#crepe one day finding out that not everything is gonna be on a test and its overkill to study the way seh does

[monards]

my favorite part of existing is stressing over tests i know ill do good on because. I know i know the topic. But my brain demands i know every single little detail. or else Fate gets to me

[roisnoir]

oh no. so, i ordered a book nook kit i've been eyeing for far too long - i found it for a price that didn't seem TOO low (too low, and you know it's gonna be crap), but wasn't the usual $50+, and while it has shipped, the item page was deleted.

I have a bad feeling about this.

---

I gave in and ordered a handful of half-inch-scale dollhouse kits I've been drooling after for far too long. The greenhouse is a day or two from done (so much fun! except the teeny crepe paper flowers are kinda annoying to make, but that's a technique thing and I'm just barely starting out so of course I'm gonna be a bit clumsy with it), the weird "villa" with an underwater section is going to get kitbashed into being a supervillain lair, and the two book nooks are very steampunky, but now I'm afraid that one (or both!) aren't going to be what I expect of them. (There are apparently some out there that, instead of all the teeny accessories you build and arrange, are just the image of all that stuff printed on the sides, so it's an empty box with a light in it. Where's the fun in that? If that's what I wind up getting, I will be very upset. I WANT to make all those teensy books! I'll bust out my metallic paints and gild the edges!) (And yes, if it's wrong, I will rerturn it, because that's crap. The product photos were the same as the expensive ones, so that IS what I ordered, not some weird knockoff.)

I have a list of things I want to make - like a long, slow to-do that I will inevitably add to more often than I actually complete anything, and that's ok - and on that list are a bunch of homebrew dollhouses (the castle I used to draw with the waterfall and the glass pyramid roof and jungle-as-indoor-courtyard; the tiny house I want to build in mom's backyard (can't - I actually looked it up - I could do it as an addition but not as a freestanding structure, and the garage is in the way anyhow); and a surreal dreamscape of neon aquarium plants for a happy little skelly to romp through), and dolls to populate them. I really need like three of me, except the extra two would also need extra mes to get everything done, and it would turn into some sort of fucked up geometric expansion of self.

Oh well. I guess I'll find out when I find out. I want to figure out how to make a floor that looks like flagstone, but with random shit I have on hand already (I'm thinking grocery bags and paint - I will probably test some ideas this evening), and am trying to knit a miniature lace tablecloth, but the pattern i chose is making up too big. I also need to root around in my beads for an appropriately sized skull. :)

[bakersstreetirregulars]

Feast in the Yakgwa Village: Secondary Events

⚙️ …and there! I’m live from a new studio that’s apparently on another Baker’s Street. In Parfaedia. What are the odds… Everyone’s gone off to the Moon Festival while I, Strawberry Crepe Cookie, chose to stay behind to explore this studio and study the moon to see what about it’s making these Cookies tick differently.

If everything in this solo gig goes to plan, the Editor even said that I’ll even get my chance to host my own gig on my own totally awesome blog back in my own lab, where I get to explain what YOU need to know about Earthbread and these Cookies… even if a few others need to be there despite most of them being counterintuitive to my genius. Maybe it’s his way of acknowledging my awesome pioneering work in magichanics and studying unknown stuff where normal Cookies would NEVER go!

The other stuff that’s been approved with other Cookies beforehand such as moving around the Black Citadel will go through as previously agreed on while I have free reign over the studio for the month while everyone’s gone and the other staff that’s been here are all moving their stuff out here. But first thing’s first for this month in the village… right. Events!

Hang Out with Vagabond Cookie!

⚙️ Now, I’ve never met this guy before, but he’s got a routine that involves a daily hangout cycle with him. Complete these missions with him and you’ll be friends with him in no time. You’ll also get some extra stuff to add to your balance if your priority is instead set on Coins, Crystals, or Treasures.

Daily Rock, Paper, Scissors!

⚙️ Rock-Paper-Scissors. One of those games that a giant magichanical Crepe Arm unfortunately can’t beat. The game is simple. YOU tell Mister Ordinary- uh- Gingerbrave what you want him to play: Rock, Paper, or Scissors. Your opponent responds in kind by choosing their own move. You get a reward depending on if you win or lose (100 💎 for a win, 30 💎 for a loss). You can challenge one Cookie a day, but you can challenge again on the same day if you watch an ad for something that you’ll probably breeze past and ignore like everyone does. Beat Vagabond, Moon Rabbit, or Ginseng Cookie at their own game and you’ll get a larger reward for your win! Never played this game before? Because I have to if I wanna have my own share… here’s the rules.

Both opponents make one of three gestures with one hand to attack: Rock ✊, Paper ✋, or Scissors ✌️

Depending on what each player chooses, one of three interactions occurs:

✌️🆚✋: Scissors cuts Paper, Scissors wins

✊🆚✌️: Rock breaks Scissors, Rock wins

✋🆚✊: Paper covers Rock, Paper wins

If both players choose the same action (Such as both choosing Rock ✊), the game is a Draw and neither player wins

Yakgwa Village Exploration Log

⚙️ Vagabond Cookie wants to show you around his village for a while. Go play in other game modes and you’ll get some coins to move around the village and maybe find a treasure chest with something in it. Not everyone’s gonna have the same village map, so trying to cheat off someone else’s cartography might yield a wildly different result.

Panacea Pestle Treasure Mastery

⚙️ After a thorough analysis, this Treasure boasts medicinal properties that are fueled primarily by plants such as plain grass. Or, at least that’s what Vagabond Cookie says since he’s got a combi bonus with it. Upgrade it and test it for yourself and you’ll make yourself a small fortune and a Special 10+1 Incantation.

Daily Gold Chest Missions

⚙️ So, do you think yourself a big shot in Trophy Races? Even if your response would be no and the chance of you getting last place is near certain, you might as well run anyway so you can earn the tickets to open Gold Chests. The first three Chests you open on a given day yield a bonus, mostly because of Laurel Cookie.

⚙️ The patch notes and everything else will go up within the week when the Editor’s had his sleep protocol fulfilled. Seeing his new schedule and then work, he’s gonna need that sleep and then some. I’ll leave these costumes for you to see if you haven’t seen them yet for now while I observe the moon from the roof of the studio. Good thing I have a Wafflebot telescope to make it super easy!

[lalikaa]

“Gravitate”

A fic I wrote for the @yamakagezine years ago and forgot to post, whoops haha. Hope you enjoy!!

~*~

It was a crisp Sunday in March; the kind of day where you’re not sure  whether you need a coat or not. The sakura trees had yet to bloom, and the  frost of February still lingered. This was one of Tadashi’s favorite times of  the year; he liked the chill before everything bloomed. 

However, Tadashi was not enjoying the cool weather at the moment, as  he was currently inside, piling bread onto a plastic tray. 

“It feels like just yesterday we were nervous about our first practice  match against Seijou, and here we are,” Tadashi began to lament. 

“...We’re in a cafe, Tadashi.” 

“You know what I mean!” Tadashi said with a huff. He was almost  tempted to say his boyfriend was being snarky, but in reality, it was just Tobio being… Tobio. 

When Tobio titled his head to the side slightly in a way that made it look like a giant question mark was floating over his head, Tadashi could not find it in himself to be exasperated. 

“Y’know, as in we’re here as third years, about ready to graduate and move on with our lives, that kinda thing.” 

The giant question mark dissipated over Tobio’s head (quite a feat, since  it was invisible to begin with), but was quickly replaced by an equally invisible exclamation mark. 

“I was never nervous about the match against Oik- Seijou,” Tobio retorted to Tadashi’s previous remark.  

“Well, you’re never nervous about anything.” 

Tobio didn’t respond to this, as they got to the cashier. Tadashi set a chocolate cornet and a red bean roll, which he had gotten for himself, and  Tobio’s melon bread and taro bun on the counter while Tobio ordered their usual drinks; a hazelnut latte for Tadashi and a matcha latte for himself.  

They scoped out their usual table by the second window to the right, and once they sat down Tobio said; “Well, some things make me nervous.” 

“Yeah? Like what?” 

“Like… passing tests, not being able to play volleyball, possibilities of  injuries… askingyouout.” The last few words were mumbled, but Tadashi  caught them anyway,  

“Awww, really? Asking me out made you nervous? But you didn’t even-” 

“I know I didn’t! Because I was nervous!” 

“There was no way you were more nervous than I was! Wait, then is  that why Shouyou-” 

“Yeah,” Tobio interjected. “Because I couldn’t do it.” 

“That-- this makes more sense now. Though, y’know, it’s not like I could’ve either.” 

Tadashi unwrapped his cornet and took a bite, now thinking back  to when their relationship had begun. If he were being honest, their  relationship definitely had an unusual start.  

Tadashi was pulled back to almost three years ago, when he’d first  joined Karasuno’s volleyball team, to when he’d first met the briskly terrifying force of nature that was Kageyama Tobio. 

~*~

Tadashi hadn’t been the only one blown away by Kageyama, but he felt like he was being affected more strongly. His heartbeat skittered whenever he was around him, something that he hadn’t experienced before. At first Tadashi was concerned that perhaps he was showing premature signs for cardiovascular disease, but when he confided this to Tsukki, he’d been met with a scoff and an eyeroll.  

“This is why feelings are stupid,” Tsukki had said. 

Whatever the hell he’d meant by that. 

After a few weeks (and a few hours on WebMD), Tadashi came to the  conclusion he wasn’t at risk of heart disease. He poured his anxiety into volleyball, and found relief in striving to be the best player he could be, drawing heavy inspiration from a certain setter.  

With every successful jump serve he made, the thought that often crossed his mind was-- 

I hope he notices. 

Months passed though, and Kageyama didn’t seem to pay any more  attention to Tadashi than he did anyone else. Tadashi tried not to take it personally.  

~*~

“He’s just so cool,” Tadashi said wistfully one day in autumn as he and Hinata sat on the steps outside the gym before practice. Tadashi was  eating a convenience store onigiri and sipping apple juice while Hinata was  bouncing a volleyball on his arms, focus sharp. 

“Yeah, he is, you should ask him out,” Hinata replied, still bouncing the  volleyball. 

Tadashi promptly spat out his juice. “I can’t do that!” 

“Why not? You’re just as cool!” 

“I’m… I’m really not. Thanks, though,” Tadashi said sheepishly. 

“Why do you think you’re not cool?” Hinata asked, catching the volleyball as he looked at Tadashi. 

Tadashi couldn’t find the words to articulate that he felt like he was floating in space when he was around Kageyama; he was a scattered  meteor, helpless to the gravitational pull of Planet Tobio.  

...That sounded kind of odd, but still.  

Tadashi sighed. There was no way he could tell Hinata all that, so instead he just said; “I don’t know.” 

“Well, I think you’re cool! You work really hard, you know? Plus you’re super nice, even though people wouldn’t think that ‘cause you hang out with Tsukishima so much.” 

Tadashi snickered. Hinata just said whatever was on his mind. 

Maybe he should, too.  

~*~

About a week after Shouyou had suggested that Yamaguchi should ask  Kageyama out, he found none other than Kageyama by his side as they were cleaning up after practice. Tsukishima and Yamaguchi had finished  folding the nets early, leaving Hinata and Kageyama to sweep the floors.  “I feel… weird,” Tobio started, which made Shouyou jump a little because Kageyama hardly ever initiated the conversation.  

“You’re always weird, Bakayama-kun,” Shouyou replied. 

When no volleyball came hurtling at his head in response, Shouyou  knew something was wrong.  

“I think I like someone as much as I like volleyball,” Kageyama  muttered. 

Shouyou stopped mid-sweep. 

Kageyama? Talking about his feelings?  

This had to be serious. 

“So… who’s your someone?”  

“No one,” Kageyama said, immediately backing out. 

“It’s gotta be someone,” Shouyou insisted, trying not to bounce in excitement. 

“Nevermind,” Kageyama grumbled.  

“Is it me?” Shouyou teased. “Kageyama, please, I’m too dedicated to volleyball to be in a relationship.” 

“It’s not you!” Kageyama snapped. 

“Ouch,” Shouyou said, pretending to be hurt.  

Then, it came to him. 

“Is it Yamaguchi?”  

“No,” Kageyama said too quickly, turning bright red. 

Aha. 

Now Shouyou just had to find the right time to ask. 

~*~

The right time came a couple months later, after the intense training camp hosted at Shiratorizawa. Hinata and Yamaguchi were eating lunch together at Hinata’s desk while Tsukshima was listening to music in his and  Yamaguchi’s classroom. Meanwhile, Yachi was tutoring Kageyama in her classroom. 

“So how was the training camp, Hinata? Tsukki said it was lame and that you were annoying.” 

“Ugh, not as annoying as he is! He put in such minimal effort, you wouldn’t believe-” 

“I think I get the idea.” Yamaguchi laughed.  

“Anyway! Are you free this Saturday afternoon after practice?” 

“Yeah, why?” 

“Awesome! You’re gonna go on a date with Kageyama at Aki Cafe in Sendai! I booked your train tickets already, you’re welcome!”

“Oh ok, thanks-- wait, WHAT.” 

Shouyou grinned as Yamaguchi proceeded to panic, giving himself a  mental pat on the back. Man, was he the most awesome friend, or what! 

On the day of the date, Tadashi had to remind himself that ‘this is fine’ approximately 19 billion times.  

But what if Kageyama didn’t actually like him? I mean, why would he?  What the hell had Hinata been thinking?! 

~*~

The train ride was as awkward as he’d expected, honestly. Kageyama  wasn’t the most social of butterflies, but as soon as Tadashi brought up  their latest practice match against Datekou, one thing led to another and  soon they were talking about various ways they could demolish Datekou’s  Iron Wall. Tadashi loved when Kageyama talked about volleyball; he was  so passionate. Tadashi envied him a little, as he felt as though his passion  for anything could never match Kageyama’s. It was just another aspect of  him that drew Tadashi in.  

Tobio was surprised at how easily he could talk to Yamaguchi. He was  used to people not wanting to talk to him, ever, so this was an unusual, but  appreciated, change of pace.  

The train bumped along as they traveled towards their destination. Tobio didn’t have the faintest clue why Hinata had bought them both train tickets and given instructions on getting to a particular cafe, and he had  definitely considered declining when Hinata brought it up… until Hinata  mentioned that his travel partner would be Yamaguchi. 

Partner was a word reserved for someone you could completely trust, and Kageyama hadn’t felt a true connection like that until he’d met Hinata.  But then, how he felt about Hinata was vastly different from how he felt  about Yamaguchi. While he wanted Hinata to spike his tosses, he wanted Yamaguchi to hold his hand... or something. It was weird.  

They got lost on their way to the cafe Hinata had suggested. “We could just go to another one,” Tobio said as they took what was likely their eighth wrong turn. 

“But Hinata went through all the trouble of finding one, so we should  go!” Yamaguchi insisted. 

Tobio shrugged. As long as he was home in time for his 8 o’clock run  he was fine. It was only 1 o’clock now, so he should be good. He tried not  to think about spending seven hours with Yamaguchi. Surely it wouldn’t be  that long…? If it was, Tobio was in trouble. He might get the urge to do  something drastically romantic, like pat Yamaguchi on the shoulder.  

Tobio snapped out of his thoughts when Yamaguchi said suddenly;  “Oh, here it is!” 

Aki Cafe was a small building, nestled between a hair salon and an  ice cream parlor. The two walked in and were greeted by the smell of  cinnamon, vanilla, coffee, and at least nine other different scents. They  studied the menu together in silence, then picked up their bread and made  their order; they each got savory crepes. 

As they waited on their food at a table by the second window to the  right, they fell into awkward silence. The waitress brought them a pitcher  of water and glasses, which was a welcome distraction. They both then  sipped their water, with Tobio doing his best not to stare too much. He’d  never realized how many freckles Yamaguchi had. They were kind of cool.  Tobio began to wonder how many there were and oh god what was wrong  with him? 

Thankfully, Yamaguchi broke the silence by bringing up a homework  assignment that he’d recently struggled on, and they came to an agreement that math was indeed the Worst, and should be banned from school. The waitress came with their crepes. They thanked her, and began to eat. 

~*~

Think of something else to say, think of something else to say oh my god why  are you so awkward this is why no one really ever wants to hang out with you,  you don’t deserve- 

“You’ve- you’ve gotten really good at jump float serves,” Kageyama said  abruptly. 

Tadashi tried not to gape at him. Kageyama, the king of serves, was  complimenting him on his serves!? No way. 

“Uh, thank you,” Tadashi said. He was still pretty bad at taking  compliments. “You’re really amazing at serves too!”  

Kageyama seemed to be just as bad at taking compliments, but not in  an awkward way like Tadashi—more in a blunt, yet endearing sort of way.  “I still have a lot to improve on,” he said seriously. 

“Me too,” Tadashi said. “Maybe you could- maybe you could help me  practice sometime?” He winced, fully expecting Kageyama to decline. “Yeah, sure,” Kageyama said. 

Tadashi suddenly felt overwhelmed. Because extra practice with  Kageyama obviously meant spending more time with him, which meant  that Tadashi’s life would become far more complicated. He wasn’t sure how  much his heart - and his nerves - could take. 

“I’d really like that!” Tadashi responded, a little too loudly. “Me, too,” Kageyama said, giving a rare smile.  

To Tadashi, it felt special, somehow. Kageyama was smiling because  of him, and only to him- it felt intimate in a way. Tadashi grinned back,  feeling his heartstrings loosen and his nerves settle down. Maybe he could  handle more time with Kageyama after all. 

~*~

After they finished their crepes, Tobio suggested getting ice cream at  the parlor next door. He was still hungry, and anything milk-based was always a good thing. The parlor was really cool—various pictures hung on the walls, and the shiny tiled floor made it look like the shop was brand  new. The counter had a large display of at least 30 flavors of ice cream  on display behind clear glass. The signs above the counter showed that  the parlor also served soft serve, sundaes, and milkshakes. The friendly worker greeted them, and after some deliberation, both boys decided on  milkshakes- chocolate for Tobio, strawberry for Yamaguchi.  

They found a table near the corner of the parlor, milkshakes in hand.  As they sipped their milkshakes, Tobio couldn’t help but think; God, he’s pretty. 

Was “pretty” the right word, though? Maybe it should be handsome.  Either way, Tobio wanted to look at Yamaguchi more than he looked at a  volleyball. 

Something was really wrong with him.  

Yamaguchi was cool in a lot of ways, so maybe his line of thinking  was acceptable then…? In all honesty, Tobio had no clue. He was already subpar at best with friendships, never mind actual romantic relationships.  

He hadn’t even considered being in a relationship like that until, well…  when had he considered it first? Maybe when Yamaguchi made his first  successful jump float serve in practice?  

He didn’t know for sure, but he was certainly happy to be where he was  now. Yamaguchi looked a little anxious, but Tobio couldn’t be sure. He  gave a small, nervous smile, in hopes it would… do something. Maybe he was reading the situation wrong…? 

When Yamaguchi smiled back, though, he felt his heartbeat quicken, like he’d just run several sprints.  Tobio wasn’t sure if he would get used to this feeling, but his instincts told  him it was a feeling that would last.  

~*~

Tobio and Tadashi finished their bread at Aki Cafe, a sense of nostalgia still hovering between them. Tadashi thought maybe they were too young  to feel nostalgic about a relationship that was only a little over two years, but  the pull he felt on his heartstrings and the maybe-maybe-not tear in his eye felt differently. Tadashi tried to think of something to say as they started walking out of the cafe. This time, though, it was Tobio who initiated their conversation. 

“It’ll be… hard not seeing you every day,” Tobio admitted.  

“Nothing is ever hard for you, Tobio,” Tadashi assured him. 

“Except for not seeing you every day.” 

Tadashi really loved how straightforward Tobio was. He never left Tadashi guessing; he was always honest. 

The sun started setting as they meandered along the sidewalks of  Sendai, glowing red-orange in the cloudless sky. 

“I promise to come to all of your matches,” Tadashi said as they turned  a street corner.  

“I’d rather you promise to play.” 

“We’ll see.” 

“I’ll see you on the court, then,” Tobio said firmly. 

It was comforting how much Tobio believed in him. So, Tadashi  responded by laughing as he took Tobio’s hand, the two walking side by side, with no real destination in mind in the two hours they had before  their train home. It really didn’t matter where they went though; they  would always gravitate back to each other in the end.

[petri808]

Happy Halloween!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 22 | 23 | 24 | 25

*Bonus Halloween chapter* it’s longer than normal (2k)

The biggest party in Tokyo was for a western holiday called Halloween, and the streets surrounding the heart of Shibuya that Saturday were literally crawling with a million young adults in every kind of costume you could imagine! Most of the revelers had no idea as to the origins of this holiday. All they cared about was dressing up and having a good time, including Lucy and her friends who’d dressed up as their favorite manga characters from Eden’s Zero. The businesses lining the streets in the area were used to the onslaught and welcomed it because it meant a nice chunk of revenue, while authorities did their best to control the crowds.

The group started off with Lucy, Levy, Erza, Gajeel, and Gray, but over time as others showed up or they ran into more friends, the groups numbers ebbed and flowed. Gray was the first to take off to meet his girlfriend Juvia, and once Natsu was off of work and joined them, Lucy and he split off to cruise by themselves for a while.

“Wow it’s so eerie how much you guys look like Shiki and Rebecca!”

“Thanks Mira,” Lucy blushes.

“Tch, I may look like the guy, but I’m not as dopey as him,” Natsu retorts. “He’s taking too damn long to make it official with Rebecca.”

“Don’t mind him,” Lucy giggles, “Natsu ships Shicca hard. But it’s even funnier to watch him and Gray argue over Weiszmura.”

“That’s because Gray is a blind bat who won’t admit they match!”

“Okay,” Mira laughs, “put the canons away. Are you two gonna check out the BUMP party at Womb nightclub?”

“Maybe a little later.” Lucy answers for them. “I heard they had some decent bands this year, but I’d rather go somewhere a little smaller like Sonidos.”

“Oh, yeah? Lisanna’s boyfriend Bixlow is the DJ there tonight.”

Lucy looks to Natsu, “we definitely should stop by and say hi.”

“Agreed.”

“Well it was nice bumping into you. I need to meet up with Laxus so you two have fun! I’ll catch you later!” Mira waves as she rejoins the flood of passerby’s.

Natsu takes Lucy’s hand and the couple continued walking around with no real destination. They stop in open stores to browse or grab yummy-looking finger foods from street vendors along the way. Despite the chaos around them, this was turning into a nice reprieve from their daily lives. It was already 1 am, but from the amount of activity going on, it was easy to lose track of time.

“Look, look,” Lucy points while dragging Natsu with her. “Photo booth!”

“Aww, really?” He whines, though the smile never wavered on his face.

“Yup!” She pulls him in and fishes out a bill from her wallet for the machine.

“Chi-zu!”

The pair chuckle and pose for the five shutter clicks. Each pose varying until the last one ending with a kiss from Natsu and genuinely surprised expression on Lucy’s face. It wasn’t their first kiss, but this would be a memorable one. For a few seconds as the machine printed out the slip of photos, Natsu holds her gaze, sweeping his thumb gently along her flushed cheek. There was a sense of intimacy in these confined booths where many a couple had hidden away from the public for this very kind of very moment.

“Thank you,” he smiles, eyes soft and pure of appreciation.

“For what?” Genuinely unsure of the reason.

“Giving me a second chance. These past few months have been the happiest times of my life and it’s all thanks to meeting you on that train.”

“I’m really glad too,” Lucy smiles sweetly. “Really... really glad,” she breathes out as she moves in to kiss him again.

“Excuse me?” A loud knocking sound stops them. “There’s other people waiting to use the machine!”

“Whoops. To be continued,” she gives Natsu just a quick peck and the pair get out of the booth. They apologize to the next group in line and race off hand in hand, laughing. That had been exhilarating!

Lucy’s heart was still racing even though they were long gone from the photo booth. She and Natsu had been taking things extra slow because of her earlier concerns. Aside from dates and a few kisses here and there, they’d never gone much further and she wondered who was the one holding back. Was it really her or was it actually him because he was too nervous to lose her? Tonight... in that booth... if they weren’t in public... her body flushes wildly just from the thought of it. Okay, so maybe she’s been dying to take their relationship further. Maybe not sex— yet, soon, or maybe... ‘argh! Not now!’ Lucy scolds her libido. But a make out session was a very tempting idea!

They check out Lisanna and Bixlow for a short time at Sonidos, before briefly hooking back up with Levy and Gajeel for some crepes. That’s when Levy quietly informs Lucy that she’ll be crashing at her boyfriend’s house instead of going back to the dorm. “You know... for some privacy,” the girl winks at Lucy. “Hint. Hint!”

“I-It’s too soon for that! W-with us,” her tips burn with lies through each syllable.

“Pfft, you can’t lie that you’ve never thought about it.”

“No... not all the way...”

“Uh-huh. Well, do whatever,” she winks a second time and stands up to leave. “See ya in tomorrow night.”

“Yeah. See ya.”

“Why are your ears all red?” Natsu asks Lucy.

Lucy stiffens up. “N-Nothing important.”

“Oh... okay,” he smiles. “So whatdya wanna do next?”

“Actually, I’m kinda getting tired already.” It was after 3 am and they’d been out and on their feet for over seven hours.

Natsu sighs relief. “Me too! I just didn’t wanna ruin your fun. Shall I take you home?” He squeezes her hand with a smile.

“Yes,” she returns the squeeze, “and if you’d like you can spend the night— I-I mean since you’re tired and all! I’d just feel better than making you back track.”

“I’ll behave, I promise.”

The couple ride the train the short distance between Shibuya and Shinjuku to where Lucy’s dorm is located, cautious of the other riders on the train. Even though alcohol is not allowed on the streets during Halloween, it didn’t stop people from getting drunk and few creepy peepers kept looking at Lucy. But luckily, the train wasn’t very packed despite the holiday because the Shibuya party wasn’t over till 4am and they beat the end rush. On the way, Natsu texts his roommate out of courtesy, only to find out that Gray and Juvia were already at the apartment. Figures. Well it was a good thing he wasn’t walking into that situation! Even if nothing happened, just watching Juvia fawning all over Gray wouldn’t have been appealing. Once they arrive at the dorms, they make sure no one had followed and proceed inside.

Lucy leaves Natsu in the small living room as she changes out of her costume and into something a lot more comfortable. He was lucky the men’s costume was still semi-normal and he only had to remove the jacket and goggles for comfort, but the black hair dye will wash out in a week. She then grabs them a couple bottles of melon milk tea before joining him on the couch. Thank goodness, they didn’t have school, or he didn’t work the next day.

“That was fun,” Lucy curls against his arm with a yawn. “So, tiring though.”

“I haven’t been to Shibuya’s party in a couple of years, but it sure hasn’t changed,” Natsu chuckles. He leans his head against hers while threading their fingers together. “Totally agree on being tired. It probably wouldn’t be as bad if I hadn’t worked too.”

A companionable silence falls over the couple for a few minutes and after some time Natsu assumed Lucy had fallen asleep resting on his shoulder. He would have stayed in that position till his ass was numb if it kept her relaxed. This beauty queen deserved it and more, and he meant every word he’d told her earlier. The second chance had become a cosmic wish come true and he’d be damned to let anything ruin this between them.

“Hey Natsu?”

“Yeah Luce?”

“Do you think we could pick up from where we left off... in that photo booth?”

He swallows hard. It was one thing in the heat of the moment, but quite another to put aside his nerves now that they were so relaxed. This was a different kind of intimacy and much more intimidating to say the least. A private apartment without anything or anyone to interrupt or stop two consenting adults from going too far... and the last thing he wanted to do was something wrong! A regretted decision would destroy everything built up until that moment. But he couldn’t tell her no either!

Sensing the turmoil, Lucy sits up and turns his face towards her. Her instincts were probably on point earlier about his anxiety. “We don’t have to, if you’re not ready, but I wouldn’t mind making out with you... just a little.” She adds in the goal as a way to allay his fears. And it works. Lucy immediately feels his shoulders relax again. She gently caresses his cheek, her eyes zeroing in on his lips. “I just… like kissing you Natsu.”

“I’ll let you direct then, a-and if I start going too far, just stop me. I won’t get mad, I just...”

“Shh, I know,” she smiles, “and that what I like about you.”

Lucy closes the gap and steals his lips, starting slow, then adding pressure behind it. Her hand slides behind his head, fingers weaving into his messy hair as she tilts her head to deepen the kiss. Their tongues tease and test, mouths molding together as teeth clack gently the further, they push each other’s oral boundaries. She could still taste some of the sweetness of the crapes lingering.

His own hands stay glued, one with fingers twined in her hair and the other to Lucy’s side, just below the rib cage. Natsu loses himself in her kisses, they were so soft and sweet, a little adventurous as she ran her tongue once over his canines and giggled. That brought a grin to his lips and a straight arrow through his heart. He wasn’t ready to say it out loud yet, but he loved Lucy. His heart knew it and that’s all that matters, so when the time is right, he’ll tell her, but not yet, he knew she wasn’t ready for that level.

Natsu’s so lost in the kisses he barely registers additional heat against his chest as Lucy’s hand has found its way under his shirt. It wasn’t doing more than simply resting against his pectorals, but it was much further than he’d expected her to venture tonight. Every few minutes her fingers would lightly curl against his skin or move slightly up or down, sending little shivers over his skin. As far as he was concerned, she could do anything she wanted to him as long as it was her choice.

It surprises him when Lucy starts to press forward. At first one of his hands moves to keep from falling back onto the couch, but her sudden whine triggers him to let it happen and the next thing he knows Lucy is using him as a bed. So, he wraps his left arm more firmly around her body to make sure she doesn’t fall off.

Lucy lifts her head to look Natsu in the eyes. “Is this okay?” She questions him. “Am I too heavy?”

“I don’t mind,” he smiles at her, “but are you comfortable? I could shift us over so we’re more on our sides.”

“That would be great. Just felt like snuggling more.”

He kisses her lips. “Works for me.” Natsu then adjusts their bodies carefully until Lucy’s back is resting against the couches backing with her head on his shoulder and chest. She wraps her arm around his torso and huddles close to his frame, while their legs are slightly tangled together. “Comfy?”

“Mmm hmm,” she nods her head against his chest and closes her eyes.

Natsu kisses the top of her head, bringing a smile to her face, then wraps his left arm over to rest his hand on her shoulder and cuddle her close. “Goodnight, Lucy.”

“Mmm. Goodnight, Natsu.”

Eight months ago, the only thing Natsu thought about was a career and now after that fateful train ride he knew his new goal in life had to include the blonde next to him. Lucy felt so perfect in his arms and oh, if only he could wake up like this every morning for the rest of his life, well than he’d be the luckiest man on the planet. With a smile of his own, he closes his eyes and lets the cadence of her heartbeat lull him to sleep. This was a very happy Halloween indeed!

Just to give an idea this is Shibuya on Halloween: I’m so sad I didn’t get to see it this year like I was supposed to ;-; but Natsu and Lucy got to have a little fun in my place lol.

Also a warning, the story gets much more angsty after this for several chapters 😅

[haltandcatchfiretothemax]

Headcanon that after Haley moves out, Donna gets really serious about greeting trick-or-treaters on Halloween, and that Cameron fully supports her wife

CN: food, candy, alcohol use

By that time, Cameron and Donna already have some seasonal traditions, they spend all of September and October putting together elaborate couples’ costumes for Bos and Diane’s annual Halloween party, and Cameron, now a dedicated collector of Halloween decorations, gets up early every year on October 1 to unpack boxes of cobwebs, black crepe, broomsticks, gourds, cauldrons, ceramic cats and wolves, and realistic looking headstones and such and arrange them around the house and Donna’s office, and leaves them up until Veteran’s Day.

But that first year that Haley is away at grad school, over on the other side of the country, Donna drives past the local elementary school the Friday before Halloween and sees children in costume, on the playground, among them some witches and wizards and jedi knights battling each other with plastic wands and light sabers, and she turns around and goes to the supermarket and buys several bulk bags of mini-sized candy bars. They’re late to Diane’s party that year, because Donna insists on handing out the candy herself, instead of putting on her costume, and gets caught up in asking every trick-or-treater who their favorite scientist is. (The following day, Cameron emails Haley, and asks her to call home and check on her mother, and of course, she does.)

Donna throws herself into making sure that coming to their front door on Halloween is ‘an experience’ and Cameron rolls with it, even though she herself would be fine with just leaving a bowl of candy and a sign that says ‘just take ONE don’t be a WEINER’ on the front doorstep. Meanwhile, Donna gets into the habit of preparing not one but two costumes every year: a nice but less fussy trick-or-treater-appropriate costume, in addition to her grown-up party costume

When Diane tires of throwing such a massive party for Halloween, Donna puts all of her energy into readying everything for the neighborhood kids and their parents. Cameron, who liked Diane’s parties but is more than happy to go to one less party every year, starts offering suggestions to Donna, weighing in on what kind of candy they should give out, what costumes they should wear, if they should add more decorations, what kind of theme they should they should use to tie it all together

When Cameron suggests a pirate theme for 2019, Donna is very receptive (“Love that!”), she presumes that this is inspired by how they finally finished Black Sails over the summer, and Cameron lets her think that. Donna works on a colonial beach witch dress and researches what kind of candy kids ate in the Americas in the 17th and 18th centuries, and Cameron gets scrap wood and figures out how to make it look like old driftwood, and fashions what look like large pieces of a shipwreck into a table for the front yard. They empty out a chest that they have in the attic, bring it downstairs, and fill it with the best tasting chocolate doubloons they can find (sensing an opportunity to put her perfectionism to good use, Cameron manages the taste-testing), packed in rough cloth sacks, ready to be handed out. 

Cameron is outside at 11am on the 31st, hanging a tattered jolly roger over their front door. When she gets back inside, Donna is already in her costume, and happily scrambling eggs for them. After they finish brunch, they spend the rest of the early afternoon setting everything up: next to the chest of doubloons, the table is set with serving plates of individually wrapped pralines, pineapple shaped marzipan, candied ginger and lime peels, licorice twigs, and rock candy from a local confectioner, and there are also small cups and a keg of hard cider for the grown ups. (When she sets it up, Donna imagines Gordon commenting, ‘There was more than one Halloween where I could have used a drink while we were out trick-or-treating,’ and in her mind she replies, ‘If I recall correctly there was more than one Halloween where you drank before and during the trick-or-treating, Gordon’)

Their first trick-or-treaters, a young family of two parents, a dog, their toddler and a baby in a stroller, all dressed like The Munsters, come by at 4:30, and Donna is out there, in a gray, shabby-looking corseted dress, black buckle shoes, hair pulled into a messy chignon with all of her un-dyed gray hair out and falling into her face. Donna is sending them on their way with a ‘Happy All Hallow’s!’ when Cameron comes to join them in an old button down shirt, black britches, and a pair of colonial stockings and a tricorn hat purchased for the occasion from a local costume shop. Delighted by how Cameron managed to surprise her by secretly pulling together a fetching-looking matching costume, Donna says, “Arrr, matey!” “Arrr?” Cameron replies. “Uh yeah, hi,” she says to the family, “Happy Halloween,” and as they thank her and walk away she calls after them, “You don’t need Ap*le tv+! Also don’t sign up for D*sney+, IT’S A SCAM and they’re destroying the movie industry!” The parents look over their shoulders at her, and then rush away. “Cameron Eugenia! You can’t weird out the trick-or-treaters!” Donna snaps. “You’re not gonna say that to everyone who comes here, are you?” “Oh, what?!” Cameron rolls her eyes, “it’s the truth!”

The evening is wildly successful, they greet their neighbors, and they meet lots of new neighbors and their friends from nearby, they hand out all of their candy and get many compliments on their costumes and spread. More than one teenager tries to con their way into getting some cider, but Donna responds by putting on an old witchy voice and creepily recounting the demons she summoned and the lives she ruined back when she was ‘a young reckless witch who was drunk with power and also the demon rum’ which manages to actually scare some of the teenagers, but mostly embarrasses them and drives them away. When they leave, Cameron also reminds them, “Don’t sign up for Ap*le tv+ or D*sney+!” When their gay teenage neighbor who happens to be in his high school’s A.V. Club comes by with his younger sister and brothers, he and Cameron get into a heated discussion of a recent article they both saw about how D*ney is putting all of their recently acquired Fox titles in ‘the vault’. Their neighbor says, “That’s what piracy is for!” and Cameron says, “I agree!” and the neighbor says, “Be gay! Do crimes!” Captivated by both their conversation and this notion of being gay and doing crimes, Donna stops scolding Cameron for bringing up new streaming services. They compromise: “Cameron, you can discourage people from signing up for certain sites, but you cannot tell people to illegally stream and download movies.” Cameron grudgingly agrees.

At around 9, Cameron and Donna finally pack everything up and bring it back inside, change into their pajamas, and get comfortable in the living room with what’s left of the cider and candy, overstuffed sandwiches, and put on their own personal marathon of their favorite Halloween episodes of The Simpsons

Feeling both nostalgic and emotionally fulfilled, and also just full from all the candy, Donna rests her head on Cameron’s shoulder, and asks, “How did we get so lucky? We’re like, living the dream, we’re those old ladies who spoil the neighborhood kids every Halloween?” Cameron, who’s also had too much candy and more cider than necessary, says, “It’s ‘cause when we were young, we took a risk. And we led a mutiny.” Then, she adds,”Ha, pirates, mutiny!” She hiccups, “I didn’t even think of that, pun not intended!” A pair of gay, modern day pirate witches, they cackle together happily after a long but satisfying day. 

[punkscowardschampions]

Buster & Rio

Buster: [fam christmas woooo when you ain't talked to your sister in 4 months either just to make it more awks] Rio: [what a fun time for all, when you are constantly on your phone so much 'cos Ryan won't stop messaging you and wants a play by play Buster: [he'd be drunk before he even got there ffs boy] Rio: [when it's that point in the evening when everyone is playing stupid games tipsy and you just cannot so you go hide in the kitchen] Buster: [let's say he bumps into her literally cos yeah what you need is another drink boy] Rio: [when you literally jump back like 'oh'] Buster: [when you do the thing peeps do to me & go twenty miles out of your way round her] Rio: ['Don't fall, McKenna'] Buster: ['Only for you, babe' too drunk & voice too loud] Rio: [When you swipe his drink off the counter 'fore he can stop you can take a sip and put your finger to your lips like 'shh, idiot' and hand it back to him, shaking your head] Buster: [When you down that drink so you have to get another & be in there longer] Rio: ['tis the season' when even when you're talking you're constantly on your phone and not that bitch and they love eye contact but she's not smiling like 😍 it's more like 😑] Buster: [when you take her phone before she can stop you & put it down where she can't reach it] Rio: [the lowkey panic in your eyes that you try to mask, 'Come on, don't be a dick'] Buster: ['Don't be rude'] Rio: ['Your territory, I know'] Buster: ['You trying to come for my crown now?'] Rio: ['Maybe' trying to move a chair to wherever he's put her phone] Buster: ['Antisocial is closer to the other twin. Try harder' Lifts her up so she can get it cos drunk & shameless] Rio: [When you stop breathing 'til you're back on the ground and then you breathe out so heavily, 'You wanna be social now? Party's in there' points to the lounge] Buster: ['Hopeless romantic is more her thing too' throws the words over his shoulder as he leaves cos he knows about the bf through stalking them socials] Rio: What are you talking about Buster: You love him Buster: It's cute Rio: It's not even been a month Buster: Moving fast is more of a lesbian thing, like I said, Nance will either be thrilled or threatened Rio: Talk to her and see Rio: though you've definitely got better things to catch up on than my dating history Buster: Put your phone down & try it yourself Rio: I see her every day Buster: Run out of shit to say then? Understandable Buster: Probably don't tell her that though Buster: So rude Rio: I'm not trying to take away from your sibling bonding time Rio: soz Buster: You can't take something that don't exist Rio: It exists, you both just choose to ignore it Rio: least it's mutual though so Buster: Nah, it's been scratched out the schedule instead of penciled in Buster: Still siblings no time to bond Rio: Hmm Rio: you're SO busy, yeah Buster: Yeah Rio: Lovely Buster: Not the word Rio: Not so miserable I'm here to listen to the 'stresses' in your life, tah Buster: Never said it was negative, I just don't use old lady vocab, like Buster: You sound like a teacher Rio: 🙄 Rio: Now you're gonna chat shit on my vocabulary, alright private school Buster: I am a pleasure to have in class if you wanna let my parents know Rio: That was the whole point, remember Rio: how would I know Buster: Play really well with others too but probably don't let 'em know how you know that Rio: You'll be wanting to delete that, I presume Rio: surprised you've even got the balls to talk to me at all Buster: How many convos did you start? Buster: I weren't expecting you to jump out of a cake but a happy birthday would've been polite Rio: Likewise Rio: Expecting or fantasizing, you'd have to make a booking Rio: not showing up uninvited, heaven forbid Buster: Mine was first, babe & I ain't never pretended to be that Rio: So if I'd have said it to you, you'd have returned the favour Rio: You're so childish Buster: We'll never know now Buster: What I might've said Buster: Or gifted you Rio: Save it up for sweet 16 Rio: maybe you'll be allowed to talk to me then Buster: Maybe I'll show up in time to stop the wedding Buster: Fingers crossed you don't get knocked up like your mum Rio: Shut up Buster: Only so much your good looks could do to beat the odds of it being an ugly kid Rio: What would you know Buster: Flawless + Fuck ugly = you're right I don't know Buster: Don't wanna Rio: You've never even seen him Rio: don't be so judgmental Buster: Wrong again, babe Buster: Factual more like Rio: Well I clearly don't think so if I love him so much, do I Buster: That'll be all the cum in your eye Rio: So mature Buster: They don't age check on those vids, it's fine Rio: should run a basic IQ test on you Rio: someone who claims to be such a pleasure in class, like Buster: I've done one but I know you hate when I brag about numbers Rio: That's universal Rio: no one but your hanger-on mates wants to hear that Buster: Your friend loved it, she thinks hers is lucky Rio: I'm glad you found someone officially more stupid than you then Buster: That's universal Buster: Applicable in every case, like Rio: Sure she loved being told that too Rio: such a bullshitter Buster: We didn't do that much talking Buster: Once I'd told her what to do, not much else left to say Rio: Why are you still talking Buster: Why are you still replying? Rio: Gotta be on my phone ain't I Buster: Not in this convo though Rio: Well you're blocking my notifications Rio: you'll pussy out soon enough and be gone Buster: Well I'm drunk. Mute me Rio: Take some responsibility for yourself Rio: you always want me to do everything Buster: So you don't want a line then? More for me Rio: That explains why you're talking so much shit Rio: go on then Rio: have to be here so Buster: [brings it to her cos gentlemanly] Rio: [goes off to the bathroom, 'cos learnt something about getting caught, humming white christmas like] Buster: [lols] Rio: Cheers Buster: Merry Christmas Rio: Merry Christmas, Buster Rio: [bringing the baggie back, assuming there's plenty to go around here] Buster: [does his off the kitchen counter cos wants to be where she is] Rio: [rolls her eyes but licks a finger to clean up the excess and sucks it off] Buster: [is 😏] Rio: ['still like danger, do you?] Buster: ['Don't you?'] Rio: ['Obviously'] Buster: [picks her up & puts her on the counter cos throwback & is standing between her legs like close af 'good to know'] Rio: ['How gone are you?' cos what else can you say rn] Buster: [whispers 'depends who you ask' in her ear and puts a finger to his lips like its such a big secret okay boyyy] Rio: [lols, 'thanks for inadvertently answering my question there' but is just looking at him still like #conflict] Buster: [reaches round her to take her drink cos left his in the other room] Rio: ['oi!' pouty face] Buster: [rather than just giving her it back like a normal person, feeds her the drink like this is crepes 2.0] Rio: [into it.com, 'sharing is caring today, huh?'] Buster: [a nod because so much eye contact so much tension who can speak] Rio: [when you're so close now your phone is the only thing between you and then it goes off and you shit yourself] Buster: [angry.com idk whose house they are in but blatantly walks off & punches the wall in potential full view of the fam cos coke ain't your friend boy] Rio: [when you gotta go outside to have that call 'cos not only not wanting him to hear but everyone tbh] Buster: [when everyone's like umm wtf buster but you ain't having it so you storm out & are also outside but the front while she's in the back] Rio: [when every convo is like talking him off a ledge 'cos he's that bitch do not need this Ryan, even a little bit, going back in finally to get a drink 'cos 1. need and 2. hoping he's had the same idea] Buster: [when you're just having a meltdown lowkey] Rio: I'm just sending this in case you want anything but me to fuck off Buster: I can't Buster: Want anything but that Rio: I'm sorry Rio: genuinely Buster: Don't Buster: Just fucking do not Rio: What can I do Rio: tell me and I'll do it Buster: Nothing Rio: that's what you need? Buster: Don't talk to me, don't talk to me, fucking none of it Buster: *Look Rio: Okay Rio: I will Rio: I'm not gonna give out totally empty promises it'll be hard but I will Buster: [When you just yeet like where do you think you're going at Christmas babe] Rio: [Later] Rio: Tell someone where you are Buster: Why would I do that? Buster: & Why would you ask me to? That's a broken promise already Rio: That's what I do Rio: I'm a shit person, like you don't know by now Rio: but they're gonna go out looking if you don't soon so heads up Buster: Let 'em, I don't care about ruining their fun in case you didn't know by now Rio: Alright Rio: if you don't wanna stay where you are Buster: Why? Rio: Know they'll find you Buster: No, why do you love him? Rio: Honestly? Rio: I don't, you can believe that or not but I don't Rio: I'm just trying, you know Buster: I believe it, if only 'cause I want to Buster: That & I've seen him Rio: Alright 😂 Rio: it's not all about looks, general statement, not a declaration of love Buster: He's got that good of a personality, yeah? Rio: Well Rio: said I weren't it love with him, didn't I Rio: he's alright but it really don't go much deeper than that right now Buster: There's no chance he knows that Buster: Unless he's just that chatty with everyone Rio: Yeah Rio: he's a lot Rio: just that type, you know Buster: Do you want me to chat to him? Buster: I can be a lot Rio: Don't think that means you should be besties Rio: it's fine though, honestly Rio: I can handle him, and whoever else Buster: Alright Rio: are you Buster: Don't ask me questions you already know the answer to Buster: You ain't meant to even be talking to me Rio: Yeah Rio: just want the answer to be different Rio: can't be acting surprised, notoriously bad at keeping any kind of promise, and leaving you alone Buster: Maybe Santa will bring you what you want next year, babe Buster: Don't waste your birthday wish though Rio: 🤞 Rio: Sure some other fucker's got to the wishbone too Rio: keep an eye out for shooting stars Buster: Do my best Buster: Any less isn't an option, like Rio: Nah Rio: what can I say if you don't? Rio: see, best gift of all yeah Rio: room to breathe Buster: I know that ain't yours to me, someone's fucked with that tag Rio: Yeah, I just got you socks but worth trying to claim it Rio: you got me Buster: Socks have their uses Buster: Cold feet or otherwise Rio: Yeah, think of me whenever your feet are cold Rio: 😂 Buster: Obviously Rio: Where are you then Buster: You're not getting an invite Rio: Just curious Rio: Anyway, with you gone and them out looking, I've got the drinks to myself now so tah Buster: Shame it's not the house Buster: That'd be worth coming back for Rio: Stay gone a few hours more maybe the search party will include rugging up all the kids Rio: keep you posted on how special you are Buster: Cheers Rio: it's just your da and granddad Rio: which I did point out probably wasn't the best team when assumedly you've found a pub that's open Rio: might have to stop for a pint, even if you ain't Rio: rude not to Buster: & I had my money on mum & Nance, gutted Buster: The fan club's a fucking sham Rio: shit state of affairs, honestly Rio: where's janis when you need her Rio: sure she'd find you Buster: Only if you'd started searching first Buster: & Were about to find me Rio: That would've been a well good excuse Rio: just tryna find enlightenment it's okay Rio: my ma would buy it and she's the nosiest so Buster: There was a ticket to Heaven on offer so Rio: should've come on the search, like Rio: knew I'd fuck up the talking one so reckoned I could at least go a day or two without looking Rio: if I played it right Buster: I still haven't been found Buster: If you wanna do the honours Rio: Hide and seek Rio: what do I win? Buster: I told you not to ask when you already know the answer Rio: Okay Rio: wish its me that finds you 'cos awkward if it's them Buster: I don't need hope or wishes, remember Buster: Neither do you Buster: Not for this Rio: Okay Rio: no cheating, I'll know Buster: I swear Buster: Head boy's honour, like Rio: are you actually head boy now Buster: Did you actually think I wouldn't be? Rio: Didn't doubt you for a second Rio: hot Rio: in a nerdy way Buster: I'd have brought the badge if I'd have known you were so into it Rio: I know this christmas was going pretty shocking but you've really ruined mine now Buster: [sends her a pic of him when he was wearing it] Buster: You bring me problems, I offer you solutions Rio: 😍 Rio: If you ever go proper missing, make sure they use that Rio: well inspiring Buster: I can do better, but they can't show that level of inspiring on the news Rio: not even the 10 o'clock one Buster: Probably keep 'em your eyes only, babe Rio: Fine by me Rio: I wanna be the one to find you anyway Buster: I want you to Rio: Lemme sniff this out Rio: did you have your keys on you Buster: I always have my keys on me Rio: if you've gone home that's so funny Buster: You know I'm hilarious Rio: Your dad is Rio: if we wanna keep ruining the festivities tell your mum how dumb he is Rio: be a hoot Buster: Will do Buster: Hold on Rio: Alright? Buster: Depends who you ask Rio: Well if you've had an empty house this whole time and you're only just telling me Rio: don't know if this is even you tbh Rio: convincing serial killer maybe Buster: I just needed Buster: That breathing room I got as a mystery gift Rio: Makes sense Rio: I don't have to come Rio: if you still wanna be left alone, I won't tell Rio: they can worry a bit longer Buster: You do have to Buster: I wanna be alone with you Rio: I want that too Rio: hold on Buster: Okay Rio: Promise you'll take my phone away when I get there Buster: If you promise not to tell anyone that I think my hand is fucked Rio: How fucked Rio: like, if you show me how to strap it we can do that or sneaky trip to A&E fucked Buster: Like I can already hear the lecture about punching walls instead of bags Rio: We'll sort it Rio: I won't tell anyone Buster: Thanks Rio: doesn't mean I don't get to fuss though Buster: Such a mum Buster: I ain't got that many issues that its a turn on for me, you know Rio: Shut up Rio: so rude Buster: You're cute Rio: 😒 yeah and as unsexy as a mum Buster: You couldn't be unsexy if you tried Rio: swear you got just enough issues? Buster: Talking about them would take all night Buster: But so would what I'd rather do Rio: Well Rio: think they'll clock before then but Rio: take whatever time we can get Buster: Well then I swear I'll make it worth it Buster: Even if we have to be quick Rio: Jesus Rio: I know it'll be worth it Rio: how could it not be Buster: Yeah, but you don't know how worth it yet Buster: You will Rio: You too Rio: I swear Buster: Tell me this is actually fucking happening this time Buster: I need you Rio: It has to Rio: 'cos all that's happening is I'm caring less and less about the risks and more and more about just making it happen Buster: I know I'm drunk but I never cared about anything but this Buster: I don't Rio: We're both drunk but it's still true Rio: I can't stop, Buster Rio: whatever the fuck this is Buster: You don't have to Buster: Be with me, that's all I want Rio: I'm coming Rio: I'm sorry but even if your family walks in at this point I ain't fucking stopping Rio: I'm so sick of not getting what I want Buster: I can't not give it to you Buster: Everything you want Rio: You Rio: that is all I want right now Buster: I'm not even offended that you don't reckon I'm everything Buster: Easily proved wrong Rio: Exactly Rio: show me Buster: Fuck Buster: Say that again Rio: Show me, baby Rio: I want you to be everything, 'cos you're all I can think about Buster: Rio Rio: Buster Buster: Hurry up & be at my house for fuck's sake Rio: you know I live in the middle of nowhere Rio: [cos figure cali gaff has the most space so logic they'd have been there] Rio: it's the biggest cockblock, modern day princess in a tower basically Buster: 😂 Buster: I'm surrounded by princesses all day, you ain't Rio: Bit rude but I've been called worse Buster: It's the opposite of rude the way I mean it Rio: Let you off then Buster: Don't you know that you're on another level? Buster: Doesn't he tell you that in all those texts you get? Rio: He says a lot of things Rio: I'd be lying if I said I was always tuned in, like Buster: Of course not, like you said, I'm all you can think about Rio: Literally Rio: it's stupid Buster: Nah, 'cause if it was it'd be shared stupidity & I'm too smart for that Rio: 😂 Rio: very self-serving, but I'll take it Buster: Plus, I fucking hate sharing Rio: I know Rio: but you know you don't have to with me Rio: not really Buster: You're gonna dump him, yeah? Rio: I can Rio: we can talk about that later though Rio: what we wanna do for the rest of the time and all that Rio: don't think about it right now Buster: I can't think Buster: Not properly Rio: Then don't Rio: you know I want you more than anyone else right now Buster: Yeah Buster: More than anyone else ever Rio: Yeah Rio: Whatever it is Rio: I know I ain't felt it before Rio: wanting someone so hard all the time Buster: Me either Buster: Wanting someone this hard Buster: Never mind all the time Rio: I know it's crazy Rio: but I don't care Rio: can't Buster: Folie à deux, like Rio: You and your French obsession 😏 Buster: I had to learn to kiss somehow, you didn't teach me shit Rio: You wouldn't let me Rio: so NOT a pleasure to have in class Buster: You could've made you move any time Buster: Including before I was dared to make mine Rio: You take the piss enough that I was in love with you without that Rio: you'd have been even more unbearable if I had, like Buster: No Buster: I only was 'cause you made me do it & then it went like that Rio: I didn't dare you Buster: You didn't have to Buster: Don't act like there weren't loads of chances before that Buster: You could've took one Rio: Better late than never, ain't it Rio: be there in 5 Buster: Of course Buster: Be here now though Rio: Could hardly ask for a lift like hey, think he's here but give me like 15 alone, k dad Buster: Can't your boyfriend drive? Perfect way to dump him Rio: Yeah that'd go well Buster: You'd soon forget all about him Buster: We don't need 15 minutes for that Rio: Not gonna time you, like but Rio: hold you to it Buster: You don't need to, give me one second & you won't remember his name Rio: Fuck Rio: I'm so ready for this Rio: for you Buster: Show me Buster: I'm done waiting Rio: [when you show up and see 'em like hell no] Rio: This is beyond an actual joke Buster: [when you can't even answer cos you're beyond angry like if you thought he was mad before peeps] Rio: Fuck this Buster: [later cos you have to deal with them] Buster: Meet me tomorrow Rio: I can't Rio: we go to see my da's family Buster: Fuck's sake Rio: I know Rio: can't get out of it though we stay over Rio: there's no way they'd let me stay home Buster: When are you back? Rio: 30th Rio: you're staying for new year's eve, aren't you Buster: Barely but yeah Buster: My flight's next day Rio: We'll make it work Rio: they'll all be so gone Buster: We're gonna have to, it ain't no commuter flight this time Rio: Yeah Rio: you're so lucky Buster: Not how I feel right now Rio: No, me either Rio: really not in the mood, they're all in my face constantly Buster: My dad's lucky he ain't going to A&E Rio: Not condoning that but I could've easily jumped 'em myself so Rio: this is bullshit, swear they left us alone constantly as kids Buster: I'd lift you up, babe. Teamwork Buster: & Yeah, you can swear to that 'cause they did Rio: 😂😍 Rio: #goals Rio: getting my own place as soon as I can Buster: See, I do play well with others Buster: Come to London, I'm always on my own there Buster: Fucking typical Rio: I will Rio: and you can't be mad because that's an invite Rio: however casual Buster: Mad ain't the word Buster: You're always trying to put the wrong ones in my mouth Rio: Don't make my mind go there Buster: If your mind is anywhere else, tell me how you did it Rio: it ain't Rio: but your mouth specifically now Buster: Shame my mouth ain't specifically where it wants to be Rio: Shame ain't the word Rio: for a white boy you got really good lips, you know Buster: I know Rio: ugh Rio: be here Buster: I'm here, that's all I can do Rio: I'm glad we're talking Buster: You missed me, yeah? Rio: You know I did Buster: Tell me Rio: I missed you loads Rio: I thought about you all the time Buster: You're not gonna go see that lad now are you? Rio: No Rio: he wants me to but I don't have time anyway Buster: Don't. I didn't turn you on for his benefit Rio: I don't want him Rio: you don't either, okay Buster: Okay Rio: Not today Rio: you were mine Buster: I still am Rio: Buster Buster: Rio Rio: it feels so good saying your name Rio: I wanna say it for you Buster: Call me Rio: [does, 'cos you gotta do something poor bastards] Buster: [you deserve this lads] Rio: [when even this is gonna be fire] Buster: [literally better than anything I could ever do] Rio: That was Rio: I feel a bit better now Buster: If you think you feel good now, wait until NYE Rio: I don't wanna wait Rio: but fine Rio: try my best Buster: I don't wanna either but I do wanna make up for lost time so behave & I'll make you cum for every day you've had to Buster: Hold me to it Rio: Damn Rio: you're really daddy, huh Rio: 😇 Buster: It's not that high of a number yet Buster: You can be impressed when I make the offer after being away for ages Rio: You better Rio: gotta have some incentive to come back, right Buster: Yeah Rio: I'm so jealous Buster: Put your teacher voice on & come with Rio: 😏 I'll get the 'fit Buster: I look forward to seeing it Rio: You're there to actually learn, babe Rio: maybe I'll tutor you, if I have time Buster: You're saying you don't have enough to teach me full time? Disappointing Rio: Plenty Rio: 'nuff to take it stateside Buster: Start packing then Rio: When we going Buster: Why not now Buster: Fuck it Rio: That's what I need Rio: you, distance from this fam and a place no one knows us Buster: Exactly Rio: One day Buster: Hold me to it too Rio: Can we stop doing the thing where you leave and we don't talk for months now Rio: like, it's exhausting pretending I hate you and don't wanna fuck you, you know Buster: I have to leave, but yeah, we also have to talk Rio: I know you're going Rio: I mean like I see you for a week or something and then that's that 'til the next family function Buster: I know what you mean Buster: It's not like that's how I want it Rio: Why'd it always end up happening, like Buster: What can I say? Buster: What do you want me to? Rio: I ain't blaming you Rio: it's both of us Rio: just, let's not let something happen between now and when you go so you won't talk to me alright Buster: Whatever happens, I still wanna Buster: It's not that black & white though, is it? Rio: nah Rio: I dunno Rio: we got separate lives to live Rio: obviously, and that's cool Rio: but idk why that means we have to end up hating each other Rio: like it is black and white, all or nothing Buster: I can't hate you Buster: Don't be stupid Rio: alright, pretend then Rio: you're quite convincing sometimes Buster: Well I need to be Buster: Sometimes Rio: Yeah Buster: Just don't break my fucking heart, yeah? Buster: Simple Rio: Why would I do that Buster: All or nothing Rio: that's not how I want it either, I'm telling you Rio: we can do better Buster: Obviously Buster: I can always do better & you always keep up Rio: 😏 Rio: thanks Rio: I think Buster: It's a compliment Buster: Nobody else can Buster: Not that I've found yet anyway Rio: Maybe you'll find yourself an American girl who can Buster: Maybe Rio: just don't get married Rio: can only deal with the accent for so long Buster: Before I've done uni & got a career? My mum would kill me Buster: She'd turn up with a shotgun to stop it, fuck encouraging it Rio: 😂 Rio: Nance is the hopeless romantic, I remember Buster: Good Buster: I don't do repeats never mind wedding vows Rio: Never? Buster: Like I said, they can't keep up Buster: I'm not running a charity Rio: You are funny Buster: I'm also too good at it to be having shit hook ups Buster: Tell your friends Rio: 🙄 Rio: No one's forcing you, to my knowledge Rio: so don't think you can complain Buster: I ain't Buster: You asked & I answered Rio: I did not ask you to specifically tell me how good anyone is Rio: let alone people I know Buster: I haven't Rio: Come on Rio: I know what that comment implies and about who Rio: not seen her for ages anyway so can't say I'm heartbroken over her, like Buster: I'm just saying for future reference, let you friends know that anyone can always do better Rio: It is truly amazing anyone wants to sleep with you Buster: They don't want to talk to me Buster: I told you it ain't easy Rio: It ain't hard Rio: stop flattering yourself for a sec, babe Buster: Start flattering me then, babe Rio: 😏 Buster: Can you really not meet me tomorrow? Rio: I really wanna Rio: but we leave so early Buster: You should go then Buster: Sleep Rio: but Buster: I know Buster: But I'll be there, won't I, you always dream about me Rio: Hmm so you reckon Buster: Come on Rio: You Rio: don't you wanna offer to make me sleepy? Rio: amateur Buster: Sleepy ain't the word Rio: I don't reckon you can get me to pass out from there but alright Buster: You don't? Rio: Nope Rio: don't feel bad, like 😉 Buster: Answer your phone & do exactly what I tell you, let's see how we both feel then Rio: [does, duh] Buster: [opened pandoras box here lads] Rio: [least you can do this to your hearts content no matter where y'all is, 'cept when Ryan is around, which is sadly too often] Buster: [god bless technology especially the waterproof phones of the future] Rio: [defs a thing] Buster: [they should fall asleep on the phone together though] Rio: [deffo]

[elliotthezubat]

DEATH CITY DAYS CHAPTER 107

Dumas: *looking out at the city*

marquis: <all packed!>

Dumas: <Hmm...> *still looking out*

marquis: ??

Cervantes: <Sad to leave your old stomping grounds?>

Dumas: <...There's something I have to do...> *grabs a hoodie*

marquis:....

-elsewhere-

Kid: *putting together a puzzle with the kids*

stocking: we're back!

Kid: *looks up* "Hello!"

Patty: *holding shopping bags* "Hey, kiddos!"

julie: hi patti!

Patty: "Hee hee! Want to see something cool?"

julie: yeah!

Patty: *takes out some outfits the kids' sizes*

julie: WOW!

shiori: ^0^

Patty: "Try them on so we know whether they fit--and whether you like them, too."

julie: ok!

liz: ^^

Kid: "Anything you all got for yourselves?"

stocking: some swimsuits and summer dresses.

Kid: "Neat! Maybe a swim park visit?"

julie: yay!

Patty: "Right on! Slides! Shaved ice!"

Kid: *picks up Shiori* "Kiddie pool."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *asleep*

miyuri: zzzz...

sonia: ....

Chuuya: *sleep murmur*

sonia:....*glances at the memorial* he's doing his best, mama....he really is......

Chuuya: *slight whimper*

sonia:...we miss you a lot, even if i never really got to meet you....i'll take care of him and miyuri, and they're taking care of me too...

*wind chimes are heard*

sonia:...good night, mama.

*it's still and quiet but peaceful in their room...*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *walking through a neighborhood...glances at one house*

-the mondego's house...-

Dumas: "..." *reaches out a hand...pulls it back...glances at the window*

-inside, mercedes is packing boxes-

Dumas: "???" ("She's...getting rid of his stuff? Or...Where is she going...")

mercedes:.....*looks at one photo, wiping her eyes*

Dumas: *he struggles to see it...*

mercedes: ?! *turns to the window*

Dumas: "?!!!" *runs--and crashes into trash cans, stumbling*

mercedes: ??!! *takes a fire poker* <who's out there?!>

Dumas: *running--and slams into a wall* "..." *falls down*

mercedes: <hello??>

Dumas: X_X *not moving*

mercedes: ....

Dumas: *groans* *looks up* "... ... ..."

mercedes:....*closes the curtains*

Dumas: "..." *pathetic groan*

???: <what did you expect?>

Dumas: <...Shut up.>

elena:.....*sigh* <was this all worth it?>

Dumas: <...She's alive, isn't she?>

elena: <yeah, i suppose that's true....she'll get better. from what i can tell, she's a strong person.>

Dumas: *nods* <She is.>

elena: ....

Dumas: "..." *gets up...walks away*

elena: <so what will you do now?>

Dumas: <...Get back to work.>

elena: <yeah, same here i guess...>

Dumas: <And that would be for you...?>

elena: <that's classified.....>

Dumas: <Sure, keep jerking us around.>

elena: ...<one more thing; dont let yourself be consumed by your darkness...>

Dumas: <??? ...I've still lost so much. The only way I survive is living through that darkness.>

elena: <yet, in spite of everything, there is still good in you.>

Dumas: <Hmph. I don't need you to tell me that. Is this your experience with some of the worst telling you this?>

elena: <just trying to look out for you.>

Dumas: <Right. Some pet project for your boss?>

elena: ....<you make a lot of paranoid assumptions, dont you?>

Dumas: <Was in prison, got roped into some conspiracy I never knew of. That's my excuse.>

elena: <fair enough.>

Dumas: <...> *walks back into the shadows...*

elena:...*looks up at the sky* <all we can do for now is wait, and hope...>

-elsewhere-

Asako: *tending to patients* "That last fire grew faster than expected, but thankfully the Commander got rescue there in time..." *looks at the 'assistants'* "You kids looked tuckered out."

Izuku: *panting* "I-I'm fine...Really."

ochako: all good! ^^

Asako: "That's good...I hope Goldie's not getting in the way."

ochako: not at all! i have a golden too! though she's a little bigger.

Asako: "Oh, neat! Hear that, Goldie?" *scratch scratch*

goldie: arf! ^^

Izuku: "The Commander's abilities to put that soul to rest were shocking..." *picks up his notepad*

-morning-

Kid: *making waffles*

stocking: morning~ *smooch*

Kid: ^\\\^ "Good morning. How was your sleep?"

stocking: swell. *snuggle*

Kid: =w= "Great...You feel cuddly."

-elsewhere-

-knocks-

julie: <emmanual, can you get that?>

Emmanuel: <Of course.> *checks the door*

Caderousse: <Hello. I was told Valentine Villefort was here.>

Emmanuel: <Yes...What is this about?>

Caderousse: <I needed to speak with her about a matter as her...as her father cannot.>

Emmanuel: <...Please wait here...> *closes the door* <...The man wants to speak with Valentine.>

julie: <oh dear...>

valentine: ??

Emmanuel: <He seems to want to speak to only you, Valentine. I could ask him to come back...>

valentine: <who is it?>

Emmanuel: <...> *opens the door* <Your name?>

Caderousse: <Um, Caderousse, with child services.>

Emmanuel: *calls back* <Child services.>

valentine: !!!! <what does he want?>

Emmanuel: <...> *opens the door again* <What do you want?>

Caderousse: -_-; <I'm not here to take away Valentine or her brother. I have news regarding her family that she should hear.>

valentine: ....

Emmanuel: "..." *turns back* <He's not here to take you or Edouard away. I think he's harmless.>

Caderousse: -____- <Can I just come in already?>

valentine:....*holds edouard close to her*

julie: <i suppose it's alright...>

Caderousse: *nods* *walks in*

benedetto: *follows* ......

Emmanuel: "???"

julie: <oh my, who is this?>

Caderousse: <Bene, you can have a seat on the couch...>

benedetto:...*sits down, staring at edouard and valentine*

Caderousse: <Hi, Valentine, Edouard. I'm Caderousse. I'm here to see how you are doing while staying with friends.>

valentine:....<who's that?>

benedetto: ....

Caderousse: <Well, this is Benedetto. He...Well, he's been without his parents for some time.>

valentine: ....

Caderousse: <Valentine, I know you've been through a lot, but do you know a Hermine Danglars?>

valentine: the name _sounds_ familiar...

Caderousse: <She is Benedetto's mother...and Benedetto's father is Gerard De Villefort.>

valentine: !??!?!?

Caderousse: <I know this is a lot to take in after everything...But Bene has also been a lot without his family.>

benedetto: .....

valentine: <i....h-how di-....w-what can i-...>

Caderousse: <For now, Benedetto is under state custody. But I thought you should meet him...>

valentine: ......

benedetto:....<where's my mom?>

Caderousse: <We're finding her, Benedetto. I've asked some friends to tell her when she gets back...>

valentine:.....<could we....let him stay here for now?>

Caderousse: <I think that would be up to Bene...>

benedetto:...<fine.> 7n7

Caderousse: ^^; <Aw, just think of this as a new opportunity. You'll get to meet some new people.>

-elsewhere-

Axel: "Yo!"

izumi: hey guys!

Asher: "Hey. How many more days we got of this?"

hibiki: about two more i think before summer break.

Asher: "Thank goodness..."

Kanin: "Then we can focus on training."

Asher: "..." =n=

-elsewhere-

Todoroki: "We managed to put out the fire and bring the injured to the hospitals."

Aizawa: "Good work. Momo, how did your team fare?"

momo: we managed to locate them well enough.

Aizawa: "Good. Then we're going to turn to a pop quiz based on the chapters on search and rescue you read--"

Sero: ._.;;; "We had reading to do?"

jirou: *facepalm*

-elsewhere-

Higan: *standing in the park, looking around*

lavender: see anything?

Higan: "Not yet...Noticing some 'dark shades' people. They think they're not noticeable. Likely investigators."

lavender: hmm.

Higan: "Let's put a little distance from them--don't need them checking us out."

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *looking at test results* "Oh. That was better than I hoped."

atsushi: *phew*

Lucy: -n- "At least the semester will be over--without taking extra remedial courses..."

Akutagawa: "..."

atsushi: how did you do?

Akutagawa: "99 out of 100."

atsushi: 0_0 WOAH!

Lucy: Q_Q *got an 89*

Kyoka: "Oh. You did quite well."

Akutagawa: *nods* "I read."

atsushi: so, i guess we go to our next class then.

Kyoka: "It should be more restful--maybe just busy work."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "..." *tending to the garden*

sonia: *holding a bucket*

Chuuya: "I think this one could use a little water..."

sonia: ok. *picks up a watering can and waters the plant*

Chuuya: "That's good..." *pulls a few more weeds* "Miyuri, be careful around the sapling."

miyuri: ok! ^^

Chuuya: *gets up, removes his gloves* "How you think the flowers look?"

miyuri: pretty!

Chuuya: *nods* "It was a lot of work, but I think it paid off."

sonia: and will the crops be ready soon?

Chuuya: "Soon enough--just have to make sure the summer sun isn't too hot for them."

sonia: hmm. maybe a greenhouse?

Chuuya: *nods* "I think we can get one put together."

-elsewhere-

Saria: *in study hall at the library, looking through a yearbook*

hibiki: want me to sign it?

Saria: ^^ "Yes, please." *opens it to the signature page*

hibiki: *signing her name*

Saria: "Thanks! Oh, you have neat handwriting..."

-elsewhere-

Valentine: *walking with Edouard and Benedetto* <And that's the park...>

benedetto: ...

Valentine: <Eddy and I play here all the time, especially after I get home from school...>

benedetto: *nod*

Valentine: <Do you like any games? Maybe tag?>

benedetto: <hide and seek?>

Valentine: *nods* <We like it, too. Right, Eddy?>

edouard: *nod*

Valentine: <Then sometimes we get crepes with a lot of fruit and cream before we...walk home...>

benedetto: ...

Valentine: "..." *wipes her eyes*

benedetto: ...?

Valentine: <I-I'm sorry. It's just a lot after...after Father...>

benedetto:....

Valentine: <...Let's sit for a bit.>

-elsewhere-

*on a plane*

Dumas: *looking out a window* "..."

Cervantes: *passed out, hair staticy, small electrical spasms* XwX

marquis: im sure haydee will be glad to see us. ^^

Dumas: *small smile, nods* "Yes...One good thing to look forward to..."

marquis: she was a rescue, right?

Dumas: *nods* "Yes--that's who I wanted."

marquis: *smiles*

Dumas: "...At least one thing I managed to do right."

marquis: you also gave me a place to call home.

Dumas: "...Okay, 2."

-elsewhere-

Axel: "Bro, how many more signatures you gonna fit onto that cast?"

zeke: at least 500.

Axel: "Dang, bro!" *holds up a hand for a high-five--then changes hands* ^^;

zeke: woot-woot!

Duncan: -^- "I could get way more signatures if I broke my arm."

Kanin: "..." *bored Willy Wonka voice* "No, please, don't..."

-elsewhere-

Owl Eyes: *filing papers--as something is rising outside the 27th floor's window* "..." *looks*

*it's an airship*

louisa: Q~Q;;;;;

Fitzgerald: *shouting outside, waving* "Buongiorno, old sport!"

Daisy: -_-; "It's the afternoon..."

Owl Eyes: "...Eckleburg, take care of this. I need a drink." *walks away*

eckleburg: ._.;;

bram: what the fresh hell....

mary: HIIII BRAM! *waves*

bram: mary-.....IS THAT A LION?!?!?

mary: yep! his name is milo!

Milo: *sniffs Bram* *purr*

mary: ^^

bram: Q~Q;;;;;; (im certainly going to die....)

Daisy: *nudges Eckleburg in the shoulder*

eckleburg: !! y-yes?

Daisy: "Don't we got things to do to keep us busy?"

eckleburg: r-right.

-elsewhere-

Tool: "All set in the wagon?"

io: ba! ^^

Tool: "Okay! Roll out!" *slowly pulls the wagon around the garden*

io: wheeeee! ^o^

Tool: "The wheels are happy, too! The grass is nice on their treads..."

io: *giggle*

Tool: "Now around the bend--" *slow turn around the sunflowers*

io: woooah...

Tool: "And we're racing to the finish!"

io: *laughs*

Tool: *passes through the arch leading into the garden's sidewalk* "And it's a photo finish!!!"

saki: *snaps a pic* ^^ yaaay

Tool: ^^; "How wa that, Io?"

io: again! again!

Tool: "Okay, once more..." *rolls the wagon...*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *cooking*

sonia: *setting the table*

miyuri: *playing with mito*

mito: *pawing at cat toy*

Chuuya: "Should be ready in another 5 minutes...How's the table, Sonia?"

sonia: almost done.

Chuuya: "That's good...Tomorrow's a big day."

miyuri: what is it, papa?

Chuuya: "You know what Kajii and I have been building?"

miyuri: ~?

Chuuya: "You'll find out tomorrow."

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *stretches, getting off the plane* "..." *picks up Cervantes, who is still knocked out*

marquis: *streeeetch*

Dumas: *looks* "...Well, we're here again..."

marquis: yep.

Cervantes: *yawns* =w= "I had a wonderful dream--I was crawling through the desert to impress--" O_O "...Oh, hey! The desert!"

marquis: morning~

Dumas: "I suppose our first stop is to our 'employer'..."

-elsewhere-

hyakuya: any plans for the day?

Yoichi: "I heard something about more training...I'm kind of ready to hide and just eat sugary food and play games."

mitsuba: what kind of training do you think it is?

Yoichi: "I heard running was involved."

mitsuba: so a phys ed kind of thing?

shinoa: they could also have mock monsters attack us.

Yoichi: "Like people in rubber suits?"

hyakuya: that's for CGI movies. i think.

Kimizuki: "Rubber suits would be redundant if the monsters are fully CGI."

hyakuya: i'm talking about like motion actors!

Kimizuki: "Then say so from the beginning!"

Yoichi: ^^;

hyakuya: i figured you'd just assume so! >n<#

Kimizuki: "Rubber suits are like Godzilla or Kong, not motion capture!"

Jun: ._. "...I better host them all a movie night to calm down..."

hyakuya: i'm talking about body suits made of rubber! like a cat suit or something! THAT'S what i mean!

Yoichi: "With the ping pong balls glued on!" ^^

Kimizuki: "..." *annoyed grunt* "She's so confusing..."

hyakuya: *victorious smirk* ^^

*ROAR*

hyakuya: ??!!?

???: you're both incorrect for the test....

*A robot in a Halloween mask is at the end of the hall*

mitsuba:....what?

tinker: ta-dah!

Kimizuki: "..." *facepalm*

shinoa: awww, how cute.

Yoichi: O~O "So uncanny..."

tinker: >3< she's not supposed to be cute! she's supposed to look scary!

Yoichi: >~< "Then you succeeded!"

hyakuya: *trying desperately to contain her laughter*

tinker: =n= i'll be right back.

yumikage: talk about mixed reactions...

Kimizuki: "Is that all she focuses on?"

Jun: "She's also a talented conversationalist..." ^^;

yumikage: gotta give her credit, as eccentric as she is, she works hard and does her best to improve herself. not to mention her kick-ass square-dancing skills.

Kimizuki: "...You're kidding, right?"

yumikage: i _wish_ i was kidding.

-elsewhere-

Tachihara: *his hand is stuck up a vending machine*

higuchi: how?

Tachihara: "The bastard stole my money before I could get my Sno-Ball...Now, I'm stuck."

higuchi: *whacks the machine*

Tachihara: "Owie!"

*candy bars fall down on his arm*

Tachihara: Q_Q

higuchi:.....kajii! we need some assistance!

-elsewhere-

Kid: "And that's been work for today, Homura."

homura: *nods*

Kid: "Any summer plans?"

homura: i'm going to be visiting my grandparents in japan, like usual.

Kid: *nods* "That should be a good break."

homura: yeah, it's a traditional thing.

Kid: "Anything to do in the area?"

homura: they live in a more rural part of japan in a small farming village. it's rather peaceful.

Kid: "Ah. I hope the weather will be pleasant."

-elsewhere-

Dumas: "Who's a good girl? Who's a good girl!"

frances: my my, sounds like you've had an eventful few days, gentlemen.

Cervantes: "Meh--kind of average."

haydee: *spinning in circles and jumping onto dumas, licking his face*

Dumas: TwT *pet pet*

marquis: *making tea*

Cervantes: "Well, that's that, I guess? I mean, we've done what you told us to."

frances: and how did you and the count get along?

Dumas: -_-#

Cervantes: "Splendidly!" ^^;

marquis: she was certainly interesting.

Dumas: "Hmph."

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: *reading...a textbook*

atsushi: ??

Kyoka: "..." *whispers* "Maybe he ran out of reading material..."

Kunikida: "I didn't. I'm reviewing this book for typos and outdated mathematical equations to help solve a quandary."

Kyoka: ._. "!"

atsushi: ????

Dazai: "Normal people just Sudoku..."

Kunikida: -_-# "There was a murder at a college out of state, and I know the book they used in that class."

atsushi: *listening*

Kunikida: *sighs* "The murderer's note was written on this exact page of this book--but it has the third word on line 5 spelled correctly, which is not the same as the edition I have. But that is not the edition assigned to students. So I'm trying to see who would have bought the older edition used."

atsushi: hmmm....

Kyoka: "Is this a job you have accepted?"

Kunikida: "I'm only consulting. I wasn't thinking--"

Dazai: *pats Atsushi and Kyoka's shoulders* "Our fine children need to consider their college options!"

atsushi: ._.;;;

Kyoka: -_-; "You just want to live vicariously through us as you imagine what you would do with teens and young 20-somethings."

Dazai: ^^; "Would I do such a thing?"

Everyone in the room: "Yes!"

Random person bicycling by the office: "Yep!"

atsushi: ._.

Dazai: ._.;

-elsewhere-

Kepuri: *reading through a travel brochure for i-Island* "... ... ...I know where I want my honeymoon."

akaderu: O////O

Kepuri: "??? What? I didn't say 'when.'"

akaderu: >/////>;;;;

Kepuri: "Or, could just be our own vacation..." *opens an app on her phone* "...Um...Yeah. We need more cash."

-elsewhere-

jirou: *practicing guitar*

Mina: *listening*

eijiro: *practicing drums*

Kaminari: *on bass* ._. "...This doesn't feel like I thought it would."

sero: how so?

Kaminari: "I thought bass was supposed to be cool. This doesn't feel like it."

jirou: let me see.....-_-; you're holding it wrong.

Kaminari: "...Oh." *strums* "Hey, that feels easier!"

jirou: *nods*

Mina: " 'Bout time you figured it out! Now we can really jam!"

-elsewhere-

higuchi: *looking a brochures*

Gin: "Any good travel packages?"

higuchi: how about this one?

Gin: "Looks affordable. Hotel looks cozy."

higuchi: the restaurant looks nice too.

Gin: "Some decent nature tours...I can reserve us online."

-elsewhere-

stocking: *sneaking up on kid*

Kid: *not noticing*

stocking: CUDDLE-MOOSH! *snuggle attack*

Kid: "GAK!" *giggles, falling down*

stocking: *giggles and smooches*

Kid: =///= *smooch*

stocking: hehe~ i feel like playing some mario kart, you in?

Kid: "Very." *sits up*

stocking: sweet! dont think i'll go easy on you.

Kid: "I wouldn't have it any other way~" *picks up a controller*

stocking: one more thing. *whispers* winner tops tonight~

Kid: O\\\\\\O *gulps*

stocking: 7w7~<3

Kid: "O-Oh my...Purple shell, help me."

-elsewhere-

naomi: *checking her phone* !!!! *squeee* >w<

atsushi: ??? tanizaki? what's she doing?

Tanizaki: "Well, using detective skills--and a lifetime of knowledge--I'd say her habits point to...a new chapter in one of her favorite fanfics just dropped."

naomi: naho just linked it to me. it's getting gooooood. =w=

atsushi: im not sure what the appeal is to this kross series.

naomi: *stares intently at atsushi*

atsushi: ....what?

naomi: oh i'll _show_ you the appeal.

atsushi: um...tanizaki? what's she talking about?

Tanizaki: *already running for the door*

atsushi: tanizaki?!

Tanizaki: "YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN!"

naomi: you're coming with me, nakajima. we're fucking binge-watching.

Tanizaki: *shouting back* "LANGUAGE, SISTER!" *leaping down the stairs*

atsushi: TANIZAKI!? YOSANO!? KENJI?! KYOUKA?! LUCY?! HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELP!!!!

ranpo: ya'll done dug your own grave, boyo.

kenji: rest in peace! ^^

Kyoka: "I'll lay flowers at your grave."

Lucy: O_O;;;

atsushi: *SCREAMS* IYAAAAAAA!!!!

-elsewhere-

leo: it's alright, really, i can handle it.

pushkin: <oooh no ya dont, you need to save your strength.>

leo: ^^;

katya: we'll keep fires to a minimum.

leo: erm-.... <m-motovya?>

Motojiro: <It'll be fine! All safety precautions will be taken!> *sharpening a knife*

leo:.... ^^;;;

-elsewhere-

licht: *practicing*

Hyde: *listening from outside* "..."

licht: *his fingers move gracefully along the keys*

Hyde: *closes his eyes, picturing the keystrokes* "..."

-on the table next to licht, there is a flyer for a piano competition and gala-

Hyde: ("Hope he'll be ready for that shindig...")

-elsewhere-

valentine: .....

Edouard: "..." *whispers* <He's really quiet.>

valentine: <it's...> *sigh* <it's been difficult...for all of us.>

Edouard: <...> *sniffs...hugs Valentine*

valentine:...*hugs*

Bene: *kicking a rock*

julie: .....<im making some pancakes. want any?>

Bene: *groans*

julie:....<well, let me know if you get hungry, ok?>

Bene: <...I want waffles.>

julie: <ok then.>

Bene: >_>;;;;

???: <ANDREAAAAAAA!>

Bene: O_O;

valentine: ?!

hermine: <e-eugenie!>

Edouard: "???"

eugenie: <mama, it's my friend andrea!>

hermine: ???

eugenie: <that's what mr caderousse said, right?>

Bene: O__________________O

Edouard: <No, that's Bene.>

eugenie: <it totally is andrea! i can tell by the face!>

Bene: >~< <I DIDN'T WANT TO DRESS UP LIKE THAT! THAT JERK MADE ME DO IT!>

valentine: <what is going on here??>

Bene: >_>; <I...used to have 'playdates' with Eugenie...>

eugenie: <you didnt talk cause you didnt want me to find out that you were a boy, right?>

Bene: ._. "..." *nods*

eugenie: <i dont mind. uncle lucy wears dresses sometimes. daddy might have gotten mad, but he's a jerk and he's not around anymore, so it's ok!>

Bene: "..." <What?>

hermine: *panting* <g-gigi, please, you shouldnt-....!!!>

Bene: <???>

hermine: <....are you....benedetto?>

Bene: *nods* <Yes? And you're...um...>

hermine: *hugs him, crying*

Bene: "..." Q_Q <Wh-What?>

valentine: ???

Bene: <...You're...?>

hermine: *breathing* <t-this might be hard to believe....god, it's hard for _me_ to believe it but...>

valentine: <i think...that's your mom...>

Bene: <...> *starts crying uncontrollably*

eugenie: ???

valentine:....*small smile*

-elsewhere-

miyuri: *asleep on the couch*

sonia: *about to doze off*

Chuuya: *pauses the movie* "You need some sleep."

sonia: i can...*yawn* s-stay up...a bit more....

Chuuya: "I'm sure you could--but I think sleep will help."

sonia: maybe...

Chuuya: "Come on..." *picks her up* *humming 'Under the Sea'*

sonia: nnn......zzzz....

miyuri: *snoring*

Chuuya: *sets Sonia in bed, then picks up Miyuri*

miyuri: =w=

Chuuya: *sets her in bed, tucks her in*

-morning-

Kid: =w=

stocking: u///u

Kid: *kitten yawn, snuggle*

stocking: mmmm~<3

Kid: "Wonderful..." *smooch*

-elsewhere-

atsushi: *exhausted*

Kyoka: *pouring tea* "You poor soul."

atsushi: im still not sure if i 'get it' per say, but i kinda have a vague idea of what was going on....i think.

Kyoka: "...On a scale of Pop Team Epic to FLCL, where does it rank?"

atsushi: ????? im not sure what you mean by that.

Lucy: "Was it comedic or dramatic?"

atsushi: i guess it was more of an action series from what i can tell.

Kyoka: "Car chases?"

atsushi: lots of shooting and monsters.

naomi: but you totally saw the spark between nero and zepher, riiight~?

atsushi: well, they did have a lot of action scenes together, but i thought the love interest was the nun, estella?

naomi: =3=; but you at LEAST saw the subtext between nero and zepher, right?!

atsushi: now that you mention it, they kind of reminded me of dazai and chuuya a bit, from what i know.

Dazai: *Excalibur face* "Meh."

naomi: see?! he totally sees it!! OwO

Dazai: =~= "Take away this child's viewing privileges."

naomi: D8<

Tanizaki: *slaps his hands over Dazai's mouth* "Quiet, you fool..."

-elsewhere-

miyuri: we get to see the surprise now, right papa? OwO

Chuuya: "Keep the door closed just a bit longer..."

sonia: ??

Chuuya: "Aaaaaaaand open."

sonia: *opens the door* !!!!!!

miyuri: *gasp* WOOOOOW!!!

Chuuya: "So...Ready to play?"

miyuri: *looking around* WOW WOW WOW! THIS IS SO NEAT!

sonia: is this really for us, papa?

Chuuya: *nods* "Thanks to the help of Uncle Kajii and others."

sonia: *small smile and climbs up* oh! there's a bookcase up here!

Chuuya: "We can move up what you want--or some new ones."

sonia:...thank you.

miyuri: sonia, sonia! there's a coloring table under it!!

Chuuya: ^^

miyuri: ohhhh, whats this thing? *flops onto the beanbag chair*.............zzzzzzz....

Chuuya: "Heh..."

mito: *climbing up the treehouse and sits next to sonia*

Chuuya: *sits down, looking up* "..."

-elsewhere-

valentine: <so, we're going to be living with them from now on?>

Villefort: "..." <It's...a surprise she would offer...>

valentine: <no kidding...>

Villefort: <...Is this what you want?>

valentine: <i....i dont know. it's a lot to take in. but if you arent going to be there, then i guess i can give her a chance...>

Villefort: <...She was always caring.>

valentine: .....<she looks a lot like mom.>

Villefort: <...I...hadn't wanted to consider that.>

valentine:.....<she's considering moving us to the states.>

Villefort: <...So far?>

valentine: <she wants to be away from her previous home to start fresh.>

Villefort: "..." *puts his head in his hands*

valentine: *hugs* <i wish you could come with us, i really do.>

Villefort: <...This is some punishment...That bastard...>

valentine: <dad...>

Villefort: *shivering*

valentine: <if we do go, i'll write as often as i can, ok?>

Villefort: *sob noise saying <Yes>*

valentine:...*keeps hugging him*

-elsewhere-

suzune: *yaaawns* -.-~*

Matsuri: "Good morning."

suzune: morning... *stretch* im gonna go make some egg toast....

Matsuri: "..." *nods* "Could be tasty..."

suzune: i tried to use my sword once to make it........it did not go well.

Matsuri: *light laugh* "Unique options for trying them out, though. I still trip in the dark at night."

suzune: maybe carry a flashlight with you, if that helps.

Matsuri: "Yeah..." *looks down at the table*

suzune:.....am i doing good? with the 'not killing' thing?

Matsuri: "..." *nods* "I think so. You've been in control, quite a bit."

suzune: i guess, though i worry i come off as too...too intense. that last girl ended up probably wetting herself from fear.

Matsuri: ^^; "Tone that down then...How about you put on a smile when you're on the job?"

suzune:.....*awkward smile*

Matsuri: OwO "...That's nice."

-elsewhere-

hyakuya: *brushing her teeth* .....

asuramaru: jeez, you look like crap this morning.

hyakuya: ....what do _you_ want?

asuramaru: hostile much? im just checking in on you, we are partners, arent we?

hyakuya: can you just....get to the point here? its too early in the day for cryptic bullshit.

asuramaru: well _you're_ no fun. =3= i'll just tell you later then. XP

hyakuya:.....*splashes her face with water*

-elsewhere-

shinoa: ?? oh, kotori sent us a line message.

Kimizuki: "Hmm?"

mitsuba: oh, that girl from shinjuku?

shinoa: *nods* basically she says thanks for helping her and her family back then, and that they're living in a new apartment now. seems they even visited tokyo tower!

Yoichi: "How nice." ^^

Kimizuki: "..."

mitsuba: wow, it feels like that was like, years ago.

Yoichi: "A lot has happened, including this move here..."

mitsuba:....GRAAAH IM SO BORED!

hyakuya: yeah, same here. when are we gonna get an actual mission? i wanna kick some vampire ass!

Yoichi: "I-I'm sure there's something we can do. It's not like there aren't reports about creepy happenings..."

hyakuya: im gonna be right back. *walks to a room and knocks on the door* oooi! gureeeen! give us something to do! >3<

Guren: "Stop banging on my door, first."

hyakuya: =n=

Guren: *steps out* =_= *sighs* *holds out a file*

hyakuya: ??

Guren: "Well? You got it--open and read."

hyakuya: *looks*

Guren: *smirks*

*it's a note: "The toilet is clogged again--fix it"*

hyakuya:......*glares at him*

Guren: "Got to admit, it's frightening."

hyakuya: let me guess, your mouth ran out of room so you put the rest in the toilets.

Guren: "Touche. I had a feeling you were all sick of my jawing...But seriously, we have a lead."

hyakuya: oh really? do tell.

Guren: "One location with a high concentration of people going missing..."

hyakuya: where?

Guren: "Outside Vegas."

hyakuya: alright.

-elsewhere-

Asako: "The patient has fallen asleep."

kayako: *nods*

Asako: *sighs, pours coffee* "Want any cream?"

kayako: a little, yes.

Asako: *pours* *yawns* "Busy?"

-elsewhere-

Higan: *looking around the corner*

lavender: see anything?

Higan: "Same folks in shades..."

lavender: hmm...

*one guard talks to another before walking away...*

lavender: *looks around*

*looks like someone on the roof...*

lavender: ??

Guard: *stops and looks down*

lavender: *hides*

Higan: *gets behind the dumpster*

Guard: "..." *calls into collar* "Vector 5, check alley."

lavender: *silently mouths 'oh shit'*

*a plain-clothes guard walks into the alley*

Plain-Clothes: "..." *sniffs the air* "..." *turns to where Lavender is*

lavender: looking for a little fun~? *wink and skirt tug*

Plain-Clothes: "..." *rubs their nose* "You shouldn't be here. How about we get you out of here..."

lavender: hey now, im just trying to make a living here. is that so wrong?

Plain-Clothes: "I don't care about how you make your living--I'm not looking into that. But you need to go." *offers their hand to her*

lavender: what, is it illegal to stand in an alley or something?

Plain-Clothes: "I said you can't be here--it is dangerous. Please." *holds her hand* "Let's go."

lavender: .....

Higan: *walks up* "Oh, there you are!" *waves*

lavender: baabe, this guy's trying to keep me from doing my jooob. =3=

Higan: "Oh, is that so..." *rolls up his sleeve*

Plain-Clothes: "??? Who is this? Your dad?"

lavender: well, i do call him daddy.

Plain-Clothes: "..." -~- "Ma'am, you can do much better. Gramps, I told her to leave--so, get her to leave, now."

Higan: "Yeah, I hear ya. Come along, babe--I know a better spot~"

lavender: hehe~ *takes his arm* ^^

Plain-Clothes: *as they leave* "..." *sniffs* ("Okay...I got the scent now.")

lavender: tch-, what a prude. like they dont know good dick when they see it.

Higan: "Ha! ... They after us?"

lavender: *glances back*

*Plain-Clothes is already gone, people on the roofs aren't looking at them*

lavender:.....

Higan: "...Let's take a less obvious path..."

-elsewhere-

Toby: *hiding under the couch*

Milo: *napping on a rug*

Toby: Q_Q ("Haven't I dealt with enough lions?")

-elsewhere-

Motojiro: *nods* "It's good for them after everything..." *looks at her*

leo: ^^ *hug*

Motojiro: >w< *pat pat*

-elsewhere-

Inka: *pokes her head into a room* "Nuts--no treasure room here either--just an infirmary."

sasori: i heard the nurse in here is really creepy.

arrow: *bandaging herself*

Inka: "Yo, Arrow--is the nurse creepy?"

arrow: !!! inka, sasori, you two startled me...

Inka: "Woof--nasty bandaging..."

arrow: .....would you please not stare?

-she has a lot of scars, with a bit of muscle tissue exposed in some areas-

sasori: what the hell happened to you?

arrow: =_= haumea is killing me.

sasori: she works you that much?

arrow: no, i mean she is literally killing me. since i've been reassigned as her guardian, she's been having a field day draining energy from me.

sasori: ?!

Inka: *staring way too intently* "...Dangerous..."

arrow: since she seems to draw energy off my skin, it eats away at me. i also end up bleeding from the mouth and the nose...kind of a side effect, if you will.

Inka: *remembering her vision of herself, dismembered...* "..." *pleased goofy small grin*

sasori: ....that explains the occasional pain in my eye then...but, how does that even work?

???: "It saps the power of certain flame humans through their body's own heat in order to strengthen Pillars until they are fully ready for the Inferno."

sasori: ?! *turns*

*a woman with long bangs hiding her eyes, wearing something similar to a maid or nurse's outfit, enters*

sasori: so you're this mystery nurse....

???: "Ritsu." *"looking" at Inka...who is still smiling and making small goofy giggles*

sasori:....um...inka?....INKA!

Inka: *goofy giggle...drooling*

sasori: *CHOP* INKA!!

Ritsu: *already has a tissue, wiping the drool* *smiles*

Inka: "Ow! Sasori! So rude! I--Oh, hey, thanks, Nurse..."

Ritsu: *smiles* "Of course, Mistress."

sasori: ?!? nyeh?! w-where did _that_ come from?!

Inka: "..."

Ritsu: "I of course show all respect to the Pillars. Welcome, newest pillar, Mistress."

sasori: you dont need to call her that, it's going to go right to her head-

Inka: "..." *smug smile* "Hey, great to see someone here showing me some respect."

Ritsu: ^^

sasori: -aaaand it just did. -_-;

Inka: "Tell me, Ritsu--I got the worst paper cut. Could you bandage me up? Just, you know, less of a horror show like the Mummy over there?"

arrow: -_-# i _can_ hear you.

Ritsu: "Yes, I can--but please, Arrow is a humble servant. I ask that you show her a bit more decorum, as suited to someone as classy as you."

sasori: *rolls her eyes*

Inka: *getting a bandage* "Huh. Well, you make a persuasive argument." *smiles* "The Pillar thanks you for your service, Arrow."

Ritsu: ^^

arrow: *siiiigh* (i hope lord sho comes out of his room soon.....)

-elsewhere-

Albert: *playing with blocks* "..."

mercedes: *packing* .... <hey sweetie.> *smile*

Albert: *small giggle, waves*

mercedes: ^^ *tiny wave*

Albert: *tries to stand--and falls* <Owie.>

mercedes: *picks him up* <you almost got it, sweetie. just takes a bit of practice is all.>

Albert: *holds onto her* <Mama!>

mercedes: *forehead smooch*

Albert: =w= *loud giggle*

mercedes: *hugs*....

Albert: *small movements, happy grunts*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *yawns* "I want to sleep for a month..."

Cervantes: *looking languidly out the window*

haydee: *props head up on the bed near dumas* owo

Dumas: *smiles, pats the bed*

haydee: *jumps up and sits down* ^w^ *tail wagging*

Dumas: *strokes her back as he dozes off...*

-elsewhere-

Higan: "We're back..."

tsubaki: how was it?

Higan: "Kind of intimidating..."

tsubaki: oh?

Higan: "Ramping up security, getting people to just walk away..."

tsubaki: hmm...

Higan: "Didn't look official--more like private security."

otogiri: that does sound rather suspicious.

Higan: "Not sure getting that up close is a good idea--maybe if we were watching from afar..."

-elsewhere-

Mifune: *setting out lunch*

yuma: thanks for the meal!

Mifune: *nods* "You're welcome." *sits down to tea*

angela: ^^

Mifune: *looks out the window* "How about fireworks later this summer?"

yuma: im looking forward to that. it's just about festival season now.

Mifune: "Need some new outfits?"

yuma: i'll probably go through my closet soon and see if i can donate anything i dont need anymore.

Mifune: *nods* "Good."

-elsewhere-

Toykyo Police: <Please clear the area and disperse.>

Anti-Dokeshi "Protester": *spits on a Dokeshi*

dokeshi mother: *holding her child close*

Child: *crying*

Toykyo Police: *frowns* <Ma'am, please move aside.>

dokeshi mother: *walking away*

Toykyo Police: *looks at the "Protester"* <You too. Move along.>

"Protester": <Fuck you!>

Toykyo Police: -_-; <Okay. Hands on your head-->

*BOOM*

Toykyo Police: <?!>

dokeshi mother: *screams*

*a building is on fire*

"Protester": <?!!! That's the police station! The Dokeshi did it!>

Child: *holding onto their mother*

dokeshi mother: <no! im only out buying groceries for the week!>

Toykyo Police: *takes megaphone* <Evacuate the area!>

"Protester": <Liar!> *swings his fist--*

dokeshi mother: !!!

*FWOOSH*

dokeshi mother: ?!

*a hand, cut at the wrist, drops to the street*

"Protester": *screaming, clutching his stump, while someone in a black robe is behind him...*

dokeshi mother: !!!!!!! *holding her child closer*

Toykyo Police: <?!> *removes their gun, aims--*

Robe: *holds up a metallic hand* <I'm not here for the mother, the child--or you, sir...I apologize for what my people did. But I cannot stand to see more Dokeshi harmed-->

Toykyo Police: <Freeze! Your 'friends' just injured--killed--so many people-->

*FWOOSH*

*the gun is sliced in half*

Toykyo Police: <?!!!>

dokeshi mother: *runs*

Robe: *kicks the police officer down--and leaps, higher than a rooftop*

"Protester": *screaming in pain, fire from the station lighting his face...he looks furious as he sobs*

-elsewhere-

Rin: "I think I got it!" *hits the button on the claw machine--and misses* O_O;

madoka: want me to try?

Rin: "Sure--your luck has to be better than mine..."

madoka: ok.

*2 quarters to play* *look like plushies inside*

-nice catch!-

Rin: "WOW!"

madoka: ^^

-elsewhere-

Cervantes: *sad sigh*

marquis: are you ok?

Cervantes: "Oh, just thinking about Dulcinea."

marquis: ah... you really like her, dont you.

Cervantes: *leaps up* "For the honor of such a brave, powerful, beautiful woman, I would do anything!"

marquis: aw, hehe~ ^^

Cervantes: ^w^ *sighs* "Love is grand to have."

-elsewhere-

lukas: *practicing*

Saria: "How is it? Not too heavy?"

lukas: its fine. how does it sound?

Saria: "Lovely. That's really impressive!"

lukas: t-thanks.

Saria: "How often do you practice?"

-elsewhere-

felisia: *giving shion his bath*

shion: baba!

Mephisto: "Just keeping you clean and happy, Shion."

shion: ^o^

felisia: ^^

Mephisto: *picks up the rubber ducky with little devil horns on it* "Quack."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *cleaning in the kitchen...listening for the indoor-treehouse*

sonia: *reading to miyuri*

miyuri: ^^

Chuuya: *listening* ("Seems they're enjoying it...")

-the doorbell rings-

Chuuya: "???" *looks out the window*

-it's clarice-

Chuuya: *opens the door* "Hi, Clarice."

clarice: hey mr N, is sonia home?

Chuuya: "Yes, she is..." *looks upstairs where the treehouse room is*

clarice: cool. oh, by the way here. *hands him something* mama made some banana bread.

Chuuya: "Oh! That was nice of her. Thank you."

clarice: im gonna head up where sonia is now, ok?....which room is she in?

Chuuya: "Oh, we made a new treehouse inside."

clarice: neat!

Chuuya: *nods* "Sonia and Miyuri seem to really like it. Just head that way."

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: *blows a whistle* "Board the vehicle post-haste!"

Kyoka: "Will you be okay?"

sylvia: p-please come home safe...u-unless you _want_ me to go with you...b-b-but i might just drag you down...

Kyoka: "There's room."

sylvia: a-a-are you sure?

atsushi: it's alright, sylvia.

Kyoka: *nods*

Kunikida: *moving a seat for Sylvia to get in the van*

sylvia: um...uhhh....y-you go on ahead, i'll just s-stay here where i w-wont mess anything up.

Lucy: "I'll keep an eye on Sylvia. We'll have fun while you're out." ^^

atsushi: ok then.

Lucy: *threatening voice* "Behave yourself--colleges are cesspools for misbehaving young men pressuring others to engage in all kinds of chicanery."

atsushi: OwO;; y-y-yes ma'am!

Kunikida: "Stop dallying! We have to--" *lifts a piece of luggage--and it's too heavy* "??? Atsushi, what did you pack in here?"

atsushi: i didnt? *opens it*

Dazai: *inside the suitcase* OwO

atsushi:.....why?

Dazai: *waves a college flag* "Yaaaaaay, team?"

Kunikida: "...Toss the trash."

atsushi:....maybe we should bring him?

Kunikida: "He's expecting a child!"

atsushi: think of it like this, we're only going for a short while, right? besides, you two do make a great team.

Kunikida: "WE DO NOT!"

Dazai: >w> "SHOTGUN!" *hops into the seat*

atsushi: ^^;

Kunikida: -_-# "...I control the radio." *gets into the driver's seat*

aya: well _THIS_ outta be interesting.

-elsewhere-

Steinbeck: *looking over a letter*

-dear john, how are you doing? midge is getting bigger and bigger now. hope you'll visit soon, love, ruthie-

Steinbeck: *small smile...looks at a calendar on the wall*

emily: um...may i come in?

Steinbeck: "Hmm? Oh, yes, please."

emily: so, what's next on our agenda?

twain: ROADTRIP!

Steinbeck: *falls out of his chair* "Wh-What?!"

Lovecraft: *dumping water into a giant fish tank* "Okay..."

twain: come on! cross country trip around america? it'll be great!

Steinbeck: "..." *looks at the calendar* "..." *sighs* "We'll need to make maximum use of gas. Get the map."

twain: WOOOOOT!

-elsewhere-

Jacqueline: *reading through a letter* "..."

kim: hey jackie!

Jacqueline: "!!!" *looks up* "Oh, hi! You're back..." *holds the letter*

kim: yeah, i brought some pizza if you want any later.

Jacqueline: "Thank you...Work go okay...?"

kim: yeah, things are getting pretty busy. takahiro said he was going to apply for a pro-hero license.

Jacqueline: "That's great! ...I got a letter from my aunt."

kim: oh cool, did she send cash?

Jacqueline: "...Yes, actually, but that was not the news."

kim: what's new?

Jacqueline: "She's thinking of visiting the States."

kim: oh sweet!

Jacqueline: *nods* "She'll let us know when she's getting here..."

-elsewhere-

Axel: *reaches for a comic--only for someone else to grab it first* "?!!"

kirika: hn?

Axel: "Yo, I was going to look through that."

kirika: tch- fine then.

Axel: "Hey, thanks, ma'am." *flips through* "!!!! WOW! ..." *hands it back to her* "Thanks. Now I know how Gamma Granny beats the Mosquito Man."

kirika: oh, you're not like, gonna buy it?

Axel: "Nah--just wanted to see if it connects to the upcoming crossover with the 'Milky Way 5' annual."

kirika: never heard of it.

Axel: "IT'S SO COOL! Imagine, representatives from multiple planets across the Way, brought together by the common pursuits of justice, goodness, and ethical stuff to fight evil aliens, monsters, and sail across the universe!"

kirika:.....ok?

Axel: "...So, you a gamer?"

kirika: yeah, a bit.

Axel: "Yeah, you looked like one--" *holds up his own thumb* "Lot of gameplay, trying not to get it calloused."

kirika: huh.

zeke: there you are, bro!

Axel: "BRO!"

zeke: been lookin' all over for ya! who the heck is this?

kirika: just someone browsing through the comics, waitin on her friend to be done with a nature call.

Gopher: *scurries in* "They ran out of paper towels..." *holding wet hands out*

kirika: just use the air dryer then, dude.

Gopher: "They never get hands dry enough..."

kirika: then just use your shirt, that's what _i_ do.

Gopher: "..." *wipe wipe wipe*

Axel: "Good advice your friend is giving you, bro."

Gopher: OwO;; "Y-Yeah?"

kirika: yeah, i know it is. anyway, im gonna check out the manga section now.

Axel: *looks* "Bro, there's that romance one Saria was reading."

zeke: yeah, plus maybe we'll see some of genny's stuff.

Gopher: "??? You know a romance writer?"

zeke: well, she dabbles in a lot of genres, mostly comedy.

kirika: *browsing through one book*

Gopher: "Wow--you know a popular writer..." *looks at Kirika* "..."

kirika: this one looks pretty cool. *holds up a horror manga*

Gopher: Q_Q

Axel: "...Wow, that one is scary."

kirika: yeah. if it turns out to be corny, i can just laugh at it.

Axel: "Hey, that's optimistic!"

Gopher: >~<

-elsewhere-

shinra: hey rel?

Relan: "Hmm?"

shinra: i was in the market square earlier, and there was a booth selling flower crowns so....*hands him a rainbow colored flower crown* happy pride month!

Relan: "Aw!" *puts it on* "Thank you!" ^^

shinra: *smiles* ^///^

Relan: "I'm glad for this..." *wipes his eyes*

shinra:....*hug*

Relan: *pat pat* *sniff* "Th-Thanks..."

-elsewhere-

Meme: "How's 'flying practice' going, Tsugumi?"

tsugumi: im not sure how this is all gonna work. im like, super nervous!

Anya: "You're not going to practice by jumping off the roof or something, are you?"

tsugumi: oh no no no! i wouldnt do that!

Meme: ^^; "Maybe we should try something simpler--like a trampoline."

tsugumi: hmm, we could...

-elsewhere-

Hibana: "Hanako? You feeling better?"

hanako: *sniff* =~=

gabriella: want some more orange juice?

hanako: *nods*

Rino: *walks in with a tray with orange juice...as she wears a germ mask over her mouth* -_-; "I don't need to get sick today..."

hanako: *sips* *sniff* ahh...

Hibana: "It'll help you recuperate, sweetie." *smiles--then glares at Rino and whispers--* "My daughter's germs are precious!"

Rino: >_>;

-elsewhere-

christa: *coloring*

Marie: "That looks lovely, sweetie." *sits with her and sets down yogurt and fruit*

christa: im gunna go to preschool, right mama?

Marie: "That's right! The end of this summer."

christa: yaaay! im gunna go to preschool! \(^o^)/

Marie: *raises her own arms* "Yay, Christa!"

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "You girls doing okay?"

sonia: yes papa.

clarice: yeah. ^^

miyuri: mmhmm! ^^

Chuuya: "Okay..." *sets down glasses of water* "Let me know if you need anything..." *checking his phone*

clarice: this is a pretty sweet set-up you got here.

sonia: yeah. it's relaxing.

miyuri: *happily eating animal crackers*

Chuuya: "Some family friends helped make it."

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *looking out the window* "Wow."

Dazai: *shiny eyes* "Look how big the city is from afar!"

Kunikida: -_-;

aya: so where is this place again?

Kunikida: "Sonoran College in Phoenix."

aya: neat.

Dazai: "Maybe the kiddos should go to the 'new student' orientation. They'd learn about the school and dig up some clues."

Kunikida: "WHAT KIND OF STUP-- ...Actually, yes, that is a good idea."

atsushi: i guess...

Kyoka: *reviewing evidence emailed to the Agency* "The older textbook page was found at the scene...Looking through the bookstore will be a first stop, and to examine the corpse."

atsushi: ._.;

Kunikida: "Right. Find whether they sold an older edition of the textbook, and interview anyone with that book."

Dazai: "Nervous, Atsushi? I know college can be rough..."

atsushi: ^^;

-elsewhere-

Yohei: *rubbing Chie's shoulders*

chie: =w=

Yohei: "You've been working so hard..." *soft kiss on her cheek*

-elsewhere-

Kid: *covering his eyes, counting* "...97...98...99...100!" *uncovers his eyes, looks around*

shiori: *hiding behind a curtain*

Kid: "Hmm...Where is everyone?" *looks under a teddy bear* "Not here."

stocking: ^^

Kid: "Maybe under here?" *looks under the rug*

julie: >w<

Kid: "Hmm..." *gets down on the floor, looking at the curtains...* "I didn't know...curtains had shoes."

shiori: >.<

Kid: "Could this be...Shiori?" *pulls back the curtain*

shiori: *squeels*

Kid: "Found you!" *picks her up* "Now, for Julie..."

-elsewhere-

Bene: "..." >_>

hermine: ....<would you like something?>

Bene: <...Juice.>

hermine: <alright then>

eugenie: ^w^

Bene: <...You seem happy.>

eugenie: <how could i not? i have a big brother now!>

Bene: >_< <It's still all weird...>

eugenie: <i dont mind. plus, we could be getting a second brother and a sister too...>

Bene: *groans* <This is...all weird.>

eugenie: <it'll be ok. mama's really nice. and she'll take good care of us. she makes really yummy food and knows lots of stuff.>

Bene: "..." <Do I have to rob people for her?>

eugenie: <what? no.>

Bene: <Really? How does Mrs. Dan--...How does Mama afford anything?>

eugenie: .....<im not sure. but im sure it'll be ok.>

Bene: <...> *looks at Eugenie's shoes* <...Those look pretty.>

eugenie: <thank you! mama got them for me!>

Bene: <Ah...> *looks at the shirt he is wearing...it looks big on him*

-elsewhere-

Sid: *reviewing class roster* "Okay, orientation will be at 8 AM tomorrow. You got the signs up?"

nygus: yep.

Sid: "Good. We'll have a meister-weapon demonstration, a Q&A with summer teachers, lunch...Oh. Um, did Lord Death film his 'welcome' video?"

nygus: he's in the middle of filming it now.

Sid: *sighs* "Let's hope he sticks to the script this time..."

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: *curled up in bed*

naho: sakkuuuuun~ you in here?

Sakuya: *small groan, turns over* "Yeah, over here."

naho: are you alright?

Sakuya: "Yeah, just feeling kinda...you know...bleh?"

naho: *huuug*

Sakuya: =\\\= *pat pat* "Thanks..." *hug*

naho: need anything, sakkun?

Sakuya: "I don't know...Feel kinda bored. I think I need to be doing something."

naho: ....caaan i crawl under your shirt and tickle you or nah?

Sakuya: >\\\\> "..." *nods*

naho: *doing so* kuchikuchikuchikuchi~!

Sakuya: >\\\\< "HEE HEE HEE HEE!"

naho: ~<3

-elsewhere-

Hyde: "And he's been locked up in there just practicing for hours..."

mahiru: doesnt he ever rest?

Hyde: "I guess when I stop hearing music--assuming he doesn't fall asleep on the keys."

kranz: that _has_ happened.

Hyde: "Well, he needs to take a break! I suggest by force."

mahiru: is that really such a good idea?

Hyde: *walking to the door, throwing it open--* "What's the worst that could happen? HEY! ANGEL! Time for a rest--"

licht: *sleepy kick to the balls*

julian: !!!!!!!!!!

kranz: D8

mahiru: 0_0;;;

Hyde: Q____Q "..." *collapses*

licht: not...in the mood.....shit....rat.....*falls over asleep with his butt in the air.* zzzzzz....

Kuro: "...Ha."

-elsewhere-

Joker: *hands a Nerf gun* "Here you go."

nana: ....

Joker: "So, you just aim at the target..."

Viktor: *tied to the wall* "...I don't see how this helps."

nana: *shoots it at joker's face*

Joker: "OW! Not your partner, the target--fire at the target!"

nana: i know.

Viktor: "Ha!"

scarlet: kid's got a sense of humor, got to give her that.

Joker: T_X *sighs* "At least your aim is good..."

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *looking through travel brochures at the rest stop*

aya: *taking photos*

Dazai: "--and lying in the sun is too painful. There are some intriguing hallucinogenics you can get out of cacti, but you'll need supervision."

atsushi: ._.;;

Kunikida: "And I'm sure that's just fascinating--so why not ask the college's botany department and stop determining new ways to kill yourself."

Dazai: "These aren't new--I already tried them."

*one brochure shows museums and flower gardens*

atsushi: *examining the museum brochures*

*some locations include the Pueblo Museum, the Musical Instrument Museum, and the Fire Fighter Museum*

atsushi: hmm...

Kyoka: "Not too far from the college. We'll see whether clues point us to any off-campus location."

atsushi: you think?

Kyoka: "Potentially. I don't know that the suspect would stay so close to the crime scene, given how long ago the murder was. Kunikida, isn't it a bit late to examine the body?"

Kunikida: "I already got the autopsy report, so we'll be going over that to find the murderer."

-elsewhere-

Lucy: *reviewing the shopping list* "Okay, and then there's Ranpo's list..." *pulls out a separate one* "Where should we start?"

sylvia: t-this one?

Lucy: "Oh, the grocery? Sure!"

sylvia:....d-do you think they'll be ok?

Lucy: "...I get scared, too. But I've also seen what they can do. I have confidence they'll be okay."

sylvia: r-right....

Lucy: "Maybe you can call Kyoka this evening?"

sylvia: i-i-i guess.... .//////. b-but w-w-what if i come off as c-clingy?

Lucy: "??? I mean, Kyoka gets along with you, right? And-- ...Sylvia, you really like Kyoka, don't you?"

sylvia: *blushing* >//////////< *hides her face in her hands* uwaaa!

Lucy: "!!! I-I didn't mean to upset you! It's fine..."

sylvia: >///~///<;;;

Lucy: >_>; "I mean, Kyoka likes being around you, so..."

sylvia: i-i-i guess so...b-but w-what if she doesnt like me the way i like her? w-w-what if she thinks that im weird??

Lucy: "...Would you be ready to talk with her about this? Or do you think you need some time to prepare yourself?"

sylvia: i...waaah i dont know! >/////<;;;

Lucy: "Oh, Sylvia...I'm sorry. But I know Kyoka cares about you, and she wouldn't think you're weird."

sylvia: a-am i weird?

Lucy: "No, not at all."

sylvia: t-thanks....i-i guess....

Lucy: "...I would call her tonight. Just say hi and see what she says."

sylvia: o-ok.

-elsewhere-

ango:...*sigh*

Taneda: "??? Something troubling you?"

ango: nothing sir. just thinking.

Taneda: "About upcoming tasks?" *pours tea*

ango: yeah, plus it's already summer.

mizuki: yeah, i need a new swimsuit.

murakoso: *laughing*

mizuki: w-why is that so funny?

murakoso: m-mi-mizuki...swimsuit! get it?

mizuki:......*facepalm*

Taneda: "...Ha."

ango: language puns aside, do you plan on going to the beach, tsujimura?

mizuki: well why not? it's summer, right?

Taneda: "You should enjoy yourselves--you're only young once."

mizuki: thank you sir!

-elsewhere-

*there's a unicorn inside the hospital...chewing on bedsheets*

sachiko: ._.

Blair: "The kids asked for one, so I pulled some strings..."

sachiko: is this legal? given the magical creature protection act-

Blair: " 'Magical Protect-What Act'?"

sachiko: it's a law that was passed to ensure the protection and preservation of magical creatures in the wild. it was passed two years ago by president Ruth Packard?

Blair: "...Oh, I'm going to jail again."

-elsewhere-

Misono: *adjusting his tie in the mirror*

lily: ready for your date with shinoa~? ^^

Misono: "Just about..." *trying to adjust his hair--but one bit of it keeps sticking up* -_-;

lily: so where will the date be? movies? the mall? dinner?

Misono: "D-Dinner. Very expensive and formal..."

lily: oooh~

-elsewhere-

Yoichi: "Oh, you're in a hurry."

shinoa: i have a date with misono today~ ^^

Kimizuki: "Oh. Have fun. I know we have more training tomorrow..."

-that evening-

*Kunikida and others walk by the hotel pool to get to the front desk...*

Kyoka: *looking at the colorful design of the hotel*

aya: woooooah, fancy.

Dazai: "Quite the spacious accommodations, Kunikida--don't break the bank on this."

Kunikida: -_-; "I called ahead, so I hope our rooms are in order..."

atsushi: um. hello, we have reservations, i think?

Clerk: *smiles* "Hello, sorry--" *puts a call on hold* "Welcome to the Comfort Bennu Phoenix. I'm Anaba. What's the name on the reservation?"

atsushi: the rooms were under *looks at notes* ADA?

Anaba: "Oh, the American Diabetes Association?" *typing* "They have their convention this weekend."

atsushi: ._. *glances at kunikida* ummmm....

Kunikida: "Armed Detective Agency."

Anaba: O_O; "..." *checks reservation* "Oh. ...We...do require you lock up your weapons when in the facility, sir and madam..."

aya: like, we dont have weapons _on_ us. right kyouka?

Kyoka: "... ... ..." *reaches into her sleeve, pulls out a knife, sets it down on the counter*

Anaba: "?!!!!"

aya: .______.

atsushi: D8

Kunikida: "I assure you, this is our usual line of work--"

Anaba: *already calling the cops--*

Dazai: *presses a finger on the phone's hang-up button, smiles sweetly at Anaba* "I'm sure we can come to some arrangement~"

Kunikida: "Dazai, this is no time for--"

atsushi: ._.;;;;;

Anaba: *gulps* "J-Just don't hurt me--"

Dazai: *rubs her hand*

Anaba: .\\\\.

atsushi: oh boy. -_-;

Dazai: "If I remember correctly, hotel policies permit storing certain items in a locked safe for the security of all hotel guests. I know it costs a bit more, but I'm sure we can afford it." *flashes Kunikida's credit card*

Kunikida: "..." *pats his back-pocket...* -_-; "I should've known."

Anaba: "I mean...we _do_...This is still unorthodox--"

Dazai: "I promise, the minute there is a problem, you call the cops, have us all taken in, and we will gladly leave." *smiles sweetly*

Anaba: .\\\\\\. "...R-Right this way. Please set out all weapons--"

Kyoka: *pulling out more knives*

aya:....*sigh* fine. *pulls out slingshot*

Anaba: *small laugh* "Thank you, ma'am." *looks aside at Atsushi*

atsushi: does a pencil count as a weapon?

Anaba: "No, sir." *looks at Kunikida*

Kunikida: "I have none to declare."

Dazai: *shakes his head*

Anaba: *locks the safe with a code* "Very well. If you need to take anything out, you'll need to sign out for it..."

atsushi: yes ma'am.

Anaba: *offers the keys to Dazai* "Enjoy your stay."

Dazai: *smirks at Kunikida*

Kunikida: *rolls his eyes*

-elsewhere-

miyuri: .....

Chuuya: "Hey, Miyuri?"

miyuri: *sniff* p-papa?

Chuuya: "..." *pats her shoulder* "You okay?"

miyuri: y-yeah, just....*sniffle* m-miyuri misses tacchan a lot....

Chuuya: "..." *hug* "I know."

miyuri: *hug*

Chuuya: *holds her* "..."

miyuri: even if miyuri d-didnt get to see tacchan a lot, miyuri was always h-happy to see them. and they were always really nice too.

Chuuya: "..." *nods* "You cared for them."

miyuri: *nods* miyuri wishes they didnt have to go away...

Chuuya: "A lot of us feel that way...It hurts, a lot."

miyuri: w-will they ever come back? m-miyuri r-r-really wishes t-that they would...

Chuuya: "..." *shakes his head* "I know that feeling. But...almost nothing in this world lasts forever."

miyuri:...y-you and sonia wont go away though, r-right?

Chuuya: *smiles sadly* "I will be here now, and tomorrow, and the day after that. And you will not be alone."

miyuri: a-and sonia too?

Chuuya: *nods*

miyuri: *sniff* t-thanks, papa...

Chuuya: *hug* "I love you, Miyuri."

-gurgle-

miyuri: ....miyuri's kinda hungry now...

Chuuya: ^^; "Let's make something."

-elsewhere-

sylvia: ....

Lucy: "...You stare at that phone any harder, it'll catch on fire."

sylvia: wah, really?!

Lucy: "!!!" >_>; "Sorry. Bad joke. But the bravest thing someone can do is to do one thing. You know what that is?"

sylvia: w-what?

Lucy: *opens the phone, pulls up Kyoka's contact* "Do that one thing and get it over with."

sylvia: *gulp* *dials*

*dial tone...dial tone...*

Kyoka: "Hello, Sylvia."

sylvia: g-g-good evening m-mi-miss kyouka!

Kyoka: "Good to hear you as well. How are you holding up?"

sylvia: o-o-ok i g-gu-guess.....a-a-are you doing o-ok?

Kyoka: "Doing okay. We moved into our rooms. I'm sharing one with Aya while the men take the other room."

sylvia: i-i see...um....so..um...

Kyoka: "...Having fun hanging out with Lucy?"

sylvia: y-yeah, sh-she's been very nice...

Kyoka: "I'm glad to hear...Maybe you two can do something fun, like a movie night."

sylvia: i-i-i g-guess... um..m-miss kyouka?

Kyoka: "Yes?"

sylvia: i...uh.....i-i-i-i.....uhhh.....b-be safe tonight!

Kyoka: "I will. I miss you."

sylvia: i-i-i miss you too...

Kyoka: "Be safe. We'll be home before you know it."

sylvia: o-o-ok.

Kyoka: "Well, I'll get ready for bed. Sleep well."

sylvia: o-ok, g-good night. *hangs up*......

Lucy: *claps* "Yay!"

sylvia: i couldnt do it!

Lucy: "But you talked to her--that's the important thing. You have all the time to say it..."

sylvia: i-i guess....

Lucy: "...Want to play Mario Kart?"

sylvia: o-ok...

-elsewhere-

Kid: *curled up under sheets*

stocking: *petting his head*

Kid: *pleased but quiet purr*

stocking: you ok?

Kid: "...Are you happy?"

stocking: of course i am, why wouldnt i be?

Kid: "...I'm worried I'm not giving you all you want..."

stocking: kid...*kiss* as long ad you're there, i have all i could ever ask for.

Kid: =\\\\= "Th-Thank you..." *hug from underneath the sheets*

stocking: mmm~ my little cuddle muffin~<3

Kid: "Yes, I am, my delicious creampuff." *nuzzle*

-elsewhere-

Bene: *sitting up in the bed set up in the room he's sharing with his sister* =_= *he can't sleep*

eugenie: zzz....

Bene: "..." *gets out of bed, walks to the hallway*

hermine: <bene?>

Bene: <...I can't sleep. It's too quiet. Not like the old neighborhood...>

hermine: <oh?>

Bene: *nods* <Usually, all night were police sirens and people yelling 'Help, help, I'm being assaulted.'>

hermine:....*hugs him*

Bene: "???" <Um...What?>

hermine: <you've been through so much...>

Bene: >_>; <It-It's fine... ...> *hug*

hermine: <we'll take good care of you, i promise.>

Bene: *sniffling* <Okay, cool...> T~T

-morning-

Sid: "Okay, name badges have been given out, so we'll get started. This is the morning orientation for summer classes. Some of you already know me--I'm Sid Barett. Some of you are new enrollees starting at the DWMA for your summer semester."

girl: ...

Asher: =_= ("I just had to get that 'D' in soul studies...")

Duncan: *raises his hand* "WHY AM I HERE?! I SHOULD'VE GOTTEN A'S! I DEMAND I BE RE-GRADED--"

tamara: *eating a burger*

Sid: "...Um, pardon me? The lunch break isn't until noon."

tamara:.... >-> *tries to fit the whole thing in her mouth* ._.;;;;;

Asher: O_O

Duncan: "...HOLY SHIT, SHE'S A PYTHON!"

tamara: OnO;;;;

girl: um i-i think she's about to choke!

Sid: *sighs* "Naigus?"

nygus: *giving her the Heimlich*

tamara: *BLEGUH*

Duncan: *hit by a hamburger patty in the face* "..."

Asher: "Ugh."

tamara: =~=;;;

Sid: "So...Our itinerary includes introducing you to the DWMA, summer classes, some guest speakers...But let's start by introducing yourselves." *looks at Asher* "Please give your name, class, course track, and an interesting fact."

Death the Kid: Asher: "...Asher. NOT. Weapon. I hate that I failed one class."

Sid: ^^; "Thanks..." *looks at Tamara*

tamara: my name's tamara jones, NOT class, meister, and i forgot my breakfast this morning.... ._.;

Sid: *nods* "Well, we'll make sure to have a good spread at lunch." *looks at the girl* "And--"

Duncan: "I SHOULDN'T EVEN BE HERE TODAY!"

Asher: =_=; "Do you ever shut up."

Sid: *looks at the girl* -_-;

girl: audrey primrose, NOT class, meister, and i...uh....i like...meerkats?

Sid: *nods* "Thank you. We do have some animal experts--"

*a disembodied bear head falls into the room*

audrey: !!!! *faints*

Tezca: *from the ceiling chute* "Could someone toss that up to me?"

Sid: *looks at Audrey* "...Naigus."

-elsewhere-

higuchi: everything packed?

Gin: "I think so. We do need to pick up some snack boxes, but we can get those on the way."

Akutagawa: *his luggage is light* "Just clothes..."

Q: ^w^

kuniko: ready!

Gin: "Okay, get it into the van."

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: "Morning, kiddos."

miyuri: morning papa. *yaaawn*

sonia: good morning.

Chuuya: "Hungry?" *taking items out of the pantry*

sonia: yes please.

Chuuya: "How about pancakes?"

sonia: yes please.

miyuri: yaaay pancakes! ^o^

Chuuya: ^^ *takes out the mix, bowl, and some fruit* "Sleep okay?"

sonia: yeah.

miyuri: *nod*

Chuuya: "I have to run some errands today. Anything you wanted to do before Grandma visits?"

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: *sleeping on the cot in the men's hotel room* =_=

Dazai: *bringing in room service breakfast*

atsushi: wow, that looks delicious!

Dazai: "Indeed." *passes a plate* "Sometimes there's nothing better than ordering in from the hotel." *uncovers dish to reveal bacon and eggs*

Kunikida: *sits up* =___=

atsushi: i'll go check on kyouka and aya if they need anything.

Dazai: "Good idea. Kunikida and I will chat~"

Kunikida: *already revising his schedule in his journal*

atsushi: *knock* kyouka? aya?

aya: *SREEEEECH* *PUNCH* GHOST!!! DX

Kyoka: *sits up, holds up a shiv...carved from the tiny decorative hotel soap*

atsushi: OxO;;;

Kyoka: "..." *sets down the shiv* "Sorry. I was a little bothered being unarmed last night."

aya: plus we were watching horror movies......dont tell kunikida.

Kyoka: *sniffs* "...I smell breakfast."

atsushi: yeah, we got bacon and eggs, but i think there's a restaurant downstairs too.

Kyoka: "Okay. We'll get cleaned up first...I'll need to order more soap."

-elsewhere-

Sid: "Thank you for that demonstration, Akane. Um...Clay, you going to be alright?"

*a sword is wedged into the wall*

clay: QAQ please help.

Duncan: *bleeding...from a paper cut* "For the love of God, help me!"

Asher: "..." *pulls the sword out of the wall carefully*

clay: thank you.

Asher: *nods* "Welcome."

Sid: "Good work, Asher--that was a fine extrication."

Duncan: *whimpering* *holding up his finger* "Help me..."

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "Go interview the bookstore employees. I'm meeting with the Dean--" *looks at Dazai and Aya* "You're on babysitting duty."

Dazai: "I won't let you down."

Kunikida: "I was talking to Aya."

aya: aye-aye sir!

Dazai: -3- "Can we go to the food court at least?"

Kyoka: *looks over photos of bookstore employees*

atsushi: sounds good.

Kyoka: *opens the door--air conditioning slams into them* *deep sigh of relief*

*students are milling about...one part of the store is blocked with police tape and a chalk outline*

-one large male with a ponytail and facial hair is reading a text-book-

Kyoka: *reviews photos to determine this person* "Pardon me? You work here?"

guy: naw, the name-tag's just for fun......of course i work here, chickette.

Kyoka: "..." *blinks* *takes out a pen and notepad* "Name, please."

guy: name's 'ched', the assistant manager.

Kyoka: "So, were you the first to find the corpse?"

ched: um....what? ._.

Kyoka: "The chalk outline?"

ched: oh, that. shouldnt you be asking a cop-...wait, why do _you_ want to know, kiddo?

Kyoka: "I'm a detective brought in by the Dean to solve a murder involving different editions of a textbook."

ched: but...you're a kid.

Kyoka: "And you still think the ponytail is the height of aesthetic style."

ched: ....touche.

Kyoka: *writes something down* "You do know of the murder? Any contact with the victim before?"

-elsewhere-

aya: *looking around*

Dazai: *looking at statues in the courtyard* "I wonder what it takes to get memorialized like this..."

aya: *looking at the nameplate*

*"Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, survivor of the 1527 Narváez expedition"*

aya: hmm...

Dazai: *reading* " 'Explorer, anthropologist, likely named 'Sonoran.' Huh. Good head on his shoulders, huh?"

*some students are playing Frisbee nearby*

aya: must be...

*A Frisbee flies towards Aya*

aya: *nice catch!*

Student: "Hey, kiddo! Nice catch." *holds out their arms for it*

Teacher: -_-# *watching, annoyed with noise, while she's grading papers on a park bench*

aya: *tosses it*

Student: *catches* "Thanks, kiddo!" *waves at Dazai* "Your daughter has a mean arm! Tell her to join the kids' circuit!"

aya: he's not my dad.

Dazai: "HA HA HA! What a sense of humor my little ragdall has." *head pat*

aya: =A=

Teacher: "SHHH! Could you all be quiet?!"

aya: -_-

Dazai: "???" ("But we're outside...")

student 2: c'mon teach, chill out.

Teacher: >_<# "The office is closed due to fixing leaks throughout the building, I'm having to grade outside, AND THE BOOK I WANTED AT THE LIBRARY IS STILL ON LOAN!" *rips a student's essay in half*

student 3: D8>

Dazai: *light smile* "Such awful hardships..."

Teacher: -_- "You got that right."

Dazai: *takes her hand* "Let's memorialize this moment."

Teacher: "..."

aya: *CHOP* no. bad dazai. bad.

Dazai: >_< "I'm just saying, we too could have statues here if only we--"

Teacher: *hands a paper to Aya*

aya: ._.

Teacher: "Grade this." *she has a stack of what looks like a hundred essays*

aya: .___. um...

Dazai: ^^; "Don't you have some low-paid grad students for this kind of work--"

Teacher: "Sexual harassment, invitation to suicide, trespassing. Should I report this to the campus police, or would you rather do mindless grading for no pay?"

Dazai: "...Jeez, this does sound like grad school." *takes a pen, starts grading*

aya: .____.;;;

-elsewhere-

kanami: *slashing at targets*

Chisato: *watching silently*

arisa: not bad for being out of commission for a while..

Chisato: "Yes..."

Matsuri: "It's great!"

suzune: .....

kanami: HAAH! *SLICE SLICE*

Matsuri: ^^; "Very impressive!" *claps*

kanami: *nods and keeps hitting targets until she encounters one with flames upon it* *freezes*

Chisato: "???"

Matsuri: "!"

kanami: *her legs are shaking* ah-..ahh...NOOOO!!! *collapses, screaming*

suzune: ?!

Chisato: "Put the target away!"

arisa: hey, you alright?

kanami: *crying* do-dont make me go back there! *sobbing*

Matsuri: "Kanami..." *pats her back*

kanami: *hic* *hugs her, shivering*

Matsuri: *strokes her back* *hums lightly*

-elsewhere-

Asher: *sitting at orientation lunch* "..." *opens an old flip phone to look at messages*

fani: *sitting by herself*

Asher: *looks up* "..." *gets up, sits across from her, still looking at their phone*

fani:...*responsive grunt*

Asher: *nods* "...I hate the reception here." *looking at the phone*

fani: hmm...

Asher: "...You starting new classes?"

fani: i guess so...

Asher: "I'm retaking. Failed."

fani: that sucks...

Asher: *nods* "...Where did you go to school?"

fani: ....it's...complicated....

Asher: "..." *nods* "...I'm Asher."

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "Thank you for putting your trust in us, Dean. I assure you, we will not disappoint."

the dean: thank you, mr kunikida.

Kunikida: *opens the door to exit* "You're welcome. I'm sure my colleagues are well on their way to--" *looks down to spot Aya* "???"

aya: SAVE ME FROM THIS NIGHTMARE! DX>

Teacher: "I SAID TO DEDUCT 5 POINTS FOR PUNCTUATION!"

Kunikida: "...?"

-elsewhere-

naomi: *filing papers*

Tanizaki: *setting up for meeting a client*

Lucy: *looking outside* "No sign of them..."

ranpo: boooored.

Lucy: "Did you want to go on that college mission, Ranpo?"

ranpo: PSH- college is overrated.

Lucy: "...Yeah, you'd probably be bored after solving the mystery in just seconds anyway."

ranpo: is that sarcasm i hear?

Lucy: *pleasant smile* "Whatever could you mean~?"

ranpo: ...

*knock knock*

yosano: *opens the door*

*there is a young woman at the door*

Woman: "H-Hello..."

yosano: come on in.

Woman: *takes a seat* "...I have a missing person to report."

ranpo: *listening*

Woman: "One of my friends stopped returning calls, web chats. Police visited her home--and she has been missing for weeks, and now they seem to have given up..."

ranpo: i see. what's your friend's name?

Woman: "K-Kuroko. Kuroko Kumogawa."

ranpo: alright. we'll look into it.

Woman: *sniffles*

yosano: do you want something to drink?

Woman: *nods*

-elsewhere-

Spirit: "With your classes done, up for anything, Izumi?"

izumi: hmm, how about mini-golf?

Spirit: "Sure thing! Maybe pick up some burgers, too?"

izumi: sounds good....could i invite asher and the others?

Spirit: "Sure thing. Anything they're up to this summer?"

-elsewhere-

Kid: *lying down*

shiori: *resting beside him* zzz....

Kid: *strokes her head*

shiori: =w=

Kid: *smiles* *tucks the blanket, closes his eyes*

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *looking at snacks at the rest stop* "..." *picks up gummi bears*

kuniko: *looking at pamphlets*

Gin: *picks up a wrapped sandwich* "We'll have a stop over later tonight."

higuchi: *nom*

Gin: "Feeling good enough to drive next?"

higuchi: yeah.

Gin: "Good...I hope this trip will help everyone relax a bit."

-elsewhere-

yana: *laying in bed, staring at the ceiling* ......

Olivia: *knock knock*

yana: door's open.

Olivia: "How you doing?"

yana: kinda bored...might try and cook something later.

Olivia: "Oh? Something you had in mind?" *sits on the edge of the bed*

yana: i was thinking hash browns or something.

Olivia: "What do you think of hot sauce?"

yana: with hash browns?

Olivia: *nods*

yana: first i've heard of hot sauce with hash browns...

Olivia: "It's good, and with a side of eggs."

yana:...huh.

Olivia: "Not a fan of spice? More a sweet tooth?"

yana: i'll take you up on your offer i guess, lil somethin' different.

Olivia: *smiles, nods* "Okay, let's get to work!"

yana: ok then. *smile*

Olivia: *gets up, goes to the kitchen* "I'll even let you use the cute plates." ^w^

yana: oii, kiddos, you hungry too?

AJ: whatcha makin'?

Olivia: *opens the fridge, removing some eggs* "Hash and eggs?"

AJ: awesome.

Olivia: "I think so, too. Stay back from the stove, AJ."

AJ: alright.

yana: so we need potatos, right?

Olivia: *nods* "They’re in the cupboard door below."

yana: alright.

Olivia: *sets the skillet down* *cracks two eggs*

yana: anything else we need?

Olivia: "The potato peeler and a knife to cut the potatoes."

yana: ok.....what does the potato peeler look like?

Olivia: "Well...It's kind of thin, metal, with a little loop inside? Kind of like a small knife with a hole in the blade?"

yana: is this it? *holds it up*

Olivia: "Bingo!"

yana: sweet! do we wash the potatos next?

Olivia: *nods* "Get any dirt off of them."

yana: ok. *washing them in the sink* do we add anything to the potatos, like butter or anything?

Olivia: "I like to. Some people prefer to just oil the skillet."

yana: ah. sorry in advance if i ask a lot of stuff, the only experience i have with cooking is from watching ivan.

Olivia: "Oh. ...How was he at cooking?"

yana: really good from what i remember. but it doesnt beat the stuff here.

Olivia: "High praise--thanks!" *cooking the eggs, adding a little salt*

-elsewhere-

Dumas: *looking at his drink* "Thanks..." *pulls out...what looks like a finger-shaped piece of ice* "?!!!"

O'Neill: Q_Q "Sorry..."

Cervantes: ^w^ "So, any work for us, new boss?"

frances: we'll be taking care of a few interviews with some new ability users today.

Cervantes: "Leftovers from the big red dragon event?"

frances: precisely.

Dumas: "...What is the point of gathering all of these individuals? If I remember, there are only 2 organizations licensed to be ability groups in this city. Or are there more?"

frances: more than you think, we actually have our license as well.

Dumas: "Must be some excellent connections you have."

Cervantes: *picking out of the fancy mints jar* "No kidding!"

-elsewhere-

Sakuya: "Hey. Feeling okay?"

lilac: c-cold...

Sakuya: *opens the closet, pulling out a sweater and a blanket* "Ugly sweater, or pretty nice blanket?"

lilac: sweater please....

naho: want some tea?

lilac: *nods*

Sakuya: *hands the sweater to Lilac* "Let's add some cookies to that."

naho: *smiles* let's watch some movies too!

Sakuya: ^^; "Cool...Lilac, anything in mind?"

-elsewhere-

Kyoka: *walking through the student union...spots the "In Memorial" booth next to other orientation day booths promoting clubs* "...The victim was very young."

atsushi: ....

Student: *running the booth, dressed in black* *nods* "We didn't even get any police alert until they found her the next morning."

atsushi: *examining*

*The victim's photo from high school shows her in glasses, holding up a math award*

atsushi: what was her name?

Student: *points at the sign* "Adele Ortiz."

atsushi: ....

Kyoka: "Forgive me for asking, but how did she..."

Student: "..." *gestures a finger over their throat*

atsushi: *gulp*

Kyoka: "...Hmm. I think it's time we meet with the police--"

*Suddenly, a very tall man in a cow skull mask appears--and picks up Atsushi with one hand*

atsushi: QAQ;;;;;;

Skull Head Frat Boy: "PLEDGE!!!!!!!!!"

Kyoka: "..." *opening her phone, flipping through contacts*

Student: -_-# "Hector, stop."

Hector: "PLEDGE--"

Kyoka: *talking into her phone*

atsushi: *SCREAMING*

*someone taps on Hector's shoulder*

Hector: "???" *turns* "PLED--"

Demon Snow: O_O *holding a very large sword*

atsushi: help please.

Hector: OWO; "..." *sets down Atsushi* "..." *whispers to Atsushi* "2:15 AM, Martinez Hall, Basement." *walks away*

atsushi:...thanks demon snow...

Demon Snow: "..." *strokes his head*

atsushi:...*writing notes*

Kyoka: "...What was that about?"

atsushi: not sure, but it could be relevant...

Student: "Careful--those frats here are creepy. Real 'Skull and Crossbones' stuff--literally."

-elsewhere-

Asher: *leaving orientation--and spots Izumi and Spirit* "???"

izumi: *waves*

Asher: "Hey. How's life on the outside?"

izumi: we were about to go mini-golf. wanna come with?

Asher: "...Um, okay? ...You're sure?"

izumi: of course! ^^

Spirit: "We're on our way to pick up some others."

Asher: "...'Kay."

izumi: awesome! *opens car door* hop on in.

Asher: *steps in* "You like this kind of thing?"

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *watching the kids playing*

miyuri: what's this thing?

sonia: it's the sandbox.

Chuuya: *sets out some play shovels and buckets*

miyuri: oooooh!

Chuuya: "People build all kinds of things in sandboxes."

miyuri: like what?

Chuuya: "Castles are one thing..."

miyuri: OOOOOH! how do we make one?? OwO

Chuuya: "First, we'll need to pack some sand into a bucket. We may need to add a little water to make the sand stick together."

miyuri: ooooh.

sonia: we can use the shovel to put sand into the bucket.

Chuuya: *scoops a bit into one bucket*

-elsewhere-

Kimizuki: *opening his laptop, turning on his webcam, dials a number...*

mirai: hey shiho!

Kimizuki: *smiles, waves* "Hey! How are you?"

mirai: could be better. the doctors made me do _another_ blood test.

Kimizuki: "Ouch. Did you get one of the nice nurses this time?"

mirai: yeah, though to be honest, i barely feel it anymore. *sigh*

Kimizuki: "..." *nods* "I know you're trying your hardest. Just hang on."

mirai: thanks big bro.

Kimizuki: *nods* "I'll see you soon. Just have some work to take care of."

-elsewhere-

Bene: *in new clothes* <It itches...>

valentine: <it looks nice.>

Bene: =_= <I don't know why I have to wear this crap.>

valentine: <your old clothes had holes in them.>

Bene: <They added character!> >_< <I remember when I got them, too! Like that time I mis-aimed the blade-->

valentine:....

Bene: <...How long will they talk?>

valentine:....<i dont know yet>

Bene: <...What's he like?>

valentine: <he's.....he's made some mistakes in life....but im sure he does mean well...>

Bene: <...Why didn't he want me?>

valentine: ....<i cant say....do you want to see him?>

Bene: "..." *nods*

-elsewhere-

Yafeu: "HEY THERE!" *waving a golf club--almost hitting Saria--*

Saria: *lucky duck* Q_Q

izumi: hey guys!

Spirit: "Hey, kiddos." *waves*

Axel: "Hey, Mr. A!"

zeke: ^^

Asher: *squints looking at the mini golf course and light coming off the moat* "..."

Yafeu: "WHO'S READY TO BEAT THAT WINDMILL ON THE 4TH COURSE?!"

amelia: *examining her club*

Kanin: "You'll want to avoid calluses--a glove can help."

amelia: ok.

Spirit: "How you getting used to the school, Amelia?"

amelia: pretty well.

Spirit: "That's good. Getting through the school can be a challenge. I'm sure you've heard how often Miss Marie has gotten lost."

amelia: mm...

Spirit: ^^;

Kanin: "I'm making sure she isn't lost, sir."

amelia: *examining the club again* so how is this played?

Kanin: "You aim to get the ball into the hole at the end of the path by hitting it with your club."

amelia: ah.

Yafeu: "LIKE THIS!" *big swing--*

-FHWEEOOOOOooooo-

-the ball is gone-

Asher: "..."

Kanin: 0___0

Axel: "Woo!"

amelia: i think i understand now.

preston: bu-but does she really? .-.;

Asher: "Shh...Just let this mayhem commence."

-elsewhere-

Jacqueline: *setting out a blanket in the guest room*

kim: *setting the table*

Jacqueline: "I wish she asked us to pick her up--but she likes taking the scenic cab ride..."

kim: ah.

Jacqueline: "Just hope she remembered her money to pay for it--"

*knock knock*

Jacqueline: "???"

amelia: <hello~>

Jacqueline: <Hi!> *hug--only for the cab driver to get in the way, blocking Jackie* O_O;

Cab Driver: -_-# "She owes me $40."

amelia: alright, alright! *hands over the money* jeez. =3=

Cab Driver: "...What, no tip?"

Jacqueline: -_-; *pushing them out the door*

amelia: *hug* it's so great to see you again, jackie!

Jacqueline: >W< "Same! How was the flight?"

amelia: alright, gonna need a nap though

Jacqueline: "We just set up your room. Need something to drink?"

-elsewhere-

Asher: *misses at the windmill* "..." -_-;

hibiki: almost got it.

Asher: "I've been 'almost' on this for five tries..."

izumi: still, better than nothing, right?

Asher: "Hmm...Yeah. Mine didn't end up in the moat--"

*a club floats by in the moat*

lukas: Q_Q;

Saria: *pat pat* "We can walk back to get a new one."

-elsewhere-

Stein: *rubbing a finger along his arm* "..."

valentine: coffee's ready.

Stein: "..." *nods, reaches for it--his hand is a little shaky*

valentine: ....rough day?

Stein: "...Twinge of something along my arm today...Hadn't felt something like it in a while..."

valentine: hmm....

Stein: "..." *sits* "Old scars, I'm afraid."

valentine: ...

Stein: "...Sorry. A bit grim for coffee."

valentine: i used to it....remember when we first met? i was trying to track down an ex-patient of mine, you and spirit found me and i tried to attack you....

Stein: *nods* "Quite a challenge..."

valentine: then i find out you already took the patient out...

{valentine: ...why?....*grabs stein by the collar* WHY WOULDNT YOU JUST LET HER KILL ME?!}

{Stein: "...Did you see how miserable she felt?"}

{valentine: you think i dont know that?! i...i made her this way...}

{Stein: "?!" *pushes her hands away*}

{valentine: the least you could have done was let her kill me first....at least she would have found _some_ solace...}

{Stein: "So you can die like a coward?"}

{valentine: ?!}

{Stein: "That's amusing. Too craven to face the ramifications of what you did? That's disappointing."}

{valentine: .....well what would _you_ have done?}

{Stein: "...Survive to atone."}

{valentine: even with nothing left to live for?}

{Stein: "...You can still breathe, right? Then that's something to live for."}

{valentine: ......}

{Stein: "You got a name?"}

{valentine: ....valerie valentine. once a member of the last hope.}

{Stein: " 'Last Hope'?"}

{valentine: a black-ops monster hunting unit. a certain demon killed my team, leaving me the only survivor.}

{Stein: "...So you planned to die and join them."}

{valentine:...i guess that was part of it....}

{Stein: "But not the whole part..."}

{valentine: the second half was guilt over turning that girl into that monster....i never wanted too, i was only following my new boss's orders...}

{Stein: "Won't this boss discover what you tried to do?"}

{valentine:......}

{Stein: "..." *sighs* "I can't have you staying here, so..." *removes a scalpel*}

{valentine: ......*closes her eyes*}

{Stein: *uses it to cut...adhesive tape, to tape some gauze over one of her cuts*}

{valentine: ???}

{Stein: "We'll need to put you under arrest for what you've done--and your own protection."}

{valentine: ....i suppose that's fair...}

valentine: it feels like so long ago now...

Stein: *nods* "...Do you feel any different?"

valentine: i suppose so. im...happier, i guess.

Stein: "...I call that a plus."

-elsewhere-

naomi: *puts something into the mail*

Tanizaki: "???"

naomi: im entering a kross sweepstakes! winners get a chance to MEET THE CAST IN PERSON!! >w<

Tanizaki: "Yay!" ^^;

kirako: best of luck then. ^^

naomi: ^^

Ranpo: "Yes, but the odds aren't great."

naomi: >3< dont spoil this for me!

Tanizaki: "Shhh! Here--" *tosses him a bag of chips*

Ranpo: "...You can't bribe me. ..." *opens the bag*

-elsewhere-

Jonah: "--and then this giant colossus smashed the building with a raging fire! It was so incredible!"

Ritsu: "I appreciate your compliments, sir." ^^

sasori: wait, that was _you_?

Ritsu: *nods* "I take the souls of the dead, merge them with the souls of those infected by the bugs, then smash them together into a towering abomination made of Adora's hellfire to wreck havoc upon the sinful in the glory of our blessed leader."

sasori:............

Inka: "So cool! Quick, get me some dead bodies! I need to see this!"

Jonah: *takes out a knife* "Give me 5 minutes."

Bee: "..." *running*

sasori: ._.;;;; isnt this a bit unethical?

Jonah: "No, unethical is what we did with that squirrel--do you know the damage one of those things does when heated up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit?"

sasori:.........................

Haumea: *running into the room, screaming* "The squirrel got into my pants again!" *running, shaking her legs loose*

-elsewhere-

Chuuya: *sitting in the living room, just staring forward* "..."

mito: *sleeping on his lap*

Chuuya: *strokes Mito, smiling slightly*

mito: *purrs*

Chuuya: *sighs* "Always loyal, huh, Mito?"

mito: *mew*

Chuuya: *scratches behind the ear* "...Thanks for being here since...everything."

mito: =w=

Chuuya: "...After you, two kids came into my life...Without them..."

mito: *nuzzles into his hand*

Chuuya: *sniffle, pets Mito's face*

mito: *lick*

Chuuya: *slight laugh* "Thanks..." *strokes Mito's back*

-elsewhere-

mahiru: *ACHOO* =~=;;;

Kuro: "...Soup?"

mahiru: *nod*

Kuro: *pours a bowl* "This is bothersome--how did you even get sick?"

mahiru: *sniff* it happens...

Kuro: "...You strong enough to eat, or do I have to spoon-feed you?"

mahiru: ^^; i think i can eat on my own...

Kuro: "..." *sits down*

mahiru: ....*lays back down*

Kuro: "..." *rests his hand on his forehead*

mahiru: ah-

Kuro: "You're still hot."

mahiru: hmm....

Kuro: *puts a cool cloth on his head*

mahiru: thanks...

Kuro: "Sure...Get some sleep."

mahiru: r-right...

Kuro: *sits back...*

-elsewhere-

Akutagawa: *napping in the van*

kuniko: are we at the hotel yet?

Gin: "Next exit."

kuniko: *checks the clock*

Q: *sleeping on akutagawa, drooling onto his sleeve*

Gin: *checking in the mirror* "...Get a photo of them."

higuchi: *snaps a pic on her phone*

Gin: *smiles* "Cute."

-elsewhere-

Milo: *eating out of a giant cat bowl full of meat*

louisa:... (is this even legal?)

Jordan: "Jeez, I didn't even know the boss had a butcher for this kind of thing."

Daisy: "...We sure it's not _human_ meat?"

louisa: id rather not know...

Milo: *yawns...rolls over on the rug*

Zuno: "D'aw! Nice kitty..." *belly rub*

mary: it's ok, toby, he's friendly. ^^

Toby: Q____Q "..." *nudge--*

Milo: *PAW SWIPE*

-elsewhere-

sonia: -and so jack returned home to his mother with the golden hen, and they lived happily ever after.

miyuri: *snoozing*

Chuuya: ^^; "Lovely, sweetie."

sonia: *glances up* oh, hi papa.

Chuuya: "Hi. I brought snacks."

miyuri: OwO snacks?

Chuuya: *sets down the plate with some sandwiches* "Yep!"

miyuri: yaaay!

Chuuya: "How's the book, Sonia?"

sonia: it's nice. *smile*

Chuuya: "Glad to hear. Let me know when you want to head back to the library..."

-elsewhere-

Kid: *stretches, walking the halls*

shiori: *following*

shion: *riding in a little wagon behind shiori*

Kid: "Am I walking too fast, kiddos?"

shiori: mm-mm.

Kid: "I'll slow down...How's the wagon, Shion?"

shion: ^o^

Kid: "Hehe...That's good. Just around the corner, and we can play in the sunroom."

shiori: ok

Kid: "It'll be really bright. Maybe we can see a rainbow in the glass..."

-elsewhere-

valentine: *waiting outside the door*

Edouard: <Val? ...What's going on?>

valentine: <just-....im not sure yet...> *hugs him*

Edouard: *sniffle*

*the door opens*

valentine: *glances*

Nurse: *exiting* <Valentine? Edouard?>

valentine: <yes?>

Nurse: <Hello. I'm Anne. Your father asked me to speak with you.>

valentine: <o-of course...what did he say?>

Anne: <...He wants to make sure you are safe.>

valentine: ....

Anne: <Due to his stay here, and as you are both young, he is considering a guardian...>

valentine:...*nods*

Anne: <...What do you think of Bene's mother?>

valentine: ... <she seems nice enough, why?>

Anne: <She's worried. Bene has not had the...typical upbringing, or even, well, family structure. He's her son...and your brother.>

valentine:...<r-right...>

Anne: <She would like to talk with you. She doesn't think it's a good idea for you two to be on your own right now.>

valentine: .....<where is he?>

Anne: <In his room.>

valentine:... <may we come in?>

Villefort: <...Valentine?>

valentine: <im here, papa.>

Villefort: <...Hi...>

valentine: *glances at hermine*

Hermine: *nods* <Hello, Valentine.>

valentine: ....<so the nurse told me->

Villefort: *shaking*

valentine:....*sighs* *hugs her father*

Villefort: <I'm sorry...>

valentine: <i dont blame you.>

Hermine: "..." <Your father just wants to make sure you're safe.>

valentine: <i-i know.>

Hermine: "..." <We asked the nurse to speak with you and Edouard...>

valentine: *nod*

Hermine: <...Please take all the time you need. But please know you have a home...>

-elsewhere-

Kunikida: "If you're going to this goofy frat meeting, you might as well take a nap first."

atsushi: i guess....

Dazai: "And while you do that, Kyoka and I will sneak out for some snack shopping~"

atsushi: oh, um...

kyouka: i'll keep him out of trouble.

Kunikida: -_-# "I would hope so." *sets down a stack of books, starts reading through them*

Dazai: ^^; *opens the door*

atsushi: ...say, kunikida...do you think he's getting better?

Kunikida: "Has he been arrested since we arrived?"

atsushi: that's not what i meant... i mean, better as a person? given everything that's happened, i think he does have good intentions, in his own way...

Kunikida: "...He's a former member of the Port Mafia. He has disobeyed orders and bent the rules numerous times. He went around us and worked with that maniac, almost getting us killed, plunging the city into chaos...I don't ignore his value to the Agency. I remain cautious about his ulterior motives."

atsushi: .....

Kunikida: "You've spent a lot of time as his apprentice of sorts. What did you think?"

atsushi: well, i still think he does mean well, even if it's unorthodox.

Kunikida: "And what motivates this reaction?"

atsushi: ......

Kunikida: "...Your gut, then."

atsushi: i guess so...

Kunikida: "...Hmm." *jots notes from one book*

-elsewhere-

kyouka: ...

Dazai: *looking in the vending machine* "Darn--they're out of onion rings..."

kyouka: that's unfortunate...

Dazai: "Hmm...I guess onion chips for now..." *presses the buttons* "How 'bout you?"

kyouka: pop tarts please.

Dazai: *orders them* "Here you go! Look to be s'mores flavor."

kyouka: nice.

Dazai: "Hm-mm. I remember using these to build a Pop Tart house for animal crackers once..."

kyouka: oh?

Dazai: "Yep. ...Then Chuuya smashed it."

kyouka: ....i see...

Dazai: "Yep...Granted, that was after I screwed up his mission."

kyouka: come to think of it, i think they had snack machines at the mafia HQ, but kouyou never really let me near them.

Dazai: "Keeping you on a healthier diet?"

kyouka: more or less, yeah. i only ever really got sweets on rare occasions.

Dazai: "Over tea for some fancy stuff?"

kyouka: yeah, and during festivals like moon viewing.

Dazai: "...She really pampered you at times."

kyouka: .......

Dazai: "Must've had some charm to it..." *leans back against the vending machine, having a chip*

kyouka: i guess there were a _few_ good memories back there....but i dont regret my decision to leave.

Dazai: "...Atsushi came in at the right time to help with that."

kyouka:...he really looks up to you.

Dazai: "I know...Surprising."

kyouka:....what is it you're trying to achieve, overall? with atsushi, akutagawa, all of this...?

Dazai: "..." *knowing smile* "I'm just improvising as I go along."

kyouka: .....

Dazai: "As for Atsushi, he seems to be coming along nicely, yes?"

kyouka: he has gotten stronger, yes. in a way, we all have.

Dazai: "True...How have you gotten stronger?"

kyouka: i feel my connection to demon snow has improved.

Dazai: "Snow seems to be like your nanny now..."

demon snow: ~i can hear you, you know.~

kyouka:...*light chuckle*

Dazai: "..." *offers a chip*

demon snow: ~i have no mouth, therefore i have no need to eat~

kyouka: i feel like i can understand what she's saying...just a little bit. kind of like a gut feeling, you know?

Dazai: "I see..." *nom* "These external abilities are fascinating."

kyouka:...what do you think 'no longer human' would have looked like?

Dazai: "Hmm...Probably inhuman, as the name implies."

kyouka: hmmm

Dazai: "But it hasn't manifested, so, you're stuck with me~"

kyouka: =A= wheeee.

Dazai: *gasps, clutches his heart* "You wound me!"

kyouka: how unfortunate. *noms pop tart*

Dazai: -_-; "At least mourn for the deceased..." *nom*

kyouka:........

-elsewhere-