#but honestly that's WORSE cuz now I gotta get through the most annoying part and I can't start setting anything up for DAYS

[essektheylyss]

literally all of my shit is packed and I do not get keys to start moving until Monday. this is the worst.

[second-chance-stray]

(Split Ends) RP Log: Cravs, Riylli, and Rising’s friendship is tested.

(Cravendy Hound) It's not easy, but the three of them manage to hike back out of the Sylphlands without getting noticed, with Rising being dragged along on Crav's back. The trio finds their way to a Sylphic house and, with Rising's body laid out on the floor, are figuring out what to do next.

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli had done the talking, likely the only one here with any experience with the sylphs, and it had not been long before they had identified the plant responsible and secured the antidote. Now that it had been applied, there was nothing left to do but wait. In awkward silence. For a terribly long time.

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs taps her foot impatiently and, upon reaching the limits of the patience, whispers loudly to Riylli. "When's she gonna wake up?"

(Rising Lotus) Rising had still felt the world spin around her, even laid out on the floor with her eyes shut tight. Thing started to slow down however once the antidote was applied, eventually cracking one of her eyes open, the right amount of colors in front of her instead of every one of the rainbow. "Ugh..." she brought her hand to her forehead, rubbing it as she sat up.

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli had been leaning against the tree with her arms crossed, nervously picking at the dried paint on her arm. "...Should be- now, yes." The Miqo'te hopped up, stepping over to look down at Rising. "Good morning, how are you feeling?"

(Cravendy Hound) "Right. Ye think ye can stand?" Cravs fusses in the distance, keeping herself an arm's length from Rising.

(Rising Lotus) "Ngh... the dreams were the worst part..." she blinked a few times as everything seemed to be set in place instead of spinning now, wobbling a bit as she rose to her feet but otherwise looking stable. "Ngh... that's worse than when I went in that moldy city..."

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli pats the Roegadyn on the back. "This is why we don't mess around in Sylph territory... You're lucky they just like to mess with people for the most part."

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs tilts her head at the mention of a city, though there was plenty more she was curious about. "They're just dreams, they ain't real. But if ye've got a 'abit of stickin' yer nose in moldy places, then I've got a problem with that."

(Rising Lotus) "I 'spose so, saw some pretty neat colors  though." she glanced to Cravs. "Well that was before I joined up with Heartwood, an' I ain't gonna go there any time soon, was kinda neat though." she glanced to Riylli. "Where did we leave off before I started losin' it now?"

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli hesitated before letting out a sigh. "We were ABOUT to force Cravs to tell us what mess she's gotten herself into so we can help her. So... Hope you're feeling clear headed"

(Cravendy Hound) "Ye were about to do several backflips in a row." Cravs jokes. ".......don't listen to Riylli."

(Rising Lotus) Rising clenched her hands a few times as she watched them. "Honestly I feel more focused than normal, it's weird." At least the medicine didn't SEEM to have any adverse side effects. "Anyway yeah! You gotta tell us 'bout your mess!" she jabbed a finger in Crav's direction.

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli gives Cravs a rather unamused look. "...Y'better not try to run this time. Just gotta rip the bandage off, get it over with an' all that..."

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs lets out a tired sigh, head hung low. "Either I tell ye, or I don't and ye both'll still butt yer 'eads in my business, potentially messin' everythin' up." She sucks in air between her teeth, headache incoming. "Fuck."

(Cravendy Hound) "Last chance. Seriously, I won't care if ye leave me to my shit. There's...a lot, and I'm..." She trails off. "I'm sure ye don't see me in a positive light, but trust me, it can get worse."

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli lets out an annoyed huff. "Oh just out with it already! You know we ain't gonna leave you behind when you're in trouble, and unless you went on a killin' spree through an orphanage or somethin' I doubt we'll change our minds about bein' friends"

(Rising Lotus) "I ain't gonna talk to a loan shark with jus' Riylli, then get knocked out by some weird bandit, THEN get super blazed out of my mind in the Sylphwoods to back out now!" she said, almost a tinge of pride to this strange journey. "But yeah! You're my friend, our friend...and uh.." she starts to lose her steam a bit ".. I jus' want to help ya, an' don't want ya to leave, or have somethin' happen to ya.."

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs is taken aback by Riylli's earnestness, barbed as it may be. She looks between the miqo'te and Rising, frown trembling. How, and where, to start? Cravs is certain that if she speaks now, it'll come out all wrong. Instead, she reaches into her pocket and shows an empty tranquilizer cartridge to her friends.

(Cravendy Hound) The unique design of the ammunition leaves not an ilm of doubt. Either Cravs buys the same stuff as the bandit, or...she's saying without words, that they're one and the same.

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli just stares at the cartridge for a long moment, the hamster wheel in her head taking it's time to work out what it meant. Recognition eventually shone through in her eyes, and without a word the girl steps forward and slugs Cravs in the arm. "You ass! Y'know how long my head was achin' 'cuz of those things!? You better start explainin' or I'm gonna hit you again!"

(Rising Lotus) Rising clenches her fists as she sees the ammunition, her whole upper body starting to shake. She was gritting her teeth as she closed her eyes tightly. "Y-Y-You..." she said softly before her eyes shot open and stomped forward. "FUCKING ARSE" There were starting to get look at the tower they were in. "D-do you know how close I was to..." as she stared Cravs down her eyes were watering up as she looked to the side where her spear had hit Cravs. She turned away with a scowl as she started wiping eyes, streams of curses coming from her mouth about how stupid Cravs was.

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs instinctively moves her hand up to catch Riylli's punch. Worry flickers in her eyes as she forces her body to go slack, to let whatever hits that come next follow through. Hits, she can take. Rising crying in front of her, she can't. Worry turns to panic. "S-stop yer sobbin', alright?! Look, I can take a beatin'! Come on, show me what ye got."

(Cravendy Hound) "If it 'elps, I didn't expect any of you to be there. If I knew, I wouldn't 'ave attacked." She mutters.

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli changed it up upon gaining permission, kicking Cravs in the shin. "Rising almost killed you y'know! If I wasn't so busy takin' care of that kid you were supposed to be babysittin' you'd be dead right now!"

Rising Lotus seemed a bit more rattled if anything. "It would've of mattered if I got you where I was aiming!" she snapped back, sniffing hard as she kept her her gaze away from the two. "An' Riylli could've bashed your head in with a rock!" she brought her hands to her face, holding them there for a few moments to try and deal with this angry sobbing.

(Cravendy Hound) "Ow! Shit, 'ow do ye kick so 'ard with sandals?" She groans. Eyes downcast and pain radiating from her leg, she talks to the floor. "...Pah, I would've hung on. I won't die. Not until I've exposed Mindred for the bitch that she is."

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs straights back up, ready to take another hit if it's coming. "Mindred's the one hasslin' Baldur, and I won't rest till I see 'er suffer."

(Riylli Aliapoh) "'Cuz I practice!" Riylli states, quite confidently. "Wait, that's not the point! Why didn't you just tell us? We coulda all jumped her durin' our meeting if you had actually came with us and just explained she was the one behind it!"

(Rising Lotus) "Cause we would've been put to the gallow if we did that." she sniffled a bit more as she turned around, eyes still looking a bit teary but most of her crying under control. "Those types of folk have strong connections, there's a reason why they can keep gougin' people with out gettin' caught."

(Cravendy Hound) "What, without evidence?! 'ave ye two on 'er bad side too? I thought if I wasn't with ye two, she'd get the idea that I ditched ye." Cravs growls back. "She knows who 'Singing Gull' is, alright? Shits gonna spiral, and I didn't want ye both involved anymore."

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli crossed her arms. "Plenty of ways to get around that... Like, for starters, not givin' her our real names!" The Miqo'te shifted her glare back to Cravs. "And that still doesn't explain why you were tryin' to rob her caravan, or collecting drugs out in the Sylphlands."

(Rising Lotus) "Well we're past that..." she sighed. "Which means trouble might be comin' our way anyway if she thinks we're connected someway.." she takes a deep breath, grumbling afterwards. "So like it or not we're involved whether you like it or not. You planned this horribly." she rubbed her eyes a bit more to get hopefully the last tears out.

(Rising Lotus) Not one but TWO chances to like it or not! Look I'm tired xD))

(Cravendy Hound) "I attacked cause I needed to find some dirt on 'er, and I did...but I found the worst kind." Cravs looks to the side. "I'm friends with some bandits that get their goods illegally, and Mindred trades with 'em. So I'm was tryin' to find a way to prove 'er criminal ties -without- gettin' the bandit friends caught too."

(Cravendy Hound) "So I'm 'ere to find somethin' she can't resist. I guess ye can say I'm plannin' on plantin' evidence."

(Cravendy Hound) "There's always a bad apple in the bunch, but that don't mean the rest is spoiled. I figured...she'd think that way about 'eartwood. Shit, I didn't think this through, okay?!"

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli stares at Cravs for a moment, then tilts her head. "...You're friends with bandits? What kind of banditry are we talking..."

(Rising Lotus) Rising groans. "We need to figure out where to go from here.. otherwise we're jus' gonna run into more trouble... I jus' don't know what the in the hells to do, everything seems like it's in such a damn mess."

(Cravendy Hound) "Not just friends." Cravs turns away, hair obscuring her face as she crosses her arms tightly over her chest. "Ye could call me their.....organizer. Leader. Fuck, it was a mistake, okay? But when piratin' became outlawed, I was mad as 'ell!"

(Cravendy Hound) "It /is/ a mess. Oy, I warned ye." Cravs quips. She combs her bangs back with her hand and then groans into the sky.

(Riylli Aliapoh) "A bandit LEADER?" Riylli's eyes widen, though she seems more surprised than upset. She brings a hand to her head. "Alright, hold on, one thing at a time... What kind of banditry. Stealing? Killing? Kidnapping?"

(Rising Lotus) "So we got these bandits that we need to protect, while provin' that Rot is doin' somethin' bad, all while also helpin' Baldur out."  she rubbed her temple "What was your plan than with this toad goo?"

(Cravendy Hound) "It's more like a loose coalition of salt-eatin' pirates who want to relive the good ol' days. So, uh.......w-well." She puts a hand over her mouth. "What matters is that I 'aven't 'ung out with 'em since joinin' 'eartwood."

(Cravendy Hound) "The toad goo's like gold to a spice trader. So, after plantin' some kind of tracker in it...I was gonna give the goo to Dirtpatch, tell my bandit friends bout it, and wait till it got traded back to Mindred. Then, Dirtpatch could use it as proof that she gets 'er shit illegally."

(Cravendy Hound) "I was gonna take precautions to make sure Dirtpatch doesn't get raided or anythin'!"

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli kept her arms crossed, now tapping her finger impatiently. "You're avoiding my question... Are these really people you should consider friends..?"

(Cravendy Hound) "They're angry, they're stupid, but yeah, they're my friends. Look Riylli, I was one of them! Maybe I still am." Cravs spits out, self-loathing dripping from her words. "And if ye put two and two together, maybe ye'd know why Baldur 'ates me so much."

(Rising Lotus) "..Oh..." she looked away. "...It was in the back of my mind, from the little I knew about Wyda...but I thought it was jus' a coincidence." she let out another sigh, this day was full of long sighs. "So that's your interest in him then? Makin' up for killin' his pa?"

(Cravendy Hound) "Yeah. I set this all off. So I gotta make it better."

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli continued tapping her finger for a long time, indecision clear on her face as she tried to come to some sort of conclusion. "You don't... have to be one of them. Not if you don't want to be..." She offered, letting out a sigh and rubbing the back of her neck. "I know it aint that easy... Just... Don't think of yourself as a lost cause, okay?"

(Rising Lotus) Between the strange substance she had inhaled, the cure, and now all of this, Rising was looking particularly exhausted. "I don't know if it's a good idea to involve Dirtpatch, I'm sure they'd find a connection to Heartwood, an' I'm sure by now they figured out we have ties there. I don't really got any better ideas though. At least not right now."

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs blinks, touched by Riylli's sentiment, and then sends her a worn out smile. "I /am/ a lost cause. But that won't stop me from tryin' to make use outta the life I've got."

(Cravendy Hound) "Mindred already knows I'm at 'eartwood, but I'll do everythin' in my power to make sure that I'm the only one to face the music." She looks to Rising now, for the first time making direct eye contact with her. Then, to Riylli. "I'm doing my best, but it might not be enough. Might grow outta this, might not. Even still, would ye watch over me?"

(Riylli Aliapoh) Riylli frowns, then proceeds to kick her in the shin yet again. "Idiot! You're my friend, and I don't let anyone talk like that about my friends!" She shoots Cravs an annoyed glare, then pulled back to plant her hands on her hips. "Of course we'll watch over you! We'll figure this out together and get you out of this mess."

Rising Lotus broke eye contact with Cravs fairly quickly after their gazes met. " Yeah, I mean I'm involved an' all. We should probably think of a better plan, or work it out or somethin' though." she shrugs weakly, keeping her distance from the duo. "Sleep on it or somethin' I dunno... I kinda jus' wanna be alone for a bit."

(Cravendy Hound) "OW! Damnit, the same shin too?" Cravs jumps up and hugs her leg into her chest. But, despite the physical pain, she mostly feels relieved. While she wasn't off the hook yet, the fact that her friends didn't immediately disown her despite knowing about all this baggage...it was nice. It was really nice.

(Riylli Aliapoh) "You better get used to it, I'm gonna keep kickin' you 'till you learn to trust us!" Riylli said, grinning at the threat. She turned to Rising, looking her up and down. "...Yeah, you probably deserve a rest after that Sylph cocktail. I'll talk to Ava, see if she can come up with anythin' to help. I'll leave your names out of it though, don't worry!"

(Cravendy Hound) Cravs sends Rising a worried look and wants desperately to comfort her. But maybe she's the cause for Rising's discomfort? Unwilling to take chances, she just sort of stares longingly at the other woman.

(Cravendy Hound) "Bugger me, I better buy some proper leg guards then..." Cravs shoots back at Riylli. "And yeah, ye do that. No more bad dreams though, ye 'ear?"

(Rising Lotus) Rising weakly shrugged again, turning to start to leave the Sylph tower. "We can meet again soon an'd plan things out, figure out a way to get her an' everything." she sounded quite drained, but nonetheless hurried on her way off without so much as a wave.

(Cravendy Hound) Though Cravs had thought otherwise, the trio’s friendship has survived the truth. Burdens shared and a chance given - one that Cravs was determined not to squander. The three of them would eventually leave the woods with much to muse over on their own.

[365daysofsasuhina]

[ 365 Days of SasuHina || Day Three Hundred Fourteen: The Color Yellow ] [ Uchiha Sasuke, Hyūga Hinata, Yamanaka Ino ] [ SasuHina, bullying ] [ Verse: Best Years of Your Life ] [ AO3 Link ]

She hates, hates, hates days like today. And by ‘like today’, Hinata specifically means one of the most dreaded days of the school year:

Picture day.

There’s just something so...embarrassing about having her picture taken. Part of it is her appearance: twelve years old, and still with such a round baby face. Her father still refuses to let her grow her hair out, stuck with the same short cut she’s had since starting school. All the other girls, it seems, have gotten to let their hair reach such pretty, flowing lengths. She can’t help but be a little jealous. Add in that Hinata’s found herself to be a bit of an early bloomer, and she just...doesn’t like pictures of herself at all.

But the other most annoying part is that her father insists she wear the stupidest outfits. Staunch, unflattering, and just...overall horrible.

This year? A dress that looks straight out of the fifties. It’s honestly so dated she can hardly stand to look at it. And the color?

Yellow. Bright, slightly-off yellow. With white trim. Her already pale skin looks all the more washed out against the obnoxious shade...and she just knows she’s going to be poked fun at over it. She’s in the sixth grade, a new middle schooler, and Hiashi still gets to pick her picture day outfit. As she gets on the bus, Hinata begins mentally preparing herself to resist the barrage of comments from those like Sakura and Ino. Hinata struggles enough to fit in fashionably normally...but this? This is going to be painful.

Huddled in the corner of her seat, she keeps her backpack on her lap, doing her best to hide behind it. Of course, no one ever sits with her. No one ever pays her any mind. But she doesn’t want to run the risk of gaining anyone’s attention. And with it, their inevitable mockery.

But eventually...she’s going to have to get off the bus. As an extreme, she considers hiding once all the other students get off, but...well, the driver always does a sweep. And surely they’ll call her father if she doesn’t show up to class. Not only will she get in trouble with the school and her teachers, but with her father as well. And Hiashi would be livid if she ever skipped so much as a single class.

...best to not even consider it. No matter what the other girls say to her, it would never compare to an angry Hiashi Hyūga.

So when the bus pulls up along the front of the school, everyone disembarking, Hinata swallows harshly before shakily standing and making her way out.

At least outside, with such a crowd, no one really seems to notice. It won’t be until she’s inside, probably in the classroom, that anyone will give her a second look and realize how ridiculous her outfit is.

Just ignore them, Hinata...y-you hate it as much as they do. They...they just… Oh, what’s the use...there’s no fooling herself. Never will be. It’s not just the outfit they dislike. It’s her. All of her. Her looks, her personality...she’s just your typical misfit.

Stepping up to the front door, Hinata gives it a somber look before making her way in.

The hallways, of course, are a madhouse: her middle school is fairly big, made bigger by the fact it’s technically also part elementary school: two separate wings for each group of students. She’s spent all of her time as a student here. It won’t be until the final four years she’ll get to leave this building behind and possibly find a better niche than the one she’s found...that being a lonely corner, out of the way.

The shuffle and quick pace means she’s mostly ignored - how in such a bright outfit, she’s really not sure. But at least by some grace she makes it to her locker without anyone giving her any trouble. Hurriedly, she puts away her bag, gathering what she’ll need for her first hour block. Maybe if she gets sat down quick enough, she’ll -

“Oh, wow…”

Her back muscles tense, frozen and facing her locker.

She knows that voice.

There’s a bubbling of laughter. “I didn’t know today was a costume day...trying to look like the sun?” Behind Hinata, Ino can’t help but snicker. “That has to be the ugliest shade of yellow I’ve ever seen.”

“M...my dad...picked it,” Hinata offers feebly, still not turning around. Maybe she can put the blame elsewhere…

“Wait, your dad still dresses you? Well...I guess that explains a lot.”

...or it will just make things worse.

“Well there won’t be any mistaking you in the yearbook,” the blond then offers, shrugging her shoulders. “I think the editors might have to tone down the brightness or they’ll go blind!”

Clutching her books, Hinata just waits until she hears Ino’s laughter disappear down the hall. Okay, well...that was probably the worst of it. Sakura will probably have words, but hers are never quite as sharp as Ino’s: just attempts at follow ups that never pan out quite as well.

Everyone else will probably just laugh. And...she’s used to that.

Clinging her supplies to her chest, she speedily walks to her first classroom, taking her seat near the back and doing her best to sink in her chair. Most of the others are too busy talking to friends or hurrying to finish up homework to notice her...good. Hopefully it will stay that way. The biggest hurdles will be the actual pictures...and lunch. If she can just make it through those...the worst will be over.

Then she can try to pretend that today never happened.

More and more students filter in, and Hinata just sits still, eyes flickering in search of anyone looking at her. But, as per usual, she’s mostly ignored.

“Nice outfit.”

Almost jumping out of her skin, Hinata looks to the desk next to her own in the corner. Setting his books atop it is her typical neighbor, Sasuke. His brow is perked, looking her over critically. “Did you mean to wear that?”

Slowly blooming pink, Hinata tries to figure out a passable answer. Does she dare admit the same excuse as she did to Ino? “U...um…”

“Cuz I mean...that’s nothing like what you usually wear.”

...she blinks. Blinks again. He…? But…? How would he know…? Unless he’s been…?

“...m...my father p-picked it out. He’s, um...he’s v-very strict about my...about my school p-picture.”

Understanding brightens Sasuke’s face a bit. “...that makes sense. He, uh...really doesn’t have a clue about clothes, does he? You look like a banana.”

The color in her cheeks gets darker. “I...I-I know…”

“Didn’t bring anything to change into after pictures?”

“...no…” She hadn’t thought of that…

“Well...guess you’re stuck with it.”

Wilting a bit, Hinata nods in defeat.

“Eh, whatever. It’s just one day. My brother says the seniors always dress up goofy for theirs. Maybe if anyone asks, you’re just starting early.”

Another blink. “...they do?”

“Yeah. Drives my brother nuts.” A hint of a smile pulls at his lips. “He’s such a prude...I bet he won’t do it next year.”

“W...will you? I-I mean, when you’re a...a senior?”

“I might. Guess it depends on how I feel. It’s a long time between now and then, after all. But hey, you’re not the only one who’s gotta dress up.”

Blinking, Hinata watches as Sasuke tugs the zipper of his jacket. Beneath is a dress shirt, complete with a bright red tie. It...looks a bit odd with his shorts and sneakers.

“The pictures are only waist up, so the rest doesn’t matter,” he explains at her confused expression, closing the zipper. A hint of a smirk pulls at his lips. “This way, I can hide it all day.”

“...lucky,” she can’t help but comment, going red as she realizes he heard her.

“Didn’t bring a coat?”

“No...a-and even then, you can still see the s-skirt…”

“Oh...yeah, true.”

“Hey, Sasuke!”

Immediately, the boy’s face sours. Ino sashays her way over, perching atop his desk with one knee over the other. “What?”

“Just wanted to make sure you’re not going blind back here,” she quips with a smirk. “Poor thing, having to look at that ugly dress...I don’t know which is worse: that, or wearing it!”

All the while, Hinata just sits silently, taking the abuse with a tight jaw.

“Funny, I was gonna say it’s about the same shade as your hair,” Sasuke retorts.

The blonde gives him an aghast glance. “...what?!”

“She didn’t pick the clothes, Ino. Leave her alone. You really got nothing better to do than make fun of her for an outfit she doesn’t even want?”

“I...but…she looks ridiculous!”

By now, the talk has garnered some attention, other students looking back curiously.

“So? Like I said, it’s not what she wanted. So leave her alone. It’s just a dress.” Standing, Sasuke then asks, “You wanna see ridiculous?” He reopens his coat, gesturing to the non sequitur between his top and the rest of his outfit.

A few kids laugh, including Sasuke’s best friend Naruto.

“Gonna laugh at me too, Ino? Or is this not really about clothes?”

Mouth flapping like a fish out of water as she fails to find a response, Ino instead claps her lips shut and retreats back to her desk.

“Tch...there.” Not bothering to zip his coat, Sasuke retakes his seat. “...I think that settles that.”

Hinata gapes at him. “...you…?”

“What?”

“...nevermind.” Well...maybe today won’t be so bad after all.

                                                              .oOo.

     It's so late omg @~@ I...didn't really like this prompt, so this is rather...random? But it's all I could really think of. Poor Hinata, I'm always writing her getting bullied...but that's typically what happens to the quiet kids. Either they're ignored, or poked fun at =/      But at least Sasuke's got her back on this one!      Anyway, it's SUPER late, I gotta go! Thanks for reading~

[crimsoncobaltblue]

A Single Touch: Part 3 - Debbigail

(Alright so gotta do a part three of this cuz I’m long-winded. Plus this is actually kinda fun writing this stuff! When I have time, of course. I haven’t written fanfiction in a long time and I forgot how fun it actually is! Anyway, enjoy part three!!)

Read the first two parts if you wanna  Part 1 | Part 2

———————

For a second, I didn’t answer because I was in awe of her. How on earth did I get someone this amazing as my soulmate?! I cleared my throat. “Yeah, I’m okay. I just...” I paused unsure of whether to tell her.

Webby suddenly looked anxious. She started messing with her hair while looking down, as if she were guilty of eating the last cookie and was trying to hide it. “It isn’t because of me... Is it?” She inquired softly as she glanced back up at me sadly.

I blinked in shock, trying and failing to comprehend the insecurity that sounded in her voice. I stepped toward her and cautiously put my hands on her shoulders, ignoring the jolt I got from doing so. I gave her my best reassuring smile and shook my head. “Of course not, Webby. I would never be upset at having met my soulmate. Besides, you’re like one of the coolest people I’ve ever met. I can’t be mad at someone that literally just did a backflip!” I explained while hoping the heat in my face wasn’t as evident as I thought it was.

Webby’s shoulders relaxed beneath my hands and she smiled brightly at me, her pretty eyes shining in what little light was in the Wing of Secrets.

“Good,” She replied. “Speaking of soulmates... Uh, do all soulmates, like, start dating as soon as they meet or... Wait what do soulmates even do?! Actually, what even is a soulmate??...” She started rambling, pressing her hand to her head, and I swear I was listening to everything.

However, I did have stop the surge of thoughts about how how adorable she acted when she was nervous. I wish I had noticed her eye color earlier but, in my defense, I had been a little distracted. Anyways my point was, I did hear everything.

“Hey, woah woah woah.” I said trying to slow down the flood of questions she was spouting. I started trying to think of everything me, Huey, and Louie ever learned about soulmates. Huey especially, because he remembered everything.

“You might wanna ask Huey what a soulmate is specifically. But I’ve always thought a soulmate is kinda like a best friend,” I started to try and answer and Webby stopped talking, hanging on every word. I felt a swell of pride in that fact. “One that is perfect for you, that is supposed to love and care for you unconditionally.” I finished and she nodded, still looking puzzled but starting to get it.

“As for if soulmates start dating,” I looked down at my hands and noticed they were still on her shoulders and now, Webby’s hands were holding onto my arms. I didn’t want to but I figured it was maybe a little weird to hold onto her like this. I slowly moved my hands from her shoulders to her wrists as I kept speaking. “Some soulmates do, some don’t date until they’ve known each other for a while. And some don’t even fall in love with the other and never date.” I stated the facts that Huey would tell me, as if he were trying to remind me that not loving my soulmate didn’t mean either of us were horrible people but it somehow never helped. I always grew a little depressed at the thought that people who literally met their perfect match, and weren’t able to work it out. By now, the tips of my fingers were touching hers. But I couldn’t seem to force my hands to come back to myself.

This whole platonic soulmate thing was probably gonna be a little harder than I thought.

“I had no idea.” Webby said, looking down as the ground. “I’m sorry that I don’t know much about them. My granny always either kept me busy training or I was researching your family. So, not much time for me to worry and research about a soulmate, ya know?” She stated thoughtfully, while staring at our still connected hands. I panicked and took my hands to scratch at my head as nonchalantly as possible.

“I don’t know honestly. I was always really excited to meet you actually.” I said while smiling and looking away. I could feel her stare as I glance to the sides, staring at random artifacts and crates around us. “Although I always thought I’d meet you later rather than sooner.” I admitted, hoping it didn’t offend her but she didn’t seem focused on that.

She reached forward and took my hands in hers. She gasped while staring at our hands so I looked as well only for her to let go, now she was staring at her own hands and I looked confused. She grinned at me wildly and I really had to try my hardest to ignore the extra thump my heart gave. “Sorry but check this out Dewey! Touch my hands! Watch what my hands do when you touch them!!” She exclaimed and I immediately touched my finger to her open palm like she asked.

I noticed the tiniest glow from her soulmarks and when I stopped, the glow stopped but the marks weren’t there anymore. “Woah.” Was all I could say. I touched her hands again and I looked at my marks and saw they were glowing softly through my shirt. “Mine are doing that too.” My smile grew wider and noticed we were a lot closer than were a second ago. My smile turned mischievous.

“I guess it’s because you light up my world.” I winked at her but I doubt she saw it. “Literally.”

For a few seconds Webby was silent until she started laughing a loud and happy sounding laugh. It was a really nice sound.

I started laughing as well, until Webby managed to get a hold of herself and she looked to where I thought I heard Huey and Louie. She looked back at me and it wasn’t until she escaped did I realize both my hands found their way to hers.

I really oughta work on controlling that.

“Can we talk more later? About the... dating stuff things?” She asked, trying to be serious as she turned around to look at me.

I nodded. “Yeah, we can.” I agreed, trying to keep from laughing. That was a cheesy line even for me.

She smiled. “Good. Then, maybe we could branch out and we could talk about sword horses, and griffins, and sea monsters and- WOAH! Careful!” Webby shouted, racing towards Louie to stop him from touching a ‘Medusa Gauntlet’ whatever that is. Sounds cool too.

“This place is incredible!” Huey exclaimed, spreading his arms out to all the stuff surrounding him.

I froze in front of an old, torn portrait, hearing Huey say that. I couldn’t stop myself. After seeing this old painting, I had to tell him the truth. Let him down so that way he won’t be fooled by all this stuff. “It’s fake.” Is all I said as I scowled at the portrait.

Huey walked towards me and stared at it and gave me a confused look before asking hesitantly, as if to make sure he wasn’t the only one seeing it, “Is that... Uncle Donald?”

“Oh, yeah!” Webby exclaimed, still smiling happily. Suddenly I felt her fingers brushing against mine and I felt myself relax a small bit as she continued. “He was Mr. McDuck’s sidekick!”

Huey and Louie looked at each other before speaking. “Dewey’s right.” Huey said with a sigh.

“Totally fake.” Louie agreed with Huey.

I did feel a little bad about saying that when I saw Webby’s enthusiastic expression fall and she let her fingers fall away from mine.

“Uncle Donald has never done anything cool.” I stated, putting my hands on my sides. This was a fact. He never has and never will do anything purposefully cool otherwise we would’ve known.

Right?

Webby practically glared at us. “WHAT?!” She shouted, turning toward me. I’ll be honest, I was a little unnerved by her yelling. Mostly because I knew she could tie us all up if she wanted to.

“Donald Duck is one of the most daring adventurers of ALL TIME!” Webby raised her arms and she got kind of a dreamy expression. “He’s my hero! Besides Scrooge McDuck naturally. Oh, and my granny too.” She stared at the painting again. “The point is that Donald Duck is one of the greatest adventurers ever!” She glared towards me, daring me to contradict her.

If she’s done as much research on my family as I think, then she knows I’m not one to back down from a dare.

“Uncle Donald is great in his own way. But he isn’t an adventurer. He gets normal jobs. He does his best to keep us safe, which I am glad for, but he just is not the adventuring type.” I argued, returning her glare.

Webby opened her beak, her finger pointing at me but, of course, Louie beat her to the punch.

I really hope that Louie will eventually stop teasing me and Webby like this.

“You know, if I hadn’t known you two have just met, I would definitely believe you were together.” Louie shrugged, smirking.

The annoying blush returned to my face. I’m glad it’s dark in here. “Ugh. Shut up, Louie.” I groaned, planting my hand to my face, too embarrassed to say anything else.

“Sorry, Dewford, he isn’t wrong.” Huey piped up, grinning smugly. “So, when’s the wedding?” Huey asked while walking around Webby to me, leaning his arm on my shoulder. Webby looked as embarrassed as I felt.

Louie did the same on my other shoulder. “Yeah, which one of us will be the best man? It’s gonna be me right?” Louie asked and I grumbled.

“This was not the point of this argument.” I pointed out, hoping this would be enough to get them to leave me and Webby alone. I stood up straight and scowled at my brothers, trying to convey as much annoyance as possible.

“I don’t know, Dewey,” I heard Webby start. I looked up, expecting her to look flustered and embarrassed but ready to tell my brothers to leave us alone. Instead I saw the boldest, most bewitching smile I’ve ever seen. What’s worse is that I liked that look on her face.

Is this what a heart attack feels like?

I’m pretty sure all the blood I have is in my face and I can’t talk. Sounds a lot like what a heart attack consists of.

“I really think we’d look cute together on a wedding cake, don’t you?” She said, her voice wobbling a smidge but she sounded confident enough that it still held power. She smirked proudly.

My brothers howled with laughter. Huey keeping his hat over his face but it did nothing to muffle his giggles and Louie was laying on the floor, hitting it with his fists as he practically cried from laughter.

Normally, I’m a smooth guy. I’ve been called a charmer before. I can give and take nearly any pick-up line you could think of. Nearly. Except one from her apparently. She smiled shyly at the floor, as if suddenly realizing that was very out of character for her.

Then she had the audacity to wink at me. That was when I knew I was done for.

“I-I-I... Yeah, well... I-I... Well...” I tried to reply but nothing actually helpful came out. All I could do was blush and stutter and grin stupidly at her. Lots of stupid grins aimed in her direction.

What can I say? I can appreciate a good pick-up line, especially when it comes from a pretty girl.

I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind. “OKAY! BACK TO THE ORIGINAL TOPIC!” I yelled out, getting everyone’s attention and seriousness. No old daydreams would come to haunt me this time.

... Webby and I in the kitchen, baking cookies...

NO! Not again, brain! Stop that!

“This has gotta be a fake!” I started, struggling to keep my mind from wandering. “And I bet everything else is too.” I had to get them against Uncle Scrooge. We can’t like him. We just can’t. Not when he hates us as much as he does.

Family is nothing but TROUBLE!

His words came back, making me feel horrible about even admiring him at one point.

“That’s not true!” Webby shouted back, turning and pointing to the picture of Scrooge standing on top of the hairless bear. “What about this picture with chupacabra?”

“Photoshop.” Huey sighed, looking disappointed.

Most people would’ve looked discouraged. Webby just looked more determined. “This treasure chest?” She violently pointed at the chest.

Louie shrugged, back to looking bored as usual. “Probably bought it at an auction.”

A sheet suddenly flew up out of the chest. “This g-ghost?” She asked, quickly backing up and staring at the sheet fearfully. I’ll admit it was an impressive act and I nearly bought it. But I can’t afford to buy it. Not when Scrooge is so clearly a liar.

I walked up next to her. “You mean this Halloween decoration?” I yanked the sheet off, determined to prove that I was right by encountering a spooky old inflatable ghost or something.

Instead I was greeted by a real ghost, and a pirate one at that. One with a big black beard and a peg-leg and a... hook for a leg too. I would’ve made fun of it if it wasn’t a REAL GHOST!!!

“CURSE YE, YA SCURVY, LIFE-LUBBERS!!!” The ghost screamed eerily while trying to grab at us.

Naturally, I grabbed Webby’s hand and we turned tail to run for our lives as fast as we could.

“It’s Captain Peghook!” She told me as I tried my best to run past her to get to what I thought was a sword. I had let go of her hand so we wouldn’t crash into anything. “The scourge of the river Styx!!” She panted while farting behind a crate.

I ran toward the door, grabbed the old sword that was inside a box. “IT’S REAL!” I yelled while pointing the saber toward the ghost. “IT’S REALLY REALLY REAL!!!” Compared to this, being tied up by Webby was a piece of cake.

Suddenly the sword flew out of my hand and into the chest of the ghost, only for it to go right through his phantom ribs.

I looked to where I knew Webby had hidden, my face betraying my obvious panic. Huey and Webby poked their heads up and Webby gasped. “That’s the Deus Excalibur! It won’t rest until it’s target is slain!”

I watched as the sword went through the ghost multiple times but Peghook paid it no mind. He just staggered toward me again like normal.

I suddenly felt the need to scream like a baby and run but I didn’t. Well, I didn’t scream like a baby at least. “But he’s already DEAD!” I yelled back at Webby.

They both made weird faces as the Deus Excalibur flew past them to hit a gong before heading back towards Captain Peghook.

The horrified gasped that escaped Webby’s beak almost made me stop in my tracks. If weren’t for the huge ghost chasing me I surely would have.

“Do not let anything else hit that gong!”Webby shouted her voice cracking on the last word. She held onto the crate next to her with a death grip.

“Yep!” I heard Louie say as I ran around the crates and under shelves of cardboard boxes and random knick knacks and artifacts, trying to lose the terrifying ghost behind me. “I’m gonna sit this one out!” I heard him say before hearing a surprised ‘WOAH!’ escape him.

I heard a loud neigh, which confused me even more than I already was, and I ran around to see what was happening.

“The headless man-horse!!!” Webby yelled while pointing at it. Then she muttered something about ‘self-explanatory.’ Honestly at this point I shouldn’t be surprised that that is a thing but I guess old habits die hard.

Which is how I might die if we don’t DO SOMETHING!

I heard the man-horse shrieking and a second gong sound and felt my heart skip a beat. And not in a good way. So I turned around and ran back and stopped beside Huey and Webby.

“That’s twice!” I panted before ducking as the ghost whisked over me.

“One more and something terrible could happen!” Webby yelled, sounding the most calm out of everyone here. Which was still pretty panicked by most people’s standards.

WHAT could be WORSE than THIS?!?!!” Louie screamed running to stand next to Huey, looking more freaked out than I’ve ever seen him.

WHAT IN DISMAL DOEWNS IS GOIN’ ON IN HERE?!?!?!” Scrooge roared behind us and we all turned around to face him. All of us probably looked like deer in headlights.

I sighed and I heard us all say it at the same time. “There it is.”

———————

(Okay so I know this was really late but, as I’ve said before, farm life is hard. But I hope you all like this third part to my little story! Also, in case you all can’t tell, I’m a sucker for a romantic Dewey lol

Thanks for all the likes and reblogs btw! Also @cartoonlover233 and @valentine1604 hope you like this part of the story. I’ll try and get the fourth part done by the end of this week but no promises ;3 lol)

[bts-svt-mx]

Maid For You (Part 3) Taehyung x Reader

Author: bts-svt-mx

Taehyung x Reader

Jungkook x Reader

Rating: Fluff, M, eventual smut if i get to it lol

Tags: Slow burn, Enemies to Lovers AU, Idol! Taehyung, Taehyung x Reader, Jungkook x Reader, Hoseok, mentions of other members

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 (M), 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Word Count: 2,400

Description: Wanting to get out of your parents house and experience what the world had to offer is way more expensive than people tell you it will be. So when your glamorous “manager to the stars” cousin Hoseok hooks you up with a  job as the live-in maid for a hillside, massive mansion, you feel as though life might actually be looking up. That is until the mansion’s absentee high profile celebrity owner surprises you by moving back in leaving you to wonder if this mansion is big enough for you and his huge ego. 

>>>

Chapter 3:

“Now if you’ll excuse me,” You push yourself away from in front of the refrigerator putting the mop in the small cleaning supply closet a few steps away. Taehyung hasn’t moved an inch. Now it’s his turn to be speechless. “I have a job to continue doing seeing as I’m the main person making sure your house doesn’t end up looking like an abandoned dump with all the dust the piling up from no one EVER USING ANYTHING HERE,” You practically scream the last part in his direction, words still reverberating off the walls as you turn swiftly on your heel to head rather quickly to your room on the West side of the mansion.

You had a phone call to make.

>>>

“Yo, yo, yo Y/N-o! What can I do for my awesome cousin on this beautiful day?” Hoseok’s sing song voice just made this situation a whole lot more annoying to you for some reason. Steam was practically coming out of your ears, you were so pissed off. As you plop yourself on your large bed, little Hodu immediately jumps up to snuggle with you.

“What the hell Hoseok?!” You screech through the phone at a half yelling, half whispering level. Hodu being the only thing stopping you from making a bigger fuss since you didn’t want to scare the puppy. And besides, Taehyung could have followed you to your side of the mansion so you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of hearing you go crying to your cousin (and his manager) after what he said to you. Or rather, what you said to each other.

“Woah, Y/N. Calm down. I’m sensing some hostility here!” The ever smiling boy laughed from the other side of the phone. God knows where he could be right now. Brazil? Hong Kong? Tokyo? LA? Judging by the loud chatter in the background it seems as though whatever city he’s in right now, he’s definitely somewhere with a lot of people.

“How could you not tell me that I am the live-in maid for Kim Taehyung, the most famous pop star in the world?!” A year ago you would have asked that question with excitement and happiness, but now it’s spilling out of your mouth with fire and anger. “And that he didn’t know he even had a live-in maid?!”

A loud round of laughter along with some glasses clinking comes from the background of Hoseok’s side but fades as it sounds like he is walking away from the main source of the noise. “Well this definitely isn’t the reaction I was expecting from you,” He chuckles. “I thought you would be way happier about this. Jumping up and down- Thanking me even... Little miss Future Mrs. Kim Taehyung,” He teases. 

At that your cheeks turn red with embarrassment. Damn Hoseok for reading your personal journal from your lovesick fangirl days! You didn’t have any siblings so Hoseok had gladly taken the role as your older brother, doing all the annoying things an older brother would do growing up. Like reading through your diary for example.

A scoff leaves your mouth. What a naive little teenager you were. “Well, that was before I found out he’s actually the biggest douchebag in the entire world!” You can’t help but yell that part a little bit. Seriously, how does Hoseok manage him? You would want to tear your hair out every time you even so much as looked at him.

“Oh come on Cuz’. He’s really not that bad. The fame just got to his head a little! Trust me, there’s a great guy underneath that front he puts on for everyone,” Hoseok explains, his voice a little muffled with the sound of crunching of chips in between some of his words.

You sigh. Of course Hoseok has a different opinion on him, he’s his manager. “Well he might be like that with you, but you should have heard wha-”

Hoseok’s infectious laughter bursts through the phone. He’s clearly not listening to you anymore. “Oh there’s no way in hell you can beat me at Pool, Jeon Jungkook!”

This is a serious issue! Why can’t Hoseok ever just- Wait. 

Did I hear that name right? Jeon Jungkook? The up-and-coming singer/dancer/heartthrob Jeon Jungkook? 

You’ve got to be kidding, he is so hot! How does Hoseok know literally every freaking famous person ever!

Ugh. Focus up Y/N. You have a different pop star to deal with right now.

“Seriously, Hoseok, listen to me!” It comes out as more of a plea then you would like it to but really, how are you supposed to work for this guy? What if Taehyung fires you? What are you going to do about your new life in the city if that happens? You finally had a good group of friends and really fun hobbies... You couldn’t move back home. You still needed to find your calling here.

“Yah! Wait for me kid! Look, Y/N, I gotta go,” His voice sounds rushed and shallow as if he’s just started to jog somewhere. “Just trust me on this, ok Y/N? You’re the best-”

 And click.

“Hoseok? Hoseok!! Hobi!” You pull the phone away from your ear to reveal your home screen once again lighting up your cell phone. He hung up on you. Great.

Obviously you were on your own in this situation.

The remainder of your frustration exits your body in a good old fashioned muffled scream into your pillow.

How did you end up here? What happened to the amazing set up of being a maid living in a humongous mansion, not having to worry about rent or bills, only truly cleaning up after yourself and Hodu every day on top of the light cleaning and other miscellaneous tasks you did weekly to upkeep the place?

Oh yeah. Kim Taehyung happened.

Looking back, you may have overreacted in the situation with Taehyung. You can usually keep your mouth shut well enough but once it crosses a certain point of disrespect, you always tend to snap. You just had such little tolerance for anyone who thought they could treat another human being with such a superiority complex as that that boy had.

So what now? Obviously you still were going to live and work here if you could. You needed this job and a place to live. As much as you loved your parents, going to live back home, leaving the beginning of a life that you made for yourself in the city just wasn’t an option.

You’ll just have to endure it. Living here while simultaneously working around Taehyung and his huge ass ego.

And you hoped. Maybe, maybe you just caught him on a bad day. Maybe he wasn’t the egotistical douchebag he made himself out to be.

Maybe if he apologized, you could actually be his friend.

---

Yeah, you weren’t getting that apology any time soon.

Thankfully you hadn’t seen Taehyung for the rest of the day. Only venturing out of your wing of the mansion to tiptoe to the backyard avoiding ‘Taehyung Territory’ (which you had officially decided to call it) to that much needed sauna before rushing back to your side making yourself dinner in your own kitchen and tucking yourself and Hodu into bed early.

But the next day, barely even a step out of the white marbled hallway leading out of your wing, you collided with a hard, tall body, so hard it almost knocked you to the ground.

Inwardly you cringed. You didn’t even need to look up to figure out who you had just body checked. There goes your plan to approach him casually and try to make amends.  Truly, could your luck get any worse with this dude?

Bracing yourself for the worst, slowly you lift your head to meet his gaze. His features sat stone cold, clearly unaffected by your unfortunate clumsiness. He didn’t even make a move to catch you in case you fell.. That douchebag..

The stare you two share goes on for a couple of seconds too long, his expression never changing. Well clearly he isn’t going to say anything so you guess it’s up to you.

“Hi... Um- I mean I’m sorry. I should have watched where I was going..” Ugh. Getting that out was difficult. Wow the ground is so fascinating! And it definitely isn’t as scary as the death stare Taehyung is giving you right now.

Well at least you’re dressed in presentable clothes today, with your usual look of slightly wavy hair and enough makeup to make you actually look kind of nice. Not that you really cared what he thought about how you looked but honestly, what was the boy doing over here?

“You’re up early.” Is all he says back to you. Morning voice apparent in the raspiness of his speech.

Wow, thanks Captain Obvious. Your painting class this morning starts at 9:00am and the drive there could take a while depending on traffic. It was currently 8:00am and honestly if you’re going to be stuck with him for a while beating around the bush like this you were definitely going to be late.

A realization hits you. Crap, this is the first time you’ve seen him since you blew up on him yesterday. What if he walked all the way over here from his side of the mansion to fire you as soon as he woke up?

Oh no, oh no, oh no. Please don’t fire me. He can’t do this. You can’t lose this job.

You need to do some damage control. Plastering on a polite smile onto your face to hide your fear, you look up at him once again. “What can I do for you, Taehyung?”

Why did we have to start off on the wrong foot like this? There are so many things you’re going to miss out on once you’re forced to move back home. No more karaoke nights with your city friends, no more painting and dance classes, no more fun nights out drinking-

“I believe you have something of mine.” His low voice breaks you out of your downward spiral.

What? You have something of his? What could you possibly have that is his? He didn’t even get here until yesterday.

The small sounds of yipping behind you answers your question and the realization hits you.

How could you forget about little Hodu? He must have heard Taehyung’s voice from the other side of the door. Nodding your head and trying to hide your look of surprise that his first conversation with you hasn’t yet turned to him firing you, you turn and head back down the hallway to open your door.

Aww, you really loved Hodu… He was one of the only things to keep you company in this huge house. But Hodu was Taehyung’s and even though you’ve practically been his mother for the past couple of months, Hodu did belong to him...

Taking a deep breath and mentally saying goodbye to your little friend, you open the door slowly before it pushes against you as Hodu happily comes charging out of your hallway and directly into Taehyung’s arms.

Your gaze follows Hodu as Taehyung happily sweeps little Hodu up into his arms with ease and rises him up in the air Lion King style.

The brightest smile you’ve ever seen on Taehyung covers his face and he looks genuinely... Happy. You didn’t realize before, but this is the first time you have seen an authentic smile on his face since you met him.

It kind of reminds you of how Taehyung was when you first started liking him at the beginning of his career. Carefree, loving, unapologetically happy, boy-ish, silly. Later in the years that you had liked him you had noticed a change in the way he acted in interviews and fan meets. Of course he still put on a happy face but something had changed as he grew up in the industry. You chalked it up to him just being more used to the celebrity life, that he was just a little tired maybe… But maybe it was because you now knew him in real life without any need to put on a happy face for a camera that you realized that Taehyung may have just been pretending to be this perfect angel for a really long time now.

Or maybe you were reading too deeply into this.

But honestly, ever since yesterday you weren’t really sure if the boy in front of you had any capability of being able to be nice to anyone or anything. Well at least he was capable of showing real emotion even if it was towards a dog.

Taehyung’s gaze returns back to you and his expression instantly goes cold again.

Glad to see that lasted.

“You’re dismissed.” Taehyung snaps turning on his heel to head towards the direction of his own wing of the mansion.

His curt words left you confused. “I’m sorry what? I’m dismissed?” The words come out before you can stop them. Seriously Y/N when did it become so hard for you to keep your thoughts to yourself?

Taehyung slowly turns back halfway towards you, cocking his head. Hodu still happily panting from excitement in his arms. “I said, you’re dis-missed.” He says, overly annunciating each part. 

“Unless you care to stay in that same spot all day long. Which I personally wouldn’t care to do but, be my guest.” He purrs, talking so nonchalantly it bothers you in an indescribable way. 

Suddenly, he snaps the hand that’s not holding Hodu up quickly like he’s just remembered something important. “Wait I’m sorry, I misspoke. I meant to say..” Taehyung slowly leans towards you, his face close enough for you to be able to see the faint scar near his lips. ���Be my maid,” He pulls back as his lips curve into that taunting smirk of his, his words laced with malice and mockery.

You’re dumbfounded. Stuck in place. You try to come up with a witty comeback but you just... go blank. How could someone be so blatantly rude like that?

You try your best not to look surprised by his correction. That’s what he wants. He wants to get a rise out of you. He wants to make you angry and upset. But you wouldn’t give him that satisfaction. Not today, not ever. 

“What, so you’re not going to fire me?” Is all you can retort. You didn’t care if this was the worst time to bring it up. You didn’t care if he was going to throw you out on your butt in two seconds after asking. You had to know if he was going to do it. You just couldn’t leave this fear hanging over your head without an answer.

Taehyung arches his eyebrow as if to acknowledge your courage but his expression remains cold as ice. “I can’t fire you. Trust me I tried. Turns out Hoseok is the one who hired you and controls your pay. Technically he’s the only one who can fire you. So I guess I’m stuck with you.” And with that he stalks back into Taehyung Territory with little Hodu in his arms.

You don’t know whether to feel relieved or not. Yes, you were happy that you still had a place to stay and you didn’t have to move back in with your parents leaving your beginnings of a life behind. 

But on the other hand, Taehyung was right. You were stuck with him. 

This mansion might be big, but Taehyung’s ego was already suffocating you.

<-- Previous Chapter | Next Chapter -->

[table-top-romulan-playing-games]

Movies I have seen so far in 2018

A few of these arent new movies, just ones ive watched for the first time in 2018. I felt like doing this cuz I really love watching movies and felt that it might be a good version of those "good things" jars, but instead it's movies I saw. Some reviews are short, mostly cuz I didnt really have much in the way of opinions, but I did have something to say.

Just incase you havent seen them. I have tried to keep them spoiler free, but if you dont want even vague non spoiler spoilers, the list of movies is as follows; 

The Grand Budapest; The greatest showman; Jumanji: out of the jungle, King Arthur: legend of the sword, The Black Panther, Shape of water, Thor Ragnarok, the Emoji Movie, the Good Dinosaur, Jurassic world, Incredibles 2, Hotel Transylvania 3, Ant-man, A Wrinkle in Time, Lara croft: tomb raider, Guardians of the Galaxy volume 2, Spider-man homecoming, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Avengers age of ultron (semi live blogged), Captain America civil war, Avengers Infinty War, Deadpool 2016, King Arthur the one with kiera knightly, Deadpool 2, The Nutcracker, four realms, Venom, Love, Simon, Ready player one, Aquaman, Solo, a star wars story, Ghost stories (2018), Wreck it Ralph, Ralph breaks the internet, Goosebumps 2, Hidden figures, The meg, Pacific Rim, Pacific rim uprising, Wrath of the Titans, Mission impossible: fallout,Oceans 8, The Breadwinner, Mune, Operation Finale, The House With A Clock In Its Walls, Bad times at the El Royale, Outlaw king, Gnome alone, Journey to the center of the earth, Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy, Vvitch, Ex machina, To all the boys ive loved before, Extraordinary Tales, The Golden Compass, Erramentari, the blacksmith and the devil, Dragon heart, The black klansman, Robin Hood 2018, The Princess of Thieves, First Man, Bohemian Rhapsody, What we do in the Shadows, Overlord, For the Love of Spock, Next Gen, Small Foot, The Spy who Dumped Me, The Nun, Kin, Crazy Rich Asians, Spider-Man, Into the Spiderverse, A simple favor, Predator 2018, Rampage, 47 meters down, 2036 Origin Unknown, 2001 A Space Oddessey, The Martian

The grand Budapest hotel - good, great visuals. I enjoyed it.

The greatest showman - wonderful music, actual circus parts were good, the rest was boring. Its really short, and I felt it focused to much on the drama in pt barnums life, too much focus on a silly fuax love triangle, not enough on the acts themselves. I went in hoping to see the acts interact and actually be presented as the forefront. The beginning showed this magnificent scene with the acts, with this wonderful musical number that made me tear up. But then, it was just about Barnum and his kids being boring most of the time. The songs and musical scenes though? Absolutely wonderful, magnificent, stunning, and entertaining. Zendayas and Zac efrons characters duets? Beautiful, I loved the song and choreography. I just feel like the emphasis should have been on the circus itself. Hugh jackman. Needs. To. Do. More. Musicals.

Jumanji: out of the jungle - hilarious omg I laughed my ass off!

King Arthur: legend of the sword: wtf was this movie bro? I mean. I have a new song in my cars playlist, but wtf.

The Black Panther - IT WAS SO COOL! I loved the visuals and the storyline. Shuri is my favorite genius and I can’t wait for more Black Panther

Shape of water: absolutely beautiful omg

Thor Ragnarok: you mean that was the actual movie, that tumblr wasn’t just fuckin with me, like, those were real ass scenes that were filmed?

the Emoji Movie: bad, forgettable, literally did not remember watching it till a friend asked me.

the Good Dinosaur: literally a children's movie, idek why I watched it tbh

Jurassic world: THE HUBRIS OF MAN! THE INDO RAPTOR! BLUE! They made... An indoraptor. Not just any raptor, oh no, that's not enough for the hubris of man, its an indoraptor. What's an indoraptor you may ask? Well it's when you mix a raptor, with the indominous rex DNA. But Cotie, didn't the indominous rex already have raptor DNA? Wasnt that the whole thing that it was a t-rex with raptor DNA? Yes, yes it was. But this one is different, it's smaller, it's smarter, it made to obey commands like a war machine, it's the I N D O R A P T O R! So it's just a super powered velociraptor? Yes, yes it is. So what makes it special? THE HUBRIS BEHIND IT!

Incredibles 2: awesome! I loved it! Those flashing scenes really were no joke though. I don't have epilepsy, but damn those scenes were hard to look at. But I absolutely love the fact that edna babysat jack jack for a night, and gave him a super babysuit. I hope we get to see more of the other superheroes helping out the incredibles!

Hotel Transylvania 3: it was a good movie. Its the only Adam Sandler movie series I can stand, but it was a decent movie. I like the introduction of the van helsing family, and the whole premise. Plus I love the message that its possible to fall in love again.

Ant-man: "in like the Flynn" niiiiiiiiice Tangled ref! "ANT-THONY!!!!" Ok that was a fun and hilarious movie. I fucking love the three wombats, especially Luis omg. Also I love Scott lang relationship with his daughter and that he was the driving force behind his motivation. Also not gonna lie, I kinda watched this one so I could go see Ant-man and the Wasp, but I liked this one too.

A Wrinkle in Time: FUCK ITUNES NOT WANTING TO WORK DURING THIS MOVIE! ok but Chris Pine as a Dad? Awesome. "Happy anniversary, if only you'd dissapear too" wow, these high school preps are viscous. Also I love the little kid calling out grown ups for being pieces of shits. Also this movie was adorable and heart felt and I loved the mix of fantasy and science that made it a science fantasy movie omg.

Lara croft: tomb raider: ok but the girl who kicked Lara crofts butt in the beginning has me gay as Fuck man. "OPEN IT! OPEN IT! OPEN IT!" OK calm down Nicolas cage.

Guardians of the Galaxy volume 2: omg that was indeed another real marvel movie I had just seen. I can't believe the stooges are a space family that just, does stupid things. I love them all. 

We gonna start some parralels; a wrinkle in time - a movie about two siblings trying to find their dad who has been lost for 4 years. They get him back through the power of love; Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - a daughter finds some adverturing stuff to lead her to her father who had been missing for 7 years. Tries to get him back by killing men. Doesn't, and then kills more men; Gaurdians of the Galaxy volume 2: a boy finds his father after 34 years, but turns out he is a huge fucking jerk, also finds that Mary poppins was his dad after all, but then both Mary poppins and jerk dad died, with varying degrees of mourning from Boy.

Spider-man homecoming: omg so many second hand embarrassment scenes but it was so good! I laughed my ass off at the ending omg tony no. But also, that awkward moment when ur dates dad threatens your life and he actually meant it...

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Dude. Duuuuuuude that end credit scene. Duuuuuuuuuuuuuude. That movie was just as hilarious as the first ant-man movie omg! It was fun and incredibal and I'm so happy the 3 combats were there. I was losing my shit over the baba yaga stuff!

Avengers age of ultron (semi live blogged): god, I'm 9 minutes in and I hate this movie... 13 minutes in an ur telling me this could've been avoided if marvel hadnt turned two Romani (from what I remember of mutant canon) characters into, not only human expirements instead of mutants, but voluntary hydra agents. -sighhhh-... 20 minutes in and why, why Tony, just... Tell the team, why do we gotta have lazy 'i dont wanna communicate' writing bullshit...Jarrrrrviiiiissssss my boy T.T... Did they really just try to make dissimising female characters and using their achievements as a sort of 'my horse is bigger than yours' as quality character writing? God this Bruce/Nat romance is so forced... Oh no, Ultron fucking appeared, why does he sound like a bad Tony stark impression? Ultron is fucking annoying... Fuck man, the plot with the twins have arrived, and I hate it... -mentions Wakanda- thanks for reminding of a better movie I could be watching... God, the acting is either way too dry, or way too ham... Wow... Clint is... The most mature person in the movie... Wow, the scene where Nat reveals she is infertile, is worse than I thought it would be, and I knew it would be awful... Hour and a half in, still bad... Though ultron is now acting like a c h i l d... Oh no, now we creating Ultron 2.0 this time its Jarvis... Please discuss it with the team, pleeeease... Annnnnnnd U didn't... Fuck... I'm so tired, 1 hour and 31 minutes and the team is fighting... Thor coming in for the jarvis Saaaave! Yassss vision with the worthy of the hammer! Okay the battle scene with ultron was pretty cool. Still dont like the movie over all.

Captain America civil war: not as much fighting as advertised. Too much 'we arent going to sit down and communicate' trope. Honestly I was too bored and tired to really actually pay attention to closely... All I got from it is the russos need to learn what a get along shirt is and be better film makers.

Avengers Infinty War: wtf, what the fuck, was that. That was some fuck right there. You are telling me thanos was really able to get the soul stone like That? And the mind stone like That? And all that other bull shit? Y'all Russo better be ready to have thanos ass kick in the next avengers movie. But damn that was some shit that happened.

Deadpool 2016: I loved every bit of the movie omg, it was everything I hoped for out of a deadpool movie.

King Arthur the one with kiera knightly: That uh, sure was a King Arthur movie? Way less weird than King Arthur Legend of the sword. Merlin didnt cast magic, and arthur was a Roman, but guinevere is a kick ass archer, soooo acceptable...

Deadpool 2: THAT WAS FUCKIN HILARIOUS I LOVE DEADPOOL SO MUCH! god I love this movie, I would die for dominoe.

The Nutcracker, four realms: such a cute af movie omggggggggggggg. I loved Captain Phillip the nutcracker soldier and the gold highlight they put on his lips 💓

Venom: listen. I did no t see this film for quality. I saw it for the symbi ote ok. Ok. I lov it. But blease for the love of god.... Y.... Did...... The......... Symbiote........ Take the shape of a sexy comic book lady..... When........ The same sexyness could have been achieved by letting the symbiote be big beefy orc like lady....

Love, Simon: I'm not one for these films... I dont like these films... They are teary eyed wholesome cake frosting that make my cold gay heart sick... That being said... I relate, I relate so much... Also... If I was in simons shoes and the blackmailing weasle Martin outed me? They would still be scraping him off the pavement... That is all.

Ready player one: it wasn’t as bad as some of the things i heard about it on tumblr, but its not one I will watch again.

Aquaman: "show off, heh, I could've just pee'd on it" is the exact quality line I want out of my films. Also that was soooooooo awesome! I loved it! More Aquaman!

Solo, a star wars story: Not bad, but not great, it kept on plot really well, not memorable but I won’t knock it. I still say the actor playing Han Solo looks photoshopped and not real.

Ghost stories (2018): awful... It was slow and boring, and I didnt like it... I rented it through itunes and it glitched part of the way through and I stopped being able to see the picture. Even after I got it working again I still didnt like it... Though I did like the message of "dont be a bystander", but the whole this was boriiiiiinnnnnnnggggggggggg.

Wreck it Ralph: okay, technically I caught the beginning like 4 or 5 years ago, but I finally actually watched it and it wasnt bad. Will go see the sequel.

Ralph breaks the internet: WAYYYYYY better than the emoji movie, also, I really loved the princesses scene, the bright colors, and following Venelope through the internet... Also.... Ralph........ WTF..................... Also............................. that Stan Lee cameo.................................... Heartbreaking............

Goosebumps 2: Mr. Chu and his Halloween obsession is me... Stones appearence had me dying omg... Also where tf r ppl getting these awesome super cool Halloween stuffs!

Hidden figures: IM NOT CRYING UR CRYING! omg such a great movie i fucking loved it. Couldnt understand a WORD of math that went on, but damn girls, calculate that shit.

The meg: listen... Listen... The trailer looked stupid... And ridiculous... I just... Wanted to know how bad... And it was bad... But it was incredibally enjoyable omg... I loved it... In all seriousness, it was actually a pretty beautiful movie when it came to marine life and the wonder behind it, and it was anti shark culling for fins, and it was very clearly "not all sharks are bad, they do as they do, but megalodon is about to fuck our shit up."... It was also fucking hilarious... My favorite character was meiying, the little 8 year old in the movie... The love plot wasnt forced and they way they did it the two leads were not having it and had actual chemistry... Just... Also the dog... The dog does not die... Pippin lives... The wedding is not ruined... Also the shark ate a billionaire soooooooo... We good meg... We good...

Pacific Rim: yes I know, I took a long ass time to watch this movie... But Listen... Explody robots and monsters... Hannibal chau... Look... I just... Sometimes take a long time to watch movies... You wanna know how long it took me to watch Merlin BBC? I watched every episode as it came out and then put off the last episode for 5 years... Listen...

Pacific rim uprising: ok I watched the first one so I could watch the one with my boi John Boyega in it.

Wrath of the Titans: wtf kind of movie... Like really what the f... Since when is zues ever responsible and wise.

Mission impossible, fallout: I liked it. It's an action movie. Saw it for my birthday, kinda interested in the other mission impossible movies now. I appreciate the advance tech and the obviously stupid impossible shit.

Oceans 8: Listen, i have never been interested in the Oceans franchise, i dont want to see crusty men steal things, but lads, im gay. Extremely gay, just, shamelessly gay.

The Breadwinner: holy shit that was a good movie.

Secret of the Kells: eh, it was a good movie. Not my favorite, but it was good. I mostly just like the animation.

Mune: Guardian of the Moon: dat was a cute movie, and also i loved Munes Design, he is a little fawn

Operation Finale: Wow, that was an amazing film, absolutely superb. Not at all like the trailers. Seriously, what is it and trailers where everything has to either be an high stakes action movie or a romantic comedy? but this film, spectacular.

The House With A Clock In Its Walls: A Neat little movie. Corny, but i liked it. like, its a kids movie in the same way A Wrinkle In Time is, but this one was little less disney-fied in the way that they needed to have this overarching lesson of empowerment, and more “this is a kids movie to enjoy, like Halloweentown”

Bad times at the El Royale: neat movie, somewhat engaging, kept losing focus at the slow parts... Liked the Chapter title cards... Can't remember who that "important person" was supposed to be.... I think I may have missed it...

Outlaw king: I liked it! Way better than Braveheart! Also.... Cpine was not that naked.... Butt....

Gnome alone: weird, didn't like it, like a bad combo of Mean Girls and Coraline?

Journey to the center of the earth: I said old movies were gonna be on this list now didnt I? Also this movie was awesome and I wish the book was real too.

Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy: Nice!!! I had been meaning to read the book before I watched the movie, but I've packed my book away soooo, MOVIE. Also out of all thw sci fi movies that have destroyed planets, this is by far the only good one.

Vvitch: it was okay... By the middle I was kinda wishing it would go faster. But it was okay.

Ex machina: I'm not done with the movie yet but it's so fucking creepy holy shit... Also "its kinda non-autistic" in relation to "aware of her own mind and mine"???? Wtffffffff.uggggghhhhhhhhhh ewwwweeweeewewweeeewwwwwww the talk about giving the robot a sexuality is so grooooooooooooosssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss he gave her a working vag and hearing him talk about fucking the robot was baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad. Mmmmmmmm no, did not like.

To all the boys ive loved before: Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww... Also that sibling relationship was..... Relatable.

Extraordinary Tales: tales based on Edgar Allen Poe and holy sweet Jesus I loved it, it has multiple different art styles per story and I loved them soooooo much!

The Golden Compass: okay but how could you end on that cliffhanger and not at least put out another movie????

Erramentari, the blacksmith and the devil: based on Basque folklore which I know nothing of, but it looked neat. It's also originally in basque but netflix has the English dub over. AND HOLY SWEET JESUS I KNOW THIS MOVIE IS SUPPOSED TO BE SCARY BUT THE VOICE OVERS ARE SO FUCKING FUNNNNNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!

Dragon heart: I didnt like it, there were better movies I could have seen, I'm not gonna reach for this one again...

The Black Klansman: Damn, I might very well be speechless. That was a Fantastic Movie, came at you like a bag of Bricks, and the ending when it went straight from a cross burning to the 2017 neo nazi rallies, to trumps “good people on both sides” speech, to everything that happened in 2017. The movie did NOT fuck around with anything. God Bless.

Robin Hood, 2018: Antifa film of the YEAR! Yeah Robin, Be a Class Traitor to the ruling class, Spread Wealth, Down with the 1%!

The Princess of Thieves: OMG Kiera Knightly as the daughter of robin and also a kick ass archer that causes trouble!!!! Loved it!

First Man: dude that movie was incredible, it read like you were seeing snapshots of his life, not completely invested, but as though you were a spirit looking at memories. I kinda liked it. I loved the silent scenes that filled the viewer with anxiety, like a realization of the gravity of what was happening. Omg. Good film A+

Bohemian Rhapsody: OMG I LOVED IT SO MUCH OMGOMGOMGOMG MY QUEER HEART IS RESTORED AND THEY SAID BISEXUAL!!!!!

What we do in the Shadows: that was an enjoyable movie. I didn't quite like the reality show format but it was funny!

Overlord: That was a great movie! it had decently fast pacing, which is good that it was only an hour and forty-eight minutes long... They Plot-Ex-Machina’d alot of the movie, like the wounded soldier feeling fine for the main firefight, then remembering he was supposed to be wounded all of a sudden. I watched it with a friend who saw one character, turned to me and said “He’s cute, i hope he doesnt die” one (1) second before a landmine went off. Also, Ghouls created by science rather by supernatural means.

For the Love of Spock: -cries like a big baby-

Next Gen: screams of anti-tech ideals... Also.... Damn...... They are channeling the "addiction to iPhones" angle man, like, villianous angle...

Small Foot: Not bad, At least it was a Short movie, or at least it didnt feel like it was dragging on. The Songs were great though, I actually liked them and at least they were written for the movie and not like, a song that already existed...

The Spy who Dumped Me: I rented it through iTunes and it gave some Ukrainian nuts swangin in my face...

The Nun: it was okay, but let maurice theirult be a lesson; u see some creepy haunted shit, you grab a cross and you walk away. You dont go back to play hero, cuz then you get possessed.

Kin: there is a line in the movie that says "you got a decade of bad decisions under your belt" and I feel like that sums of this movies plot points...

Crazy Rich Asians: that was so gooooood! I don't normally go for romcoms, but ppl had been praising the film, and I actually liked it. I'm glad I saw the majong scene explain before I actually watched the scene, because it felt a shit ton more powerful.

Spider-Man, Into the Spiderverse: AMAZING! INCREDIBLE! the animation was TOP NOTCH, like, omg!

A simple favor: I didnt like it... It tried to be both a thriller and what seemed like a parody of a thriller.

Predator, 2018: I kinda liked it, it was a mindless action movie, and the ending left it open for a badass sequal. I havent seen the other predator movies so I have no idea if this is in faith for the series, but im guessing yes.

The Martian: It was cool and chill, I liked it, also Mark Watney cussing out a government agency via a hundred thousand dollar communications outlet is.... Mood.

47 meters down: 2hrs of one woman having an absolute panic attack and being right to worry about sketchy diving boats.

2036 Origin Unknown: kinda what I feel like 2001 a space Oddessey wouldve been like if I had actually watched that movie... Oh shit the Borg!

2001 A Space Oddessey: Have I ever told y'all that I dont like Kubrick or his movies? His movies are the epitome of that pretentious art school boi style that just does too much and tries to pretend it's more than it is and sweet merciful god why is this one 2 and a half hours long! I'm 40 minutes in and I have a head ache from the over ise of classical music and boring slow pace of the movie. 2001 a space Oddessey is 2 and a half hours long and only has 1 hr of actual relevant film... The other 1 1/2 is just unending, weirdly colored space shots, two color inversion shots of planets and eyes, theremin and flute noises, and classical music set to nothingness

RAMPAGE: a 30ft alligator showed up about an hour and 10minutes into the movie and the first reaction was "well that sucks" and it killed me on sight. The movie is awesome! In am so glad I picked this as my last movie of 2018.

[renegadesrpg]

Paladin: Part 7. Ra

Tater Tot:

One night, not too long after I'd opened my place, a homeless man stood begging in my alley. What struck me the most was he was a member of my race. He was a vampire. I had no clue until that moment that there was such a thing. It broke my heart and reminded me of what Lily used to say about opening our eyes to reality. My mahmen and sire scoffed at her but I kept her words close. I just didn't think my eyes were truly shut, until that moment. 

It was at that moment I swore to never close my eyes again. My employee was trying to get the beggar to leave but I interrupted, handing the male a few dollars, because my food handler permits weren't ready yet so no food was being cooked, and I told him to go get a hot meal on me. His gratitude was palpable. He scurried away and I left orders to never turn a beggar away. If there were concerns, come to me.

A week later there were several beggars at my alley door. I knew this could get out of hand and needed to figure out a way to keep my paying clientele plus help these poor. I tried a couple different things but it just seemed to get worse. My frustrations were overflowing and, unfortunately, it boiled over onto the beggars. The next night is when I met her. Twila, the so-called "Street heart" of Charleston.

I had just given $5 to a male beggar when a young, feminine voice blasted through my eardrum. "Are you insane or just a dipshit?" I looked around but saw no-one, until I looked down and there she was. If she was over 5' I'd have been shocked and she couldn't have been more than a year past transition. She was redheaded and, from the look on her face, had a temper to match. 

"Please tell me you are NOT contemplating giving out more money to these fools?"

+Excuse me? This is my place and if I feel like giving money to beggars, I most certainly will!+

"Ohhhhh you can take the boy outta the Glymera but you can't take the Glymera outta the boy. Look, Robin Hood it's great you wanna help, make amends or whatever...but do it right and know who you are actually giving money and food to."

She spoke so quick and stern my head spun for more than a moment. She had a quick tongue and wisdom in her eyes that belied her very young appearance. +Who are you and what do you mean? And shouldn't you be at home with your parents?+ 

"Ok, I don't have time to give you a reality check so here's the scoop. I'm Twila and I'm older than you, by like a lot. I have been on these streets for awhile now. So, listen when I tell you...those are not real beggars. Those, dear Robin Hood, are scoundrels who play at begging for the joy of screwing do gooders like you over. Real beggars, wait for it...don't beg in back alleys."

+What, why, how do you know this?+

"Ummm I live on and in the streets, I literally know all. Do what you want but I don't think Lily would want her big brother giving money to bored rich folk."

My head exploded with the information this waif of a girl tossed at me, then I got pissed. +How do you know my sister? How dare you speak her name!! You know nothing you filthy TatorTot. You get the fuck out of here and do not return or I'll leave you for the sun!+

She laughed! Her response to my threat was to laugh at me. "Oh ok tough guy. You could do a lot of good, your heart is wanting to be in the right place. Just trying to help but whatevs. Toodles!" Then she was gone. 

The next few days had my brain scrambled but I found myself being more hesitant to give out anything and when I did, I observed things more instead of just giving blindly on my assumptions. And I'll be damned but I think that little female, no bigger than a TatorTot for hell's sake, was right. One of the males that had become a regular, when I looked closer, was clean and shaved except for two dirt smudges on his cheek and forehead. In fact, the three nights I helped him, they were in the same spots...odd. And another male had leather shoes, in really good shape, not what you'd expect for a male living on the street. The female that came had a handbag that looked a little rough but not that bad. Upon further inspection, it was Prada! +Fucking hell, she was right! Goddamn fool.+

I stopped helping the beggars then and I can honestly say I inwardly hated myself for my stupidity. I think I berated myself for a good two or three weeks. Then, the TatorTot returned. Great, like I wanted to deal with her saying she was right and I was an idiot. Needless to say, I wasn't very nice.

+You get the hell out of here, NOW! I told you to stay away from here didn't I. I don't want your ass here.+

"If I stayed away from every place that told me to go away I'd be living on a cloud cuz I wouldn't be allowed on the ground. Now, grab your jacket, your big boy panties, and follow me."

Why I followed, I'll never know. But there is something about this female that makes me do it. Maybe it's her take no shit attitude, her persistence, or maybe I'm just desiring a better way to help this city and thereby making Lily proud of me. 

"Listen up Robin Hood. This is an area we like to call Tick Central. That over there is #Sasha and #Bogi. They run this area and know everything happening within it. They also do their begging in the streets. Generally between 34th street and 70th. They don't like going too far from T Central. They could use regular meals as could a few of their buddies. If, IF you want to help...start here. These are good peeps and they are vamps so you are helping the race."

+But, how do they survive during the day?+

"Underground Tunnels of course." 

+Shit. How do I do both?+ I looked at Twila, my desire to help still battling with doing good at my place. 

"I tell you what. You have 20 food boxes ready by 7pm 4 nights a week, let's say Tuesday thru Friday,  and I'll pick them up. Eventually you could bring them or #Sasha will grab them. You both just gotta earn each other's trust first is all. "

Relief flooded me as I saw a way to do what I wanted. +Thank you+

"Hey, you're the one with a willing heart. Do good, or I'll gut ya Robin Hood. Now, I got a person to see about a thing so you see your way back, Ok? Toodles!" Aaand she was gone again. Odd little TatorTot but she was growing on me.

This began a routine where she showed up at the prescribed time and days, took the food boxes, winked, then was gone again. It went like that for a couple of months then one Tuesday she didn't come. In her place was #Sasha, and she didn't say anything except a quiet 'Thank you' as she took the box and left. Another month went by and then TatorTot came back. She said #Sasha was ill so she'd take the boxes. Unfortunately, before she could leave one of my customers came looking for me.

"Ra, I've been asking for you for 10 minutes, it's rude to keep your customers waiting."

+I apologize #Gwyn, just another moment and I'll be with you.+ I don't think he caught that bit as he was too busy staring at Twila. She didn't look pleased to see him either. She collected the boxes to her chest and said, "Keep better company Robin" then was gone. 

I found it strange but not enough to do anything so I went back into my place with #Gwyn on my heels.

A week later #Sasha showed up on a Monday. She didn't say much, just banged on the back door, grunted til the staff got me then grabbed my hand, pulling me to follow her. +#Sasha, wait a minute. What are you doing here? Is something wrong?+ All she would do is stomp and grumble.

+#Sasha I will go no further without an explanation. What's going on?+

Finally her words formed, "Twila hurt, bad man, come help."

TatorTot hurt? Was that even possible? +Ok #Sasha, take me there.+

We ran through back streets and under a bridge until we got to T Central. There behind a box was TatorTot, bleeding and bruised. 

+Who did this? Let me get the doctor, he will help.+

"Doctor doesn't help streethearts Robin. Just need a first aid kit and I'll be good as new. #Sasha shouldn't have bothered you." She needed blood, to feed, she should be healing by now but wasn't.   

+You need to feed. Do you have a regular feeder? Can I get them for you?+

"First aid kit Robin. Feeding is overrated."

+Here, first aid kit.+ I got close to her which made her shrink further against the wall but she needed this. So, I shoved my wrist in her face, +feed.+ "fuck you, get that away from me!" +feed please?+ "go away please?" Now I'm grumbling under my breath, what an infuriating little creature she is. But two can play at stubborn games.

+feed TatorTot.+ " Don't call me that! Asshat." +feed or I'll keep calling you that.+ "fFuck. You. Nno." Needless to say this went on a while.

She grew too weak though and eventually, I won. It was obvious she didn't feed from someone too often but she got enough in her to heal well. When she finished I licked the wound closed and asked what happened.

"Nothing Robin. Thanks for your help but I should go. Toodles."

I grabbed her arm before she could disappear on me again. +Who did this to you TatorTot? I'm not asking again.+ I growled, didn't mean to but damn she needed to know I was serious and, if I'm being honest with myself, she reminds me of Lily. Her spunk and annoying stubbornness that is. 

+Answer me, NOW!+ My patience was gone.

She even managed to make her sigh sound indignant. Damn this female.

"Your buddy #Gwyn. I was involved in a situation where he lost a wee bit of money and he recognized me the other day, realized I had something to do with his loss and took his revenge. Not the first, won't be the last. I can usually hold my own just fucked up this time and lost. The End. May I go now?" She might as well have knocked me down with a baseball bat. Shocked didn't even cover how I felt in that instant.

+What did you do that cost him some money?+ "Oh sure, blame the streetheart ! Just like all you asshats do. Never take into account that 87% of vampire crimes are committed by aristoscats. Fuck off, not even sure why I bothered trying with you Robin Hood. "

+Explain it to me then, help me understand if it's that big a deal. If he is in the wrong then I don't want him or anyone like him in my place.+

"Your pal was into illegal firearm distribution. I found out, told those in power, and his business was closed. Cost him around $30 million. Your place is a prime spot for assholes like #Gwyn to visit to conduct business. Its dark, busy but not too busy, and appeals to the aristoscats because it makes them feel trendy while they do illegal and hurtful shit to their own kind. If you want to stop it, don't run them out...keep them close, listen, get info, pass it to me, and I'll get it where it needs to go."

+Damn, you weren't kidding were you? You really think I could do that? It's not what I want to do. It's not anywhere in my comfort zone.+

"I get it, it was just an idea as I could always use more information gurus. Now I really need to go, you wanna help then let #Sasha know and she'll get a hold of me. Toodles!" Aaaaaaannnnnddddd she was gone...again.

Two weeks later things had gone back to a good rhythm and I was happy. I was still giving out food and my piano place was doing well. The words TatorTot had uttered at our last meeting still rang in my head and, despite my best efforts, had me looking at my clientele more closely. 

One night the words seemed to be particularly loud and annoying and that's when I saw #Ector and #Samuel. They used to come in with #Gwyn but when he disappeared so had they, until now. 

+Hello gentlemales, welcome back. It's been a while. Your usual table?+

"Yo Ra, you a waiter now?"

+No, just playing host for a little bit.+ I chuckle as I lead them to a table that I had set up with a hidden microphone one day, on a whim...a 'TatorTot is in my head and won't shut up' whim that is. 

+Here are the menus for tonight and the waitress will be by in short order.+ "Thanks Ra, glad you kept our table for us." +Of course, be well.+

A few hours later the males leave and I retrieve the microphone. I won't listen to it until later but I want it in my possession. I finish my work, close the bar, and go back to my home. My doggen, #Oliver, brings me food and a much needed whiskey sour. I rewind then hit play on  the tape that the males conversation was on. 

"Did you hear that #Gwyn found a new buyer for his product? Already made back what that bitch cost him. He said he'd be damned if he let the 'wannabe king' or city rulers tell him what he can or cannot do." "#Samuel, did you get the number to his new buyer? He told us to get it and memorize it but I forgot my copy at home. Plus, he thinks he'll have a second buyer in a few days. He's really pushing shit but the money is wicked. I won't be complaining that's for sure."  *laughter than the sound of silverware moving around follows*

Damn, they are really doing it again, even after getting in trouble before? Dumbasses. Great, Tater Tot was right...I can't let this sit. Too much danger to our people and I don't want anyone hurt because some asses want more money. So, the next evening I sent a message with #Sasha for Twila. An hour later, "Hey Robin what's shaking, you wanted to see me?" 

+Damn female, would it kill you to knock?+

"Yes, it would. Now whatcha need?"

I chuckle because, well you just can't help it around TatorTot if I'm being honest. +You were right. Shady shit is going down in my place and I won't have that. Two associates of #Gwyn came in last night and he's apparently back in business. + I hand her the tape and she pockets it.

"You recorded them huh. Mighty sneaky Robin Hood. Proud of you. Now, do you wanna keep helping me or is this a one time thing?"

+I wanna help, just not sure how this could work.+

"Easy peasy. Select 2-3 tables that you can wire up. If people come in you sense are questionable, sit them at those tables. Occasionally I'll send people your way but I'll always give you a heads up. Give me the recordings and I'll handle it from there. Eventually, you'll instinctively recognize assholes from decent folk. You won't have to do more than hand me information. Sound good Robin?"

+Yes. I can do that. When should I start?+ 

"Tomorrow. I have someone I could use information on. His name is #Gerald and he always has a blonde bimbo on his arm."

+Alright TatorTot.+ I went to pat her shoulder and she growled and jumped back. "No touching unless I say so. And. I. Didn't. Now I gotta fly. Toodles!"

And off she went.

I come out of my reverie, sucking in a long, deep breath.

It's been a few years since this all happened and Twila is all she said she was and helping her has been a pleasure. I love helping and this has helped me deal with my sister's loss in a way nothing else had.

I look at the clock and realize I need to get some sleep or I'll be a nasty bastard tonight.

[rontufox]

Post-op 1 month

it’s been one month since my surgery!!! wanted to do a kind of recap post about top surgery in general

I went to Dr. Steinwald at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery in Golden, Colorado

Dr. Steinwald operates on informed consent--meaning you don’t need a doctor’s note, therapist note, etc.  all you provide is your health history (which you fill out yourself).  the forms include a field to write your preferred name and pronouns

Cost

the overall surgery cost was $8803 here’s the breakdown:

$6500 - procedure cost

$1355 - operating room cost

$650 - anesthesia cost

$230 - pathology cost

$68 - meds

my overall travel costs were $2280 breakdown:

$1385 - accommodations (11 days, via Airbnb)

$470 - 2 roundtrip plane tickets

$292 - rental car (11 days)

$200 - food

Total cost: $11083

the cost of top surgery is daunting.  but I really wanna say.  it’s possible.  

it’s gonna take time, so start now, with what you have.  once I got a full-time job, I put $100 per paycheck to savings.  I saved for about 7 years to build up the amount I needed + emergency savings (I live on my own so this was needed)

it can happen faster or slower, depending on your situation.  be realistic and keep at it.  it’s not fun knowing how long you gotta wait, but you’ll get there

don’t forget about financing.  Dr. Steinwald’s office offers financing through CareCredit, and I’m sure others do too.  if you’re unfamiliar with financing, you’re issued a credit card to pay for something upfront (in full, or partial).  then you pay it off over time.  financing can help you get top surgery faster, but you gotta be financially stable.  make sure you can actually pay it off afterwards

and, it’s not common, but some states cover top surgery.  look into it if you have insurance

Surgery

top surgery takes 2 hours.  you can’t eat after 10pm the night before.  you can drink clear liquids up to 4 hours before surgery

you provide a urine sample the day you come in for surgery.  once you’re in the pre-op room, you take off all clothes cept underwear, and put on a hospital gown and compression stockings.  then you lay in the hospital bed!  a nurse puts your IV in, which provides fluids and later anesthesia.  the anesthesiologist will prolly meet with you, and your surgeon, who marks your chest with marker.  after that, the nurse puts a mild sedative in your IV.  you might konk out right then, or you might stay awake as you’re taken to the OR room.  after you’re unconscious is when they put in a breathing tube

there’s not much to say bout the surgery itself cuz you get put under lolol.  but if you wanna read my account of surgery day, click here

Items during recovery

I wanna talk about parts of recovery I didn’t see talked about much in my research.  I like being ultra-prepared for things, and I figure there’s people out there like me

first, the items you’ll be dealing with

these are compression stockings to help prevent blood clots.  you’ll put em on right before surgery, and keep them on for 3 days.  you should also wear em on the flight back home, if you’re taking a plane.  you’re also advised to pump your ankles up and down throughout the day to help with... stuff.  these kinda made my heels sore lolol

this’ll be wrapped around your chest when you wake up from surgery.  it keeps the gauze covering your nipples and incisions in place.  I forgot how long you’re supposed to wear this cuz I had to wear it the whole time, instead of switching to a compression vest (they didn’t have one in my size).  but, you wear the compression vest for 1 month (no pic cuz I have no idea what it looks like)

I GOTTA mention......... this particular type of ace wrap just smells... bad.  idk if smell affects others like it does me but...... I hated how this smelled.  I slammed it into the trash when it was over 

this is a drain, the worst part of top surgery for most people.  you’ll have two attached to you when you wake up from surgery.  part of the tube goes under your skin, secured in place with stitches.  fluid drains into that grenade-looking part.  basically, you squeeze the grenade part to create suction, then plug the little plug at the top.  there’s a clip on the grenade part to secure it to clothing (you don’t want them hanging freely from where the tube’s stitched into you!) or you can put em in your pant/jacket pockets

every morning and night you empty these and record how many ccs drained in a 24 hour period.  this is cuz the drains can’t be taken out until less than 30ccs drain in a 24 hour period.  usually by day 4 or 5

these are annoying in multiple ways

the point where they enter your skin hurts.  they were honestly the most painful part of recovery for me

your body fluids are just hanging in these 24/7

there’s a constant fear of snagging them on something, or accidentally dropping them.  I almost dropped them 3 separate times and my life flashed before my eyes

they’re bulky, so they look really stupid under or over clothes.  make sure you have a jacket to wear over them, so you can go outdoors without feeling stupid

sometimes the plug rubs against clothing and gets unplugged and... I can imagine what might happen if you don’t notice it  *shudders*  I was afraid of waking up in the middle of the night to... nastiness

this’s some... thingy that you use 8 times an hour for a week.  you just breathe out into that huge bendy straw thing, and you gotta make that yellow thing on the left rise up to the level of that yellow thing on the right.  it’s to prevent lung issues.  it was a little annoying to remember to do, but I felt better when I did it

these are the only items that weren’t complimentary.  you’ll need these for your nipples.  after surgery your nipples’ll be mostly just... scabs LOL.  dark and hard.  after week 1, you start putting ointment on em and covering with bandaids.  the scabs’ll start shedding off, and your nipples will have spotty oozing/bleeding.  you can stop applying ointment/bandaids once that’s stopped.  I was able to stop using em week 3

last is the meds.  basically you’re prescribed pain killers, muscle relaxers, anti-nausea things, and antibiotics.  see this post for more details about each medication

I can’t give much personal experience about side effects cuz besides the antibiotics, I took only the narcotic pain killers, and for one day.  the narcotic pain killers are said to cause cause constipation and nausea.  I was kinda out of it and forgetful the first day lol!  I put a gatorade top on one of my medication bottles thinking it was the top LOLOL  (they weren’t even the same color)

Recovery

to see a general timeline of top surgery recovery, click here

so, recovery itself.  honestly it was easier than I ever dreamed.  but don’t under-prepare based on me.  I read a lotta other experiences that didn’t sound as easy as mine.  so before I go into it, keep in mind: I’m a small person (5′1, 95lbs), my chest was small (B), and I got a high pain tolerance.  if you don’t share those qualities, research more people’s experiences!!

my pain was way less than I was expecting.  I’d mentally prepared for 7-8 level pain.  but my post-op pain never got worse than a 4.  on day 2, the only pain killer I took was tylenol

the painful part was just those darn drains.  my chest hardly ever bothered me.  and I had a LOT more flexibility in my arms than I was expecting.  I only had trouble extending my arms back behind me (it felt pretty tight and hurt sometimes).  any other direction was fine, as long as I did it slowly.  during recovery I mostly just felt weak!  and had less energy than normal

if you’d like to see my day to day experience with recovery, see my tag surgery recovery.  

for me, recovery was first “when can I get these drains out?” then “when will my nipples not be scary?”  only a few days after the drains are removed, you start the ointment and bandaids on your nipples.  I was honestly really scared my nipples were gonna like... get pulled off by the bandaids, or mess up or.  LOL it’s hard to describe but when they’re dark scabs shedding off with oozing it’s... WEIRD

finally, if you’re working and wondering how much time you gotta take off.  you need AT LEAST 2 weeks.  at least.  but for me, my nipples were still a little scary into week 3.  at the end of week 3 is when I didn’t need bandaids anymore.  so I really wanna tell people to try to take 3 weeks off.  that’s A LOT of time off, I know.  if you can, align your surgery/recovery time with a long holiday to give yourself more time

that’s the end of my post thing.  if you have any questions, let me know!