#but ah well. we can watch them in any order i guess

[angelmichelangelo]

i was watching the usagi episodes of 2012 last night cause ive never seen them and theres so many moments where mikey cracks a joke and u see the others in the back giggling or smiling :’) they definitely stepped up the writing in the later seasons, in some areas at least. also the usagi episodes are genuinely so good i was like :0 the entire time watching them

oh yeah the last season of 2012? so much fun to watch. it's so silly but it really feels like they just went so gung ho with it. the animation also really floors me, it's so much better than say season 1. but yeah the writing! it feels a lot more fleshed out i guess? shame that we got some really good moments just as the show was ending but that last season doesn't get as good of a rep as it should imo. there's some really good moments in all those episodes :] guess the writers and animators wanted it to go out on a high, and it certainly did :D

[playfully-sadistic]

Getting yourself off again, angel? Second time today, isn't it? Or already the third, fourth, fifth? You're such a greedy, insatiable thing. Now, now, don't stop on my account - no, keep going, you're doing great.

But your touches are a little too intense, don't you think? A little too... on the nose, too obviously intended to make you come. Good little pets don't finish fast - if at all - no, they edge and edge, over and over again, until they finally get permission to let themselves go and succumb to their primitive needs. So... Lighter. Slower. No rubbing, only caressing, no fingering, only teasing your hole with your fingertips.

But first things first, fingers off entirely. Apparently, you need someone to guide you through the entire process, don't you? You're just too impatient and worked up, full of hormones and heat, to be able to regulate yourself, poor baby. Don't worry, I'll do it for you, step by step, nice and slow. Nothing makes it easier for you than having someone to order you around and tell you exactly what you're allowed to do. Now, isn't it extra fun that, even though nothing stops you from going further before I allow you to, we both know that you won't? You'll be good and behave, just for me, less even, just for a few written words, the illusion of a dom hovering over your barely clothed body and whispering sweet commands against the shell of your ear.

Touch your chest first. Even if it does nothing for you, even if you barely have any sensation in it, I want your fingers circling your nipples, your fingernails gently scratching over them, pinching them between two of them, pulling, massaging. Put on a show, as if someone was watching you. If you have some clamps around, get them, and tease yourself with them - not quite putting them on, but rubbing over your areola, using it to pinch and pull as well. Feel that, treasure? That's what you get for being patient and taking your time. That nice pulling feeling in your stomach... Yeah, that's good, isn't it? Good job. Toy with your chest and nipples some more, make them swollen, sore, red, make sure they already ache before you finally put on those clamps. If you don't own any, you go ahead right now, and order some. The most humiliating, the prettiest ones you can find. And I want you reading through this post again when they arrive, so you can properly get off to it.

Now, I'm sure by now your legs have fallen open all by themselves, mh? Revealing a soaked, hot mess in between, throbbing and begging for attention. So tempting to put your hand right in the middle of it and grope yourself, but you'll be good for me and keep your hands to yourself, love. For now, all you're allowed to do is let your fingers brush over your stomach... Drawing little circles around your belly button, long swirls that slowly go further down, ah, there's that nice feeling of your guts tensing up, isn't it? God, you're so predictable, such a simple thing. Oh, it's fine, you're merely a body in need of being fucked right now, no wonder your brain turns into simple mode.

Gently tease yourself with your fingernails along your lower stomach, before you move onto your thighs - oh, my, you're really desperate, spread them out as far as possible, and let me guess, you only just noticed now how far you've opened up, haven't you? A proper slut for the taking, good job, my angel. Touch your thighs, not the inner parts yet, just explore yourself, palms tracing your muscle, reaching up to your hip, moving onto your stomach again, where that nice, tight feeling comes back. Slowly let your fingers glide to the inner part of your thighs, where your ticklish, and it usually only works to get touched there when it's someone else's fingers, but, oh, fuck, darling, today's different, isn't it? Touching yourself so intensely, yet thoughtfully, it's really showing its effect on you, mh? That's perfect, you're doing so well, yeah, touch and tease your thighs some more, move those fingers up until...

Now you're allowed to move them right in between your legs. That feels good, hm? Finally letting your fingertips feel your own heat, swollen and twitching, feeling your own wetness, only caused by a post. Doesn't that truly show how desperately you need guidance and being made to feel utterly submissive? Don't keep those moans in, show everyone that you're such a needy, horny doll, so desperate to touch themselves. Why the modesty? Let it out. Rub yourself - slowly, dear - and feel yourself up, and know that you've done anything to this point because you followed orders, because you obeyed, because you just couldn't do it yourself and needed someone else so fucking badly, you needed someone to tell you what to do, does it feel like I'm there with you, do you like it, mh? Does it turn you on to know that I took the time writing this, for you to follow every step and work yourself up?

If you own a vibrator, you'll use it now. If it's the kind that you shove inside your needy hole, then do it, don't be gentle, don't be slow, shove it inside of you on the highest settings, as deep as it can go, and use your hand to continue rubbing. If it's the kind that you put on yourself, lay it on you, don't press it against you - we wouldn't want you to get too excited now, would we? - and shove your fingers inside of your instead. Fuck yourself. Make it good. Make it hard to not fall off the edge. Make it as rough and fast and overstimulating as you possibly can. Make it feel humiliating how fucking close it gets you that you're doing this in the first place. Feel the weight and tension that your heat brings - lean into it. Open your mouth, let the moans and whines and all those pretty noises out, don't close it to swallow, let your drool run down your chin - pant. It's getting hard to not come, isn't it? Poor baby.

Do you want me to give you permission? You do. I know. It's okay, baby, relax, keep fucking yourself open like that. A little patience.

Getting harder, mh? Feeling it in your guts already? God, you're so...

Think you can manage a bit longer?

Soon, my angel. You sound so good when you're desperate.

Almost there.

Ready, love?

Come for me, right now.

[troublesh00terfaery]

BELOW 18 PLEASE DO NOT INTERACT. THIS WORK IS NSFW! KEEP OUT!

[THIS WORK IS PURELY FICTION]

[One Shot] (or not, thinking of making a part two for this)

[Alhaitham x AFAB! Reader]

Words: 6.8k

Synopsis: ah well, experiments can quite lead to either expected results or something unexpected. don't you agree?

Tags: AFAB! Reader, teasing, breeding (we doing it raw for him), voyeurism, just kinky sex with this man what else? anal, creampie, a looooottt of sex, making a movie with him, well guess it's valentines for you this night with him :D

A/N: I'm gonna have to be honest with y'all, this smut made me realize I still have my unholiness within me and it's HOLY WEEK! anyway, starting to question if I should make a part 2 (seriously thinking this is okay as a one shot). Let me know in the comments. I'm also thinking of making a playlist while you guys read this, will probably open a yt account very soon as I have already have the list of songs! did not thoroughly proofread so my bad.

FOLLOWING, REBLOGGING, INTERACTIONS, AND FEEDBACKS ARE APPRECIATED

Being a student under the Amurta Darshan wasn't a joke, and the other Darshans can say as well with their respective schools. Before graduating under their respective house, one must comply a special research in order to finish. Of course, being an Amurta student, research isn’t new to you nor to them as well considering the demands of research in the biological and medical field is rising.

Recently, a type of fungi has emerged in the rainforests of Sumeru. It was a great variable for research, yes, however with little to no information with regards to the new species of fungi, one must analyze and observe the organism intricately. Some of the Amurta students felt overwhelmed of studying something unknown and new however the new biological specie sparked interest in you that gathering and studying it wasn't of a big deal considering the Sage has given the graduating students time with their research.

You took the interest of how this mushroom might affect an individual if consumed. Very cliche however if taken into a researcher's perspective, it isn't. Considering of the possible harm this specie might cause if ingested. Nah, it didn't scare you. You just happen to be that curious considering of the hearsays you often hear among the localities. Peculiar, most of them saying.

It would appear that it does somehow look like a sea ganoderma that is abundant in Inazuma that bloomed near the beaches and shores however these fungi have bloomed in damped areas in the deep forests of Sumeru. The color of this fungi might be different from the usual ganoderma as it was the color of light purple. It did somehow secrete a transparent and mucilaginous fluid with a sweet odor.

Quite a strange description that even at times you smile whilst gathering its viscous fluid for examination.

"Are you even sure about this one? You're genuinely scaring me." Kaveh, who happens to be your closest friend and a student from Akademiya under the Darshan of Kshahrewar, was one of the test subjects for your research. He is a year ahead of you, making him your senior.  "Am I your lab rat again?"

"Not just you, I'm also going to drink it myself to test it out and see if there are any notable changes or changes in an individual if one drinks this concoction."

You watched your boiling flask create boiling bubbles and watched it disperse as you used a stirring rod. "Don't use the word 'lab rat' that just sounds so unethical."

Kaveh's scared and nervous demeanor was obvious that he took a deep breath before he went off ranting.

"What am I supposed to call myself? What am I supposed to do if this weird witchy-like potion of yours kill me? Kill you? KILL US?! goodness research is inevitable among us students but this is jeopardizing us, my dear Y/N!"

"It won't!" You snickered and tried to comfort him by keeping a straight face. "Besides I did try to use it as an alternative fertilizer and spray it on my Sumeru roses."

You pinpointed a pot just below your study table. "It quite bloomed quickly and as you see. It did sprout new buds in almost 2 weeks only so I can write in my observations that it can be a great fertilizer if used."

"It's a plant, Archons sake! It looks lewd too!"

"It is, I will not lie!"

He drew his nose closer to the fungi. "Strange but it does smell good, sweet and flowery. For a fungus, it is weird."

You spent your afternoon trying to convince Kaveh to say yes to your research. In the end he eventually said yes to you as you have persuaded him that it was safe. Both of you agreed to drink it after two days and another follow up take in of the concoction to see if there are any differences.

Two days have passed and it was the time to finally test out the mixture you have prepared. Along with you was a small briefcase that was filled with your apparatuses needed. Of course, like they say: it's better to be prepared. At exactly 7:00 in the evening, as agreed by you and your friend, you must meet him at his house.

Or his friend's house rather.

Of course, you were aware that he was indeed a freeloader inside nonother than Alhaitham's house but he assured you that during that time the Akademiya's scribe isn't present during those times considering that he's been busy the past few days.

To you, there's nothing special about Alhaitham. Rather than being the scribe and an introverted Haravatat student.

Well, he's quite good looking and somewhat that annoyed you. He somehow did radiate as someone with god complex and if ever the end of world happens, he's gotta be one of those people who will AND WILL survive.

You have arrived 10 minutes early of the said time but it seems that Kaveh is late for 10 minutes. Until it became 20 and 30 minutes late. At first it was bearable however you couldn't waste time anymore. You wanted to finish your research just like any other students.

"I can't believe he's pissing me off. He told me he'll be early." You stood up and knocked three times.

"Kaveh? It's me. It's already 7:30 in the evening and you're not opening the door. Open it!" The annoyance dripping from your tone like acid.

You knocked again. No response.

Another four more knocks and calling his name. No response.

Fuck, Kaveh what's the matter with you? Come out.

Another final succession of knocks and still no response.

You gave up attempting to knock and call his name. It was either: he was just hiding from you because it did genuinely scare him or he wasn't really there. But he couldn't lie to you, you both agreed to testing out the mixture.

"Alright, whatever. Loser."

Heaving a sigh, you stepped back from the door and murmured a few words before accepted defeat and just before you walk away, you happen to stumble something strong and tall from behind and you could immediately tell that it wasn't Kaveh. Your head against a chest.

You slowly lifted your head and greeted the face of nonother than Akademiya's scribe.

"If you knock like that, you'll surely destroy my door." He lowered his gaze to match yours with a rested expression.

Oh, it is indeed Alhaitham. It is indeed him. Him. Oh.

Oh...

Neither of you moved from that position for a while, both of you matching the gazes before you realized it was awkward and slowly lowered your head and made way for him and pretended to idle yourself by fixing your skirt. To be fair, he is really THAT attractive.

He ain't just gifted with intelligence but he knows he is THAT good looking and attractive.

"And what does this Amurta student doing in front of my house at this hour?" His arms slowly sliding to his pocket to get his keys. Tone monotone before skimming to the key for his door.

"I'm here for Kaveh." You took a grip on the handle of your case.

He opened the door and only answered 'hm.' Uninterested. He shifted his gaze at you leaned his toned body against the frame of the door.

"Did he somehow invite you here?"

You nodded and met his gaze before breaking it off.

"We both agreed to meet here."

"I assume it's for your research. Well, come inside. Don't want Kaveh to nag at me for not entertaining his visitor."

You came inside shortly following him. Upon entering, you couldn't help but to scan the house. There's nothing special to mention aside the paper works piled up in a table and scraps of paper under a desk and certain apparatuses that is used for measuring you assumed. It seemed to be Kaveh's side of table that it has be him, it was chaotic.

Closing the door, you immediately sat and primed yourself up in an not so familiar place. Alhaitham sat at the sofa just in front of you and observed you from head to toe before he inhaled. His back relaxed against the back rest of the sofa.

"So... out of all the possible participants you could've chose, you really picked him?"

"I don't see a problem a problem with him being my participant."

"And why is that?"

"It's my research, I get to choose who I want to be my participants."

He wasn't so sure if you were insulted by his questions but it did amuse him by the way you answered him directly with a soft tone.

"Sadly, he's not here."

"Seems so."

Both of your eyes now met and neither of you wanted to break it off. Seems like you already knew how bad your chemistry will be with him by just this interaction. Silence surrounded the room, not a single flinch from neither of you but the eye contact creating this tension between you and the scribe was barely tolerable that you wanted to break free from the contact.

But he didn't show any hesitancy to break off the connection of your gazes, in fact he would want admit he would see this as competition. It wasn't evident in his face but the way he cocked his head slightly to one side just showed how much of cunning asshole he is but it was attractive in a way, of course you couldn't deny it. Being cunning just adds to the list of attributes that just makes him attractive.

Uh well, yeah…

In return, you gave him a soft doe-look and a small smile. The scribe only gave you a small smile in return. Come to think of it, if waiting for Kaveh to return would be a waste of time for you and precious research then why not make him your first research?

"Say, considering that my friend is not here, how about you take his place instead?"

He raised his brow and crossed his arms. "Friend? and here I was thinking that you were dating. But he did mention a close friend." he scoffed.

"Hmm, people often think we’re dating but we’re not." you scoffed and let out a single giggle. “Kaveh’s good looking himself.”

"You're saying you're not good looking then?"

You gazed at him, smile wearing off before you pressed your lips together. "I didn't say anything."

You pressed your legs together as your hands clenched the hem line of your skirt. You lowered your gaze and tried to divert the topic. Your eyes went to look at your small briefcase.

With you little movements, he finds himself smiling at just how fragile yet collected at the same time you looked like. How you pressed those lips of yours that has the tiniest shine probably from your lip balm and the little tint of color pressed unto your plump lips.

'Cherry red? No probably that Tangerine wine... impossible. Peony red? Champagne pink? Too strong. Dewy peach? What else did I see from the market that sold those kinds of...balms'

"Ah, as I proposed a while ago, you can take Kaveh's spot." You paused.

He gave you a look to continue by giving you a small nod.

"It's about these fungi that out of nowhere grew at the rainforests of Sumeru. It was estimated to have grown two to four months ago where the weather condition was harsh yet perfect for cultivating these fungi to grow..." you got up to get your briefcase and showed him a glass box where the specimen of the fungi was stored.

You showed him the glass box before you slowly and carefully dragged one of the chairs to give the box a better and closer view to him and sat properly with an excited look. The expression you made just made him smile in the back of his head.

Just the way your breasts that hugged your white turtleneck sweater coordinated with every movement you made and how your thighs look plush as you sat at such...rather unconscious provocative manner. There's so much about you that keeps him wondering about you. What would such a girl, an Amurta student like you, keep this Scribe fixated at you. You were just, innocently charming that he couldn’t resist the thought of him doing--

‘What am I thinking, this is wrong’

"As you can see, it does look like a-"

"Sea Ganoderma, local from Inazuma. But the color is different, yes." He pulled the chair you were sitting just enough to be close to him, not breaking his gaze from you. Attentive.

 "I can't see if you move your hands much. Stay still."

Now again, both of your gazes have started its connection again only this time it was closer. The gazing and whatever the fuck it was with your eyes and his eyes, it gave pause and silenced the whole room. The sudden closeness has made you tense a bit that you were taken a back.

"Okay?" He looked at your surprised, lost, and doe eyed look that made you look innocent.

You responded with a small nod and a sheepish tone. “’Kay,” a tint blush forming in your cheeks.

He didn’t move to his usual position. He stayed like that exactly and gave you a signal to continue with your details by him giving you a small nod. At first, you were hesitant considering the space he ate up just to get a closer look to you and the box you had. But you didn’t have to waste time so you went on with your detailing.

You described to him its delicious scent despite having a peculiar anatomy. You showed him your paper works as to the recorded data of how it also affected the Sumeru roses you had in your room.

“You conduct laboratory observations in your room?”

“What? the biology laboratory is already packed with students with their specimens. It might affect mine as well.”

“And you think that your room couldn’t affect the variables then? Hm?”

Furrowing your brows, you scoffed. He was indeed correct. The location was indeed part of the variables to be considered that might affect the status of your fungus. That was one of matters that you missed out and it somehow annoyed as out of the person that could’ve corrected you, it would be him.

“Seems like you missed some points to be noted for your research then, Miss Y/N?”

You stood up, randomly gave him the box, and took your briefcase to get to concoction you prepared. You didn’t see any need of explaining the details to him, seems like he already knows your stuff. You showed two him two test tubes with the same length of the concoction. Alhaitham observed you.

Your back facing him as you tend your mixture into another separate glasses. His right-hand skimming through the edges of the box, fingers delicately feeling the edges and surface of the box and not taking his eyes off you. There again, his curiosity taking over with just the sight of you that it somehow intrigued and annoyed him. He slowly opened the box and there he smelled the pungent smell of something gourmand and flowery and yet something of earthy at the same time.

He couldn’t understand what smell it was but somehow it was lulling him.

The silence slowly rang your ears and the pressure between the time and how quiet the room is made you feel heavy. You felt yourself jittery that after a while of his presence and darting eyes from behind you. The night was windy and you can only hear the slow chimes of the door charm and the gentle tings and tacks of the glass. A few moments have passed, you can only hear him grunt and clearing his throat.

“Is something the matter?” You looked at him only to find him resting his left hand to the hand rest of the sofa, palms covering his face whilst his right hand toying the box and seems to play with the lid of the box.

“How’s the smell?” You took each test tubes and went over to him, sitting at the same seat you were just in front of him and took a deep breath. “Now all you have to do it drink this concoction with me if there are any notable changed it will happen to a person who ingested it. Don’t worry, like I said you’ll be drinking—”

“Are you serious? This already makes my head ache, the smell. You think I’ll drink that?”

“You’re drinking it with me. I only need the data.”

He looked at you, his brow raising. “What makes you think I’m going to drink that.”

You looked away, not knowing what are the possibilities too. If you ever come up with using the data of plants, he’ll find an argument just to cease your experiment. You held unto your test tubes and faced him. Doe eyes showing desperation and pleading.

“Please, Alhaitham. I’ll do whatever you want. I just need the data…” You didn’t care at this point, you’re never the type to agree to doing whatever the person wants but if it’s Alhaitham, well there would be no problem at all. “Please?”

Looking at your little parade of innocence and desperation, he couldn’t help but to hate himself by letting his inner thoughts run through his system. The way you held the test tubes on each hand of yours enthusiastically a while ago and how you lowered it down to rest to your thigh. How your thumb caressed the glass surface, how your lips pressed before biting your lower lips in frustration causing it to darken its color. Your eyes asking for an answer, and voice soft.  You looking so irresistibly delicious to pounce at.

Just you, being this little sweet lamb that he couldn’t just resist.

“Please, Alhaitham. Please?”

Fuck. Fuck is happening to me?

“Fuck this.” He cursed under his raspy breath, clearing his throat yet his brows furrowed. Before he adjusts himself in his seat by leaning back and bucking his hips up. “Look, at least if there is any possibility that we will die, at least I die with you and your silly little experiments for your silly little research. Got it, you silly girl?"

The enthusiasm back once again in your face. You smiled at him and nodded a couple of times. You instructed him for a few reminders to take note. The two lines that were labeled in each glass signified the amount of mixture was to be ingested.

In a count of 3 you both drank together. The smell of the concoction was lessened however its scent note was still there. Both of you didn’t move, your eyes focusing on the paper and your pen. Alhaitham on the other hand is busy with minding his books.

A few moments have passed a slow tingling heat started to surge in your body. The heat surging inside your body was slow yet everywhere. At first you thought it was just your sweater so did not pay no mind however as time passed, you realized that it starting to get warm and hot. It was making your head dizzy and sweat. You tried to cool yourself by fanning with your hands.

It was a cold evening, a reason why you wore your turtleneck to warm you up yet it seems that it's getting a little hotter. You started to fan yourself with your palms. From fanning yourself to using the loose cloth of your polo neck to fan your chest loosen up. Everything happening right now wasn't anything you expected to be.

Ways... ways... ways... ways to distract myself... what is this? I need to distract myself? Is it too hot here?

You suddenly remembered the paper you were supposed to fill with the initial observation of the first dose of the concoction. Upon looking at it, you felt lightheaded and almost felt like you were slowly floating.

While you were drafting random bullshit in your paper, Alhaitham on the other end felt the same sensation in your body. He was either thinking it was the effect of the pungent scent of the fungus or the mixture you just gave him. His head started to spin and a surge of heat in his body roamed his system. A storm inside him that just felt that it would never end nor calm down. He needed to compose himself, a simple concoction cannot just simply make him feel bizarre.

Alhaitham wanting to stop the chaos suddenly stood up to find his headphones. At times, he would resort to just playing music in his headphones to block noise or just randomly wear it to make it seem that he's does not want to interact.

He just wanted to have and wear it yet his body betrayed him the moment he stood up. His eyes slowly blurring and his legs felt no life made him weak. Just right after passing by after you, he fumbled. Tripping just the moment he passed at the table, falling. A few of your apparatuses falling included some of the unloaded test-tubes and a single tube with viscous and thick liquid inside spilled at his chest, left arm, and the crotch part of his pants.

"Archons…” he whispered, feeling a pang of defeat as he sat at the floor and tried to wipe the excess mixture.

The commotion startled you as you started to fill up the details of the paper. You quickly took action and assisted the young man. Taking a handkerchief from your pocket of your skirt you started to wipe the mess on his chest.

He was wearing his usual dark off-coat that hugged his chest. You couldn't help to get distracted at the little intricate gem that was in his sternum.

Slowly... slowly... you were being lulled again. Like an effective hypnosis it seemed like you were in a haze that you couldn't understand. You couldn't even control your body. The heat was all over your body.

The way you started to simply just mess up instead of cleaning it was a sign that the aphrodisiac took over your senses. You were so distracted and helpless. Everything about this man in front of you was like a need and a want of your body and soul.

Alhaitham felt the same.

The tension, the spark, the need, the hunger to just own you was evident yet he didn't want to be consumed by it. There was this resistance of him and the more he forced to neglect the feeling, the stronger the urge wave his body.

He felt weak and he didn't like that. It was too much yet you kept fueling the fire that he was suppressing. At this very moment, he wanted to breed and own you. A mixture of aggression and lust now surging.

"Haitham..." you dragged a fingertip to his intricate gem that was at his sternum and pressed your thighs as you dragged, fingertips feeling the shape of his gem. It made him hitch his breath, an irregular breath and a painful erection as he got indulged by your little play.

“Get up.”

No response.

“Y/N…”

“I should’ve known, this was an aphrodisiac. A strong one—Fuck, Y/N.” He threw his head as he saw you press your pretty lips against his gem, pecking it before looking at him with doe-fuck-me-till-i-break eyes.

“Haitham…”

“Get up, Y/N…” his voice croaked “Or else we’re going to have to fuck the whole night.” He cupped your cheek, feeling the heat of your skin.

“Haitham, too hot…” you lowered your jacket until it reached your elbow, exposing the tight turtleneck top you wore that happily hugged your mounds and figure. Innocently provoking him. "...hot" you murmured and held his hand that cupped your cheek. Now the back of his hand slimy with the mixture and looking back at him with lust-heart eyes.

"Yeah, you and I won't be going to class tomorrow."

And just like that?

Just like that. It was enough to push him to the edge.

Sloppy kisses, hitched and panting breathes, desperate rutting, and slapping of skins reverberated his whole room. There was only one thing on both of your minds: to fuck.

"H-Haitham~!"

To fuck until you couldn't do it anymore. Breed and fill you up to the brim until his seed spilled out your tired plush pussy.

Your moans were getting louder and louder as you felt another succession of orgasm reaching to you. A hollow feeling started to build up inside you and his cockhead adding up to the climatic feeling as he abused your soft spongy cervix, desperately wanting to push it further and deeper.

Alhaitham unconsciously made people feel small without doing nothing. It was probably his reputation and how cunning he is, he had his ways just to get what he wants.And now definitely, he made you feel small. His length overwhelming you and your insides. The way it made you feel stuffed and full inside and how he's just towering above you. Hands clasped on your ass and carried your weight was he pressed you against the wall and rutted violently.

He kept his mouth busy by marking your chest and neck and desperately sucked on your peaks. He felt the need to breed you and fill you up with his cum.

The constant hitting of your cervix and the rough ministration made you squirm and groan. Your walls pressuring and pressing tightly against his cock signaled him that you were close. Your legs now wrapped around his waist, pulling him closer. He can feel how wet your spongy walls.

"Gonna cum... Ah~! Haitham! Gonna cum-"

"Yeah? Gonna cum again?" He chuckled. "Fuck-- you're getting too loud- Mhn~!" He pressed against yours as he maintained his pace, not changing it. He felt that he was getting near too and that excited him.

Your walls spasmed and legs trembled as you reached your climax, Alhaitham chucked as he changed his pace before he pulled out making you squirt from the intense punishing of your cunt.

"Haitham—" you hitched your breath, heart beating fast as you squirted again. Alhaitham looked down as he watched you make a mess and that just made him hard enough and drive him to make your squirt again. He violently pushed his cock again inside and started to rut and roughly pulling it out making you buck your hips up and squirt again.

"Haitham please~ oh~!"

 a slower one so you could have your moment before he continued his pursuit to seek his high. He changed his pace again, a faster one. A rough and fast one.

His tip now teasing your spot that made you tremble again. His cock made your pussy sing for a couple of times now. He had been breeding your pussy since and the both of you couldn't have enough, a never-ending high and feeling of wanting to release.

"Fuck, gonna fill you up-" he panted, rested his forehead against yours, making him watch the little show: your pussy eating him whole and forming a little bump as he entered. "Your pussy's the best!"

With one final thrust, he came inside you. Rutting and violently spasming as he filled your abused hole the 4th time tonight.

Time:10:30 PM

Recorded data (written): none

Recorded through Kamera data: none, battery level at 90 percent.

It was the fifth time tonight. Now he's fucking you from behind, your chest and the side of your face pressed against the wall as well as both of your palms. Alhaitham drilling his thick and veiny cock inside your spongy and abused walls. Your moans are getting louder again and he was fascinated the way you just came over and over because of his cock. You kept soaking and drenching his dick with your pussy juice. It started to make sloppy noises whenever he pushed in and out. You started to cream again, forming a ring on the base of his cock.

"You feel so good, Alhaitham~!" You moaned, feeling his tight grip against your beautiful hips and created crescent marks as he slammed his cock back and forth.

"Fuuuck this pussy is mine-- fuck fuck fuck--" he groaned, he took his left arm and wrapped his left palm to your neck and slowly pulled it making you arch your back and head hitting his shoulder. He slowly guided his palm that wrapped your neck to your jaw and continuously rutted. Now you can clearly hear his groans and panting.

He hammered his cockhead again and felt your spongy and plush cervix making him push his cock deeper as he came inside you again. He covered your cervix with his thick cum.

Time: 12:50 AM

Recorded data (written): none

Recorded data through kamera: Data recorded, battery level at 75 percent

"Didn't realize you had your kamera with you." He chuckled turning the camera on as he gazed at your body. Tired and a mess, cum dripping out from both of your pussy and ass hole. Saying that he liked it was an understatement, he loved it and seeing the mess you both made him harder. He realized that the slimy juice that it was a lubricant and the purpose of this fungi was an overall aphrodisiac with versatility.

"Haitham..." You called out his name, hoarse and small. You slowly opened your legs and revealed your aching and puffed cunt wanting for more. Alhaitham on the other hand set the kamera up just enough to get an angle of you and him in the frame together.

"Just for the data." He sighed, hoovering on top of you and pressing his lips against yours. Hands roaming around your waist before he positioned his cock again and decided teasing you. His cockhead teasing your puffy and abused entrance before he guided his length to your clit and gently pressed his head.

The pressure made you squirm and groan from his ministration. A few taps of his cockhead to your clit and a few pumping of his dick before he slowly reached out for your nape and raised it. Your weak body being supported by your wobbly elbows and your forehead against his.

"Put it in…" you hissed at him and brows furrowing.

"Not so polite are we?" Slowly inserted half his length making the excitement in your stomach rise up again and his hips buckle. "Say it, princess."

"Please put it in, please please please~" you plead with look of longing.

With a smirk, Alhaitham slowly pushed his cock inside you and guided his hand that held your nape and lowered it for you to watch him get inside you. He pushed until his head was greeted by your cervix but oh, he didn't stop there.

He slowly pushed further making you moan from the pressure of wanting to push further.

"Haitham--too deep~! Ahh~!"

Alhaitham couldn't resist to smirk while he looked at your eyes roll back and legs quivering. You just got this man hooked with your pussy and beauty.

"Cumming already?" he teased as he started to move his hips in a piston like pace.

Time: 3:33 AM

Recorded data(written): none

Recorded data through Kamera: Data recorded, battery level at 11%

"Too tired, Haitham…" you whined.

You took a pause for a moment as you felt your legs wobble and strain a pain from grinding him. Him buried deep in your ass wasn't on the menu but who would've thought that you both

would enjoy it. You rested your palms on both of his thighs and rested your back against his hard chest and took another deep breath as you started to bounce on his dick again. It was slow yet deep, something that made Alhaitham groan and hiss.

"I know, baby…" he chuckled as he saw you in action again. "…just can't get enough of you."

Talk about having three of your holes stretched out in a single night. You couldn't count how many times have he came inside your pussy and mouth and now he just discovered about the pleasure of having his cock buried deep inside your ass.

"So goood~ So deep~!" you whined, biting your lower lip and continued to bounce on his dick. It was sloppy and it was thanks to his cum and the lube combined together and oh, he loved to see the his cum and the lube together forming strings in your ass cheeks and asshole and making sloppy and erotic sounds each time you bounced on it.

He noticed your bouncing started to slow down until you stopped again, making him chuckle. He kissed your shoulder blade and whispered "Sofa."

Alhaitham helped you stand up and walked towards the sofa where you faced the arm of the sofa and rested your arms on it.

"Ass up," Alhaitham took his cock and slowly pushed it inside your ass again making you moan from stretching your whole with his size. "So b-big~" You rolled your eyes as he let a final push to burry it deep.

A sting left your right ass cheek when he slapped it and groping both cheeks, slowly making a move again. It started slow until it was fast and deep. Alhaitham took both of your arms and held it from behind, penetrating deeper and making you bend over forward.

Balls slapping against your clit making you moan louder. You were so lulled by his dick you didn't even realize that you have classes today. Same goes to Alhaitham and he could feel his climax reaching as well and with one final push deep, he came inside you.

Time: 6:30 AM

Recorded data(written): none

Recorded data through Kamera: none, kamera has shut down. battery at 0%.

"Thank the fucking Archons I have bought my keys-" Kaveh scanned his pocket to check if his keys were really in his pocket which of course is there. He hurriedly scanned the keys.

"Key key key- Archons where the fuck is that key!"

The little commotion just outside Alhaithams abode made the scribe awake. He was a light sleeper, it was enough to awake him since he knew this voice and tone so well it annoyed him early in the morning. Alhaitham was about to rise when he heard your small groans making him look at his chest.

The little commotion just outside Alhaitham's abode made the scribe awake. He was a light sleeper, it was enough to awake him since he knew this voice and tone so well it annoyed him early in the morning. Alhaitham was about to rise when he heard your small groans making him look at his chest.

There you were sleeping. Your once peaceful face grunted when Kaveh shouted another curse and that hit Alhaitham.'

'We fucked.' he said into himself. His brain was somewhat still foggy from last night and he could feel his worn out muscles. He heaved a sigh as to trying to figure what to do with you still sleeping while his roommate is already making his head hurt from his cursing and loud voice. Fragments of what happened last night made him groan especially when he saw the Kamera faced at them. Did it bother him? Well, he simply ignored it. He knew it was down but he knew it recorded some. Probably gonna check it out later.

"We're late for class," he whispered and gently stood up when you were awoken from his movements and the noise Kaveh made. Alhaitham didn't move another muscle and hoped you would just sleep but turns out you were trying to keep yourself awake by rubbing your eyes when you faced him.

"Alhai…" you then lowered your gaze and finally realized that you were in his bed NAKED. "…tham."

"It's okay, you should lie down and rest." he looked at your face before scanning your body. Bruises, marks, flushed face, and…

"my body hurts." you whispered, feeling a bit conscious when he started to scan your body. You covered it with his blanket and looked away.

…sore body. Alhaitham hid a somewhat victorious ghost smile and sat on the edge of the bed, the blanket barely covering his waist. His back was facing you and you noticed

The red marks on his back that somehow looked like a…

"Scratch?" you whispered again with your soft hoarse voice. Alhaitham heard, his right arm reaching his back before facing you. "I thought it was implied that Akademiya students shouldn't have long nails?" he looked at your fingers to see an opal-colored nail polish with your nails with just the right length and round shape which you quickly hid from him.

He looked at your figure again making him gaze at you intently, eyes piercing before he looked away and faced the wall. He palmed his face when he realized his morning wood is up and is in dire need of attention. Morning woods are normal to him every morning but this?

He shrugged off the want to feel your pussy walls in him again but Archons it did want him to feel that again. He stood up and got his brief and boxers and wore it. He took a new off coat from his cabinet and handed it over to you which you accepted. "Or would you like a sweatshirt instead?"

"This is already fine, thank you." you couldn't look at him, he was barely dressed and his body is too beautiful and distracting, stimulating you to think about irrational and unholy thoughts. Pray the archons none of them actually reads your mind.

You took the well folded and newly laundered cloth and looked at it. Your mind was still hazy and foggy making Alhaitham think you actually didn't know how to wear them. He took a sweatshirt from his cabinet and sat beside you.

"Seems like you forgot how to wear clothes I suppose."

"No…"

He didn't listen, he took his sweatshirt. "Get dressed, we're eating breakfast."

As much as you wanted to, you just felt that your body was that tired and just gave him a helpless look. "Haitham… need help. I feel sore."

Another sigh, Alhaitham took the blanket and revealed your body again. Plush thighs with marks, beautiful mounds with marks on your under boobs and some on your waist. Your neck and color bones decorated with his marks. Seems like he enjoyed his self quite too much last night he admitted. He gulped and helped you get clothed.

He then gazed at you.

"Don't look at me like that. Those eyes of yours" clenching his jaw, he looked at you again with piercing gaze.

"Look at you like?"

He came closer to you, gently wrapping his one arm all over your waist and pulling you close to him while he rested his back on the bed frame. He left kisses again on each mark he left on your neck and gently raised his sweatshirt you wore.

You softly whimpered from his actions, eyes closed and hands wrapped on his neck. Just as about he was about to leave another mark…

"Alhaitham open the fucking door, I have something to get!" Kaveh's frustrated voice and loud knocks made you hitch your breath. "Alhaitham! Damn it you Scribe! open!"

"Haitham…" You looked at him but he doesn't seem to mind Kaveh's wanting to break the door. He nibbled on your left nipple and gropped on your right breast while he looked at you. He started to suck on in it slowly and closed his eyes, alternating his sucking from your left nipple to your right.

Kaveh's knocks were getting loud and you were already telling Alhaitham that you should hide but oh, Alhaitham has better plans.

"Dude open the door, Archons!"

Alhaitham stood up and wore his shorts before he gently carried you like a bride as he went to the door. Truth is, you didn't know what Alhaitham's plan was. All he did was give you his stoic look before smiling devilishly while he draped you with his coat. You wrapped your arms around his neck to hold onto him.

Alhaitham finally opened the door.

"Thank Archons you actually opened-"

Kaveh's voice dropped as what he saw. Alhaitham gave him his usual stoic face as he gave you a nudge. You slowly looked at Kaveh with a flushed and embarrassed look.

"Come in." Alhaitham spoke. "Best not to leave your keys behind again." The sarcastic remark from Alhaitham dripping all over his tone.

[gomzwrites]

Task force 141 found out about your soft spots | Part 2

Summary: Ever since they saw the softer part of you, the task force 141 has been trying to see more of them. a/n: This is a follow-up from the previous part! It can be read separately but part 1 gives more context :)  Also! The dividers were made by @gomzdraws (which is also me lol) apologies if I took too long! I'll have to admit I got a bit carried away with part :>

Tags: incorrect military terms, fluff, can be read as platonic or romantic, horrible attempt at Scottish accent(I gave up near the end xD), mention of dog bites, x gn!reader

PLEASE DO NOT RESHARE MY WORK ON OTHER PLATFORMS WITHOUT MY PERMISSION

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Captain John Price

The two of you returned to base after just recently completing the mission; the target was secured and handled, and you rested in the general area as you looked through your phone again, updating your to-do list as you had stumbled upon the photo of the cute latter art previously. You stop and lean on the counter as you smile. It's so freaking cute, you think to yourself before a nudge takes your attention.

"Come", was all the captain said before you quickly followed along without questions. You’re always eager to follow any instructions he gives; maybe he needed to discuss the upcoming mission. But it’s obvious it's not going to be that as you sit in his car. Where are we going?

You ask curiously as you fasten the seat belt. The Captain only gives you a smile as he presses the gas pedal. "Just getting something to eat", he replies as you nod and relax into the chair. Well, it's nearing evening, and you are, in fact, quite hungry, so a small bite before dinner doesn’t sound too bad. It wasn’t long before you finally reached your destination. It’s a quiet town that has a few stalls and shops, and you walk alongside the captain until you stop before a small cafe, tucked nicely at the end of the street.

You look through the window as you watch the few people and barista chilling inside. It looks warm and cosy; there were soft fairy lights lining the pale yellowish wall with brown pillars supporting the structure. The captain gently places his hand around your back as he guides you to enter the cafe. You follow along as you take in the fresh smell of coffee and pastries and the sight of the small place. Price let you wander around for a while before taking a seat near the stairs, and a waiter quickly came as he greeted him. 

"Ah John! It's been a while; I see you brought company." The older man then hands you both the menu as he chuckles and bumps the captain’s shoulder. Price nods back as he glances back at you and says, "Pick anything you want, it’s on me", You give him a surprised look before you nod and take a look. You smile as you look through the list on the menu; it has a lot of cute drinks and desserts, so he saw. You thought to yourself as you ordered a latte; it's apparently their best-selling drink with the 3D cat milk foam on top of the drink. The waiter nods as he looks at Price, to whom he orders tea and some apple strudels. The waiter takes down the order on his notepad before promptly returning to the counter and preparing the orders.

How did you find this place? You ask the captain as you take in the surroundings again; it's a hidden gem, that’s for sure, and the prices on the menu were not bad as well.

"I knew this place because Oliver, the man who took our order just now, used to go to the same college", you hum as a reply and nod.

It's a nice place, and I can’t wait to try the drink, you reply back with a smile as your eyes twinkle with excitement. The captain chuckles as he nods. 

"Well, I didn’t take you as someone who likes these kinds of things, but it's a pleasant surprise, don’t worry. So I figured I'd bring you here." 

He raised an eyebrow out of amusement as he watched you blush slightly. You huffed out a puff of air before you replied sheepishly, 

Ah well, I guess cute things are my weakness after all; who would’ve guessed? 

"Just don't let the enemy know, and you’ll be fine", the captain jokes back as your drink arrives, and you immediately close your mouth as you watch the foam wiggle around when it was placed gently on the table. 

Oh my god, you whisper to yourself as you gasp and take in the sight, quickly taking your phone out and taking a picture. You glance back at Price with sparkling eyes as you tilt your head, giving him a "are you seeing this?" look as he chuckles and nods. He can feel the joy radiating from your face as you go ahead and stare at the drink, and the way you carefully turn the cup around to see the whole thing? Precious.  

He watches you take a sip. You close your eyes and give a nod as you savour the taste. Not only was the drink cute, but the flavour was perfect as well. You can smell the coffee's aroma and see how smooth the drink is. You didn’t realise when you had a bit of foam below your nose as you smiled back at the captain. Price couldn't help but laugh slightly as he took a tissue and wiped off the foam from your face. "Guessing you like it then?", you nod as you place down the cup and cover your mouth slightly to hide the pink blush that’s creeping up to your cheek. 

Yeah, it's not too bitter, and it tastes pretty rich. I like it. You reply as you watch him hum and take his strudel and tea. 

"Good, we can come here again next time". He says this as he gives you a warm grin and a wink.

John Soap MacTavish 

It was another week of training with the two military dogs, specifically Max and Judy, two German Shepherds who have been quite fond of you as they follow the training. Over the course of the regimen, you are supposed to reinforce essential handling techniques and carry out a few conditioning exercises like generalised commands. You may not be a military dog handler, but the training has definitely improved your skills to be one. Soap has joined you on a few training sessions and watches on the side as you smoothly handle the dogs, carrying out the essential steps and watching as the dogs follow you obediently. He finds it inspiring to see you train with the professional dog handler, Sergeant Sam, who has been offering a lot of help and tips. 

Today, Sergeant Sam guides you through controlled aggression training for Max, something the dog has had some trouble with for the past few days. Max has shown a good level of precision when commanded to attack a target, but its restraint technique still needs more practice, as Max tends to move before you give your words. You coo and guide Max as you carry out the demonstration, pointing at the volunteer as Max growls. You hold onto the leash firmly when Max tries to run towards the target, and you speak with a steady, calm voice as you patiently coo at the dog. 

Alright Max, steady. Not yet. Stay. 

Your voice hushed Max as it reduced his growl and made him stand on the ground, no longer pulling on the leash, and wait for your next command.

Okay, good boy Max, you don't forget to praise it immediately. This is one of the many bits of advice given by Sergeant Sam, it is said to give the dog motivation and let it know it’s doing the right thing if you praise its action immediately. 

You finally gave the signal after a while, and Max immediately went to jump and bite on the protective coat the volunteer was wearing, growling and displaying its aggression as you guided the dog. Sergeant Sam and you continue to practise a few more times with Max to properly train him to improve his restraining skills. 

After a few hours, you were finally given a break as you sat on the floor, sweating as you gently rubbed Max’s head. 

There you are, good boy Max~ So proud of you!

 You whisper to Max as you feel something poke your back. You glance back and smile as you watch Judy (the other military dog) wagging its tail and giving your cheek a lick. 

Ah! Judy, did you miss me? Hey now, who’s a good boy~?

You immediately shower Judy with attention and pat its head as you glance up to watch Soap approaching you. You wave to him as he stands at a distance. You watch his nervousness show as he rubs his neck and taps his foot repeatedly on the ground. You then stand up and order Max and Judy to sit and remain still on the floor as you walk to Soap. 

Sergeant Soap, good to see you. You greeted him with a smile as he relaxed slightly and smiled back at you. 

"Aye, I saw da training todae; it seems yer gettin better at this!", he said as he nervously glanced back at Max and Judy before staring back at you again. You nodded appreciatively as you chuckled and spoke. 

Yeah, Max and Judy have been behaving well, and the training with them is running smoothly. They remind me of my own dog back home, you say fondly as you watch him glance back at you with a surprised grin. 

"Wut? You owned a German Shepherd? That’s perfect, then, actually", You watch as he shuffles around his pocket as he holds out a bag of snacks; it’s Milk-Bone dog biscuits! You smile widely as he hands you the snack. 

"Well, I wanted to give it to ya as a wae to say thanks since yer took the job for me; you seem close to dogs anyhow; I hope I bought the right thing". Soap says as he laughs and pats your shoulder, "What’s the name?", He asks before you take out your phone and proudly show him photos of your own German Shepherd. It's big, and it has a golden sable pattern that shines ever so slightly under the sun. 

Named it Meatball because he always managed to steal some from the kitchen. He is my little ball of sunshine, you explain with a soft giggle as you show him more pictures, swiping the gallery before stopping on one where you were carrying Meatball with a struggling look, face scrunched up with a frown with a grin, you chuckle as you look back at Soap, 

He’s almost 5 years old now and still jumps and expects me to carry him around like a baby, even when he's 60 pounds! 

Soap laughs along as he stares at the photo. You looked so happy and content, and he likes how cheerful and giddy you are when you start talking about your dog. He’s still scared of dogs, but he felt like with you, he might be able to overcome that fear a little as he listens to your stories. 

I'm sorry for babbling so much, by the way. You stop halfway when you realise you’ve been talking for the past 10 minutes about your own dog, but Soap quickly shakes his head as he rests his hand on your shoulder, giving you a reassuring look as he speaks,

"No, no, go on. I love hearing yer talk about Meatball. He’s really cute!", Soap says as he gives you a nudge. "might even visit the fella with how sweet he sounds". Your eyes beamed when he suggested that,

Really? I mean, I don't want to force you to meet him if you’re still uncomfortable and all

Soap nods again as he gives a chuckle. 

"Well, I think I'm still a bit nervous, but it's something I want to try again, ya know?", You nod in understanding before you think for a moment and give a reply as you glance back at the military dogs. 

How about you start by warming up to Judy? Max is a bit bigger and more intimidating, but Judy is smaller, and he’s more obedient. Do you want to try it? Soap sucks in a breath as he contemplates for a few minutes before finally sighing as he nods slowly. You smile as you rest your hand on his thigh to soothe his nerves. 

It's okay; you’re with me. It will be alright. You say gently as you call for Judy to come around. Soap watches as Judy slowly makes its way towards you and Soap, his legs shuffling a bit as his muscles tense up when Judy comes and sits in front of you.

Be good. Soap is going to touch you, okay? You coo at Judy as the dog gives a nod and rests its head on your knee. You glance back at Soap as you hold his hand and speak.

You’re going to be okay; Judy won't bite, I promise. Soap nods with a gulp as he lets you take his hand and guide it to Judy’s head. You watch as he retracts his hand a bit when Judy tilts its head to stare at Soap. 

"y-y/n…" Soap says nervously before you pause and rub his hand in small circles, 

It's alright; take it slow and don't worry. You speak patiently as you watch Soap nod and take a few deep breaths to calm himself down. You don’t move and continue holding his hand in the air, and wait to let him take the initiative to move, and not long after that, he starts running his finger along the head of Judy’s fur cautiously. Judy remains still as it closes its eyes and wags its tail slightly. You give a small chuckle as you whisper back to Soap,

You’re alright; look, Judy likes you. You say as Soap relaxes more as he watches in awe, smiling slightly when he watches the dog press its furry chin onto your knees and melt into his touches. It’s certainly a much different response to what he imagined, and the memories of dogs biting into his legs and arms still haunt him sometimes. He can feel those sharp teeth sinking into his skin and drawing blood in those nightmares, but now? This dog he's touching is peacefully laying on your knee, not moving an inch as he strokes his fur softly with his palm, it's unnerving to him still, like he still expects the dog to bite him if he lets down his guard. But slowly, he gets more comfortable when he sees no signs of that happening, he also knows that if you're here with him, he'll be alright.

Soap glanced back at you as he held his gaze. "Thank you...", he said with a tone full of appreciation as you smiled back at him and nodded. 

No worries, I'm happy you’re able to come this far, you say back with a soft tone as the both of you just continue like this, chatting idly back and forth as Soap slowly strokes Judy’s fur. By the end of the conversation, Judy was resting its head on Soap’s tight, and Soap was no longer trembling as he rests his hand on its head.

Kyle Gaz Garrick

Ever since Gaz dropped off the bear in your room, you’ve been trying to reach out to him. But many times that has not happened because of the busy schedules, and it also doesn’t help that you’re not often teamed up with him. 

However, when you do see him, you make sure to give him a nod and an appreciative stare as he returns the same. You’ll admit you were not as close to Gaz when compared to Ghost, but ever since the IKEA trip, both of you have been trying to change that, even if it’s just a bit. Sometimes he brews you a cup of tea in the morning; other times you’ll secretly take on his paperwork when you notice those tired eye bags in the morning. 

But you wanted to return the favour with more than just these small gestures. You’ve thought about a lot of options; the first thing was perhaps to buy him a game of sorts. You heard from Soap before that Gaz is a gamer himself and owns a Switch. The problem is that you’re not aware of what kind of games he’s into, and asking those questions will raise suspicions. You have a rough idea that he might like action role-playing and multiplayer games like Elden Ring and World of Warcraft; sometimes you know Soap and Gaz will play Mario Kart because of how loud their laughter can be in their room. But you don’t like guessing and would rather get him something you’re absolutely sure he will like. The other thing you wanted to get him was perhaps a hat or a scarf, seeing as he likes wearing those. But you learned that he is very attached to his scarf, so buying him a new one didn’t seem right to you. As for the hat, you actually found a blue beanie that might look good on him, but you decided to save it for his birthday. After many sleepless nights of trying to figure out what on earth to give him, the opportunity finally presented itself one day. You just finished a mission with the team, and as the crew made their way back to base, you noticed how Gaz’s gloves were damaged; the thumb side was burned off, most likely due to the explosion previously. Gaz took notice of your gaze and gave you a smile.

"It's alright; the rest of it is still fine I can live with it." 

You give a nod as he turns around and speaks to Soap again, back to their usual banter as Gaz elbows Soap for not warning him when the bomb goes off. You secretly thank Soap for his recklessness because now you know exactly what to get him.

You tip-toed around the base during the late hours, being quiet and stepping cautiously on the floorboard to avoid generating any noise. You rest your hand along the wall as you walk before finally reaching the door. You glance around once and finally bend down to put down the little green box with a cute yellow ribbon. You smile softly to yourself as you stand up, only to yelp slightly when Gaz taps on your shoulder from the back. 

"Hey, erm, what are you sneaking around for?-", he stops as you quickly glance back as you nervously stand before the gift, shuffling it behind your feet as you shake your head. Gaz watches your demeanour before he smiles as he looks down, noticing a small gift box. "I didn’t know it was my birthday today", he jokes with that charming smile of his, chuckling softly as he tilts his hand and leans closer.

"You don’t have to be so shy around me. Come on", He bends down to pick up the box as he opens the door. You were about to leave before he stops as he looks at you, motioning to enter his room. You gulp as you nod and follow along, deciding to sit on his bed beside him. You have never entered any member’s room at this point, and you’re surprised at how cosy his room is. A few blankets here and there; he even has a few plushies himself! You get distracted by his place without realising he has already pulled off the ribbon and taken out the gift. You turn around and face him when he lets out a gasp.

"YOU DID NOT-"

Gaz said excitedly as he held a pair of Moto gloves, navy in colour with a dash of blue camouflage, lined with hard leather that protects the knuckles. You watch as his eyes shine and he smiles so big that you can see his prominent canine teeth protruding, silently satisfied with yourself when he thanks you for the gift.

I've been wanting to return the favour since you got me the bear.

You say softly as he nods and tests out the glove. It’s a perfect fit as he feels the texture and size.

"This is amazing! I love it. Thank you so much", He thanks you again as he gives your head a pat. Both of you decided to stay for a while and chat idly after that.

Simon Ghost Riley

You were awake the entire night, blinking and shuffling around your bed as you sighed deeply. 

Another sleepless night 

You thought to yourself as you pressed a pillow to your own face. You usually have trouble sleeping sometimes—more than you would like to admit. Whether it's because of the stress that lingers after missions or because of nightmares, They plague your nights without mercy. 

You groan and sit up as you stare at the clock. 

It's about 5 a.m. already, and I still can’t sleep. 

You grumble to yourself as you stand and stretch, pissed that you can’t even enjoy a day off without getting a good night's sleep. You decided to run some laps around the field to tyre yourself out and nap afterwards. 

And you did just that, running around the field for the past half an hour already, yet somehow you can feel that you’re more awake than usual. You know you’re physically tired, but your mental state refuses to calm down and screams at you. You sat on the ground hopelessly before lying on it, staring up at the sky as you let out a long, defeated sigh as you let out a few more grumble.

"Good morning, y/n" comes a voice as you glance to your left, recognising it as you divert your gaze from his shoe to his mask.

Good morning, Lieutenant Ghost, You reply back as you sit up and frown, slightly embarrassed that he saw you like this. 

"Grabbing coffee for them, coming along?" He asks as he shakes the car key in his left hand, his other resting in the pocket of his black hoodie. You nod as you stand up by yourself and brush away the dust as both of you head to the jeep.

You’ve done this routine before with Ghost, sometimes doing it yourself. The group likes to take turns buying coffee and breakfast every weekend near the base; even the barista and workers have already recognised you guys at this point. 

"Ah, it's you, 3 black coffees and 2 Earl Greys as per usual, yes?" Ghost nods to the shorter barista as she promptly prepares the drinks. You stood beside Ghost as you glanced around when you waited for the order before catching your sight on the fridge that displayed pastries and other small bites. 

swiss roll!! 

You take notice of the delicacy as you step closer to the glass. They rarely have cakes, at least whenever you come to visit anyway; mostly they display croissants or sandwiches, and you have to admit that the swiss roll they sell looks pretty good and tempting. 

Matcha, strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate

You take a close look at all the options as you stare excitedly. Ghost watches as he stands closer and bumps your shoulder. 

"Chocolate is good."

He whispers into your ears as you blush slightly at the sudden closeness and glance back at him. You nod as you stare back at that specific swiss roll. It even has what you assume is chocolate whipped cream with a small cherry on top. You whisper back softly as you grab his sleeve timidly. 

Can I try the cake with you?

You know you can finish this cake yourself, but you wanted to share it with him since he suggested it in the first place. 

Ghost blinks before nodding as he pats your hand, ordering the chocolate swiss roll as you smile and happily take a seat in the corner of the cafe. You watch as he brings the plate and sets it on the table. He hands you a fork as he watches you poke through the cake and take a bite.

!!! 

Your eyes beam as your face lights up when you have a taste; the soft, spongy chocolate cake is perfect, and paired with the chocolate whipped cream? It tasted like heaven. Ghost chuckles as he watches you take another bite. 

"Told ya"

You nod as you glance back at him with a giddy smile. You were right. You say as you take a much bigger part of the cake and hand the fork to him, and he nods as he pulls his balaclava to eat the cake, making sure he watches you from the corner of his eyes as he eats it. He likes seeing you take in the sight of him shamelessly, even if it's just his jaw and lips. He liked how you always stare and trail along the faint scar he has around the chin; it's as if you’re mapping him out and memorising his features. He gives a hum of approval as he finishes the bite and hands you back the fork, urging you to take more as you shake your head. 

"It's okay, kid, I’ve tried this cake before already. Eat."

He says this as you frown slightly and nod along, then enjoy the cake again as your brows slowly relax. He smiles as he continues to watch you eat; he knows that you’re always eager and tend to be more compassionate than the other members, even if you don't show it. Gestures like how you always save a seat for him in the planes beside Soap, or how you silently wipe and clean Soap’s guns after missions, or how you always helped Gaz with reports, and you always brew a cup of coffee for Captain when he needs it, your actions doesn't go unnoticed by him. 

Do you have a sweet tooth? 

The question caught him off guard as he watch your eye. He took a few moments to ground himself before nodding. He watched the glint of amusement in your eyes as you smiled and leaned in to ask another question. 

Then what’s your favourite dessert? 

He smiles at your question as he leans in and rests his arm on the table as he stares back at you. 

"Chocolate, if that wasn’t obvious enough already."

You chuckle as you shake your head and slightly poke his muscular arm. 

Yeah, I have an idea, obviously, but you know, like, what kind? Like chocolate bars? Cocoa drinks? Chocolate brownies? You know what I mean, you list out the example as you bite on the fork. 

He chuckles as he goes on and answers back, then you shoot another question and the process repeats. They may be small and mundane questions, but moments like this make him feel human again, to remind him that he is not just a war machine in this world, that he too has cravings and such, plus it also feels like you get to know him better, and perhaps this friendship can flourish more.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= a/n: am I biased towards Gaz? yes, yes I am(and yeah the gloves are from CSGO lol), like and reposts are appreciated! Have a good day/night! <3

[theotherbuckley]

I like you (because you're you) - bucktommy 2K

read on ao3

“Who was that?” Tommy asks, walking up to where Buck’s sat on the couch, phone placed down in his lap. They’d just finished dinner, Buck had cooked a delicious pasta dish that had Tommy coming back for seconds. He’d told Buck how much he liked it, and Buck had promised he’d make it again before his phone started buzzing and he’d apologised before taking the call.

Buck gives him a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. His cheerful self from earlier seemingly replaced with a faded version. He has this distant look in his eyes which he quickly blinks away before he speaks. “Uh, that was my friend Connor. He, uh, just wanted some of my medical records.” He waves his hand like it’s no big deal. It isn’t. Not really. His brain is just being stupid, is all.

Tommy raises his eyebrows before frowning. “Why’d he need those?” He questions, coming to sit down next to Buck. He places his hand on Buck’s thigh momentarily, squeezing softly like he just knows that Buck needs a little bit of comfort right now even if he doesn’t quite understand why.

“Uh, their son was at a doctor's appointment, just having a check-up or something, and I’m well— they used my sperm so, you know, they just want to make sure everything is in order, I guess,” he rushes out the last part, desperate to get the words out like if he says it fast enough Tommy won’t even realise what he’s said and it won’t cause any issues. 

Tommy’s brows rise further as he takes that in. Buck watches him process, afraid that his life will once again be too much for someone, and they’ll walk out. It’s what people do — when Buck inevitably becomes too much and when they decide what he’s offering, what he can’t give them, isn’t enough in return, they leave.

“Is that— is that a problem?” Buck hates the way his voice wavers as he speaks. Hates the way he can’t hide his emotions at all. He really likes Tommy, really wants him to stick around. He’ll do what he can to make that happen. He’ll make himself more useful so that Tommy won’t want to leave. He’ll—

“No, no, of course not.” Tommy says it like there’s no other answer. Like he can’t imagine anyone thinking that’s a problem. Buck waits for the inevitable ‘but’.

“But.” Buck braces. “But I’m just surprised I’ve never heard of this guy before is all,” Tommy says. Buck exhales a breath he didn’t know he was holding. 

“Oh uh, yeah, we— we aren’t really close.”

“But you donated sperm for him?” There’s genuine confusion in his voice.

“Yeah, well, I guess— he asked. I may not have spoken to him in a while but, I wasn’t gonna say no.”

“You have the biggest heart, Evan. I think what you did is incredibly honourable. How are they doing now?” Tommy asks gently, seemingly comfortable to move the conversation on.

“I’m—I'm not actually sure.” He sighs. “That was the first time they’d called since the birth. And that was only because they needed something.” He laughs at the end like his words don’t speak to some greater insecurity deep inside him. Like it doesn’t hurt that his friend hasn’t talked to him until they needed him.

“Ah,” Tommy says, and Buck can here the judgement dripping from his mouth. He’s not sure exactly what he’s done, but it’s always something. Maybe he should have been the one to check in on them, maybe—

“I don’t think he sounds like a very good friend,” Tommy states. 

Buck frowns, he didn’t expect him to say that. The truth is, Buck sometimes wonders that himself. What he lands on instead is that there must be something wrong with him. Because it’s not just Connor who wants things from him and then doesn’t care about any other part of Buck. It’s just how it’s always been. People take, and Buck gives. He gives, and he gives, and it’s never quite enough, but he tries.

“Sometimes I feel like people only like me when I’m useful,” Buck admits in a whisper, letting the words stuck inside his head free. It’s not that he thinks it; he knows it. He knows he’s only worth something when people can use him, and he’s lived with that his whole life. He was born to save someone, and he failed, but that’s his whole purpose even now. 

He saves people for a living. He’ll babysit whenever anybody asks, he’ll be your trivia partner when you need to win. He’ll let his friends use him for his sperm. And it’s not that he doesn’t want to. He does. He loves doing these things for his friends because he can. But sometimes it hurts a little knowing that it’s not him that they want. They just… like his ability to do things.

“Evan, I like you. Regardless of anything you can or can’t do. I like you.” Tommy emphasises the you like Buck being Buck is somehow special.

Buck can’t stop the wet laugh that escapes his throat. He shakes his head, sniffles before composing himself. “No, no,” he says, because it’s not true, it can’t be. “But—but it’s okay because I’ll make sure you don’t get bored of my I-I’ll cook dinner, and I’ll do the dishes, and I’ll make sure we always win at trivia and— and I don’t know anything about cars or Muay Thai, but I’ll learn.” Buck’s rambling, the words tumbling out of his mouth in one breath. He needs to make sure Tommy knows that he’ll do his best; even if it’s hard, he’ll be useful because then Tommy will stay, and he really wants Tommy to stay.

“Evan.” It’s that soft voice again. Placating, like he’s talking to a small child. Like he’s trying to get him to listen.

Buck shifts his gaze from the floor to Tommy. He looks sad. Buck wishes he wasn’t the one to make him look like that. He tries to smile at him, anything to bring those soft creases at the edges of Tommy’s eyes back, but his heart’s not really in it.

“Evan,” Tommy says again, locking his eyes on Buck’s. “You don’t need to be useful for me to like you. I like you because you’re adorable. I like you because you’re funny and you don’t care what people think. ‘Who cares’, right?” Tommy chuckles. Buck likes that sound. “I like that you were willing to try again with me, even if you bought me god-awful coffee with it.” Buck lets out a wet chuckle at that. “I look at you, Evan, and I see someone who cares so deeply about your friends. Willing to put your life on the line for others. But it’s more than that, I like the way you ramble about random things you find on the internet, and how you try out 100 different lasagna recipes because you need to find the right one even though you burn half of them.”

“Hey!” Buck says in weak protest. He’s right, though. There’s a warmth in his chest at the fact that Tommy noticed.

Tommy keeps going. “I like how big your smile gets when you talk about Chris or Jee-Yun. I like the way that your cheeks turn the colour of your birthmark when you’re flustered. I just— I really like you, Evan. You could— you don’t have to cook for me every day or give me the answers at trivia night for me to want you to stick around. I like you because you’re you.”

Buck can’t stop the tears trickling down his cheeks. His whole life has been about being useful, and it’s so hard to believe anything different but the way Tommy talks about him. Like maybe he really does see him. “I don’t know how to— I want to believe you but it’s just, every relationship I’ve had has felt like people want something from me. Abby needed help when her mom died, and then she just left. I always felt like Ali just wanted a place to crash when she was in town. I mean, she’s the reason I have this apartment in the first place. Taylor just wanted sex at first, and then she started getting insights into news stories from the firehouse, and she always valued that more than spending time with me. She’d ask me how my day was, not because she cared but because she wanted to know if there was anything worth writing about. Hell, she even published a book about me. Even after it was over, she used me as much as she could.” The tears are flowing faster now, and his voice cracks as he speaks. It’s stupid to get so emotional about this, but Buck can’t stop now. Now that he’s opened the faucet of this insecurity of his, it’s like everything he’s been bottling inside is bubbling to the surface and he can’t stop it.

“And Nat—Natalia,” Buck continues, hiccuping through his tears. “She just wanted to understand my death. Asked me a hundred— a hundred questions about what it was like, and at first, I thought maybe she could actually see me, but I feel like she was just using me for something too.” Buck wipes his face. He’s sure he must look like a mess right now — tear-streaked face, snot dripping down from his nose. Tommy doesn’t deserve to deal with all this. “Sorry,” Buck chuckles,  the sound getting caught in his throat. “You didn’t need to hear about all that.”

“Hey,” Tommy says, moving closer towards Buck. He tucks his fingers under Buck’s chin forcing him to look Tommy in the eyes. He holds Buck’s face tenderly in his hand, always so gentle. “You can talk to me about anything, and I will listen, okay?”

“I don’t want to bore you,” Buck says softly, moving to look down at the ground once more but Tommy doesn’t let him get away, holding him firmly yet soft, like Buck’s something precious.

“You couldn’t,” Tommy replies sincerely. “If it weren’t for you, how else would I know that the Australians started a war on emus, huh?” He jokes.

“And lost,” Buck whispers because he can’t help it.

“And lost!” Tommy repeats. Buck had gone on a tangent about it just the other day. He’d gone to the zoo with Christopher, and they’d been having a lot of fun until they stood too close to the fence, and an emu had come up and startled them. Buck had decided in that moment that he needed to find out every single detail about them, which led him to discovering that in 1932, Australia declared war on emus —and then proceeded to lose. He’d met up with Tommy after and rambled about his findings because he thought it was absolutely hilarious. Tommy sat there smiling at him, evidently listening to every word that he said, taking it in and remembering it all.

“I like listening to you talk, Evan. I like you. And I’ll tell you that as much as you need to hear. Now,” Tommy claps his hands together. “Tomorrow, I’m cooking for you. You don’t need to do anything except sit there and look pretty. Let someone do something for you for once. Okay?”

Buck just nods, wiping at his eyes before slumping into Tommy’s now open arms and relishing in the comfort of his boyfriend. He doesn’t quite believe him, not yet. He wants to. It’s just prior experience has moulded his brain a certain way and now he just can’t believe any different. He wants to. He wants someone to like him, to love him, even when he can’t be useful. He hopes that maybe Tommy will show him that that’s possible.

For now, he tucks his head into Tommy’s shoulder, clutches onto him like he’s going to disappear and lets himself be held. Tommy kisses his birthmark like it’s sacred, holds him and tells him he likes him over and over. Buck thinks maybe he really does.

[otomehonyaku]

DIABOLIK LOVERS Haunted Dark Bridal Anime DVD, Official Online Shop Tokuten CD ☽ Episode 0

Original title: Episode 0 Voiced by Midorikawa Hikaru (Ayato), Toriumi Kōsuke (Shuu), Konishi Katsuyuki (Reiji), Kaji Yūki (Kanato), Hirakawa Daisuke (Laito), Kondō Takashi (Subaru) English translation by @otomehonyaku Click here for the audio (special thanks to @uzi-boozii for providing the audio!)

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

SUMMARY | As the title of the CD suggests, this drama can be seen as a '0th episode' in the first season of the Diabolik Lovers anime. The setting is a night of incessant rain unlike any other, and even through the rain clouds, the full moon is unusually bright. Eerie, even. It leaves the Sakamaki brothers feeling uneasy as their monthly family banquet approaches. The family discusses if this abnormal weather could be a sign of things to come... Happy reading and listening along, friends!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

[The scene starts in Reiji’s laboratory.]

00:00 Reiji: Good grief, what a downpour… And precisely on the night of our monthly banquet. That’s harsh. I wonder if Father predicted this. Heh.

[Reiji walks into the dining room and toward his familiars who are busy setting the table.]

Reiji: Oh, no. We won’t be using that tableware tonight. Use this instead. It will compliment the food better. Hm? The moonlight is peeking in through the window…

[Reiji decides to check on the weather and opens the door.]

Reiji: It’s still raining. However, the moonlight is so strong, even through those rainclouds… What will happen on a night like this? Something is coming…

[Reiji closes the door again.]

Reiji: Hm. I wonder whether our banquet will be able to begin on time.

[A crow screeches in the distance.]

Reiji: Well, I suppose that’s impossible. 

[The scene shifts to Reiji walking into the Sakamaki manor’s library. There, he finds Laito.]

Reiji: So you’re here, Laito.

Laito: Oh, Reiji. It’s rare for you to come looking for me.  Do you need something?

Reiji: It’s rather rare for you to be here, reading a book.

[Laito snaps his book shut.]

Laito: I do read books, you know. Especially on nights like these. If I don’t, I won’t be able to control my impulses. Ah… If only the school would revert my suspension…

02:12 Reiji: Even if they did, you would be suspended again in no time at all if you keep acting that way.

Laito: Huh? But it can’t be helped, can it? I don’t like suppressing my urges. I’d rather live by my instincts. 

Reiji: Nevertheless, it would cause me just as much trouble to keep you locked in here. You seem to be forgetting something.

Laito: About what?

Reiji: I took the trouble to come all this way to see you, so would you not be able to guess?

Laito: Hmm… Ah, I see. It’s that time of the month again. It’d be great if we could take a field trip somewhere…

Reiji: I have said this many times already, but this is Father’s order. His word is final. Come downstairs within 10 minutes. That is all.

Laito: You’re so uptight.

Reiji: About what?

Laito: It’s not like he’s watching, anyway.

Reiji: What an insult to your father.

Laito: Well, it’s got nothing to do with me. Hey, are you going to go get Ayato and Kanato as well?

Reiji: I cannot count on you to do that, so…

Laito: Well, I’ll do you a favour and get them for you, then. Hehe.

Reiji: Well, then. If you please.

Laito: Gotcha. Leave it to me!

Reiji: You say that you will look for your brothers, but if I catch you running away instead, I will show no mercy.

Laito: I know, I know. You’d chase me into the depths of hell, Reiji.

04:06Reiji: That is a rather unpleasant way of putting it. However, if you understand—good. Well, then. I shall go fetch Subaru.

[Reiji leaves the room. The scene then shifts to the nearby lake, where Laito finds Ayato.]

Laito: So you were here after all, Ayato. Did you come to stare at the lake?

Ayato: What?

Laito: Reiji is looking for you.

Ayato: Reiji? Why?

Laito: It’s that time of the month again.

Ayato: Ah. Time for that useless banquet?

Laito: Yeah, that’s it. Well, let’s get going. Reiji’ll be annoying as hell if we’re late.

Ayato: Tch. Shit sucks. Laito. How’d you know I was here anyway?

Laito: I just know. I thought you’d be in a spot you usually don’t go to when it’s rainy. You don’t like lakes, right?

[Ayato throws a skipping stone across the water. ]

Ayato: Shut up. I just don’t like lakes… or rain.

Laito: So? Do you feel comforted being here?

Ayato: Huh? Why would I? I can’t calm down on days like these. I’d rather be here than anywhere else.

Laito: Hmm… So even you think that way, Ayato.

Ayato: Laito. Are you pickin’ a fight with Yours Truly?

Laito: No, not at all. I just thought it’s unusual for you. It’s actually quite refreshing. I like it.

Ayato: Tch. Don’t say such stupid things.

Laito: Still… It’s a pretty strange night, isn’t it? It’s raining cats and dogs, and yet the moon is shining brightly.

Ayato: What?

06:08 Laito: I mean, it’s almost like a glaring, fiery-eyed beast. I wonder if the moon is chastising us for some reason.

Ayato: Who knows.

Laito: Something’s going to happen. Something we’ve been avoiding for a while now. Hm? What’s up, Ayato? Did you perhaps sense something too?

Ayato: Nothing in particular.

Laito: Why are you lying? You felt it, didn’t you?

Ayato: It’s nothin’! Besides, what ‘something’ are you even talkin’ about?

Laito: The next time it rains as heavy as tonight again, something will happen. Very soon.

Ayato: Hm.

Laito: Well, we won’t know until it happens, though! Hey, Ayato. Come with me.

Ayato: What? Where?

Laito: To go get Kanato.

Ayato: Come to think of it, I haven’t seen Kanato around today.

Laito: He’s probably at that place.

Ayato: What place?

Laito: The one place where he can relax. His wax doll museum.

Ayato: Ugh. That’s such a boring spot. Well, fuck it. I’ll go. Let’s hurry ‘n go get him. I don’t want it to be the two of us versus Reiji.

[The scene shifts to Ayato and Laito walking into Kanato’s wax doll museum.]

Ayato: Yo, Kanato. You here?

Kanato: At least knock when you come in. Don’t you think it’s impolite to my girls to barge in so rudely?

Right, Teddy?

Laito: Ah, so you’re here. Sorry for forgetting to knock, Kanato.

Ayato: What’s so fun about being surrounded by a bunch of wax dolls? I don’t get it.

Kanato: A bunch of wax dolls? You clearly don’t understand the beauty of these girls whose lives have been preserved for all eternity. How utterly foolish.

08:23 Ayato: What? I was only askin’, though.

What’re you gettin’ your panties in a twist about?

Laito: Well, seems like Kanato isn’t in the best mood tonight either.

Ayato: Yours Truly’s feelin’ just fine.

Kanato: I’m not particularly ill-humoured. It’s just that… When I look at the moon, I get this feeling that something’s about to change.

Laito: Oh, so you’re feeling it too, Kanato?

Kanato: Yes. I can’t quite put my finger on it, though.

Ayato: Stop spouting bullshit. What’s about to change?

Kanato: Hehe. 

Ayato: Kanato! The fuck’re you laughin’ about?

Kanato: Hehe. Ayato, are you anxious? You seem awfully reluctant to accept new things.

Ayato: The fuck?

Laito: Ah, Kanato—I did come here with a message to you from Reiji…

Kanato: I’m busy. I haven’t got time for something as frivolous as a banquet.

Laito: Aw, so you knew already. Well, then. Come with us.

Kanato: I’m not coming.

Laito: That won’t do. Reiji seemed pretty serious. 

Ayato: We’ll be in trouble if one of us is missin’. Come on, Kanato.

Kanato: I told you, I’m not coming! Why don’t you understand what I’m saying? You’re all just taking pleasure in bullying me, trying to coerce me into doing your bidding…

Laito: It’s not like we actually want to go, either. Right, Ayato?

10:12 Ayato: Yeah, ‘course. Who would ever go to that shit willingly?

Laito: Listen. We’re all in the same boat, Kanato. So let’s go together.

Kanato: But I…

Laito: You remember what happened last time you didn’t come when Reiji called you, right?

Kanato: He truly likes bothering us with useless activities. Right, Teddy?

[The scene shifts to Reiji knocking on the door to Subaru’s room.]

Reiji: Subaru. 

[Reiji enters Subaru’s room.]

Reiji: He’s inside his coffin again.

[The coffin suddenly flies open and Subaru comes at Reiji with a knife, thinking him an intruder.]

Subaru: Reiji?

Reiji: If you know it’s me, then drop that silver knife immediately. Good grief…

[Subaru drops the knife.]

Reiji: This is quite a greeting, even though I went through all this trouble to come get you.

Subaru: I had that dream again… Fuck!

Reiji: Not even an apology? You are a lost cause.

Subaru: Shut up! You’re the one who came in here unannounced! I can do whatever the fuck I want. Why’d you come in while I was sleeping?

Reiji: I came here for a reason.

Subaru: Huh?

Reiji: There can only be one reason why I come to find you here once a month. Even somebody so feeble-minded such as you should be able to know what it is.

Subaru: Ah, so it’s time for that stupid fuckin’ banquet again.

Reiji: It is far from stupid, actually.

Subaru: Hah.

11:58 Reiji: I should be punishing you for brandishing a knife at me, but today is the day of the banquet. I shall pardon you. I implore you to be careful, though. It is your obligation to be present at the banquet. Understood?

[Reiji leaves the room.]

Subaru: ‘Pardon,’ he says? Bullshit!

[Subaru throws something across the room and accidentally breaks a window.]

Subaru: Oh, shit. Why’s the moon like that? Is something gonna happen?

[Subaru tries to get himself together. The scene shifts to the banquet, five brothers now present.]

Reiji: Now, let us open the banquet.

Subaru: Hey, Shuu’s not here, though.

Reiji: There is no need to wait for someone who has forgotten about the banquet. We can do without his presence. There is no reason for him to be here to begin with.

Laito: I saw him in the hallway and called out to him, at least.

Ayato: Did he answer? 

Laito: Nope, no reaction as usual.

Reiji: He will not come even if you call out to him. We do not need that good-for-nothing.

Kanato: Ah… We should’ve pretended not to hear him too, Teddy.

Reiji: That will not do, Kanato.

Kanato: Why? 

Reiji: Because you have a different kind of importance to the Sakamaki family.

Laito: I see. So does that mean you don’t need me here, either?

Ayato: Great, you won’t need me, either.

Subaru: Then I’m leavin’, too.

Kanato: That’s mean! Is there something wrong with just me?

Reiji: Wait. None of your importance to the Sakamaki family has changed. However, I am merely saying that that good-for-nothing is worthless.

14:00 Ayato: Huh. So it’s only fine if Shuu’s not here?

Reiji: Exactly. Let us now quit this foolish conversation and eat dinner.

[The door opens and Shuu joins the others in the dining room after all.]

Laito: Ah, Shuu! You’re late.

Kanato: It seems like you still heard what Laito had to say, despite the fact that you were listening to music.

Shuu: Hm? Did you say something?

Ayato: Anyway, Shuu… It’s kinda surprising that you came to this banquet all by yourself.

Shuu: Banquet…? Oh, right.

Subaru: Isn’t that what you came here for?

Shuu: I just thought I’d be able to sleep in peace here.

Laito: Huh?! So this is just a misunderstanding?

Shuu: What a bother. 

[Shuu grudgingly sits down at the dinner table.]

Reiji: You truly have no manners, barging in here and sitting down without so much as a greeting. I am flabbergasted.

Shuu: I’m here, so it’s fine, right?

Reiji: The end result matters none. I am merely finding fault in my family. Well, it would be a waste of time to continue this any longer. Let us begin the banquet.

[The brothers start eating.]

Ayato: Pasta again? Why’re we eatin’ this shit?

Reiji: Ayato. No talking while eating. Mind your manners.

Ayato: Reiji, make us somethin’ we actually like to eat!

Laito: Yeah. You’re the only one who likes pasta carbonara, Reiji.

Ayato: I want takoyaki!

Kanato: I agree with Ayato. Make me something nice for banquets like this, too. It’s unfair that Reiji is always the one to compile the menu. 

16:04 Ayato: Right? Let us pick some stuff, too!

Reiji: I thought you all had no desire to participate in the banquet? I suggest you stop complaining. No matter what we eat, it all tends to taste the same to us, anyway. After all, human food does not nourish us. 

Ayato: Well? We can pretty much eat anythin’, right?

Reiji: However, this banquet is a serious matter. This is not the time to eat takoyaki. 

Ayato: It ain’t that different from pasta, though. It’s all flour-based.

Laito: There we go again. You’ve been pointlessly complaining about the menu for a while now. It’s getting out of hand, don’t you think? And then Kanato takes out a bunch of candy, Subaru finishes eating and leaves without a word… You know how it goes.

Ayato: It can’t be helped, right? It’s already a stupid fuckin’ banquet and then we don’t even get any satisfyin’ foods.

Reiji: Well, then. Do you have any substantial suggestions on how to host a proper banquet?

Subaru: Yeah. Don’t host one.

Reiji: We have been over this many times, Subaru. It is Father who orders us to have these banquets. We will not go against his word. As it is imperative that we continue holding these banquets, I ask you whether you could make suggestions on how to make it worthwhile. 

Subaru: This sucks.

Reiji: Anyone else?

Laito: As for me, I’d like to discuss what the most delicious blood we’ve ever tasted was like for each of us. We don’t really talk about that sort of stuff, do we? It might be fun!

Ayato: Huh? I never remember shit like that.

Kanato: Teddy says he doesn’t remember, either.

Laito: And Subaru? 

Subaru: Tch. Like hell I know.

Shuu: Wouldn’t you let someone with such delicious blood actually live?

Ayato: Right! Whoever pleases me that much becomes Yours Truly’s possession. Besides, you’re the only one who’s havin’ fun talkin’ ‘bout this, Laito. 

Laito: Huh? I, for one, perfectly remember where and how I sucked the most—

18:21 Reiji: Hold on, Laito. I know I am interrupting the conversation, but we are having dinner. Please refrain from such vulgar topics.

Laito: Oh? Is that bad?

Reiji: It is. 

Laito: I really thought it’d be fun. Why don’t we hold a review session, properly including everyone’s opinions?

Reiji: A review session? A splendid idea indeed. The lot of you could use some self-reflection, after all. It would definitely be useful if you reflect upon the faults I point out in you and try to better yourselves. Subaru? It is bad manners to make so much sound. Why don’t you join the conversation?

Subaru: Tch. I don’t wanna. I don’t care about your conversation. I figured eating would be better than actually listening to your bullshit. I don’t have anything to reflect on to begin with.

Reiji: I am telling you to reflect upon that exact behaviour.

Subaru: Shut up! I can do whatever the hell I want.

Shuu (who hasn’t been paying attention): Ah, you’re still at it?

Reiji: Be quiet, Shuu. It seems all of you have more than enough faults to reflect upon.

Laito: This is a little different from what I was going for, but… how about you, Ayato?

Ayato: I ain’t got shit to reflect on, because I’m always perfect. 

Kanato: Hehe. Are you, now? Ayato has more faults than I can count. Haha, Teddy thinks so, too.

20:15 Ayato: Ah? The fuck you sayin’?

Shuu: Well, I guess he could do something about his simple-mindedness. 

Ayato: Shuu, too? You motherfucker— You should all start self-reflectin’!

Kanato: I have absolutely nothing to reflect upon. Laito’s the one who came up with this idea, so how about him?

Laito: Huh? You could probably think of something, Kanato. You always turn your prey into wax dolls right away, after all.

Kanato: And what exactly is wrong with that?

Subaru: Fuck. He’s actually being serious.

Laito: If turning someone into a wax doll is considered okay, then I definitely don’t have any self-reflection to do, either.

Reiji: No, Laito. I assure you have plenty of faults. You were suspended for a reason. Reflect upon that. 

Shuu: Yeah. You definitely cause too much trouble. I, of all people, should know. Fuck, you’re a bother.

Laito: I’m only living by my instincts! It gets the blood flowing. I like that feeling. And what you’re referring to did take place during a full moon, by the way. I just can’t suppress my instincts during a full moon! Hehe.

Reiji: No, it was excessive. There is such a thing as cleaning up afterwards. To think that even such lowly humans at the academy would suspend you… You bring shame upon the Sakamaki family. Repent.

Kanato: I, for one, am able to finish without leaving a trace and properly dispose of the leftovers. Teddy helps me. Don’t you, Teddy?

22:02 Laito: No, I did it properly! It was just… kind of bad timing…

[Subaru slams a fist on the table.]

Subaru: That’s exactly why we’re telling you to reflect! You’re inconveniencing us!

Laito: Ah, even Subaru is angry with me! Well, I got caught, so it doesn’t matter, does it? Nothing I say could change that. Wouldn’t it be more fun to talk about what you’ll get angry at me for in the future? 

Reiji: What are you saying?

Laito: You saw the moon tonight, right? It really does feel like something’s about to happen. Kanato felt it too.

Kanato: I think it left a stronger impression on Ayato than on me, though. Right, Teddy?

Ayato: You’re being way too persistent. I told you, I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about!

Kanato: But that’s why you’re anxious, right? What do you think will happen, Ayato?

Laito: Subaru is even more irritated than usual, so he’s probably feeling it too. 

Subaru: What? Who’s irritated now, huh? 

[Subaru gets up and punches a wall.]

Ayato: Subaru! Don’t go poundin’ the wall again!

Reiji: Stop it right there, everyone. You are all making baseless claims at this point, so it cannot be helped. Hurry up and clear the table. The banquet is over.

Laito: What? Don’t you like it, Reiji? 

Reiji: It is no matter of liking or disliking. I merely think that conversations like these are a waste of time. 

It is pointless to spend time feeling sorry that you were suspended from school if you do not understand the reason why.

Laito: Come on, stop the talk about my suspension! What about you, Shuu?

Shuu: I wonder.

Reiji: What would a good-for-nothing like you know?

Laito: So then you’re feeling something too, Reiji?

24:03 Reiji: It has nothing to do with me. However, there is no way this waste of space would be able to pick up on such subtleties.

Shuu: Ah, now that you mention it…

Reiji: There he goes.

Shuu: No, I’ve been thinking I should probably tell you all something…

[Subaru hastily tries to finish his meal]

Reiji: Subaru! Use the tableware with care!

Subaru: Shut up! We’ll be done when the table’s clear, right? I figured I’d clear my plate first. The fuck are you complaining about?

Laito: Hey, everyone. You should know why I’m being persistent about this. We’ve seen such heavy rain combined with such a bright moon before. Right, Ayato?

Ayato: What? Oh, you mean back then. You’re beatin’ around the bush.

Laito: Besides, Shuu—you said you’d seen Uncle recently, didn’t you?

Subaru: Uncle… Richter was here?

Shuu: I think I saw him near the lake.

Subaru: He hasn’t visited us in a while. Why would he be here? Shuu, did you get to talk with him?

Shuu: Talk with him? No, I only saw him. I’d only just woken up, so I don’t remember it very well.

Reiji: You truly are worthless. Sometimes I even wonder why you are undead (1) at all. Well, then. I propose we end this meeting.

Laito: Why are you trying to avoid this conversation, Reiji? Uncle was here. Last time the moon was like this, he was here as well…

Reiji: I only care about the truth. If nothing is happening yet, there is no use in talking about it. However… judging from your current discussion, you consider the fact that the moon was somehow bright enough to shine through the rain and that Uncle just so happened to appear as an omen. I merely think that line of thought is absolutely ridiculous.

26:16 Kanato: Hehe. Reiji seems pretty afraid of something happening, Teddy.

Reiji: As I said earlier, I only care about the truth. I most certainly am not scared.

Ayato: Figures. You’re all a bit too carefree.

Kanato: Carefree? You’re the last person I’d like to call me that. Especially since you’re so lacking in mental capacity that “I’m the best” is all your brain knows how to say.

Ayato: Hey, Kanato. You’ve really been pissin’ me off.

Laito: Whoa, now. Calm down, you two. Don’t you think the heavy rain and the moon are the cause of all of this bickering?

Shuu: As far as I know, it's always like this.

Laito: I feel like it’s a little different this time, though.

Subaru: What? What’s different? They’re always picking fights with one another for no reason. It’s stupid.

[Subaru pushes back his chair and storms off.]

Subaru: I’m done eating. I’m going back to my room.

Kanato: Subaru doesn’t seem to like to talk about these kinds of things, either. Are you so afraid of change?

Subaru: Shut the fuck up!

[Subaru punches the wall again, sending parts of it crumbling to the floor.]

Subaru: No matter how big the change, I’m not afraid. Even if this mansion is swallowed by the lake, if it’s burned to the ground, I don’t care. Maybe it’s even better off just reduced to ash. 

[Subaru leaves the room.]

Kanato: Teddy, it’s quite funny that Subaru’s more nervous than usual, isn’t it? Hehe.

Reiji: Well, then. Subaru has left, and this is becoming quite the argument. I declare this meeting over.

28:09 Laito: I wanted to hear what you had to say, though, Reiji.

Reiji: Laito… Make fun of me all you want, but your will lose your ground eventually.

[Reiji gets up.]

Reiji: Well, I shall be returning to my laboratory now.

[Reiji leaves the room.]

Laito: Ah… I ended up getting scolded in the end.

[Shuu gets up as well.]

Laito: Oh, Shuu, are you leaving too?

Shuu: Well, it looks like this troublesome dinner is over. I’m tired.

[Shuu walks off and leaves the room. Ayato gets up as well.]

Ayato: Ah—I could really go for some delicious blood on days like this.

Laito: You too, Ayato? Let’s head out together later, then! Let’s go drain some people to the last drop and have fun!

Ayato: I’m not going. Fuck you. I’m going back to my room too. But Laito—like you said, the moon does look weird today. I’m feeling thirstier than usual.

Laito: Right.

Ayato: The only thing that could quench this thirst is some extraordinarily tasty blood. I don’t think blood like that even exists.

[Ayato leaves.]

Kanato: Teddy, should we get going, too?

Laito: Won’t you come have fun with me, Kanato?

Kanato: There’s no way I’ll go with you. I haven’t had my dessert yet. I won’t rest until I’ve had my petit gâteau… Right, Teddy?

[Kanato leaves as well.]

Laito: That’s a shame. I didn’t really feel like going alone… Maybe I should go back to my room, too. The moon is a little too bright, after all. Hehe. I’m looking forward to whatever happens next…

[The scene shifts to Shuu, who is now soaking in the bath tub.]

30:36 Shuu: There’s nothing like a nice bath. I feel like I can relax and sleep here… Come to think of it, I had this itch in the back of my mind earlier. I forgot to pass on Karl Heinz’ message to the others, saying that a new sacrificial bride would be arriving. Oh, well. No matter who it is, we already know how the story goes… I don’t really care what happens. They’re nothing but prey to us, anyway. Ah… but there was something else he said… I think this time it’s the real sacrificial bride…

[Shuu falls asleep in the bathtub.]

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Reiji literally says ‘I wonder why you’re even alive’ but that didn’t really make sense (they’re vampires ffs) so I changed it to ‘undead’ hehe

[hunieday]

PLAY GAME!! - Shuffle unit Event Story Translation

Please note that I am not a professional translator and I'm only doing this to share the side materials to those who cannot access them, if you notice any mistakes please let me know nicely. Enjoy!

Izumi Iori: Everyone watching this video, hello.

Izumi Mitsuki: Hello!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Helloo!

Inumaru Touma: Hey there!

Izumi Iori: One, two... 

PLAY GAME!!: It's “PLAY GAME!!”

Izumi Mitsuki: Yay! clap clap clap!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Nice to meet you all!

Inumaru Touma: Looking forward to it! 

Izumi Iori: Very well, "8th Anniversary! Four Thanks Project."

Izumi Iori: Celebrating the formation of our limited time unit, it’s the "Ask this and that!?" edition.

Izumi Iori: Let's get started with the "PLAY GAME!!" version.

Izumi Mitsuki & Tsunashi Ryuunosuke & Inumaru Touma: Yaay!!

Izumi Iori: Since we are a newly formed unit, let's ask each other questions.

Izumi Iori: We've already received questions from the staff. May I introduce them?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Of course!

Izumi Iori: The question is, "Do you all get along well?"

Izumi Mitsuki: Oh! Let's all answer together!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sure thing!

Inumaru Touma: This would be so awkward if one person answers differently.

Izumi Mitsuki: It's okay, don’t worry! I’m sure it’s gonna be fine!

Izumi Iori: Then, let me read the staff's question again, so everyone, please answer at the same time.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Okay.

Izumi Mitsuki: Got it!

Izumi Iori: "Do you all get along well?"

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: We did!

Izumi Mitsuki: We get along!

Inumaru Touma: Yes!

Izumi Iori: Yes.

PLAY GAME!!: ...

Izumi Mitsuki: A-ha-ha! We all said the same thing but the way we answered was different!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: But it's good that our individualities are showing! We're close, but everyone has their own free will!

Izumi Iori: That's right.

Inumaru Touma: Phew! What a relief!

Izumi Mitsuki: Alright, let's continue like this!

Izumi Mitsuki: You know, that thing! The thing we came up with earlier!

Inumaru Touma: Let’s do it!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Then Touma-kun, do the countdown!

Inumaru Touma: Roger that!

Inumaru Touma: Here we go! 1, 2, 3...

Izumi Iori: That's counting up.

Inumaru Touma: Oh shit!! That's so embarrassing!!

Izumi Mitsuki: It's okay, don’t worry! You're doing fine!

Inumaru Touma: It’s 3, 2, 1!

Izumi Iori: Yes.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Calm down! Relax, relax!

Inumaru Touma: Phew... Let's start over...

Inumaru Touma: Here we go! 3, 2, 1...

PLAY GAME!!: PLAY GAME!!

PLAY GAME!!: Yaaaay!!!

Izumi Mitsuki: Alright, question time. Who wanna go first?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Um, then if no one else wants to, can I go first?

Izumi Mitsuki: Sure, go ahead!

Izumi Iori: I'm fine with that.

Inumaru Touma: Please go ahead!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Thanks! I've got a question I've been thinking about.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Considering our unit name, it’s about games, what are you guys’ favorite games?

Inumaru Touma: Oh, I see! Well, do you all play games a lot?

Izumi Mitsuki: I play from time to time!

Izumi Iori: I guess I play them sometimes, as well.

Inumaru Touma: I like them. I even played games of drama titles I was involved in.

Izumi Mitsuki: Ah! That survival-like game! Are you good at them?

Inumaru Touma: Hmm, I'm average I guess?

Izumi Iori: Since Tsunashi-san asked, let's answer the question in order. What kind of games do I like…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: That’s right!

Izumi Iori: I often play puzzle games. On those smartphone apps and stuff like that…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Ohh! What kind?

Izumi Iori: Um... Well... *clears throat* I'll just preface by telling you this...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Whaaaat is it?

Izumi Iori: I focus on the puzzle mechanics, so please keep in mind that I find the design secondary to the game.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Got it.

Izumi Iori: Here’s the app.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Wow! It's so cute! Lots of cute animals with cute moves are falling down!

Izumi Iori: Is that so? I didn't really notice. Since the design is secondary to me.

Izumi Mitsuki: That comment seems really forced…

Izumi Iori: Ahem. When the baby rabbits combine, they become a parent bunny.

Izumi Iori: I was intrigued by the novelty of this system.

Inumaru Touma: It’s true! They really combined! That’s so cute!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Though I wonder if they can further combine?

Izumi Iori: When parent bunnies combine, they become grandparent bunnies, which are not as cute...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Not as cute?

Izumi Iori: Cuteness is secondary.

Inumaru Touma: Wouldn't the grandpas get a higher score though?

Izumi Iori: Scores are secondary.

Izumi Mitsuki: I-Iori.

Izumi Iori: Ah, no... Ahem. I prefer to combine them all at once and go for a super combo.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: All at once?

Izumi Iori: Yes. When you gather seven baby bunnies together... Please watch what happens.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Ah, they turned into a rainbow-colored bunny!

Inumaru Touma: It turned into a Super Bunny! And it's wearing a fancy helmet!

Izumi Iori: The helmet isn’t cute though. The baby bunnies are the cutest thing ever...

Izumi Mitsuki: T-thanks, Iori! You gave us a clear idea of the system and mechanics of this puzzle game!

Izumi Iori: Ahem. It’s nothing...

Izumi Mitsuki: My turn to answer! I like action and fighting games!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: My younger brother likes fighting games too! It's so hard to pull off those special moves though, right?

Izumi Mitsuki: That's right! That’s why it feels great when you pull them off!

Izumi Mitsuki: I also like rhythm games! It's super fun to play your favorite songs!

Inumaru Touma: I get it! I like aiming for a full combo!

Izumi Mitsuki: Exactly! It's fun when you vibe with the rhythm!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Rhythm games, huh. That sounds very much like you, Mitsuki-kun! What about you, Touma-kun?

Inumaru Touma: I like all kinds of games no matter the genre, really.

Izumi Mitsuki: We're the gaming generation, after all!

Inumaru Touma: That's right! Oh, but I’m not good at simulation games or stuff that requires a lot of thinking.

Inumaru Touma: I prefer playing games that let me move intuitively. Stuff like action or fighting games.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Thanks! You guys play quite a variety of games!

Izumi Mitsuki: What about you, Tsunashi-san? Do you pass the time by playing some?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I don’t play smartphone games all that much, I guess? I prefer the ones at the arcades. Racing games, crane games, etc.

Izumi Mitsuki: Crane games! I love those too!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: They’re fun, aren’t they? I always end up trying my best when I think I’m close to getting a prize!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: But the game Iori-kun was playing looks very relaxing. I might give it a try as well.

Izumi Iori: I highly recommend it.

Izumi Mitsuki: Guys, do you play... Ah, let's make this a question. Can I go next?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Why not?

Inumaru Touma: Go ahead!

Izumi Mitsuki: Alright! Then here I go!

Izumi Mitsuki: Do you guys play games with the other members?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke＆Inumaru Touma: Uhhh...

Izumi Iori: We do it quite often, don’t we?

Izumi Mitsuki: That’s right. I like playing with Tamaki and Nagi. Even Riku and the old man are generally into it.

Inumaru Touma: What kind of games do you play?

Izumi Mitsuki: Pretty much anything. Oh! We played a romance game the other day!

Izumi Iori: We sure did.

Inumaru Touma: Oh, you mean those where you’re romancing girls?

Izumi Mitsuki: Nope, we romanced boys.

Inumaru Touma: Why.

Izumi Mitsuki: We decided to study handsome guys together. It was pretty interesting.

.

Izumi Iori: We struggled with flag management, though.

Inumaru Touma: You mean you couldn’t score a date?

Izumi Iori: No, the kingdom was engulfed in war and things turned south real quick...

Izumi Mitsuki: There was this guy who looked just like Nagi and everyone was trying to romance him.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Nagi-kun's quite popular, huh?

Inumaru Touma: So who was good at wooing him? Sougo seems gentle, did he do well?

Izumi Iori: Osaka-san often infuriated the characters he was pursuing.

Inumaru Touma: Is that so...

Izumi Mitsuki: He kept stepping on landmines, surprisingly. Who was the first to reach the ending again?

Izumi Iori: Wasn't it Nikaido-san?

Izumi Mitsuki: Right, right. He got really hooked and pulled an all-nighter.

Izumi Iori: Yotsuba-san and Nanase-san were also progressing together while squealing and cackling.

Izumi Mitsuki: They were like a couple of girlies.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sounds interesting. Maybe we should give it a try for study purposes sometime.

Izumi Iori＆Izumi Mitsuki＆Inumaru Touma: With TRIGGER!?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Is that weird?

Izumi Iori: Why not just wooing Yaotome-san or Kujo-san directly?

Izumi Mitsuki: It’s probably the same thing anyways.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I-Is that so...?

Inumaru Touma: Just curious, but is Yaotome-san always like” that”?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: What do you mean like “that”?

Inumaru Touma: Like, he's just so... cool all the time. Or something like that.

Izumi Mitsuki: That's just how he is.

Izumi Iori: That's just how he is.

Inumaru Touma: I'm asking TRIGGER, not IDOLiSH7...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Gaku's always natural. Being natural makes him cool. It's amazing, right?

Inumaru Touma: That's crazy...

Izumi Iori: What about TRIGGER? Do you all play games together?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Yes we do. Well, we play a lot for shows and projects, but...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Oh! We played Sugoroku during New Year's.(1) 

Izumi Iori: That's very old-school.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: It came with a magazine I received. We played Sugoroku and did Fukuwarai (2).

Izumi Mitsuki: Technically they do count as games, right?

Izumi Iori: They’re still old-school though.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: It was fun! Every time someone made a weird face, we all burst into laughter.

Inumaru Touma: TRIGGER playing Fukuwarai and laughing together during New Year's... You really want to treasure that…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: That’s how I feel. How about you guys, Touma-kun ?

Inumaru Touma: Haru’s the one who plays games the most out of us...

Izumi Iori: Yes, he likes them doesn't he?

Inumaru Touma: When he gets hooked, he plays all the time. Sometimes he invites me, Mina, or Tora to join him...

Inumaru Touma: But since Mina and Tora hate losing, they keep beating him until Haru sulks.

Izumi Mitsuki: So Natsume and Mido are good at games.

Inumaru Touma: Those two are generally smart and quick learners, so they learn the tricks in a heartbeat.

Izumi Mitsuki: Ah, I get it. Iori and Nagi are like that too.

Izumi Iori: Since game basics are mostly generic and rehashed, if you don't make mistakes, you win.

Inumaru Touma: Yeah, that's the impression I get. Mina and Tora are the types who don't make mistakes.

Izumi Mitsuki: What about you, Inumaru?

Inumaru Touma: Haru and I are the types who aim for a comeback with risky and flashy moves.

Izumi Iori: But it suits you to be that forward since you're the main vocalists.

Inumaru Touma: T-thank you very much.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Is Riku-kun also the type to aim for a comeback?

Izumi Iori: He's the type who doesn't aim for anything, but when he's in a pinch, he gets everyone involved, and then overcomes it.

Inumaru Touma: That's amazing, a true center.

Izumi Mitsuki: But Kujo's different, right?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Tenn is like a chess player, he calculates everything carefully then makes bold moves.

Izumi Iori: He’s not a center, he’s more like a Great historical General.

Inumaru Touma: Interesting. So the way you play shows your personality.

Izumi Mitsuki: Sports too! Oh that’s right, our unit was for a sports drink.

Izumi Iori: Sports and games are similar in that they both involve competing for a win or loss.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: TRIGGER is more into sports than games. We all like to move our bodies.

Inumaru Touma: So like, you go playing tennis or go to batting cages?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Yup. We also go bouldering.

Izumi Mitsuki: Don't you guys get recognized?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sometimes we do, but everyone's so absorbed in their sports that they don't notice.

Izumi Iori: It's surprisingly easy to overlook.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: What about ŹOOḼ? You all seem to be good at sports aren’t you?

Inumaru Touma: Yeah... If it doesn’t involve teamwork…

Izumi Mitsuki: Haha! I see!

Inumaru Touma: Maybe we should try it out next time. Something we can do in teams of two.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sounds good, why not? Something like tennis or ping-pong.

Izumi Iori: By all means. Let’s form a team of performers who don’t make mistakes and a main vocal team that takes risks.

Inumaru Touma: We’re definitely gonna lose...

Izumi Mitsuki: Got any questions, Inumaru?

Inumaru Touma: Oh, right. This has nothing to do with our unit but can I ask anyway?

Izumi Mitsuki: Sure, go ahead.

Inumaru Touma: I heard that both Izumi-san and Tsunashi-san are good cooks, could you recommend a fried rice recipe?

Izumi Mitsuki: Fried rice!?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Why fried rice specifically?

Inumaru Touma: I've gotten pretty good at making it lately! I was thinking of making it the next time my members come over to stay over.

Inumaru Touma: I think they’ll be happy if I surprise them with an IDOLiSH7 meal or TRIGGER meal.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I understand!

Izumi Mitsuki: Fried rice is nice. Do you remember that one, Iori? It’s kinda like dessert…

Izumi Iori: I do.

Izumi Mitsuki: Then I’ll go first! This one was seriously delicious!

Inumaru Touma: Ohhh, can’t wait to see what it is.

Izumi Mitsuki: Avocado mayonnaise fried rice.

Inumaru Touma: Mayonnaise!? For real...!?

Izumi Mitsuki: It's good, it’s real good! wasn't it, Iori?

Izumi Iori: Of course it was, since it’s nii-san’s fried rice.

Inumaru Touma: S‘That so... It's not sticky?

Izumi Iori: It is. So what?

Izumi Mitsuki: And that's what's good about it! You can also add shrimp or tuna.

Inumaru Touma: Avocado mayonnaise, huh... Got it. I'll try it sometime.

Izumi Mitsuki: It looks and tastes healthy, so I’m sure Natsume would like it.

Inumaru Touma: Mina tends to eat rather hearty stuff, actually. Like stamina kimchi steak fried rice.

Izumi Iori: He’s surprisingly similar to Yotsuba-san.

Izumi Mitsuki: They're teenagers after all.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I think I'd like the avocado mayonnaise fried rice. I'll try it with the others next time.

Izumi Mitsuki: Oh, I’m glad!

Inumaru Touma: What kinda fried rice do you recommend, Tsunashi-san?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I recommend Octopus Fried Rice.

Izumi Mitsuki: Octopus sounds delicious!

Inumaru Touma: That's a surefire one!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: It's seasoned just like peperoncino (3). If you have some shiso leaves, put them on top to make it even tastier 

Inumaru Touma: Sounds delicious~!

Izumi Mitsuki: Did you serve it to Yaotome and Kujo? They must have enjoyed it!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: They did!

Inumaru Touma: Lucky! I'm gettin’ hungry!

Izumi Mitsuki: Iori, what about dessert?

Izumi Iori: For dessert, I recommend the matcha pancakes nii-san made the other day.

Izumi Mitsuki: Oh, those!

Izumi Iori: They were fluffy and topped with red bean paste, chestnuts and whipped cream, and they were truly, unbelievably delicious.

Inumaru Touma: Sounds delicious...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Japanese-style pancakes sound delicious! I wanna try them too. Your sweets are always delicious, Mitsuki-kun.

Izumi Iori: Yes they are.

Izumi Mitsuki: Well then, I’ll let you know the next time I make them so please come and taste! Inumaru too!

Inumaru Touma: Seriously!? Hell yeah!

Izumi Iori: Good for you guys.

Izumi Mitsuki: Who are you glaring at…

Izumi Mitsuki: Ah, is it time for the last question?

Izumi Iori: Is it already the last one? I wouldn’t mind taking it more slowly.

Izumi Mitsuki: It's rare for you to say something like that.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: You were overjoyed to work with Mitsuki-kun, weren’t you?

Izumi Iori: Of course I was, but I also feel a sense of security from being surrounded by people with common sense…

Inumaru Touma: Yeah, we had no trouble here.

Izumi Mitsuki: We’re an easy group to get along with and we never run out of stuff to talk about.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: We can chat forever!

Izumi Mitsuki＆Tsunashi Ryuunosuke＆Inumaru Touma: It's relaxing...

Izumi Iori: It sure is…

Izumi Mitsuki: What? For real?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: What’s up?

Izumi Mitsuki: Staff said that the other groups had to reshoot many times.

Inumaru Touma: Yeah, I heard something like that from Tora and Mina…

Izumi Iori: Scary... How could anyone need to do retakes on such a calm project?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: So it’s rare for things to go this smoothly?

Izumi Mitsuki: Yaay! This means we're compatible.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Right! I’m happy!

Izumi Iori: It's wonderfully peak peacefulness.

Inumaru Touma: Ahaha! Let's boast in front of them.

Izumi Mitsuki: Ah, if we have time left, could you tell us your fried rice recommendation, Inumaru? I’m sure your fans wanna know about it, right?

Izumi Iori: As expected of you, nii-san... You're considerate to everyone’s fans.

Izumi Mitsuki: Ehehe! I used to be an idol fan myself!

Inumaru Touma: Well, thank you so much! I like putting in pepper and sansho.

Inumaru Touma: Shredded sansho fried rice or mapo tofu fried rice.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Sounds spicy and ŹOOḼ-like!

Inumaru Touma: Hehe... guess it does. I’m glad to hear that.

Inumaru Touma: Riku wanted some too, so I made egg and tomato fried rice the other day...

Izumi Iori: Huh?

Inumaru Touma: Huh?

Izumi Iori: You... made it for him? I mean, in what situation?

Inumaru Touma: A normal one? Like he came over to my place...

Izumi Iori: Huh!?

Inumaru Touma: I-Is that bad!?

Izumi Mitsuki: That guy, he really imposed on you! I'm sorry for bothering you when you're so busy...

Inumaru Touma: No no no! We just kinda bumped into each other, and since we both had free time, it just happened...

Izumi Iori: Ah...

Inumaru Touma: What?

Izumi Iori: Come to think of it, that guy might have mentioned something like that...

Izumi Mitsuki: Really?

Izumi Iori: Yes. Yesterday he came up to me and went "Guess who I met outta nowhere?" and...

Izumi Iori: It was busy with my morning routine, so I was only half-listening...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Mornings can be really hectic! I get missing out on some things.

Izumi Iori: Thank you for backing me up. I see...So that was about Inumaru-san.

Inumaru Touma: Ah, yeah… I’m… Sorry...

Izumi Mitsuki: No, no need to apologize!

Inumaru Touma: No, you know, I'm from ŹOOḼ, and I'm dark and edgy.

Inumaru Touma: Riku is so fluffy and cute, he’s like an angel, so I thought maybe... it wouldn't be good for us to hang out too much...

Izumi Mitsuki: It's like a friendship between people from a yankee school and a regular school.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Friendships have no boundaries though! I’m acquainted with a kid from a royal family and a composer, and they used to be on bad terms, but now they’re really good friends!

Inumaru Touma: Oh... those guys... I probably know who you’re talking about ... 

Izumi Mitsuki: Um, please don’t call him an acquaintance and say you’re friends, otherwise he might sulk later.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Oh, right! My prince friend and my composer friend used to be on bad terms but now they’re really good friends!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: And also my friends... No, rather than that, the center and the leader of my group used to be friends with...

Izumi Iori: Isn't …he kind of... revealing too much?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Anyway, with friendship, you can cross the borders! It's okay!

Inumaru Touma: Y-yeah... Thank you very much!

Izumi Mitsuki: That's right! Riku really likes Inumaru, I’m sure he was happy to be invited over to your house!

Inumaru Touma: You think so!? Well, then I'm happy too.

Izumi Iori: In that case, I'm happy too...

Inumaru Touma: W-what?

Izumi Mitsuki: Iori... We’re wrapping things up now...

Izumi Iori: No, I don't intend to expand on that or anything, but I think the reason you get along is because you can say such straightforward lines.

Izumi Iori: Normally it's not easy to say such things.

Inumaru Touma: You think so...?

Izumi Iori: Yes. I wouldn't be able to say it.

Inumaru Touma: It’s none of my business, but I think you should try being straightforward. Riku would be happy. He talks about you a lot.

Izumi Iori: About what?

Inumaru Touma: Well, you know, lots of things...

Izumi Iori: I think I get the gist. He says I’m un-cute or cheeky, right?

Inumaru Touma: He says it with love, you know!? You understand that, right!?

Izumi Iori: Don’t worry, I really don't mind. It happens all the time.

Inumaru Touma: W-well, okay then...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Being close enough to fight is a sign of good friendship! You and Riku-kun are totally like that!

Izumi Mitsuki: Yeah yeah! It puts a smile on my face!

Izumi Iori: Thank you very much. But to be honest it's a bit troubling...

Izumi Iori: Just when I finally got the reins back from a certain group's center...

Izumi Iori: I’ll personally have a problem if I have to hand them to another group’s leader…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: What do you mean by reins...?

Izumi Mitsuki: Stop talking about your control thing... It's too deep to delve into in a shuffle unit project...

Izumi Iori: ...Ha. Indeed...

Inumaru Touma: I don't really get it, but never mind!

Izumi Iori: I apologize... I might have been a little upset...

Inumaru Touma: It's fine, it's fine! Oh, right. I remembered something cute Riku mentioned about you!

Izumi Iori: What?

Inumaru Touma: That you're surprisingly a crybaby and a cutie...

Izumi Iori: Cut.

[PLEASE WAIT A MOMENT]

Izumi Mitsuki: Alright! Then, Iori! Last question please!

Izumi Iori: Here I go... I'm very reluctant to say goodbye, but let me ask the final question.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Go ahead!

Inumaru Touma: Thank you very much!

Izumi Iori: So, my final question is...If you were to make a game featuring your group, what kind of game do you think it would be?

Izumi Mitsuki: Huh!?

Inumaru Touma: Featuring us!?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: That's an interesting question! Since we're here, why don't you answer too, Iori-kun?

Izumi Iori: What, me?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Not for our units, but in Re:vale’s place.

Izumi Mitsuki: Oh! Sounds like a good idea!

Izumi Iori: Re:vale… I understand.

Izumi Mitsuki: IDOLiSH7 would be great for a flying shooting game!

Inumaru Touma: Oh!

Izumi Mitsuki: We’re all pilots flying a plane each, and when we succeed in a difficult level…

Izumi Mitsuki: Smoke comes out of the planes in the color of each member, creating rainbows in the sky!

Inumaru Touma: Ah! That sounds amazing!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: It's very IDOLiSH7-like!

Izumi Iori: That's an amazing idea, nii-san. Let's bring this project to life.

Izumi Mitsuki: Ehehe! What about you guys? What do you have?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I have an answer!

Izumi Mitsuki: Oh, Tsunashi-san!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: As I said before, the members of TRIGGER are good at sports…

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: So how about a fitness game!

Izumi Mitsuki: TRIGGER’s fitness game! Sounds like a hit !!

Inumaru Touma: That’s definitely gonna give you motivation!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Doesn't it sound great!?

Izumi Iori: I like how that sounds. You could incorporate dance routines to match music videos.

Izumi Mitsuki: I want Kujo to give me dance lessons.

Inumaru Touma: If it ever comes out that game would sell like hot cakes!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Yay! Thank you!

Inumaru Touma: I feel like ŹOOḼ might not be suited for it, but...

Inumaru Touma: I want us to be in an RPG!

Izumi Mitsuki: That's a great idea! RPGs are the way to go when you wanna play a game!

Inumaru Touma: I want us to be heroes, wizards, thieves, monks, each with their roles, and go to defeat the Demon King.

Izumi Iori: Aren’t you more on the side of the Demon King?

Inumaru Touma: Now that you say it... So, maybe we are the Demon King and his minions defending the final dungeon?

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: That sounds interesting too! It'd be like a dungeon defense battle!

Izumi Mitsuki: How about you play as both the hero and the Demon King? A white ŹOOḼ and a black ŹOOḼ.

Inumaru Touma: I like that! I’d love to be able to enjoy playing both sides!

Inumaru Touma: What about Re:vale? Have you thought about what kind of game they'd appear in?

Izumi Iori: Hmm...

Izumi Iori: An action game where Momo-san is the protagonist and Yuki-san is his good luck charm.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: He powers up the moment he obtains him!

Izumi Mitsuki: Haha! That sounds great! Momo-san and Yuki-san would love it!

Inumaru Touma: I can imagine Momo-san as the protagonist of an action game.

Izumi Iori: Exactly. But I'm not sure how to make Yuki-san an active role in an action game.

Izumi Mitsuki: Good luck charm is a good idea! Ah, that was fun!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I'll download the game you recommended and try it out.

Izumi Iori: Oh, please do...

Inumaru Touma: I'll give it a try as well. Does Haru play this game too?

Izumi Iori: I don't think he does. Isumi-san is too impatient and quick-tempered to play puzzle games.

Inumaru Touma: Ahaha, or so I’ve been told. Puzzles seem like something Tora would enjoy more.

Izumi Mitsuki: Good for you, Iori. You made some friends.

Izumi Iori: Thank you very much.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I’ll invite Gaku and Tenn as well. Is this "Iorin" you, Iori-kun?

Izumi Iori: Ah, wait...that name...

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Oh! Sorry about that!

Izumi Iori: It's okay. I'll change it.

Inumaru Touma: "Iorin" sounds cute.

Izumi Iori: Ugh...

Inumaru Touma: You don't have to sound so annoyed...

Izumi Iori: I just had to think of a random, temporary name and was forced to use it. I don’t refer to myself as Iorin…

Izumi Mitsuki: It's cute, though. I'll register as "Mikki" too.

Izumi Iori: Um, about the name...

Izumi Mitsuki: Right, don’t fret! We'll edit this part later...

Inumaru Touma: Oh, please install this app too. Let's play it together sometime!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Which one? …Ah, the drama one!

Inumaru Touma: Yeah! It's available on smartphone now.

Izumi Mitsuki: Oh, let's play it! Let’s play against each other!

Izumi Iori: I'll protect you, nii-san.

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Looks challenging! Let's do our best to learn it!

Inumaru Touma: Yeah! Ah, we got sidetracked.

Izumi Mitsuki: Well then, that’s all we have for today!

Izumi Mitsuki: "8th Anniversary! Four Thanks Project"!

Izumi Mitsuki: Celebrating the formation of our limited time unit, it’s the "Ask this and that!?" edition!

PLAY GAME!! : Please Drink! “PLAY GAME!!”

Audience: Kyaaaa!

Izumi Mitsuki: Hey everyone! Are you excited?

Audience: Kyaaaa!

Izumi Mitsuki: Welcome to PLAY GAME!!’s live performance! I’m Izumi Mitsuki!

Audience: Kyaaaa!

Inumaru Touma: I’m PLAY GAME!!’s Inumaru Touma! Let’s go flying tonight…!!

Audience: Kyaaaa!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: I’m PLAY GAME!!’s Tsunashi Ryuunosuke! Enjoy the show till the last moment, everyone!

Audience: Kyaaaa!

Izumi Iori: I am PLAY GAME!!’s Izumi Iori. Let’s start the best game ever.

Audience: Kyaaaa!

Izumi Mitsuki: Thank you for participating in the "Four Thanks Project" campaign!

Izumi Iori: Thank you to the 1,000 winners of the lottery!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: With all of you special people here!

Inumaru Touma: Let's hit it hard with the “Miracle Limited-Time 4 Unit Thanks Live”!

Audience: Kyaaaa!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: Alright, here we go! We’re gonna perform our unit song that also serves as the commercial song for "PLAY GAME!!"!

Tsunashi Ryuunosuke: One, two...!

PLAY GAME!!: "Good Good Games"!

[End.]

1- Sugoroku: A Japanese table-top race game (a board game played with dice in which the object is to reach the end of a track)

2- Fukuwarai: A popular Japanese New year's game. Similar to pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, the objective of the game is for a blindfolded player to place cut-outs of eyes, nose, and mouth on an outline of a face. We see IDOLiSH7 play it in the 2024 New years UR.

3- Peperoncino: Spaghetti with Garlic, Olive Oil, and Red Chili Pepper

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

For garten of banban do a fic of the reader actually tackling tying up and gagging bittergiggle up before he can tell any jokes. She tied him up with shoelaces and used a bandana around her neck to gag him

Omg wasn't expecting a GOBB request so soon, but yay!!

Also yes this is happening ya'll I'm getting invested in this silly game again.

............

"Your Majesty, tell me..what did the-?"

"NO!!"

Before Bittergiggle could even react, you lunged and tackled him to the floor of the throne room, much to the shock of Sheriff Toadster and Queen Bouncelia. You were quick to yank off the bandana around your neck, putting it around his mouth as a makeshift gag.

He squirmed and thrashed through muffled yells, furious that you stopped him from telling his joke.

Yet somehow you were able to easily overpower him. He didn't expect any human to be this strong.

"Sheriff! I need your assistance!"

"Huh? Oh!" The toad snapped out of his stupor as you tossed several shoelaces you've gathered around the kindergarten in his direction, and he immediately knew what to do with them.

In the end, you two successfully tied up Bittergiggle in front of the still-bewildered kangaroo.

"What on earth...?"

"My apologies, your Majesty..but it's for his own good." Despite being out of breath, you stood up and smiled, patting the jester's smooth side of his head even as he kept struggling. "He was about to tell you the worst joke in existence. Figured I'd spare your gracious ears from hearing it."

"Oh? Well..I suppose you have my thanks, dear." She bowed her head in gratitude, before sitting back on her throne.

"Gotta say, I'm impressed.." Sheriff Toadster chuckled. "I haven't been able to round up this crook in ages...and yet this fine lady here did it in the blink an eye! I oughta give ya my thanks, too. You saved us all from certain doom."

"Yeah, well...I've been through enough crap already." You sighed. "And even after all this time...I'm still not any closer to finding my kid. I came here for answers and instead I got this dunce trying to kill me and keep me locked up!"

Nudging Bittergiggle with your foot, you watched as he fell onto his side, yelling dramatically despite the gag making his words unintelligible still.

All you did was scowl down at him. "Shut up. I didn't push you that hard."

"Your determination and grit is something I can admire," Queen Bouncelia remarked. "Although I am concerned for your safety, it's not my place to tell you to give up and go home. You didn't come this far to be told that."

"I appreciate your concern, my queen...but I know my kid best. They wouldn't just disappear in a place like this."

"Very well. Unfortunately, I do not have the answers you seek. I'm afraid they lie even-"

"Deeper in the facility?"

"........"

"I figured...guess the only way to go is down at this point." You then turned to Sheriff Toadster, putting your hands on your hips. "I'll help you lock the Jester up, but only if you take me to the next elevator. I'd feel much safer with you than Banban."

"As much as I appreciate that...you ain't one to order me around, missy." While physically impossible for him to frown, his eyes narrowed with a look of disdain. "Don't think you're let off the hook just yet. I'll lock you both right back up. Him for nearly killin' us all...and you for disrespectin' a-"

"You will do no such thing to her." Queen Bouncelia's voice boomed, causing him to tense and look back at her, suddenly trembling under her gaze. "They may not be connected by genome, but I see much of Opila Bird's fire in her eyes. The same instinct to protect her youth from harm. It is unwise to test a mother's love for her child."

"A-Ah...but of course, your Majesty. I shall not question the human any further." He bowed his head in obedience before turning back to you. "Alrighty. Let's go lock this bandit up only and I'll show ya to the elevator down. We may need to recruit an ally on our journey, but worry not...it shall not the that devilish fiend who claims to be your friend."

"Thank you." Nodding, you glanced at the queen with a heartfelt smile, relieved she still retained her kindness and empathy even after being abandoned.

For once there was a mascot who wasn't trying to kill or manipulate you.

So you and Sheriff Toaster eventually departed from the kingdom, dragging a kicking and screaming Bittergiggle behind you.

[kittyball23]

Chewed (a Trolls fanfic)

Summary: Poppy confronts her father and her boyfriend on a matter that’s been bugging her

A/N: Requested by @webslingerofthegalaxy :)

__________________________________________

“Alright, folks, what'll it be tonight?”

While Poppy, Branch, and Viva were quick to reply to Bruce’s query with their orders of fricassee squid, jellyfish sliders, and nachos, Peppy took a minute for himself, humming thoughtfully at the menu in his hands.

“Hmmm… those fried clams sound delicious!” he said finally, with a nod to confirm his order.

But Bruce grimaced. “Oof, yeah, sorry I forgot to mention it, but you're not gonna wanna order those, trust me.” Then, with a dramatic lowering of his voice to a hushed whisper, he added, “Don't ask why.”

The former Pop King looked confused for a moment, but then shrugged it off. “Ah well, alright. I guess I'll take the menudo instead.”

Bruce beamed as he grabbed the menus. “Ah, much better! You'll love it. Be right back with everything, alright!”

The four watched as the purple-haired Troll scurried back to the kitchen to assist his wife with the meals, and then they turned to each other.

“Huh… I wonder what the deal is with those clams?” Viva wondered aloud.

Poppy shrugged. “Don't know! But, hopefully he won't keep it a secret for long.” The Pop Queen ensured to put emphasis on the word secret, shooting a glance at her boyfriend and her father and hoping that they caught her drift. There was something she had been meaning to address with the two of them, and now seemed like the perfect opportunity to bring it up.

But, as it was, neither one of them had taken notice. Branch and King Peppy’s gazes had drifted towards the karaoke stage, where their attention was taken by a performer's rendition of “Vacation.”

Viva’s face lit. “Ooo, I love this song!” she exclaimed. Then, getting an idea, she turned to Peppy. “Daddy, we should all go on there next!”

King Peppy, however, kindly declined, waving a hand. “Oho, no dear, I couldn't.”

“Sure you could!” Viva encouraged. “Poppy, Branch, and I did just the other day! Right?”

“Uh-huh!” the pink Troll agreed, while the blue nodded.

“And you all were wonderful,” Peppy complimented. “But, I'm afraid I can't sing and dance the way you and your band do,” he explained. “And besides… I've already thrown my back out one too many times in the morning songs as it is!” He admitted it with a sheepish grin, rubbing where the ache still lingered.

Viva pouted a little, but Peppy offered her reassurance. “But don't worry - I'll be right in the front row, cheering you on. I wouldn't miss one of your performances for the world!”

Viva grinned and nudged her sister. “Remember how excited you got when Branch asked you to join the band?” she giggled.

“Uh, yeah! How can I forget!” Poppy exclaimed, shooting a grateful glance at her boyfriend.

Branch chuckled. “Yeah, neither can I.” 

“And me neither!” Peppy pitched in, putting one of his hands on his heart, and the other on Branch’s shoulder. “My boy, you nearly startled me out of my wits! If I hadn't known any better, I would've thought your ‘proposal’ would have ended differently.”

“You mean like my sis and Branch getting married?” Viva blurted gleefully. Her words caused the pink and blue Trolls to grow bashful, and Peppy's eyes to widen. Viva rolled her eyes. “Come on, guys, is it really that weird now? I've already planned out the flower colors for your bouquet, you know!”

Poppy gasped. “Viva!”

“Sis, you know it's gonna happen one day! Don't act so surprised!”

Poppy did little more than blush, and Branch cleared his throat, noticing how awkward King Peppy was looking. “Well, only if you will approve, sir,” Branch said respectfully.

King Peppy suddenly looked guilty and sighed. “Of course I do, my boy. And I'm sorry if I made you think otherwise. I guess it's just… I can't believe my little girl has already grown up so fast!”

“Tell me about it!” Viva shouted. “The last time I saw her she was so teeny weeny!” she giggled, showcasing the size with her hands.

“Yes,” King Peppy laughed, smiling at both his daughters. He then continued, addressing Branch. “You’ll make a fine partner for my Poppy. And an excellent king, too!”

Branch cocked his head, pleasantly surprised to hear this. “Really?”

“Indeed,” Peppy replied without hesitation. “Why, you remind me much of myself!”

The blue Troll glowed. “Um… how?” he asked curiously.

“Maybe how you both like to keep secrets from me?”

This time, Poppy’s statement did not go unnoticed by Peppy or Branch. Both Trolls turned to her, coming face-to-face with the sudden stern expression she wore on her face.

“Huh?” Branch practically squeaked.

“Don’t pretend like you don’t know!” she chided. “You said nothing about being in not just one, but TWO super amazing boybands! I have every single record of BroZone and Kismet!”

Branch tried to stammer a response. “Well, I, um… you see, it’s just that - “

“And then, to top it off, you don’t tell me that you had FOUR brothers? Oh no, not one, not, two, not even three - but FOUR?!”

“Well, um…” Branch tried again, “Yooouu… didn’t tell me you had a sister!” he defended, gesturing at Viva.

“I didn’t know!” Poppy exclaimed. “Wanna know why I didn’t know?!” She crossed her arms at her father, who wished he could pull a hocus-pocus and disappear right then and there.

Viva cast Peppy nearly the same identical look Poppy was giving him. “She’s got a point, Dad. Poppy had no clue who I was when we met up again!”

“Yeah! That's just like when you didn’t tell me about all the other music tribes!”

Peppy put his hands up and waved them in a calming motion. “Poppy, darling, you know I'm incredibly regretful for not having told you either one of those things. I was just trying - “

“To protect me,” Poppy finished at the same time he did. She let the initial disappointment in her Dad fizzle away so she could give him a sincere look. “Dad, I love you… and, as a family, I want us to be honest with each other, no matter how scary or painful or downright shocking the truth might be! We can work through it… okay?” She opened her arms for him, and he leaned towards her so they could share a hug.

“Yes, Poppy. I'm so sorry…”

This time, Poppy giggled. “You don't have to keep apologizing, Dad. I've forgiven you, like, a dozen times!”

“Right, yes,” he mumbled rather meekly, and then straightened himself out. They smiled at each other, and then Poppy glared at Branch.

“Now. As for you…”

Branch sighed. “You're right, Poppy. As a friend, and girlfriend, I trust you. I'll open up to you more, I promise… is there anything I can do to make up for the secrets I did keep?”

Poppy liked this question, and pretended to tap her chin and give it deep thought. “Hmmm… well, you could let me have a couple bites of the sliders you ordered…” she said.

But Branch could tell there was more she wanted to add to that. “And?” he prompted.

She batted her lashes and whispered. “...And also maybe give me a kiss?”

Her boyfriend’s eyes widened. “In front of your Dad?”

Having been in earshot, Peppy chuckled. “Branch, there's nothing to worry about. You two are in love.” He gestured his hand out, as if saying, “Now, go on with it!”

So Branch did. He kissed Poppy sweetly, Peppy looking on proudly and Viva tucking her hands under her chin while gushing.

“Awwww, that’s exactly how I imagine your wedding smooch to be!” the golden-curled Troll squealed.

“Viva!”

“STOP DENYING WHAT’S TRUE, SIS!!”

[iguessthisisanewobsession]

It takes a mob part 2

part one is here.

part 3 is here.

Bill was honestly considering the store up as hostage as he glared at the isle.

30 dollars for the cheapest can of formula?? 20 for diapers??

Jesus this had to be considered gouging at this point.

Bill felt another headache begin to throb as he tried his best to decipher the difference between brands. 

‘Not a day of health class Bill,’ he grimaced as he gently shook one oof the cans. ‘Yet here you are.’

Bill never saw himself for fatherhood, he may have pondered it once or twice in his years but only in that sort of abstract way that one ponders throwing your favorite cup. It would be stupid to do, but for a moment or two tempting.

Then he got tangled up into the goon lifestyle and any notion of that pondering went out the building.

There were enough kids in Gotham without father figures, no use accidentally making another one if he slipped up.

‘And look all that thinking led yah Billy,’ his old man droned on in his head, ‘all the work, non’ of the fun. that don’t make a happy man son.’

Bill was half tempted to open that old burner phone; it sat in his breast pocket.

Even if all that would answer would be the machine.

But no, Bill had this.

‘what’s the worst that could happen?’ he pondered as he put the tin in the cart, ‘watching three kids.’

they weren’t his after all.

He found his cohorts in the next isle shaking various items at the kid.

“What in the name of Crime Alley are you two idiots doing?”

“Oh, hey Bill!”

Ken didn’t even turn to face him, what kind of etiquette were they training these guys with? 

“Again, what the fuck are you doin’? I asked you two to pick out a couple outfits for the tyke.”

“annnd we did!” Marv chuckled handing over a bundle of cloth, “We just thought that the kid deserve somethin’ cute for being so good to us is all.”

“Actually Bill, mind throwing in your two cents? which one do you think Dan would prefer the rabbit or the frog?’

Bill pinched his brow,

“I don’t know man, what difference does it make?”

“What difference?! Man, this is his first toy we’re talking about!” Ken exclaimed,

“This is a big deal! If he’s anything like my Me Mah told me I was than he’s going to be carrying it for years!’

Danny for his part blew a bubble with his mouth, great input kid.

“I- the rabbit, I guess! I dunno, maybe he’ll like Alice in wonderland or some shit.”

Marv seemed to perk up at the thought.

“Hell yeah brother! Boss likes those old books anyways, so he probably won’t notice if we borrow a copy for a bit!”

Ken snorted as he casually thew the frog back on the shelf,

“Marven, in case you forgot, Boss is very careful with those books of his. If you want to risk it, I won’t stop you but it’s your fingers on the line man.”

“Aww, anything for our lil’ Danny!”

The clerk raised an eyebrow but kept their mouth shut as the three goons went to pay. They kept their mouth shut as Bill paid in crumpled bills and let them get on their way.

“Yeah, well pass Ken wonderlad will you? This shit isn’t going to carry itself.”

Danny babbled as they tried to sort everything into a carriable position. He shook his new toy too a fro in an almost comical manner. Like he was giving orders before an ops.

Eventually they made headway and started to make their way back to crime alley. Only for Bill to raise a occupied hand to stop the others in their step.

“Wait a moment.. where are we heading? It’ll be suspicious if we head back to base. We clocked out hours ago.”

Marv shook his head,

“Can’t go back to my place, Gwen just got done with a double shift in the ER.”

“Kenny?”

Ken snorted and shook his head as well,

“We can try but we all know Me Mah is packin’ and not scared to point first if she doesn’t expect company.”

“Then where the hell are going to go?”

Bill didn’t like how the two of them were suddenly staring at him,

“No.”

“Aww come on Bill!”

“Nope. Nah ah”

Ken rolled his eyes kicked at his shin,

“It’s just for one night Bill. Tomorrow we can ask around with the other guys, but it’s not like we have many options right now.”

“My apartment is like the least kid friendly place in the neighborhood!”

Danny have a little wine as he shoved his face into Ken’s shoulder,

“Bill..”

‘Fuck…’

Bill pinched his nose as he closed his eyes, if only to block out the puppy eyes Marv was sending his way. For a big lug, it was stupid how effective they were.

“Fine… One night and you two owe me a favor after this.”

The two dumbasses actually let out a cheer loud enough to wake a nearby dog.

Leading the way Bill couldn’t help but wonder if it was too late to go to bar like they planned.

~~~~~~~~~

Hoodlums:

​@reinluna,@confused-moose-child,@mimilikey,@emeraudesfateandfandoms, @dolfay, @boredomfarie, @aconitewolfbane, @withoutcontxt, @onyxlightdragon, @satanicrutialspecialist, @phoenixdemonqueen, @vixen-uchiha, @skulld3mort-1fan, @bytheoldwillowtree, @illusionwolfwriter24r8, @thewonderoflebanon, @vipower001, @autumnwulf,

[realcube]

the haikyuu brain rot is BACK in full swing omg and i just had another idea BYE

April… stop sending me shit -you… maybe. Jkjk. Anyway.

I’m Anemic and my hands and feet r always cold lol so the idea goes like this: <insert character here> is working/relaxing and then all of a sudden their anemic SO just like assults them with cold hands on their neck or like down their shirt? i think it’d be really funny. If you wanna do this idea u can pick the boys but Haikyuu (obviously bc we share a braincell and it’s almost always haikyuu) and Tendo has to be involved.

thanks for putting up with me 😍 -April

TENDO SATORI

♡ ok well the first challenge with tendo is actually trying to find him relaxed.. like ever

♡ mans in the embodiment of hyperactivity and hyperawareness

♡ he is the guess monster after all

♡ like the only time you'll ever find him unsuspecting and vulnerable is when he is asleep or trying to sleep

♡ thankfully wtih all the running about he does and all the adventures he takes you on, that is quite frequently

♡ oh and whenever you try to subject him to anything academic or mentally stimulating he falls asleep LMAO

♡ you're like "tendo i found this really good documentary we should watch. it's about climate change and it'll just say it's really interesting and educational because i don't wanna spoil too much. wanna watch with me?"

♡ "only if we can watch together!"

♡ you smile and grab the remote in order to put it on. "you're going to love it, i've heard from all my friends it's really informative. and i've seen trailers for it and they've got hundreds of environmental scientists that have been researching th— tendo?" you look back over at him to see him fast asleep and snoring

♡ BEFORE YOU EVEN PUT THE MOVIE ON

♡ as revenge for that level of disrespect of course you need to deploy your ultra secret weapon of mass destruction final attack: cold hands.

♡ you snake them under his shirt then suddenly press your hands firmly against his chest and he SCREAMS

♡ like his eyes shoot open and he yelps while jumping up from the couch

♡ all while you are just laughing your fecken ass off

♡ "(y/n)?! what was that?" he asks, despite the fact he knows exactly what it was because you've done this to him several times before

♡ "that's what you get for falling asleep after you said you'd watch a movie with me! how would you feel if i fell asleep during one of your volleyball games?"

♡ he rolls his eyes as he reluctantly sits back down on the couch, "that would hurt but that's different. you're actually watching me — your atheletic and impossibly hot boyfriend — play."

♡ you roll your eyes but he continues to explain himself, "but it's not like i'm watching you in this movie."

♡ "i am in this movie!" you argue, just for the fun of it.

♡ "really? who do you play?"

♡ "an icicle." you declare proudly.

♡ "are you sure you don't mean an iceberg— AH! STOP!"

♡ he screams while you chase him around the room, trying to capture his arms and his face in your hands, "never!"

WAKATOSHI USHIJIMA

♡ okay so i firmly believe ushijima is so ice cold on the inside your hands genuinely don't affect him

♡ which is such a shame because you so badly wanted to hear him squeal

♡ but no.. sigh..

♡ it honestly frustrates you to no end up you still don't give up, you know someday you'll get the perfect balance of warm room + element of surprise that you'll get some reaction out of him

♡ but whenever you touch him and he just looks at you like '😐 can i help you?' you get sooo disheartened you can't even be bothered to explain what you're doing so literally he has no idea whats going on

♡ kinda like this:

♡ you see him sitting on the couch, engrossed in this month's issue of Gardening Monthly that you just left on the table as a distraction (he doesn't know anything about gardening)

♡ and you start to creep up to him from behind, holding your breath, each movement perfectly calculated so you don't step on any creaky floorboards. you approach in completely silence and then...

♡ BOOM! cold hands to the face!!

♡ your hands are squishing his cheeks and instead of screaming or even gasping, he just turns to look at you his resting blank expression. "what is this?"

♡ "ughh" you groan, tossing your head back in frustration. everything was so spot on but still nothing. "hmph.. nevermind.." you grunt, storming away.

♡ and because you just randomly touch him so often and refuse to explain it, he just thinks its one of those things couples are supposed to do

♡ so randomly when you are together he'll sneak up behind you and place both his hands on your shoulders, giving YOU a heart attack

♡ or when you're sleeping you'll suddenly feel two hands squish your cheeks and at first your blood will run cold until you realise it's toshi

♡ it's all fun and games and cutesy couple stuff until he does it to you in the hallways of your school/college while you are on your way to class

♡ he'll creep up behind you and place his hands on your waist and because you're in a public place you automatically assume its a stranger and spin around to roundhouse him in the face

♡ he's okay though. your hands made a good temporary ice pack while the nurse got him a real one

YU NISHINOYA

♡ 1000000% screams like a little girl and tries to play it off cool

♡ and because of that you love him too much to ever use your cold hands on him in public or in front of his teammates

♡ (bc you both know tsukishima and yamaguchi would never let him hear the end of it and tell EVERYONE they know and one thing leads to another, now everyone has lost any respect for him they may have had formerly.)

♡ (ok that's an exaggeration but it would still be very embarrassing for him)

♡ so you only do it in private and titter to yourself about it

♡ however you do have it as a form of blackmail if he ever disrespects you which is good

♡ jkjk ofc you'd never blackmail

♡ but you do like to tease him because you both know you have that power

♡ like if you ask him to grab you an extra milk from the vending machine and he says no (idk why he would say no though , he's too whipped to ever do that, but just as an example) you could just raise your hands up menacingly

♡ and the way he would DART towards the vending machine

♡ unreal

♡ if he could pull out that speed on the court, he'd send wakatoshi ushijima home CRYING that's for certain

[howlingday]

The Date

Jaune: (Waiting)

Nora: (Skips up) Hey, Jaune~!

Jaune: Oh! H-Hey, Nora!

Nora: Ooh~! Button shirt AND slacks? Somebody's lookin' fancy~!

Jaune: Uh, yeah, you, too. Oh, uh, here! (Hands flower) For you!

Nora: ...Wow. A flower. How original. (Smiles) I'm kidding, I'm kidding! I love it! I just wish I got you something, too.

Jaune: Don't worry about it! Besides, there's always next time, right?

Nora: Oh, so there IS going to be a next time~?

Jaune: (Flushed) Ah- Uh- Well- Khm! I, uh, guess we'll have to see?

Nora: (Giggles) Yeah. I guess we will~.

Inside...

Nora: (Looking at the menu)

Jaune: (Gulps) Uh, hey, Nora?

Nora: (Sets down menu) Yeah, Jaune?

Jaune: Uh... D-Did you fall from heaven? Because I, uh... (Looks down, Fumbles) OH NO! Oh no, oh geez! I'm so sorry!

Nora: Did... Did you actually bring notecards for pick-up lines?

Jaune: Uh... Y-Yeah... I know, it's really-

Nora: Pfft! That's so adorable~! I swear, I could fuck you right now~!

Jaune: ...

Nora: ...

Jaune: I... don't think I have a card for that one...

Nora: Oh my god! I'm so sorry! I don't know why I would even say that! I don't- I just- I need to go to the bathroom! (Runs)

Jaune: (Sighs) Could this get any more embarrassing?

Jaune: ...Huh? (Sees couple peeking) Wait, is that-?!

Jaune: (Storms to couple) What the hell are you doing here, guys?!

Yang: (Poorly disguised) Yang? Who the hell's Yang?!

Jaune: (In her face) I didn't say "Yang". I said guys.

Yang: Ooooooooh...

Ren: We're so sorry, Jaune. We were just excited for you two that we had to see how it would go.

Yang: Based on what Nora just said, I'd say it's gonna have a pretty nice ending~.

Jaune: HAHAHAHA! YOU'RE SO FUNNY, YANG! (Yanks them out) BEAT IT!

Yang: (Chuckles) Alright, alright! Have fun, you two~!

Ren: We promise not to interfere with your date. Enjoy yourselves. (Leaves with her)

Jaune: (Huffs)

Nora: Uh, hey, Jaune? You okay?

Jaune: I'm fine. Just had to deal with a couple of assholes...

Nora: Oh, uh okay? Listen, about... You know, earlier? I'm... I'm sorry about what I said. I just... I really like you and I was kinda nervous and-

Jaune: It's okay, Nora. Really. You're not the only one.

Nora: (Smiling)

Jaune: (Smiling) ...Uh, well, we should probably order some food, right?

Nora: Wait, you mean... You still wanna date me? I didn't ruin it?

Jaune: You're talking to the same guy who threw up on the bullhead ride to Beacon. You didn't ruin anything.

Nora: (Giggles) That's a fair point.

Yang: (Watching Jaune talk to Nora, In the bushes)

Ren: (Watching Nora laughing by Jaune, In the bushes)

Later that night...

Nora: (Walking with Jaune, Holding his arm) I had a really good time tonight.

Jaune: So did I. (Gulps) Uh, Nora?

Nora: Yeah, Jaune?

Jaune: Can I... Can I kiss you?

Nora: (Blushing) Well... I don't know. Can you~?

Jaune: ...

Nora: ...

Jaune: (Turns away) NOPE! I CAN'T!

Nora: (Chasing him) JAUNE, WAIT~! (Grabs) YOU CAN! You can totally kiss me!

Jaune: Oh, r-really? Uh, that's good. 'Cause... 'Cause I really want to, you know?

Nora: I do~.

And then they kiss.

[cyten0]

A Symphony in Crimson

Act 1: A Movement in Black

Chapter 14

Finally. Back at this storage room. It took a while, you made sure the party got through without a scratch on them. The scent of blood isn’t as bad anymore, you can control yourself, but it still feels horrible to smell, for many reasons.

The ONE thing you nee to do right now is keep them safe, that matters more then anything else, even a drop of blood makes you feel like a blinding failure. What’s the point of all of this if they get hurt? You’ve already failed them before, you won’t let it happen again if you can help it.

It makes them a little nervous, seeing you puppet the sadnesses about, making them flee, or tear each other apart. But it’s fine. As long as they're safe.

This is now YOUR lair, not the kings. And you’ll never let them get hurt here.

But right now, they're trapped here. And it’s past time to fix that. Your family watches as you grab the book about wishcraft from the shelf and flip it open, searching for answers.

◉ “What do you have there Siffrin?”

✦ “A book on wishcraft”

...Oh they probably want to know why your looking into it. Hm.

✦ “… It’s likely how the king got the power over timecraft.”

▲ “Oh Crab!”

◉ “T-That seems important!!”

◆ “Mind if we take a look?”

They can’t read it but they don’t know that. So you just show them the book. As expected, they look at it frustrated, before handing it back.

✿ “Those were bad letters.”

◆ “Honestly surprised you can even read it.”

Perhaps you should go into detail. They might have insights.

✦ “I’ll translate, and explain. Take a seat.”

▲ “Awfully serious huh? “

◉ “Reminds me of the teachers here… I guess that makes this an extra class!”

You nod. Teacher angle makes sense. You’re a little tired to make all the normal expressions, but you’re frankly excited to teach this again! Properly this time!

✿ “Do we have to? I don’t want to do school again.”

✦ “You sure? You’d learn how to do real miracles. But I guess if you aren’t interested...”

✿ “I am now very intepid.”

◆ “Interested.”

✿ “That.”

▲ “Wait, hold on a second, you said actual miracles?”

You give Isa a grin. You have everyone's interest!

✦ “Take your seats, and we can begin.”

They sit down around the nearby table, while you skim the book quickly to make sure you’re ready.

◆ “Very well, professor Siffrin. Whenever you please.”

Alright. Best start with the basics first.

✦ “Now then. Wishcraft is, as the name implies, the ability to craft with wishes. Specifically, it is the art of turning raw belief in a desire into real force by drawing from elsewhere. This is done through any number of rituals, which help translate and amplify your intentions to the stars in the night sky. Then, your will to see it done sways them into granting that desire.”

▲ “The stars? They can do that?”

Ah, you should explain this again. You briefly explain the stars, other worlds, their craft energy, and so on.

◉ “Wow, that’s… So, every time we make a wish, we’re taking from hundreds of other people?!?”

✦ “Billions, but... No, it’s more complex then that. Like I said, We’re also a star to them, and they can draw from us. It’s more like sharing, on such a wide scale we can't tell. But more importantly, it’s normally borderline impossible to draw anything meaningful normally. That’s why rituals need to be designed for this.”

◆ “And what do these rituals involve?”

✦ “I’m glad you asked! Every star has affinities for certain actions, desires, objects, and so on. In order to contact several, you have to find stars close enough to each other that work together. But, since we don’t have a say in what these affinities are, the rituals can get… Unusual.”

✿ “I wanna know one! Tell us, tell us!”

Well, you know one like the back of your hand, so...

✦ “Well then, let’s go for something you’re familiar with. Favor trees.”

▲ “WAIT WHAT!?!”

◉ “THEY CAN GRANT WISHES?!?”

✦ “Yes! They can. It’s not the strongest ritual, but it can work small miracles. Like learning a skill effortlessly, giving good luck, or with strong desire, even stuff like transformations and small bits of magic-like abilities.”

▲ “I-It can’t be as simple as just clapping your hands can it? We would have known by now!”

✦ “Right. Visiting the tree is just one step. The actual ritual goes as such: First find a leaf that represents yourself, whisper the wish into the leaf a number of times significant to you, or just three if you want, fold it closed, and then set it loose in the wind.”

They all just take a second to process that.

✿ “That’s so weird.”

◉ “Kinda complicated. And nothing like what we were taught…”

You feel a little annoyed at that, for some inexplicable reason.

✦ “Hey, designing rituals is tricky. Finding a specific combination of stars that even respond to favor trees took MONTHS of work, and after that you just have to work with what’s available to make something even doable at all. The fact there even IS one is a borderline miracle.”

◆ “No need to get upset Siffrin. It’s not like you designed it.”

… Wait

… Oh. That’s why it’s so clear in Siffrin’s memory. And why you know so much about this from them.

...AND they could tell from your silence.

◉ “...Oh Change.”

✦ “I tried, okay?”

▲ “Hey it’s a good ritual, you did your best.”

✿ “Yeah, but why’d you never tell us! I would’ve totally used it yesterday!”

✦ “...I forgot.”

They have a bit of a chuckle at that. Oh stars, that’s really embarrassing…

Siffrin wanted it to be a gift for their neighboring country. You barely even remembered it. It would have been the perfect thing to share.

◆ “So, these rituals contact the stars. But that leaves me with a few questions. For example, how do they make sure it goes to the wish, and not something else? And what about contradictions, such as if two people wish for opposing things? And also, what kind of ritual did the king use for their powers? Is there a way to disrupt it?”

Huh. You can’t quite remember. But it seems important. You start flipping through the pages…

✦ “Hm… Not getting much. It seems those first few points are handled by something called an Arcanum, but it doesn’t mention much about them. And this book doesn’t actually list many rituals, more just how Wishcraft works.”

◉ “Then we should keep an eye out! I’m kind of invested now!”

✿ “I really wanna know more magic stuff!”

You nod, and everyone gets up. Alright. That’s a new insight! You might have talked a LOT there, but the recap was important, for them and you both. The headache is mild, since you were mostly reading for that knowledge. Worth it.

And it served as a bit of a distraction. The reality of you being in the house suddenly comes back to you in full force. Right. You have to keep them safe till the next book. Now you need to make extra sure you don’t loop until the end, or else you will have to do all that over again.

You walk out the door, and see a sadness. NO. You sing, and it rips itself apart. You stab it for good measure, before the others even get out the door.

◆ “...Gems, that never gets any less unsettling.”

You hear Isa whisper under their breath.

▲ “(Back to cold Sif, I guess… Hope their okay.)”

...Oh. You… haven't been putting effort into being expressive lately, have you…

...It’s fine. Save your energy for the parts that matter. Even if you have to go a bit monster in between.

>>>

Second floor. You ended up having that talk at that diary in the library, and… let them know that that’s where you, and wishcraft come from. It felt important to mention this time.

It was. Nice, how they comforted you afterwards. But, you assured them it was fine and moved on. You can’t accept comfort for that. They’d never forgive you if they found out the truth. No one would.

Still, you made your way to the secret library. And searched the shelves for that book. You hope it has what you need… Perfect!

✦ “Guess what I found! A book on constellations, their rituals, and it has a section discussing Arcanums!”

▲ “CRAB Yeah!”

◉ “Yes! Please, tell us all you can!”

✿ “I wanna know if there’s any magic wish stuff I can do!”

◆ “Yes, if you would be so kind?”

You nod, and start skimming through… Hm. This is rather interesting.

✦ “Okay, so first off, the Arcanum is a construct of sort, that helps focus a specific constellation to our world. But it also says here it… ‘Puts wishes in the hands of the patron star’.”

◆ “What does that mean?”

✦ “Can’t see what this stars name is, gives me a headache trying but… Apparently they act as some kind of. Controlling force? They sort of manage the wishes, make sure they go right.”

Wait, something catches your eye.

✦ “Apparently this involves fixing contradictions, increasing efficiency, and… even merging similar wishes together?”

▲ “Huh. That makes sense. If a bunch of people want the same thing, it makes sense to just bundle it into one.”

… That might be it. Your wish wouldn’t have done this, but if it got mixed into another, bigger wish, then maybe THAT is what’s causing this? But what wish could be doing that… What wish could have enough power to repeatedly turn back time?

◆ “Interesting. Still, if this Arcanum is important to the efficiency, then disrupting it would weaken the king, yes?”

✦ “Maybe? But unless he made it himself, it’s probably back on the island. Still, a wish this intense typically comes with a caveat or two.”

◉ “… Is there a way to check that?”

Hm. That would be useful. You skim through the pages a bit.

✦ “Apparently if we can find an Orrery, they come with ways to trace wishcraft to their constellations. I’ll take the book with us in case we find one, and can cross reference.”

▲ “Sounds like a plan!”

✿ “...Okay, that’s cool and all, but can we get another cool magic ritual?”

Oh yeah, fair, that would be nice! You flip through the pages, seeing if you can find anything interesting...

✦ “Let’s see… Oh, here’s an interesting one. Who here knows how to make a paper crane?”

Nobody except Odile raises their hand.

✿ “...You better teach me, Dile.”

◆ “Sure. Now then, what do you do with them?”

✦ “Apparently, if you successfully fold one thousand paper cranes consecutively, without tearing or damaging a single one, and whisper your wish into each one as you do, on the final one, your wish will be granted.”

◉ “That sounds… Difficult.”

✦ “Maybe, but this is a strong wish! It can do some crazy things. Stuff normally impossible. Like learning a complex skill instantly, Create things from nothing, Gain the power to control the elements, and so on.”

✿ “… I am SO gonna do this one.”

✦ “Interested to see you try! Let me see if I can find another… Oh hey, here’s the favor tree one! Discovered by-”

You freeze in place. That. That can’t be right. You can barely stand straight.

◉ “Siffrin! A-Are you alright?!?”

As you stumble, Isa grabs you. Holds you upright.

That...That was Siffrin?!? You… You killed… You pretended to be… You can’t breathe…

▲ “Sif! Take deep breathes, buddy, in and out, like you always do, come on.”

You-! You-! You…. In and Out. In. And out. In. and. Out.

You're still shaking. You can’t… You absolute monster. You can’t believe….

✿ “What’s wrong Frin? What scared you like that!”

✦ “It-It’s nothing! Just… M-Might have been some backlash from… memory stuff! It’s fine! It’s fine.”

Odile looks at you suspiciously.

✦ “…Just... shouldn't have read about myself... I’ll hold onto the book for now, but I think we’ll save reading until relevant.”

Your family reluctantly accepts, and you start to put yourself together. Those words burning in your mind.

You’d known Siffrin was important, but you never had any idea it was anything more then maybe some notoriety in a field.

If you had known, you’d never have pretended to be him. Masqueraded as him. Dragged his corpse around as a common traveler. Let the scant few survivors you’ve met, even if only in the depths of their subconscious, think that he was still alive...

Discovered by Crown Prince, Siffrin Polaris.

… You really are an absolute monster.

>>>

You are on the third floor. Your family is a little nervous, since you’ve been a little tense since the secret library. And have been taking that tension out on the sadnesses. You’ve started getting a little creative with how you make them kill each other or themselves, and aren’t exactly letting them run away. Or at least, if they do, you make sure they're dead within seconds of leaving line of sight. You don’t let it get in the way though, your family is as safe as always.

Oh. This door.

You’ve seen this odd, star shaped door before, but never gone in. Couldn’t read the text. But. You can now.

The name of the Star Blessed kings shall always be welcome.

… You don’t deserve to say it. To stain that name any more then you already have, by letting this twisted mimicry of it’s last member speak it.

But… There might be something important in there. It feels horrible but...You speak it, barely above your breath.

✦ “Polaris.”

The door opens.

▲ “Huh? Did you say something Sif?”

✦ “Don’t worry about it. Let’s head in.”

You walk in and. Oh! Guess you were right.

✦ “Well that’s lucky. Found our Orrery.”

▲ “Oh, okay! So that’s what that is.”

◉ “Hehe, it’s fun seeing Siffrin be the expert for once!”

✿ “It looks kinda weird. I don’t get it.”

◆ “Agreed. Care to show us how it works?”

You nod, and take a closer look. Even if you didn’t have Siffrin’s memories, mechanical stuff like this is your forte!

✦ “So, it can be used in two ways. The first is to map out how our world looks from the outside in, which is used for a lot of star based things. For reference, this ball here in the center is the sun, and this tiny ball here is where we live.”

✿ “WHAT!! That’s so small!! Why is the sun so big!”

✦ “It's actually scaled down quite a bit. It's much bigger, We’re just really far away from it. If it was accurate, with the sun at that size, the earth would be a pebble, and the distances would make this thing bigger then the entire house!"

▲ “That… Wow. That’s... Way bigger then I thought. I can't even picture that in my head.”

✦ “It puts things into perspective doesn’t it? We’re really just a tiny speck in the scale of everything.”

◉ “It’s a little overwhelming…”

✦ “Really? I find it comforting... Anyways! Let’s move on to the reason we need this… Hm…”

You look around a little bit, find a loose rock frozen in time, and place it against a scanner at the base.

The machine whirrs to life, spinning into the right position, matching when the constellation would be most visible. Then the room grows dark, as a misty circle of shadows forms around you all. You watch as you all go slightly transparent within the crafted illusion, and a series of lights is highlighted against the edge, lines connecting the phantom stars like dots.

▲ “CRAB!!!”

◉ “WHAT?!?”

◆ “GEMS!!!”

✿ “WOAH!!!”

You give them a second to adjust before explaining.

✦ “Look like this ones pretty fancy. Normally it’d just be a projection around it, but this is much cooler!”

You point to the highlighted stars. The whole is overall shaped like a heart with a dagger. There’s a lot of stars in it too!

✦ “There’s the constellation! Let’s see if it matches up to anything in here…”

▲ “This is actually really crabbing cool….”

◉ “It’s really beautiful!”

✿ “I can see through my hands!!”

You search through the book, going through the high power constellations first.

✦ “Oh, yeah, here it is, let’s see if there’s a caveat or something… Oh… That’s…”

◆ “Hm? What is it?”

This… Dear goodness. You knew the king was insane but this is just…

✦ “I’m going to give a warning ahead of time and say this ritual is… Gruesome. The king is clearly messed up to even attempt this.”

The others take a pause, look at the constellation, and nod. You take a deep breath in, and out.

✦ “Take a piece of iron. Mix your own blood, freshly spilled, into it’s metal every day for one hundred days. Then, on the one hundredth day, forge it into a dagger, and then pierce your own heart. Should you survive unaided from dawn till dusk, without removing the blade, it will fuse into your heart. So long as the blade remains and your heart still beats, you will be given the power to see your wish granted.”

…

Your family is left speechless.

◆ “...Gems alive…”

◉ “That’s horrible!”

▲ “How desperate was he?”

None of you know what to say to that.

✦ “… Guess that means killing him really is the only option.”

◉ “I… I guess.”

✿ “… But we know it’ll work, right?”

!?!?

✿ “I-If the magic stuff only works while his heart's working, then when he’s dead, it’s gonna stop, right? Everything will go back to normal, right?!”

Bonnie is on the edge of tears.

◆ “I… Yes, Boniface.”

✦ “Yeah. It will. And… If they're willing to go that far, then we don’t need to feel bad about it. Someone like that… Would kill to get his way.”

You know that from experience…. Can still remember how they…. You look at the constellation on the wall. Such a twisted ritual. But…

✦ “It says here… that this ritual was once used by the most loyal knights, dedicated to protecting the world itself. Only those willing to risk everything for the people. To bleed and die for the ones they care for..."

A faint memory scratches the back of your mind. Someone you looked up to?

✦ "It’s sick, seeing him twist something like that into this.”

Mirabelle looks at you, determined.

◉ “… We’ll put and end to it.”

...Monsters, twisting what few bits remain of your home into nightmares. The King. And You…

You’d best check your own wish, while you’re here. You place your hand against the monitor. And the device shifts and spins, highlighting the favor tree constellation. You suppose your wish IS involved then. But…

◆ “Checking your own wish, hm?… Why does it look… Cracked, I guess?”

It does. The stars and it’s patterns are leaving cracks on the display. They're also far brighter then it should be. That means it’s likely under considerable strain. Could be a result of the wish going wrong.

But more notably, the stars at the center seem the most strained, and no other stars are highlighted at all... Which means...

The wishes bundled into yours were also done at favor trees. Otherwise, other stars would have been at least somewhat highlighted. And the favor tree isn’t a strong constellation. To pull this kind of power from it, so focused, it would take an absurd amount of will. Which means it was done by many people. But what wish...

✦ “No idea. Still, that’s enough for now.”

That’s a lead to look into. You turn the device off, and the illusion fades.

▲ “Guess we learned a lot, huh?”

◉ “… We did, Didn’t we? Thank you Siffrin.”

You nod. You’re glad they were here to help with this…

But what now? You guess you need to figure out what people wished for at the favor trees. See if you can find a consistent theme, something that would work.

You guess it’s time to head to Dormont… You lead your family out of the room first though. You don’t want to die in a room like that.

◆ “...Before we go any further, Siffrin... Is there something you aren’t telling us?”

Huh?

▲ “Madame?”

◆ “You’ve been acting off since yesterday, have known how to navigate the house nearly on instinct, and clearly have far more understanding of the king and his methods then beforehand. I doubt you learned this Sadness control craft overnight, but it’s not the only thing that’s off. So. Mind telling us what’s happening?”

✦ “… Don’t worry about it, it’s fine.”

◆ “… Oh really. So, you’re not dealing with any timecraft yourself, HM?”

Oh. Oh no.

◆ “I had my suspicions for a while, but the way your wish looked back there practically confirms it. You’ve established that Wishcraft can alter time, and you’re practically an expert on that field. If anyone could craft a wish that could turn it back, it would be you.”

◉ “H-Huh?!?”

◆ “Which would explain a lot of things. Your sense of calm, even to traps, your knowledge of where each key in the entire house is, and several other things. How else would you know all this, unless you’ve done it before?”

▲ “That… would explain some things.”

◆ “I don’t mind secrets, but this is VERY important to us. And the fact it looks damaged means that something is wrong, correct? You even admitted a favor tree wish couldn’t do that. But Clearly yours wasn’t normal. So tell me. What. Is Happening?”

… Blind it. She’s angry again. Of course she is. You’ve kept them all trapped here for so long. You greedy monster. This is all your fault. It’s YOUR wish that went wrong.

✦ “… I’m sorry. I didn’t want to trap you all here….”

The others react in surprise, as you confirm her suspicions. And you turn towards a nearby tear.

✦ “...But it’s alright. I’ll fix it soon. And you won’t have to remember any of this.”

◆ “What?!?”

You unfurl your body, grabbing the tear before they can react.

《《《

…Blind it all. You HATE them being upset with you. You KNOW you messed up, seeing them also be upset at you is horrible. You’ve turned this final adventure into a horror story for them.

But it’s fine, right? You’re a very gentle monster. You won’t hurt them. You just need to help them out before you can’t keep up the lie. Then their story won’t be tainted. Then they can have their happy ending, never fearing the monster they escaped.

You just need to fix this, and it will be alright. You just need to fix this, and then they’ll be safe.

✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸✸

Oh, dear researcher, too clever for your own good~ But it doesn’t matter! This whole terrible affair will be over soon.

… Royalty, then? You guess that make sense. Where else would you have gotten the ability to summon something like yourself? Probably stole that power from his corpse in your gullet, back when you were Stardust. A power like that could only be used by those blessed by the red star.

… Hm. A little input from your patron. How interesting~ Guess that confirms it!…

You wonder what kind of nation it was, for their kings to have craft as bloody as that. Combined with that ritual Stardust found, and you’re getting the impression your former home had a turbulent history.

You guess it makes sense if you and Stardust came from there! Where else could such abominations be born?~

...Not that it matters in the end. You both are getting close. Close to finding the answer to this issue. Close to the ending. You can feel it.

[musings-of-a-rose]

Falling Slowly - Chapter 9

Pairing: Tommy Miller x f!reader

Word Count: 3500+

Rating: Mature - 18+ ONLY!

Warnings: Just like ao3, “creator chooses not to use warnings.” If you click Keep Reading, that means you agree that you’re the age to handle mature themes. Also by clicking Keep Reading, you understand warnings may not be complete in order to avoid spoilers for the story. 

Notes: So I thought this may be the last chapter. It's not. Because I'm me.

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**Reader is not described

Main Masterlist

Falling Slowly Masterlist

Tommy Miller Masterlist

Raiders. I’m honestly surprised it’s taken this long for someone to find us. But I thought, or assumed we’d be mostly ok, hidden as well as we are. Joel and Tommy are always extra careful whenever they have to venture out further than our property to scavenge, making sure they aren’t followed. But they’ve only seen people once and that was years ago.

Sarah and Jax move quickly into the hall closet where Joel and Tommy had made a secret hiding place behind a back panel. Tommy hands me a shotgun and squeezes my hand, trying to reassure me that it will all be ok. But I don’t see how it will be. 

The cabin is silent, but getting louder is the unmistakable sound of a truck, no, trucks. Joel and Tommy exchange a look, moving to stand by the front door but well hidden behind the shutters. Rose and I wait in the hallway, staring at each other as we listen as hard as we can. The trucks park and we can hear muffled voices getting out of them. Joel peeks through the slot on his side and whispers to Tommy, but I’m close enough to just hear it. 

“It’s Mr. Jones.”

Mr. Jones? The man who sold us this cabin? We should be ok then, right? I chance a glance around the wall and watch as Joel’s posture changes, his face hardening even though his back is to us. 

“He’s with the Raiders.”

Why is Mr. Jones with raiders? Was he captured? Why would he come here, to a cabin he’d sold us long before the outbreak? 

“What’s the move?” Tommy looks at his brother, waiting to see his reply. Joel stands another moment, watching the men get out of the truck outside. 

“Just follow my lead and stay quiet. If it goes south, take the kids and the girls and get out.”

“I won’t leave you-”

“Tommy.” It wasn’t a suggestion, but a firm warning, and by his silence, I know Tommy complied. 

Joel takes a deep breath and unlocks the door, carrying his shotgun loose in his hands, pointed down, but still ready to go if needed.

“Hey, Mr. Jones. It’s Joel. Joel Miller.” 

There’s silence for a moment before he replies. I have to strain to hear him properly. “Holy shit! Joel? It’s really you?”

“Yeah.”

“Huh! Wow, never would’ve guessed. Everyone make it out ok?”

Joel pauses for a moment, like he’s thinking how to best reply. “We survived the outbreak.”

A chuckle. “Well that’s amazing news!” There’s a slight lull in the conversation, a heavily weighted pause.

“Can I help you all with something?” Joel asks.

“Ah. Well see, I’d forgotten about this cabin, having sold it to you so long ago. Well, it feels like a long time ago. So much has happened…..anyway, I remembered we were setting it up to be off grid and I hoped you all had continued that, maybe have some supplies? I didn’t think you’d actually be here.”

“What supplies do you need?”

“All of them.”

There’s a more weighted pause before Joel replies. “Yeah, I can’t help you with that.”

“Well now, I think you can.”

This isn’t like Mr. Jones. Not the sweet man and his sweet wife who just loved the Miller brothers. Mrs. Jones especially adored Tommy, as she often told him he reminded her so much of a brother she had lost when she was younger. I can hear Tommy grip his gun harder and I glance at Rose, both of us locking eyes in the understanding that we may have to book it down the escape route rather quickly if things escalate. 

“I’m sorry, Mr. Jones. I would be happy to trade with you, but I can’t just-”

“You know, the only reason you’re still alive is because my wife loved you guys so much. Tommy especially. He reminded her so much of her brother Gabriel. She wouldn’t have wanted anything bad to happen to you.”

“Is she ok?”

Another pause. “She…didn’t make it past outbreak day.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. She was a good woman.”

“She was. But, now you see my predicament. I don’t want to hurt you out of respect for my wife. And I’m assuming you have a lot of resources, considering I’m fairly positive your brother and your kids and wives are all hiding here too.”

“So what do you propose?”

“There’s no need for bloodshed here. There are many of us and a few of you. Still, I wouldn’t want to upset my wife.”

“Alright then. You and your men can just go and we’ll forget it happened.”

“Ah, well. I do have responsibilities to my men too. They also have families and needs…how about this: we leave you all here with your supplies, but you and Tommy have to come work for us. Only when we need you. We could use your construction expertise but also your, apparently steady trigger fingers.”

A long pause. “Can I have a moment?”

“Absolutely. We’ll be here, in good faith.”

“In good faith.”

Joel’s heavy boots tap against the floor as he moves back inside, gently closing the door almost shut behind him, his peripheral trained on the men he can see through the crack. Joel calls to use and Rose and I join our men in front of the door. 

“Well?” Joel asks, looking at all of us.

“How many men are there?” Rose asks. “I’m a pretty good shot.”

Joel shakes his head. “There’s at least 10. And they mentioned families so I think if they didn’t return, more would come.”

“We could just leave? Throw a few things in some backpacks and head out the tunnel with the kids?”

“And go where, Daisy?” Joel’s dark eyes meet mine. “There’s nowhere around for miles and these raiders are bound to go looking around. Not to mention the damn infected. We can’t give this place up.”

I know he’s right, but still. It had to be said.

“I don’t like this, Joel.” Rose takes his hand and squeezes it. “I don’t want you gone for God knows how long.” 

Joel lifts her hand to his lips and kisses the back of it. “I know. But we have to do this to take care of you. All of you. Tommy?” Joel looks at his brother, but I don’t have to look to know what his response will be. Tommy will do anything to protect Jax and I, no matter what.

“Yeah. We gotta protect ours.”

Joel nods at Tommy. “It’s settled.”

It was almost 2 weeks before they came back, just one vehicle, Joel and Tommy gathering up their backpacks, nerves visible in their features. Joel went around back to grab another tool bag and Rose and Sarah followed him. Jax was still asleep upstairs and Tommy had already said goodbye to his sleeping son. He slides his arm through the other strap and I adjust his flannel shirt, picking at it in an attempt to do something other than cry. 

“Hey.” Tommy lifts my chin with his finger and gently presses his lips to mine before pulling back to look at me. “I’ll come back. I promise.”

“Please be careful, Tommy. I love you so much, I can’t…I can’t lose you. Not again, I-”

“Hey, darlin’. I love you too. I don’t plan on going anywhere.”

He pulls me to him and I nuzzle into his chest, inhaling his scent, letting it permeate my brain as it tries to memorize everything about him. But then Joel walks back inside, handing Tommy another tool bag before moving to the front door. 

“Be safe.”

“You too.”

Rose, Sarah, and I stand together in the doorway, watching Joel and Tommy get into the truck, not knowing when they’ll come back.

Or if.

The first few times they went, they helped the raiders build some additions to their compound, fortifying their defenses and just general maintenance and repair. I had asked Tommy if no one there knew how to do any of this, as it seemed pretty odd that in a compound of the size they discussed, that no one knew how to do something as simple as switch out a doorknob.

“Yeah, normally that would be odd. Except, they’re all rich people.”

I look up at him from where I had been snuggling against his chest. “What?”

He nods. “Yeah. Before the outbreak, all of these people had money. I’m talking loaded. Lots of them telling stories about it. So they’re not used to doing things for themselves.”

“So the rich people are raiders?”

He shrugs. “Guess maybe they couldn’t cope with doing without. So they just started taking.”

About 6 months in, the raiders come to collect Joel and Tommy, this time for an actual raid. They promised they’d be careful, looking out for people and clickers. But I don’t like it. It was bad enough them going to help the raiders build their home. But this?

They don’t return for nearly 2 weeks. 

Before, they were gone at most 4 days. Byt the end of the 2 weeks, Rose and I were ready to go charging the base and probably would have if it wasn’t for Sarah and Jax. 

They returned in the middle of the night, the kids fast asleep. Rose and I were still awake, having a hard time sleeping without them here. But the sound of a truck was unmistakeable in the quiet and we carefully headed downstairs, peeking out the slot in the shutters that Joel had looked out before, making sure it was really them. Joel and Tommy hopped out of the truck, slinging their bags over one shoulder without so much as a glance behind them. But my initial wave of relief at the sight of them quickly was replaced by concern as Tommy gets closer and I can see the hunch in his shoulders, his eyes on the ground. Something had happened. Something bad. Rose opens the door and Joel steps inside, Tommy following behind him as Rose closes the door. They drop their packs and kick off their boots, stowing them in the little baskets we had placed by the door.

“Tommy?” I reach for his hand but he snatches it back, not quite meeting my eye.

“I need to shower.”

I was stunned. He had been on some dirty construction sites, even building for the raiders, and not once has he never kissed me when he came home. Out the corner of my eye, I see a similar conversation happening between Joel and Rose, Joel following Tommy upstairs. 

“What the fuck happened?” Rose whispers to me, her eyes on the stairs where Joel had just been.

“I don’t know, but it doesn’t seem good.”

I pop my head in the kid’s room, checking that they’re still asleep. I should stop calling it the kids room as Sarah is nearly 20 now. But they’re both so attached at the hip, I forget that she’s so much older than him. 

I close our door behind me, hearing the shower click off as I kick off my house shoes. I sit on the bed, quietly waiting for him. Tommy emerges from the bathroom, towel slung low around his hips, his hair wet and curly, sticking to his neck and forehead. He turns to the dresser and grabs a pair of boxers and puts them on, tossing the wet towel in the basket. He sits next to me on the bed, still not looking at me. It’s almost as if he’s..ashamed?

I cup my hand to his cheek and lift his face to mine and immediately have to choke back tears at the look of defeat in his eyes. “Hey. I love you.”

He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I love you too.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

He shakes his head. “I don’t want to give details. But fuck, Daisy, I…we had to do some shady shit and I don’t…But it’s to keep you safe so I will, but-”

“Hey, hey,. It’s ok. We can just leave. We have the truck and we have more time now so we can load it up and-”

He shakes his head. “Joel’s right though. They’ll come looking for us. Especially now.”

“What do you mean especially now?”

Tommy looks down, picking at his fingers. “We were good at our job. Joel more than me, but they liked how good of a shot I am.”

“Tommy. Look at me.” It takes him several moments but he does, his eyes watering. “I love you. I love you no matter what, ok?” He nods but like he doesn't believe me. I place my hands on either side of his face and pull him to me, pressing my lips to his. 

And to my surprise, he melts into me, one hand coming up to tangle in my hair, the other gripping my hip as he deepens the kiss. He turns his body, pressing me down into the bed as he lays on me, kissing down my neck, goosebumps erupting down my arms. I know this isn’t a healthy way to cope but it seems to be what he needs and honestly, I need him. I need to hold him, know he’s here with me, solidly here. He pushes his hips against mine, my back arching as he nips at my neck, his hips rocking faster and faster, chasing his high. His hands are everywhere, sliding over my skin, gripping me, touching me, his lips drawing paths across my body. My fingers tangle in his curls, my legs wrapping around him, urging him deeper, faster until finally lights erupt behind my eyes, my whole body tingling as I moan his name, hearing my own echoed back at me as his hips sputter against mine. He presses his forehead to mine and takes a few breaths before he pulls out, allowing me time to use the bathroom first. When he’s done, he slides into bed and pulls me to his chest, wrapping his large arms around me, my back pressed into his broad chest, his nose in my hair. 

“I’m here if you want to talk, but I’m also here if this is what you need. Whatever you want, I’m here, Tommy.”

“I know. I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

Every time they leave, I swear a part of them doesn't come back. Joel seems more aggressive. Not to us, but just...angrier. Tommy's shoulder's slump, his smile often not reaching his eyes, staring blankly out at the trees as he relives whatever horrors he's had to do.

It's when the last bit of life in his eyes snuffs out that I decide I need to do something.

I'd always told him he could talk to me and sometimes he did. I know he hasn't told me everything they've had to do, and I don't expect him to. I've asked him to leave before, but he always said Joel never would. That he couldn't leave his brother. But after 5 years, it finally took that last little bit of him I had left. I couldn't continue on like this. We couldn't continue on like this.

I come back into the cabin, washing my hands in the kitchen sink, before I head back outside, walking down through the trees to the dock, knowing I'd find Tommy sitting at the edge of it, glass of water clutched in his hand as he stares blankly out at the water, a million miles away.

"Hey, handsome." I sit next to him, gently placing my hand on his thigh and giving it a light squeeze. He blinks rapidly a few times, coming back to present before looking at me, smiling slightly.

"Hey, beautiful."

I place my hand on his cheek, rubbing my thumb over the bit of stubble that had grown in the last few days. "Are you here with me?"

His dark eyes meet mine and he blinks. "I am."

"Come with me?"

He cocks his head slightly to the side as I stand up, offering my hand out to him. He takes it, the warmth from his large hand seeping into mine as I lead him off the deck and back into the woods, down a path he'd taken me years ago. Albeit I was blindfolded, but I'm not bothering with a blindfold this time.

It had taken me a few days to figure it out, setting up the tent and blankets just like he'd done for our anniversary not too long after...well, after. I thought for sure he'd know where we're going but if he does, he says nothing, his fingers still laced with mine as we walk around trees and over roots. When the clearing appears and he sees the tent, he stops walking. I look back at him and am met with a blank stare.

"Tommy?"

"What..what are we doing here?"

"I thought it might be nice to get away for at least a night."

His jaw clenches. "Shit, did I miss our anniversary?"

At least he remembered why we had been here before. "No. I just...come sit with me?" I take his one hand in both of mine, pulling him slightly towards the blanket I had spread out. He pauses for a moment but then acquiesces, kicking off his boots and stretching out his long legs on the blanket. I kick off my own boots and sit next to him, hesitating before taking his hand again, feeling him lace his fingers through mine.

"I love you, Tommy."

"I love you too, sweetheart."

I told myself I wouldn't cry, that I'd be strong. But when I looked at him, his eyes staring at mine, and I couldn't see that light, I lost it. Giant drops fell from my eyes, splashing against our entwined hands.

"Hey, hey Daisy. What's wrong?" He drops my hand to place it on my cheek, cradling my face with both hands.

"I..can't...can't..."

He pulls me to his chest, wrapping his arms around me and I finally feel safe, secure, like he's fully here with me in this moment. It takes me a few minutes to calm down, but he's patient with me, always so patient, just holding me and letting me sort myself.

"We have to leave, Tommy."

He doesn't move, still for a long moment and so I sit up, drying my tears on the back of my hand.

"Daisy, we can't. I told you, Joel won't-"

"Every time you guys leave, a part of you doesn't come back. I know you're having to do terrible shit, more terrible than the crap you've told me about. And I've supported you as best I can, but Tommy, I feel like you're finally slipping away from me and I can't pull you to me, and I can't lose you, I just can't. Not again. I won't survive it."

"Oh darlin'. I'm right here."

I look up at him. "But that's just it. You're not. Even when you're here, you're not. This last trip. Something took the last bit of light from your eyes and I-" a sob ripples up from my throat and Tommy immediately pulls me to him again.

"You said you're protecting us. But who's going to protect us when you're gone, Tommy? Even if you're alive, you can still be gone. Please. We have to go."

A drop of water hits my cheek, but it's not my tears. I turn my head up and see tears freely flowing down Tommy's cheeks. This time it's my turn to hold him, press him to my chest as he cries. It's several long minutes before the sobs stop, the tears finally drying. My fingers are still tangled in his curls, gently patting him and lightly scratching his head. He sits up, wiping his eyes on his arm.

"I'm so sorry, Daisy. I thought I could handle it."

"Hey. You're so fucking strong. Most people would've cracked by now."

He smiles weakly. "I would have, if it weren't for Joel." His face falls. "He'll never leave, Daisy. He's convinced this is the safest option."

"Tommy, we can't continue on like this forever."

He nods. "You're right. I gotta take care of my family and that's what I'm gonna do."

"What if Joel won't come?"

"He won't. I'll make the offer to Rose and Sarah, but I'm sure they'll stay. But we'll still go."

"You sound like you have a plan?"

He's quiet again, his eyes going far away for several moments before looking back at me.

"Actually, I do. I've heard about this freedom fighting group called the Fireflies."

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[arlana-likes-to-write]

Second Chance - Chapter 2

Masterlist 

Warning: mention of chemotherapy and symptoms, mention of death 

Word count: 3.3k

Tony held open the door for you to head back into the tower. Exhaustion was the best way to describe how you were feeling. Every part of your body was sore. To your surprise, a small body ran into your legs. You looked down at a young girl with shoulder-length brown hair and eyes identical to yours and Tony’s. “Hi,” you smiled. She blinked up at you. You could see the gears in her brain trying to figure out who you were. “You must be Princess Morgan I’ve heard so much about.” It was a little white lie. The CEO and billionaire kept their daughter out of the limelight as best as possible. But they did announce her birth. She took a step back, glancing behind you to look at her mom and dad. 

“Who are you?” She asked. You smiled. Now that was a complicated question as it wasn’t a simple answer. How do you tell a child that you were her sister? 

“I’m a friend of your dad's,” it wasn’t a total lie but not the full truth. You didn’t like lying to kids just because they were younger wasn’t a good enough reason to lie to them. “We haven’t seen each other in a long time.”

“Why is that?” One of the reasons you loved kids so much was their thousand and one questions. You heard hurried footsteps walking behind the younger girl. It was the Black Widow. 

“Sorry, Pepper,” she said. “This little nugget is very sneaky.” She attacked Morgan’s sides which made the girl dissolve into a fit of giggles. 

“Don’t worry about it Nat,” the CEO said. “We are done talking.” Morgan gasped suddenly, bringing the attention back to her. 

“If you're friends with my daddy, does that make us friends?” She asked. Ah. The minds of children were so simple, you envied them. 

“Do you want to be friends?” You questioned. She nodded, jumping on the balls of her feet. 

“New friend, new friend. Let’s go play,” she grabbed your hand. 

“Morgan,” Pepper’s voice was stern with a hint of amusement at her daughter but Morgan stopped in her tracks. “You have to ask before you drag someone off.” She sighed, dropping her hand. 

“Can you play with me?” She asked. Oh, it was so hard for you to say no to little kids. You saw Pepper speak with eyes, ‘You don’t have to.’ But you nodded. 

“Lead the way, Princess Morgan,” she giggled, grabbing your hand again and dragging you off. 

*

Pepper watched with a fond smile on her face as the duo ran off. She was surprised by how well you handled everything. You had to be no more than 25 but you walked around with such grace and a positive outlook on the world. She looked at her husband, who has been oddly quiet since they learned of your condition. “Are you okay?” She asked, rubbing his arm. Her gentle touch seemed to snap him out of his trance. 

“FRIDAY, please call all available Avengers to the conference room,” he ordered the AI. “Tell them it’s urgent.” He took off towards the conference room without another word. Natasha raised her eyebrow, questioning his odd behavior but Pepper shook her head. It was better to explain it once. She and Natasha walked to the conference room in comfortable silence. There weren’t many Avengers in the tower. Kate and America were on a mission, Yelena was in St. Petersburg, Bruce took a short trip to New Asgard, and Rhodey was in DC with Maria and Nick. Once the fight with Thanos was over, the Avengers went back home and tried to help those who came back. Her mind seemed to wander back to you. Were you part of the population that Thanos’ snapped away?

She remembered reading about Jessica’s passing. Their paths crossed once at a conference in DC and Pepper would have never guessed she had a daughter. A daughter who shared half the DNA with her own. It was a small world. 

When Pepper entered the conference room Tony was already standing up front. She chose to stand next to him, offering any support she could give him. “I appreciate all of you coming on such short notice.”

“What’s going on Stark?” Steve questioned. 

“It has to be serious. I’ve never seen him like this.” Sam mumbled. 

“That’s because it is serious,” he snapped. The Avengers looked at each other, having a silent conversation with one another. They’ve done enough missions together to speak without saying anything. Tony sighed. “Sorry,” he apologized. “As many of you know, Y/n claims to be my daughter. Her mother and I were together before Pepper and I.”

“Where is her mother?” Bucky asked. 

“Dead,” Pepper answered. “She died in a car accident a few years ago.” 

“She has cancer,” Tony told the team. Pepper could hear the slight shake in his voice showing how much this was affecting him. It was a lot. A stranger showed up, claiming to be his daughter, and telling them she needs help. “Chemotherapy isn’t working anymore. She needs a bone marrow transplant if not she has 6 months to live.” 

“Jesus,” Sam mumbled. 

“I’m sorry, Tony,” Natasha said. “But I’m a little confused about why you called a meeting to tell us this.” Pepper was with the Black Widow on this. It made sense to tell the team all at once but she saw Tony chew on the inside of his cheek. 

“My guess is Mr. Stark is going to ask if you all can see if you are a match for Miss. Easton. Only 2% of the entire population are registered bone marrow donors,” Vision said, leaning back in his chair. “It’s a 1% chance for a parent to match their child, 50% for siblings, and 29%-79% for everyone else.” Tony nodded, resting his hand on his chin. 

“I’m asking a lot,” he said. “Especially to help a total stranger but I’m all she has left.” 

“You're wrong, Tony,” Wanda smiled. “She has us.” Pepper looked at the Sokovian. 

“I’m guessing you knew,” the CEO said. A slight blush rose on her cheeks as she nodded. 

“As soon as she introduced herself. For someone so young, she’s not scared.” 

 *

You glanced over Morgan’s shoulder as you heard footsteps approaching. It was Pepper. “Come on, come on,” she tugged on your arm. “You have to continue the story!” All her toys were laid out in a makeshift battlefield, two sides facing each other. You smiled at the CEO before returning your attention to the young girl. 

“So there they stood, the king's men facing the Swarm’s army. The king’s army were strong men who were called forth to protect their homes. But,” you picked up a stuffed animal. It was a dragon, a gift from Natasha and Bucky that Morgan informed you of. “The Swarm didn’t just have men but a dragon that breathed fire,” you noticed Pepper being more interested in the story. You set the plushie down. “The king’s hand steps forward, with the spellbound sword ready to fight the dragon. But a voice in the crowd told him to stop,” Morgan was bouncing where she sat. “The king’s daughter, Princess Phoebe stood forward and took the sword. She faced the army,” You choose one of her Barbie's as the princess, maneuvering her arm to mimic she was holding a sword over her head. “And she said, ‘I will kill the dragon and lead this army to victory. Who will join me?’ But no one stepped forward.” Morgan gasped. “The princess wasn’t worried. She knew she would have to earn the men’s trust. So, she faced the dragon,” You grabbed the plushie. “Alone.” 

“What happened? Did she win?” She asked. You sighed. 

“It was a long and hard fight,” you paused for dramatic effect. “She killed the dragon, led her father’s army to victory, and became the first Queen to sit on the throne of Krucia.” Morgan jumped up to her feet and cheered at your story's ending. She saw Pepper standing in the doorway. 

“Mommy, did you hear?” She ran over to her, throwing her body at her legs. “The princess won! She won!” You smiled at the interaction, it made you miss your mom. 

“I did,” the CEO smiled. “What do you say to Y/n?” She let go of her mother’s legs and ran back over to you. You were surprised when she hugged you tight. 

“Thank you for playing with me,” you hugged her back. “Can you tell me another story?” 

“Maybe tomorrow. I have to come up with another one. Now let’s clean up your toys,” the pout that formed on her face made you laugh. “If Princess Phoebe can beat a dragon you can clean up your toys,” you said, tapping her nose. She sighed but nodded. It didn’t take long for you both to put her toys away and the playroom was soon spotless. 

“Morgan,” Pepper said, once the last toy was put away. “Your father wants to see you in his lab.” 

“Am I in trouble?” She asked. You stifled your laughter at Pepper’s reaction, not expecting her daughter’s question. 

“Did you do something to get in trouble?” Pepper countered. Morgan shrugged, skipping past her mother. You giggled, slowly standing, and ignored the ache in your body. “Not many people get her to clean up her toys. I may have to steal that story.” 

“Go for it,” you said, placing your bag on your shoulder. “I have a ton of them.” You smiled. “I draw comic books,” you answered Pepper’s unasked question. “I learned that I can hold a child’s attention longer with pictures instead of words. I bet I’ve made up stories about all of you.” She laughed. 

“You’ll have to show us them. I’ll show you to your room.” You followed the CEO to the elevator. She told you that she was taking you to the floor below her and Tony’s. You were grateful they were giving you a place to stay, especially with how tired you were. She must have seen it in your eyes as she rubbed your back and opened the door for you. 

You were shocked, yet not surprised to see a small apartment. The door opened to a personal kitchen and a living space. Pepper walked into the living room which consisted of a dining room table, couch, and TV, and opened up the blinds to show the view of the city. “Tony knows how to spend his money for the best views,” you mumbled, walking over to the window. 

“You aren’t wrong,” Pepper said, glancing over to you. “He rented out the top of the Empire State Building for date night.” You smiled. 

“Romantic.” It was. If you had a partner and the money to spoil them like that you would do the same thing. 

“Your room is over here,” she said, leading you down a hallway, past a small closet, and into a bedroom. It was simple. A queen-sized bed was pushed against the wall with a private bathroom and closet. “We’ll make a trip to your apartment to get your things and if you need anything ask FRIDAY. She’ll order it for you.” You nodded, sitting on the bed. 

“Thank you,” you said. “I know I came here and turned everyone’s life upside down so I appreciate it.” 

“Your family,” she said simply. “Besides with this group it’s the most normal thing,” you laughed which quickly turned into a yawn. “Get some sleep and come find me if you need anything.” 

“Thank you, Pepper.” She smiled and left your room. When you heard the door close, you let out a slow breath. You felt a weight lifted off your shoulders on how well today went. But you knew you had to be realistic. Even though they agreed to help doesn’t mean they will be matched. It was a small percentage that Tony would be a match. There was a Plan B. It took a very long time for your doctor to convince you to reach out to the billionaire. Doctor Lucas Carpenter. He was a family friend and he had the honor to watch you grow up, something he liked to remind you every single day. So Plan B was to increase your chemo dosage and the frequency of the treatment. 

You rubbed your forehead and emptied your bag onto the bed. You plugged in your phone charger and attached your phone. The pill counter you used was put on the bathroom counter and the rest of your belongings were thrown on the floor to be dealt with later. You climbed underneath the covers, taking off your beanie and throwing it on top of your bag. It wasn’t long before the exhaustion of the day caught up with you and you fell asleep.    

*

“Daddy!” Morgan ran into her father’s lap. Tony had just enough time to set the swabs down before catching his youngest. “Mommy said you wanted to see me.”

“And what has Mommy said about running in my lab?” He asked. She smiled. 

“But she isn’t here now.” Tony sighed, shaking his head with a soft smile on his face. The billionaire sat Morgan down on his workbench. 

“I need you to use your best listening skills,” he tickled right underneath her ears. Her laughter echoed in the quiet lab. It was music to Tony’s ear and a wonderful reminder of the life he had. But it made him wonder what he missed with you. “Y/n needs our help,” he continued once her laughter calmed down. 

“Help?” She repeated back to him. “Is she okay? I was just playing with her.” 

“She’s sick,” Tony simply said. He wasn’t sure how to explain a topic like cancer to his youngest. He and Pepper tried to shield the darker parts of the world from Morgan and they did their best. But she was smart and knew that sometimes her daddy, aunts, and uncles had to go away to keep the world safe. “And we could help her. Do you want to try?” She nodded. He grabbed two cotton swabs, he purposely didn’t do it with the others so he could show Morgan. “I’m going to do a swab of your mouth like his,” he made sure to get the inside of both of his cheeks. Once he was done, he put it in a bag. “See simple. Are you ready?” He wasn’t going to force her to do it if he didn’t want to. She stared at the cotton swap. 

“Will it hurt?” She whispered. Tony shook his head. 

“It’ll just tickle,” he said. He wasn’t going to go into detail about the procedure if they were a match. They couldn’t get ahead of themselves. Morgan opened her mouth and Tony quickly swapped both of her cheeks. “There,” he sealed her sample and labeled it. “All done. Thank you, sweetheart. You're my hero.” Morgan shook her head, hugging her father. 

“I’m not a superhero, Daddy, you are.” At the moment, Tony didn’t feel like one. He was angry that Jessica kept you from him. Tony kissed the top of her head. 

“I love you 3000,” he whispered. 

“Love you too Daddy.” 

*

“Wake up, sleepyhead,” you heard a calming voice pull you out of your dream state. “Come on. We can’t sleep anymore.” You were awake but you did not want to be. Groaning, you buried your head deeper into the pillow. 

“Don’t wanna,” you mumbled. Someone giggled. You opened your eyes, peeking to the side, and saw that it was Wanda. “What time is it?” You asked, flopping onto your back. 

“7 o’clock,” your eyes widened. You got to the tower around 1300 and fell asleep around 1430, you did not mean to sleep for that long. “You’ve had a busy day and we wanted you to rest. But dinner is ready and you need to eat.” That was true. You had a small breakfast due to your nerves and the crackers she got you for lunch. 

“Thank you,” you said, sitting up. “Give me a second and we can head down.” You walked into the bathroom, splashing cold water on your face. 

“We are having lasagna,” she told you. You opened your pill container and pulled out an anti-nausea pill, just in case. “We weren’t sure what you liked.” 

“That’s fine,” you stepped out of the bathroom and picked up the beanie on the ground, whipping it off before placing it on your head. 

“I want you to know you don’t have to wear a beanie in front of us,” you shrugged. 

“It’s second nature to wear it,” you told her as you walked out of your room and to the front door. “Most people stare at me and I get uncomfortable. So who lives on this floor?” You asked her as you waited for the elevator. Wanda explained each floor had 4 apartments and a common space to share. Peter, Kate, and America were on your floor.

“But America is usually in Kate’s room. They’ve been dating for a few months.” Cute. You were excited to meet them. When the metal doors opened, the smells hit you immediately. You scrunch your nose, hiding your disgust as you scratch your nose. It was the worst part of chemo. Not the hair loss or the fatigue, your taste buds and sense of smell changed. Going to grocery stores was a nightmare. It was a common side effect of chemotherapy and it would go away once the treatment was over. But now it was killing you especially since you loved cooking. Cooking was a way to communicate when you didn’t know the language or the way to learn about a different culture. It was a beautiful art form and it was impossible to cook when your senses were out of whack. It changed from day to day. Some foods made you nauseous but a week later it was your comfort food. It was annoying. 

Natasha went to hand you a plate but you held up your hand, showing her the pill in your hand. She nodded, placing the plate on the counter. You quickly filled up a glass of water and took the pill. It was the tomato sauce and garlic that were causing your stomach to twist and turn. “Are you okay?” Tony asked. You nodded, filling up the glass. 

“Worst part of chemo,” you smiled. “My sense of smell and taste gets all weird.” You put some salad on your plate and opted out of the garlic bread, which hurt because you loved garlic bread. Tony smiled sadly. 

“We’ll figure it out, kid,” he said, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. It felt a little weird, receiving comfort from a man that was missing your entire life. You placed your hand on top of yours. 

“Yeah, we will.” Morgan wanted to sit next to you. So you sat next to her and Tony and Pepper on the other side of Morgan. Natasha sat in front of you with Bucky next to her. You kept out of the conversation, trying to focus on keeping the food you were eating down. 

“So,” Natasha said, directing the table to you. “Tell us about yourself.” You whipped your mouth with a napkin. 

“Like what my favorite color is?” You questioned with a teasing smile. Natasha rolled her eyes, mumbling under her breath, ‘Great now there are two of them.’ You laughed. “I was homeschooled until I reached college. I double majored in marine biology and mechanical engineering then I got my doctorate in marine biology. I lived on a sailboat for a little bit.” 

“By yourself?” Steve questioned. You nodded, taking the last bite of your salad. You wondered if they noticed your untouched lasagna. 

“Aren’t you a little young to be living on a sailboat and getting your doctorate?” You shrugged. Probably.

“I graduated college when I was 15,” you simply said, cheeks burning at their impressed looks. You didn’t like to make a big deal of your accomplishments because you knew you were lucky to have the resources to accomplish everything. But you didn’t miss the proud smile on Tony’s face. And you smiled back. 

[medali-meltdown]

#silverstreakshippingweek yeah!!!

🔥🍙Day 1: Confession / Battle🍙🔥

A blazing fire engulfs Centiskorch's long body as he curls himself into a ring, rolling in a blur at his target. In the blink of an eye, Staraptor takes flight, just missing those barreling flames. Kabu watches his opponent with a seasoned Leader's eye. Larry is an experienced Gym Leader as well, but Kabu's thrown him off guard. Larry tenses, fully at attention. This is not the routine series of battle commands he's so used to. Kabu hides his pleased smile as he assumes coach mode.

"Use Brave Bird," Larry orders his hovering Pokemon. Staraptor's body glows with a blue aura, which appears to shield him from the flames. He dives down and straight at Centiskorch, tackling him head-on. Staraptor recoils from the intense attack, shaking off the damage done to himself.

Centiskorch is not in much better shape. "Now, while it's stunned, Fire Spin!" shouts Kabu.

Larry clenches a fist. He's really invested in this battle, and Kabu is pleased to see it. "Quick, Aerial Ace!" he shouts, almost panicked. In a grey blur, Staraptor speeds through the spinning flames to attack Centiskorch directly, beak first. It's extremely effective — Centiskorch wobbles while the flames he's controlling vanish into thin air. And then all nine feet of him collapse to the ground.

"Ah—" Larry says softly, the stunned look having not left his grey eyes.

"Congratulations." Kabu's smile comes out in full force now. "I knew you had a fire in you. We just had to bring it out one way or another."

Larry just pets the back of his Staraptor’s neck, lost in thought. “Huh,” he answers after a moment. “I really didn’t think we’d beat you.”

Staraptor whips around to his trainer with an indignant squawk. “Sorry,” Larry tells him. “But Kabu’s strong. He puts his all into battling, he’s determined to win.”

“In the end, I just couldn’t beat a member of the Elite Four.” Kabu strides across the field to join the winners. “You two are strong as well. I’m quite impressed.” He holds his hand out to Staraptor, and, earning his approval, starts stroking his neck feathers. “I could benefit from training with some of your tactics. There’s still a lot I have to learn.”

“Eh.” Larry shrugs. “I don’t think I do anything that calculated. Just whatever seems best for the situation. Makes sense to me.”

Kabu laughs sharply. “Ha! A genius at work. And he doesn’t even know it. So, per the terms of our wager, it appears I owe you dinner.”

Larry’s stomach lets out an audible growl. “Mm… that’s a good idea. Battles tend to increase my appetite.”

Kabu grins up at him. Larry’s face is expressionless, but Kabu can tell from his eyes (at least, from this angle) that he’s proud of his win and eager for a nice meal.

"Hmm… I'm up for anything, really," Larry says with a shrug.

"Well, what's your favorite dish?"

Larry rubs the back of his neck, staring off to the side. "Honestly? I really like onigiri. They're simple, but you can add just about any flavor you want. Plain ones are good too."

"I know just the place, then. I passed it on my jog this morning. I could go for an onigiri or two myself, now that you mention it. Or some nigiri."

"Tatsugiri's?" Larry asks. "I went there for my first meal in Pasio. It's excellent." He sends his Staraptor back to his ball as the two of them leave the battlefield.

"Glad to hear it! Mind if I grab a shower first? I worked up a bit of a sweat there."

"Uh… I guess not, but you look fine. It's just a friendly bet dinner, not a business meeting."

Kabu laughs softly, shaking his head. "Larry, I've got a bit of a confession to make."

"Oh?"

"I challenged you to a battle and set that wager so I'd have a good reason to ask you to dinner."

Larry blinks. "Mm? You could've just said 'let's go to dinner.' There's no need to overcomplicate things."

"True… but as a fellow Gym Leader, I knew you'd enjoy going up against me. Analyzing my skill, studying my reactions. As I did yours. I think we're on the same page here. I'd like to take you out to dinner… as a date."

"Oh," says Larry. Then his thick eyebrows shoot up to his hairline. "Ohhh."

"What do you say?" Kabu smiles, holding back laughter at how cute he looks stun-spored like that.

"I'd say you want to go out with a boring guy like me?"

"Sure I do. And you're not so boring. I felt your passion on the battlefield, and I know there's more where that came from."

Larry flushes, clearing his throat and loosening his tie. "Guess I'd better go get cleaned up a bit too…"

"That's the spirit." Kabu pats his back. It's great fun making him flustered. This is going to be a delightful evening.