a smile on his face but a glare set on the steel type gym leader. There are noticeable tear tracks on his face, as if the Champion had to clean himself up a little before starting his judging. Piper only scoffs as Leon continues,

“Feiyun, I just want to reiterate how much it means to all of us you were willing to share this story. I know this came from a very personal place, and it takes a lot of strength to tell what you told. I thought the picture you pained was just lovely! So for your aesthetics I’m giving you an 8 out of 10! The story you told was so powerful, I find myself feeling it deserves no less than a 10 out of 10! My overall opinion of your performance is a solid 10 out of 10 as well! This makes your total score from me a 28! Congratulations, Feiyun! You’ve really brought this contest off to a strong start!”

“I couldn’t agree more, Leon! I got a bit teary eyed watching everything, and Feiyun I think this is your strongest performance yet. Though I do have...one small issue. The lazar show you put on was amazing, I won’t deny that! But it also...overloaded my senses a bit. It made it more difficult to focus on what you and your pokemon were doing. So for your aesthetics, I’m going to give you a 6 out of 10. The story you told, however, moved at least three of our judges hearts. Of course three of us aren’t made of stone!”

“Watch it Adney.” Piper hissed.

“Ah shut it you wanker.” Spirit shot back before turning his attention back to Feiyun. “For your story, I’m giving you an 8 out of 10! My overall opinion of your performance is a solid 8.5 out 10 with one and a half points docked mostly because of the...sensory issues. Otherwise I thought you did a fantastic job, and thank you so much for signing up for the showcase. This makes your total score from me a 22.5!”

“That’s not all Feiyun! We’ve got some bonus to award you to for that right baller performance! First you get 15 bonus points for Gigantimaxing! Then another 10 bonus points for all six moves being used for both of your altarias!  Finally three bonus points for getting Leon to burst like a fountain! That’s a total of 28 bonus points! Turn to the screen above for your final total score!”

Total: 126.5 POINTS

[violetwolfraven]

Lean on Me

45 for javid—requested by @livininmyhead

I’ve been lowkey parenting all my friends/siblings alone for a while and now you’re helping me and idk what to do with this???

((I know this is a bit different from my usual style, but I’m trying something out so I hope you like it, anyway.))

...

“Hey, what’s wrong, Elmer?”

“It’s nothin’. It’s fine.”

“It clearly ain’t, so what is it?”

“I didn’t make enough to keep my bed tonight. I’m gonna have to sleep at home. I prefer it here, most of the time, but for one night, it’s no big deal. Like I said, it’s nothin’.”

“Don’t you have like... 10 big brothers and sisters, all livin’ in a normal-sized apartment?”

“I have 8. Why?”

“Nah. You’re not goin’ back there. Sharin’ space is bad enough in a Lodging House, but at least there’s enough for all of us. You can sleep with me and Crutchie on the fire escape for the night.”

“Jack, I—“

“Don’t worry ‘bout it, Elmer. And I ain’t lettin’ ya say no, so can the ‘you don’t have to’ bullshit.”

“I... thanks, Jack.”

“Like I said. Don’t worry ‘bout it, kiddo.”

...

“Hey, Jack, ya got a minute?”

“Sure. Need to talk?”

“I was wonderin’... you’re good with things, right? Like... charmin’ people?”

“You’re askin’ me?”

“No, I know how to do it with just anybody to sell papes or whatever. But... but what if it was someone ya actually wanted to... ya know...”

“Ooh! Lookin’ to woo a girl, Romeo?”

“Um... maybe... kind of.”

“...oh. Oh, Ro... It ain’t a girl, is it?”

“No... is that wrong?”

“No. No, Romeo, there ain’t nothin’ wrong with that, or you. Never let no one tell you different. Just... be careful. I don’t have to tell ya what could—“

“You don’t.”

“If ya don’t mind me askin’... who is it?”

“It’s Specs.”

“Oh. Oh my... I should have seen that coming a long time ago. Okay, so, for flirting with Specs specifically, here’s what you’re gonna do, kid...”

...

“Albert?”

“J-Jack! I’ll—“

“Hey, kid, where ya goin’? What’s wrong? Hey, it’s okay. It’s okay. Ain’t no shame in cryin’, Albie. It’s okay. Talk to me, kiddo. What’s up?”

“Go away!”

“No. Like I said, cryin’ ain’t anythin’ to be ashamed of. So why are ya cryin’? What’s wrong, Albert?”

“My... my mom. She’s been sick for a while, but now she’s... she’s...”

“Oh, damn. I’m so sorry, kid.”

“Get off me!”

“Albert, there is no shame in needin’ a shoulder to cry on every now and then, no matter what anyone says. And you just lost your mom, so if anyone’s got an excuse, it’s you. I won’t tell nobody. Just let it all out. It’s gonna be okay.”

...

“Jack?”

“What is—Oh my God!”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know where else to—“

“Sniper, did your father do this? I know you’ve mentioned him bein’ bad before, but I never thought it was this bad.”

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

“Snipes... I won’t ask if ya don’t want me to. But the Lodging House has gotta be safer than—“

“My mom needs the money. I can’t.”

“Fine. If ya need to keep goin’ back for her... Remember that you’s always got a place here if it ever gets too much... but for now, I’ll patch ya up so you can go back to your ma.”

“Thanks, Jack.”

...

“Hey, Jack?”

“Yeah, what’s up, Mush?”

“You gave Romeo advice on... makin’ moves on people, right?”

“Yes, I did, and if he told ya to come to me... damn. I mean, I suspected, but 4 of my boys? I gots nothin’ against it, but I don’t like that it ain’t safe.

“Yeah... wait, 4?”

“My advice is good, kid. Ro’s got himself a boyfriend. And for you... it’s Blink, ain’t it?”

“How did you—“

“Mush, buddy, ya ain’t as subtle as ya think you are. And trust me; Blink ain’t soft with anyone, but he is with you. He likes you, too. Gettin’ him ain’t gonna be hard. All ya gotta do is be yourself and ask him out. Just pick somewhere that ain’t too obvious as a date spot so nobody suspects. Unfortunately, lovin’ other boys is dangerous, and I don’t wanna lose any of mine because the wrong people found out.”

“You won’t. I’ll be real careful. Thanks, Jack!”

“No problem, kiddo. Good luck!”

...

“Hey, Jojo, ya got a minute?”

“Yeah, why?”

“A couple of the fellas came to me, a bit worried about ya. I was just wonderin’ if you were okay.”

“Oh, no, I’m fine. Nothing’s wrong.”

“Jojo, I’s heard a lot of lies in my day from a lot of liars. And you’s honestly got to be the worst liar I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s fine, Jack. I can handle it.”

“Mike said you freaked out and went to a bad place just cause he startled you. What’s that about?”

“He saw me writin’ with my left hand, okay? It’s fine. I just forgot what I was doin’ and didn’t mean to use it, but—“

“What’s wrong with usin’ your left hand?”

“It’s wrong. I’ll go to hell because of it.”

“Who told ya that?”

“The nuns.”

“Jo... can you control it? Usin’ your left?”

“No. Why does that—“

“If you can’t control it, ain’t doin’ it on purpose and ain’t hurtin’ anyone by doin’ it, why is it wrong?”

“‘Cause...”

“Look, nuns say a lot of things, and most of ‘em mean well. But they’re learnin’ from a book written a long time ago. Times change. And look—Mush writes with his left. Do ya think he’s goin’ to hell?”

“...no.”

“There ya go. You’re fine just the way you are. Okay? Don’t let no one tell ya different. Need a hug?”

“A hug sounds nice.”

“Come here, kid.”

...

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, please don’t—“

“Finch, calm down. You’re in the Manhattan Lodging House. You’re okay. You’re safe. Shh. Nobody’s gonna hurt ya here.”

“Are-are ya sure?”

“Yeah, I’m sure. Your folks ain’t gonna find ya here, and if they do, I won’t let ‘em get to you.”

“Promise?”

“I promise. Shh. It’s okay. I’m not goin’ anywhere. I’ll protect you, okay? You believe me?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Good. Hush, now. Get some sleep.”

...

“Hey, Jack. You awake?”

“Well, I am now.”

“Sorry... do ya really think we can win this? I mean... that Plumber woman is right. We really are just a gang of kids.”

“Hey. We’re a gang of kids with the wit and will to pull this off. We got a reporter willin’ to listen to us. And sure, she’s a girl, but...”

“That’s more than we’ve ever had before.”

“Exactly. We’ll be fine, Crutchie. Don’t you worry ‘bout it.”

“We’ve never had someone like Davey Jacobs, either.”

“We sure haven’t! He’s somethin’ else, ain’t he?”

“Yeah, but... what if Finch is right and the cops come bust our heads?”

“Then I’ll be there takin’ the first hit.”

“Jack—“

“What I mean is, I ain’t gonna let him get to you or any of the rest of the fellas. Don’t worry.”

“I didn’t say anything about him, Jack.”

“Who said anything about him? There’s no ‘him.’”

“Jack, we both know more likely than not, he shows up. Are you gonna be okay?”

“It’ll be fine, Crutchie. I’ll be fine and so will everyone else.”

“That seems like a promise ya shouldn’t—“

“Goodnight, Crutchie. Go to sleep.”

...

“Whoa, Race are you—“

“I’m fine, Jack.”

“Pretty nasty shiner you’ve got, there, so I’d argue that you’re not, but that ain’t why I’m askin’. I know you, Race. I can tell when your smile is faked, and honestly, it is a lot more than it should be, but—“

“Spot didn’t come.”

“What?”

“I thought he’d come for us! I thought he’d show up at the last minute to save us but then he didn’t and he just—“

“Whoa, whoa, slow down, Race. Slow down and tell me what’s wrong.”

“Spot Conlon and me... ya know we’re close, right?”

“Yeah, of course I know you’re—oh. Oh. Okay.”

“What? What’s oh?”

“Ya could’ve told me. I mean, I gots a bunch of queer pairs I’ve been helpin’ sneak around.”

“Spot and me ain’t—“

“Save it, Racer. I think we both know that ain’t true.”

“I... you’re really fine with it?”

“Sure. I don’t care who ya fool around with, long as nobody finds out ‘bout ya foolin’ around with boys.”

“No, Jack, ya don’t get it!”

“What don’t I get? What’s this about, Racer?”

“It’s not just foolin’ around! I... Jack, I think I...”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize... I didn’t think Spot Conlon had feelings.”

“That’s the problem, Jack. I don’t know if he does. The problem is that I think... I think I love him. And he didn’t come for me.”

“Oh shit... the L word. Are you... are you sure?”

“I don’t know! I just know that he’s... I care about him like I care about you, but different! He makes me feel like... like I don’t even know what! Like I’m ramblin’ and he understands it all! Like he gets every part of me! And it is so stupid, but I think I get him, too! Or at least I did! Cause I was sure he was coming, and then he didn’t.”

“I’m guessin’ Davey didn’t tell ya yet.”

“Tell me what?”

“Spot sent over a kid to say he’s comin’ next time, so... I guess your boy is comin’ for ya.”

“...yeah. I guess he is.”

“I guess you’ll get a chance to see if he feels the same, but... Hey, listen. I gotta go, okay? I got a man to see. Do ya need me to stay for a bit?”

“Nah, it’s... it’s fine. Thanks, Jack.”

...

“Hey, Jack, ya got a minute?”

“Oh, sure, Mike. Davey, mind if I step away for a second?”

“Is this something that needs to be a secret?”

“No. No, it ain’t a secret. It’s just... Ike didn’t come in tonight, and I knows he ain’t in the Refuge, cause the Refuge is gone, but what if he’s hurtin’ somewhere? He didn’t tell me he was gonna—“

“Mike, buddy, it’s okay. Calm down. We know where he is.”

“Ya do?”

“He came by and said he was gonna spend some time in Brooklyn.”

“Yeah, it’s late enough that he’s probably spending the night. I don’t know Spot Conlon that well, but he doesn’t seem like the type to let a kid walk all the way back here after dark.”

“He ain’t—you’re right. Look, if he don’t come to the circulation gate tomorrow, then we’ll worry. For now, Ike’s almost certainly fine.”

“You’d think he’d remember to tell his brother when he goes places. That shithead.”

“Language!”

“Davey, everybody curses ‘round here. Includin’ you, come to think of it.”

“I know, but... damn. I’m becoming my mother.”

...

“Jack... can we talk? Alone?”

“Sure, Kath. What’s up?”

“There’s no good way to say this... we need to end this. You and me.”

“...what?”

“Jack, I’m sorry, but... I don’t love you. Not like that. You’re a wonderful friend—don’t get me wrong—but I don’t love you. I never did. I just didn’t realize it because besides Bill and Darcy, I’ve never really had any friends. You were the first friend I’ve made in a long time, and... and now that I’ve gotten some time to be better friends with the others, I’m realizing that what we had was never real.”

“It wasn’t?”

“No. I... I guess I was attracted to you, at first, but that faded without me realizing it a long time ago. And I know saying this is hurting you, but... Jack, it wouldn’t be fair to either of us for me to pretend I still want to be with you when I don’t. The fact is, neither of us is what the other really needs. And honestly, I don’t think you ever really loved me, either, and... and if you’re with me, you won’t find that person out there who you will love. I have no doubt that you’ll find someone to love who loves you the way you deserve, Jack.”

“Don’t worry about it, Kath.”

“I really am so sorry. I hope we can still be friends.”

“We can be. Don’t worry about it.”

...

“Hey, Jack? Wait, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Buttons. What is it?”

“It’s nothin’. I can go ask Davey.”

“Ask Davey what?”

“Jack, it’s nothin’ you need to worry ‘bout. You’re clearly not doin’ so well due to the breakup, and—“

“I’m fine, Buttons! Seriously! What is it?”

“It’s just... I didn’t earn enough today to buy my papes tomorrow. Ya know—winter is rough on everyone. I was gonna ask ya to ask around if anyone can spare anythin’, but I can go ask—“

“Ya don’t have to ask Davey. I’ll do it.”

...

“Shh, shh, kid, it’s okay. You’re safe. Everything’s gonna be okay, okay? You’re okay. You’re safe, here.”

“Jack, what’s going on?”

“Oh, crap. I’m sorry, Dave. This is a crappy night for this to happen, bein’ your first night sleepin’ over at the Lodging House, but I can handle this. It’s okay. Go back to sleep.”

“Blink? Blink, are you okay?”

“He’s still... not really here. It’ll take some time for him to get back, but you don’t have to stay up. I can handle it by myself. Really, Davey.”

“That doesn’t mean you should have to. Blink, do you want me to leave?”

“...no.”

“Okay. Okay, I won’t. It’s okay, Blink. You’re safe. You’re in the Manhattan Lodging House. Me and Jack are right here, okay?”

“We’re both right here for you.”

...

“Specs, what the hell happened to you? Davey! Davey, get in here, and bring some bandages!”

“What’s wro—oh my God!”

“It ain’t the worst that’s happened, Jack, and you know it.”

“Yeah, that don’t mean I gotta like it. Was it..?”

“Some shitheads who didn’t like me bein’ darker-skinned than them? Yeah. I’ll survive, though.”

“You know how wrong that is, right Specs?”

“Well, obviously, Davey. I’m the one who got soaked.”

“Where are they?”

“Davey—“

“Where are they? I get enough shit for being Jewish that I know a bit of what he’s goin’ through, Jack. And people like that—“

“Gettin’ soaked by a bunch of guys bigger than you won’t solve nothin’, Davey. And believe me, that is all that’ll happen if you go after them.”

“Fine. At least stay in bed tomorrow and rest up. I’ll sell extra to make up you missing.”

“I’ll help. Romeo probably will, too.”

“Thanks, Jack. Thanks, Davey.”

“Thank us after we patch you up.”

...

“If ya tell anyone about this, Jackie Boy, you won’t live long enough to see me deny it.”

“Relax, Spot. I ain’t tellin’ anyone. How’d ya wind up with a dislocated shoulder, anyway?”

“That’s my business. Are ya gonna fix it or not?”

“Oh, I’m gonna. It’ll hurt less if it’s a surprise, though, so’s we gotta talk about somethin’ else. Um... so, you and Racer?”

“...yeah, I guess.”

“That is so weird to think about. I never would have seen that one coming. I don’t need to tell you that if ya hurt him, Manhattan’ll go to war, right?”

“I ain’t gonna hurt him.”

“You’d better not.”

“I’m serious. I ain’t gonna—ah!”

“There. Your shoulder’s fixed. You’re welcome. And... you’s got real feelins’ for Race, don’t ya?”

“...maybe.”

“Good. Cause I‘s known Race a long time, and he fakes half his smiles. But the ones he gets when he talks to me ‘bout you are always real. He’s got it bad for ya, Conlon. You’d better not break him.”

“I won’t. Ever. Cause... cause maybe I’ve got it bad for him, too. But if ya ever tell him or anyone else I told you that—“

“I know, I know. I’ll be dead by midnight. My lips are sealed.”

“They’d better be. So... you and Walkin’ Mouth?”

“What?!”

...

“Where did you learn to braid, Jack?”

“Well, it was a long time ago, but I did have a mother once upon a time, Sarah.”

“Oh my God, I’m so—“

“It’s fine. I don’t talk about her much, but she’s been gone long enough that it don’t hurt so much. And ya know, when Smalls first got here, she had this super long hair that she needed to keep out of the way, ‘fore she asked Crutchie to cut it. Somebody had to help her.”

“Oh. That’s nice of you.”

“So, Sarah...”

“Jack?”

“I was wonderin’... I ran into Spot Conlon a while back, and he mentioned some things about... do Davey and me act like we’s together?”

“You’re kidding me.”

“No..?”

“I thought you were together! I just assumed Davey wasn’t telling me about it because... well, you know.”

“Yeah.”

“Do you want to be together? With Davey?”

“...I don’t know.”

“Well, I’d suggest figuring that out, cause David’s always had a stick up his ass, and I’ve never seen him relax the way he does with you. You make him feel free to be... Davey.”

“You’re sayin’ he wants to be with me?!”

“God, Kelly. You really are oblivious. Yes, you stupid cowboy. So finish this braid and go get him.”

...

“Jackie, can you sit down? Please?”

“I can’t, Davey. I gotta—“

“Everyone’s accounted for. Well, except Race, but Jojo said he saw him headed towards Brooklyn earlier. He’s probably spending the night and forgot to tell us.”

“The dishes—“

“It was Romeo’s turn and I made sure he did ‘em hours ago.”

“Specs—“

“I checked his ribs again this afternoon and he’s healing fine. Everyone’s fine, Jackie. Sit down.”

“...thanks, Davey.”

“You’re welcome. I think you forget sometimes that everybody needs somebody to lean on occasionally, even you.”

“I ain’t been leanin’ on anyone since I was... since I started leadin’ Manhattan.”

“And everyone leans on you. I know. You like knowin’ they’re all safe and happy, but who makes sure you’re safe and happy? Nobody—that’s the answer, so don’t try to argue it. So I guess it’s gotta be me. If no one else, I guess I’m the one you can lean on.”

[secret-realm]

Up to the Human World

I've been gone for soooo long. I'm kind of getting caught up in my assignments, but I really wanted to write something so here it is.

Also, hello, if you are just passing by I hope you have a wonderful day. Remember to take some time to do something you like!!, even if it's for a brief moment. It will help you to feel at least a little bit better.

It had been a pretty unusual day, and you still could not explain to yourself what was that feeling that had accompanied you during so many hours. For example, you remembered getting that feeling of making a mistake that morning, however, what could you possibly have done wrong when you had just woken up? It was very odd, to say the least, but you tried to brush it off since you could not recall actually making something that could cause trouble to yourself or to someone else.

At that exact moment in the Devildom, an amazingly fast demon that considered himself to be an absolute genius because of his plan was trying his best to succeed taking away an ancient artifact to sell it later. Of course, he knew that they were not allowed to go around taking each others belongings, but what was the problem if no one was using it anyway? He thought that it was very nice of him to find a use for the almost forgotten item, and what could be better than getting some cash because of that?

When you went on with your day, the odd feeling from that morning was replaced by nervousness. Not that you never felt that way. You had felt nervous many times in your life, probably more than you would like to admit, but it was the truth. Whenever you had to face unexpected situations, or even expected ones such as presentations, you could not help the way in which your heart beats increased. However, it was different this time. What you felt was similar to being afraid of getting caught while doing something that you were most certainly not supposed to do. But, why would you be afraid of getting caught if you were not trying to hide anything?

Even though the second oldest had done his best during the whole day to hide his intentions from the rest of his brothers, he was not that good at refraining himself from sharing too much information that could get him caught. That was exactly how he accidentally mentioned that he would be getting some cash after selling some old stuff to some other demons. Then he found himself sprinting toward his room as to save himself from the punishment he was  going to receive from his older brother.

Mammon could hear Lucifer's heavy steps approaching his door dangerously, and he gulped down his bitter remarks to prepare himself and beg his brother to forgive him once again. He was now definitely scared for his life. In other circumstances, you could have helped him when Lucifer would hung him upside down. Now, however, he was on his own, and there was no way one of his other brothers was going to help him.

The weird sensation in the pit of your stomach then was making you feel very uncomfortable. It had been almost the whole day going through those emotions that you could not identify as yours. Then it hit you. What if Mammon needed your help? What were the chances of him getting in trouble? Well, the chances were pretty high indeed.

You were quick to walk toward your desk and then you leaned down to grab the keychain he had lent you to summon him to the human world. You held the keychain between both your hands, closing your eyes and repeating carefully the words Solomon had told you months ago.

"... I PROMISE I'LL PAY OFF MY DEBTS WHEN I GET THE MONEY-"  Mammon shouted, and by the time Lucifer tried to catch him a bright light had engulfed the younger making him disappear right after.

When almost blinding light appeared in your room, you opened your eyes instantly. You blinked a couple times, surprised by the fact that summoning the demon had actually worked. When your eyes met his, he forced himself to rub his eyes to make sure he was seeing you for real.

"Did Lucifer knocked me out this time?" he asked so softly that you were barely able to hear him. He could not believe his eyes.

You started walking in his direction, and your hands reached to him "Mammon?" you asked, carefully placing your hand over his cheek.

He then lifted his hand and placed it right over yours "... Human?"

"So it was you, huh?, " you asked him, and he frowned once he saw that one of the corners of your mouth raised.

"Whatcha talkin' about?"

"I've been getting this weird feeling of something going on during the whole day, and I thought maybe you were in trouble. Looks like I was right, huh?" after hearing your statement, he scoffed, clearly unhappy.

"Trouble? The Great Mammon is never in trouble-" then he removed his hand from his face.

"Should I send you back then?" you asked lifting your hand as well, but before you could bring your arm to your side again, Mammon held both your hands between his.

"Oi, human! Ya didn't even greet me properly and now ya sendin' me back?" he said, looking to the side so you could not see his eyes, but leaving on full display the cheek that had turned red because of his embarrassment.

"Sorry. I won't try to send you back right away if you stop lying tho" giggling, you took your hands away from him and held his arm to make him follow you to the small couch in the room.

"Anyway, didn't I tell ya that if ya go calling me up here I would stay?" he mentioned sitting next to you but still avoiding your gaze.

You had to cup his cheeks between both your hands to make him face you, "You did say that, but you know it's not possible. Your brothers need you back there"

"Doesn't seem like it to me" he added, and you frowned.

"Mammon..."

"Don't ya want me to stay?" this time he was the one frowning at you, and you shook your head.

"I would love for you to stay, but-"

"I ain't taking any but" Mammon interrupted you, and then pushed your hands off his face.

"Mammon"

Quickly standing up, he started walking around the room "This place is really small"

"I mean, it's only me living here, so I don't need that much space" you shrugged, standing up as well and making your way to the window. He nodded stopping right in front of your desk.

"I see... So ya spend a lot of time on your own here, huh?" he turned around, but he did not want to face you. It was not hard to tell that he was upset now.

"Not really. I mean, I have my classes, and then I have my job you know? So, then I also have to do my work from college and sometimes I get some time to sleep. Occasionally, I watch some live performances from my favorite groups to treat myself. So like, yes. I guess I do spend a lot of time here, but it isn't as if I were free to do whatever. I'm very busy most of the time"

"Hey, hey. Ya started ramblin' all of a sudden" Too lost in your thoughts, you did not notice when Mammon made his way toward you.

"Sorry. "

He was now standing in front of you, finally deciding to maintain the eye contact without running away. "I know ya always busy with boring stuff, ya don't need to convince me. Such a goody two-shoes."

You scoffed rather loudly after hearing him say that. You a goody two-shoes? Just for being smart enough to not get yourself in trouble? As if.

"Oh, are you damn serious? I just don't have time to go around getting in trouble when I could use that time so much better. And just so you know, if I weren't good at analyzing situations, you would be hanging upside down right in this moment."

Mammon eyes were as big as they could be, "Hey, where did all of that come from?" he asked, still blinking to understand what you had just said.

"You were getting on my nerves" you simply said, and he rolled his eyes.

"I'm gettin' on your nerves? Ha! I should be the one to say that. Like, I've been here for a while now, and ya still won't greet me properly"

"Again with that, what is it that you want?" but of course, instead of giving you an answer he just turned his face to the side and crossed his arms.

What is it? What could it be? You kept staring at him, and once again his cheeks that had returned to their natural color had started heating up, the red blush evident for anyone to see.

"Oh, I see..." You smiled, trying your best to refrain yourself from giggling because of his adorable behavior. "My baby wanted to get a kiss, didn't he? How could I be so oblivious?"

"I don't know. Weren't ya sayin' you are all smart and whatever?"

"I can make it up to you though" you said bringing your hands behind his head to pull him closer. "Would it be okay if I kiss you now?" you asked softly, your lips ghosting over his.

"Just do it. But just so ya know, one ain't enough. Ya gotta pay your debts with extra kisses for treating me like this"

"Okay, okay. I will" you nodded, before finally letting your lips meet. Mammon sighed after he finally got what he had wanted since getting to your place. He lifted you up from the floor effortlessly, and waited for you to cross your legs behind him. Then he started walking toward your bedroom, his quick steps making you feel that you were definitely going to fall at some point.

"Wait, wait. You're going to drop me" you said hiding your face in the crook of his neck, barely talking properly due to your laugh.

"I won't" he simply said, and while one of his arms was wrapped behind your back to keep you in place, his other hand was lifted to your face to bring your lips together once again.

Pulling away from the kiss for the second time, you held Mammon's face in place to talk to him, getting nothing but his whining in response.

"So like, about sending you back later so that the rest doesn't start freaking out about you disappearing..." you asked, and you could swear his eyes were practically shooting daggers at you.

"Oh, shut up"

"But I need to know! Just in case something goes wrong or who knows" you laughed at how he was barely listening to you, his eyes just following your lips.

"I won't leave just yet, let's talk about it tomorrow" he said, finishing the discussion, at least momentarily.

At the sight of him pouting you could not help but to nod your head, right before pulling him closer once again "Fine, but stop acting like an annoying baby"

"How dare you call The Great Mammon an annoying-"

"Baby, will you let me kiss you or not?"

"Okay"

I mentioned it at the beginning of this post, but you really should take a break from time to time. If you don't, you might feel overwhelmed and that's definitely not cool.

So please, take care of yourself and stay healthy. Have a lovely day!

[dajaregambler]

HeliosR - Ren Kisaragi Card story “An introduction to the art of self-defense”

Translation of Ren Kisaragi’s 3* “ Grandiose Chinoiserie” card story from ‘Helios Rising Heroes’.

Ren: Hah! Fuh….!

Ren: Haaaaah…..!

Gast: Oi Ren, ain’tcha gonna go back yet?

Ren: …..Can’t you see I’m busy. I’m staying some longer to continue with training on my own

Gast: Right. Then I’ll stay a bit too

Ren: Why even

Gast: Ain’t it fine? Unless there's a chance like this, I don't go outta my way for self-training

Ren: ……..

Gast: Lately you’ve been focusing on how to do taijutsu, haven'tcha. Sure it’s ‘cuz Marion’s been teaching it to you but

Gast: Has that self-defense class been workin’ out? You don’t only gotta teach, but learn stuff from Marion too, right?

Ren: ….You didn’t want to actually train, did you.

Gast: Oops, m’bad. It’s ‘cuz I haven’t been seein’ you lately back at the room, so…

Gast: You’re busy with the special mission, makes sense as to why though

Ren: Don’t think I’m the only one that’s busy here.

Gast: Mh?

Ren: Comparatively, I spend most of my time in my room as always. You’re the one that’s absent. 

Gast: Right…. Thought you weren’t in our room either, but turns out I was wrong ‘bout it

Ren: You said you’re busy but… what are you doing?

Gast: Ooh, you’re interested in me for once

Ren: I knew I shouldn’t have asked anything.

Gast: Wuh, wait wait wait! Listen to m-… No, please listen!

Ren: …….

Gast: Uuuuhm… the reason for why I’m busy is ‘cuz there’s a problem with my bros

Ren: A problem?

Gast: Yeah. S’pretty trivial matter, but there've been more and more fights with guys from other turfs….

Gast: Lately the public order in Red South’s improved a lot, right? Doesn’t mean the delinquents packed up and left though

Gast: ‘Cuz of how it’s been way too peaceful, the stress building up and plenty of guys are out for blood 

Ren: …….

Gast: And with that, I often get called to meditate…. Thinkin’ it’s time to tackle the root of it though

Ren: You’re going to fix it?

Gast: Well, I did turn over a new leaf, can’t do anything that makes me stand out now, can I

Gast: Just can’t leave it be like this when my bros are getting in trouble. And I know not doing ain’t any good either… I’m totally lost on what would be the best thing to do

Gast: Ah… my bad, Ren. Went off ramblin’ again

Gast: I won’t get in the way of your training anymore, go ahead

Ren: ……….

Gast: S’pose I’ll do a simulation on my own-----

Ren: I’ll accompany you for a bit

Gast: Eh?

Ren: We’re training, aren’t we. That’s why…. I’ll accompany you for sparring

Gast: Ooooh, you’re inviting me for a sparring match…. Ain’t it just full of surprises today?

Ren: It’s difficult to do training for taijutsu on my own anyway.

Ren: I heard it back at the camp too but…. At the self-defense class it was also said that it’s more efficient to train with a partner, instead of on your own.

Gast: Heeh, so you're properly learnin’.  Awright, then today it’ll be with me♪

-

Gast: Fuuh~.... Ren, you’re gotten stronger than I thought. I ran outta breath...

Gast: It’s like…. you’ve gotten better at guarding? No matter how many times I threw punches, you took ‘em all like it was nothing….

Ren: …..Self-defense is all about protection after all.

Ren: You shouldn’t make a move. The trick seems to be to skilfully make use of your opponent's attack and their ‘spirit’ during fighting. 

Gast: Oooh, that’s how it is…. You’ve been good at spotting movements since the beginning, huh. Well, there’s the whole usin’ guns thing too

Gast: A defense skill on top of being able to spot the movements of your opponent would naturally make you instantly overpowered

Ren: It appears that if you’re able to read this ‘spirit’ I mentioned earlier, you’d have the potential to not only predict your opponent's movements but also guard against them.

Gast: ‘Spirit’, huh…. Kinda boggling my mind a bit here but, to sum it up it’s like figuring out a counter in a sense, maybe?

Ren: I do think it’s perhaps like that. It’s what I heard but, ‘striking before the other does’, ‘striking while defending from their attack’ and ‘counterattack’ were all things that----

-

----Few days later.

Marion: REN! Ren, come here….!

Ren: ? What’s wrong, Marion

Marion: You… just what did you tell Gast!?

Ren: Eh….

Marion: He’s outside the dojo right now. And he dragged a bunch of vulgar men along with him….!

Ren: Wha-.....

Gast: Ooooi, Marion! Listen to what I have to say till I’m done-----

Gast: Woah, Ren’s here too♪ Class going good?

Ren: Why, are you here…..

Gast: Nah well, I was thinkin’ if you couldn’t teach me some self-defense too. And not just to me but few of my bros too

Gast: With what you thought me the other day, it came to me that “This is it!”

Gast: Attendin’ a self-defense class would do good for the guys itching to pick a fight, wouldn’t it?

Gast: If anything, the idea of being defense impressed me for real. If these guys learn it they wouldn’t mindlessly go out and fight 

Gast: Whenever something’s up, they’d be able to protect themselves and the buddies important to ‘em♪ 

Ren: ………….

Marion: Gh, don’t say as if it’s nothing! You scared all of the neighbours storming in with these guys in here!

Marion: Do something about it at once…!

[ryujin-zanba]

Mammon’s Birthday

it took me so long to get round to this that it’s probably already someone else’s birthday... but anyway if u enjoy lemme’ know and i might write more for this series (＾▽＾)

After making Mammon’s birthday wish come true you now have to find a way to spend the evening together, but it doesn’t seem like that will be a problem~

Rating: Teen & Up Words: 1200 Tags: Fluff, Romance, Kissing, Teasing, Pining, Tenderness, Confessions Ships: Reader x Mammon

“C’mon, human, where are ya’ takin’ me?”

 “Stop whining, we’re almost there.”

 “But we’re in the middle of the woods! What’s out here that’s so important ya’ had t’drag us all the way to the edge of the Devildom?”

 You don’t need to answer his question. As you halt outside the secluded cabin, the cogs seem to begin turning in his head, and you hope he’s working it out for himself, but he’s sure taking his sweet time drawing a conclusion here.

 “What was it you said about your special day?” you coax. “Somewhere your brothers wouldn’t interrupt... somewhere out of the way...?”

 “A... a cabin by the lake,” he murmurs, finally understanding.

 “Right! So what do you think we’re doing h— hey, Mammon, hey,” you appeal as he suddenly starts to snivel. 

 “I didn’t think you were actually listenin’ to all that ramblin’,” the demon cries theatrically, blubbering as you cup his face between your hands and rub his cheeks with your thumbs.

 “Of course I was. I always listen to you, Mammon,” you sympathise, wiping away his tears before he falls in for a hug. 

 “Ya’ really got us a place to stay where I can have ya’ to myself for the whole day?” 

 “What do you think? Wanna’ go explore? Or should I have scheduled in an hour of tears first?” you tease lightheartedly.

 Mammon chuckles and wipes his nose on his sleeve as he draws back.

 “Nah... nah, I’m good. Jus’ had somethin’ in my eye,” the emotional demon decides, grabbing your hand and marching the pair of you up to the veranda. “C’mon, let’s go! Stop dawdlin’, human!” 

 “Right, sorry,” you play along with a roll of your eyes, letting him drag you up the steps like an excited kid. 

 The cabin, you suspect, isn’t the only one of its kind out here, but you have it on trustworthy authority that no one from school knows about it save for perhaps Diavolo.

 You have Solomon to thank for this favour; he was kind enough to offer the place up when you were offhandedly discussing Mammon’s birthday wishes. It was unexpected of him, but then, he’s probably the only other person who might understand the importance of privacy given the way the seven brothers behave…

 Mammon wastes no time making himself at home once you’re inside. He barely even takes a glance at the place before he’s kicking his shoes off and reclining on the couch with his arms behind his head.

 “Don’t you wanna’ take a look around outside? Maybe go for a hike?” you encourage. 

 “Nope,” Mammon chirps, “I wanna’ spend aaall night right here watchin’ movies with ya’ and having ya’ play with my hair.” He pales a little then, “i-if ya’ comfortable with that, I mean…” 

 “S’your birthday,” you shrug, sauntering over to join him on the couch and letting him put his arm around you as you tuck up to him. 

 “Keh... yeah, this is nice alright... I sure lucked out this year, huh?”

 “How do you mean?”

 “Well, y’know, gettin’ to spend my birthday with ya’... I mean I’ve had a lotta’ extravagant birthdays, but this one...” He trails off, blushing a little like he just realised he was heading for some sort of confession. 

 “It’s not like you to be modest, Mammon,” you tease.

 “Yeah, well... it’s different when it’s jus’ you...”

 “How’s that?”

 “Don’t feel like I gotta’ fight for your attention, do I?” 

 You shake your head with a soft laugh.

 “You always have my attention, Mammon. Even in a room full of demons I’m only ever looking at you.”

 His blush deepens as he makes the mistake of looking right at you as you say that and promptly descends into a stuttering mess, but you can’t help finding even that endearing about him. 

 Mammon’s always fanning his feathers around his brothers hoping for a second glance from you, but now that he no longer has to show off, his true colours are coming through… mostly just red right now. 

 “W-well, I mean, why wouldn’t ya’ be lookin’ at all this?” he recovers himself, forcing that air of self-confidence to try and disguise is bashful blunder. 

 “Right,” you agree, loving how easy he is to work up.  

 “Anyway,” he insists, grabbing for the TV remote off the arm of the couch in a bid to draw attention away from his tendency to embarrass himself at times like this.

 It’s only a little box television, antiquated like the rest of the place, and though it’s charming, Mammon is having no luck getting the remote to respond.

 “C’mon,” he grumbles, getting unnecessarily self-conscious. Just as his frustration is about to crest though, you catch his hand and set the device aside, and right before he’s about to question you, you lean in to capture his lips instead. 

 He instantly softens under you; his shoulders dropping and the impatience leaving his body in a low exhale through his nose.

 “Hey, y’know what we need?” you croon, sitting back to neaten his shirt a little and thumb his chin affectionately. 

 “What we need?” he echoes, looking a tad dazed as he cants his head forward again. 

 “Hot chocolate~?”

 “Oh, fuck yeah,” Mammon grins lopsidedly. “You gonna’ bring it to me an’ everythin’?”

 “If you look for a game we can play to pass the time,” you smirk, getting up to go to the cosy kitchenette. 

 Solomon is human, so you don’t doubt he’ll have some earthly treats in the cabinets, and maybe Mammon will be hard pressed to find the kind of games he enjoys, but there’s got to be a jigsaw puzzle somewhere at least. 

 “If I don’t find anythin’ what’re we gunna’ do for the rest of the night?”

 “Guess we’ll have to keep kissing,” you sigh, trying to make it sound unfavourable. 

 “Nope, no games, kissin’ it is!” Mammon declares far too quickly as he smugly crosses one leg over the other. 

 “Your lips’ll get chapped,” you caution. 

 “That’s okay I got lip balm,” is the rapid fire rebuttal. 

 “Oh? Is Asmo starting to influence you?”

 “No, never!”

 “Right...” you maintain, letting him know with a brief glance that you’re unconvinced.

 Mammon huffs a laugh, defeated, but while you’re boiling the kettle, he gets curious and heads over to the high shelves beside the fireplace to peruse the contents.

 You can feel his eyes on you every so often; feel the sheer adoration in his gaze. He could probably spend the whole night just staring at you, and it occurs to you that an evening of having his hair played with and someone listening to his ramblings is such a small thing to want.

 But Mammon is simple and honest if nothing else, and you’re glad to be here with him. His brothers might disagree, but he deserves more attentions than he gets.

 He’s staring right now, and you lift your gaze to catch him before asking, “What?” with a wry grin.

 “Nothin’,” Mammon declines, taking a warm smile with him as he averts his gaze, “m’just happy,” he murmurs, continuing to browse the shelves.

 Apparently, even money can’t compare to the gift of just having you near.

tip jar ♡

[writeiolite]

askdlfhjs i was gonna do the check in and accidentally unfollowed but im more 🍓 than anythin else rn. Adjusting to college is crazy and i'm just now gettin into the groove, but i had to sorta delay grieving for a family member so that i could properly settle in. It's been wild for me & my mental health is kinda poopy but god bless u for everythin u do for HQC bc like, i now realize how hard it is to juggle that and post-secondary education (college/uni) and shit u do it well but yea im ramblin

BRO I LAUGHED SO HARD BC I WAS LIKE “omfg it’s day’s imposter. someone has a URL identical to hers-” AND THEN IT WAS YOU KJASHGKJDHS I WAS GONNA SS IT BC I THOUGHT WE FOUND UR CLONE BUT IT WAS LITERALLY YOUASUGASKDJHKJSD

!!! dis isn’t abt me omg pls im flattered but 🥺 UR DOING UR BEST JUGGLING BOTH!! and ur best one day may not live up to the best another day, but it’s awesome enough that ur doing smth hard bc it only gets easier ^^ at least there’s 12 of us working on it all ASGJASGKSJ 

and beyond that, ur first year is a troubleshoot year. second year is gonna be so much different but in a good way, so let urself had drawbacks and mistakes! doing college is hard, doing college + literally anything else is hard. but you’ll grow from it and become even more amazing — i’ve seen you grow these past few months and that was already a spectacle in itself :D things are wild now but ur on a good path bc you’re you!!

i’m sorry you had to delay ur grieving, esp bc sometimes we really need to do so and it can feel mechanic to postpone ur feelings, but i sincerely hope u got to grieve and grieve as much as u needed. and if u didn't, don’t beat urself up over it. there’s always time and sometimes we grieve in different ways than we’re used to. don’t forget that ur mental and physical are important too!! it’s easy to forget when u have a lot going on, but i hope u can cross off like, 3 things on this checklist at the end of the day:

did u think of a happy memory today?

did u look at picture/video of ur pet(s) today or a friends pet?

did u ... ik this one is tough.......... d-d-d-drink... w*t*r...?🤢

did u see the sun today?

did u take ur meds?

did u eat a meal?

why is the list

making a

slope

?

anyway!! im proud of you!!!!!!!! lotssss of people are proud of u for doing all that u do, even if we only see parts of it. thank u for everything u do for me and HQC 🥺💛 thank u for sticking around when things get difficult and for sticking around when we do stupid shit. im forever grateful for meeting u, and i know im not the only one!! ^^ ur always always free to ramble here as much as u want. and if u don’t want a response, u can just say and i’ll provide a meme or song or video that reminds me of u ♡ mwah ily lots

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS LOST EDEN WonderGOO Tokuten Drama CD ”Coffin Decoration ~ Out of the Counsel of Three comes the Greatest Fashion Sense”

Original title: 棺桶★デコレーション～三人寄れば最強のセンス!?～

Source: Diabolik Lovers LOST EDEN WonderGOO Tokuten Drama CD

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Midorikawa Hikaru, Takashi Kondou & Tatsuhisa Suzuki

Translator’s note: This CD added three days to my lifespan with how absolutely ADORABLE Subaru is. ;w; I love it when he gets super excited about coffins and such, haha. That being said, Ayato and Yuma were hilarious in this CD as well. I loved how they all work together in the end to make what is probably the strangest coffin in all of human and Vampire history. xD 

Ayato: …Goddamnit, Reiji. Can he just stop complainin’ ‘bout every single damn thing? I’m not the only one whose room is a mess! It’s my room so it can be as messy as I want it to be, right? …Huh?

Ayato suddenly comes to a halt.

Ayato: Is that…?

Subaru: …

Ayato approaches Subaru. 

Ayato: Oi, Subaru! Whatcha doin’ over here? …It doesn’t happen every day that Mr. Shut-In leaves his room. 

*Rustle*

Subaru: Shut up!! It’s none of your fuckin’ business, is it!? I’m busy right now so leave me alone!

Ayato: Busy? All you’re doin’ is lookin’ inside some store. …Ah? 

*Rustle* 

Ayato: What’s this? 

Subaru: Can’t you tell? It’s a customizable coffin. 

Ayato: Oh. Now that you mention it, it does have these weird decorations on it. …Oh! Are those different kinds of sweets and candy on top? Interestin’! 

Subaru: You like that overly cutesy one? The one on the far right is obviously the coolest!

Ayato: Hah? The one with the black wings? …Also could they have fit on any more skulls? It’s way too much.

Yuma approaches them.

Yuma: …Aah? If it isn’t the Loudmouth and the Shut-In. What brings ya two here? 

Ayato: Subaru wants to decorate his coffin, apparently. 

Yuma: Decorate? Is that the sorta thing you’re into mate? 

Subaru: I’m not…!! I never said I’d actually do it, did I!?

Ayato: But you’ve been lookin’ at this even way before I came here, right? I bet you actually want to give it a try.

Subaru: …!! W-Well…

Yuma: Heeh…Well, check it out! It says that right now, ya can put on as many ornaments as ya can fit on there!

Subaru: …

Ayato: If you’re too scared to go inside by yourself, I can come with you? I’ll even help you pick out some stuff! I’ll sniff out the real cool stuff!

Subaru: …I can only see this endin’ badly. 

Yuma: In that case, I’ll tag along too! Let’s make a coffin that would turn anyone into a shut-in. (1)

Subaru: You guys are makin’ fun of me, aren’t you? Besides, aren’t you outside for a reason as well!? 

Yuma: Yeah. I’m on my way to buy stuff for tonight’s dinner. But I still have plenty time, so it should be fine. 

Ayato: I only left the house to escape from Reiji’s ramblin’. …Come on, let’s go inside already. 

*Rustle* 

Subaru: …Hey!

Ayato: You grab his other arm, Yuma. 

Yuma: Gotcha. 

*Rustle* 

Subaru: …! Ugh…!

Ayato: Don’t worry. You’ll be cryin’ tears of joy by the end.

Yuma: Exactly. Leave it to us!

They drag Subaru inside the store. 

Subaru: As if…!! Why do I have to do this with you two fuckers anyway…!? I can already tell you’re goin’ to turn it into some kind of weird shit…!! …So stop pulling me…!!

*TIMESKIP*

Ayato: Oh…They’ve got so many decorations to choose from. Wow.

Subaru: Aren’t their coffins a lil’ too big as well? This is pretty much twice the size of my current one. 

Yuma: You’ve got a point. This doesn’t look like it’s meant for one person. 

Ayato: What are you sayin’? Not only does it give you more space to work with, but it’ll obviously be more comfortable to sleep in as well!

Yuma: Is that how it works? 

Subaru: Che…I can’t keep up with you idiots any longer. I’m goin’ home. 

Ayato: That kind of defeats the purpose, doesn’t it? …Let me see…Oh! What do you think ‘bout this one? 

*Rustle* 

Yuma: Ah! Why a huge cross out of all things!? Ya really think this guy will like that?

Ayato: Ah…? I guess you’re right, it’s kinda creepy. Oi, Subaru. Let’s go for somethin’ else after aーー

Subaru: Not bad…

Ayato & Yuma: Haah…!? 

Subaru: I should probably put this one on the lid. Also…It’d look even better by adding a pair of bat wings. …Wait, no! The dragon wings are kind of temptin’ too…

Yuma: No way…That’s the sort of thing he likes? What’s wrong with your lil’ brother’s taste!?

Ayato: Don’t ask me!!

*Rustle* 

Subaru: Oi, you guys should bring me some decorations too. If they’re good, I’ll even use them. 

Ayato: That arrogant tone pisses me off, but seems like he finally got in the mood. …Let’s do this. I’ll put on some weird shit and turn it into the lamest coffin ever seen. Hehe…

Yuma: I mean, I guess this is a decent way to kill some time, so count me in.

Subaru: What are you two whisperin’ ‘bout? 

Ayato: Nothin’! I’ll go fetch somethin’ that’ll blow you out of your socks, so just you wait!

Yuma: You just stick to bein’ your usually loner self and have fun decoratin’ ‘kay? 

*TIMESKIP*

Subaru: …Okay. This should do for the lid. 

Ayato: Oi, Subaru! Check this one out…!!

*Rustle*

Subaru: Ah? What? Also, what took you so damn long!? I’m pretty much done except for the sidーー …Wait, that’s…

*Dun dun*

Ayato: It’s a mini-sized takoyaki grill! If you put this on your coffin, you’ll be able to enjoy takoyaki all while livin’ the loner life! Isn’t that amazing!? 

Subaru: Hard pass! Besides, if I start grillin’ takoyaki inside my coffin, I won’t be able to sleep from the stench afterwards, will I? 

Ayato: Haah? But it’s the best smell in the world…? You really don’t get it. 

Subaru: I’m pretty sure you’re the only person in this world who feels that way. 

Ayato: Fine then. Guess I’ll have to make do with this one instead…

*Rustle rustle* 

Subaru: …Please don’t tell me that round thing is a takoyaki. 

Ayato: Huh? Are you really that stupid? What else does it look like to you? Well, it’s only a decoration and not the real thing though. 

Subaru: But why!? You’re the only person who’d be happy havin’ that thing on their coffin!

Ayato: You already rejected the takoyaki grill so at least let me have this? You’re really provin’ the point that the youngest child is always the most selfish one. 

Yuma walks up to them. 

Yuma: Are ya’ll havin’ an argument again? Ya never grow tired of that, do ya?

Subaru: We’re not! It’s just Ayato’s who’s tryin’ to put stupid shit on my coffin!

Ayato: Ah…? Maybe you should stop shootin’ down all of my suggestions!

Yuma: Oh come on, lay it off. You’re causin’ issues for the store. …Anyway, I brought some stuff with me. 

*Rustle* 

Ayato: Let me see…

*Rustle rustle*

Ayato: Carrots, peppers, eggplant and cabbage…These are all vegetables, aren’t they?

Yuma: Gotta get those greens in. Works wonders for yer health. 

Subaru: No but…Those are not somethin’ you’d put on a coffin, right?

Yuma: Nah, don’t worry. They’re all just incredibly well-made replicas. 

Ayato: Heeh, these as well? After seeing the takoyaki from earlier as well, I have to say that they really upped their replica game. 

Subaru: That’s not the issue…!! What I’m tryin’ to say is that these don’t fit the aesthetic at all!

Yuma: Hah…? You are in no position to judge, are you!? The fuck did you do to this coffin? 

Ayato: Geh…! Now that you mention it, Subaru’s creation is…on a whole different level. 

Yuma: Skulls and crows…Ah? And are those thorny vines and snakes running across? 

Ayato: And can we also mention the really creepy face in the middle? Is that a monster of some sort?

Subaru: Take a proper look! It’s a devil! Can’t you see its horns? 

Ayato: Do devils have horns?

Yuma: Beats me. …Or rather, why would a Vampire put that on their coffin? 

Subaru: I just thought the design looked cool, that’s all. 

Ayato: Then these spider web-like patterns were done on purpose too? 

Subaru: Obviously. 

Yuma: I don’t get it. 

Ayato: I don’t even want to understand. 

Yuma: Guess I have no other choice but to fix it up for ya a lil’...

*Rustle rustle* 

Subaru: Oi! Don’t be changin’ the composition without my permission!

Yuma: Oh come on, just watch. 

*Rustle rustle* 

Yuma: First you put this here…and then…

*Rustle rustle*

Yuma: …There we go! The carrots add a nice touch, don’t ya think?

Ayato: Heeh…You had the crows hold carrots with their feet, huh? 

Subaru: I mean…I guess it doesn’t look half bad…

Ayato: …Oh!

*Ping* 

Ayato: I just had a genius idea as well…! If I put the takoyaki inside this lizard’s mouth…

*Rustle rustle* 

Yuma: Ah! I kind of like it!

Subaru: Say, don’t you think the eggplant would fit well with the color palette as well? 

Ayato: It’s purple after all! Why don’t you try wrapping one of those chains around it?

*Cling cling* 

Subaru: …Not bad. 

Ayato: Let’s add a basketball while we’re at it as well. See? It looks good with a crown of thorns placed on top of it.

Yuma: In that case…The cabbage should go inside the skull, right?

Subaru: No, wait. Tomatoes would work way better. 

Yuma: I’d say we go for cherry tomatoes then. It’d look way better if we stuff a bunch of them inside. 

Subaru: Yuma, you…You’re a genius!

Ayato: Oi, Subaru. We need somethin’ big which really stands out. 

Subaru: Ah, now that you mention it…I saw a spider ornament with really long legs earlier. It didn’t click with me earlier, but it might actually improve the overall design! I’ll go get it!

Ayato: Yeah! We’ll decorate some of the other empty spaces while you’re gone. 

Yuma: Hurry up, ‘kay?

Subaru: Kuh…Don’t mess it up!

Subaru runs off.

*TIMESKIP*

*Rustle*

Subaru: …It’s perfect!

Ayato: Yeah! We created a true masterpiece!

Yuma: We didn’t skimp on the details after all. 

Subaru: I was kind of worried for a sec…But I never thought the end result would be this good!

Ayato: That’s all thanks to my help. 

Yuma: What are ya sayin’? I’m the one who did such a great job with the composition. 

Subaru: Hah…? We were able to achieve this result because I did the lid first.

Ayato: Excuse me!? 

Subaru: Got a problem, huh!? 

Yuma: For the millionth time, don’t start fightin’ inside the store! …Anyway, don’t we need to square up now?

Subaru: Ah, right…

Ayato: I hope you’re not gonna tell us you don’t have any money.

Subaru: Hah? Of course I do!

Subaru walks to the counter. 

Yuma: Anyway, how much does one of these cost? 

Ayato: Hah? Didn’t you say that there’s an all-you-can-fit deal? You must have seen the price then, no? 

Yuma: Nah, I didn’t pay attention to that.

Subaru: (muffled) ーー Haah!? Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me!? 

Ayato: …!? What’s that guy’s problem? Why is he shoutin’ out of nowhere? 

Yuma: Should we go take a look? 

Ayato and Yuma walk up to him.

Ayato: Oi, what’s up?

Yuma: Did ya forget yer wallet? 

Subaru: I didn’t! But look at the damn total!

Yuma: The price? …Ahー It’s surprisingly…expensive, huh? 

Subaru: I don’t have nearly enough money on me. 

Yuma: I’ve only got some small change as well. …I mean, there’s the money Ruki gave me to buy food butーー If I use that, my head will be on the choppin’ block…

Ayato: Oh geez, guess I have no other choice. I can easily pay this mu…

*Rustle* 

Ayato: Hm…?

Subaru: Ayato…

Ayato: Now that you mention it, I didn’t bring my wallet with me. 

Yuma: First ya talk all big and now this!? 

Subaru: Or rather…If my pocket money isn’t nearly enough, I doubt addin’ yours to it will make much of a different. 

Ayato: Ahーah. We put so much time and effort into it as well. 

Yuma: We should have probably checked the price tag first.

Subaru: Haah…My coffin…I’ve decided! I’ll start a part-time job at this store and one day that coffin shall be mine!

Yuma: Haah!? What are ya sayin’...!? 

Ayato: It’s not worth goin’ that for, is it? 

Subaru: Right! You two should come work here with me as well. I’ll go have a word with the manager, so stay right here, ‘kay!?

Subaru runs off.

Ayato & Yuma: Haahーー!?

 ーー THE END ーー

[oriigami]

Hi Jon! For the writing meme, can you answer some of the questions of your choice for "stolen things", the 2 chaps for the Wings!Au , "Toragara" and "guide you home" ? Those are my ABSOLUTE fave works from you (I have read it all) so I am curious to see what you have to say about them ! Also you are one of the writers I look up the most along with uncle Rick and I really hope to one day be as good as you ! All my love and support your way always, you are very very COOL

first of all holy shit thank you!! :D second of all since you didn’t specify i just rolled some dice and answered one for each, SO-

stolen things-

☼: how i came up with the idea

okay so stolen things was actually originally gonna be my entry for the set sail exchange- basically one of my giftee’s liked ships was namivivi so i blanked out and wrote it in like forty-eight hours- but i ultimately ended up switching gears to write something else that better fit what they’d requested, which meant i could post this one early! 

and uh the other inspiration was actually this art by @narramin, the story isn’t directly based on it or anything but it was just like... the Vibes and the concept of timeskip namivivi rendezvous stuck in my brain

toragara-

☠: something i found challenging

oh uhhh first of all toragara was my first time writing anything substantial from luffy’s point of view and that was HARD. it’s so tricky to get inside his dumb rubber head. there were a few observations or descriptions i had to delete because i realized he probably wouldn’t notice/understand certain stuff, especially cause a lot of the story takes place when he’s a kid.

additionally, the timeline also kind of tripped me up, though that was a lesser problem. originally the second meeting scene (with the bear trap) took place a couple years earlier, before sabo’s ‘death,’ but i wound up moving it later so things would be more evenly spaced out. 

(another thing i am finding challenging is the sequel. it’s been on the backburner for awhile. i have a lot of scene ideas but for some reason my brain is just not cooperating.)

ill fly away (wings au)-

☄: what the writing process was like

i think i mentioned this in the notes on one or both of the stories, but the writing process for this au is SO patchwork, because it’s the kind of au where there’s a lot of stuff that doesn’t change at all, and obviously i don’t wanna write stuff that would just go the same as canon. 

so instead i wind up bouncing between different scenes that WOULD be interesting to examine under this lens, which is why both stories are kind of just collections of scenes without much through-line. hopefully law’s chapter will be a bit more cohesive, cause the wings play a more direct role in that one. 

guide you home- 

✄: something i deleted before the final draft

hey, another deleted scene! originally i was gonna have ace be doing some post-school traveling to parallel his canon blackbeard hunting adventures, and have him drop in on vivi to visit since they met in canon. i can’t actually remember why i deleted this other than it felt kinda outta place and i wasn’t sure where to take the scene but it was fun!

“Miss Vivi!” Terracotta’s voice sing-songs from the direction of the entryway. “There’s a young man here asking for you!”

Vivi blinks, glancing up from her book. “A young man?” she repeats, bewildered. The only young men she’s on close terms with are Kohza and his friends, but her house is practically their second home- Terracotta would just announce any of them by their names.

“A young man?” her father echoes, sounding decidedly more alarmed.

Vivi laughs outright at his tone as she sets her book aside and hurries to the entryway, her father following after her more slowly, leaning on his cane.

As if it’s boys he has to worry about, anyways.

She rounds the corner into the entryway, glancing curiously around, and-

“Vivi!”

- is immediately grabbed up in a massive bear-hug that lifts her clear off the floor. She recognizes the voice first, and then everything else comes through in pieces: bright orange hat, wide grin, freckles.

“Ace?”

He cackles with laughter and drops her back down to her feet, giving her a chance to look him over properly. He hasn’t changed much, in seven months- his hair is a little longer, and it looks like in the absence of a dress code he’s quit buttoning up his shirt, but that’s not much of a change, anyways.

“I- what are you doing here?” she finally manages, still all but gaping.

He grins. “Graduated! I decided to take a page out of your book and do the international travel thing, instead of,” he pulls a horrified face, “college. So now I’m just, ramblin’, y’know?”

“How long ago did you leave home?” Vivi asks.

He wiggles a hand in the air. “Two months ago-ish? I haven’t really been keeping track.”

“So you must have some good stories already, right?” she asks, bouncing on her toes a little.

[moonlight-ghoulette]

Audio

Thanks for the prompt, Anon! This is a lengthy one, so I put it under the cut! This is pure smut with a liiittle bit of fluff at the end. Enjoy! :)

They’ve been pushing the chore off on each other for weeks. They shared a drive where they kept most, if not all of their works in progress or bits and pieces of current and upcoming brainstorms. Scripts, ideas, bits of lyrics they created to show each other later, separated music tracks. These files spanned back years, and most of them were of no use to them anymore, just taking up space. Rhett begrudgingly accepted the task after much prodding from Link, and took a night off to settle in with some hot tea, a soft couch and his laptop.

Rhett sighed heavily as he took a sip of his tea, scrolling the page down for what felt like ages. Most of it was organized at least, having similar filenames to group each file together. Except there was one near the bottom, unlike the rest, that Rhett didn’t recognize.

headphones_only.mp3

Rhett pondered for a moment, hovering his cursor over the ‘remove’ option. It didn’t have a proper name like most of the files did, so it was probably junk. But the last thing he needed was to delete an important audio track. It’s entirely possible one of them got lazy in the renaming process. 

Rhett turned the volume up on his laptop and double-clicked. The sound of soft breathing and rustling filled the room through the tinny speakers. Rhett’s head tilted in confusion. He definitely didn’t pin this as anything important. There must have been some sort of mishap, one of them mic’d up and recorded at the wrong time and the unneeded file slipping through their search. 

Then, a soft hum reverberated through the speaker. Rhett’s finger mashed the space bar, pausing it. He was sure that this was just some trash file meant for the recycle bin, but something about it immediately felt wrong. It felt intimate in a way that made his stomach sink. It sounded like Link, and the sounds of him being recorded during an off moment taken out of context almost felt too private for Rhett to feel comfortable listening to. The breathing, the rustling of the mic against fabric, a soft hum of concentration. 

Rhett glanced back at the filename. headphones_only.mp3. He suddenly realized that someone kept this on purpose, even taking the time to rename it. It was no mistake.

Rhett got up, dug a pair of headphones out of his desk’s drawer and slipped them on as he settled back down onto the couch, plugging the jack into the computer. He felt silly for it, being alone, but the privacy made him feel better. He already felt wrong for listening to it as much as he had, let alone returning to listen to it in earnest. He slid the buffer bar back and clicked play once again. 

There was the breathing, the shuffling, the soft hum. The sounds felt like they were directly in his ear, causing him to shiver ever so slightly.

“Mmmm. Hey,”

Rhett’s finger scrambled for the spacebar again, but stopped just short. It definitely was Link.  This was getting to be too much too quick for Rhett, but the morbid curiosity held him fast. His heart thumped in his chest as he sat, entranced by the soft, whispered dialogue. This was a mistake. He should stop. Link obviously did not mean to put this in their shared drive. Yet Rhett found himself frozen, straining to listen, scandalized.

“So you probably stumbled across this on accident, right? Wondering ’what the crap is this thing doing in here?’ an’ ya clicked on it, trying to figure it out.” Link giggled softly into the mic, his voice low and raspy with the effort to keep it as hushed as possible. The soft shuffling continued all throughout the dialogue. “Come to think of it, it probably shouldn’t be in here. I mean, we’re the only ones with the password to this thing. But y'know. This is–ahh–just work stuff. Probably shouldn’t mix it, right?”

Rhett was frozen stiff, his jaw slack. Link was speaking in such a slow, soft drawl, punctuated with slow, deep breaths. Nothing like his usual upbeat, melodious voice. Rhett could practically feel Link’s breath in his ear. And what even is this in the first place?

“An’ if you find this, that’s fine. I guess the only other person who’s bound to find it is you, after all, right? So it must be for you. Well, if you wanna hear it, it is.  An’ if you find out that this isn’t your thing, you can–mmmm–you can delete it and never speak of it. That’s fine. Just hope you’re not gonna freak out on me for it.”

Rhett had no idea what Link was on about, but he couldn’t stop listening if he tried.

“Gosh I’m ramblin’ aren’t I. Well anyway, if you haven’t scrapped this by now, you must be interested. And I hope you are, Rhett.”

There it was. The confirmation that this was indeed put here for a reason. A very specific reason. Rhett’s heart skipped a beat, his eyes wide in shock. There was no way his mind could possibly process what was happening. It wasn’t for a lack of trying.

“Mmm. Can I be honest? Feels nice knowing you’re there, on the other side, listenin’ to me. Feels real nice. Be better if you were actually here, but this will do. Gosh, the idea of it gets me goin’, Bo. You have no idea.”

Rhett’s cock caught the drift before his brain did, twitching to life underneath his laptop. He never expected this. Not that it was an unwelcome surprise, just a very shocking one. 

They’ve been teetering on the edge for years. Growing up together, living together, working together; two souls in that situation are bound to form some sort of deep bond if you tether them together for long enough. It was only a matter of “when”, not “if”. Deep down, both of them were clawing at the walls that they each put up, not knowing the other was right on the other side, just as desperate to break through their own. Link was clearly the first to break.

“Ahh, yeah baby. Been thinking about this for a long time. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I can bet that you want this too, that you’ve wanted this just as long as I have. I mean, you wouldn’t still be here listenin’ in on me like a creep if you didn’t. Unless you don’t and you really are just a creep.” Link laughed softly, the giggle melting to a long sigh.

“Glad you’re here though. I was hoping you’d join me one of these days. Gets a little pathetic talkin’ to nothing, pretending it’s you.”

Rhett jumped slightly as the sound of a bottle lid being flipped open crackled through his headphones. His breath caught as he heard the telltale sound of skin being slicked up.

“Mmmmm, yeah. Maybe one day you’d like to join me for real? Oh yeah, I’d like that a lot. You could watch. You could watch me doin’ what I’m doin’ right now, strokin’ myself. Rock hard, fuckin’ into my hand. You like that? Or maybe you’d like to get a feel for yourself. Wrapping those big hands around my cock? Lettin’ me finally get a taste of you? Yeahhh. Does the thought of that make you hard, baby? Fuck, I know it does for me.”

Rhett found himself hooking his thumbs into the waistband of his sweatpants, hurriedly tugging them down to his thighs, the laptop sliding haphazardly off his lap onto the couch beside him. His cock was half-hard, hanging heavy in the air in his lap. Link’s voice was like a spell, and he was helplessly entranced by the gravelly, low timbre and the filth that was spilling out of Link’s mouth. Rhett closed his eyes tight, one hand gripping the base of his cock, giving it a firm squeeze as he nestled further back into the couch.

“God, how many nights have I done this, wasting breath on moaning your name when you coulda been there hearin’ it for yourself. Hearin’ what you do to me. Mmmm. Gosh, Rhett. What are you doin’ to me?”

“Oh, Link,” Rhett whispered into the air, his hand moving fast over his cock.

“You touchin’ yourself? You gettin’ off to the sound of my voice right now? Fuck Rhett, that’s so hot. I wish I could see you. God, you must look so good. Fuckin’ your hand with that big cock of yours, thinkin’ of me. Thinkin’ of what you’d do to me if I were there, yeah?”

Rhett was panting, bucking into his hand, his other roaming hungrily over his body. Link’s voice completely enveloped him, throwing him into a whole new level of arousal he’d never experienced before. The slick sounds on Link’s end sped up, his breath coming in jagged gasps between the dialogue.

“Oooh, I know what I’d want. I’d do anything to have your cock in my mouth right now. Tasting you, teasin’ you, suckin’ you off like the world depended on it. Hearin’ you moan for me–oh, oh fffuck! You like the sound of that? Ohh, that’s right, I bet you do. You wanna fuck me, Rhett? Oh my god, I bet you’d feel so good, shovin’ your cock in me, using me, markin’ me all over, fillin’ me up, making me yours, making me yours forever. Mmm, how’s it feel knowin’ I’m fuckin myself with my fingers thinkin’ of your cock?”

Link’s voice was frantic, high and breathy, needy and whining. The slick sounds and the smack of skin meeting skin was a constant backtrack to his pleading words.

Rhett was moaning, gasping, thrusting up into his tight fist, chanting Link’s name as he desperately fucked into his hand, his other hand gripping painfully at the wavy amber locks on his head. Link’s voice felt nearly tangible to Rhett, each and every sound sending a shockwave of pleasure through him, straight to his cock. He’d give anything to be there. To hold Link close, pin him down beneath him, to look into those eyes, revel in his dick-drunk face, to fuck him into a pleading, writhing mess. Rhett was so close. But he was not going to come until Link did. 

“Oh my god, Rhett, please. Pleeaase. I want it so bad. Fuck me, Rhett. Fuck. Me. Hard. I wanna feel you for days. Ohh, you feel so fuckin’ good. You gonna come for me? Yeah? You gonna come for me, moanin’ my name? Oh god, baby, please, do it. I can’t last much longer.”

Rhett felt his muscles clench, his spine tingle, his pulse quicken. He was going to give Link what he asked for, right on time. 

“Oh my god, Rhett! Come on, baby, yeah, yeah, just like that! Ohhh, don’t stop, don’t stop, don’t–fuckfuckfuckyeah– Ahh, ahhh! Rheeett!”

Rhett came hard, thick ropes of come painting his beard, chest and stomach, shouting profanities and Link’s name between harsh gasps for air as the sound of Link doing the same rang out through the headphones, shouts and cries and Rhett’s name echoing loudly in his head. His vision nearly whited out as he came, every nerve in his body alight with white-hot pleasure, his hips humping the air as he rode out the diminishing waves. Once spent, Rhett went slack, panting, hand loosely wrapped around his throbbing, softening cock as Link’s breathing slowly calmed to a sigh.

“Shit. Wow. You still with me over there? Hope you didn’t pass out or nothin’. God knows I came close.” Link giggled, the extreme lack of energy evident in his breathy, languid voice. Rhett laid still, eyes closed and chest heaving, listening to Link talk them both down.

“That was amazing, Rhett. Gosh, I made such a mess ‘cause of you. Mmmm, I love it though. Wish you were here to see this, to see what you’ve done to me. You drive me crazy, Rhett. I hope you know that now. You drive me absolutely crazy. You always have.”

Rhett would be surprised to find his heart had enough energy left to flutter at Link’s words, had he not been utterly focused on every syllable coming out of Link’s mouth.

“And, you know. You can always come back to this. I’d love it if you do. I’ll always be here waiting for you when you need a little help. But Rhett? I hope that one day you can see this for yourself. I hope that one day we can experience this together, and not in some silly multiverse, screwy timeline way like this is. If you can’t, or don’t want to, I get it. I really do. We have a lot built up together, Bo. I understand if you’re apprehensive. You can keep this file as your dirty little secret forever. But I just need you to know. That the answer from me will always be yes. Yes, I want this. Yes, I want you. Yes, I crave you. Yes, I… I love, you, Rhett. All of you. I always have, and there ain’t ever gonna be a day I don’t. Whenever you build up the courage, God knows it took me long enough, just say the word and I’m yours Rhett, in any way that you want me.”

Rhett’s breath caught in his chest, a deluge of emotions flooding in like a dam break.

“Until next time, Rhett. I’ll be waiting.”

[snarkwriteswrasslin]

FFT: alone among the couples; adam page

Notes:

okay so this was another one sent to my main’s ask box by @vonschweetz​ and I wanted to post it to here, on it’s own post and all that jazz. 

Summary:

All Novalee wanted on her birthday was to go out and have a few drinks. Not be dragged to some charity speed dating thing and get into a bit of a confrontation with her ex. A confrontation she’s saved from by Hangman. Cute fluff ensues.

Warnings:

uhh, fluff and awkward situations, maybe?

Pairing:

Adam Hangman Page x OFC, Novalee.

“ Okay, I think this is obviously my cue to leave.” Nova’s eyes darted around the table and she fidgeted with the stack of leather and bead bracelets circling her wrist. Her sister caught her eyes from a few tables up  and smiled and Nova gave her a pointed glare.

Only her sister would drag her to a speed-dating type thing… On her birthday.

Because fuck Valentine’s Day, it was her actual birthday, right now. And Nova was suddenly having trouble remembering exactly why she agreed to tag along. Why the hell was she even here was definitely the current thought on her mind.

Oh, wait, right. I know exactly why I’m here now.. Because my younger sister gave me that fucking begging look that always makes me cave in, Nova thought to herself as she waved over the host walking around with a tray of drinks. After grabbing one, she slammed it back and took a deep breath and tried like hell to find a single shred of silver lining in her current situation.

And she’d been just about to slip out quietly when he walked in. She had no idea who on earth he was, but the man was… Like he stepped straight off the cover of some cowboy erotic novel, from the hair sloppily thrown into a man bun to the fitted jeans.. By god, the guy even had a button-front shirt that looked like something Lane Frost would’ve worn back in the day, with roses sewn across the top.. This man was literally every single dirty dream Novalee Cane had ever had in her entire life. So of course, she was extremely distracted and not even halfway listening to the guy sitting across from her droning on and on and on about how many kids he wanted and various other shit that Nova frankly didn’t care about. When her dirty fantasy cowboy grabbed the bachelor sign-in sheet, two things happened..

First, she nearly choked on the whiskey she’d just taken a sip of. Second, she found herself unable to look anywhere else in the area of the  little bar they were in presently but right at him. She tried like hell to tear her eyes off several times, so it wasn’t for total lack of trying.

The timer went off to signal that all the bachelors participating in this whole farce of a charity event to  switch tables and Nova grumbled and stood the second her ex-fiance was seated in front of her.

“Novalee?”

“Nope, hell no, not gonna happen.” Nova started to turn and walk away from where she’d been sitting, grumbling about the thousand of other things she could be doing on the night of her birthday than sitting across a table from the biggest sleaze in the state and in her rush to get away, she managed to bump right into the man she’d been staring at so intently.

Adam steadied the petite blonde and as their eyes met, he found himself getting mesmerized by light brown eyes. Her cheeks were aflame with a blush and she was biting her lip… Which called attention to the plumpness and the light pink shade and had Adam coughing quietly as he tried to pull his eyes away. He looked at her in concern. “You okay, darlin?”

“I.. uhh..”

“Nova, honey, just sit back down. See? You’ve gone and made a scene now. All I wanna do is talk to ya.”

“Logan, for the love of fuck just stop talking. That’s literally all you ever do.” Nova tensed and Adam felt the exact second she did and his gaze settled on the man sitting in the seat across from her own. Adam nodded to the guy. “He botherin you, darlin?”

For some reason, it was almost as if Nova’s mouth and brain chose that exact second to stop working properly or together. All she could do was open and close her mouth and nod as she stared up at him.

Just the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability she felt right now was equal parts frustrating and hot. There was just something about the man currently gripping her upper arm gently that screamed protector. Or that he could be trusted.

Adam chuckled and quietly muttered to Nova, “I’m gonna take you noddin your head as a yes. And in that case…” his eyes settled on the man she’d called Logan a few seconds before and he stared him down intently. “What you’re gonna do, man… Is get up and leave the seat. Because I’m takin over your speed date.”

He hardly ever did this anymore. The last time he’d done something so cocky, he’d been playing a heel wrestling gimmick. But there was just something about the petite blonde in front of him. He’d noticed her when he walked in and he’d actually been walking over to get a better look.

Maybe work up the nerve to pop up at her table later.

He hadn’t been intending all this to happen. But he wasn’t going to not shoot his shot, either.

Something had to go right for him, damn it.

Logan smirked at the stranger who’d wandered over, wanting to play hero. He stood straight, looking like he wanted to square up. “Oh yeah? And who the hell are you, huh?”

“Logan, jesus..” Nova rolled her eyes and took them off her ex, turning to look up at Adam. “He’s a waste of air.” she was trying to curb impending doom and get things neutralized because the entire room of people was staring at them, watching things play out. Nova hadn’t ever really liked being… The center of attention or making a scene.

Especially not here, not in her hometown where she knew full well that people would go home to gossip about it.

Logan eyed the other man, waiting. Giving him the most challenging look he could muster. Adam laughed and shook his head, stepping away from Nova and closer to the table the other man stood behind. He leaned in and smirked as he mumbled quietly, “You gonna get lost or am I gonna have to make ya? Because I’ve got no problem doing that.” as his eyes darted over the other man, sizing him up. Adam stood straighter, all squared up with his fist clenching and unclenching as if he’d throw a punch at any second.

Logan realized that people were staring and that if he didn’t leave, he’d be escorted out and he grumbled quietly, “You can have the hellion. It ain’t worth it.” waving them off right as the buzzer to switch went off and everyone seemed to turn their attention back to swapping dates.

Everyone but Adam and Nova, of course. They were standing in the middle of rows of tables, staring at each other. And then, before Nova could stop herself, she was nodding to the back of the bar, where people who’d already found a date for the evening they were satisfied with were seated and dining. “Look, I didn’t even wanna participate in this anyway, especially not on my birthday. But when you walked in, I..” Nova stopped, trying to come up with just the right thing to say that didn’t seem to make her sound cheap or desperate.

Adam reached out, tucking his fingers beneath her chin, tilting her eyes back up. “Yeah?”

“If you want to… I.. We could just take ourselves out of this and go over there? Maybe have a drink and get to know each other a little better?” Nova tilted her head slightly to look at him better and Adam’s breath caught in his throat, but he did his best to play as calm and cool as possible.

All he’d wandered back to this area of the bar to do was try to find the pool tables. He didn’t realize they were doing a speed date thing tonight, but when he’d seen her sitting there, bored out of her mind if the look on her face was anything to go by, he’d wound up making a snap decision to sign himself into the event.

He hadn’t thought he’d get this far, so he had no actual game-plan.

He chuckled and took a deep breath, nodding eagerly and admitting with a shrug, “Hell, darlin, the only reason I signed into the damn thing was to come talk to ya. I kinda wandered back here because my buddy, he owns this place and he usually has pool tables back here.. Was just gonna drink and play pool until I saw you sittin there..”

… Okay, easy fella. You’re ramblin and it might come off wrong… Hangman almost took it back but the way her eyes lit up and she started to blush made him smile too and he decided against it. She bounced around where she stood a little, clapping her hands together as she grinned up at him.

All he could think to himself was that smile could literally make him agree to anything. He slipped his arm around her and they walked over to the sign out area, signing themselves out of the speed dating event and into the little makeshift dining area.

There was a booth in the back and Adam lead her over, letting her sit down. He sat down next to her and for a few seconds, neither of them really said anything. Finally, Adam had to ask the question burning in his mind.

“Why were you even in that if you didn’t wanna be, darlin?”

“Younger sister guilt-tripped me. She tried to make this seem like my ‘birthday present’ initially, but when I tried to nope my way out, she turned on that no-fail begging look of hers..” Nova shrugged and sighed.

His cologne smelled almost good enough to eat. Clean and crisp and just a hint of warmth.. Spicy, almost. She caught herself moving closer to him a little bit and started to apologize but he chuckled and shrugged. Then it seemed to dawn on him what she’d mentioned about her birthday and he grinned. “Today’s your birthday, darlin?”

“Mhmm. And it started off shitty like all the ones before it. But maybe it’s turning around?” Nova fidgeted with a red napkin sitting in the middle of the table and Adam chuckled, smiling as he watched her. “Maybe it is.”

Nova laughed softly as it hit her, she hadn’t even asked him his name yet. Or properly thanked him for the assist earlier. “We did this completely backwards.”

“I was just thinkin that myself, darlin. What’s your name?”

“Novalee. What’s yours?” Nova asked as she reached for a menu from the stack and promptly pumped her fist when she realized that a popular barbecue place in town that she loved to eat at was the catering for tonight’s event. “Oh god, ribs, here I come.” she laughed and blushed when she looked up and over to find Adam staring at her intently and smiling.

“It’s Adam. Nice to meet ya, Novalee.” Adam chuckled at their late introduction and then leaned into her a little. Nova held the menu between them, pointing out all the food she’d tried from the place in charge of the catering tonight. Adam wasn’t even really listening, he was just sort of caught up in the moment. A waiter came around, taking their order and Adam barely managed to pull himself out of his own head to give his order.

Nova giggled and when the waiter got to her, she shrugged. “I’ll have the same. I haven’t really eaten the brisket before, so let’s try it.” The waiter walked away, leaving the two of them alone again.

“So, Adam.. Tell me more about yourself? Do you always go around saving damsels in distress like earlier?”

Adam shook his head and took a breath and a drink of the drink he’d ordered answering, “Not usually no, but I wasn’t gonna just miss the chance to talk to ya, Nova. There’s really not much to tell? I’m here for a few days for work.”

“For work, huh?” Nova bit her lip as she gazed at him. “What do you do?”

“Wrestler.” Adam answered as he took another sip. “Although lately, not a good one accordin to so called friends.”

It hit Nova then, the wrestling show she’d almost blown this entire thing off to go see. It was a house show, but she’d thought it seemed kind of interesting. Her friends had all been begging her to come out to it, but she’d declined.. To do this. Because her little sister wanted to and her little sister hadn’t been home in almost 4 years, so she’d missed her.

Nova gave a quiet laugh and caught his gaze. “I literally almost went to that one put on earlier. But my sister, she hasn’t been home in four years.. So I decided to do this.”

… well if that’s not a sign of some kind I don’t know what is… Nova thought to herself but she didn’t dare say it. Adam must have been thinking the same thing, because he chuckled and mused aloud, “That’s somethin.”

Deep down, he was a little glad she hadn’t gone to the show, because tonight hadn’t been good or kind to him at all. They’d had a match against another tag team and again, Kenny went into theatrics because they lost. Tried to blame him for it. And yeah, maybe it had been his fault. Maybe his head wasn’t in the match.

It still just didn’t sit right with him.

He shoved that out of his head. The last thing he wanted to do was ruin this by stewing over what happened yet again earlier in the night. He’d much rather focus on what was happening right now.

“Everything okay? You looked upset right then.” Nova eyed him in concern and Adam shrugged, taking a few more sips. “Just had a bad night earlier.”

“Oh. I know that feeling.” Nova nodded and then she gently grabbed his hand. “Let’s get your mind off that, alright? Unless you want to talk about it?”

“I’d rather not, but thank you darlin.” Adam made himself smile again and added quickly, “I’d really rather enjoy tonight.”

He stood and held out his hand when an older Toby Keith song started to play. Nova gave a soft giggle and took hold of his hand, letting him pull her up from the table and pressing against him as soon as he had.

His arms slipped around her waist and her arms went around his neck, laughing when she had to stand on the top of his feet just to come close to reaching his mouth if she were to go in for a kiss like she was beyond tempted to do.

“Hey Adam?”

“Yeah, darlin?”

“You enjoyin tonight yet?” Nova was leaning up, tugging the collars of his shirt to try pulling his mouth down closer to his. Life was too short to hold back. She might not ever even see the guy again.

And she knew she’d regret it forever if she didn’t at least try to go for a kiss.

Adam’s lips parted in a quiet gasp as her mouth caught the corner. Chuckling, he squeezed her lower back, lifting her up a little more as his mouth overlapped her mouth and he muttered quietly, “One hell of a lot more, actually.” as his tongue slipped past her lips slowly, massaging her tongue as he deepened the kiss and gripped her tight against him.

[violetwolfraven]

2/2 Still me! That last thing, And/or Some good ol' platonic Ralbert! Honestly, I have no specific ideas but I'm also not picky! Anything where we can see our boys loving and supporting eachother in a good healthy platonic relationship is a wonderful thing if you ask me!

Platonic ralbert coming right up! Unfortunately this turned a little angsty on me but whatever. Joke’s on me for thinking I have the capability to not be a dramatic little shit and not run with the first semi-angsty idea I get, I guess.

Also I hope you don’t mind that I’m including background redfinch and sprace in here, but it’s mostly platonic ralbert. This takes place a few months before canon. I will probably write a followup redfinch thing, but you might wanna send an ask cause I’m pretty busy and I’ll probably forget lol. Anyway, enjoy. :)

...

Race knew that something was wrong when Albert plopped down on the end of his bed, staring at the bottom of his bunk above.

“Albie?”

It took a five count for Albert to look over at him, and Race was alarmed to see pain in his eyes.

Putting the book he’d borrowed from Specs (which surprisingly wasn’t boring) aside, Race scooted closer to his best friend, poking him in the side to make him sit up.

“What’s wrong?”

Albert pulled his legs up onto the bunk, sitting criss-cross applesauce, “Promise not to laugh?”

“Albie, you once caught me sneakin’ into the Lodging House at 2 AM with 6 stolen shirts and half a loaf of stale bread. You haven’t paid for your papes in a week and I know for a fact that ya ain’t told your dad where you really got that hat ya gave him for his birthday.”

Albert smirked, “I stole it from Oscar Delancey.”

“I know,” Race said, “That’s my point. We both pull a lot of shit and we both know about all the shit each other pulls. We have no ability to judge each other. So, what’s up?”

He was still hesitating, so Race sighed.

“Yes, I promise not to laugh. What is it?”

“What does it feel like when you’re with Spot?” Albert blurted.

Race was, honestly, kind of caught off guard.

“What?”

“I know ya like him,” Albert said pointedly, “Like that. I know ya have feelin’s for him. If ya didn’t, you wouldn’t be with him. I know you better than just about anyone, Race. That’s how I know how gone ya are for Conlon.”

This... wasn’t like Albert. Sure, he was known as the resident Causer of Chaos, but he was 100% serious, here. He was seriously asking about how Race felt about Spot.

This was especially weird considering... considering a while ago, Race had rejected Albert on the account that he didn’t feel that way about him. And even knowing it wouldn’t be fair to either of them if he pretended he did, it had made Race uncomfortable, knowing he’d caused his best friend pain.

Albert never asked about Spot. He knew they were a thing, kind of, but whenever they hung out, they both usually tried to pretend that romance didn’t exist, just talking about other things and daring each other to do dumb shit. That was their normal.

So why was he changing it now?

“I don’t see why that’s your business,” Race said at last, when he found his voice.

Albert groaned, “Oh, believe me. I don’t need details ‘bout... that. Just... why do ya like him? What does that part feel like?”

Race was super confused. Besides the fact that talking about this wasn’t their normal, it didn’t seem like jealousy. And yet it felt heavier than plain old gossip, too.

“Albie,” he said slowly, “What’s this about?”

Albert wouldn’t meet Race’s eyes as he took a deep breath, speaking quietly.

“I don’t know what love feels like. And you’s the only person who’s in love that I trust enough to talk ‘bout this.”

Race was now even more confused, but he focused on the part that he could understand.

“You don’t know what love feels like?”

Albert groaned, “It’s just... it’s stupid! My dad and my brothers was never real... touchy-feely... with me. I knows I care ‘bout them, even though they’s been real distant ever since I can remember, but that makes me confused, cause honestly I care ‘bout you, and Jack, and the others more. I’d die for all you’s, and I know family’s supposed to come first, but the fellas feel more like family than my real family, so... so I know how that feels.”

Race nodded, “Yeah. I get that. Just cause it ain’t the romantic type don’t mean that ain’t love, Albie.”

“But it’s different! I know ‘cause... ‘cause I remember what I felt for you.”

Race took a deep breath. The awkward tension rising right now was why they never talked about this.

“Well... yeah, it’s different. Bein’ sweet on someone ain’t like lovin’ ‘em like a sibling.”

“Yeah, but...” Albert made a frustrated sound, “There’s somethin’ else, too, and it’s like that, but different. And I don’t wanna call it love if it ain’t, but... I don’t know what it is.”

Oh. So that was why he was asking this.

God, Race was an idiot. He did miss a lot of gossip, spending his days in Brooklyn, but he would’ve thought he wouldn’t miss something as big as his best friend falling in love.

That was on him. He had a couple guesses as to who it was, but he should have been paying more attention to Albert these last couple months. He’d know for sure if he had.

“Spot’s...” he shrugged, “It’s like... I talk a lot, right?”

“Ain’t that the truth?”

“Shut up. With Spot, it’s like he gets it. Whatever I’m ramblin’ about, he knows what to say back. He can keep up with me, and sometimes, it’s like... I don’t have to ramble with him. Cause he already understands the point I’m tryin’ to make, even if I don’t understand it. And there’s somethin’ in how he don’t show his cards to anyone, but he shows ‘em to me. He drops his guard with me.”

Albert snorted, “What, so Spot Conlon ain’t actually the tough badass he pretends to be?”

“No, he’s definitely still a badass. But he’s got a soft side, too. Most outside of Brooklyn just don’t get to see it. That’s why it matters so much that I do. I can tell that he trusts me. And I can trust him, too.”

Albert stared at the floor for a couple seconds.

Then he huffed, “That don’t help at all.”

Race rolled his eyes, “Albie, ya ain’t gonna get a better explanation than that. It ain’t somethin’ that’s simple.”

Clearly, Albert had been hoping it was, but Race wasn’t sure if he could ask who it was his best friend was so messed up over, because it clearly wasn’t him anymore.

“How do ya know he loves ya back?”

Race froze, because to be honest...

He didn’t. He knew Spot cared, in his own guarded, careful way, but he wasn’t sure if it was as strong as what Race was feeling for him.

“Ya never really know,” he admitted, “Not unless he actually tells you.”

Albert took a deep breath, his shoulders shaking a bit as he did.

“I think I’m in love with Finch.”

“Oh my...” Race scoffed, “How did I not see that?”

“I didn’t let ya,” Albert pointed out, “And him and I... we ain’t... together, exactly. But we’s been gettin’ closer lately and... I think I love him, Race. I just don’t know.”

Race put his hand on his best friend’s shoulder, tugging him in for a hug that he didn’t seem to know what to do with.

“Albie, if ya think you love him, you owe it to yourself to find out for sure.”

“But ain’t that unfair to him if I don’t?”

“You said you weren’t sure if he loved ya back,” Race pointed out.

“Yeah, but...”

“Al, I know ya thought I didn’t notice, but you sulked for weeks after... what happened. You’s been happier lately, and now I’m thinkin’ that might be because of Finch. The fact that you’re more worried ‘bout you hurtin’ him than him hurtin’ you says a lot. I can’t say what you feel for sure, but for what it’s worth...”

Race squeezed him one more time, letting go, “I’m happy for you.”

Albert took another deep breath, “I’m happy for you, too.”

That meant a lot. Though Race would do what he wanted whether Albert approved or not, he definitely appreciated him saying he did.

“Seriously,” Albert said, shoving him in the shoulder, “I ain’t seen you as happy as ya are with Spot... well, ever. You never woulda found that with me. I’m happy ya did with him.”

“I don’t know if he feels the same,” Race admitted, “I mean, I know he cares, cause we’s been friends a long while, but...”

“Ya love him and you don’t know if he loves you back?”

Race nodded, “Yeah. Guess I deserve it, though, after what I did to you.”

“Hey. That was different. You made it clear you didn’t love me and refused to start anythin’ cause of that. If Spot doesn’t love ya, he’s been leadin’ ya on. Worse than that—he’s been usin’ ya.”

Race would be lying if he said that wasn’t something he worried about sometimes.

Well, he didn’t think Spot was the type to use someone like that, but...

What if this was just ‘friends with benefits’ to him? After all, it wasn’t like they’d ever actually talked about what they were. When they made out, it was all physical. They weren’t doing much talking during that. And when they did talk, it was always about other things. In front of other people, they were nothing more than friends.

Albert patted his knee, “Well, if he hurts ya, I’ll beat his ass.”

“He’ll kill you.”

“Then you’ll have to avenge me, and you stand even less of a chance than I do in a fight, and then we’ll both be dead. We can be ghosts together. We’ll haunt his ass.”

Race slapped his best friend in the arm, “Let’s go back to your problem. ‘Bout how you’re gonna get the boy.”

“But...” Albert sighed, “I barely know how I feel. How can I know what he feels?”

He was obviously stalling, but Race decided not to point that out just now. He threw an arm around his friend.

“Look. Albie. That’s a risk you’re gonna have to take. But for what it’s worth, you’s the bravest guy I know. Except maybe Jack. And Crutchie. And does Smalls count? She’s a girl, so I can’t say she’s the bravest guy, but—“

Albert shoved him, laughing, “Shut up.”

“But seriously, you’re willin’ to fight Spot Conlon for me and you’re scared of a little rejection? C’mon, Albie.”

“Oh, I will fight any kid in this city,” Albert declared, “Plenty of adults, too. Fightin’ ain’t a problem. It’s simple. Feelin’s are... messy.”

“Yeah, but you can do this, Al! You’s one of the bravest guys I know. And Finch? He’s queer, cute, and clearly cares ‘bout ya. I’ll admit I didn’t notice before, but thinkin’ back, I’d say he’s probably at least interested.”

Albert stood up, finally looking Race in the eye. He looked nervous, but ready.

“I’m gonna go get the boy.”

“Fuck yeah! Go get that boy!”

He looked like he was going to leave, then hesitated, “I should probably figure out what to say first.”

“No!” Race insisted, “You’ll just chicken out! Go! Go now, Al! Go get your boy!”

“He’s not my—“

“And he won’t be if ya don’t go get him!”

Race slapped his best friend in the butt to get him towards the door.

“Alright, I get it! God, Race! I’m goin’!”

“Well ya ain’t goin’ fast enough!”

He kept shoving until Albert was clear out the door and both of them were laughing.

“Go!” Race exclaimed one more time, shoving him away.

“Thanks so much for the one good piece of advice ya actually gave me!” Albert called sarcastically, “And Race?”

“Are you gonna go, or not?”

Albert put his hands up, “I’m goin’! Jeez! It’s just... if I’m tellin’ Finch, you should tell Spot. He’s King of Brooklyn, and... well, I even ain’t heard rumors of him bein’ with anyone else, so I don’t think you’d be as close to him as you are if he didn’t feel the same way.”

Race nodded, having no intention of actually following that advice, “Maybe. I’ll think on... does this mean we can talk ‘bout boys now?”

Albert rolled his eyes, “If this goes well, we can talk about whatever you want. If not, you’re buyin’ the booze.”

Race grinned, “Fair.”

Well, whatever way this went, it should be interesting.