#can’t remember if we ever got more than that ne of these at the time

[fannyyann]

😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫

[redrose10]

hi babes! from the picture game, could I maybe get something for image 3? thx ;)

Here is the second story for #3 from the picture game. I hope it’s okay!

Warnings: Pregnancy related stuff, getting hurt while pregnant,a little smut but nothing too explicit, swearing, fears of abandonment, mention of hospitals

One Month Pregnant

At this point you didn’t even know that there was a baby currently growing inside of you. You went about your day to day life as if nothing was any different. You were in your final year of college as a psychology major, you worked as an evening receptionist at the college front office, and you were madly in love with your boyfriend, Yoongi.

The two of you met in your chemistry class your first year of college when he took the seat next to you. You thought he was cute and the two of you would talk a little during class and then one day he shyly slid a note across the table to you, “Are you made of fluorine, iodine and neon? Because you are F-I-Ne.” You were a giggling mess while he blushed bright red and you were smitten ever since.

Two Months Pregnant

Missing one period wasn’t super unusual for you. It had happened in the past when you were really stressed and overwhelmed. Missing two periods though…that’s never happened. Still you held out hope that it was nothing but stress corrupting your body. Your classes were piling up work, you had picked up a few extra hours at your job, and you and Yoongi had been going through a rough patch.

He was just as stressed if not more than you thanks to his classes and working at a record label while also being the captain of the basketball team. You’re sure it was just stress and once you could get past this then your cycle would return to normal. But just to be safe you grabbed a pregnancy test from the pharmacy on your way home.

When the timer went off with shaking hands you picked up the test off the bathroom counter. “No no no…this can’t be happening.”, you whispered while looking at the screen that said positive in big bold letters. How did this even happen?

Then you remembered the night. Yoongi had missed the third date in a row. You were furious when he finally came home. You knew he was stretched thin and was trying his best but it still hurt that you seemed to always get the short end of the stick. You yelled and cried and pleaded. He yelled and cursed and then pushed his lips onto yours. His hands roamed your body leaving goosebumps as they went. You wanted to be mad. You wanted to shove him off of you and curse his name but you missed his touch so badly that you gave in. You needed him and it seemed like he needed you just as much. Finally getting the intimacy you both needed seemed to mend the relationship for the time being.

And now here you were pregnant with his baby. You didn’t know how he’d react. You knew he wanted kids but when he was much older and more established, he had made that clear in the past.

You heard the front door open and shut and Yoongi calling your name that he got pizza and to come eat dinner.

So you decided to wait. You wrapped up the test and shoved it to the bottom of the garbage can while making sure to dispose of any other evidence. You walked into the living room where Yoongi had already set out the pizza and was looking for a movie to put on.

“Here I got you this beer to try. I think you’ll like it.”, he said handing you the can. You panicked. “Oh uh thanks but I think I’ll stick to water today.”, you chuckled grabbing a glass from the kitchen. “You always have beer with your pizza?”, he questioned. “Yeah I just have a bit of a headache.”,a lie but not really because you could feel one coming on. Thankfully he didn’t question it any further just hitting play on the movie and putting a piece of pizza on the plate in front of you.

Three Months Pregnant

“Maybe we should get you to the doctors.”, Yoongi said rubbing your back as you were bent over the toilet bowl for the second time today. Last week you had blamed a sketchy piece of fish as the reason for your stomach problems. This week you weren’t sure what to say but you knew he was getting worried. You couldn’t tell him that it was morning sickness from the baby currently growing inside you.

“No I’m okay. I think just need to drink more water.”, you winced at the sound of your voice. He helped you get cleaned up and back into bed before settling in next to you and rubbing circles on your belly. It was moments like these that you fell even more in love with him.

“You have to tell him. Even if he does get mad he deserves to know.”, your best friend Jimin said while sitting next to you in the waiting room of your doctors office.

“I will. I promise I’ll tell him. Just not right now. The basketball season is starting soon and I don’t want to add more stress to him.”

“Maybe he’d want to be here instead of me. Did you ever think about that? Maybe he won’t be as upset as you think and will want to be here to support you. He loves you Y/N. I don’t think he’d just abandon you.”

You nodded, “I know. I…I just don’t want to risk that right now in case he does.”

Jimin gave your knee a squeeze, “You know you’ll always have me no matter what anyways.”’

You sat on your bed staring at the sonogram of your little gummy bear as you were calling them. They were so tiny and barely there but they were there. You’d heard the heartbeat, nice and strong. As scared as you were about this whole uncertain situation you knew you had to stay strong for them.

Four Months Pregnant

The morning sickness was finally subsiding and you were feeling better. No more trying to come up with lies for Yoongi. But then one morning after your shower you were smacked in the face with a sudden realization and you couldn’t believe you hadn’t thought about it before. As you stood in the mirror running your hand over your forming bump all the nausea returned. How were you going to hide your growing belly from Yoongi? He knew your body better than you did and he’d surely notice. Luckily the weather was getting cooler as the season changed to fall meaning you could hide underneath large sweaters and hoodies which should buy you another couple months you hoped. Besides, now that the basketball season was in full swing you knew you’d be seeing less and less of Yoongi anyways.

But tonight wasn’t one of those times. You were in your usual spot wearing his, thankfully much larger than you, jersey while cheering him on. The game was close but you knew he would lead them to victory. And when the final buzzer sounded he ran over to get his usual post game kiss. You were patiently waiting when he was stopped by a woman who gave him a hug to congratulate him. The rational and logical part of your brain knew that Yoongi would never cheat on you to begin with but especially not with Sera. She was like a little sister to him having grown up together thanks to their parents friendship plus she was engaged to some guy named Taehyung. But hormones were a bitch, especially pregnancy hormones and you couldn’t control the tears that started welling up in your eyes.

“Y/N what’s wrong?”, he gasped frantically running over to you.

“Nothing don’t worry about it.”

“You’re crying. Baby what happened?”, he asked again.

“I said nothing!”, you hissed before storming away leaving him standing there shocked and confused.

One of the great things about Yoongi is he would never chase after you as long as he knew you were safe. So when he saw you walk over to Jimin who gave him a nod meaning he’d get you home Yoongi sighed before heading to the locker room.

You were grateful when he got home a couple hours later and wrapped his arms around you pulling you flush against him in bed. It seemed like he had completely moved on from your little outburst earlier which you still felt bad about so you cuddled in closer and gently lulled yourself off to sleep to the sound of his breathing.

Five Months Pregnant

“Congratulations, you’re having a little girl.”, the doctor pointed towards the screen to show you your daughter. You were smiling so hard your cheeks hurt. “Oh this kid is going to be a spoiled princess.”, Jimin joked from the seat next to you.

“I’ll print off a few photos for you. Go ahead and get cleaned up. I’ll be right back.”, the doctor said handing you a towel before leaving the room. Gently you wiped away the gel from your belly the best that you could.

“Are you gonna tell him now?”, Jimin asked immediately souring your mood.

“Yeah I will Jimin. I promise.”

“That’s what you said before but you still haven’t done it. Y/N, he needs to know. Plus I love you and I already love that little girl but I don’t have much room left in my tiny apartment to hide any more baby stuff.”, he chuckled.

“I know I know. Thank you again for letting me store it there. I’ll tell him soon. I’m not going to be able to hide this bump much longer any ways.”, you sighed as he helped you off of the table.

Tonight was supposed to be the night. You were finally going to tell Yoongi about the baby. In your bedroom closet sat a box and inside the box was a cute little onesie with a pink tutu attached. In glitter the front of it said ‘Daddy’s #1 fan’ and on the back it said ‘Min with Yoongi’s basketball number below it.’ You thought it was the cutest thing and thanked Jimin profusely for coming up with the idea and helping you put it together. You also added one of the sonograms to the box because there was no way he could be mad when he saw that or so you hoped.

Luck was not on your side though because instead of a quiet dinner at home you were sitting at some loud bar on campus trying your best to avoid any smoke or drunk idiots that were stumbling around. Yoongi had wanted to meet up with one of his good friends Namjoon and his girlfriend. You really didn’t want to be there but he seemed pretty set on it so you went knowing your surprise would have to wait a little.

“Congratulations, can’t wait to meet the little nugget.”, Yoongi smiled. You nodded along, “Yeah congrats.” Namjoon and his girlfriend had just told you they were expecting a baby. Your heart warmed at how excited Yoongi seemed. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad after all.

After goodbyes were said and you were back in the car with Yoongi’s hand securely wrapped around yours he began the drive back to your apartment.

“I’m happy for Namjoon. He seems really excited to be a father.”, you said to test the waters. Maybe you could still surprise Yoongi tonight.

“Yeah I’m happy for him but man I am so glad it’s not me in his shoes.”, he chuckled.

Ouch. That was not what you wanted to hear.

“Oh well I mean don’t you want kids?”, you pushed.

“Yeah absolutely one day. Maybe in like ten years or something but I 100% do not want them right now. That would be like the worst possible scenario, you know? I’d rather be the cool Uncle that fills them up with sugar and teaches them bad words and then drops them back off at their parents so they aren’t my problem any more.”, he laughed before looking over at you for a similar reaction.

You forced a giggle, “Yeah you’d be great at that.”

When you got home you took the box and shoved it as far back in the closet as you could before piling up a couple blankets and some clothes over top of it. That would have to wait until another time.

Six Months Pregnant

You cheered until your throat was sore. Yoongi’s team was playing their rivals. The score was too close for comfort but Yoongi was having the game of his life. He’d already broken the school record for most steals in a game and was just three points away from the record for most points scored in a season.

His teammate Jungkook passed him the ball but there was no clear shot. He passed it over to Hobi. Eight seconds left in the game. Hobi took the shot but it bounced off the rim rebounded by Yoongi. He dribbled back out to the three point line. Three seconds left on the clock. He took the shot and the ball swished into the net with ease getting him another record for the books just as the buzzer sounded. His team rushed him with congratulations. You were trying to get down the stairs to give him his post game kiss when some overly excited fans knocked into you sending you tumbling down a few steps. Yoongi sprinted over shoving the fans out of the way, “Y/N are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, I’m fine. Just embarrassed that’s all.”, you tried to smile and reassure him.

“How did they not see you? I fucking hate these people sometimes.”, he spat.

“It’s okay. It was an accident. Don’t let it ruin your celebration.”

He nodded and got his kiss, “Hey the whole team is gonna go out to get food and then probably head over to Jins for a party. Want to come?”

It did sound fun but you had other plans, “No go have fun. I’m pretty tired and just want to get some sleep.”

He looked dejected at your response, “Are you sure? We can just grab some takeout and head home together if you want?”

Quickly you shook your head, “No no go have fun with your friends. I’ll be fine I promise.”

He was hesitant but after checking with you again he gave you a kiss and sprinted back towards the locker rooms. You walked outside and pulled out your phone quickly dialing a number.

“Hey Jimin, can you take me to the hospital please?”, you whispered once they answered.

Jimin was there in a flash and took you to the emergency room where you were quickly hooked up to monitors after explaining to them about your tumble at the game. Thankfully everything checked out and other than a little soreness in your lower back you and baby girl were healthy and doing fine. Jimin had a lot he wanted to say about why he was at the hospital and not Yoongi but after the fright you just had he decided to let you get by this time.

Seven Months Pregnant

It was becoming increasingly harder to hide your growing bump from Yoongi. Especially because he was starting to become frustrated sexually. The first few times he tried to initiate anything you’d lie and just say you didn’t want to even if it was all you were thinking about too. It was either your period or you were tired or had a migraine. He would never ever consider forcing you so he’d always drop it at that. You knew it wouldn’t work forever though so then you started offering to take care of him but you’d still always refuse when he tried to return the favor. Again being the gentleman that he was he never forced you but he was starting to get concerned maybe even a little hurt that you always rejected him.

You had a feeling that tonight was going to be the final straw for him though. He’d been very touchy since he got home, leaving soft kisses on your neck, brushing past you in the kitchen you so you could feel how badly he wanted you. You wanted him too but you knew if you removed the extra large sweatshirt you were wearing he’d definitely notice how much your belly had grown and question it.

You were down on your knees with him leaning back on the bed grabbing onto a fistful of your hair. You were working extra hard hoping you could get him to finish before he could even suggest doing anything else. But Yoongi had incredible control over his orgasms. Something you once loved and praised him for but was now the cause of your misfortune.

He gently tugged on your hair getting you to let go of him with a loud pop. “Y/N, you gotta stop.”, he chuckled, “I want too…no I NEED to be inside you. It’s been way too long.”

Fuck. What do you say? You used the period excuse last week so he won’t believe that. If you fake another headache he’s gonna end up forcing you to go to the hospital. You thought about giving in and keeping the sweatshirt on but Yoongi was a boob guy so you knew that wouldn’t last long. You could tell him you were insecure about gaining a little weight (not a complete lie) and don’t want him to see you but you knew that would only motivate him more so he could prove to you how much he loved you and your body.

“Y/N?”, he questioned due to your lack of response.

“I…I uh…I… I need some water.”, you squeaked before getting up as quickly as you could these days and heading towards the kitchen.

You were chugging a glass of water when Yoongi walked in with his sweats hanging low on his hips and a t-shirt in his hands.

“Y/N, I want you to be be honest with me. Are you…are you not attracted to me any more?”, he whispered.

Your eyes widened, “Of course I’m still attracted to you Yoongi. That has nothing to do with it.”

“Okay so then you’re cheating on me? If you found someone else just tell me. You don’t have to go behind my back.”

You saw red and this time it wasn’t just the pregnancy hormones. How did he have the nerve to accuse you of cheating? He was the one with women on campus constantly throwing themselves at him even with you standing right there. He was the one who had away games in other states while you were back home not knowing what he was up to. He was the one going to parties without you the last few months. He was the one that was always coming home late because he had practice or was at the studio which you never questioned even though he could’ve been with anyone doing anything. You trusted him. You’ve been torturing yourself keeping a major secret from him trying to protect him and here he is accusing you of cheating.

“You think I’m cheating on you?”, you scoffed.

“Well you’ve been getting more and more distant. You flinch anytime I touch you and we haven’t fully had sex in months. What am I supposed to think?”

“You’re supposed to think that maybe I’m going through something. Maybe I just need your love and support and you should be there for me. Not accuse me of cheating on you.”

“Y/N wait.”, he tried to stop you but you were already down the hall on your way to the bedroom. You dug through the closet until you grabbed the box you’d been hiding and stormed back into the kitchen shoving it into his chest not caring that the contents inside were probably shaken up and no longer perfectly in place.

You didn’t say anything. You just turned and walked back to the bedroom to wait. You waited hoping that Yoongi would come find you. Even if he was angry and yelling you didn’t care. You just didn’t want him to leave. And then you heard the front door open and slam shut. The sound causing you to break down into tears.

After a while with no word from him you brushed yourself off and went to the kitchen. You knew you had to eat something to keep up your energy and get some nutrients for baby girl plus there was a small part of you that thought maybe Yoongi hadn’t even opened the box. Maybe he left because he was angry over what happened earlier and there was still hope. But in the kitchen you found the box torn open. The sparkly pink tissue paper tossed around and the onesie just hung over the chair. The sonogram laying face down on the floor. You felt devastated so you grabbed some water and made a quick snack before retreating to your room.

When you woke up the next morning Yoongi was sitting at the table, he was staring at the sonogram between his fingers. At least he came back home you thought.

“I’m sorry I left. I just needed some time.”, he said when he noticed you.

“It’s okay. I’m just glad you came back.”

“Did you really think I wouldn’t?”, he asked offended.

“Well I don’t know what to think to be honest.”

He sighed with an eye roll, “Well I’m so glad that my girlfriend and the mother of my child thinks so highly of me. Is that why you didn’t tell me until now?”

“Yoongi, you barely have time for me. You’re so stressed all the time. I was scared to add more to it. You made it perfectly clear that you didn’t want kids after we found out about Namjoon. I was scared that if I told you then you’d leave and I couldn’t handle that at the time. I thought I was doing the right thing. I’m sorry okay.”

Yoongi looked at you with such disdain it made you cower. You had never seen such a glare from him.

“Where are you going?”, you said charging after him when you realized he was already half way to the bedroom. You found him in the closet stuffing some clothes into a bag.

You began sobbing, “Please don’t leave. Please Yoongi. This is exactly what I was afraid of.”

“Y/N, I’m not leaving you or this baby but I think I need some space.”

“Wh-What do you mean space? Like you’re breaking up with me?”

He shook his head, “Y/N, you hid something major from me for like seven months. I missed doctors appointments. I wasn’t able to be there the first time you heard her little heartbeat. You fell down the bleachers at my game and didn’t even tell me then. What if something happened to you or her and I wasn’t there? You took all of that from me all because you didn’t trust me enough to know that I would be there for you no matter what and that hurts a lot too.”

By this point you were inconsolable, sitting on the floor. Yoongi walked over and crouched down in front of you. Gently he used his finger to tilt your head up to look at him, “Y/N I’m not leaving you. I’m not leaving this baby. I think we just need a little time apart and then we can sit down and talk about this when we’re not so upset. I don’t want to say or do anything that I will regret.”

You sniffled, “I’m sorry Yoongi.”

“It’s okay. I know you are. I’m gonna stay at the studio for a few days. Call me if you need anything.”, he whispered before placing a kiss on your forehead. You couldn’t stand to watch him leave so you kept your eyes on the floor until you heard the front door lock shut and your tears started in full force again.

Eight Months Pregnant

It was easier than you thought it would be without Yoongi. It probably helped that he texted you throughout the day to check on you. He had food delivered every time you said you were too tired to cook, even including a delivery of chocolate ice cream when you said you were craving it.

Tonight though, his team had a basketball game. It was the first home game you weren’t sitting on the bleachers for since the two of you started dating. You thought about going but a big part of you figured he wouldn’t want you there right now since he wanted space. So instead you were sitting on Jimins couch with a package of chocolate chip cookies while you both watched the game on tv. Jimin had made sure to tell you he told you so about the whole situation but every time you almost started to cry he reminded you that you weren’t alone and he repeated what Yoongi had told you about not leaving.

The camera panned to Yoongi as he was getting ready to shoot a free throw. He looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes and maybe even a little thinner than the last time you saw him. Luckily the team they were playing sucked and his team was still winning because he was not playing up to his usual abilities as the ball didn’t even hit the rim. You felt terrible as if it was your fault.

After the game was over and they managed to squeak by with a win the camera caught Yoongi looking around the arena. You started to cry when you realized he was searching for you to get his post game kiss. He had expected you to be there and you weren’t. You cried because you had let him down again. Jimin drove you home as you sobbed the whole way there.

When you finally got in bed you saw that Yoongi had texted you,

“Are you and the baby okay? You missed the game.”

“Yeah sorry about that. I didn’t think you’d want me there so I watched it at Jimin’s instead.”

“Oh okay. I just wanted to make sure.”

You decided to leave the conversation at that and it seemed that he was content with doing the same because you didn’t hear from him again until the next evening.

Tossing your shoes aside you sighed happy to be home. You had picked up a few extra hours here and there to give yourself some more money before you went on maternity leave.

Your heightened sense of smell easily picked up the heavenly aroma of kimchi fried rice, an absolute favorite of yours and you smiled because the person that made it the best in your opinion was your boyfriend.

Sure enough there was a huge pot sitting on the stove still steaming but there was no Yoongi to be found. You started walking around the apartment and you saw his shoes, phone, and jacket so you knew he had to be there.

Checking each room you finally made it to the bedroom where you found him. Your heart shattered at the sight. He was sitting on the bed clutching some of the newborn outfits that Jimin had dropped off. You saw his shoulders shaking up and down as he cried into the fabric.

“Yoongi.”, you said after knocking so you wouldn’t startle him too much. Quickly he wiped his eyes and sniffled, “Sorry, I didn’t think you were gonna be home so soon.”

You knew the best thing to do with him was to allow himself to work through things on his own before he opened up and talked to you. So that’s what you did. You sat there and rubbed his back as he continued to break down and cry next to you.

“I’m scared Y/N. What if I’m not a good dad? I can’t even be a good boyfriend.”, he hiccuped.

“Oh Yoongi, you’re going to be a great dad. The fact that you’re even worried about it shows that.”

“I don’t know how to take care of a baby. I don’t have any money saved up. I work constantly. I’m trying to get through school.”

“Hey we’re going to get through it together. We’ll figure it out as we go but I know this baby will be loved and supported no matter what. That’s what is important.“, you whispered hoping to comfort him even a tiny bit.

He started to relax a little under your touch leaning his head onto your shoulder.

“I’m sorry I left. I was just worried that I would say something I didn’t mean…like when I accused you of cheating on me. I’m sorry.”, he said finally looking at you.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I thought I was making the best choice but I know now that it wasn’t.”, you also apologized.

He gave you a tiny nod which you knew meant he accepted it and was ready to move on.

“Yoongi give me your hand.”, you suddenly gasped making him jump.

“What?! Are you having the baby?”

“No no just give me your hand.”

He did and you took it placing his hand on your right side. You’re pretty sure your little girl was trying to break her way out of you right then and there.

“Do you feel her?”, you asked smiling at him.

His eyes were the widest you’d ever seen them.

“That’s her moving?”, he questioned still in awe.

“Ooohhh there she goes again. I think she likes hearing your voice.”

Yoongi pressed his hand a little firmer against you.

“Wow, she’s really in there.”, he chuckled with you following behind.

Yoongi kneeled down in front of you placing little kisses on your belly. Your little girl kicking away.

“Hey little one. I admit I feel kind of silly doing this right now but it feels right. I’m sorry I haven’t been around as much. I needed to get myself together so I could be the best daddy I could for you. I can’t wait for you to get here. I’m probably going to make a lot of mistakes and do things you don’t like but I promise I’m only trying to protect you and help you grow up so that one day you can be just as amazing as your mom. Now go ahead and settle down so she can eat and then get some rest. I’ll talk to you later.”

You bit your lip trying not to cry. Your daughter was already a great listener because she quickly subsided her movements giving you a little break. You ate and took a nice long shower before crawling in bed with Yoongi wrapping his arms around bringing a sense of comfort and safety that you’d missed for so long.

Nine Months Pregnant

“Alright Jimin, jump in.”, Yoongi said stepping back to give him some room. You held your breath as you watched your best friend gingerly climb into the crib to test it out. It was a suggestion by Yoongi claiming he wanted to make sure he had put it together properly but you think he just wanted an excuse to make Jimin climb in there and get some funny photos.

“Okay now hold these.”, Yoongi snorted handing over a rattle and a baby blanket. You tried to stifle a laugh when Jimin aggressively snatched the items out of Yoongi’s hands but still posed for the photo anyways.

You were sitting in the rocking chair busy going through the boxes of things putting them away and getting organized.

“Does a baby really need this many clothes?”, Yoongi asked when he finally got a good look at everything.

“Yes!”, you and Jimin exclaimed simultaneously.

“Really? So a newborn needs 35 different bows in various colors and patterns?”, he said holding them all up.

“Yes!”, you both exclaimed again completely serious. Yoongi accepted defeat with a laugh and started placing things wherever you pointed to instead.

“Heart beat sounds great. Everything looks good.”, the doctor said rolling the wand over your stomach a few more times to make sure. Yoongi stared at the screen in amazement. Since he found out, he had come to every doctors appointment even skipping practice once much to the anger of his coach.

“Now Y/N your due date is next Thursday. She could decide to come earlier. She could come later. It’s really up to her. But if you start having contractions or especially if your water breaks you should get to the hospital.”

You nodded and asked a few more questions before bidding goodbye and cleaning up. You noticed Yoongi had been unusually quiet. Normally he was asking all kind of questions, even the ones you were too embarrassed to ask. It was honestly adorable how involved he wanted to be.

“Hey you good?”, you asked as you walked back to the car.

“Yeah I uh. I guess I never thought to ask about your due date. And uh she said you were due next Thursday which is the same day as the championship game.”

“Oh…well like she said she could come early or late. We’ll see�� and even if she does come on Thursday you should go to the game.”

Frantically he shook his head, “Absolutely not. I’m not missing the birth of our daughter for a basketball game.”

“Yeah but Yoongi it’s not just any game. It’s the championship and your last time playing in it before you graduate.”

“I don’t care if it’s the NBA finals. I’m not going.”

Secretly and maybe a little selfishly you were happy to hear him say that.

“Let’s not worry about it right now. We’ll take it day by day.”, you replied instead.

He nodded before giving your hand a kiss.

“Min Yoongi has the ball, he passes to Kim Mingyu, he shoots he scores!!!! We’re only down by one point. Can they pull out the win? Time out called.”, the announcer said as everyone in the arena was on edge. You were sure it was just excitement mixed with stress and the tacos you had for lunch but you were definitely starting to get uncomfortable. A small part of you thought that maybe you should start heading towards the hospital but there was only twenty seconds left in the game and you were determined to stick it out.

The teams entered back onto the court. Yoongi scanned the crowd for you. You gave him a thumbs up ignoring the stabbing pain in your side.

“The ball is inbounded. Bang Chan has it. Sixteen seconds on the clock. He’s passes to Hwang Hyunjin. Ohhhhh Nooooooo! Stolen by Min Yoongi. He’s dribbling up the court. Defenders are surrounding him. Eight seconds left, five seconds. He pushes his way through. The shot is up AND it’s good!!!! Min Yoongi has just scored the winning basket!!!!!”, the announcer and crowd went crazy. You ignored your pain long enough to clap before doubling over.

“Jimin we need to go to the hospital.”, you hissed grabbing onto his arm.

“Oh. My. God. Okay. What was the plan? Did we have a plan? Why didn’t we make a plan?”, he panicked while bouncing up and down.

“I’m going to start heading towards the car. You go get Yoongi and tell him we need to go.”, you groaned through a contraction, also regretting not making a better plan beforehand. Slowly and steadily you made your way to the car hoping Jimin could accomplish his task.

“Hey congratulations Yoongi!”, Jimin exclaimed when he finally got to the court.

“Thanks man! Here take a photo of me with my medal.”, Yoongi said handing over his phone.

“Of course!”, Jimin gleamed snapping the photo. He checked it over, “Oh wait your eyes were closed. Let’s get another.”, which he quickly snapped.

“Where did Y/N go?”, Yoongi finally asked.

Jimin jumped in panic, “Oh that’s right. She’s in labor.”

“What?! You just left her alone?! Where is she?!”

“Walking to the ca…”, Jimin tried to say but Yoongi was already sprinting at full speed in that direction.

“She’s so perfect. I lover her so much.”, you smiled while staring down at your sleeping daughter wearing her daddy’s #1 fan outfit that Yoongi insists she wears most of the time.

“Me too. She’s growing up so fast. I can’t believe she’s already a month old.”, he whispered turning off the light.

“Yeah and I can’t believe you made us hang up that picture in her nursery.”, you chuckled pointing at the wall where a photo hung of Yoongi proudly showing off his championship medal. It stuck out compared to the pictures of puppies and kittens that surrounded it.

He shrugged, “One day she is going call me lame and then come in here to get away but then she will see that photo and be reminded of how cool her dad was in college and then she’ll come find me and apologize and then we’ll go get ice cream together and everything will be okay.”

You rolled your eyes playfully but gave him a kiss, “Yeah I really don’t think that is how it’s gonna work but it’s cute that you think way.”

[mari-lair]

I promised to share all my abandoned wips so...

Do you all remember 'lover boy, this is a dead end?'. Here is some loose ideas for when I had planned to write a second chapter.

ship: natsukane (one sided), sakuhiko, aoikane

warning: idk...? unreliable narrator?? Does not try to follow canon lore??

Does flowers still work? Would he be offended? Personally, Natsuhiko would love to get flowers but maybe Akane is a chocolate kind of guy.

…Bitter chocolate may be to his liking? He is sweet at heart but grumpy at everything else, so maybe...?

There must be one he likes, everyone likes chocolate right?

“What kind of chocolate would he like?” Natsu mumbled, usually getting clues but his favorite drink is literally water. That’s a dead end if he ever saw one.

And sure he can give him a raspberry shake but… He doesn’t want him to be happy thinking of Aoi, it needs to be something that makes Akane swoon, makes him sigh dreamily while thinking of Natsuhiko

“Nanamine-senpai doesn’t like chocolate” Mitsuba said

oh

oh no

His lady!

.

“My lady!” Natsuhiko whaled, grabbing her hand with both of his “I have betrayed you,” He could feel his vision blurry as he cried “Please forgive me!”

Sakura slapped him with no mercy “Don’t touch me.” 

So cold!

 “Yes ma’m” 

She frowned, uncomfortable by the way he was still crying and apologizing for betraying her and reassuring he still loves her very much“...What happened?”

“I fell in love with Akane-kun”

Sakura paused, her eyes barely widening, but her surprise palpable. She didn’t say anything for a moment, blinking slowly “Akane…kun?” She put a delicate finger on her lips, the peak of elegance “Your friend of the student council, wasn’t he? I was not aware you like boys.”

Natsu sniffed at her strange stare, abruptly remembering she is an old soul, wandering the near shore a hundred years ago, when it was openly frowned opun to be attracted to the same sex, so she probably hates him-

“Is… Fine” She said slowly, awkwardly placing a hand on his shoulder “You don’t owe me anything. I…I am not bothered.”

“I do still love you”

Her tense shoulders slumped, that weird look replaced by familiar exasperation “Stop.”

.

“Akane kun” He sing sang, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“What?” Akane seemed almost resigned, putting his arm off his shoulders.

(He didn’t slap his hand away this time! And it wasn’t an immediate rejection! That’s progress, in no time Akane will lean into his touch. He is sure of it!)

“I got you some water!” He smirked, giving him a bottle.

He caught it with a weird look “Why?”

“For working so hard~”

Akane accepted, more curious than anything “Do you gift drinks to everyone?”

“Only people I like”

Akane must have taken his ‘I only flirt with girls’ declaration to heart, cause he didn’t bat an eye, mumbling a casual ‘thanks’.

.

“You need to style up!”

“Aoi-chan doesn’t care about appearances.” 

“That can’t be true, everyone loves seeing effort.” Natsuhiko smiled with confidence, wrapping an arm around his shoulder, leaning some of his height on him “Come on, we already know your current outfit isn’t working.” His smile got a sharp edge at Akane’s glare, knowing he was right “It’s worth a try, A-ka-ne-kuuun~”

Akane frowned, looking at him weirdly “No” He made a disgusted face at his choker, which was very mean, Natsuhiko looks amazing in it! And proceeded to look just as displeased by everything else. “I am not wearing any of these.”

Natsuhiko’s eyes crinkled, sure his dry tone was his default at this point.

"Sure you won’t! I can’t have you stealing my thunder, Akane-kun~" He ruffled his hair, endeared by the way his nose wrinkled when he was displeased “We’ll need to find your own style, I’m sure if you go the extra mile you’ll make her heart flutter,” Akane paused, something in his words catching his attention. 

Oh? Interesting.

Natsu’s smile sharpened, whispering on his ear to make sure his words stick “Girls love surprises, you can’t catch her off guard if you don’t change it up, Akane-kun.”

Akane seemed unsure, but all the rejections must have gotten to his head, since for once, he didn’t immediately dismiss his words, thinking about it “...Aoi-chan did like it when I gave her sunflower seeds for her garden.”

“Cause you thought of her.” Natsu smiled innocently “Come on!”

"Fine,” Akane said, blushing a bit “I’ll try it, but you’ll leave me alone after”

“Fine by me!” Natsu lied.

.

He knocked on the first year’s door, happy to have so many pretty ladies surrounding him, but not in a particularly playful mood “I got my sights on a special someone today, we can play later~”

A cute girl blushed when he winked at her, but she was not his target, getting to the point “Is Akane-kun here?”

“What do you want?” Akane frowned.

“We didn’t mark a time and place for our date~” Natsuhiko hummed “Can I get your contact?”

“Call it a date again and I’ll follow my gut and never talk to you again,” Akane said with such casual brutality Natsu was inclined to believe him, but it was hard to feel bad when he was given Akane’s phone, going to the new contact page to add his number.

His lady didn’t have a phone, so the excitement of having his crush’s number felt novel.

He could feel eyes on him, it was a bit weird, so Natsuhiko did a quick look around, noticing some girls admire his handsome looks and sparing them a irresistible wink, but lingering on Aoi, who was smiling cutely at him, something about her expression was strange. 

She didn’t say anything, her smile turning even cuter when she noticed he was looking at her, putting a hand on her chin, and closing her pretty eyes.

“Stop staring at Ao-chan” Akane gave him a warning look, shoving his phone back. “I’ll meet you at the B entrance of Kagome Mall at 6 pm.”

.

Akane showed up five minutes before the agreed time with a plain black shirt, crisscross pants, and no glasses.

He looks more tired without them, still unfairly cute for a guy, but less dorky.

“Looking fresh!” Natsuhiko gave him a thumbs up, walking ahead with a small skip in his steps. “Wearing contacts today?”

“I only need glasses in school.”

Ah, they must be reading glasses. 

“You study so much, don’t go blind Akane-kun”

Akane hummed, not really listening “So, what’s the plan?”

So cold, always going straight to the point.

“What does your lady like? Give me something to work with.”

“Flowers. Flowy dresses. Baggy shirts. Bugs” Oh, he did not take Aoi for a bug girl “Cats. Dogs. Short shorts…” Akane sweated “But I don’t know what she is attracted to, when she calls someone handsome or cute she doesn’t elaborate what about it.”

“That’s tough” Natsuhiko gave him a sympathetic smile, patting his shoulder and resisting the urge to try to get him on frilly clothes.“But no worries, Natsuhiko senpai is here to solve your problems! I know all the good stores, just follow me.”

Akane seemed skeptical but did as asked, letting Natsuhiko ramble “Some things just look good, we need to find something made for you.no matter her preferences, it will make Aoi-chan unable to get off her head.”

“Right.” Akane said slowly, seemingly mixed between hopeful and regretting all the decisions that lead him here. 

.

“You can try something cute” Natsuhiko suggested, feeling like icarus as he tested his luck. It would be cute, very cute if he wore those adorable sweaters “If you know she likes it, is worth a shot..”

“She likes it on herself.” Akane shut him down, “If she wanted me in it she would have shared her ribbons when we were kids.”

“Maybe she is shy, I think you would look good.” Natsu defended, but at his unimpressed glare, he awkwardly put the cute sweater back on its shelf, inwardly mourning the loss, but understanding that if he can’t use Aoi’s taste as an excuse, Akane is never going to wear it.

.

Surprisingly, he managed to make Akane try out a few sweaters that made him adorable, just unfairly cuddly. Even sneaked a leather jacket that brought out his sharp edges, handsome in a way that made Natsuhiko feel gayer than he have ever felt in his life.

(He will now stop think about Akane riding a motorbike into the sunset and hugging him from the back, no matter how nice the mental image seems)

As he rated the clothes, offering comments that must be making Akane swoon on the inside, he even found Akane smiling playfully at him. He could not get Akane to wear cute short shorts, in fact, he got a stare that could freeze hell at the idea, but he got him to wear a cat hoodie.

‘Be still my foolish heart’ He thought when Akane let him throw his arm around his shoulder, already used to his clingyness.

Natsuhiko blushed brightly, having never gotten this from his lady.

If you think about it, this was a shopping date, right?

“Oi” Akane seemed exasperated, shoving him off “don't just lean on me, do you want me to fall, Hyuuga-senpai?”

.

"Why the change?" Aoi asked, truly not looking impressed, if anything, there was a slight edge to her cute smile

Akane blushed all the way to his ears, it was adorable "I want to look good for you" He smiled so sweetly, adjusting the scarf "Do you like it?"

"Thats nice!" She seemed to relax, though it was hard to say if she was pleased "I like green <3" 

She stared at him for a moment, her voice still soft and healing but not cherry. It felt oddly nicer  "You look better with blue.”

“I’ll change!” Akane said right away.

Ah…

Shame.

(Natsuhiko likes his jacket better)

.

Aoi stared at him, tensing up at the way he practically trapped Akane in the wall.

“I told you to greet me like a normal person” Akane said, already used to his attitude, the way he didn’t even push him away anymore when he trapped him in a kabedom making his heart skip a beat.

‘You already won, why are you so insecure?’ Natsuhiko thought, not sure how Aoi was able to sink her nails so deep into Akane, possessive like a crazy ex from the teen dramas he watch, while putting such a big distance between them.

.

“He is No.1” Sakura said.

“He is certainly a charmer but I can’t put him above you, my lady,” Natsuhiko said with a troubled expression “But saying he is number two does not feel right either…” He clenched his chest “Let’s just stick with the No.1 boy-”

“School Mystery” Sakura sighed “He is the keeper of the present”

oh

“But he can’t see the runt” 

“His glasses are enchanted, I’m assuming is the oldest Minamoto’s doing.”

oh

His lady is so smart.

[jaymber]

Second Conflict

Timeline 20151 - Protagonist : V Temarii

[ First | Previous | Next ]

V managed to pull Nancy out of the Maelstrom nest without much issue. If Johnny was delighted to see her again, V kept quiet. He felt still resentful at the way he had been treated before going to Kerry's mansion. A weird bitter knot was building in his stomach. He had been Johnny's only friend and confident for weeks now, suffering or enjoying the engram's company. Suddenly, old friends were showing up left and right, putting Johnny in a better mood than V ever could. It pissed him off, even more so when Johnny seemed completely clueless to the way he felt.

"Shame Henry blew it," the dead rockerboy kept rambling, "But man, this is preem. Samurai: back for one night, and one night only! Can't remember the last time I felt that excited. Eh, think I do, actually. 2007. One hell of a gig, and an even better afterparty, if you know what I mean." "Johnny, c'mon." "Man, you really are getting jealous," he teased, reappearing before his host, "You're lucky I find it cute. You're like a desperate little groupie. I missed this. Hey, V, wanna feel the real Samurai experience? I have the perfect idea on how to unwind until Nance-"

"I'm good, Johnny," V grumbled as he pushed him away, "Lil' groupie's done for the day."

V laid down in bed in silence after lighting a cigarette. It softened his mood a little, but Johnny didn't take kindly to being ignored.

"Fuck, what got your panties in a twist this time?" he mocked, "Gave me the green light on this idea, want to back off now? Or is this about Kerry? Mad I'm having fun with someone that isn't you, or disappointed I won't give him the Rogue treatment? Huh? Ignoring me, now? Fuck, V, we really back to that?" He simply wouldn't shut up, and V snapped.

"You're a fucking asshole, know that?" he yelled, "Still only fucking care about yourself. Rogue lead you on, and that sucks, but why you gotta make it my fault?" "V, what-" "You acted like I wasn't ever there! I tried talking to you, but you just ignored me! Closest friend? My ass! Only had Kerry on your mind!" "That has nothing to do with Rogue. Sreamsheets said-"

"What fucking screamsheets?" "Right, you weren't there." "Mean when you betrayed my trust?! So why did you wait to get into Rogue's panties first, if checking on your best friend was so important?! That's just another fucking excuse! You just wanted a distraction, and apparently, I wasn't enough." His voice suddenly broke as he swallowed back treacherous tears. He tried to hide his next words, but their minds was one, and they echoed in the tensed silence of the room. I'm nothing compared to them, am I? You're gonna leave me behind now that they're back in your life. "We both know that's not something I can do, V," Johnny said, and, feeling the wave of worry from his host, added, "And I wouldn't. Even if I could."

"Bullshit." "V, it's just old habits. Went to Rogue when I fucked up with Alt, went to Kerry when I fucked up with Rogue. Not used to putting you into that equation just yet. Was in my own head - forgot you were here." "But, I called you. Reach out for you." "Gonna have to listen harder, I guess. And you need to speak louder," he added, "Still need some getting used to - our situation. Usually, I’d just fuck off. Find a quiet place. Cenzon in one hand, Black Lace in the other. Get skizzed out of my mind, and find some easy groupie to bring home.” “Lucky for you: easy groupie's right here.” “You? With your constant whining and ball-busting? You make me work hard to get to you, V.” “And I should apologize for that?” he retorted, still feeling hurt.

“Nah. Thing is: I can’t do that anymore. Can’t wallow on my own. That, I’m still getting used to.” “Do you miss it? That method of yours?” “Why? Up to give me the reins once more?” he hoped. “Nah, but you got the company already. I can provide the buzz. Interested?” he proposed, clinging to the idea he could cheer Johnny up despite his doubts. He needed to feel useful. “See, V?" Johnny said, too distracted by his promise to worry about the knot in their stomach, "Thinking like a real rockerboy.”

[oldiesstationlover11607]

Desert Echoes - Dad!Party Poison x Daughter!OC

Relationship: Dad!Party Poison x Daughter!OC (My OC's name is Pop Vinyl)

Warnings: death, violence, drug references, sexual references, language

Word Count: 3598 - I know! It's a lot 😭

Summary: Party Poison's 17 year old daughter finally finds out the truth about her mother and how the Killjoys left Battery City.

“Kobra, can you come help me with this?” I shout from the front of the diner. Kobra’s always the best when it comes to my art projects, spray paint and stencils are kind of his thing. He’s been helping me with my current project for months now and it’s finally nearly done. It is weird working with paint in the desert though, everything dries so quickly that you have to know what you’re doing so you don’t mess it up. We’ve lived here for as long as I can remember but none of the guys really talk about the past anyways. 

“Yeah, coming,” his bright mop of blonde hair peeks out through a window. It’s getting hot out here, nearly midday and temperatures out in the zones peak at around 35/40 degrees. Jet Star is hanging out under the trans am, working on the engine for what feels like the hundredth time this week and Ghoul is just sitting on the concrete band that surrounds the diner. 

“Are you hanging out with some of your friends when Party gets back?” Ghoul asks just as Kobra walks by. 

“Yep, that’s what we planned,” I smile down at him and hand Kobra the paint can. 

“I still can’t believe that Poison is your dad. I mean, we all know it’s true and shit but it’s weird,” Ghoul grabs a pair of sunglasses out of his pocket and puts them on and Jet walks over, nodding in agreement. 

“It’s not that weird is it? He doesn’t really even feel like my dad, more like an older brother,” I look over at Kobra who looks sympathetic. What for? I don’t know. 

“We were so young when it happened and he’s been our friend forever so it’s weird thinking he’s got a 17 year old kid when he’s only 36. Don’t get me wrong Vinyl, we love you, it just feels surreal,” Kobra pulls me into his side for an awkward hug. I didn’t really ever think about the fact that Dad was only 19 when I was born, fresh out of Battery City. That must’ve been hard for him and Kobra. 

“What about my mom?” I ask sitting down next to Ghoul. Dad never really spoke about my mother. It just was never a topic we spoke about. We talked about boys, girls, animals, Battery City and the zones, but the only two topics that were never mentioned were who he was before he left the city and my mom. That didn’t stop me from being curious though. Ghoul just stays silent and looks at Jet who shakes his head.“What?” Kobra looks down at the ground and lets out a loud sigh. “She-uh…we… I think you should ask your father about that. We… never really got to know her like he did,” Jet starts. They never call Party my ‘father’, it's always ‘Party’ or ‘Poison’ or some other stupid name they use for him, but never ‘your father’. 

“He never wants to talk about her guys. Even if I did ask him he’d ignore me like he always does,” I complain, “If he was with someone long enough to have a fucking kid then I’m sure she can’t be that bad.” As if on cue, as soon as I open my mouth Party Poison himself walks around the front of the diner back from his rounds. Immediately, Ghoul sits up, a concerned look plastered on his face. 

Party just stands there for a minute, looking down at me and then up at Kobra. 

“You’re talking about her aren’t you?” he mutters. I just stare up at him, worried that I’ve done the worst thing possible. He’s either going to yell at me or break down crying. I move closer to Ghoul who looks up at Party, well aware that I’m about to burst into tears myself. He wraps his arm around my shoulders, giving me a look that says, ‘it’s going to be okay’. Everyone stays quiet, building up a tension that you could easily cut with a knife. “Your mother.” I look up at him and he looks more vulnerable than I have ever seen him in my life. 

“Party we need to talk before you do or say anything you’ll regret,” Jet Star grabs his wrist and pulls him into the diner before he has a chance to say anything else to anyone. 

“Do you think he’ll say anything?” Kobra asks Ghoul who is still looking at me. 

“I-I don’t know,” he sighs. Well that’s a first. Ghoul always knows everything. I hate being the only one that doesn’t know, the others have always told me everything. That was part of being a fabulous killjoy, we always shared, even with baby killjoys new to the zones. Dad always wanted me to make friends my age so we always made sure to help babyjoys out but it’s not like there’s many out here and it’s different growing up out here than in the city. My dad and Ghoul are my best friends and it’s awful not knowing their secrets. Dad always relies on Kobra and Ghoul to talk to and even when my dad doesn’t know what’s going on with me, Ghoul or Kobra do. 

“Can you prepare me for the worst case scenario please? I feel like I’m about to be told I’m gonna be killed,” I turn to Kobra who nods reluctantly. 

“Where to start?” he mumbles, clearly going over a long set of events in his head. 

“We’re going to start with the Venom Brothers and we’re going to end with her mom and I,” Party appears behind me, causing me to jump. “Do you guys want to stay or…?” he asks. Jet is back working on the trans am but he flashes me a gentle smile. I trust him, he’s definitely prepared Party to have this conversation.

“We’ll stay,” Kobra sits down next to Party, “someone’s gotta support the two of you and it’s gonna take more than one person,” Ghoul laughs. 

“Okay. Vinyl, I know it’s been hard for us to talk about the past and everything before we ended up where we are, but, I-um… god this is hard,” he laughs, running a hand through his bright red hair. “I just don’t want to lose you V. You’re my everything and I just don’t want you to hate me.” He really thinks I’m going to hate him? He’s given me everything I have, he’s the reason I’m alive. Especially somewhere like the zones, where it’s nearly impossible to survive by yourself, not to mention as a baby. 

“She’s not going to hate you, Party. You haven’t done anything wrong,” Kobra says and I just stare at him quietly.

“The uh… the venom brothers?” I mumble, wrapping my arm around Ghoul’s.

“It’s a long story, babe, trust me,” he laughs, looking down at me affectionately. 

“The venom brothers are the best way to start this story,” Party starts. “This was maybe 20 years ago, back when Kobra and I were your age living in the city. Before the analog wars but after they set up all the surveillance stuff. Kobra and I went to one of the newer schools in the city but we had to take this monorail thing to get there. We used to cause all this trouble and uh, everyone would get annoyed at us because of it.”

“By trouble he means they would throw paint bombs into the different carriages and graffiti every blank surface,” Ghoul interrupts. 

“Sure,” Dad laughs, “Anyway, Better Living were just starting to create a police force and they sent out all this stuff about the venom and poison running in the streets. So people just started calling us the venom brothers.” 

Ghoul coughs interrupting Party and gaining everyone’s attention.

“Excuse me, but I’m pretty sure I came up with the nickname. I went to high school with them and they spent most of their time cheating on homework, selling drugs for spare cash and Mikey here basically fucked-”

“Shut up Ghoul! We’re not talking about that right now!” Kobra shouts shoving Ghoul.

“Wait, your actual name is Mikey?” I ask, never fully thinking that Kobra wasn’t actually Kobra. 

“Yeah, that's what they called me back then,” he nods, “everyone called Ghoul Frank, like his Frankenstien mask. I still remember when he found it out here, he got so excited.” I turn to look at Ghoul, looking at him like I never have before. Frank. He doesn’t feel like Frank to me but I can see it. The name feels old and tattered, not as cool as Fun Ghoul. 

“Frank. That's kind of funny,” I laugh but Ghoul shoots me an annoyed look. Dad continues the story.

“We weren’t the smartest back then, whether we sold drugs at school-”

“Or Kobra fucked half the school.” Kobra shoots Ghoul another look that screams ‘shut the fuck up’.

“But we did build up quite a reputation. Ghoul quickly became one of our closest friends and then he dragged Jet Star–Ray back then, into our group. The city started to introduce things like curfews, medication and those fucking headphones into the regime and obviously we didn’t like that,” Kobra continues. 

“We found this little skate park place under an old bridge that we would hang out at everyday after school. One day, your dad brought someone new to the park.” Mom? It has to be her. Surely. 

“A girl that I’d met and started talking to on the monorail. She was the daughter of a famous politician but after talking to her for about an hour it was clear she didn’t agree with his beliefs. Anyways, I took her back to meet everyone and they got on really well so she just started tagging along,” Party stares at the ground, almost refusing to acknowledge that I’m sitting in front of him. A dramatic change in his demeanor.

“I liked her. Lindsey was funny, smart and beautiful. Party liked to think he chose her but in reality she chose him, you look so much like her you know,” Ghoul comments but Dad winces at the mention of her name. Lindsey. My mom’s name was Lindsey. I don’t even know what she looks like but she already sounds like the most loving, kind and perfect person to ever exist. 

“We all liked her, Frank,” Dad snaps. “Can we not say her name for god’s sake?” 

I’m worried about him. I really am. He looks paler and angrier than I’ve ever seen him. 

“Anyways, your dad ended up falling head over heels for Lind-the girl and they started spending all their time together. He convinced us to get off of the BLI meds which helped everything obviously and we eventually decided we wanted to get out of the city. But Poison over here had to fuck up and she ended up pregnant so plans were made around the birth and getting out as soon as possible. Jet ended up finding a contact from around here to help us get out but we knew we couldn’t take a baby,” Ghoul explains. They were going to leave me? My own parents were going to ditch me back in the city for their own freedom. Oh god. They, Dad, Party, were going to get rid of me. Leave me back in a city where the very basic freedoms we have are stripped from us.

“And what was the solution to the baby problem?” I ask looking right at my Dad. I’m not sure if it’s the lighting but he looks like he’s about to start crying.

“We’ll get to that,” he responds quietly. “We waited as long as we could and you were born at Jet’s flat with the help of a med droid we fixed up named Blue. We ended up moving pretty quickly after that, bags packed and blasters ready we left the second we made sure your mom was okay. I told Ghoul and Jet to get your mother ready and get straight to the border and meet me there while I dealt with you,” he stops to a deep breath and sighs loudly. 

“And? What the fuck were you going to do to me Party?” I never call him that to his face. Ever. Of course he thinks I’m going to hate him. “Were you going to fucking blast me? You were 19 for god’s sake. I’m fucking 17 and I know full well you don’t murder an inocent child for your own gain,” I feel wet tears stream down my face blurring the image of my dad and uncle looking incredibly guilty. 

“He wasn’t going to kill you, Vinyl. I can’t believe you think he’d do that. The plan was to leave you at his parent’s place with a note. He’s not that awful,” Ghoul stands up for his friend, almost shocking me. 

“It’s not like I didn’t think about it, Ghoul. She was so small and it would’ve been easier to just-” he starts to break down. 

“But you didn’t,” Kobra mutters, “you didn’t touch her at all. You didn’t even stop by Mom and Dad's, you put her in your coat and carried her all the way to the border.” He’s right. He didn’t give up on me, even if it meant that we might both have died. 

“So we met back up with the others and I-uh, I didn’t tell them that I kept you. I just thought I’d tell them once we were in the zones and safe. The only problem was that I didn’t anticipate your mother’s reaction. She knew we were leaving you behind but I didn’t think she would be so upset,” Dad starts crying, his head in his hands and voice cracking. “We were so fucking close Vinyl. We were about 5 minutes from freedom when she had a change of heart. She freaked. I couldn’t say anything because we were being chased by dracs,” he coughs, “she um-” Party looks up at Ghoul. “Frank, I can't. I can’t say it. I can’t tell her what happened. I can barely speak.” Ghoul just nods, picking up where Dad stopped. 

“She went crazy. Screaming about how she never should’ve left you or the city. I think it was the withdrawals from the meds but we’ll never know. Your mom ran back towards the city, towards the dracs and they… she was ghosted.” 

I bring my hand over to cover my mouth. Oh god. She’s dead. My mom is dead and it’s his fault, it’s Poison’s fucking fault for not telling her. For 17 years he just failed to mention that she was dead and it was his fault. She’s dead and he killed her.

“I know it’s my fault Vinyl. I’ve lived with it my entire life. Nothing you say or do is going to bring her back. Trust me, I’ve tried. Your mother was the best thing to ever happen to me. She blessed me with you and for a short time she made my life liveable. I understand if you hate me, but I didn’t tell you because it hurts, V. It hurts so much,” he moves over to embrace me but I move away, still in shock. I stare blankly at Kobra who looks concerned for his brother, comforting him. Ghoul grabs onto my hand and pulls me in close. 

“It’s not his fault Vinyl. Your mother made a choice for herself and nothing he could’ve done would’ve changed the outcome. As much as he blames himself and as much as I tried to blame him, it’s not his fault. You know he loves you babe, he really does.” I look over at my mess of a father, he looks tired, exhausted and drained. 

“I don’t hate you Dad. I just… it’s sad. I never got to know my own mother and I don’t even know what she looked like or sounded like,” I sigh. He lifts his head, clearly trying to be a good father but honestly, he’s got no idea what he’s doing and I can tell. 

“I know Vinyl, I’m well aware of that. If there’s any questions you have about your mom I can try my best to answer them.”

“Did um… Did you guys name me before you left or was I always just Pop Vinyl?” Ghoul starts laughing hysterically and so does Kobra. 

“That’s your first question?” Kobra snickers and I nod. 

“Everyone else has a cool original name and I’m just stuck with fucking ‘Pop Vinyl’. I’m fucking named after a music record.”

“Well… we clearly didn’t have much time but she wanted your last name to be Venom so when Ghoul, Jet, Mikey and I properly named you we had your initial be a V. She liked the letter P a lot as well and she would carry around this list of names everywhere. She loved the name Penny, which was a family name. So it would’ve been Penny Venom but when we moved out here it became Pop Vinyl,” Party responds calmly. Penny. It has a ring to it. Mature sounding that’s for sure. 

“I like it. Penny Venom. Penny. Venom. Venom. It sounds dangerous. We could’ve kept it that way. Poison Venom would’ve been a cooler name not gonna lie. Just saying,” I smile and Ghoul just cracks up in laughter. 

“Oh fuck off. I liked it back then and I like it just the same now Frank Anthony Iero Jr. ,” Dad flips him off, “I think we did a pretty good job naming you Vinyl, especially given that Jet was only 20, I was 19 and Ghoul over here was 17.”

“Wait, what was your birth name? Obviously Kobra’s is Mikey but what about you?” I try to think of all the names I can remember but nothing suits him. 

“Gerard Arthur Way, was born in what was New Jersey and what now doesn’t exist,” Jet Star wonders over. 

“Gerard? Oh god that sounds so weird. Geeraard. Gerrarrd. Mikey and Gerard Way,” I over pronounce the words in my mouth, “there’s no way your name was Gerard. That’s-what the fuck kind of a name is that anyways? It’s not cool like Mikey or Frank or Ray at all. Like at least Ghoul could have cool nicknames and shit.” Ghoul’s too busy laughing his head off on the ground to pay attention to what I’m saying.

“They used to call him Gee,” Jet comments and I smile up at him. 

“Anything else?” Party asks and I nod. I’ve got so many questions.

“I’m not going to get into Kobra’s weird sex life but I am curious as to why you had a kid at 19. Like why?” I’m testing the waters here, he might refuse to talk about her at all. Jet sits down next to me so I’m now in between him and Ghoul.

“Other than wanting to get his dick wet?” Ghoul laughs and I shove him. 

“Seriously Ghoul, you forget that she’s actually my daughter and not a friend like you are,” Party fires a look at him. “We were in love V, shit happens when you’re in love. In this case it wasn’t a mistake and I’m sure your mother would feel the same way.” Good answer Dad. Best answer yet. 

Kobra looks at me and then at Poison before opening his mouth. 

“We do love you V. And I know that Lindsey would be so proud of you if she could see you today. You’re a strong person that is full of energy and color, everything she wanted to be. I’m sorry we didn’t tell you things sooner, it was just really hard for us. We knew her for three-four years and to lose her and then have a newborn baby out in the zones was just hard for us.”

I just nod in agreement. I can’t believe that Party was only 19 when this happened. Not to mention Ghoul being only 17. 

“I love you guys too. I never really thought that things were that crazy when it came to getting out of the city. I’m sorry I didn’t respect that,” Kobra nods and Ghoul pulls me in for another hug before getting up and leaving Party and I alone. 

“Dad?” I ask. He just sits there quietly still wiping the tears from his eyes. 

“Yeah V?” I can’t help but feel like I’ve completely destroyed our relationship.

“I’m proud of you. And I’m sure Mom is too,” I smile looking at him. I can’t help but see him in a different light now, as somewhat broken. “I know you’re hurting, even if it was seventeen years ago. But it’s okay. You’ve got me and Jet and Kobra and even though he’s annoying we’ve got Ghoul.”

Party scooches closer so he’s sitting right in front of me. He takes my hands and intertwines our fingers. 

“Sounds great dad,” I smile.

//

Feedback is appreciated! Please request on my page! 😁

[female-malice]

Why disinformation experts say the Israel-Hamas war is a nightmare to investigate

A combination of irresponsibility on the part of social media platforms and the emergence of AI tech makes the job of policing fake news harder than ever.

BY CHRIS STOKEL-WALKER

The Israel-Hamas conflict has been a minefield of confusing counter-arguments and controversies—and an information environment that experts investigating mis- and disinformation say is among the worst they’ve ever experienced.

In the time since Hamas launched its terror attack against Israel last month—and Israel has responded with a weekslong counterattack—social media has been full of comments, pictures, and video from both sides of the conflict putting forward their case. But alongside real images of the battles going on in the region, plenty of disinformation has been sown by bad actors.

“What is new this time, especially with Twitter, is the clutter of information that the platform has created, or has given a space for people to create, with the way verification is handled,” says Pooja Chaudhuri, a researcher and trainer at Bellingcat, which has been working to verify or debunk claims from both the Israeli and Palestinian sides of the conflict, from confirming that Israel Defense Forces struck the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza to debunking the idea that the IDF has blown up some of Gaza’s most sacred sites.

Bellingcat has found plenty of claims and counterclaims to investigate, but convincing people of the truth has proven more difficult than in previous situations because of the firmly entrenched views on either side, says Chaudhuri’s colleague Eliot Higgins, the site’s founder.

“People are thinking in terms of, ‘Whose side are you on?’ rather than ‘What’s real,’” Higgins says. “And if you’re saying something that doesn’t agree with my side, then it has to mean you’re on the other side. That makes it very difficult to be involved in the discourse around this stuff, because it’s so divided.”

For Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), there have only been two moments prior to this that have proved as difficult for his organization to monitor and track: One was the disinformation-fueled 2020 U.S. presidential election, and the other was the hotly contested space around the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I can’t remember a comparable time. You’ve got this completely chaotic information ecosystem,” Ahmed says, adding that in the weeks since Hamas’s October 7 terror attack social media has become the opposite of a “useful or healthy environment to be in”—in stark contrast to what it used to be, which was a source of reputable, timely information about global events as they happened.

The CCDH has focused its attention on X (formerly Twitter), in particular, and is currently involved in a lawsuit with the social media company, but Ahmed says the problem runs much deeper.

“It’s fundamental at this point,” he says. “It’s not a failure of any one platform or individual. It’s a failure of legislators and regulators, particularly in the United States, to get to grips with this.” (An X spokesperson has previously disputed the CCDH’s findings to Fast Company, taking issue with the organization’s research methodology. “According to what we know, the CCDH will claim that posts are not ‘actioned’ unless the accounts posting them are suspended,” the spokesperson said. “The majority of actions that X takes are on individual posts, for example by restricting the reach of a post.”)

Ahmed contends that inertia among regulators has allowed antisemitic conspiracy theories to fester online to the extent that many people believe and buy into those concepts. Further, he says it has prevented organizations like the CCDH from properly analyzing the spread of disinformation and those beliefs on social media platforms. “As a result of the chaos created by the American legislative system, we have no transparency legislation. Doing research on these platforms right now is near impossible,” he says.

It doesn’t help when social media companies are throttling access to their application programming interfaces, through which many organizations like the CCDH do research. “We can’t tell if there’s more Islamophobia than antisemitism or vice versa,” he admits. “But my gut tells me this is a moment in which we are seeing a radical increase in mobilization against Jewish people.”

Right at the time when the most insight is needed into how platforms are managing the torrent of dis- and misinformation flooding their apps, there’s the least possible transparency.

The issue isn’t limited to private organizations. Governments are also struggling to get a handle on how disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, and conspiracy theories are spreading on social media. Some have reached out to the CCDH to try and get clarity.

“In the last few days and weeks, I’ve briefed governments all around the world,” says Ahmed, who declines to name those governments—though Fast Company understands that they may include the U.K. and European Union representatives. Advertisers, too, have been calling on the CCDH to get information about which platforms are safest for them to advertise on.

Deeply divided viewpoints are exacerbated not only by platforms tamping down on their transparency but also by technological advances that make it easier than ever to produce convincing content that can be passed off as authentic. “The use of AI images has been used to show support,” Chaudhuri says. This isn’t necessarily a problem for trained open-source investigators like those working for Bellingcat, but it is for rank-and-file users who can be hoodwinked into believing generative-AI-created content is real.

And even if those AI-generated images don’t sway minds, they can offer another weapon in the armory of those supporting one side or the other—a slur, similar to the use of “fake news” to describe factual claims that don’t chime with your beliefs, that can be deployed to discredit legitimate images or video of events.

“What is most interesting is anything that you don’t agree with, you can just say that it’s AI and try to discredit information that may also be genuine,” Choudhury says, pointing to users who have claimed an image of a dead baby shared by Israel’s account on X was AI—when in fact it was real—as an example of weaponizing claims of AI tampering. “The use of AI in this case,” she says, “has been quite problematic.”

[rosetheex-editor]

(OOC WARNING: THE TRANSCRIPT CONTAINS DESCRIPTIONS OF BLOOD, VIOLENCE, DROWNING, AND HEAVY GORE. PLEASE READ BELOW THE CUT AT YOUR OWN RISK.]

[Video transcript start.]

[The transcript begins with someone holding the phone, they are seemingly in the backseat of a vehicle as it drives down a road. The song “Barbie girl” can be heard over the car radio, seemingly everyone is enjoying it.]

?: I didn't even know that song was still played on the radio.

[Voice identified: Ness Kylie Hoffson.]

?: Never gets old, though!

[Voice Identified: William Keane.]

Ne: Fair enough, though I really should ask one more time… Where the fuck are we driving to?

?: Abandoned fuckin’... aquarium or something? Right Cass?

[Voice identified: Becky.]

[The man mentioned, Cassius, is singing along to the song with a few others, he gives Becky a thumbs up, his other hand is out of the car. There are no hands on the steering wheel.]

W: DRIVE.

Ne: THERE IS STILL SOMEONE IN THIS CAR THAT WILL ACTUALLY DIE DIE FROM THAT!

[Cassius places one hand back on the steering wheel, but that doesn’t seem to improve the driving quality. In fact, it may have made it worse.]

Ne: Why do we keep letting him drive, no offense I know he's the boss and all… But if he crashes, Showfall can bring all of y'all back in the event of death… Not me.

Be: We let him drive because all of us have crashed before. He’s got a perfect fuckin’ record somehow.

C: I only crash on purpose! And I won’t be doing that with you in the car.

Ne: Thanks… I think.

W: That's a good thing, don't worry. Plus, I can't drive.

Ne: Yeah uh, me and tones are going to be tough… I definitely didn't only get 5 hours of sleep.

?: ‘s fine. I got… 10 minutes?

[Voice identified: Adelia.]

?: Adelia! That’s unhealthy!

[Voice identified: Ophelia.]

Ad: Girl, I saw you eating a giant bag full of marshmallows the other night, you can’t say shit.

O: That’s fair.

Ne: [Muttering.] I mean I ate a whole thing of ice cream the other night. Marshmallows are better in the grand scheme of things.

O: We all know the details, right?

W: Uh. Do we?

Ne: Uh… Did you guys tell me? I might have forgotten, honestly…

O: Oh, shit. Whoops. Alright. So! This group of conspiracy theorists have been… an issue before. But they’ve never gotten close to the truth like this before. There’s ten in total. We need to make sure nothing they’ve found out gets out. If even one word gets out to the public, we’d be in deep shit.

Ne: So uh, why do y'all need me?

?: Same reason we needed you last time. You’re a pretty valuable asset.

[Voice identified: Irene.]

Ne: I fucked shit up last time… Kinda a bad example don't you think?

O: I’ve fucked up jobs WAYYYY worse than that. You’re fine.

C: Like that one time in the 50s?

O: NO NO NO SHUT UP, DON’T BRING THAT UP. IT’S EMBARRASSING.

Ne: WAIT, HOLD ON… Is this like a… Murder job?

Be: Likely, yeah. Is that going to be a problem?

Ne: I've uh… Besides that one time never murdered anyone or watched someone be murdered in person.

C: Didn’t you watch a man get a crowbar jammed into his head?

Ne: Oh yeah… Forgot about that.

Ir: We need to invest in crowbars, those things look like they work super well!

Ne: Yeah um… Anyway, why exactly do you need me? How do I fit in?

Be: An honorary member is still kinda a member, also, Ophelia likes having you around.

O: That’s true!

Ne: Oh… Um, well I like hanging out with you guys so uh. Fair enough!

[Ness laughs, very obviously tired.]

C: Ness, have you ever been to an aquarium?

Ne: Maybe once when I was little, even then I don't know.

C: Nice, I remember bringing Naomi to one when she was like, 15. I think it might’ve even been this one. It got shut down for animal mistreatment a while back. And I definitely had nothing to do with them getting reported for it.

W: That's brilliant, dude!

C: Thanks. I… hm. I keep forgetting how out of the way that place is.

W: Are they, like, cool places to go to?

C: Depends, if you think abandoned buildings are cool, then yeah.

W: I did mean aquariums, but abandoned places are pretty cool!

C: Ah, shit. Yeah, aquariums are neat. If they treat the animals correctly.

Ne: I enjoy abandoned buildings… Probably helped that I lived in one for a few weeks when I first got here.

W: That definitely would I think.

Ne: Ugh, I really should have gotten more sleep…

[Ness yawns, shaking the camera.]

Ad: Aw, fuck. Now I need to yawn. When we get back, I’m taking a nap.

Ne: Speaking of sleep, I know Rose has been getting some… But Will, has Sparrow been sleeping or?

W: I..think. After the last few nights, not so much.

C: Hm. You should try setting a curfew or something.

Ne: Seeing as Peony is now in Rose's computer last I checked, that would probably fail.

C: They’re a child. They need the rest.

W: We've been trying, but if they don't listen it's kind of hard! We were teaching Peony how to play uno though!

O: Aww! I love uno! We can’t play it anymore, though.

C: Sorry.

Ne: Wha-

W: Ended in murder?

C: Look, it’s not my fault that Alexander decided to stack every +4 he had against me! I don’t even know why or how he had all of those. It was ridiculous.

Ne: Yeah uh… Fucking hell.

Ad: It was funny, though.

Ne: Yeah I bet… Still wild to hear though.

C: We’re close, by the way. Hold on to something, gotta make a few turns, and I’m going 125.

Ne: If I crash into someone again I'm not being held accountable.

O: Eden was the only one upset about that, and she’s not here, you should b–

[Ophelia is cut off by tires screeching, as the car takes a very sharp turn, jostling everyone around, the only thing heard is shouting for a few seconds. Along with laughter, likely from Cassius.]

Ne: JESUS FUCK-

W: SHIT-

Ad: CASS WHAT THE FUCK–

C: I warned you!

Ne: NOT ABOUT THE SHARP-

[Ness cuts herself off with a hiss of pain, her arms seen in frame grabbing at her head.]

C: Ooh, my bad.

W: Shit, you okay?

Ne: I hit my head on the door, owie.

Ir: Ah, that looks like it smarts. Yikes.

Ne: Yes, but fuck it we ball anyway.

[The car stops abruptly, Cassius turns in his seat.]

C: We’re here.

Ne: I'm not gonna need a disguise or anything am I?

W: if all goes well? Nah, you should be fine!

[Cassius opens the door and hops out, the rest of the PR team follows suit.]

[Ness stumbles out of the car, falling on the ground with the camera going dark before being put in one of her jacket pockets refocusing.]

W: Oh fuck! You ok?

Ne: I'll live. ‘Tis but a flesh wound.

[Ness removes a glove in front of the camera revealing she somehow scraped up her right hand through the glove.]

Ne: Literally.

W: Give me your hand for a sec?

Ne: My hand isn't Adam, I can't take it off when I want.

W: I did mean the figure of speech but that is true. May I see your hand then?

[Ness shows her scraped up hand to Will, holding it out.]

[William comes into frame, its face obscured. He pulls out antibacterial wipes from his pockets, and gently cleans the scrape before placing a plaster on it.]

W: There, done!

Ne: Thanks… So uh, what's the plan boss?

C: While you two were doing that, we sent Adelia and Becky in, they’re going to scope it out and report back.

Ne: Oh, fair enough. Am I going to have to kill anyone?

O: Only if you want to.

Ne: Cool. Um… So can I ask a question?

O: Sure! Shoot!

Ne: How uh, how does Showfall view me helping PR?

O: Um.

[Ophelia looks away.]

W: They. Don't know. I don't think.

Ne: Oh, probably a good thing right? I'd imagine I'd kinda be just a little screwed if they found out.

O: Er, yeah. A little.

Ne: Hm… Anyway, how have y'all been?

W: Shit, honestly.

O: I’ve been fine, and I can understand why you’d be not… doing well.

Ne: Hm… Well, I hope you get to feeling better, Will.

O: The rest of PR has been doing… okay? I think? Nicholas has been annoying the fuck out of everyone by being loud, but that’s about it.

Ir: Yeah, I’ve been good, Cass?

[No response.]

W:..Cass?

[Cassius says nothing, staring at his watch with a concerned expression.]

W: What's wrong?

C: Text from Becky. They have weapons. We might need to go in now.

W: fuck, okay.

Ne: Ight… Ok.

[Ness hops up, beginning to quietly hum.]

C: Be ready for anything, guys. I honestly have no idea what this group is capable of. Alexander didn’t know much, so we have nothing to work with.

Ne: That's… Not great.

[Cassius nods, and begins to make his way to the entrance.]

Ne: Will, you ready?

W: Ready as I can be, I guess! You can still back out if you want to, we won't take it personally?

Ne: No it's fine, I'll be fine.

W: ..if you're sure!

[William follows Cassius, smiling at Ness.]

[Ness follows both of them, seemingly more worried then the other two. As seen in her extremely slow footsteps.]

[As soon as everyone is at the door, Cassius opens it, and steps inside. The group is immediately greeted by 10 people in red clothing, only matching in color. Adelia and Becky are both in the center of the main area, which is filled with glass tanks, some of which are still filled with green murky water, such as the main tank, which appears to have water all the way to the top. With a small hatch as an entrance. One of the people appears to recognize Cassius, and turns bright red with pure rage.]

?: YOU!

C: Wh–

Ne: WHO?

W: which of us-

?: YOU MOTHERFUCKER! YOU HAVE A LOT OF NERVE SHOWING YOUR FACE AROUND HERE! FUCK YOU!

C: Oh my fucking god. I know this guy.

W: You're shitting me. That guys gonna go straight for you, mate.

C: Look, it’s not my fault that he thinks I’m the reason his daughter is… well. Hm.

Ne: SHOULD I RUN?

C: Nah, you should be good. If Eden got her fighting skills from her fathers side, then you’ll be fine.

Ne: Oh.

W: Oh! It's him!

C: Yeah… um. I need to make a quick phone call.

[Cassius types something on his watch, and starts talking into it.]

C: Yo, Eden. You said you hated your dad, right?

?: [Over the watch.] Uh, yeah? Why?

[Voice identified: Eden.]

C: Well, he’s here right now. Can I…?

E: Yeah, sure. Go ahead. I don’t give a shit.

[Cassius hangs up.]

C: We’ve been given the go ahead. Let’s get this over with.

Ne: Yep.

W: On it.

Ne: Let me just.

[Ness places a rubber band around her pocket with the camera.]

Ne: Ok! I'm ready.

[Cassius dashes forward, the metal spider-like limbs appearing as he moves, he manages to punch one of the people in red, sending them to the ground with a yelp of pain and surprise.]

[Ness follows suit, running forward and decking one of the people in the jaw, knocking them to the ground with a shout.]

[The Archivist ended up darting to the left, lunging at someone just out of the camera's view.]

Ne: OK WHAT’S THE PLAN!

O: NO IDEA! JUST FUCK SHIT UP, I GUESS?

Ne: OH I'M GOOD AT THAT!

O: GREAT! SAME HERE!

[Ness picks one of the people up on her shoulders, dropping them on her knee. A pop heard as Ness grabs her kneecap for a moment.]

?: HEY! ASSHOLE! LOOK UP HERE!

[Ness looks up the camera in the pocket following suit.]

?: NOT YOU, THE… OTHER BLONDE ONE!

C: What? What do you–

[The camera reveals the speaker on top of the main tank, holding Will by the arm tightly near the entrance hatch to the tank.]

?: Make one more fucking move, and I drop this fucker into the damn water.

W: let fucking go of me- Ignore this prick!

[Cassius mutters something inaudible, but likely in french, before breaking into a sprint, running to get to the top of the tank. He arrives within seconds, barely stopping before tackling the man into the green water of the tank. The two fight violently, almost fully seen through the glass. Blood seeps into the water as they battle, the struggle causing the grime at the bottom of the tank to be stirred up. A quiet metal clang can be heard at the top, but it goes unnoticed.]

W: CASS!

[The thrashing in the water finally subsides after 18 seconds, and Cassius attempts to resurface now that he has won, only to find that the entrance to the tank had been shut during the struggle. He swims back down to the glass, and attempts to break it with his shoulder, but to no avail.]

W: SOMEONE TRY TO BREAK THE GLASS! I'M TRYING TO GET THIS OPEN!

[Ness runs over, limping from the injured kneecap. Starting to punch the glass.]

[Cassius attempts to punch it as well, and when that doesn’t work, he tries to kick it. Still nothing. He bangs on the glass with a flat palm, eyes wide, staring at Ness. His strength rapidly fading.]

W: IT- IT'S JAMMED! I CANT- I CAN'T OPEN IT!

Ne: [Audibly crying.] GET A FUCKING HAMMER! SOMEONE FIND SOMETHING PLEASE!

[Ness switches to hitting the glass with her forearm, blood from her hands smearing on the glass.]

O: A LITTLE PREOCCUPIED, I’M SORRY!

[Cassius opens his mouth, and tries to shout the words ‘Help me, please.’ But all that comes out are bubbles. His hands go to his throat, clawing desperately at it. The burning from the lack of oxygen likely feeling like actual torture. After a few seconds of this, his movements slow, and finally stop. He now floats motionless in the tank.]

W: NO. NONONONONO! FUCK!

[Ness continues trying to break the glass, now using her already injured kneecap. Still nothing.]

Ne: GOD DAMNIT FUCKING HELP!

Be: Holy fucking shit, I– god, that– okay!

[Becky can be heard sprinting over, she stops right beside Ness.]

[Will can be heard sprinting down the metal steps, and jumping from a semi-safe distance to the floor next to them. From what the camera glimpses, it is distraught. One side of his face is covered in tears.]

Ne: PLEASE! NONONONONO.

[A pair of footsteps approach Ness from behind, someone off to the side shrieks, and a second pair joins the mix.]

Ne: Wha-

[Ness turns around to see one of the people in red running directly at her with a large knife in hand, the person almost reaches her, but is knocked out of the way by Ophelia. The previous attacker lunges at Ophelia, sending both of them to the ground; they attempt to stab Ophelia, but she easily catches their arm. Ophelia then turns to Ness, about to say something, but her voice dies as she sees the tank behind Ness. Her grip on the person's arm loosens, and they manage to sink the knife into xer throat. Xe stares at them for a few seconds as blood steadily flows from the stab wound. Zer eyes fill with tears from the pain, and she goes limp.]

Ne: I… O- Ophelia..?

[Ness begins seemingly laughing and sobbing, a pain response. She begins slowly moving over to Ophelia.]

Ne: O- Ophelia… It's n- Not funny…

?: HA! Two down! [Aside.] Guys, we can d–

[Ness cuts the figure off, jamming a knife into their chest right before ripping their throat out. Kicking the figure to the floor to pull the knife out.]

[The Archivist passes the camera, a blur of motion, patting Ness on the back gently before setting off again, lunging at another person in red. He bites down on their shoulder, sending the person down as it attacks them. The Archivist proceeds to simply mutilate anywhere it can reach. He goes for their eyes first, pressing it's claws fingers into the Individual's eyes as a sickening squelching sound is heard. The person barely has time to scream before A attacks them again, this time tearing at their face. Chunks of skin and viscera alike are seen to be flying around the victim person, before The Archivist begins to tear at their chest. The crunch of bone is picked up by the camera as its hand reaches into their chest, and pulls out a still-squirming heart. The figure goes limp, and for good measure it swiftly grabs their head and twists it.]

[Off to the side, Adelia can be seen with her hand on someone's jaw, feet planted on their shoulders, and one hand on their head. She yanks their jaw off of their skull, and blood flies upwards as she does. Becky is nearby stomping someone's ribs in, her legs getting coated in red as well.]

[Ness runs forward, grabbing a crowbar and spinning towards a figure in red. Jamming the crowbar sharp end first into the person's face, the rusted metal of the crowbar can be barely seen in the person's mouth and left eye socket. They fall limp as Ness and the camera begin looking around.]

[Ness stops on Irene for a little, watching as she sits on someone's torso, twirls a knife in the air, and makes several surgically precise cuts, opening the person up and jamming the knife into their insides. Ness looks away.]

Ne: [Between laughing and tears.] W- where… Where…

[A turns, a murderous glint slowly leaving its eye as it settles on Ness.]

A/W: ..hm?

Ne: Person. Where are the people?

[The Archivist jerks its head in the direction behind Ness, the glint returning as its sight settles on the anarchy behind her.]

[Ness continues turning until finally spotting someone, their hands in front of them pleading.]

?: YOU’RE BOTH FUCKING MONSTERS! BOTH OF YOU DESERVE TO BURN IN HE-

[Ness runs up and kicks the man in one of his legs, breaking it with an inhuman snap. Doing the same to the other one, before stabbing the man multiple times in the arms and chest. He screams as Ness jams a knife into his gut, dragging it across his stomach causing multiple sets of intestines to fall out along with blood. She drops the man down and continues stabbing him again and again and again.]

Ne: [Laughing.] DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE DI- Di- die…

[Ness drops the knife, staring at the dead body in front of her before moving back, looking around to see other dead bodies, Ness stops at The Archivist.]

[The Archivist's head tilts at her, somewhat confused.]

Ne: [Crying.] What did I just do..?

A/W: Bad human. Helped. [It's voice sounds mechanically distorted.]

Ne: [Crying.] Your voice… Why is your voice like that?

[It makes a confused sound, and touches its throat hesitantly. Shaking his head, it scampers over to Ness.]

Ne: Will… I murdered three people.

A/W: Same number. As me.

Ne: What… Is with your voice?

A/W: The Archivist.

Ne: I thought… You were William?

A/W: Mhm.

Ne: I don't… Fucking care what Showfall calls you. I'm calling you Will.

A/W: Hm.

Ne: Cuz if you're the Archivist, does that make Rose “The Editor” or Edgar “The Mechanic”?

A/W: NO. NEVER. SAY. THAT.

Ne: THEN YOU AIN'T THE ARCHIVIST. FAIRS FAIR.

[The Archivist stares directly at Ness for a minute or so, before its body language completely changes. The glint in its eye has disappeared, its body relaxes, and he's looking down at his hands in mute horror.]

Ne: Hug?

[Will nods, shaking.]

[Ness hugs Will, removing the blood covered glove on her left hand to grab the back of it's head.]

Ne: I got you.

[William breaks down completely. He starts sobbing as he hugs Ness, slightly obscuring the camera.]

Ne: It's going to be ok… Um… Need some water?

W: C-c-cant. The o-others.

Ne: Right… Um… Fuck.

[Ness helps William up, before almost instantly falling back down to a knee.]

[Will moves back, to catch Ness quickly.]

Ne: MOTHERFUCKING SON OF A BITCH!

[Ness grabs at her kneecap, seemingly trying to fix it.]

W: D-don't. Damage it more.

Ir: [Distant.] Are you two okay?

Ne: I FUCKING DISLOCATED MY GODDAMN KNEECAP AGAIN!

Ir: [Still distant.] Oh, shit! Um. Can I carry you two over here? Just so we can all be grouped together?

Ne: UP TO WILL!

W: B-but, Cass and Ophelia..?

Ir: [Approaching.] We… can figure it out in a sec.

Ne: WAIT THE CROWBAR! THE- THE CROWBAR! I JAMMED IT INTO A GUYS FACE SOMEWHERE!

Be: Oh! Good point! Maybe that can break the glass!

[Irene finally gets to Ness and Will, quickly picking them both up under her arms and carrying them like large cats over to the rest of the group.]

Ne: Can someone please relocate my kneecap?

Ad: I can try! Becky, Irene, go get the crowbar. I’ll… do this.

Ne: Yeah uh, turns out using a wrestling finisher with your bad knee on an actual person and then kneeing glass is a bad idea.

Ad: Boy, I’ll say! Jesus! Good job on those three, by the way! Uh, sorry if that was like, mentally scarring. Okay, giving you a countdown… 3… 2…

[Adelia suddenly jolts her arms, relocating the kneecap on 2 instead of 1.]

Ne: FUCCCCCCCCCCCK!

Ad: Haha, sorry. Sometimes people like, stop me before I can do it so I’ve just… started doing that.

[William does go to hold one of Ness's hands, but looks at his own and pauses, before dropping them to it's sides.]

Ad: Aw, jeez, Will. You’re not doing that great, are you? We’re going back soon, dude. Don’t worry. Everything will be okay.

[He looks distantly at Adelia, nodding in a small, nearly missed action.]

Ne: I'm sure… Rose will help… Um… Can someone hold my phone for a moment? I need to throw up.

Ad: Of course, Ness.

[As Adelia takes the phone, a shout can be heard from the area near the tank.]

Ir: Not yet! You’ll flood the whole damn room! At least give everyone a chance to get to higher ground! The water is super gross, too!

Be: Ugh. Fine. [To the others.] HEY! You guys should like, move! We’re about to break the glass! It’s gonna be gross!

[Will makes a noise of indication, not being able to form words.]

Ne: Give me a minu-

[Ness cuts herself off, a retching noise heard out of frame.]

Ad: Oh. Ew. [A pause.] SORRY. SORRY. I’ll help you get to like. A bench or something.

Ne: Ow. Ok that would be appreciated.

Ad: I can’t carry y’all as well as Irene. So… sorry.

[Adelia tries her best to get Ness and Will to a bench, having to stop a couple times to take a break. But she makes it to a bench and helps them both up. She hands Ness the phone.]

Ad: Here’s your phone back, by the way. Um. Yeah. I’m going to go help with breaking the glass.

[Adelia jogs away, joining the other two PR members at the glass tank. She makes it over just as Becky swings, and it nearly whacks her in the head.]

W: I could've prevented that.

Ne: So could I…

Ir: HEY! I can feel the negative energy from over here! This wasn’t your fault, you’re both fine!

Ne: I COULD'VE DUCKED! OR HELPED WILL GET THAT DOOR OPEN!

W: I could've just, not got caught in the first place. Not cause Cass to come up there.

Ne: I mean… I got caught last time. I know how it feels… Kinda.

Ad: We’ve all had those moments, I remember the first time this shit happened to me… fuckin’ hell. I was devastated. I thought I fucked everything up. But! Cass came into my room the next day with a popsicle and just congratulated me on the work I did. He’s just going to be glad you’re okay.

Ne: I uh… Fuck… I can't say I know how you guys in the mall feel… Is that how Rose felt watching her big sister be taken? Having to watch?

[Will nods and mutters something.]

W: ‘is likely. .

Ad: [Cheerfully.] Yeah, probably!

[Irene punches Adelia in the arm.]

Ad: Hey! I– um. I mean… yeah. Probably. Sorry.

Ne: Is Ophelia going to hate me? I just had to move, move a muscle move a fucking inch. I watched the closest thing I have to a big sister die.

Ad: What is it with you guys and thinking that people who sacrifice themselves for you are going to hate you? Like, come on! They made that choice to help you because they care! Ophelia isn’t going to hate you when she’s back. I’ll bet she’s going to be a bit worried. But she won’t fuckin’ hate ya. Same with Cass.

Ne: It's called survivor's guilt! I think…

[Ness mutters something inaudible to the mic.]

Be: Aye! Can I break the glass now? I’ve been waiting for a while!

[Will gently nudges Ness, but replies]

W: I-I think so! Is Ophelia on higher ground?

Ir: Shit–

[Irene jogs over to where Ophelia’s body is. Lifting her off the ground and running to put zem down on a different bench. She holds up her hand and gives Becky a thumbs up.]

Be: Finally!

Ad: Should I mov–

[Adelia is cut off by the crowbar swinging towards the glass, shattering it, and sending a wave of murky green water out across the floor. Adelia is swept off her feet and carried halfway across the room. She sits up as the water settles, gagging.]

Ad: UGH. GROSS.

Ne: Um…

[Ness can be heard slowly beginning to cry once again.]

Be: I’ll grab Cass.

[Becky scans the area, their eyes settle on a shape that is halfway out of the tank. She walks up and grabs the shape, lifting it up and walking forward slightly, allowing it to be illuminated by a small bit of light in the building. The light reveals it to be Cassius, unmoving, soaking wet and covered in cuts that are slowly oozing blood.]

[Will squeaks, and hugs Ness, hiding his head in her shoulder.]

[Ness’ shaking is visible in the recording, she doesn't move. The only noise is her crying.]

Be: Fuck. That… Jesus. That looks like it really hurt…

[Becky stares at Cassius’ neck, which is also bleeding, likely from when he was clawing at his throat earlier.]

Ir: Shit… we need to get back to the mall. Are we all good to leave?

Ad: Yeah, I’m ready.

Be: Same. How about you two?

[Ness still does not respond, seemingly zoning out on Ophelia’s corpse.]

[Will just shakes his head, still quivering.]

Ad: I’ll grab Ophelia, Irene, are you good to carry those two out?

Ir: Mhm.

Ad: Great. Who’s driving?

Ne: I'll drive.

[Ness goes to stand up, but seemingly finally notices Will and sits back down.]

[Irene approaches the two, and picks them up as she did before, following the other two out the door, water sloshing around her ankles.]

Ne: Will… Please talk to Rose or Edgar about any emotional things. I'm not a good therapist but I'm still worried.

[Irene puts them down near the car, and makes eye contact with Will for a few seconds.]

Ir: Or any of us. We might not be very good at emotional… well. Anything. But we’re here anyway.

[William nods at what both of them say, but doesn't make a verbal response. He's numb to what's happening around him.]

Ne: Um… Fucking hell.

[Adelia pokes her head out of the car.]

Ad: Do you need a minute? We’re ready to go, but if you need a second to process stuff before we put you in charge of whether we make it to the mall in one piece or not, please feel free.

Ne: I… I stabbed a man 47 and a half times, I GUTTED THE SAME PERSON!

Be: If it makes you feel any better, I stomped someone out!

Ne: I just… I draw stuff like that… Never done it… What happened to me?

[Ness's hands pop up into frame, one covered with blood the other not as much. They both seem to be shaking though.]

Ir: Same thing that happened to us. But… a little less. You still feel bad about it. That’s good.

Ne: That's the scary thing… I don't feel bad… I'm scared… I… I… What if I do that to someone I care about?

Ir: Ness, lemme tell you something. It’s… hard. To do that. Not impossible, yeah. But it’s hard. If you care about someone, it’ll take a bit of willpower to hurt ‘em. It takes less to stop yourself, I’ve found.

Ne: I… Thanks…

W: Wouldn't. You wouldn't.

Ne: And neither would you… I see the look in your eye.

[Will just smiles, with a melancholy sense about it, and looks at the floor.]

Ne: It's true.

Ad: [Within the car.] We… should get going.

W: What if I left.

Be: Huh? Like. Just walked away? I dunno.

W: Just walked away. Would you guys come after me?

Be: Depends. What would you want us to do?

W: I don't know. I just don't want to go back there. But I have to.

Ne: I could take you to Marina's old house for a few days.

Ir: That could end… very badly. For reasons I’m sure both of you are aware of.

W: Yeah, I just... I don't want to do this. I want to go home.

Ir: Hm… I kinda get that. But… I don’t think I’ll ever fully understand.

Ne: Hey um… Rose is probably going to get you out come hell or high water, they made it pretty clear they ain't going to leave family behind.

[Will softly chuckles a bit.]

W: Of course.

Be: I think we all need a small break of sorts. Once we get back, I’m putting a movie on in the main room and making popcorn. If anyone wants to join.

Ne: I literally can't join.

W: I have to check in on the others. Don't know if they're okay. Could I bring some for them?

Be: Yeah, sure! Of course!

Ne: Tell Rose I'm sorry? Sorry for uh… That.

W: Thank you, Really. I will, Ness, promise.

Ir: Do you need any help getting into the car? Or are you both alright?

W: Ness? You, okay?

[Ness again mumbles something under her breath not heard by the camera.]

Ir: What was that?

Ne: Yeah I'm fine.

Ir: Alright, if you say so…

[Irene steps away, and gets into the passenger seat of the car, leaving Ness and Will alone.]

Ne: Ready Will?

W: ..I'm sorry this is how it went. But, yeah. Gonna have to be, huh?

Ne: Ok then.

W: Ness?

Ne: Yeah?

W: Thank you. For everything today. I'm… really sorry I didn't help more.

Ne: Hey dude, it's no problem… Don't worry about it.

W: You're.. really nice, by the way. Like, really. Thank you.

Ne: Hm… I uh… Thanks.

[Ness slowly opens the car doors for both herself and Will.]

[Will gets in quietly, not saying much else.]

Ad: Please… ignore the sloshing noises in the back. We… um… yeah.

Ne: Seatbelts everyone.

Be: Aye aye, captain!

W: Already ahead of you!

Ne: Ok, should I um play music?

Ad: Depends, are you gonna play good music?

Ne: I um… Depends on what you consider ‘good music.’

Ad: I don’t actually know what I consider good music. Go ahead.

Ne: Did Will already fall asleep?

Be: Yep. Out cold… jeez.

[Ness begins playing some music, identified as ‘Guardian battle’ from legend of zelda breath of the wild.]

Be: Oh, HELL yeah! Make this car ride a little more thrilling! Woo!

[Ness speeds out of the driveway/parking lot they are in.]

[End transcript.]

[prodigal-explorer]

here are some of my favorite sanders sides rp responses i’ve written lately!! enjoy perusing, some are angsty, some are sweet, some are in between! (also cw for violence, implied s/a, relationship abuse/violence, and implied ableism)

Roman shook his head. He took a very, very long time to speak, his mind hazy and busy as he scrambled to figure out how to say what he needed to say in English. It was already hard enough to speak in English when his mind was perfectly clear, but in this state, all the words, even the simplest ones were escaping him.

"C'est- mauvais. Tu ne veux pas savoir. Vraiment."

He narrowed his tear-filled eyes, frustrated, so angry with himself for not being able to communicate the right way. He felt trapped and lost, like a child. Like a child too young to say what they want, so all they could do is...

Cry.

Roman cried.

He felt so exposed, never having cried in America yet. He wanted to come across as this adult, this blossoming, mature feat of majesty and poise. And now, he was falling apart, blood dripping between his legs, in front of his boyfriend's little brother.

"Je veux ma maman..." he whispered. He wanted his mother. He barely knew his mother.

What he meant to say was that he wanted a mother.

—

That whole evening in Roman's head had been a blur. Ever since the trial ended, Roman had started to forget the details of what happened that night. It turned fuzzy, and that was how Roman liked it. He didn't want to remember the pain, the suffering, the betrayal he experienced. But now that he saw all the blood and substance on that carpet, dried up and crusted, and smelling like death, he couldn't forget it anymore. It all came flooding back to him like a tsunami. Tears formed in his eyes.

"It's all still there," he whispered, "I was so close to forgetting it for real. It's not fair. It's- it's not fair!"

In a fit of sudden anger, Roman grabbed the nearest lamp, sitting on top of a side table, and he threw it at the carpet. It shattered, the pieces splaying all over the place.

"It's not fair!" Roman shouted, kicking the side table until it fell over, starting to wreck everything in the room. Pictures, pillows, chairs, tables, all of it was coming down. It was only when he got to that dreadful carpet, the place where his body was destroyed, where he stopped, falling onto his knees and sobbing so hard he could barely breathe. "This is where he-...he...he was trying to teach Janus a lesson. He said I was his favorite."

—

And Roman was honestly amazing at his job. He had a lot of spills, and struggled a lot with things like remembering orders and handling the busy environment, but he rarely got an order wrong because he always sang them to himself while he made them, and he was nice to customers, often going above and beyond to make them happy. He was paid just as much as the other employees, but his paycheck had a few dollars less because of how often he gave people free things. As hard as his managers tried to explain the concept of “we don’t have infinite cake pops so you can’t give one to every little kid”, it never really stuck with Roman. He just thought kids needed cake pops.

—

“I’m not treating you like Roman!” Virgil sputtered defensively, “What on Earth makes you say that?”

Roman, who was quietly listening in from the hallway, faltered a bit in silent confusion. What was so bad about being treated like him?

“Stop that,” Virgil said, his tone icy and terrifying. He was never angry. Ever. So this was a first for Logan and for Roman who was watching. Virgil had the patience of a saint and the temper of a rabbit. He didn’t get angry easily. So this was very new territory that not even Virgil knew how to navigate. “You’re acting immature, and I know you’re more mature than this, Logan. Why can’t you see that I’m just trying to help you? You’re still a child, whether you like it or not. Whether you feel like one or not. Just because Roman is the way he isn’t doesn’t mean that you’re the smartest guy in the world, so stop acting like it.”

—

"It doesn't matter," Roman repeated, "You can watch Dogs 101 and eat cookies with me. Yeah, we can all spend nighttime together, just like we're supposed to do."

Roman grinned and bounced on his toes. Virgil seemed just as hesitant, worried about getting too close to Logan after the huge mistake he had made. But Roman was already off, singing and laughing as he got everything ready in the living room. Virgil lingered. "You don't have to," he whispered, "If you don't want to. Roman will understand." No he wouldn't. And they both knew it.

—

Roman squirmed where he was sitting, biting his lip so as not to cry. If he cried, he would be a baby. But he just had no idea how to express what he really wanted to say to Logan. He was starting to realize how Logan, and really, how the rest of the world percieved him. It was all hitting him at once, and it was hurting. Really, really bad.

He had always felt smaller than he was. But it wasn't until now when he realized just what that would mean.

—

A free spirit such as him didn't seem to be the type to approach music with such scientific detail, but Roman had such a love for music that that was just what ended up happening when his mind was so wound up in it. One can't help but be accurate in something when it's a piece of them. Nobody is inaccurate when they breathe. Nobody is inacurate when they blink.

A few times, Roman found himself making eye contact with Logan. At first, in a cautious way, as if to silently gauge whether or not he was doing a good job. But as the song progressed, Roman grew more comfortable, and eventually, these little glances turned into something more playful, as if he and Logan had a secret that the audience didn't know, but were dying to find out, and the two were sitting on it like kings sharing a throne.

—

Roman took a deep breath, closed his eyes, light brown and always glimmering with wonder, and opened them again as he started to sing. His voice was fluttering, like a bird's cry in summer. The kind that gently wakes you up at seven am, but it's so pretty you can't bring yourself to be mad for very long. He did some soft vocalizing before getting into the words.

And my goodness, were these words horrible.

It was like Logan and everyone else had stumbled into a third grade book report presentation, except it rhymed and it was even more terrible. It was like if One Direction got immensely drunk and decided to write all their lyrics with Dr. Seuss' vocabulary.

"Oh, baby, you're like the sky

You go so high

You're my babyyyy"

How was everyone else tolerating this? How was everyone else cheering for this?? Was it pretty privilige?? Was it alcohol poisoning??

"I love the way you dance

With your feet and hands

You're my babyyyy"

[showfallmediamaintenance]

[Video transcript begin.]

[It starts out as most do, from the front pocket of someone’s shirt, they appear to be walking down the sidewalk in Lostfield, normal chatter can be heard on the left hand side of the person. A quiet metallic scraping can be heard, as something drags behind the person.]

?: Look, all I’m sayin’ is that maybe if they put wood chips in the coffee it’d taste a little better.

[Voice identified: Edgar.]

?: Maybe, to be honest I don't drink a lot of coffee.

[Voice identified: Ness.]

E: Hm, yeah. I’ve noticed. 

Ne: Heyyy! What's that supposed to mean!

[Ness pretends to sound upset, before laughing for 10 seconds.]

E: God, I thought I’d actually upset you for a moment there! Don’t do that!

[His tone is playful, he chuckles.]

Ne: Oh! I just remembered after this walk I need to meet Marina at the hospital. Rose is finally being moved out of ICU so I don't have to sneak around to visit!

E: Wha– why didn’t anyone tell me about that? I feel like I have the right to know!

Ne: In my defense I thought someone already told you… Then I forgot soooooo...

E: Ugh, I can’t blame you for that. 

[A ding, as Edgar receives a text message.]

E: Huh? 

[He pulls his phone out to read the text message. He stops walking after a few seconds.]

Ne: Everything good?

[Edgar places his phone back in his front pocket, hefting the crowbar he brought with him off the sidewalk. His tone losing all positive emotion, the intensity of his words felt through the recording. He turns to face Ness.]

E: No.

Ne: What's wrong?

E: So. You know about Liam’s stepfather. Right?

[Ness lifts a baseball bat up on her shoulder, now sounding anxious as she speaks.]

Ne: What did that asshole do?

[Edgar clears his throat, laughing slightly out of anger.]

E: He apparently cornered Liam and Leon in an alley. And he broke Liam’s arm. 

Ne: ARE THEY OK? WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

E: Leon said he’s on his way to the hospital, don’t worry. I’m more concerned with where Jason is.

[Ness drops the bat off her shoulder, grabbing the handle in between her fingers, the top of the bat hits the ground with a thud.]

Ne: We gonna beat his ass?

E: Mhm. Let’s go. 

Ne: Aye aye captain!

E: Leon told me the street name, he might still be there, follow me.

Ne: Yep! 

[Ness begins humming a tune as both her and Edgar begin walking once again. This time Edgar is walking with absolute rage in every step, each stride fast and large, causing Ness to have to jog next to him to keep up.]

[They carry on in silence for a bit, until they approach an empty street near the woods.]

E: Where the fuck is he.

Ne: I don't know, but I hate being anywhere near that damn forest… I swear when I got my job here on my way home I would hear something singing… And screaming.

E: Er, yeah. I, um. That… never mind. We need to focus. 

?: Well! 

[Voice identified: Jason.]

[Edgar whips around at the sound of Jason’s voice.]

Ne: [Whispering.] Who the fuck?

J: Didn’t expect to ever see you again, Edgar. I honestly thought you died! Would've been better if you did.

E: [Muttering.] Fucking hell… I didn’t know that it was this Jason.

Ne: Is that the asshole we've been looking for?

E: Hell yeah, he is. And he’s much more of an asshole than previously thought.

J: I’m right here! Come on, talk to me like a man, you pussy! 

Ne: Do me a favor. Shut up you limp dick bitch we're having a conversation. 

J: Oh, how pathetic, you’re going to let a girl do all the talking for you? Weak.

Ne: Don't call me a girl with that tone. I will curb stomp your bitch ass.

[As Ness speaks, Jason mocks her by moving his hand like a mouth with each word she says.]

J: Yeah, yeah, bitch. Whatever. I’m not talking to you, so shut the fuck up. 

[Ness clears her throat.]

Ne: Edgar. permission to strike?

E: … Not yet. I have a few things to say to this man. Would you mind taking my phone? 

Ne: No problem, This will make for a fun story to tell Rose later. 

[Edgar silently hands his phone to Ness, taking a few steps towards Jason. The two are similar in height, but Edgar appears to tower over him, somehow. He takes a few more steps forward, revealing a pair of black 1 inch platform shoes.] 

E: Jason Druller. You have a lot of nerve to talk about me being pathetic. Remember back in high school when you bullied someone to the point of throwing himself off a roof?

[Jason attempts to respond, but is interrupted by Edgar once again. Who has begun a slow circle around Jason.]

E: Let me refresh your memory. Zach, my best friend. He’s dead because of your actions. And you call me pathetic. For shame, Jason.

J: The little freak deserved it. 

[Edgar stops walking. Leaning in close to Jason.]

E: What did you just say?

J: I SAID the disgusting f[REDACTED] fucking deserved it!

E: That’s what I was hoping you’d say. 

[Edgar wastes no time in drawing his hand back, and punching Jason in the face.]

Ne: BEAT HIS ASS!

[He turns to look at Ness, and gives her a thumbs up, but Jason is already recovering behind him. The other man winds up to retaliate.]

Ne: BEHIND YOU!

[Edgar’s eyes widen, and he turns around just in time to duck under the punch, sending Jason forward, his excess momentum almost knocking him over.]

[He knees him in the gut, causing the other to fall to his knees. Holding his ribs. He coughs violently.]

J: Is that all you’ve got? I expected more of you! Also, it wasn’t even me who broke Liam’s arm, you know!

Ne: Can I keep my promise and stomp this bitch into the ground? Please Please Pleaseeeee!

E: Wait. In a second. What do you mean, it wasn’t you?

J: I never usually recruit women to help me, but she insisted on helping me teach that fucking brat a lesson. I didn’t break Liam’s arm, that doesn’t mean I didn’t hurt him at all, though. I did hurt the other guy pretty bad.

Ne: Edgar, do we get to beat up two people? I can explain to Rose why I'm late pretty easily.

[Edgar turns to Ness, his eyebrows creased inwards, Jason makes a break for it into the woods.]

E: SHIT. 

Ne: OH NAH! GET THAT MOTHERFUCKER!

[He sprints into the forest after Jason, running somewhat faster than Ness. When she catches up after a few seconds, he has already found Jason. Who appears to be kneeling on the ground.]

E: The hell even was your plan there? You know you can’t outrun me. 

[Jason leaps up from his spot, a stick in his left hand. Edgar stares at it, wide eyed. He stumbles backwards, someone catches him and puts him in a chokehold before he can recover. He glances at Ness, and tries to speak, but nothing comes out except strangled sounds.]

J: Finally. Now I can take out the weaker target. 

Ne: Great. There's two of you? Meh, that's fine… You can both get your asses kicked before I go see Rose!

J: Oh, right. You’re a f[REDACTED] too. Figures! 

Ne: You think that affects me? So what! I like boys and girls, got an issue with that?

?: I knew they were infecting him, Jason! You need to get rid of her!

[Voice identified: Gloria.]

[Jason lunges at Ness, the sharp end of the stick aimed directly for her eye.]

[Ness ducks under, hitting Jason in the gut with the baseball bat before hopping up.]

Ne: MISSED ME! You should be more careful dude, you could poke an eye out with that!

J: Shut the fuck up, you r[REDACTED]! 

Ne: Dude chill out! Want a fuckin snickers or something?

[Out of frame, there is a loud struggle, Ness turns to look. Edgar can be seen attempting to break free of Gloria’s hold, he manages to shout one thing.] 

E: NESS! HE HAS A– Ghk!

[Gloria regains her grip.]

Ne: HE HAS A WHAT?

[More fighting, Edgar manages to kick Gloria’s legs out from under her. The two landing on the ground, he shouts one more thing before returning to the fight.]

E: GUN! HE HAS A FUCKING GUN!

Ne: WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN HE HAS A GUN?

E: THE FUCK DO YOU THINK IT– LOOK OUT!

[A loud gunshot, and a scream. Ness falls to the ground.]

Ne: SON OF A BITCH!

E: NESS! 

[A mess of shouting, as Edgar manages to overpower Gloria, he sprints over to Ness.]

[Something clatters to the ground at the same time as a loud swoosh. Edgar kneels down next to Ness.]

Ne: I- OW! F- Fuck, am I gonna be ok?

E: Yeah– yeah. you’re going to be okay. You’ll be fine. I–

Ne: I REALLY WANT TO CURB STOMP THAT BITCH!

E: Ness, you might have to– Ugh, never mind. That’s not going to stop y–

[Edgar is interrupted as Jason whacks him in the side with the same stick. He sits there for a moment, before standing up.]

[Ness begins trying to remove her jacket, only visible through slight glimpses as she tries to keep hold of the phone.]

J: I’d suggest admitting defeat, Edgar. You’ve lost! You can’t win! I’m just better, I always have been!

E: Do everyone a favor and close your jaw before I rip it off of your head.

Ne: [Whispering.] I'm gonna see Rose… one way or another. I promised her…

J: Hm? Threatening me? That’s rich. You’re just saying things, hoping I’ll surrender. Not happening! You disgust me, encouraging that gross behavior, killing the man I once saw in Liam. Replacing it with a WOMAN. He’s gone soft!

E: Jason, the only thing that’s soft around here is your dick. 

[Before Jason can respond, Edgar tackles Jason, the crowbar in his hands horizontally, the two landing out of frame. Their fight can be heard from where Ness is.]

Ne: [Mumbling.] Ok… Ok ness get up… G- gotta get up…

[As Ness speaks to herself, the fighting gets more intense, the two throwing insults back and forth rapidly, Jason’s cannot be repeated by the software.] 

Ne: [Mumbling.] S- something to get up with… Anything…

[Ness sets the phone down against a tree, using one hand to apply pressure to her gunshot wound the other to wrap a jacket around it, as she ties it she screams in pain before using the tree to slowly stand up. She moves the phone over, Edgar and Jason can now be seen in frame.]

[The two are no longer on the ground, now standing up further away. Edgar kicks Jason in the crotch, sending the man to the ground. He attempts to crawl over to the gun, away from the camera. Edgar stops him easily. Holding his crowbar high.]

E: Ness, look away.

Ne: No. This asshole shot me… So I don't think I will.

E: I mean it, Ness. Look. Away. 

Ne: F– fine…

[As Edgar has this conversation with Ness, Jason grabs something out of his pocket. He jabs it into Edgar’s leg, he shouts in pain, and finally drives the crowbar into Jason’s head. Edgar tugs on it. Jason’s corpse flops over. The crowbar stays.]

E: Ew.

[Ness screams in terror before ultimately throwing up out of frame, the noise being the only thing the recording can really hear. She falls to the ground in front of the phone, holding the bullet wound, sobbing.]

[Edgar turns to Ness, then back to the crowbar, he places one foot on Jason's shoulder, and yanks on the crowbar. It comes out with a small bit of blood. The corpse once again flops over. He jogs up to Ness.]

E: Are you alright?

Ne: [Muttering.] I just watched someone die… I know he deserved it but… I… I've never seen someone die in person… What the FUCK!

E: I told you to look away, Ness. I didn’t want you to have to see that. 

Ne: I need to go… I need to see Rose…

[Ness attempts to stand up, only to fall right back down screaming in pain.]

E: Woah, hey. Easy. Jeez, we need to get you to the hospital…

Ne: [Muffled.] That’s where I was going… so I guess it works out.

[Another gunshot, without a scream or shout. The bullet missed.]

E: Wha– oh. Right. Gloria.

[A yelp, followed by footsteps. Gloria sprints into the forest.]

E: Fuck! We– Damn it. 

Ne: I mean… We both have pretty good alibis if we just say we were both just walking around… And with marina's help… Wouldn't be the first time Marina kept me out of legal trouble.

E: It’s not that part that I’m worried about. Jason said that she broke Liam’s arm, not him. I don’t think he’s safe as long as she’s out there.

Ne: Shit… You're right… Also you just killed her husband… So lord knows what she's gonn- OW OW SON OF A BITCH OW!

E: Alright, we’ve gotta get you to the hospital, like, now. We can’t dawdle here for much longer. 

Ne: Yeah… Christ… Call someone I don't have my phone…

E: Alright. I… Ness. I’m really sorry that you saw… all of that. I didn’t mean to, uh… go that far. 

Ne: Dude… It’s fine I was just caught off guard… I just want to go see Rose…

E: Yep, yeah. Okay, got it. I might try to visit as well. 

[Edgar takes his phone and opens it up, the view changing to his legs, a small-ish knife stuck into the side of one, somehow going completely unnoticed. He begins to type out a message, before stopping.]

E: No… are you fucking kidding me?

Ne: what now?

E: There’s been a fucking transcript going for... god knows how long. I… fucking hell.

Ne: Are you fuckin' kidding m- OW GOD DAMNIT!

[Before turning the transcript off, Edgar moves to try and support Ness, his own wounds going unnoticed once more.]

[Transcript end.]

[kerykomo]

been having just a smidge of a hard time recently. (semi-vent post under the break, if you wish to read.)

i just got done with my university semester, technically end of my sophomore year, technically start of my freshman year? its complicated, i transferred. and despite spending all of it with the lovely light of my life, i don’t think i’d ever felt so lonely in my life, perhaps save for the pandemic. it was a different kind of lonely- not some longing for love or companionship- i had that already. i just didn’t make any friends of my own- i kind of got swept into a group that was my partner’s, and not my own. i didn’t bond with these people like my partner did, and i didn’t fit in with them really either. i enjoyed spending time with them and we got along well enough, and i have a lot of happy memories and funny videos to look back on now, but every time i went to hang out with them it was similar to trying to shove a puzzle peice where it didn’t belong. i was an outsider- literally, having transferred and moved from across the country- and i wasn’t used to the region or the demeanor of people from the area. and most of my classes had this same group in them- all being from the same major, go figure- but it didn’t give me many opportunities to branch out and interact with people aside from this group.

i felt like i was kinda floating on an ice sheet with these same people, and even though i didnt really like it on this platform, branching out to another one would take swimming through the freezing water.

only one person, maybe two of the roughly 8 of us were any form of inclusive or inviting to me, to my recollection. and we got along pretty good, but it just felt like every invitation to go hang out with the group was an inconvenience. like “oh we’re gonna go hang out, i guess we should invite komo to come along.” and there were some hangouts that didnt involve me, which i was fine with. again, i was an outsider they had known for maybe a month or two when they’d all known each other for the whole semester previous. im lucky my partner doubles as my best friend and we never mind hanging out with each other, because otherwise i think i wouldve just left mid-semester and went home. i did meet a few people on my own, but because i rarely saw them and they had little interest in hanging out outside of class, their status to me has remained more of “aquaintances” or classmates than actual friends.

secondary to the friend problem, it was recently brought to my attention by my partner that i pretty much have art block or art burnout all? the time?? and have for years??? so. im not sure what that says about my rickety roller-coaster of a mental state but i know it isnt good. i just brought up how i feel like i can’t draw most of the time, or when i want to what i make isnt satisfactory or doesnt look good. at first i thought it was just a style crisis- since i tend to have those pretty frequently and change up the way i draw or try something new cause i get bored of the last thing. but every now and then its like im blessed by the art gods and i can draw exactlly what i want the way i want to. it used to happen more frequently in previous years but its become less and less frequent now, no matter how much of my time dedicate to drawing.

im trying to refresh myself by drawing on paper more often but its still incredibly difficult to come up with anything or even want to draw most days. of course i want to- i have fun with it and i like drawing and its more often than not an outlet for me. but i just feel… stuck. similar to my friends, i dont like where i am and i want to leave it but im not going to like the process to get there and i might not like the outcome. some of its my own personal anxieties, i know, but its hard to move past those.

anyways, i just remembered yesterday that its mermay and i want to make at least a few pieces for the summer season. maybe thinking of the ocean will keep me going for a little longer.

until next time, i hope everyone takes care of themselves. remember to hydrate and drink water even if its not hot outside; your body still needs it. :)

if youve read to all the way down here, thanks for hearing out the problems of a rando on the internet. i appreciate you taking the time to do that.

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #624

Top Ten Things I Want from the Switch 2

Peering behind the curtain a little bit this week, it does feel a bit strange to be discussing the Switch when it’s really the Xbox that’s dominating headlines. At the time of writing, we’re coming off a couple of weeks of frenzied speculation about Microsoft – all their games are going multiplatform! They’re leaving the hardware market entirely! – that ended with a fairly nondescript announcement video which doesn’t feel like it’s changing the status quo too much. There’s some interesting discussion to be had about Microsoft’s approach; and, given how happy Sony seem to be about the PC releases of some of their big exclusives, I guess you could argue that the age of massive first-party games being tied to one particular piece of hardware is well and truly over.

Well, apart from Nintendo.

Nintendo have operated in their own space at their own speed for about the last twenty years now. Long gone are the days when it felt like the company was locked into the bitter console war arms race; once Sony out-performed them in the nineties, they had great success doing their own thing. The DS, the Wii, and the Switch have been massive, and their games remain as good as ever. And now it’s more or less an open secret that they’re going to be releasing a successor to the Switch very soon; rumoured for ages, teased and hyped and – to some extent – leaked. Finally, if rumours are to be believed, it’ll be out in about twelve months; a disturbingly speedy-feeling seven whole years since the original Switch launched. It looks like, finally, we’re getting a proper Switch 2.

And so – because I’d already planned this in advance and because unpicking the minutiae of the Xbox announcement requires a bit more nuance and, well, time – I’m going to list ten things that I hope whatever the successor to the Switch does. As it’s Nintendo, I imagine there’ll be some wrinkles and quirks; they very rarely do “the same again but better”, even though I think that’s really all that most fans want nowadays. Nintendo are masters at coming up with stuff that we don’t know we want, however; who could have predicted the runaway success of the Wii when we first saw that nondescript image of its controller? Anyway, I’ve got no idea what new gameplay gimmicks or revolutionary play mechanics they’re going to pull out of their enormous green pipe. But I still have some thoughts about stuff that I do want to see. And that’s what this list is! Not very complicated this week.

Still be a Switch: I can’t imagine Nintendo moving away from the concept, but a console that remains a handheld which can be docked to allow to allow for connection to a TV feels like an essential component of, well, Nintendo itself. They’ve always had a handheld and a home console, since the NES and the Game Boy in the eighties; now they’ve married the two so successfully, I can’t see them separating. And nor should they.

Have better graphics: I mean, this is a given, right? The Steam Deck can run almost every PC game you throw at it with a form factor not much larger than the Switch; sure, it’s not exactly a current-gen console in terms of visual quality (and, being a PC, means performance can be variable), but it proves that Nintendo can deliver much greater visual fidelity in a next-gen Switch. I’d hope they’d be able to produce a 4K output when docked, even though I imagine stuff like ray-tracing is off the cards.

Have an SSD: I can’t remember what the “leaked” specs were saying about this, but one of the things that puts me off using the Switch is my impatience when it’s loading. Animal Crossing in particular is a game that just feels like it takes forever to boot up. With all the other consoles, and most modern PCs, all sporting lightning-quick SSDs, Nintendo really needs to adopt the technology.

Be fully backwards-compatible: we’re increasingly moving into an era where we want to keep our game library active; the idea of a generation ending and a new one beginning with no crossover is probably gone for good. So I think Nintendo has to allow us to play current-gen Switch games on their next console; this means our existing digital library crosses over, and also that we can plug in all our Switch game cards and jump back in. To be fair, Nintendo is usually pretty good in this area, and rumours are the new Switch will be no different.

…and make old games look better: tied into being backwards compatible, I’d like to see something approaching the upscaling (and even frame rate-boosting) that contemporary consoles manage. Xbox especially is great in this area – even having one purchase of a game giving you access to (potentially) an Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC version. Regardless, the possibility of playing years-old games such as Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart 8 in 4K and 60fps is very appealing.

Give us better profiles: one thing that I love about Xbox (and PlayStation, and Steam, for that matter) is the way they handle user accounts. Nintendo has sign-ins and profiles, but they’re rudimentary; it feels almost like it’s just a way of keeping tabs on whose save is active. I’d love it if we could get much better Nintendo accounts, especially as they’re going to be carried across two generations of the Switch. Can we have cloud saves, so we can carry our Zelda progress to the new machine? What about leaderboards or stat tracking? What if – hear me out – we had some kind of Nintendo version of achievements or trophies? Basically I want to feel like “this is my identity in the Nintendo ecosystem”, if that makes sense.

…with some added bells and whistles: it’s pretty great, to be fair, that you already get access to older games from previous generations through your annual Nintendo subscription. But I’d like this to go further. PlayStation and especially Xbox give you loads of benefits from your subscription; obviously the biggie here is Game Pass, which gives you “free” access to brand-new games. Perhaps a selection of relatively recent “classic” games could be incorporated into the “Expansion Pack” subscription? Or at the very least, bring GameCube-era games to the service. I’d also, personally, like it if they ventured into streaming; maybe we don’t need to install those old NES and SNES games to play them? Other perks – discounts at the store, for example – would be really nice too.

Make the touchscreen more useful: the Switch touchscreen is all well and good, but generally speaking it’s only useful to navigate the dashboard or type your credit card number into the store. Having some kind of system-level “touching the screen is equivalent to pressing A” would be useful, at the very least in menus (tapping the screen rather than navigating with the sticks). More games that really made use of the touchscreen would be good, especially in strategy games. But what would really be impressive is if they could replicate the “virtual controller” that Xbox have when streaming on mobile – with the sticks and buttons replicated on screen – even though I guess it’d be a rare occasion when you’d be playing without the Joy Cons attached.

Improve the Joy Cons: speaking of which – they’re a bit flaky, aren’t they? The whole technological concept of the Switch, with its removable controllers that contain a whole lot of gubbins, is still impressive; but if there’s a weak link, it’s definitely the Joy Cons. Tiny and prone to breaking (and with “stick drift” seemingly inevitable), they’re also fiddly to get on and off. Making them physically more robust, perhaps a bit larger if possible, and tweaking the removal/reattachment process would all be very nice decisions.

Don’t call it the “Switch 2”: yeah, that’s a really boring name. Only Sony can get away with that stuff without it seeming derivative or uninspired. Personally I’m in favour of “Super Switch”, but I’m a nineties kid. Ultra Switch? Switch Pro? You want it to feel like a proper generational leap; I always felt Wii U, and the console’s close physical similarity to its predecessor, made it feel more like an add-on than a replacement. It’d be cool if they could think of a name that echoed its predecessor without adding a suffix, although I’m stumped trying to think of an example. “Switcheroo”?

There ya go. Ten things I’d like to see. Other ideas bubbling under: USB disc drive to allow direct compatibility with GameCube, Wii, and Wii U games; bringing back the Wii Fit balance board; and having video apps such as iPlayer and Netflix.

Anyway, can’t wait to find out exactly what it is, what it’s called, and what it costs.

[kybabi]

telling their s/o they’re being too clingy

w/ akaashi, kita, and bokuto

part 4!

series masterlist here!

(a/n: since i like pain i’m doing another part of the series😐

anyways! this may be the last part to this prompt since i don’t really write for anyone else but it really just depends!! but i hope it’s a good one ;) prompt is in the timeskip like usual!)

akaashi

it was honestly pretty rare for the two of you to get into fights

but recently you’d been feeling a little needy and it felt like your own boyfriend didn’t care

he was always busy working on the current manga or too tired to tend to you

and he really never got all that defensive when it came to you communicating these things to him

so you confronted him

“keiji, don’t you think you could take a break for a couple days?”

but as the two of you talked, he got frustrated and ended up lashing out at you

“maybe i’m not the problem, y/n. have you ever considered that you’re just clingy?”

you reeled back, hurt

even after both of you apologized and he promised to be better to you, you couldn’t stop thinking about what he said

akaashi sighs, the last panel finally finished and looking spectacular. he’s been working so hard on it, and now that he’s done, he can finally spend some time with you.

he picks up dinner on his way home, excited to see you. he’s gotten your favorite food and he can’t wait to come home and be with you.

when he opens the door, he calls your name, and your response from the other room is soft. it’s a little strange; usually you’d be on him already, but keiji assumes you must be busy or something.

“hi, baby!” he mumbles, coming over to kiss you. you smile softly at him before returning to whatever is on your laptop.

he stands there awkwardly.

“i brought dinner home. it’s your favorite, isn’t it?” he prompts, holding it out to you. you stare up at him, nodding silently.

his eyebrows furrow in confusion, but he sets down the food anyway.

the two of you eat silently, and the air is somewhat tense and a little awkward. akaashi can’t figure out what’s wrong, but he feels that asking would just make it worse.

when you’re done, you smile at him and put your dishes away before slipping into the bedroom wordlessly.

akaashi sighs. he’d hoped that you’d be as excited to see him as he’d been for you, but now he feels like something’s off.

when he follows you into the bedroom, he sits beside you on the bed, poking you gently. he looks down at you softly.

“did you wanna watch something together? i got some snacks from the market; we could eat those?” he suggests, hopeful. your eyes light up at that before dimming as you look away, as if you’ve remembered something important.

“it’s okay, keiji.”

his heart sinks.

“but—”

“actually, i think i’m gonna go to bed for the night,” you say quietly. he looks at the time. 8:48. you never go to bed that early.

the two of you sit in an awkward silence, and akaashi can’t think of what went wrong.

he thinks about how the two of you fought just yesterday, but you surely can’t have believed anything he’d said? how could he ever feel that way about you? he loves you more than anything in the world.

but when he glances at you, he realizes that his words had hurt you much more than you let on. you won’t even look at him.

so he reaches over, hands sliding under you, and hoists you up into his lap.

“keiji—”

“what? i can’t cuddle with my baby?”

you sigh.

“you don’t have to do this just because i complained last night,” you laugh dryly, attempting to mask the hurt he caused you. he sees right through it though, hand coming up to brush your cheek gently.

“baby,” he whispers. “you know i didn’t mean it like that.”

you exhale, looking away. “you were right, though. i’m too needy.”

he forces you to look at him at that. “hey. that’s not true at all, okay? i love you, more than anything, and i love being close to you and spending time with you. you’re never too needy.”

you let him press soft kisses all over your face, giggling when he gets to your neck. he smiles against you.

“let’s spend some time together, ‘kay?”

kita

even before the two of you got in a relationship, you understood that kita was a very blunt person

he did not hold back and was a little too honest

but while he was cold and blunt, he was also kind and thoughtful, and you loved that about him

you felt as though you were a little too much for him, but he never really said anything, so you assumed he didn’t mind

but one day, he came home from work exhausted

after the two of you got ready for bed, you tried to cuddle him, hoping maybe you’d get a few hugs and kisses before going to sleep

but he pushed you away firmly

“will you stop being so clingy? i don’t want to be around you all the time.”

with that, he turned away from you, and you did the same, the air tense

even as you fell asleep, you couldn’t get his words out of your mind

today has been a great day for kita.

work went well and the weather was amazing. now the only thing he wants to do is come home to you and have dinner together. he can’t wait to tell you all about his day and hear about yours.

on his way home, he passes by that pastry shop you love. he figures you’d appreciate it if you picked some dessert up.

he buys some crepe cakes and pastries, hoping you’ll accept them.

when he gets home, he’s surprised you’re not in the living room or in the kitchen. you’re usually there, waiting for him.

he can see that there’s dinner on the stove, but you’re not out and about, probably in the bedroom. he opens the door, and his prediction is confirmed. you’re sitting on the bed, scrolling on your phone. at the sound of the door opening, you look up.

“hi, shin,” you greet, grinning softly. he nods.

“do you want to eat with me?” he offers, gesturing to the dining table. he wants to just talk to you for a minute, maybe share some dessert with you.

you shake your head. “i already ate. there’s leftovers on the stove, though!”

shinsuke stands there, dumbfounded. you’ve always waited up for him. perhaps you were simply really hungry?

“right. well, i brought home some dessert from that pastry shop you like. why don’t you come out and take a look at it?” he suggests, hoping the idea will coax you.

you want to take his offer, but the last time you tried to get close to him, he completely shot you down. the humiliation from last night is still fresh.

“i’m okay, babe. i’ll just get some later, ‘kay?”

he sighs. he really hadn’t expected your rejection in the slightest, and he’s a little embarrassed.

he sits down to eat, alone. he was looking forward to seeing you all day, but you’re not acting at all like yourself. he misses your affection and giggles and sweet touches.

he wonders if you’re upset about what he said to you last night. he hadn’t meant to be so mean to you; he was just having a bad day and it kind of just slipped out. he’d hoped you would forget about it, but he can’t help but to think maybe you’re still a little upset about it.

he gets up and pushes the door open.

“are you upset with me?”

you look up at him, baffled.

“what?”

“i pushed you away last night, and i feel like you’re upset with me.”

you look away. so that’s what this is about.

“i’m not upset, okay?” you answer, avoiding his gaze.

“but you’re acting strange, and it’s making me uneasy. i want you to be yourself around me,” he explains. you finally look at him.

“i just don’t understand what you want, shin. you didn’t want me when i tried to be myself, so i tried to give you space, and you’re still not happy. i’m just trying to be enough for you and it’s not working,” you ramble, frustrated. his eyes widen slightly in surprise.

he comes over and sits in front of you on the bed. his gaze is sharp, and you as much as you want to look away, you can’t.

“you are more than enough for me,” he reassures you, as if the statement is obvious. “i’m sorry for the way i treated you last night. i thought about you all day and i couldn’t wait to see you, and i’m sorry you thought i didn’t love you for who you are. i love everything about you.”

kita is the most honest person you know, and you know he means every word he says. when he nuzzles at your cheek playfully, you laugh, and he realizes just how much he missed the sound.

“i love you.”

you sober, and smile gently.

“i love you.”

bokuto

you were both very clingy people in general

bokuto never seemed to have a problem with your touchiness

you loved that you could be affectionate with him, and that he was okay with it

but one day, you weren’t so sure about yourself anymore

bokuto had to leave for business on the day that you’d planned a date, and he’d completely forgotten

“koutaro, how could you not tell me?”

he was getting frustrated and stressed out, and before he left, he ended up lashing out at you

“i’m sorry, okay? it’s not my fault you’re so clingy. don’t put this on me!”

he left angrily, slamming the door shut

you sat in your apartment, dejected and upset

he texted you later apologizing and promising he’d smother you with lots of hugs and kisses when he got home

but you weren’t so sure anymore

you look around, searching for his hair above the crowd. the airport is pretty crowded, but you know you’ll be able to spot him anywhere.

and then you finally see him, and your eyes meet. excitement bubbles up in your stomach and you run to meet him before slowing down and stopping a few feet in front of him. you don’t want anything like what happened the other day to happen again.

bokuto waits for you to throw your arms around him, anticipation swimming in his eyes, but you just grab his suitcase for him and gesture for him to follow you to where your car is. he droops, missing your touch, but follows you nonetheless.

the car ride is uneventful, and the two of you make awkward small talk. it’s a little weird, and bokuto is itching to touch you, but you don’t seem to be in the mood for it. maybe when you get home you’ll cuddle him?

but when you finally do get home, you’re back to ignoring him. you help him unpack, muttering things about dinner, but it’s like he’s barely even there. he sighs sadly.

when you’re making dinner, he watches you, hoping you’ll turn around and wrap your arms around his waist like you sometimes do. but you hum to yourself, barely even acknowledging his presence in the kitchen.

he pulls at your sleeve desperately, and you turn to see him.

“what is it?” you ask gently. he stares at you, and you stare back at him, and he won’t tell you what’s wrong. you sigh, shrugging him off, and return to making dinner.

he goes to sulk at the table, touch starved and frustrated.

he doesn’t understand why you’re being so distant. he’s spent quite a long time away from you, all of which he’s spent missing your touch, and now you won’t even give him the time of day.

not only does he just want to touch you, but he feels like he’s done something wrong, and he doesn’t know what.

after dinner, you’re washing dishes, and he decides to try again. he comes up behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, and squeezes. you try to evade him, but he holds you in place. your attempt doesn’t go unnoticed, however.

“kou, i need to wash the dishes.”

“why are you being so weird?” he mumbles into your neck, and you freeze.

“what are you talking—”

“stop, ‘kay?” he mumbles, scarily serious, and you turn to investigate. he looks hurt, and you blanch.

“you’ve been avoiding me all day, and i don’t understand what i did wrong,” he explains.

oh, you think.

“baby, it’s not your fault, okay? i’ve just been thinking,” you tell him, turning away. “i’ve been thinking about what you said before you left. about the way i act and how it can get a little annoying, and i just thought maybe some space would be—”

“no!” he blurts. you pause.

“wh-what do you mean, ‘no?’”

“i don’t want space! i came home and i missed you and you don’t even wanna cuddle,” he utters.

“i didn’t mean it,” he whispers. “what i said that day. and i think you should completely forget about it and come be with me instead.”

when you look up at him, he looks like he means it. his eyebrows are furrowed in determination, and the sight is equal parts hilarious and endearing.

you slip into his arms wordlessly, allowing him to swallow you up and tighten his hold on you.

“missed you so much,” he mumbles, barely coherent. “don’t do that again.” you laugh.

“alright, bo. whatever you want.”

[zuffer-weird-girl]

Angel has Kai’s baby in their 3rd (last) year of highschool and Kai has no idea since she hid her pregnancy so 2 years later Kai breaks up with angel to focus on his “experiments” when Kai is sent to Tartarus the guards tell him that he has a visitor and there’s angel and his child and Kai starts to tear up

"Eh...?" you could only mutter in disbelief as Kai read some papers with an unbothered expression.

"I know you for about five years (Y/n). I know you dont have any issues with your hearing." He muttered coldly before sighing and placing the papers on the desk.

"You... want to break up...? Why? What did I do?" You asked with trembling lips as he stared at your eyes.

"Is more about on what you can't and won't do." He pressed his fingers on the bridge of his nose before waving it in the air "You know I am the future leader of the hassaikai. And having you near would be only a distraction to my experiments to give this place more credit. You would be like a rock on my path to gain some knowledge."

"You're kidding right?" You almost sobbed "You always told me I was like a safe place for you to go. What the hell happened to that? Or the promises you made for me for us to get married?" He blinked before answering.

"I was foolish. We have a life ahead of us and well, having you being clingy on my back would be a nuisance while working."

The ground could swallow you for all you cared... what the supposed love of your life just said was enough to leave you with eyes red and legs felling like they were trembling.

"Please dont cry. You're dropping them on the ground. And I dont even know if you're clean." You gritted your teeth before breathing in and looking at Kai Chisaki for what you swore for one last time.

"Very well. You want to break up because I'm only a bother to your path to greatness oh punny God? So be it." You walked until you felt him grabbing your wrist until you snatched it away from him.

"When the time is right, we can get back together." He spoke like he was in a fucking meeting in a company.

"No." You hissed "Chisaki I loved you, and I gave you everything of me even supporting your ideas. But then you want to break up with out of no where saying I would ruin your plans by simply existing neat you and to top it off you call me clingy and a nuisance?"

You could see a tad bit of remorse on his eyes as he pondered for a second his own words maybe, but before he could speak you sobbed and opened the door.

"Don't ever look for me Chisaki. And for your information..." you hesitated and gulped down the urge to just yell what you had discovered just earlier while clenching your purse where the pregnancy test lied on.

"What?" He asked, now no longer seeing to be bothered by your sadness and outburst.

"... good luck on your life. I hope you're happy with this obstacle getting away from you." You muttered before closing the door and walking out until you cursed and screamed while you ran as the rain started to make an appearance.

Not noticing the germophobic himself running out of the house with an umbrella to give it to you and soaked as well as he watched with a dread expression your figurine run away...

.

.

Ten years later...

.

.

"I swear Kaiyo... you gonna drive me crazy one of these days." You spoke heartedly as the boy with brow hair laughed in embarrassment while scrubbing the back of his head as you caught all the pieces of the broken chair on the ground.

"Sorry ma! I got carried away." You scoffed but soon smiled at his tiny hands and focused face morph the pieces and piece them back together and with a proud face show you the new constructed chair with a 'tad a!'

"Wow. Impressive sweety!" You patted his hair as he "complained", golden eyes shinning brightly at looking at you with a huge smile on.

Life sometimes was cruel to give the child you loved the exact same face as their father which teared your heart at pieces. But your love for your son was stronger than this stupid thing.

Kaiyo was your son. Not his.

"Ne ne ma? Father's day is coming up!" Kaiyo said and you froze for a moment before sighing while washing the dishes.

Here we go...

"Yes it is coming." You muttered as the boy sneak around and looked up at you.

"You know I dont really care about what the other kids say about me having only a mom but..." he rested his face on his crossed arms on the sink while shyly looking up at you "I was just curious... if I am going to meet mine..."

You sighed while placing the now dry plates on their place before giving your son the best smile you could get.

"Kaiyo, your father is just a very busy name. When we were together he had.. uh.. family business to take care of, so that's why we cant see him much." Kaiyo seemed a bit dissapointmented and it tore you apart.

You could have your own issues with Kai but that didn't mean you would make his son hate him...

"Well... Sato's also got a busy dad but.." he shook his head, messy brow bangs shaking along with his head, until he gave you a bright smile "That's okay! I just hope I get to meet him one day! And that he gets back to you and apologize foe being a dork! So us three can live together!"

A child can dream, right?

But you knew that Kai needed to know the existence of Kaiyo... you werent ignorant...

"Yeah kiddo. Let's hope for the best." You carresed his cheek before kissing it "Okay. Enough talk. Time for bed young man."

"Awww already?" He pouted as you giggled.

"How about that? You go get ready and I tell you stories about me and daddy while we were together?"

"Can I get my plushie of mr Nighteye?" You giggled. Something Kaiyo definitely wasn't equal to his father was his fascination with heroes.

"Sure honey. Now shoo! Go go go!" You squished his cheeks as he laughed and ran towards his room on the apartment.

You snorted at sign before preparing yourself for digging the past once again for the sake of your son.

.

.

.

"MOM!" You almost chopped your finger along with the carrot at the shout of Kaiyo before looking at him in worry to se ehkm pointing at the T.V with horror "The heroes-! The green hero with the girl-!"

You immediately went to his side only to widened your eyes at the image in front of you.

Chisaki..?

"Ma! He is a villain! A BIG ONE!"your son whimpered while going for you for a hug while stared in shock... "Ma? Why are you trembling?"

"H-Huh?" You let out until you gasped at seeing this teenager punching Chisaki square in the face...

"Ma?! You're okay?!"

You didn't know what to feel, but surely you weren't expecting tears to fall when this girl hand cuffed your ex boyfriend and the cops and heroes to put him into a van to surely got to the prison. Tartarus you bet.

You felt a hand rubbing your cheek and soon looked at your son wide teary eyes.

"M-Mommy...?" You hugged him close to your chest and holding his head close as your heart almost slammed out of your chest. "What happened? Are you okay?"

"I-i... I'm okay honey." You inhaled before looking into Kaiyo's golden eyes to see worry on them. "Hey, mommy's okay."

"Ma...?"

"Hm?"

"That man looked like me..."

.

How long was he here? Months?

Didn't matter. Nothing mattered more... everything was taken from him. Including his own arms. Now he was just as useless as a cockroach.

Worst of all? His own father figurine on a damn hospital because of him...

Pathetic.

'Is funny how things change' is what you used to say... he found himself scoffing while pressing the back of his head on the wall.

He hadn't stop thinking about you ever since the day he made the decision of breaking up with you. He did tried inumerous times to contact you when he took leadership of the Hassaikai... but he just gave up.

"Probably married with kids already... why are you even thinking about her on the first place..?" he murmured to himself as he felt his chest tighten in sadness.

Everything was just... what he deserved.

He sighed. Closing his eyes for just a split second until he heard banging on the door of his cell until a guard opened the window on it to glare daggers at him.

"Get up. You have visitors."

"Leave me in here. I thought your job was to take seriously enough to not make jokes." He spoke on a hoarse voice until the cell opened with two guards already on it.

"I cant understand why you have visitors as well but get your ass up already."

He just blinked until he got up, two guards in front of him and one behind as he walked.

He just hoped it was fast.

He entered the room, mirrors which surely was where cops were hidden as he sitted down on a chair and waited until the door of iron opened by another guard.

"Right here ma'am. And remember the rules please."

"Of course." His eyes widened and he snapped his head up to see if he hadn't got crazy.

But no. You were there.

Gosh.. you didn't change at all... was even more beautiful than what his mind could have remember.

He stood there in shock as you got in but along with you... holding your hand, was a boy. Dressed with clothes but he surely didn't looked content about being in here.

His face dropped at seing the kid... you had moved on.

"One hour." The guard said locking the door as you stood there awkwardly, while the kid holding onto to you was glaring at the ground.

He wanted to say something but nothing came out as he was still in shock at seeing out of all people you decided to visit him.

The heels you wore clicked on the ground as you walked towards the table and sit down and the boy right by your side on the other chair... not even once you made eye contact with him.

"... (y/n)..." he whispered, still looking at you as if you were some angelical creature.

"Hey... long time that we dont see each other right? Chisaki." You spoke... not with a smile but not with hatred.

It was a start.

"You... hadn't changed a... a bit." He spoke, voice scratching at his throat as your eyes finally met his, his heart was beating loudly on his chest.

It felt like he was in high school again...

"Should I take that as a compliment?"

"I.. I didn't meant to offend you. Apologies." He bowed his head a bit as you sighed, looking at him with wide eyes out of the sudden.

"Oh God what happened to your arms?!" You almost screamed as the kid also seemed to notice.

"Long story... just.. a business that went wrong." He explained with dread as you seemed to relax a but while nodding.

It remained quiet for a bit only for the sound of the clock on the wall until he decided to break the silence.

".. so.. er.." gosh he was horrible with this "how is your life? Any.. uh.. you got the degree you wanted? I remember how you talked about it..."

You sighed with dissapointment as you looked at everywhere but him.

"No. I haven't... but I see you got what you wanted before being arrested though." You muttered and he let out a bitter chuckle.

"Almost.. yeah." He tapped his foot twice until he spotted the kid glaring at him with similiar gold eyes... "Married?"

"No. I thought it would be a distraction while taking care of my son." You spoke abruptly... as you looked at the boy beside you... "Anyway... I need to give you this."

You showed to him a paper before putting on the desk.

"What.. what is this?"

"Is a DNA test." You spoke coldly "To prove that you do have a son."

His eyes widened at that as he looked at the paper... and then to the boy whose was glaring at him not moments ago...

"Wha... but... "

"Remember the day when we split off? Yeah... was the day I discovered."

"W... why didn't you said something?" He asked in oure horror as you giggled in sarcasm.

"For what? This would only trouble you right?" You said with such venom on your voice that he felt a sting to his chest before you breathed in slowly before exhaling "I'm here because I thought you had the right to know... even after ten years.."

He looked at the kid and soon could tell the similarly between him and the boy... you had to raise a child with his face on it alone and he had broken things because of his own selfishness...

"What... what is his name?"

You pondered for a second before sighing, caressing the boy's hair.

"Come on honey... introduce yourself to your dad..." the boy huffed before opening his eyes and looking at him.

"I'm (L/n) Kaiyo. I cant say is very nice to meet you but my mom told me to say it for respect." He almost cringed at the introduction as he saw you looking at him with anger.

"Kaiyo." You warned as the boy scoffed.

"Dont need to scold him. He is not exactly wrong..." he ended up saying while you looked at him.

"I raised Kaiyo to have respect though."

"Why should I have respect towards him in the first place?" He looked at the dark brow haired kid "Not only he abandoned you ma but he is a villain! A very bad one! That girl on the Tv should be the same age if not younger than me!" The boy gritted with a few tears escaping his face.

"Kaiyo please... "

"Incredible..." you and Kaiyo suddenly looked at him "Despite having my features you are just like your mother... I would be proud of it..."

"... I'm not proud of being a villain's son." He muttered while sniffing "You abandoned us. I know ma hadn't said a thing to you but now I do."

You bited on your lips as he looked at loss of words at what he just heard from a child...

"... I know it doesn't change a thing but... I never stopped thinking about... your mother. About you (Y/n)."

"DONT REFER TO MY MOM AS HER FIRST NAME!" Kaiyo banged his fists on the table before you took him in your arms as the boy sobbed "You never cared! You-You-! Grandpa said you called my ma a bother! You are a MURDER!" The kid cried.

"I'm sorry about that..." you mumbled as you cradled the crying boy in your arms "He didn't take well Mr. Nighteye death..."

"M-Ma-! I wanna go home!"

"But Kaiyo, your da-"

"He IS NOT MY DAD!" he cried in you as you sighed as Chisaki seemed to be dying little by little at each second this visit had.

"I'm... going to go. Another day we will visit. Take care, Chisaki." You spoke before he could hear it and he stood up abruptly from his chair.

"No! Wait-!"

The door closed...

.

Months later

.

"Ma look. Hawk's wings are healing." The kid pointed at the news and you smiled.

"That's amazing! We could use some good news!" You chirped as Kaiyo smiled until both of you heard the door bell of your apartment ring.

"Huh. Weird usually grandpa or grandma visits us on-" you opened the door and you almost screamed at the sign of that same green haired kid on your door but now he seemed so... broken...

"Ma'am.. I'm sorry to bother you, but he said he can crash a bit in here... later cops will come to get him. I'm sorry but I need to go." Your son walked and squealed at sign.

"A hero!" Your son smiled brightly at him and for once, Deku had showed a smile for real... until you saw Chisaki leaning bruised to the core resting on the wall next to your door...

"Chisaki..." you breathed out as your son looked at him in shock.

"I'm sorry. Both of you..." he muttered while looking at the storm outside.

[louweasleymalfoy]

Masterlist

•••

I still remember the third of December, me in your sweater

You said it looked better on me than it did you

Only if you knew how much I liked you

“Why is it so cold outside?” I whined as I pulled my knees to my chest, making Draco laugh.

"It’s winter Y/N/N" He playfully rolled his eyes as he pointed out the obvious "You should have known it was going to be cold"

I hummed in response and he looked at me through knitted eyebrows.

"Hold on" Draco ran to who knows where, leaving me behind.

The both of us were in the courtyard and not bringing a sweater was probably the dumbest idea I had.

Not even a minute has passed and Draco was back with a piece of clothing in his hands and he tossed it towards my direction.

"Here, wear my sweater you dummy"

I caught it, and gave him a smile of thanks.

"My hero" I dramatically said, placing a hand on my chest, as Draco ruffled my hair. "Can't have my dumb best friend freeze to death" I ignored his comment and decided to put it on.

As I pulled the sweater on, I was overwhelmed with the scent of green apples. It was comforting and I couldn’t help but feel instantly at peace.

"How do I look?" I asked him with a hopeful smile and he returned it with his own warm smile.

“You look better than me in it” He remarked and winked in my direction, making my heart melt and have butterflies erupt in my stomach. My words stuck in my throat.

I hated how Draco could make me so flustered like this. But unfortunately, he didn’t notice.

“Look!” I exclaimed, gesturing at the snowflake I caught in my hands.

“It’s beautiful,” I muttered, looking at the snowflake in awe. Unbeknownst to me, he was staring at me. “Yeah, it is,” Draco said

But I watch your eyes as she

Walks by

What a sight for sore eyes

Brighter than the blue sky

She's got you mesmerised while I die

Slytherin hosts the BEST parties, that is a fact. The party was in full swing at the common room as the students mingled with each other. I was standing by the table with Draco as we joked around, watching our friends get drunk.

"Fck you" I said as Draco made a snide comment about something I said.

"Maybe later" He said, giving me a flirty wink and I had to pretend that I didn't hear him, feeling myself blush. Whenever Draco got a couple of drinks in him, he would get in a flirtatious mood with me. I both loved it and hated it. When he was sober, he would never say something like that.

"You know I—" I stopped myself mid sentence when I noticed that Draco's focus was across the room. I followed his line of sight and saw the source of the distraction.

Heather

The girl waved in Draco's direction, making her way over as he didn’t take his eyes off of her.

All I could do was leave. I couldn’t stay there while he flirted with her. It would kill me.

Why would you ever kiss me?

I'm not even half as pretty

You gave her your sweater, it's just polyester

But you like her better

Wish I were Heather

I sat near the black lake with an empty bottle of fire whiskey in my hand. I wished I had another drink in my hand, but that would require me getting up from my spot.

Instead I closed his eyes and thought of everything and nothing. I feel someone sitting next to me and yet I made no effort to move, my eyes still shut.

"The stars look beautiful tonight don't you think?” A familiar voice said and I simply hummed in agreement.

"I feel like I don’t get nights like this as much as I want. When was the last time we went out to see the stars?" He continued and I opened my eyes.

"Draco, why are you here?" I asked him with furrowed brows "What? Am I not allowed to hang out with you anymore?" He playfully said with a grin and I rolled my eyes as he started to talk about random things.

"Theo is definitely not handling the break up well" Draco informed as we talked about our friend Theo who got his heart broken by a girl.

"Well trust me, dating is not fun" I said grumpily. He put his hand on my knee, making ne freeze up. "You know what Y/N? I can’t remember the last time you kissed someone"

"W-what?" I turned my head to look at him. "Oh come on, when was the last time you hung out with a guy that isn't me, Blaise, and Theo? When was the last time you kissed someone?"

"That's not true! I hang out with um..other guys?" I defended and yet I sounded unsure, looking away from him. "Oh yeah? Give me a guy's name that you've actually made out with"

There was a long silence to follow, before Draco said ever so casually "Well, you can kiss me if you want to? I don't mind" He offered

My head swiveled to face my friend, my mouth slightly agape in surprise. Draco laughed.

"Come on, I just want you to remember what it feels like. It’s just some fun between friends" He sat up, leaning towards me. "Yeah?" He asked.

I settled with a nod before Draco was inches from me. It felt like one of my craziest dreams as my eyes fluttered shut and I felt Draco's lips on mine.

It lasted no longer than ten seconds, but I could remember every detail. How his lips felt, how he exerted little pressure, and how it was over way before I wanted it to be. Draco pulled away so suddenly, his hand going up to his head.

"Woah. I think my head hurts. I better go to sleep. Goodnight Y/N" He got up from his spot and went inside.

I mumbled an agreement, wondering if I had just imagined the kiss.

Weeks later and I was still replaying those few minutes in my head.

Watch as she stands with her, holding your hand

Put your arm 'round her shoulder, now I'm getting colder

But how could I hate her, she's such an angel

But then again, kinda wish she were dead

I turned to watch them as the pair walked along the hallways. Her hand was nestled into his, he was swinging it ever so slightly. She pointed to something in the distance and they stopped to look. She said something to make him laugh, and he slung his arm around her shoulder. I felt like I was going to throw up.

"You are just going to get more depressed the more you stare at them ya know?" I jumped a little at the sound of Pansy's voice as she gave me a sad smile. I turned to look at Draco. His cheeks were pink as he stumbled for words with Heather beside him, wearing his sweater.

"I wasn’t- I was just-"

"It’s okay Y/N/N, I know that you love him" I exhaled. "Is it really that obvious?"

She shrugged her shoulders. "Probably not. I’m just observant. He should just admit that he likes you I’m sorry that he's with that btch."

“She’s not a btch” I said weakly, but couldn’t stop a sad smile form "I bet she's nice. I mean Draco likes her, not me. He'll probably only see me as a friend" I said as I feel my heart ache.

"So? You like her for Draco then?" Pansy asked

I looked back over to the pair where they were growing smaller in the distance.

"Is it bad I kinda wish she didn’t exist?"

"Not really" Pansy replied, placing a hand on my shoulder "We’ve all been there"

"I feel so stupid. Having feelings for my best friend" I muttered

She reached over to take my hands. "You can’t help who you fall in love with Y/N/N. I’m really sorry that you are in this situation. I could've sworn you two would end up with each other, turns out Draco is just blind to see that"

"He never loved me that way Pansy, I don't know what you're talking about, but still thank you for understanding.

I was embarrassed, but I felt tears threatening to fall from my eyes. It was nice to share my struggle with someone else.

"I think I’m going to sleep in our dorm" I said, letting go of her hands, and she gave me a nod. Before I left, she pulled me into an embrace, engulfing me in her arms.

"It’ll be okay Y/N/N, I promise you"

I thanked her and left, thinking of a certain blonde haired boy with grey eyes. I slammed the door shut and walked over to my closet.

I searched for something to wear and saw his sweater. I let my fingers run through the fabric and decided to wear it. I immediately crawled into bed and pulled the covers over me.

I closed my eyes as I cried myself to sleep. Of all the people my heart could have chosen, it decided on a boy who only saw me as a friend and nothing more. All I could do now was imagine what would've happened if he loved me back.

I wish I was Heather

•••

Part 2

[ragingbookdragon]

So Live A Lie, Just Tonight, And Burn Out Bright

Batsis x Hal Jordan One-Shot

Word Count: 3.8K Warnings: Explicit Language, Mature Themes

Author's Note: I decided to compile that one Batsis "story" into one doc, and I added the alternate ending for the one anon who asked! Enjoy! -Thorne

**********************************************************************

“Alright, easy sis, easy,” he worried, watching her carefully for signs of pain flickering across her face as he helped her off the bike.

She scowled, managing to drag her injured leg forward. “Quit nagging. I’m—ngh—fine.”

“You’re on emergency oxycodone and you’ve got a broken femur,” he retorted. “I’m nagging until you’re in surgery.”

“Ugh, stop reminding me.”

Someone hauled her off her feet with a quiet, “I’ve got you.”

She grunted in pain laying on the gurney. “Thanks, dad.”

“Miss Wayne, are you alright?”

Her eyes found Alfred’s. “I’m good. I just ne—motherfucker!” she yelped, glaring at her father who was squeezing her thigh. “Hey! That’s broken, jackass! Quit!”

Bruce grunted. “You need an ORIF now.”

A pinch in her arm made her twitch and she turned her attention to Alfred who was uncapping a needle. “Alfred, what’s that?”

He shook his head. “Nothing to worry about, Miss Wayne.” Smiling, he stuck the needle into the line. “You’ll feel better when you awaken.”

Her vision blurred rapidly, “Gonna take…a nap…now…” her head lolled, and Bruce met Alfred’s gaze.

“Call Damian. He’s got the steady hand we’ll need.”

***

“How’re you feeling?” Jason asked, setting a cup of juice on the bedside table.

She blinked slowly, staring at her fingers. “Why are my fingers like this?”

“Like what, Queenie?”

“Bendy,” she replied, flexing her fingers. “It’s fuckin’ weird.” She looked at him. “I feel weird.”

He snorted, nodding at Dick and the others who were walking in at the sound of her voice. “You’re on hydromorphone, sis.”

“Hydro—what-what?”

“Hydromorphone, sister,” Damian said. “It has increased your threshold for pain and reduced the perception of it.”

She stared at him like she hadn’t heard a word come out of his mouth. “I didn’t understand a single goddamn word that you just said.”

Snickers sounded around her, but her head was up in the clouds and she rested back against her pillow. Her family gathered around her, sitting up on the bed, and suddenly she cocked her head up, squinting at each of them.

“Sweetheart? What’s wrong?” Bruce inquired.

“Where’s Dick?”

“I’m right here, sis,” he answered, pressing a kiss to the back of her hand. “What’s up?”

“Why’d you break up with Kori?”

His eyes widened. “I—what?”

“Kori. Tall alien with the shooty-hands.”

“I know who she is. What about our breakup?”

“Are you kidding me? That woman is spectacular, and you broke up with her. She’s gorgeous, wicked intelligent, fantastic in bed and—”

“Wait, back up there,” he interrupted. “Good in bed? Did you sleep with, Kori?”

“Oh yeah, totally. I was her rebound after you.”

Dick blinked while the others cackled. “Have you…have you slept with any other exes?”

“Of yours? Or in general with the family’s exes?”

“Wait,” Jason said. “Have you slept with any of mine?”

“Did you date Artemis?”

He shrugged. “Sort of?”

“Then, yes.” She looked at Bruce. “I slept with Selina too, but to be completely honest we were both drunk and I don’t think either of us remember.”

“I uh—” he started, then quieted. “I didn’t know you were gay, sweetheart.”

She let out a ‘pfft’. “I’m not.”

“Oh, you’re bi, then?” Dick smiled and she shook her head.

“Nah, I like the wine but not the label.” She grinned. “I’m a lover of people.”

“How many superheroes have you slept with?” Tim questioned and she pursed her lips.

“Uh…I dunno…kinda lost count.”

For a moment no one said a word, then Jason asked, “You know how we call Dickhead the fuck-boy? Can we refer to you as that now? I think you’ve topped his count.”

Her eyes narrowed into a glare and she pointed at him, though she was seeing double, so it was entirely possible that she was pointing at the wall. “Keep that up and I’ll sleep with your best friend again.”

“You slept with Roy?!”

“I was talking about Kyle, but Roy works too.”

“OH MY GOD! IS THERE ANYONE YOU HAVEN’T SLEPT WITH?”

She thought for a moment, then offered, “Diana. But I asked her out last weekend so it’s up in the air until our date.”

***Part Two***

There was only one rule that everyone collectively followed in Wayne Manor and that was: no excessive noise until after twelve P.M. It was mostly influenced by Alfred who’d more than once pulled out the shotgun but surprisingly, mornings were usually calm and quiet. Keywords: “Were” and “Usually”. There were some special cases.

An ear-splitting scream shattered the silence of the breakfast room and in an instant, everyone was jumping from the table, sprinting towards the staircase to find out what was quite possibly murdering their eldest sister. As they neared the staircase, they came face to face with her as she stood behind the banister, her hands gripping the railing until her knuckles started whitening.

“Sis, what’s wrong?” Dick worried, already starting to come up the steps, Jason and Tim close behind.

“I’m late,” she whispered, and they leaned forward.

“What was that?” Bruce inquired, brows furrowing, and she looked at him.

“I’m late.” Her voice was firmer this time.

He blinked. “How long?”

“Two months.”

“Wait, what’s going on?” Jason questioned, shaking his head and she scowled.

“My period’s late, jackass.”

She wished she’d taken a photo of their faces, because nothing would ever amuse her as much as the way their jaws went slack, eyes widening in total shock. Running a hand down her face, she groaned, “Oh my God. I knew something was up. I completely forgot about it.”

“Sooooo…” Tim drawled out with a recovered grin. “Who’s the daddy?”

Her eyes narrowed and she shot him a glare. “Shut. Up.”

“C’mon sis, someone—some guy did it for you.” Jason quipped. “Who’s the lucky man?” he paused, seeming to remember something. “How many superheroes have you slept with in two months? That have dicks, of course.” She clenched her jaw and his eyes widened. “Oh no. Oh no…is it, Roy?”

“It’s not Roy!” she hissed.

“Kyle?” Dick offered and she shook her head.

“No. I’ve only slept with one guy in the past two months.”

“Who was it sister?” Damian quizzed, placing his hands on his hips. “I have yet to meet anyone acceptable for you to populate with.”

“Thanks Damian,” she griped, then groaned. “Oh God, I know who it is too. And I wish I didn’t.”

“Why’s that?”

Her eyes found Tim’s. “Because we were drunk as hell after a League mission.”

“Who is it?” Bruce grunted and she met his gaze.

“You’re not going to like it.”

Something passed between them, and his eyes narrowed. “Please don’t say that’s who you slept with.”

She nodded, pressing a hand to her face, hiding her embarrassment. “Mhm.”

“You slept with him?”

“Unfortunately.”

Jason looked between his sister and father. “Wait, I’m confused. What’s going on?” A snort sounded beside him, and he looked over, seeing Dick in tears. “Why are you crying? What’s so funny?”

Dick cackled. “SHE SLEPT WITH HAL JORDAN!”

Another round of slack jawed brothers appeared in her sight, and she hissed. “It was an accident!”

“YOU’RE HAVING A BABY WITH HAL JORDAN!” Dick gasped, starting to drop to his knees from laughing so hard. “OH MY GOD, YOU SLEPT WITH THE GUY DAD HATES THE MOST!”

“You slept with Hal Jordan?” Tim gagged. “Ew.”

“Sister, I am disgusted in your choice of partners for children.” Damian noted and she scowled.

“I hate all of you.” she looked at Bruce.

He sighed heavily, a defeated father…or maybe a defeated grandfather. “I’ll go call Hal…and order prenatal vitamins.”

She ran a hand down her face. “I’ll call Leslie and get in for an exam.”

“Holy shit,” Jason gasped. “We’re gonna be uncles!”

***Part Three***

He shifted the phone to rest between his ear and shoulder, hands busy pouring coffee into his cup. “Hello?”

What are you doing right now?

“Bruce? Is that you?”

Answer the question, Hal.

He rolled his eyes and frowned. “Well, it’s nine A.M., I’m making a cup of coffee. I know bats are nocturnal, so this might come as a surprise to someone like you, but rest assured it’s a normal habit for us normal folks.”

How fast can you get to Gotham City?

“Willingly?” Hal chuckled, setting down the coffee pot to grab the phone. “What’s going on?”

I need your…help…with something. And I need you in Gotham as fast as you can get here…please.

He almost dropped both the phone and coffee mug. “Did you just say you need my he—” the line went dead with a click, and he pulled the phone from his ear. “Asshole,” Hal scowled and shoved the phone in his pocket, before putting the mug down. His body flashed green as he suited up and he sighed. “Can’t believe I gotta go to the land of the living dead at nine A.M.”

***

He rubbed his temples as he disconnected the call, barely suppressing the sigh that wanted to escape him. “Are you mad at me?” he heard behind him, low, scared, and worried; he shook his head.

“No.”

She leaned against the desk, staring down at the side of his head. “Are you disappointed in me?”

Bruce sighed this time. “At your basic lack of common sense and sleeping with a team member despite the fact that I’ve told you time and again that inner-team-dalliances only end badly? Yes.” He turned his eyes to her. “But for being pregnant? Never.”

“Doesn’t seem like it, dad,” she muttered, crossing her arms over her chest; he watched them lower to hold her stomach.

“I think Hal Jordan’s an idiot,” he stated. “If it seems like I’m upset, it’s because he’s going to be my grandchild’s father and I’ll have to be nice to him now.” She huffed a laugh and he reached over, placing a hand on her arm. “It’s going to be okay, sweetheart. We’ll take care of this.”

“I know, it’s just…” she sighed. “I never expected this to happen.”

“No one ever does,” Bruce answered. “Have you contacted Leslie yet?”

She nodded. “Yeah. I’ll go see her around three.” Grunting, she muttered, “Figured if Hal got here in as soon as possible, we’d have enough time to sit and talk about this before we went.” She ran a hand over her face. “God, I can’t believe I Hal knocked me up.”

“Please don’t say that,” Bruce griped. “I don’t like that phrase.”

“But that’s what happened, dad. I got knocked up by Hal.”

“Why do you hate me?” he scowled, dropping his head into his hands. “How did this even happen?”

Sighing, she recounted, “After the mission in Brazil, Hal invited Barry back to Coast City for a drink and Barry invited me.” She shrugged. “I didn’t wanna be rude even if I am typically antisocial, so I accepted, and we got there and found a bar. After a couple hours, Barry had to get back to Central and we just decided to keep drinking.”

She grunted. “Hell, by seven thirty we were already gone so we got a ride back to his place and he offered to let me stay the night and one thing led to another and—”

Bruce raised his hand, effectively silencing her. “I can infer what happened after that.” He rubbed his temples. “Let’s just wait for Hal to get here, yeah?”

“Yeah,” she agreed, falling silent.

***

Alfred cleared his throat. “Master Jordan, is here, sir.” They both looked up from the Batcomputer at the test pilot.

“Thank you, Alfred,” Bruce said, and the butler nodded, ascending the steps.

Hal walked towards them. “So, what’s the deal? Why do you need me?”

Bruce looked at her and she sighed. “Actually, I’m the one who needed you to come here, Hal.”

His brown eyes darted to hers, a flash, a recognition of something and he nodded. “Aright. What’s up?”

“Dad…give us a moment?” he nodded and stood from the Batcomputer, walking to the medical section on the other side of the cave. She waved Hal over. “You might wanna sit down.”

He did, albeit suspiciously. “Why are you acting so…weird?”

“Hal,” she said, then looked at her hands. “I’m…ah crap.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked, brows furrowing.

She took a deep breath and admitted, “My period’s late and there’s a good chance I’m pregnant.”

For a moment, Hal didn’t say a word, then he burst into laughter. “Oh, that’s hilarious!” he held his stomach and wiped his eyes. “That’s a good one.”

“I’m not joking, Hal,” she spat. “In the last three months, you’re the only man I’ve had sex with. If I’m pregnant, you’re the father.”

He stopped laughing at that. “Are you being serious?”

“Dead.”

Hal ran a hand through his brown hair and let out a shocked breath. “Holy hell.” She watched him and he gaped at her. “W-what…what do we do?”

“I’ve got an appointment with Doctor Leslie at four. You’re welcome to come along if you’d like.”

He nodded. “Yeah. Yeah, I will.” Swallowing thickly, he said, “Does he know?”

“Dad? Yeah. They all do.”

“They?” he repeated, eyes wide.

“My brothers.”

“You told them we slept together?”

She chuckled. “Apparently a year ago under heavy meds, I admitted I slept with Dad, Dick, and Jason’s exes.” She shrugged. “There’s not much I keep from them.”

Hal’s eyes shifted to Bruce’s back. “Can’t imagine the Big-Bat is happy about this.”

“Oh, he’s not. He thinks you’re an idiot, but judging by the look on your face, you already know that.”

He scoffed. “Your dad likes to think he’s smarter than everyone else.”

She cocked a brow. “He is.”

“And it seems like you’re following that strain well,” he shot back, and they glared at each other before cracking smiles.

“If this is real, we’re going to be some parents, huh?”

Hal could sense the fear in her voice, and he stood in front of her, placing his hands on her hips. “Hey,” he murmured. “No parents are perfect. And we’re sure as hell not.”

“If this is supposed to cheer me up, it’s not.”

“I’m not trying to cheer you up. I’m trying to reassure you,” he corrected, squeezing her hips lightly. “We’ll work through this, and we’ll do it together.”

She gazed at him then heaved a sigh and leaned her head on his shoulder. “Thanks Hal.”

“Don’t mention it,” he chuckled, then murmured, “But if we really are going to be parents, should we tie the knot?”

“Absolutely not.”

***

“Hal, for the love of God, will you sit down?” she griped. “You’re starting to make me anxious with all that pacing.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair before shrugging off his bomber. “I can’t help it,” he retorted. “I hate waiting.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed.” She rolled her eyes. “Leslie’s working as fast as she can. Just sit down and be patient.”

Hal paced for another minute before collapsing into the seat beside her; she took his hand in hers and rubbed her thumb on the back of his hand. “What are you doing?” he asked, and she hummed.

“Comforting you.”

“Why?”

She looked at him. “Because you’re worried.”

“How are you not?”

“I am,” she commented, and he scowled.

“You don’t look it.”

“Well, that’s because I was trained to retain my emotions a as child,” she retorted. “It helps when I’m dealing with children who are scared.”

“I’m not a child,” Hal hissed, and she snorted.

“Could’ve fooled me.”

“You know what? I’m gonna—”

The door opened and their mouths snapped shut as Leslie walked in with a smile. “Good afternoon.”

“Hey Leslie,” she greeted, then glanced at the papers in her hand. “So? What’s the verdict?”

Leslie handed her the file and she looked it over. “Case of irregular period, dear.”

She blinked and said dumbly, “I’m not pregnant?”

“No,” she said, shaking her head. “Our bodies act up sometimes, even when we’re grown. Irregularities can still happen even now.” Clearing her throat, Leslie added, “But your blood and urinalysis came back negative. You’re not pregnant.” She looked between Hal and her. “With the results, you’re free to leave.”

She stood to her feet, but when Hal didn’t, she tugged his hand. “Hal,” she whispered. “Come on.”

He staggered to his feet. “Yeah, I’m coming.” He disappeared out of the clinic room, and she sighed, then looked at Leslie.

“Thanks doc.”

“Of course.”

***

They were quiet on the park bench, watching the sun reflect off the water and listening to the birds singing in the sky. “So…I guess that’s a relief,” Hal stated, and she nodded.

“Yeah. I guess it is.” Laughing, she said, “I mean could you imagine if I were actually carrying your kid?” when he didn’t laugh, she looked over at him. “Hal?”

He blinked, shaking himself out of his thoughts. “Yeah, couldn’t imagine it.”

“Hal,” she plead. “Are you upset that I’m not?”

“What? No. No, I’m relieved you’re not pregnant, but…” he sighed and shrugged. “I dunno at the same time as scared as I was, I was happy, you know? Ready to step up and be there for you.”

She lowered her gaze to his hands and reached over, placing hers over his and he took it, squeezing. “Well, look at it this way. This was the universe telling you that you’re ready to be a father and this was the universe telling me that I’m not ready to be a mom or your baby’s mother.”

Hal gazed at her for a moment then chuckled. “Yeah, I guess it is.” He squeezed her hand again and climbed to his feet, flashing green as his suit appeared. “Now that everything’s sorted out, I should be getting back to Coast City.”

“Sounds good,” she agreed, standing to her feet.

“Can I drop you off anywhere?”

“Nah, I’m gonna walk around for a bit,” she said.

Hal took to the sky then looked down at her. “If you ever find yourself ready…call me?”

A shocked laugh bubbled in her chest, and she shook her head. “Not a chance in hell, Jordan.”

“Come on, don’t you think it would be fun to have the old Bat call me his son in law?”

Giggling, she waved him off. “Get out of here, Hal.”

Winking, he replied, “See you later, babe.”

She couldn’t help but chuckle and watch him leave, then she shook her head. “Ridiculous.” But a small smile was still on her lips as she headed down the street.

***Alternate Ending***

She gazed numbly out at the water, not sure if she should feel surprise or shock, but whatever emotion she was feeling had completely dumbfounded her. She was pregnant. Her hands had unconsciously pressed tight to her stomach, and she felt sick more than anything. Sick, scared, ashamed, every emotion that came with sleeping with a coworker—and every TV show and movie where the woman got pregnant from the affair.

How was she going to explain this to her family? To her friends? How was she going to face their scrutiny? Pregnant out of wedlock? With the biggest skirt-chasing, arrogant asshole in the galaxy? She’d take the brunt of their scathing opinions. He’d get off scot-free. He’d—

“(Y/N).” Someone’s hand rested on her shoulder, and she blinked, suddenly brought from her stupor and she looked over at him; his gaze was full of worry. “Are you okay?”

Instantly, she felt angry, and she jerked away from him, standing to her feet. “Am I okay!” she shouted. “You got me pregnant! Do you have any idea what this is going to do to us! To our reputations! To mine!”

Irritation etched across his face, and he stood to his feet, getting in her face. “It takes two to tango, (Y/N). We both did this—not just me.”

Her mouth opened to retort sharply, but damned if he didn’t have a point and she shut her mouth, tasting something bitter as she looked away. “I’m going home.”

She turned and his hand shot out, grabbing hold of her arm. “Wait, I don’t want you going alone.”

“Let go of me.” She hissed, trying to pull away, but he tightened his grip.

“No. It’s too dangerous for you to be out alone.”

(Y/N) scoffed. “I think you’re forgetting who you’re talking to Jordan. I’m—”

“The mother of my child.” Hal declared and she gaped at him. “I know what you and your family think of me. I know you think I’m an arrogant asshole and yeah, I’ll admit that I am.” He pulled her to him and wrapped his arm around her waist. “But if you think for a second, I’m going to let you wander around this bat-shit crazy city alone while pregnant, then you’re the one who’s being arrogant.”

He searched her gaze. “I’m many things, (Y/N). But I’m not going to abandon you or shy away from whatever this is.”

She swallowed thickly. “What do you mean ‘whatever this is’? Parents?”

“Us.” Hal said. “Maybe it’s just my big head, but I see the way you look at me. Yeah, I annoy the hell out of you, but you care for me.” He reached up, cupping her cheek. “And I care about you too. More than just what teammates should for one another.”

(Y/N) didn’t know what to say, because he did have a point. Hal was an annoying prick who at many times provoked her into physical confrontation, but on the other hand, there was nothing she loved more than fighting with him, because she knew he found it just as amusing.

Her gaze lowered and she felt tears well in her eyes. “I’m scared, Hal.”

“I know. I am too,” he murmured. “But we’re going to get through this.” He tipped her head up, catching her eyes once more. “We will get through this. Together.”

(Y/N)’s lips wobbled, and she tried for a lighthearted comment. “Isn’t fraternization against the rules?”

Hal grinned. “Only in the military.” He winked. “Last time I checked—we’re not in it.”

She laughed, leaning forward, and pressed her forehead to his. “How’s everyone going to react to this?”

He shrugged. “Probably with shock. I mean about me getting a girl pregnant? Not likely. Getting you pregnant? More likely.”

“Shut up.”

“I think we should consider getting married though.”

(Y/N) pulled away and stared at him. “Excuse me?”

Hal looked at her. “(Y/N), we should think about getting married. I mean, we’re gonna have a kid together. Might as well tie the knot while we’re at it.”

She merely blinked and spun, walking off. “Nope. Not happening. I’ll be your baby-mama, but I am not marrying you.”

“Hey! Wait up!”

[brushstrokesapocalyptic]

it’s time for the “overanalyzing one-off lines” show!

so the very first thing magnus says when he sees pit in chapter 2 of kid icarus: uprising is as follows:

“Well, I didn’t expect to see an angel here. Hope this doesn’t mean I’ve kicked the bucket.”

now, i’m not sure if you’re aware, but that’s a really weird thing for someone to say, and it’s even more weird that no one comments on it. pit and palutena go on talking about unrelated things, as if that’s a totally normal and expected thing for magnus to say.

now, if you’re like me, you probably also didn’t really react to this line the first few times you saw it. it’s the second chapter, kiu has a lot of slightly-odd lines which turn out to be foreshadowing. me, personally? my first thought was “oh, i guess angels are probably associated with escorting the dead to the afterlife,“ and then i moved on.

they’re not, though. that’s what reapers do. and there’s no way humans have these two races mixed up. just fucking look at them.

do they look anything alike to you??? no. they don’t. which raises the question of why, exactly, magnus said that.

now, we don’t know a lot about angels as a whole. pit (and by extension dark pit) is emphatically not the gold standard of angeldom. we can assume he looks fairly ordinary for an angel, seeing as no one has trouble identifying him as such. beyond that, though, a lot of what we know about angels comes from what pit isn’t. for starters, he can’t fly. and there’s something else, too, but i’ll get to that later.

before that, though, i’m gonna go through the various unsubstantiated comments made by people with a dubious level of authority on the subject. (incidentally, i sourced these screenshots from the wiki— much more convenient than trying to dig through youtube for every single random conversation.)

without any further ado! let’s get into it!

Angels as Messengers

Gaol: Aw, Palutena’s little messenger boy. And Magnus, it’s always a pleasure. (src)

in the specific context of overanalyzing magnus’s first line, this is an important sentence to pick out. magnus and gaol are both humans, both with presumably a fairly similar history as mercenaries up until gaol got stuffed in a suit of armor. but while magnus makes a weird comment about death, gaol calls pit a messenger.

and pit agrees with her!

Viridi: I wish I had an angel to do my bidding. It’s like having an intern.

Pit: I’m not an intern. I’m a messenger of the gods!

Viridi: Poor Pit. Don't you know that the definition of angel is "errand spirit"? (src)

this particular conversation is the most insight we get into angels as a whole, i think. viridi thinks of angels as like divine interns, there to do little tasks for gods, and palutena doesn’t exactly disagree with her. pit says they’re specifically messengers, which lines up with biblical mythology. i could see the traditional role of angels in the world of KI being exactly that, showing up to tell the humans what the gods have to say because the gods themselves are too busy being petty jerks to do it themselves.

The Angel’s Code of Conduct

Magnus: You go in fully dressed? Don't you at least want to change into a...swimming tunic or something?

Pit: Oh, no no no! The angel's code of conduct says that we must always be ready for duty.

Magnus: I guess you wouldn't be an angel if you didn't do things by the book. (src)

Pit: Hey! You know the angel's code of conduct! I need to be prepared at all times! (src)

another random little thing is the angel’s code of conduct. without a larger sample size, we can’t know if it’s a real thing or just an excuse to save on laundry, but apparently it’s against the rules to not be on call at all times. in pit’s case, the duty he has to be ready for is doing palutena’s dirty work, but it can easily mean just about anything— including, of course, being a messenger.

No Warrior

Chariot Master: But you are no warrior, angel. Tell me, why do you fight?

Pit: I fight for Lady Palutena. And I fight for the people under her protection!

Chariot Master: That's not reason enough for an angel. (src)

remember how i said there was something else weird about pit? the chariot master seems to think angels aren’t very prone to battle— or perhaps even that they’re actively opposed to it. this lines up well with the idea that they’re supposed to be messengers, peaceful go-betweens for gods and mortals. this does not line up well with pit, the adorable weapon of mass destruction.

and it also does absolutely nothing to explain the question driving the whole existence of this post.

you know what does kinda lean towards an explanation?

No Other Angels

Pit: Do all gods have their own angels, like you have me?

Palutena: No, I don't think that's necessarily the case. (src)

i said before that the Intern Pit conversation had the most illuminating information on angels. this is what i was actually referring to. on its own, it’s pretty innocuous, but it’s just as weird as the magnus line. shouldn’t pit know about other angels, seeing as he is one himself? but he doesn’t know if there are other angels.

the only angels we ever see are him and his clone. no one ever directly references the existence of other angels, they only make general statements about what angels as a whole are like— statements which clearly don’t apply to pit, meaning they’re not just extrapolating based on the one angel that definitely does exist.

the one time someone does comment on the hypothetical existence of other angels, palutena gives a vague answer to the tune of “no,” the topic is changed, and no one brings it up again.

let’s go over everything i’ve established about angels up to this point. they can fly, they’re peaceful messengers of the gods, and pit is the only one that seems to exist as of the start of KIU.

it should be pretty obvious at this point what answer i’m dancing around, if it wasn’t obvious from the start. pit is the only angel around because all the other ones are dead. the reason why magnus said what he did is that his thought process went something like this:

See an angel.

Think “Aren’t angels extinct? Is that a ghost? Am I a ghost? I sure hope not.“

Make a quip about that.

Move on with his life, because he isn’t dead and evidently neither is this guy.

i’m not gonna pretend i went into this post with the intent of any other conclusion to that mystery. anyone who’s bothered glancing over a plot summary for the original kid icarus can draw that conclusion. it’s certainly what i did, reinforced by fics by people who had the same thought!

the truth, however, is that this was all a trick to get you to read my analysis of the theoretical nature of angels as a race. now that you’re invested, i’m going to dramatically throw aside my cape and reveal my TRUE FORM: telling people that fandom consensus is wrong, and my ideas are cooler and better than everyone else’s and you should all throw roses at my feet and bow before your king.

(or just, y’know, take it as the subjective analysis that it is. whatever floats your boat.)

Hot Takes

the original kid icarus does not actually tell you about angels going extinct. here’s the wiki article with the full text of the backstory, just for convenience, so you know what i’m on about for the rest of this post.

so, the part of the story that i think gets misinterpreted is this part about palutena’s army.

Medusa led a surprise attack on Palutena's army which could barely fend off the attack. Palutena's army suffered major losses and was heavily defeated in the final battle.

specifically, i think a lot of people interpret said army as having been made up at least partly of angels. sure, in the actual game it consists entirely of centurions, but you have to take old NES games with a grain of salt. i know i don’t buy for a second that pit was part of palutena’s guard before the original game (he was just too goddamn young), there’s nothing wrong with reinterpreting things.

recall everything i established about angels already, though. this is the hot official lore, from the game everyone knows and loves. angels are messengers, and if the chariot master is to be believed, never warriors. pit is an outlier. palutena’s army consists of centurions, not angels. if medusa wiped them out, it wasn’t because they were fighting for palutena.

(and honestly, i don’t think angels are necessarily associated with palutena exclusively. sure, she’s got the wing imagery, and she’s got the one known surviving angel working for her, at least up until pittoo is born. but angels are messengers of the gods, not messengers of palutena. again, pit is an outlier.)

which all brings us to the real question of this post.

what the FUCK happened to all the other angels? why is there only pit? why does magnus act surprised to see a messenger of the gods, and make a quip about being dead, if not because angels are otherwise extinct?! WHO KILLED THEM, AND WHY?!

thus concludes the “over analyzing one-off lines“ show. see you next, uh, maybe at some point if i feel like it!

(also another thought i had but couldn’t find room to fit it in properly: the gods don’t really act like angels are all extinct, but i feel like that can be explained through the sheer scale of a god’s lifespan. if we assume they were wiped out sometime around the original kid icarus (even if not as palutena’s army) then that’s a whole twenty-five years. that’s a long time for us humans, but for a god, that might as well be last tuesday. “yeah, i know what angels are like. sure wish i could have one. too bad palutena’s got a monopoly on the one single angel that medusa didn’t manage to wreck.”)