#geez being sick takes a lot outta you

[blueberry-gills]

I've done it

I talked to my sister (over the phone dw) and we now have joint custody over Solosis (I employed the 'I risked my life for you and am now sick because of you' card and it worked like a charm ^_^)

I'm gonna see them every other week >:] and I'm gonna give them a funny Lil name >:]] maybe later though because right now iiiii am tired :/ oof

[theres-an-impulstor-among-us]

uh, writing rq: spare 3rd life red!ren speculation, maybe martyn and ren both choosing violence? as a treat?

this was fun to write lol i think Ren deserves a little violence as a treat

cw: mentions of suicide (nonpermanent but better safe than sorry)

...

  Martyn enters the Renchanting building for the third time that day and finds Ren still pacing around, brow furrowed. He stands in the doorway for a moment, arms folded, and watches him. Finally, he says, “Are you planning on doing anything else today, boss, or should I just go home early?” 

  Ren doesn’t respond. Just as Martyn opens his mouth to say something else, Ren’s head snaps up. “Huh? What? Oh, yeah, yeah, that’s fine.”

  “You didn’t hear what I said, did you?”

  “Something about going home early.”

  Martyn scoffs and shakes his head. “Seriously, you’ve been walking around aimlessly in here all day, thinking way too deeply about something. What’s going on?”

  Ren hesitates, turning fully to face his assistant. “Okay, to tell you the truth… I’ve been thinking about going down to red on purpose.”

  Martyn’s eyes widen in alarm. “What?! Why would you do that?!” 

  “Because I’m sick and tired of people waltzing in here and just taking what they want,” snaps Ren. “I’m tired of being intimidated and walked all over and not taken seriously. If I was on my red life, at least people would be more wary of me and less likely to walk all over me.” 

  “That doesn’t mean you should deliberately die,” Martyn responds urgently. “I cannot stress enough how bad an idea that is.”

  “Well, there doesn’t seem to be any other-.”

  “No, listen.” Martyn grabs Ren’s shoulders. “You don’t have to go down to red in order to cause some chaos.”

  Ren frowns at him. “What do you mean?”

  “Well, Grian killed you, right? What’s HIS colour?”

  “Green…” Ren blinks as realisation dawns on him. “Wait…”

  “And Tango with his lava death trap. He’s on green too but he still killed two people. You don’t need to be on red to cause some chaos.”

  Ren grins at the hushed excitement in Martyn’s voice. “Should you really be condoning this? Isn’t it your job to keep me out of trouble?”

  Martyn shrugs, a slight smirk on his face. “You could argue I’m doing that by not letting you kill yourself.”

  “That’s a very valid point. So do you have any ideas?”

  “I have a few. Would you like some form of revenge or just to cause some random chaos?”

  Ren thinks about this for a moment. “Let’s start with revenge.”

  “Gotcha,” says Martyn. “So even though Grian was the one who actually set the trap, it’s fair to say he was doing it on Scar’s orders. If we bait Scar into striking one of us, we can retaliate and even maybe “accidentally” catch Grian in the crossfire. What do you think?”

  “I like it! Are we allowed to build a trap beforehand or does whatever we do have to be done in that timeframe of a red life being angry at us?” 

  “Um… No clue. But I can find out.” 

  “Hello there!” calls a familiar voice from above.

  “Oh no,” groans Ren. “Not Scar again. It’ll be hours before I can get him outta here again.”

  “Here’s your chance, boss,” says Martyn excitedly. “HE came to YOU. Kick him out! Show him we won’t be bullied or pushed around anymore!”

  Ren considers this. “You know what? Yeah! I’ll do it!”

  He dashes up the stairs and out into Dogwarts. Spotting Scar near the entrance, he charges over to him and jumps to a stop right next to him. “Scar, get the hell outta here!”

  Scar blinks. “What? I just wanted-.”

  “I don’t care what YOU want; I want you to get out and leave me alone. NOW. I’m only giving you one more chance.”

  He almost hopes Scar doesn’t leave; he’s been waiting for the opportunity to get revenge for killing him. 

  Scar doesn’t move. “Ren, you’re still on our kill list, you know. I don’t think it’s wise for you to-.”

  He breaks off as Ren whacks him with the flat side of his axe. 

  “OW!” he yelps. “GEEZ, what the heck?!” 

  “I told you to leave!” Ren crows. “I gave you two chances!”

  Scar throws his arms up to protect himself as Ren hits him again, on the shoulder this time. 

  “Get out before I start using the sharper side,” Ren warns triumphantly. 

  “W-Wait, don’t! Grian! GRIAAAAAAN!”

  Ren draws his arm back to hit again before he notices Grian crouched atop the wall, aiming a bow and arrow at him. 

  But Martyn appears out of nowhere, running along the top of the wall, and hits him off the wall with a shovel. 

  Grian yelps as he lands heavily on the ground. He half-runs half-limps over to Scar, the two finding themselves with an axe-wielding Ren on one side and Martyn, who has traded his shovel for a sword, on the other. 

  “What’s WRONG with you two?” Grian demands. “You’re not allowed to attack us if Scar doesn’t attack first!”

  “Yeah, see, we implemented a new rule here at Dogwarts,” Martyn responds. “If we tell you to leave twice and you don’t, that counts as an attack. We are allowed to defend ourselves against attacks.”

  Grian’s voice rises to a shrill shriek. “You hit me with a shovel!” 

  Martyn matches his tone. “You were about to shoot my boss!”  

  “Because he was trying to murder my friend!”

  “Because your friend keeps waltzing in here like he owns the place!”

  “Enough, enough!” Ren yells suddenly. “Listen, Grian: I’m done being nice. I’m done trying to get through to you two. I’ve asked nicely and I’ve demanded and I’ve threatened, but you refuse to listen to me. I’ve made it perfectly clear time and time again: you. Are. Not. Welcome. Here. So I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way you two will listen to me is if I kill you both.”

  Scar immediately leaps behind Grian. “No, wait! I’m on red! If you kill me, I’ll die permanently!”

  “Then that’s a great incentive to LISTEN to me!” Ren snaps back. “Now get out, both of you. NOW.”

  Neither of them move.

  Ren heaves a sigh. “Do I need to show you I’m serious?”

  He picks up Martyn’s shovel from where he dropped it earlier and swings it at Grian, smacking him in the stomach. As Grian doubles over and stumbles back, Ren hits him again in the shoulder, then swings it at Scar. 

  “GET OUT!” Ren screeches.

  Scar loses his nerve and bolts for the door. Filled with adrenaline and not really thinking clearly, Ren takes off after him, jabbing him in the back with the shovel. 

  “NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO!” screams Scar. “REN NO! NOOOO!”

  Ren takes one last swing at Scar, but he misses and trips over. By the time he looks up, Scar has all but disappeared over the horizon.

  Panting and now with a sore knee, Ren gets to his feet and half-limps back towards Dogwarts. 

  Hearing a yelp, he glances up and is just in time to witness Martyn shoving Grian off the top of Dogwarts’s wall again. “Stop running around on our walls!” Martyn yells after him as Grian takes off running. “Go away!”

  Ren grins at the sight of Grian and Scar fleeing from him in fear, as he reenters Dogwarts and closes and locks the doors. 

  “That,” he says, as Martyn jumps down from the wall, “was the most fun thing I’ve done in this world.”

  Also grinning, Martyn starts to respond when he happens to glance down. “Oh, boss, you’re bleeding. Come here, let’s get that cleaned up.”

  Ren follows Martyn inside and sits down in his chair, only just noticing blood leaking from a cut in his knee. It must have happened when he fell over outside. 

  Martyn kneels down in front of him and starts cleaning the area around the cut. 

  “Thanks so much, Martyn,” Ren says gratefully. “For, um… For everything. Including talking me out of killing myself. That probably wouldn’t have ended well.”

  “It really wouldn’t have,” chuckles Martyn. “This was a much better option. Honestly, it felt good to kick Grian outta here. With any luck, they’ll spread the word that we’re no longer to be trifled with.” 

  Ren grins. “I think this is the start of a new era for us, Martyn. There’s a lot for us to do before we get to the level of power I know we can achieve.”

  “Well, before you go off and achieve that power, you’re gonna go to bed and rest that knee of yours,” Martyn says. 

  Ren gives a quiet chuckle. “Whatever you say, Martyn. I trust you.”

  Martyn freezes momentarily. It’s been a long time since someone said that to him.

  “What’s up?” says Ren, noticing this. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I…” Martyn clears his throat. “Sorry, it’s nothing. You get to bed now; I’ll lock up.” 

  Ren watches Martyn head to the door. “Martyn?”

  Martyn pauses and looks back. “Yeah?”

  “Thank you for always taking care of me.”

  After a moment, Martyn smiles. 

  “No problem, boss.”

[glassartpeasants]

Fragile Hearts

Tomura Shigaraki x F!Reader

Warnings: Angst, Hanahaki disease, sad reader hours, reader is insecure, mentions of death, name calling, this is really sad so read at your own risk

A/N: I wish this shit didn’t hit different. Wanna know why? Probably because i’ve got 2 series going down at this moment. Crying In The Club plus and a Shigaraki one thats still in the making. So we’re suffering together ya’ll.

It’s angst month motherfuckers >:)

~~~

God he looked so handsome today. Those beautiful ruby eyes always found a way to creep into your brain. How could they not? You felt a wave love whenever you stared into them. It always gave your heart joy staring into them.

But it always gave you pain.

Maybe cause you were to afraid to confess? Or was the fact that he seemed to not even show a pinch of interest in you. Or was it the fact that he seemed much more interested in a different women every day. He didn’t even try to hide the fact that he indeed hire prostitutes or escorts. 

You never showed it but every time you saw a different woman leave his quarters it always felt someone had stabbed you right through the heart. You knew he was a reserved and quiet man. Hell he barely talked to anyone if it wasn’t for a meeting or telling someone off. He was a pretty angry and harsh soul. While you, well,

You were that kind of soul that you would have given the shirt off your back to anyone in need. Many villains (mainly Dabi) asked why even bother becoming a villain if you were so kind to them all, in Dabi’s words “Villains are suppose to be rude and horrible.” It was an reasonable question really. The true reason you became a villain was simple.

You held a unruly grudge against heros.

When you were about 8 years old a fire had started in your family home. The flames were so bright. You remembered that day so vividly. The screaming of your family trying to get everyone out. But they were stuck inside while you had managed to go over to a neighbors house and call the cops but when you called and they heard your voice they said,

“Listen kid we have bigger things to do. Next time when you call make sure there’s a real emergency instead of prank calling us.” And then he hung up. The cops, who were there to protect you had hung up on you.

And that fateful call was what sealed your families fate.

After that, you never really believed in the hero system. They had failed you and your family. Which was lead you to villainy. You may have been a kind soul but you would rather use that kindness to help out someone who you feel is worthy. The League of Villains picked you up off the streets, so to you, they were your only family.

~~~

You laid down on the bed that occupied your room, staring at the ceiling. It was nicer then the old bar you guys use to live in but, to you it didn’t feel the same. You were happy for how far you guys came but it just felt like most of the PLF kinda made you sad. You didn’t know why but it did. Maybe was it due to the fact that you wanted it to be just the league? You weren’t fond of these new people. Probably cause they tore you down a lot. 

Your quirk was Energy, your quirk allowed you to use energy of the sun to heal you and use sun rays. But the down fall of your quirk was that it was absolutely useless at night. So you had to rely on your combat skill in the night. That was one of the reasons they didn’t like you, cause your quirk kinda had a big flaw. But they also merciless teased you about being kind to your fellow league members. 

You wanted to scream at them. Tell them off, do something at least but, no matter what you thought you could do. Your confidence faded when you remember that they would probably tell Tomura about your outburst. And since he has a habit of decaying people without warning, you just decided it was best to keep your pretty mouth shut.

You sigh as you get off your bed before changing your clothes to pj’s. You put on the black tank top and pajama pants which were super soft and fuzzy. Putting on some socks you open the door and make your descent into the kitchen. You tried to be as quiet as you could. Not wanting to wake anyone up while you ran to get a midnight snack.

Once reaching the kitchen you turn on the lights and almost let out a scream but took a breath instead.

“Oh geez Dabi, scared the shit outta me.” You laugh before making movements towards the fridge.

“Good, gotta keep that blood pumping.” He chuckled before setting his whiskey down. 

You grab your snack before going next to Dabi and sitting down. You picked up your fork and begun to eat only to almost choke at Dabi’s words.

“So when are you gonna tell the boss you have a thing for him?” You almost choke on your food before looking at Dabi with wide eyes. What?! Was your staring that obvious? Oh god...

“H-how did you know?”

“We maybe surrounded by them but i’m no idiot. I can tell when someone has the hots for someone else. It’s just funny seeing you even try with that gremlin.” Dabi laughed at you while you crossed your arms. 

“So what if I think he’s hot? I know that I’ll never have a chance with him, considering all the woman he has coming in and out of his office.” You say with hints of sadness in your voice. It wasn’t hard to tell. You knew what this feeling was. You knew you had grown a one-sided love for your boss.

“Well if you think that you better be careful.” You uncross your arms with a confused look on your face.

“If your talking about me getting with him I know’ll get my heart bro-”

“No, I’m talking about you getting Hanahaki Disease.” What in the ever loving hell is that?

“What the fuck is that?”

“I can tell you one thing is that it never ends up being in a happy ending. So pray you don’t get it.” Dabi said before drinking the rest of the whiskey and going towards his room.

You furrow your brows as you look down at the table. Hanahaki Disease eh? Well you could probably look it up tomorrow, since you have no missions tomorrow as far as your knowledge. 

“The disease can’t be that bad, right?”

~~~

You wake up to a burning pain in your chest. You let out a little cough before going over to your bathroom to take a shower. This time you let out a louder cough, it felt like something was in your throat. Ugh this feeling was always the worst damnit.

You start coughing trying to get whatever the hell was in your throat out. You pounded at your chest before a little daisy popped out of your mouth. You fell on your ass while holding your throat, rubbing it as you looked at the flower with confusion. 

“How did that get in my throat?” You crawl over a scoop up the daisy. Looking at it with amazement and confusion. This is impossible, how the hell?

Grabbing your phone you opened up google and searched online for any answers on what this could mean.

‘i just coughed up a flower, what the does that mean?’

You wait for the screen to stop loading only to drop the flower and scurry away from it as fast as possible.

No way...this couldn’t be real, how could this happen! You knew you liked your boss but when you read the article saying it can only happen from a one sided love you knew you were boned.

How can you get rid of a love that has taken so long to blossom? Only for it to be your down fall. You kept reading up on it while sitting on the bathroom floor. The more you read the more scared you became. You could die from it if you didn’t get it treated! But the procedure was said to be very risky and highly dangerous. So it was pretty much up to you to get over your feelings for Shigaraki. Yeah that was going to be a pain in the ass.

Time could only tell.

~~~

Day One

You sat at the meeting while your eyes couldn’t help but stare at him. He was so gorgeous, who could you ever compare to the girls he brings to his beck ad call? They were perfect! You just felt like no matter what you did, you never could get the attention of your leader. No, you need to work on yourself! The disease can’t get worse or else-

“(Y/N)! Were you even paying attention?” Shigaraki’s voice boomed causing you to yelp. Snickering could be heard around the table causing your face to heat up in embarrassment. You look at Spinner and he sends you a apologetic look.

“No Shigaraki, I’m sorry. I had something on my mind.” You say looking down. You’ve never been one with getting yelled at. 

“Well get your head out of your ass and pay attention and if your not going to the doors right there.” 

“I’ll pay attention.” You said as you looked down, trying to stop the tears that threatened to spill. Your nails dig into your clothes thighs as you only listen to Shigaraki. You wanted to but all you could hear was sweet voice that you wished was there instead of the one now.

~~~

Day 5

You looked terrible to say the least. You couldn’t believe that is was growing this fast! I mean when you looked into it it said 2-3 months but you didn’t think it would grow so unreasonable fast!

Thinking about it and pushing your panic aside you’ve come to the conclusion that its going faster because of how deep your love and loyalty is for him. It’s so deep rooted that the flowers are growing faster.

Especially the one growing on your neck. 

You’ve looked into what each flower means and the first one which was a daisy meant innocence, purity and loyal love. This time however, it was a rose. You looked it up and saw that it meant girlhood, modesty and secrecy. You knew why this one had popped up. Probably cause of the fact that you’ve been hiding in your room a lot lately. You didn’t want anyone to catch you hacking up flowers. It was already painful as it is so you don’t need any judgement stares.

That didn’t mean your coughing didn’t go unnoticed though. Your coughs were loud enough that Toga and Spinner came to ask if you were okay a couple times. You told them you were and that you were just sick and that you would get better soon.

‘If by better then you mean dead.’

You shook your head before putting your head into your pillow. Effectively screaming into it out of frustration. How in the ever loving hell where you going to get rid of this damn thing if you couldn’t keep him out of your mind?

~~~

Day 14

You felt like shit. Your entire being just felt weak in general. There were bags under your eyes and more little flowers covering your face. If it were glued on and not attached to your skin, you would have thought it as cute. Now? You hated them, you hated yourself. What would your parents think? Seeing you dying over a man that doesn’t love you back. unknowingly killing you from afar.

A knock came at your door and before thinking you said come in. Your eyes went wide and before you could change your mind Dabi walked in and locked the door behind him.

“How long did you think you could hide huh?” Dabi said as he sat on the bed next to you. He may not have shown it but he was worried. He had known your little thing for Shigaraki but he didn’t know it would be this bad.

“I don’t know. How can I get rid of it when I can’t even look Shigaraki in the face. He would think I’m weak.” You said before coughing up another flower. This time blood was seen covering some of the petals. 

“Shit this is worse then I originally thought. It’s at stage three already. Yours is progressing insanely fast. What will it take to realize that he doesn’t love you.” You knew Dabi meant good with his words but you couldn’t help but feel a little bit of your love for him chip away.

Which caused a flower to fall off of your face.

“That’s it.” Dabi said as he picked up the flower and held it in his hands. You look at him with your brow raised.

“Stay here. But before I do what im about to do, just know I’m doing this to save your life understand?” You nod worried about what he’s planning. All you can do is sigh and hold your pillow closer to your chest as you waited to see what Dabi had in store.

~~~

Day 16

You laid in you bed watching some netflix when Shigaraki barged into your room with an angry look. Your eyes widen as you clung to the sheets you had wrapped yourself in.

“So I’m hearing that you love me.” He made it sound like a statement rather then a question. You look all over in the room to avoid his gaze. You shut your eyes only to have your head jerked towards shigaraki, making you look into his crimson eyes.

“Well news flash, I don’t feel the same way.” You swore you could have felt your heart drop in his stomach. Tears rimmed your eyes as Shigaraki looked all around your face noticing all your flowers. Looking into your eyes noticing how they were slowly turning white, making him let out a little chuckle.

“Your pathetic, you let something like love get in the way of my goal? Your so selfish you know?” Your tears were falling at this point. Blurring your vision while you felt a strong pain on your cheek. Shigaraki had ripped off a flower. A pink rose that bloomed on your right cheek.

“I find this hilarious honestly, look at you, needing my validation. When guess what bitch? Your not getting any. And you never will so you might as well tear off all these flowers off your disgusting face.” You couldn’t say anything before pain filled your entire being as Shigaraki picked off every flower that covered your face and neck, leaving you bleeding. 

You feel a light feeling in your chest as you felt like you could breathe again. the flowers that bloomed on your shoulder were slowly withering away. The feeling off something in your throat went away as well as all the flowers that bloomed on your body that was still left had withered and fell off. Your once blurred vision now crystal clear as you looked Shigaraki right in the eyes.

“Look better. Now if i ever see another flower on your face or in your room I’ll dust you myself understand?” You nod your head yes before Shigaraki let go of your face.

You hid yourself under the covers in order to avoid his gaze. Not seeing the little face of sadness that crossed his face.

~~~

“Did you do it?” Dabi asked Shigaraki when he saw him leave your room.

“No shit sherlock.” Shigaraki said as he walked past him only to be stopped by Dabi’s arm.

“It was for the best. She would have died if you didn’t.” Dabi spoke softly  before taking his arms away, Not looking Shigaraki in the eyes.

“I know.”

Shigaraki walked away before going to his room. Once he stepped in he closed the door behind him before falling to the floor. He threaded his hands in his hair before pulling out all the flowers he had taken from your face. Each one of them a different color. A cold feeling entered his heart, knowing that you were suffering because of him.

He had to remain strong. He couldn’t have love be in the way. At least that’s when he told himself at first. 

Ever since you showed up at the bar that faithful day, he knew he had to have you. He knew that he needed you. Why else would his heart beat so fast when you walked past. He always imagined you by his side, sitting on his throne with him. his queen of the villains.

If only he had confessed sooner. If he had he would not have to see you dying in your room because of it. Watching your life slowly slip from your eyes as the days passed by. You were hurting because of his stupid mistake.

And now he had to suffer the consequences. 

He held your flowers close to his face. They smelled of you. Reminding him of the deed he had just done. Tears hit the petals of the flowers, effectively collecting shigaraki’s tears. It hurt. Why did it have to hurt so bad.

A blue poppy was slowly growing on Shigaraki’s neck.

[thelastspeecher]

I can’t think of a good title, so I’m not gonna give this a title.

A little while ago, I got in a major mood for my Stay-at-Home Stan AU (my AU where Stan becomes a stay-at-home dad), to the point that I wanted to write a thing for it, but couldn’t think of one.  Luckily, @bluestuffeh came up with a premise.  So, here’s Stan, the legendary stay-at-home dad, helping Ford, the legendary mess, with a parenting problem.

Enjoy.

——————————————————————————————

              Stan strolled into the house, whistling.  He dropped his keys in the bowl by the door.

              Well, this is what life is gonna be like when the girls finally start school.  His hands on his hips, he looked around the living room.  Danny and Daisy had just been dropped off at some summer program being thrown by the local library.  They were finally old enough to do the activities alone, so Stan was trying to get used to spending the day at home on his own.  After all, they would be starting kindergarten in the fall.

              “What am I supposed to do?” Stan muttered to himself.

              It’s been so long since I did something other than take care of them. I forgot what I can do with free time.  Stan frowned thoughtfully.  Hobbies are a thing, right?  I haven’t been able to have hobbies for five years.  What did I like before I became a dad?  I know there was at least one thing.

              “You could always do some cleaning,” Angie’s voice said in the back of Stan’s mind.  Stan thought on that for a moment.

              Nah.  Trying to remember what hobbies I have is better.  Before Stan could spend any more time thinking, the phone rang.  He sighed in relief.  Good.  Coming up with hobbies sucks.  He walked over to the phone.

              “McGucket residence,” he said, picking up the phone.  “Stan speaking.”

              “Stanley, good, I- I need your help,” Ford’s voice said desperately. Stan pinched the bridge of his nose.

              “What did you do this time?”

              “Nothing!”

              “Really?  The last two times you needed my help, it was ‘cause ya made a deal with a demon or weren’t observing proper lab safety.”

              “I disagree with Angie’s assessment of my behavior in the lab.”

              “She’s got a PhD, too, Ford.  And I trust her a bit more with science, since she’s never grown wings.”

              “Despite you calling her your angel,” Ford muttered.  Stan flushed.  During his last visit, Ford had overheard Stan trying out new pet names for Angie.  And he refused to let Stan live it down.

              “All right, guess ya don’t need my help, then,” Stan said briskly.

              “No, wait!  I- I really do,” Ford said quickly.  “But it’s not because of something affecting me.  It’s Tate.”  That got Stan’s attention.  He straightened.

              “Did another supernatural whatsit try to adopt him?” he asked.

              “No, he’s sick.”

              “Okay.  What’s he sick with?”

              “He claims it’s the flu, but his symptoms don’t align with influenza.” Ford’s panic was evident in his voice. Stan could picture Ford running his hands through his hair, practically pulling it out in distress.  “He also says he’s had it before!  Stanley, what’s-”

              “Geez, Sixer, calm down,” Stan said, exasperated.  “Kids get sick all the time.  Don’t you remember how often we puked our guts up when we were Tate’s age?”

              “Um.  Yes?”

              “Look, it’s probably nothing.  Just ask Fidds what to do.”

              “He’s not here.”

              “Where is he?”

              “A conference.”  Ford’s voice rose in pitch.  “Stanley, it’s the first time I’ve been left in charge of Tate on my own!”

              “Really?” Stan asked.  “He’s lived in Gravity Falls with you and Fidds for a year.”  Ford spluttered for a few moments.

              “I- his ex-step-mother doesn’t have much faith in my childcare abilities, and she still has partial custody of him, so legally she has a say in who watches him.”

              “Right.”  Stan rubbed his forehead.  “Jenny still hates your guts, huh?”

              “Unfortunately, yes.  Stanley, I don’t know what to do, what if Tate’s seriously ill?  He’s clearly delirious if he’s claiming he has influenza and he’s vomiting,” Ford said in a rush.  Stan raised an eyebrow.

              “He’s puking?”

              “Yes!  I know we vomited as children, but-”

              “Ford.  He doesn’t have the actual flu.”

              “Of course not, his symptoms-”

              “He’s got stomach flu.”

              “…What?” Ford asked, dumbfounded.  Stan leaned against the wall, playing with the phone cord.

              “Stomach flu.  The girls had it last year.  I’ve seen some messes, but twin toddlers exploding from both ends?  Might have been the worst.”

              “What’s a stomach flu?”

              “You-”  Stan kneaded his forehead.  “How do you not know what the stomach flu is?  You’ve got a doctorate!”

              “Not in medicine!”

              “Yeah, but-” Stan huffed.  “You’re falling into that trap of having so much education you forgot the basics.”

              “Pardon?”

              “Angie does it sometimes.  She says that because she’s learned so much in her specialty, she sometimes forgets the things people first learn.”  Stan adjusted his position.  “Anyways, stomach flu is called…I forget the science word for it.  It’s not the actual flu, it’s an infection of your digestive tract. Or something like that.”  Stan frowned.  “Uh, the girls had…I think it’s called a rotavirus.  Most adults aren’t very vulnerable to it, but kids get them a lot. Could be what Tate has.  If it is, all ya gotta do is manage his symptoms and wait for him to get better on his own.”  Ford was silent for a moment.

              “How do you know so much about this?” he asked quietly.

              “Whenever anyone in her family gets sick, Angie goes nuts researching the illness.”  Stan sighed. “It always makes her more paranoid, so I don’t really like it.”

              “Why do you let her do it?”

              “I can’t ‘let’ my wife do anything, Stanford.”  Stan stretched.  “It’s not super harmful for her to do, so I just complain a bit.  She usually backs off once she realizes what she’s doing.  Anyways, when the girls got their stomach bug, she rattled off all sortsa stuff about it. Even while she was sleeping.”

              “She’s a sleeptalker?”

              “Yeah.”  Stan grinned. “It’s somethin’ else when someone who’s dead asleep is giving you a science lecture.”

              “Hmm.”  Ford cleared his throat.  “So, this is likely a viral intestinal infection?”

              “Probably.”

              “So there’s no reason for me to take him to the emergency room?”

              “Sweet Moses, Ford, no!  Don’t do that!” Stan yelped.

              “Wh-”

              “You’ll just run up a bill and the docs ‘ll send ya away with Pepto-Bismol. Not to mention, shit sometimes goes down at ERs.  Just keep him home and make sure he drinks plenty of fluids.  Make him soup, give him juice and water.  Has he had the Hershey squirts yet?” Stan asked.  Ford let out a long-suffering sigh.

              “No, Tate has not had any diarrhea.”

              “He probably will.  Be prepared for that.”

              “Great,” Ford mumbled.  “…Thank you, Stanley.”

              “No problem, Sixer.”  Stan chewed on his lip.  “Next time-”

              “Next time?!”

              “Ford, I literally told you five minutes ago that kids get sick all the time. Kids are germ factories that play with other germ factories and don’t know not to eat dirt.”

              “I knew not to eat dirt,” Ford muttered.

              “Well, not all kids do.  Tate’s gonna get sick again.  And again. And again.  Part of being a parent is dealing with that.  Calmly.  You can’t act like the world’s ending every time Tate pukes.  Take it in stride.  Give him some 7-Up and crackers, let him lay down and watch TV, and just keep an eye on him. Nine times outta ten, kids puke once and then they’re fine.”

              “What if Tate gets worse?”

              “Then you take him to see the doc.  But you don’t make a big deal outta it.  Kids pick up on how grownups act.  If a grownup is panicking, kids are gonna panic, too.  Even if you wanna scream, you keep it to yourself.”  Ford was silent.

              “I feel I’ve become a fool, Stanley,” he said after a moment.

              “Nah.  You’re just a first-time parent.  You think I was this good at being a dad when I started out?  No!  I freaked out all the time!  You get used to it.  And if you feel like you’re doing something wrong, you can always call me.  The girls are doing a thing at the library all summer, so I’m home alone during the day.”  Stan grinned.  “I kinda like telling my genius brother things he didn’t know, anyways.”

              “Ha ha, very funny,” Ford said.  Stan could hear the eye roll in Ford’s voice.  “I…I really do appreciate that, though.  Fiddleford will be gone for a few more days.  I’ve prepared as best as I can, but-”

              “Kids torpedo all your plans,” Stan said, nodding.

              “Yes.”

              “Now that you’ve calmed down a bit, you should probably go check on Tate. Make sure you set him up near a bathroom and make him some soup.  Tate likes the canned cream of chicken.”

              “I believe we have some of that in the kitchen.”

              “Warm it up for him, then.  And get off the phone.  I’ll help you with big things, but I’m not gonna hold your hand for this part.  You know how to take care of a stomach bug.”

              “…Yes, I do.”  Ford chuckled softly.  “Suddenly, I can recall all of the times we became sick with clarity.”

              “Yep.  Panicking makes you ignore things sometimes.”

              “You are correct.”  Ford took a breath.  “Thank you, again.”

              “No problem.  Go take care of your kid.”

              “I will.  Goodbye.”

              “Bye.”  Stan hung up the phone.  He looked up at the ceiling blankly for a few minutes, wistfully remembering some of Danny and Daisy’s firsts.  After a while, he broke free of the memories.  He was glad to have had those moments with his daughters, but he was also glad they were in the past.  Panicked phone calls to Angie’s parents weren’t something he missed.  He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

              “So…what hobbies do dads have?”

[watchinghannibal]

Season 1 Episode 3

I will go back and do eps 1 and 2, but this idea came to me now and I gotta write it.

I started this blog ‘cuz I’ve heard such good things about this show. I was excited it was coming to Netflix, but I sat in shock at the first two episodes. What in god’s name is happening on this tv show????? I’ll type my reaction as I actually watch the episode.

Background: I’m a psychology/psychiatry researcher, I am no expert but hope to be one day. I hope to go to grad school to get a PhD in social/clinical psychology.

Okay I just introduced myself as a psychologist but this rant HAS to start with the deer hunting. I grew up in Arkansas and I know a bit about deer hunting, and a lot about duck hunting. This might actually be a good place to start because I have a feeling that what angers me about this deer hunting scene is gonna anger me time and time again.

If you take 2 seconds out of your life to google-research deer hunting, you’ll immediately discover that these two big shots are giant idiots. They are not wearing hi-vis (that bright orange) and are barely wearing any camo. They also appear to be standing in the middle of an open field???? You need to HIDE from deer you doofus they don’t like humans. Because we shoot them.

I’m sure there’s miles of metaphors that this girl is shooting a female deer, but to me it just feels like a huge eye roll. We get it they hate women. She also aims for the head??? One of the smallest parts of the body? You gotta shoot the heart baby girl. 

Okay they are talking about how deer are like humans. If deer were like humans why aren’t there deer cities. And then just in case you did not understand their cryptic speak, Jumbo Idiot literally says, “They’re a lot like us”. Why, sir, did you waste my time comparing deer to humans if at the end you were just gonna come out an say “They’re a lot like us”. Seems wasteful.

WeRe GoNnA hOnOr HeR

Papa do not make me do this, DAUGHTER you sweet little daisy child HER MEAT IS OUR HONOR lemme give you a kiss mwah.

I guess this blog is better consumed while you actually watch the episode.

Will the hot, doggo man is once again in panties. In case you didn’t notice, Will says he will go “cover himself”, you know, like real humans tend to say.

This woman creeps me out. She reminds me of the handful of women who go into ABA to work with autistic kids and then claim they are in love with their patient/client. They have this need to fix people, they think they are the light at the end of the tunnel, the prophet who will actually reach these kids when no one else has. The way she protects Will and hangs around him, stares at him.

Oh hell yes Crawford. This man is certifiable. I absolutely love the plain, stupid US map on his office wall. Quality art. This dude... thinks Will is a savant who is walking the edge of a psychopath. I gotta say, what edge is he talking about? There is no spectrum that goes from psychopath to normal to Asberger’s. It’s like they.... did not understand anything about personality psychology or psychopathology. I mean, I can’t say I didn’t expect that, not everyone is an expert. This is just like the deer hunting - a few minutes researching online woulda cleared this up.

I WILL NEVER LIE TO YOU - OH BITCH SHE GOT YOU! SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING A LIAR WOULD SAY!!!! This sexy reporter is the first person to say the murderer was sick. This girl is so smart though she would never talk to a reporter. Get outta the room!!!

You shot my dad so yes I do remember you, sorry. Why is she walking like she has been in a wheelchair her whole life. I love the little ascot scarf to cover her HORRIBLE scar, how nice. “I’m gonna be messed up, aren’t I” - what your character says when you don’t know how to show instead of tell.

Will grimaces as he TRIES SO HARD not to tell this girl that he enjoyed killing Jumbo Idiot.

I’m so sorry for my sexy reporting UwU. I can undo all the weird things I’ve done! Literally, why does the FBI care at all about this sexy reporter??????? She wrote one article about Will being sus as fuck and the FBI is like this sexy woman has to die. If I had been in that room with Dr. Lecter where he scolded me like a schoolgirl and took my purse, I’d be writing a 10,000 word essay on this creepo psychiatrist who wildly and without abandon “psychoanalyzes” everyone in his path and is enabling unstable people.

Oh no the graffiti, oh wait they did not clean the blood up yikes. Bye mom. Okay can we talk about how this girl is a better actor than anyone else. She seems the most real to me too. Everyone else is like wacko. Dr. Mom says we can go if you like and the smart, intelligent girl is like go where you bozo??? A homeless shelter? This is my house! Damn she is interrogating Will. Okay RIGHT after I said this girl was real she became typical Teenager with spite in her words.

Dr. Mom jumps in to protect her hubby-son Will who must be protected. LOL Dr. Mom straight up told the girl that she can share craziness. I guess she’s a mom only to Will. Everyone else can Suck It.

THE MAN ON THE PHONE????????????? OH BITCH SHE KNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DR. LECTER SHE KNOWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Why do people think this girl did this? Uh this man ain’t okay fucking run girl. Yes, piss off but also run. Oh he didn’t even have a gun what a loser. Ooh this feisty girl says bad words to her mom, another Teenager with spite in her words.

Why do we deserve to watch Will dream about killing girls? Honestly there are so many murdered women why give us more? Oh no did he feed human to this poor girl. Dr. Mom finally steps in, geez she really is stone cold when it’s not Will. Oh did that strange man kill her friend? 

Does Crawford REALLY FUCKING THINK THIS GIRL MURDERED HER FRIEND???????????? What the fuck man leave her alone. Uh Dr. Lecter would be HONORED to privately escort the girl that knows he called her dad before he went crazy. Oh damn she’s still alive.

Sexy reporter is just allowed anywhere I guess. I guess she’s just too sexy. Girl close the fucking blinds there is paparazzi. Oops. BIG OOPS.

Classic man move - I DIDN’T KILL HER I WON’T HURT YOU *slams her against a wall* oh SHIT LECTER? I guess this show is good in the sense that it is genuinely exciting at times.

This is good psychology. This manipulation right here.

She’s like I think I’d prefer to stay up here as far as possible from you with my little scarf. This Teenager is gonna figure out the premise to the whole show and then die isn’t she?? Ugh.

Well, thanks if you read this. I’m gonna do ep 4 and eventually (or maybe never) I’ll go back and do ep 1 and 2.

[valnune]

Obey Me! OC - Wine Mom Chapter 8-8

This is Wine Mom’s chapter for the dance. Oh. Both Wine Mom and Marshmallow have an added dance with Diavolo ;)  Enjoy.  Word Count: 6707 Within the golden illustrious palace of the Demon King, the residents of Purgatory Hall, exchange students Simeon, Luke, and Solomon, were joined with the denizens of the House of Lamentation, the demon brothers, accompanied by the final exchange student, Althea. It was a retreat designed to celebrate the exchange program and how smoothly it was running. Smoothly was not the word she’d use for it however. While the situation itself was one of jovial merriment, a banquet before them prepared by the Demon Lord’s Butler Barbatos and the unseen staff that lurk in the shadows, Althea had been having the antithesis of amusement.  “...Well then, I suppose it’s about that time.”  Diavolo, a man who seemed surprisingly pleasant given the fact he was supposed to be, according to all she knew about Hell prior to arriving in the Devildom, had risen from the table that everyone had been seated at for the meal. As he rose, so did everyone else, more or less, rise with him in time as you would expectantly do for someone of such high royal status. Yet he also looked off to the side and waved a hand to the staff who were only visible from the reflections on the golden floor. The table glittered before them and disappeared before her very eyes through means of magic, much to Beelzebub’s displeasure, mumbling and groaning about how he wasn’t finished eating.  “Ignore him, Diavolo. Go ahead.”  Lucifer had distanced himself, and so did the other brothers. She had known that there were more festivities to be had, and while she enjoyed the tour and perhaps the scavenger hunt itself for its intellectual and cultural insights, this was a surprise for her whatever it was. Fun fact: Althea did not like surprises. You can’t prepare for surprises. That, and most surprises were disappointing. This one time however, was the exception to the rule. This was something the heiress was a bit more used to.  “All right then, here we go…” 

As the lights went dark over the entire area, her vision became obscured so that not even a shine from the floor or chandelier was able to gleam through. This was a spell, it had to be. Though she was unfamiliar with sorcery, she had been around it enough to feel the charged particles linger in the air. If she had arm hair, surely the hairs would be standing up as she felt static prickle along her skin. Althea felt a weight against her neck, and the texture of other fabrics. As the lights went on, all was revealed as the room they were in was transformed to a grand dance hall. Each demon was within their natural form, and the students, herself included, were adorned with fanciful formal attire. 

This is the sort of thing that could tempt mortals to fall. All those stories about grandiose, larger than life scenarios. Oh, how the Devil could tempt you with whatever it is your heart desired. Indeed. Decadence and Sin was mired throughout this place. She had been raised Catholic, went to an all girls, Private Catholic School, and although she had enough skeletons in her closet to fill a graveyard, was still faithful to God. 

“Magic really does come in hand sometimes, huh?” Solomon passed by her, his cloak bearing a mantle now for his formal robes his smirk remained the same no matter what he wore. 

“We were the only ones here just a bit ago, but now look at all these people…” Luke’s formal attire suited his diminutive appearance, rather looking like a flower boy at a wedding. Though that wasn’t much better than a chihuahua.

“They’re all guests from across the Devildom, and there certainly are a lot of them.” Simeon was the other angel, dark skinned, dark haired, with eyes like the Caribbean Sea. Yet, she was expecting to see that the angels had wings, apparently neither manifested them or were able to. 

Yet all of the individuals here, those she knew, those she didn’t, were in their demon forms. Wings, tails, and horns of all shapes and sizes were visible. Yet it seemed, from what she could see, that only Lucifer retained feathery wings. The rest had wings like that of a bat if they had them. Satan and Leviathan only had tails and horns- and despite Satan’s questionable fashion sense, it was Diavolo who truly caught the eye. The man had already been enough to catch the eye before; broad of shoulder and frame, tall of statue, clearly the largest demon she had seen but in his true form it was something else. 

His bare chest was adorned with golden accents and a few tattoos that accentuated his muscled form. Triangles bore upon his forearm and his attire on his lower half of black and white was still draped with gold chains and just the same as his torso. His neck held a black and gold collar that went all the way up, yet it didn’t look like it was difficult to turn his head in. All the while, a mantle of black fur curled over his arms behind his shoulder blades like a runway model. His hair turned a blood red and his skin deepend in colour. The future King of the Devildom truly looked like royalty in this moment for even his horns and four bat wings were tipped with gold. Yet he wasn’t the only one who was striking. 

“...Yo, Al… ah… ah…” Mammon seemed stunned for a bit at her appearance, and as Althea took a glance over what she wore, it seemed that it was the gala gown. It seems that it was replicated perfectly- and she didn’t have to pay the hefty price again for it either. 

With a thigh high slit, the gown was practically entirely gold, the leaves, vines, and flowers upon the skirt gold, the bodice and interior, all shades of gold in various ways that had a satin reflection as much as the room around her. Yet that wasn’t all, it also appeared her jewelry was replicated as well, bejeweled bracelets and the cascading necklace upon her bare neck and collarbones. Glancing to the side, she saw Barbatos give a nod. It seemed that he had done his research to make the gown as faithful to her own as possible. 

“I- Ah- Al- Althea! Um, like… you know… uh, I mean, like… uh… L-Like, you’ve gotta have weird tastes to ask a human like you to dance. I’m guessin’ no on here’s gonna do that, huh? Ahahahah!”  Mammon then mumbled something under his breath, looking away from her gaze, the blush upon his cheeks was expected by now. 

His demon form, as this was the first she had a chance to see it, was what she assumed he thought looked cool. A leather half cropped jacket that came nowhere close to being able to close was studded and had gold dangling decorations on the popped collar with belts that crossed his chest with two strips of leather that clutched the X. His bat wings were angled downwards and held white markings on them, just as his chest bore markings almost reminiscent of tribal war paint. 

“My oh my, Mammon… this look is more suited for the bedroom than the ballroom, don’t you think?” Althea closed the distance and brought her hand towards his chest, ever so slowly dragging a finger across one of the white markings. Mammon seemed to freeze a second and take a half step back as his blush intensified. 

“Mm? Y- yeah? W- wait- I mean! Y- what are ya doin’?! Y- ya can’t go sayin’ that here-” He even smacked at her hand, however light the trailing of her nail had been across his chest. Though, Althea’s reaction as a smug, mused grin at how flustered her had become. 

“Oh, I know- I know. I just like to see you blush. It’s terribly entertaining, darling.” Placing a hand on her hip, she canted them to the side as Althea couldn’t help but laugh in the most amused of ways. Teasing Mammon was probably her favorite thing to do in all the Devildom, which honestly was saying something because she lied. There were a few things that she did find enjoyable since being here. 

“Stop it-! Would ya? Geeze. Now I don’t even know if I wanna pair up with ya for a li’l bit!”

“Mammon, why not just admit that you want to dance with Althea?” 

“You’re such a loser! And a total tsundere! Looooool People are sick of characters like that!... Didn’t you get the memo? Lololol Those characters are so yesterday! LMAO.”

Satan and Leviathan mocked the already wounded Mammon, pouring a bit of lemon and salt into the cut Althea made. The both of them had been a curiosity to her. While certainly she did get along with Satan as he tended to with others, she was used to people faking their smiles and demeanor and found it tiresome to guess their motives. Levi was easy to read, just like Mammon, in that he wore his emotions on his sleeve and he had quite a bit of emotions as well.  A bit of a smile formed upon her lips again and as she was about to offer a head-pat to comfort the second oldest brother, he burst out in frustration to number 3 and 4. 

“GRRRRR! Get outta here, both of you! Shoo! Shoo!” Mammon smacked the hand away again to avoid being head-pat but also waved his hands frantically at Satan and Levi.

“Althea, come dance with me. Now.” A voice came from the side, deep and commanding. 

“Lucifer, surely you can ask a lady more politely than that.” A bemused chuckle slipped from her lips as her eyes leveled upon the mighty first born in his prideful glory. Accepting the hand that was extended towards her, she could tell just from the shadows nestled in his gaze that this was not a frivolous encounter. 

“Wh…!”

“See, you should’ve just come out and asked Althea to dance.” Satan let out an audible sigh. 

“The loser was rejected! Haha, awesome! Loool!” 

“SHUT UP YOU TWO!” 

A hand remained delicately rested within Lucifer’s, another hand pinching the corner of her dress as the pair made their way further onto the dance floor.  Her eyes glanced over, lingered upon his facade as he seemed to be watching her from the corner of his eyes as well. As soon as they were appropriately distanced enough from others, her hands went in position and remained there without a shred of doubt in herself. 

“It would surprise me if you didn’t know how to dance.” 

“You would be correct to assume that I know. However, the question is, can you keep up with me?” 

“Is that a challenge?” These words could have been spoken by either of them, as both held a certain tension that charged between the both like electricity about to go off. Yet it was Lucifer who stared down with a foreboding gaze as if to question the human who dare challenge his pride. 

“No. Not yet anyway.” Althea was taking full advantage of them being in a public location and while she would contest him while not surrounded by others as well, she was all the more confident in just how many people were around them. 

Lucifer was savvy on the pickup, and as the music started, took careful stride. Long, graceful movements were made upon the dance floor, something that she could easily pair her steps with. Needless to say, she was not one to fall behind with every pivot, twist, and for the longest of whiles, the two would not speak, merely stare intensely at each other as if to try and make the other person become unnerved and miss a step. Of course, she didn’t expect to be able to stare down Lucifer, however, she made certain not to lose any of her own ground. Finally, the dancing slowed enough for the discussion to begin. 

 “You might be able to charm Mammon, but I will not be so easy. I will cut directly to the point as you already know this is not a dance out of politeness or interest.” 

 Althea certainly expected him to be dramatic, yet as he pulled her body in close, pressing snugly so that it made it difficult to breath, she knew that it was best to dispense with the games, lest she make any following interaction with him sour. It was quite clear that with how tightly he was squeezing her hand, that he was demonstrating his force, able to easily break every one in her hand should he feel like it. With his lips whispering next to her ear, the heat of his breath chilled at the back of her neck. 

“I know you’re plotting something with Asmo...”

His words remained cold, and for a moment, she wasn’t certain if she could even breath, let alone feel her hand with just how tightly she was squeezed and yet that moment passed. He eased up and a slow, more basic dance resumed. Step, step, step, glide. Step, step, turn, step glide…. Just a bit to be able to get a bit of air in her lungs as he continued. 

“Let me make one thing clear: I respect my brothers’ freedom to do as they wish. However, if I ever sense that you’ve become a threat to either Diavolo or us… then I will show you absolutely no mercy. Understood?” 

There were any number of approaches she could take here. Should she simply take his warning and be done with it, should she try to reach out with attempted understanding, perhaps threaten back and put pressure on him to show she wasn’t going to be pushed around or controlled?  Certainly any number of them could backfire and while accepting it seemed the safest option and be done with it, she was in Hell and if she was going to be stuck down here for the year, she was determined to make them suffer just as much as they were making her suffer. 

“Oh, I understand. However you need to understand something yourself, Lucifer. You’ve taken someone away from their home, away from everything they’ve known to be real and then forced them to adapt- and I don’t like surprises. I don’t like change- and like you, I like to be in control of everything around me. Perhaps all of this is just a fleeting moment in your ancient life, but it’s not to me. If I were you, I’d be more concerned about Solomon. He actually has the power to change things here in the Devildom and he might just have the mind to. A warning you gave me on the first day.” 

There was no point in mincing words and while she really could take the most advantage of her time here, and while Althea could manipulate and con others, she’d much rather not put in the effort to deal with demons. The only reason after all as for why she was making these pacts to help Belphegor was because that damned voice in her head wouldn’t let her sleep. Making pacts with the demon brothers, while amusing in hindsight for the look on Mother Superior’s face at the next alumni reunion will be precious, was never something she particularly cared for. It was a means to an end. He should be thankful she wasn’t more malicious. 

“Oh, I have my eye on Solomon as well. However, he is a figure we’ve had our eye on for quite some time and understand his motivations. You are an unknown. And while you are forced to be here, you would be wise to keep your nose out of where it doesn’t belong.” There was an abrupt turn with those words as his hands remained tightly gripped within her own, a jerking pull to one direction as the dance was nearing its end. 

“Where it doesn’t belong? Or where I don’t belong? It seems to me that you don’t entirely trust Lord Diavolo. My my, how scandalous, Lucifer. Do you doubt his wis-”

“Watch it, Human.” Once more Lucifer abruptly pulled upon her hands but at this point, it was because the dance was at an end, and so was his patience. 

“...Pardon me. Well, looks like a new song has started. I’d love the chance to dance with Althea. Might I cut in?” Speak of the Devil. It was almost too  perfect his timing as Solomon approached. There was an unassuming smile upon his features as if he knew this was exactly the perfect moment to approach. 

“...Fine. I get the feeling that you’ve gotten the message and you understand what I’m telling you, Althea. I’m glad we got to have this little talk.” Inclining his head ever so briefly as she placed her hands within Solomon’s for the dance, Lucifer shot a glare that threatened to freeze the entire Devildom. 

“... What was that all about?” Solomon gave a side glance to Lucifer who was now on the hunt for Mammon, seeing as he was no longer visible on the dance floor, it likely meant that he was attempting to steal something. 

“It was exactly what it looked like.” Her words were evasive as was her dancing, for it seemed that Solomon as well was a graceful dancer. With her heels, she was even able to remain at eye level with him instead of having to look up. 

“Oh? I see. So you were flirting then.”  A fake laugh erupted from him, one that was obvious enough to her just how fake it was. Though he continued to speak as a delicate little dance proceeded. 

“You certainly aren’t meek, are you? When I heard that the other human they selected wasn’t a witch or sorcerer, I half expected them to be eaten alive and had their soul taken within a week. However, while you may have made pacts with demons, you still lack the power to command them.”  

Of all the humans that they could select, it was Solomon. Of course she knew who Solomon was, she was Catholic. Yet, that he looked so very different from the portrayals still was a bit of a surprise. Then again, there were many things that were coming to a surprise as her. Once more. She did not like surprises, even if this one did come in the form of an attractive young man. 

“Lack the power to control them? Perhaps I don’t have magic like you, but I certainly can still command them. I daresay my method is more fun.” With an aloof shrug of her shoulder, Althea turned her head off to the side with a bit of a hmph. Though, she knew that Solomon still had something up his sleeve. He wouldn’t bring that up for no reason.

“Well, everyone has some amount of magical power by nature. However, there are some people in which it actually manifests itself, and some people in which it doesn’t. And even among those in which it does, some have more of it than others. It varies based on the individual. Seeing how it doesn’t even manifest itself in you to begin with, even though you’ve made pacts with demons, you can’t take command of their powers.” 

“This has been made clear enough to me as is, Solomon. What is your point?”

 Althea kept her gaze turned to the side, dancing around him and dancing around the subject just as he was. Solomon was obviously building to some point, bringing up and reminding her that she couldn’t use magic. In truth, she had been researching to see if there was a way to get around that. While it was still unknown all of what magic could do, the amount of benefits you could apply it to in the human world would be quite advantageous. But just what was he getting at? 

“How would you like me to lend you my power?”  Solomon gave a side eye, clearly trying to tempt Althea with the thought and to get her to read into it more and more. He was having quite a bit of amusement with this, wasn’t he? 

“Depends on what your price is… But. I am more concerned about your motivations in this. What do you get out of this?”  Althea’s eyes narrowed all the same, sliding her body closer towards his own, fingers on his shoulders sliding a bit down his arm. 

“A price? What sort of person do you think I am? I am but an innocent la-” 

“An innocent lamb. Yes yes, if you’re an innocent lamb, then I’m a fairy princess.” 

“Well, glad to meet you, your Highness… Hmm. Well. Let’s just say I’m curious to know what would happen if I did. You’re a destabilizing element here in this world. I can’t say what might happen if I do this, which is exactly what makes it interesting. We are on a retreat after all. Why waste this opportunity?” 

From what she had known of Solomon, he didn’t lie. However, he wasn’t one to tell the whole truth either, or he would avoid answering the questions all together if he didn’t wish to say the full truth either. While she was confident enough that he wished just to see what would happen, Althea was not one to enjoy being used for entertainment of others and there was no guarantee what would happen or what effects would linger, if any. She needed assurances before accepting and just how he would do this. 

“You have me intrigued, however. I do have conditions. First, how do you intend to share this power and for how long?” 

“For six hours, I can allow you access to my abilities. This should allow you to command the demons you’ve made a pact with. As for conditions, you don’t need to be so wary of me. After all, us humans need to look out for the other.”  Solomon kept his words aloof and lofty, offering words of grandeur as a gesture to try and make her more accepting of his proposition. However, she was not one to just simply accept something without knowing the full details. 

“You may know demons and you may know magic, but it is precisely because you are human that I am wary of you. I make no assumptions about the world around me, for the rules I know do not apply, yet the one thing I have the utmost confidence in, is a fellow human, for I know the evils we are capable of. I also know enough to not believe in all of the legends about you.”  

Althea picked up the pace of the dance, sliding her leg up and inward against his own as she then kicked her heel around his own. Dropping her weight, she forced Solomon into a dip for dramatic effect so that the weight of her words would add pressure and assurance to what she was about to say. Yet it was the piercing, stern nature of her eyes that would contest the shrewd gaze of his own. Perhaps she couldn’t stare someone like Lucifer down, but with Solomon, she had the utmost confidence in this. 

“I will accept your offer, but know that if I find any lingering effects or if you attempt to do anything else of a similar nature without informing me…” Althea then leaned in to whisper against his ear, much like what was done to her earlier. 

“...You will find out why Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned… and I would oh so hate to get your blood on my hands, as pretty as the colour would be…” 

Pulling him upwards now, Althea then proceeded to dance with him again, holding his hand firmly within her own , the other upon his back again. Yet for all what was said and done, Solomon just smiled. Althea hadn’t been able to threaten him enough or perhaps it was effective but not in the way she wanted exactly. Though the way he remained smug annoyed her, she couldn’t let her expression show any of it. 

“Hahaha. And they say I act like a demon. Hmm. Very well. You have nothing to fear from me. Just a moment… and… There.” 

Solomon had stopped the dancing between them, just as the song ended as well so it didn’t look so suspicious. He made a subtle hand gesture, but did not even speak words and around them, it almost seemed as if there was a bit of glitter floating in the air. A chill ran down her spine as the tips of her fingers felt almost faster… and then the feeling faded, going numb and returned to feeling the way it had before. 

“For the next six hours, you’ll have access to my abilities. You are quite a curiosity, Althea. I’m excited to see what will happen…” 

A smug side glance was sent her way, and in return, she shot a narrowed one of scrutiny. It was hard to tell exactly who had won that battle, but unfortunately, she felt like she was in the red two for two tonight. This was not what she wanted. To be put under pressure from Lucifer because he was afraid of losing control, and accepting the temporary use of magic from humanity’s (theorized) most powerful sorcerer. She needed a drink. 

Walking past a waiter, Althea plucked a glass of demonus off of the tray. This truly was Hell. She hadn’t had a glass of wine in ages and demonus didn’t seem to affect humans. Still, it had a similar taste which was at least a slight benefit. Making her way to Asmodeus, who, for one time in this night wasn’t surrounded by the group of scantily clad incubi and succubi, was speaking with Satan over something. It was a good opportunity to see where she could get something that could numb her a bit. 

“Ooh ooh! Look! Althea made it back in one piece.” Asmodeus actually noticed her and skipped over a bit. His demon form had four smaller bat wings upon his back, a sleeveless blouse with roses imprinted upon it, and what appeared to be a centipede in gold that wrapped around his torso. 

“Dancing with Lucifer and Solomon. Aren’t you the popular one tonight. Whatever they wanted, it couldn’t be good.” Satan was obviously watching, he seemed to know as much stuff as Lucifer when it came to people watching. Of course he would have seen that they were speaking. It made her question if any demons could read minds. 

“Lucifer threatened me and Solomon is looking for entertainment. So. Just a regular night in the Devildom. Listen- do you know where I can get human world wine?” Althea casually waved a hand as she glossed over what was said, downing the glass she had in her hands. 

“Threatened? What did he say this time?” Satan shook his head, whether he was concerned or just feigned it was hard to tell at this moment, however, whatever Lucifer was for, Satan was always against. 

“Weeeeeeeeell…..? Why not kill two birds with one stone?” Asmo plucked the glass from her hand and turned her gaze to the idea that just popped into his head. 

“Just as a little favour to me, why don’t you try and dance with Lord Diavolo. It’ll be super fun.” Like a giddy school girl, Asmo pointed out the Lord of the Devildom not too far away from them. He was in the process of crossing the hall and she could easily intercept him. What was better, is that Lucifer was distracted shaking down Mammon for all the things he had stolen. 

“Not only would it annoy Lucifer, but imagine the status you would gain by being seen dancing with him.” 

Satan brought up a good point. It would annoy him, which was the opposite of what she wanted right now, however, it was going to be something to add clout to her. Networking was one of the things she excelled at. So, with a wink to the both of them, Althea sauntered her way to Diavolo, hips swaying as she did so. This was the time to turn on all of her charm. There was nothing to hold back with. As she neared him, she could feel the heat of Lucifer’s gaze upon her once more. Yet he was too late, she was already there. 

“Lord Diavolo, I must thank you for this lovely turn of events. It is something I couldn’t hope to dream of attending. Would you do me the honour of a dance? I would be grateful and gracious if you would accept such a request of mine.” Placing a hand over her heart, Althea dipped her head in a bow, bent knees ever so slightly for a curtsy before straightening up. 

She was thankful to be a woman of stature, for it would be easy to be lost or overwhelmed with a man of this size. Perhaps, she might be able to actually enjoy the dance for what it is however. After all, it is something that she did have formal practice in. Growing up in a family of wealth, no… growing up as the middle child in a family where it pushes your children to succeed, Althea had picked up many artistic hobbies or skills in her youth to try and impress her family. She didn’t expect to use any of them all that often, let alone for such an important thing like this. 

“Ah, Althea! I’d be delighted to share a dance with you. I saw your dance with Lucifer and I must say I was a little jealous. I haven’t danced with Lucifer in centuries!” His cheeks went a bit flush, as if he was actually jealous. Diavolo was a strange sort of person, always laughing and smiling, as if he didn’t have a care in the world. Then again, she knew just how entitled people could behave. She was one after all. 

“Jealous, My Lord? Why, I find it more jealous that he gets to share your company with such great frequency. I daresay I put Lucifer in a bit of a panic earlier. My most sincere apologies if he confides in great lengths about it later. I take entire ownership of his unrest.” 

As her hands came into place within his own, the moonlight from the windows illuminated her near sickly pallor and the gold between them. A glance to the left, she noticed that the other dancers had given them space. After all, it was as Satan said, dancing with the Lord of the Devildom was quite a thing of status. Yet this was not status she could use. It was simply, for the moment, for the enjoyment of it. Resting her other hand upon his shoulder just over the mantle, her eyes glance to the right. Lucifer watched from a distance, not daring to separate the two for the moment. This was her moment. 

“Please, please. No need to speak so formally. Though you say you put Lucifer in a panic? Haha! That sounds just like him. I don’t think he’s had anyone challenge him outside of his brothers for quite some time.”  Diavolo seemed to laugh at this, all the more amused over the turn of events. He was surprisingly light on his feet, able to stride through the dance hall with great sweeping motions. No. Perhaps it wasn’t surprising. She should come to expect that he’d excel at something like ballroom dancing. 

“My apologies- ah.. Hm. Admittedly, I am not good at relaxing. It is not as if I challenge him to cause him grief. That is a byproduct I cannot control, but I will not allow others to control me, regardless of who they are. It is simply my nature to challenge those who think themselves superior.” As if in reaction, her grip tightened a bit in place, even if Diavolo remained the same, not adding fuel to her tension. This was strange for her. It was not like Althea to be so candid with her responses and while she didn’t like to lie about things, she wasn’t the most forthcoming with her feelings either. 

“Hmm. I think I know what’s going on here. You’re reminding Lucifer of how he first behaved when he came to the Devildom. I must say, this certainly brings back memories!” Diavolo’s signature laugh was quite loud from a distance but up close it caused her to wince a little bit. Still, regardless of her sigh and frown, Diavolo only seemed to smile and laugh all the more. 

“Yes! Exactly! He made that exact same face!” He didn’t relent with his humor, finding too much enjoyment in the similarities. 

“Lord Diavolo, please-” Althea shook her head as the pair spun around in the dance, not once miss-stepping or having a single tap of her shoe off beat with the music. Even though she was being teased, she had to keep herself poised through the dance at all times, after all, there were eyes upon them. 

“Now I’m curious to see you in his outfit. Hmm. Yes. I’ll have to get Barbatos to tailor you a suit.” It was as if he was already imagining this in his mind and at this moment, Althea was sympathizing with how Lucifer had to deal with this spoiled prince. There was no getting out of this whim of his, was there? 

“Oh come now, don’t sigh. I do mean it, however. You and Lucifer share striking similarities at times and yet there are things you are the exact opposite with. I believe he is concerned because he knows what he is capable of but is uncertain where your loyalties lie.” It seemed that Diavolo had returned to being serious, though perhaps he was always serious, even when joking. 

“I can understand that, and perhaps he is not used to having to sympathize with humans, and I will certainly not take anyone’s pity, but he should not expect that I will simply sit back and let myself get pushed around by anyone, human, angel, or demon.” Her gaze had been to the side, scrutinizing the situation as she had been on edge this entire time. It was as if the dance that was supposed to be for fun was turning more into something to be paranoid over. 

“You must have had a difficult life to assume you must constantly defend yourself. Let me ask you this, Althea. What do you believe in? What is the dream that you are fighting for?”  Diavolo directed the conversation back on track and brought his hand up to her face, drawing her gaze back towards his own as the pace of the dance started to slow down. 

This is something that she had to think about carefully. It was something that she hadn’t particularly shared with anyone, and it was still too soon for her to determine if Diavolo was indeed someone that she could trust. After all, he was a demon, and while he might seem pleasant and charming, that is how they reel you in. You can attract more flies with honey than with vinegar after all. Still. She could not deny the fact that she was in hell, so she applied prudence and caution. However, it was something of inner reflection that she had to consider why she was always behaving in such a way, so much so that it caused her to isolate from others in the pursuit of glory. 

“There are societal expectations that one should strive to be the best they can possibly be, a society that demands perfection. The idea that if you are not the best, you are not good enough to leave an impact on the world. To leave a legacy. Your mark, your name. To be remembered. I dream to have a legacy where I will not be forgotten after I am dead and gone. I fight, so that others will not ignore me.”  

That is the closest reason Althea could think of right now. Of course she also believed that since she started down this path, she really couldn’t stop. After all, she had already committed to years into an economics degree, currently with a Masters and while math was not the most interesting thing, she knew that money made the world move. It was one of the reasons she surprisingly got along with Mammon, despite his idiocy, she could take full advantage of his abilities in a way that aided them both. 

“And what of happiness?” The dance had now stopped, and Diavolo had his hands resting on either side of her shoulders, staring towards her with a look of genuine concern now. 

“Happiness is not something I assign value to.” Her voice was flat in response, now taking a step backwards out of his attempted comfort. Perhaps Diavolo only had the best intentions, but that she said as much was enough as is. The pursuit of happiness was not within her schedule. If it happened, it happened, but she would not directly go out of her way to do something fun for fun’s sake, there was always another motivation attached to it. The amount of priority happiness had on her list was leagues below most other needs. 

Yet, while Diavolo might have wanted to continue the conversation, Lucifer had made his way over, quite displeased with how long their conversation went on. Not like she cared. Althea waved over a waiter, needing another drink and swearing she would give someone a lobotomy with her nails if she didn’t get alcohol this time. Again. Just demonus. 

“And just what were you discussing with Diavolo?” Lucifer’s arms were crossed over himself, stern voice, strict posture, all the while Althea kept her gaze turned away, pretending not to see him. 

“Oh relax, Lucifer. This is a retreat after all. I was just noticing how many similarities you and Althea share! I have a wonderful idea I must tell you and Barbatos about!” Diavolo placed a hand upon Lucifer’s shoulder and went back to beaming brightly, now patting him in an encouraging way. 

“Lord Diavolo, I swear if you-” Althea widened her eyes, this was not something she wanted to go through with and while perhaps he had a striking coat, Althea was not going to play dress up for someone’s amusement.

“I want to see the both of you wearing the same outfit and pose for the RAD Newsletter! Think how well an advertisement it will be!” On cue with Diavolo’s laughter and Lucifer’s sigh, Althea downed the glass in her hand and just started to walk away. No. At this very moment, she was most certainly glad to not be similar to Lucifer in the way that at least she could walk away from this situation. He would have to endure the conversation and hopefully he would speak sense into the Lord of the Devildom. 

Staring down into the empty glass, it was at that moment that Althea did need to consider what she wanted in life. Her world was turned upside down with the realization that some things in her life were now meaningless in comparison to the eternity of either the Devildom or Celestial Realm that awaited her after death. She made no illusions that she was virtuous, but she was not quite tipsy enough to have a philosophical debate with herself about this. No, instead her eyes drifted upon a roughed up little demon sulking against the wall. 

“Mammon…” Muttering his name below her lips, Althea could at least relax around one demon that didn’t care about pretenses. Then again, he might also know where an actual bottle of wine was. Maybe Solomon’s power could be used for more than just causing mischief later on. With a saunter and sway of her hips, Althea flipped a hand through her hair and approached the Avatar of Greed. He did look like he could use a bit of cheering up. 

[commentaryvorg]

Danganronpa V3 Commentary: Part 5.1

Be aware that this is not a blind playthrough! This will contain spoilers for the entire game, regardless of the part of the game I’m commenting on. A major focus of this commentary is to talk about all of the hints and foreshadowing of events that are going to happen and facts that are going to be revealed in the future of the story. It is emphatically not intended for someone experiencing the game for their first time.

Last time at the end of trial 4 after losing our precious gentleman friend, Kokichi switched from the huge lie with a grain of truth to it he’d been telling before the execution to a different huge lie with a grain of truth to it while still dodging all responsibility for murdering anyone, Kaito’s worst fear came true, almost, but he desperately tried to paper over it and insist it wasn’t really true at all, Shuichi tried to reach out and help him even more obviously and literally and Kaito could not let that happen, and Kokichi was still thoroughly lying to himself about everything (as opposed to Kaito, whose lies are mostly just to everyone else).

Now it’s time to move from my favourite chapter to my other favourite chapter!

Voyage Without Passion or Purpose

This chapter title is about SPACE. Mostly the in-universe story in which they left the ruined Earth while none of them really wanted to, a voyage which then ended up with even less passion or purpose once they were brought back to Earth and started killing each other anyway. But it’s also relevant to the one person who actually does end up going to space in this chapter, who, in contrast to the intended point of his “voyage”, will still manage to have passion and purpose while doing so.

And on that note, let’s skip this chapter’s terrible excuse for an opening stinger (some meaningless Monokuma nonsense about his dead cubs) and get to the real opening stinger of the chapter, which is, of course, Kaito being totally fine, what else?

Shuichi:  (Even in such a dark time, one of us was still bright, trying to cheer us all up…)

That’s exactly why Kaito’s going to be acting this way! It’s not for his own sake – it’s to keep everyone else’s spirits up, because right now they need that more than ever, and Kaito is better at doing that than anyone. If even Kaito was acting down and gloomy right now, things really would seem hopeless, and he can’t let that happen.

(Also I love how Shuichi’s metaphor describes Kaito as “bright”. He’s a luminary!)

Kaito:  “Geez, don’t be stupid, guys. There’s no way I’d die, y’know? Cuz I’m Kaito Momota! Luminary of the Stars!”

Obviously. Because he’s the Luminary of the Stars. He’s an invincible hero, right? The notion that he could be weak and dying is just stupid.

Tsumugi:  “Are you really okay…?”

People Not Convinced: 1/5.

Kaito:  “I’m telling you! I’m just fine! I wasn’t feeling great yesterday, but after a good night’s sleep I’m all better. I’m 100% better now!”

Yes, because what everyone saw last night is definitely something that can be completely fixed with one night of sleep. If he tried to claim he’s still not at 100% but was at least feeling better enough that they don’t need to worry about him, it might be more believable, but this?

Himiko:  “But… there’s no way you’d get better so quickly after coughing up that much bloo—”

People Not Convinced: 2/5.

Kaito:  “I told you, didn’t I? I just coughed too much and cut my throat a little, that’s all.”

Nobody believed you then, Kaito; they shouldn’t believe you now. But maybe now that a night has passed, he’s hoping people might have slightly forgotten just how much blood there was, or might be able to be convinced that their memories are exaggerating it due to the shock of seeing any blood at all.

Or maybe he’s just hoping that if he stubbornly insists this enough times, people will start to think it might somehow be true anyway because surely he wouldn’t keep telling such an obvious lie.

Keebo:  “Are you sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard? Or suffering from a chronic illness—”

People Not Convinced: 3/5.

(Kaito is absolutely pushing himself too hard right now and is never going to stop.)

Kaito:  “Don’t be stupid! If I had a chronic illness, I wouldn’t stand a chance in astronaut training!”

This… works somewhat well as an excuse. Kaito himself has no idea why the hell he’s so sick, because it doesn’t make any sense for him to have had this beforehand considering he’s supposed to be completely healthy to be an astronaut. So at least he can use his own confusion about this to help convince everyone else that it therefore can’t be happening at all!

Kind of a tangential point: on my first time through I thought Kaito’s illness was a terminal illness that he’d had and known about his whole life. It would have made a lot of sense! Of course he’d be so determined to live life to the fullest, if he’d always known he was dying! It would have explained why he risked everything to get into astronaut training early, if he knew he wouldn’t live long enough to make it into space if he waited to do it the normal way!

…But what didn’t occur to me was Kaito’s point here that he would never have actually got into astronaut training if he’d been sick at the time. They obviously do medical exams as part of the screening, and they’d pick up on an illness like this.

It also wouldn’t have made complete sense for Kaito to have been terminally ill his whole life, since the way he deals with realising he’s dying during the story is… pretty terrible, suggesting that he was not at all mentally prepared for suddenly facing his imminent mortality. And in the end, it’s even more fun that way.

Kaito:  “Seriously, you guys are worrying too much. Just cuz you all love me and can’t help yours—”

Of course they care about you and are therefore worried about you, you moron! You’re the one who made yourself so important to everyone! Stop acting like the fact that everyone cares about you is something to be brushed off as a joke!

Kaito’s determination to be an inspirational figure to others is delightfully incompatible with his insistence on not having anybody worry about him. Or at least it would be if there was something wrong with him, so good thing that’s not the case and he’s totally fine, right?

Maki:  “…Of course we’d be worried.”

People Not Convinced: 4/5.

Kaito:  “… My bad… But I’m serious. You don’t need to worry about me anymore…”

And of course, of all things, it would be Maki saying she’s worried – which isn’t just anyone being worried about him, it’s his sidekick – that’d be the thing to make Kaito drop the forced cheeriness and be slightly more real about things. Only in terms of how he feels bad about making people worry, though, of course. Not in terms of him feeling bad for himself.

Kaito:  “I shoulda told you guys I wasn’t feeling well. I made you worry for nothing.”

Looks like he’s somewhat regretting pretending to be so Completely Fine last chapter. If he’d been just more honest that he was at least sick, then they wouldn’t have been so shocked at suddenly seeing the full extent of his illness out of nowhere and it might have been easier for him to brush over exactly how bad it was.

…Buuuut despite that, he is still insisting that he’s completely 100% better now and making that mistake all over again. Gotta be the most invincible hero he can possibly be!

(Either way, that wouldn’t remotely fix the problem of how they’re going to deal with you dying when it happens, Kaito.)

Maki:  “…”

Kaito:  “O-Okay… don’t glare at me like that.”

Maki is Not Amused at him being an idiot in a way that hurts himself and makes everyone worry about him more. She’s so caring, in her very distinctly Maki-like way.

Kaito:  “If I do start to feel bad again, I’ll have you guys help me, okay?”

Kaito, you gigantic fucking liar. You’re feeling bad and need their help right now and you’re not asking for it.

This right here is honestly one of the worst lies Kaito ever tells, because he’s doing more than just stating something untrue. He’s actively asking them to trust him that if he does feel bad he wouldn’t hide it, while utterly breaking that trust even as he’s saying it. It’s bad enough that I think Kaito has to be less okay with this than the kind of lie he usually tells. It probably hurts him on some level to be saying this, and this just goes to show how desperate he is to convince them that he’s fine and stop them worrying about him no matter what it takes.

Kaito:  “Now that that’s outta the way, let’s eat! Yeah, c’mon guys! Let’s all eat!”

(Kaito spoke cheerily, then left to go get his meal.)

And here’s a conspicuous subject change immediately after that, like he’s hoping people won’t think too hard about how awful he would have just been if he really is still sick and lying to them. All of this awful lying and desperately trying to convince them of something horrendously untrue – all that’s definitely “out of the way” now, because he says so. They’re convinced and it’s over and he doesn’t have to worry or think about it any more, right? Right.

Also, there’s no way Kaito is able to keep any reasonable amount of food down at this point. He’s going to have to force himself to eat at a normal pace in order to not worry anyone further, which is only going to cause him even more suffering later when he’s on his own.

Shuichi:  (…Is there really nothing wrong? With what I saw yesterday… how can I act like nothing’s wrong…?)

People Not Convinced: 5/5.

Literally nobody is buying that Kaito’s okay. His display this morning has quite clearly been over-the-top forced cheeriness and pointed insistence cutting people off the moment they question him, and everybody can see through it.

…Partly.

Keebo:  “Despite Kaito’s remarks, he should probably receive medical attention just in case…”

Tsumugi:  “Now we’ve got another reason why we need to get out of here.”

Maki:  “And on top of that, we need to do it fast.”

Because while they are suggesting this, nobody seems to be acknowledging just how completely necessary it is to get Kaito medical attention as soon as possible. So while, evidently, everyone still believes that he’s sick, he has managed to successfully convince them that at least he’s probably not dying. I imagine they’re thinking that if he really did know he was dying, that’s something big enough and serious enough that surely, surely he wouldn’t be so stupid as to not let them know that.

…But, no, he… really is entirely that stupid. Guys, you are massively underestimating how incredibly idiotically selfless Kaito is.

(Well, Tsumugi does know he’s dying, but of course she’s not going to do anything that might save his life and is just going to continue to act vague and oblivious while he continues to die because of her.)

When Kaito comes back, everyone’s moved on to speculating about the outside world that Gonta saw and despaired over.

Kaito:  “We can’t figure that out just thinking about it, so there’s no point wasting your brainpower.”

Keebo:  “But we can’t simply not think about—”

Kaito:  “Sure, there’s a chance the outside world is messed up because of Monokuma. But making us worry about it is what Monokuma wants. He’s using it to put pressure on us.”

Kaito is still really good? He’s been lying through his teeth, but that’s all for the sake of keeping everyone’s spirits high and stopping them worrying, and now he’s continuing to do that in a way that doesn’t require any lying, too. Wondering what could be out there without having any way to know for sure is just going to make everyone anxious for no real reason, which is exactly the kind of thing Kaito’s always working to try and prevent.

(I wonder if it’s occurred to him that his own illness might also be something Monokuma did to put pressure on everyone by making them worry. Because that isn’t actually too far from the truth.)

Kaito:  “Kokichi and Gonta just snapped under that pressure.”

It’s really interesting and notable that Kaito includes Kokichi as having snapped under the pressure of what he saw! Given that Kaito obviously has no way of knowing that Kokichi realised the outside world was a lie, this is a reasonable thing to think. (And he did kind of snap when he saw it anyway, just for a different reason.) Evidently Kaito never quite bought Kokichi’s claim that he did everything purely for sadistic glee. I would hope that Kaito is also sensible enough to realise that Kokichi didn’t truly want the mercy kill either, since he actively pointed out that he sabotaged it himself. So I’m not sure exactly what Kaito’s mental idea of Kokichi is right now, but it does seem to involve him having snapped and lashed out as a result of seeing the outside world, making him messed up and pitiable rather than just inhumanly evil. If anyone was going to see through Kokichi and realise something fairly close to the truth about him, of course it would be Kaito.

Kaito:  “The outside world is probably fine.”

Himiko:  “You’re such an optometrist… Can you prescribe some rose-colored glasses for me too?”

Himiko’s line here is so freaking clever. It sounds like she’s just mispronouncing “optimist”… and then she goes and makes the sentence actually make sense for the word “optometrist” while still being about optimism. I love it. …It’s honestly a little too clever to be really befitting of Himiko, but still, good one, localisers.

Keebo:  “…As a detective, what are your thoughts on this, Shuichi?”

Gotta ask Shuichi about this, of course. If anyone’s figured this out, it would definitely be him, right?

Shuichi:  “I-I’ve considered a few theories, but I can’t say for sure…”

Himiko:  “Well, that’s understandable. There are barely any clues.”

…But, yes, funnily enough, Shuichi has not magically figured it out when he has basically nothing to go on. I wouldn’t be surprised if the possibility of an apocalypse has crossed his mind given what they know about the meteorites, but there’s no way he’s going to claim that and make everybody freak out unless he has concrete proof of it.

Kaito:  “…”

Shuichi:  (Since the incident yesterday, Kaito won’t look me in the eyes.)

It’s appropriate that the first moment Shuichi is brought into the conversation, which draws our attention to what’s going on with Kaito here, is when people asked for Shuichi’s help because they assume he can figure out everything. Even though they’re assuming that wrongly in this case, the simple fact that everyone clearly looks up to and relies on Shuichi so much still really bothers Kaito, and after last night’s trial, his jealousy is worse than ever.

And the thing is, Kaito still shouldn’t even be jealous of Shuichi! Everyone is relying on Shuichi’s detective skills, but everyone has also been relying on Kaito’s luminary skills to keep their spirits up and stop them worrying throughout this very conversation. He’s just as important to the group as Shuichi is, just in a different way. But… Kaito can’t see that, because his façade doesn’t change how weak and helpless he feels beneath it. Recall that he’s in constant pain by this point – he can literally feel the extent to which his words aren’t true. He’s convinced that all of the effect he’s having on everyone right now is built entirely on lies and would completely fall apart if they realised that. (In reality, that is very definitely not the case; after all, everyone already knows it’s at least partly a façade.)

Shuichi:  (He must still be angry.)

No, Shuichi. He’s not.

It never made any rational sense for Kaito to be angry at Shuichi even during the trial; any moments of him acting that way were him deflecting his pain and not the real point of how he felt. It makes even less sense for him to be angry now that he’s had a whole night to sleep it off and calm down from the irrational lashing out he did and realise what was really bothering him. It also makes no sense when you think about the fact that Kaito’s way of expressing anger at someone would never be to passive-aggressively ignore them like this – he would just come out and tell them how he feels. He’s not doing this because he’s angry.

I mentioned Kaito’s jealousy of Shuichi a moment ago, and while that’s contributing, that’s also not the main point. If he was simply jealous, that wouldn’t stop him from engaging with Shuichi like he normally does – Kaito was also jealous of Shuichi throughout case 4, but even as it was starting to get to him more and more, it didn’t change that he was still trying to to help and support his sidekick like always.

The problem is that Kaito doesn’t feel like he can help and support Shuichi any more, not after having shown himself to be so obviously and undeniably weaker than Shuichi in running away from the truth. He did everything he could to cover that up during the trial not out of jealousy so much as out of his irrational conviction that he needs to be strong and invincible in order for Shuichi to look up to him and be inspired by him. Throughout the last chapter, Kaito stressed again and again how much he wanted to help Shuichi, how he would always be there for him to support him and carry his burdens. By proving himself to be so much weaker than Shuichi in the trial, and by making things even harder for Shuichi by lashing out the way he did, Kaito is convinced that he’s failed every word of those promises he was so desperate to make.

The guilt and shame of his perceived failure hurts Kaito so much that he can’t deal with it, so he’s… not. He’s just pathetically trying to pretend Shuichi isn’t there and that the problem doesn’t exist.

And it’s not just about his own perception of having failed, either. If Kaito thought that Shuichi even possibly hasn’t noticed his weakness yet and there was even the slightest chance that Kaito could still support him even a little by continuing to act heroic and inspiring at him, by god would he keep trying, even though he’d feel it was a desperately fragile façade. (Just like he’s still trying to do that for everyone else despite them having seen his illness.) But since he’s not even attempting to engage with Shuichi right now, he has to believe not only that he’s utterly failed Shuichi far more than he has anyone else, but also that Shuichi knows it and there’s no point in trying to pretend otherwise. That “aren’t you my sidekick? Was that just a lie?” from yesterday’s trial that suggested the idea that Shuichi knew he didn’t need Kaito? Kaito still believes that.

Shuichi:  (But… I had no choice… I had no other options… My deduction… wasn’t wrong. If I hadn’t identified Gonta as the culprit, we would all be dead. For the rest of us to survive, Gonta had to be sacrificed… There was nothing I could do…)

Shuichi is only assuming that Kaito is angry at him because of his own anxiety and tendency to blame himself. On the surface of his thoughts here, Shuichi is being somewhat sensible and rational about it – he’s able to assert that what he did wasn’t wrong and was necessary for everyone to survive. But still, the way he’s wording these thoughts here give the sense that, even if he’s not quite consciously blaming himself, he still feels like he failed Gonta for not having been able to do anything to stop him being executed. Despite knowing he wasn’t in the wrong, Shuichi still feels like the bad guy – and because of that, it makes sense to him that Kaito could be blaming him too, so he gets stuck on that rather than thinking about other reasons Kaito might be acting this way.

But no, Shuichi. There really was nothing else you could have done, and so it’s not your fault. Kokichi and Monokuma (and the mastermind) are the ones who killed Gonta, not you. Kaito knows this just as much as everyone in this room except you.

(For the duration of this bit of Shuichi’s inner monologue, we’re forced to look at a flashback image of Gonta being impaled during his execution, which I do not appreciate at all. But I understand why it’s there, because Shuichi would have that horrifying image burned into his mind to the point that he’d recall it every time he thinks about Gonta’s death, so this serves to show us how Shuichi is still haunted by that.)

Kaito:  “I’m glad we’re talking about how to escape, but…”

Kaito, do you know why everyone got onto the topic of trying to escape? It’s because they were thinking about how to help you. If you told them the truth, they’d be even more desperate to escape in order to save you, so much so that they might actually manage it!

If Kaito realised this, it might actually be enough for him to be willing to bite the bullet and tell them he’s dying. Unlike a certain few people last chapter, Kaito would do anything if he believed it could help everyone to escape. So I genuinely don’t think this has or ever will occur to him – apparently his mind just won’t even entertain trains of thought involving everyone worrying about him, or everyone risking themselves for him and not the other way around, long enough for him to realise that this’d be what would happen. The notion of having himself be prioritised above everybody else really is just that unthinkable to Kaito.

Kaito:  “…where’d *he* go? Kokichi…”

Shuichi:  (The instant Kaito spoke his name, a nervous energy shot through us.)

Apparently Kokichi’s name is having something of a Voldemort effect on everyone right now. Except of course for Kaito, who freely said his name – because Kaito doesn’t quite buy that he’s the evil sadist he claimed to be.

Tsumugi:  “We can’t just let… that person… be. He’s… a little too dangerous. No… not just a little… Because he… He enjoys watching us suffer. His face just screams that he’s having fun whenever he sees us suffer.”

Tsumugi, of course, also knows that’s not true, but she’s the one most stressing that and talking about it like it’s definitely true. I guess she’s figured that if Kokichi is going to paint himself as a massive villain, she might as well play along with that, since it’s a good story.

Maki:  “If we weren’t in this killing game, I would’ve assassinated him already.”

Maki’s still stuck in that mindset that killing people is the best method of solving problems that don’t seem to have an easy solution. Her directing this mindset towards Kokichi is specifically because he’s apparently a dangerous monster who’s made himself seem like he needs to be stopped before he hurts anyone else. She always kind of hated him on a personal level, but she wouldn’t have said this about him last chapter.

Maki:  “Ironic… The rules of this killing game actually make it harder to kill.”

Kaito:  “Maki Roll… that’s not good. Playing this killing game is just what Monokuma wants us to do.”

Maki:  “…I know.”

And this is why Maki does try and kill Kokichi later this chapter – because she’s going to believe he’s the mastermind and therefore that killing him won’t be “playing the game”. Given that, in her eyes, there’s no reason for her not to. Kaito’s argument here is valid, but he’s also forgetting to make the wider argument that, killing game or not, murder isn’t the right way to solve problems, even really big ones like this, and she should try and find something better.

Himiko:  “Nyeh? Is Maki Roll a nickname for Maki? That’s a good nickname.”

I appreciate this build-up to the fact that Himiko is indeed going to start calling her Maki Roll eventually, but… how did you not notice this until now, Himiko? Kaito’s been calling her that for a chapter and a half.

Shuichi:  “Kokichi told us his objective was to win the killing game. He wouldn’t risk a murder that would so obviously implicate him.”

You’re thinking too narrowly, Shuichi. Kokichi has redefined “winning” to mean something other than getting away with being the blackened. His new win condition definitely could (and will) involve a murder which obviously implicates him.

Monokuma shows up to hand out the “prizes”.

Monokuma:  “I can’t refuse you all, not when I’m all alone and outnumbered.”

Kaito:  “…Outnumbered?”

And here’s Kaito realising that there’s no Exisals anymore, meaning that fighting back is finally a viable option. Monokuma mentioned that suspiciously readily, so I wonder if he prompted that train of thought out of Kaito on purpose so that this chapter’s story would hopefully take some interesting turns.

Monokuma:  “But I’m used to being alone. Back in the day, I was alone from start to finish…”

Yes, and all of us preferred it that way, thanks.

Maki:  “…What do you want to do, Kaito?”

Kaito:  “I’m worried about Kokichi, but… There’s no point worrying about him all the time. Alright! Our first priority is to solve the mystery of this academy!”

Look at Maki turning to Kaito for leadership! And Kaito is genuinely being a pretty good leader – everyone else was leaning towards just worrying about Kokichi, but if they do that all day they’re never going to get anywhere and discover anything new. Kaito’s always about spurring everyone to take action.

Kaito:  “Let’s investigate!”

Shuichi:  “Alright… Ah, I’ll hold onto that…”

Kaito:  “Oh… that’s right…”

Shuichi:  (Without meeting my eyes, Kaito placed the key into my palm.)

Apparently Monokuma specifically gave the keys to Kaito, leading to this delightfully awkward exchange, made even more so by the fact that giving the job to Shuichi has everything to do with why Kaito’s so upset. I love the irony that it was Kaito who first decided that Shuichi should be the one to take the stuff and solve the puzzles back in chapter 2. What started out as a gesture from Kaito to help boost Shuichi’s confidence when he needed it by making him feel useful has turned into a reminder of the fact that Shuichi is by far the most useful and reliable person here and doesn’t appear to need Kaito’s help at all.

And the thing is, this job still doesn’t need Shuichi! Less than ever before, this time, since the items are literally keys and therefore there’s no puzzle involved. Kaito could respond to Shuichi here by going, “Nah, it’s fine. They’re just keys, right? Let me handle it this time.” – but he doesn’t. Even though Kaito is jealous of Shuichi and hates how Shuichi is supposedly so much more of a hero than him (which isn’t entirely the case – Maki just turned to Kaito to lead them, after all), he doesn’t try and act like Shuichi’s superiority is anything but the truth or try and take the spotlight away from him. Kaito believes that he genuinely is inferior to Shuichi and doesn’t deserve to be taking any of the credit that rightfully belongs to someone as awesome as him.

(And that’s painfully self-deprecating but also actually pretty admirable of him. Kaito is jealous of Shuichi, but it’s not a malicious kind of jealousy that makes him want to take away what Shuichi has that he doesn’t. Kaito is never that kind of person, even at his lowest.)

Keebo:  “Kaito? Shuichi? What’s the matter? You both seem different today.”

Maki:  “…Read the mood, Keebo. It’s fine, so let’s go already.”

Since Keebo is the worst at reading the room out of everyone here, we can assume from this that everybody else has very much noticed the awkwardness between Kaito and Shuichi and has decided to just completely ignore that elephant in the room. If only they weren’t doing that. They’re all probably assuming Kaito is just angry at Shuichi and therefore that asking what the problem is and trying to get them to talk about it would only ever make things worse… but oh boy are they wrong.

---

[Next post]

[devilsnwitches]

SSDD - Ch2 - Witchy Instincts

AO3 <Link - Written by Me & @lynxtigerwritings

Tags = AU Canon-Divergent / Canon-Typical Behavior

Pairings = Vergil-OFC / Dante-OFC / Nero-Kyrie / V-OFC

Note - READ LOVE’S SACRIFICE IT’S V PROLOGUE - Pairing V/OFC

“So I knew about Lysander one,” Dante said as he leaned back into a chair, a magazine on his lap. Vergil was out cold, and Charlotte decided to go downstairs and rest since she stayed up most of the night. For someone that promised a “watch”, she took more than her fair share. It was practically daybreak now, and Yvette had to do a combination of shove her sister down the stairs and tuck her securely into a couch to make sure she’d never move again. “I hate to say it, but I didn’t know there was a Lysander two that took on the family business.”

Startled from getting lost in her own head, Yvette blinked at him for a second before his words clicked and she nodded, “Yeah, sorry. Lotty and I don’t do every job together, a lot of the time splitting up. I also run my own little ‘at home’ business, so there’s that. I’m not always out there slayin’ monsters, but I’m always available if Lotty needs me.”

“Lotty huh? How did she get that nickname?” Dante never heard of Charlotte’s nickname, but now that he had it...he was pretty certain he was going to get shot for it. Regardless, he was still curious about it. “What at home business do you do?”

“Well, I’m younger by two years and when I was learning to talk I couldn’t say her name properly. I called her Lotty and she calls me Vetty when she’s being sentimental or upset about something. As for what I do? I go to people’s homes, businesses, or whatever and I sage cleansing and purification. Sometimes it sparks a demon attack, sometimes it doesn’t. I also offer meditation sessions and crystal massage.” She grinned, “I’m a nut for shiny rocks.”

“Lysander witches, makes sense.” Dante nodded. “Vetty’s adorable. Kind of reminds me of a puppy.”

“Lotty and Vetty could both be pupper names,” Yvette snickered, “Though honestly, that’s a first. Dunno how she’d feel about being called a puppy. She’s more like a moody cat.”

Dante could see it. “My brother’s the same way. They get along well. At least, as well as one can get when someone is literally burning the poison out of you.” His eyes wandered to Vergil’s sleeping form. They were pieces of work. Both of them. “He’s been gone for seven years. I wasn’t really expecting him to come back.”

“Geez, seven years?” she toyed with the silver spinner ring on her left thumb, also watching Vergil, “I can’t…” she shook her head, “I can’t even begin to imagine what seven years without Lotty would be like...I mean, if she’s gone longer than a week on a demon mission I get worried sick.”

“Well, in honesty my brother and I aren’t exactly heart to heart types of people. To be frank, I didn’t even know Vergil even had a woman, let alone a kid for a long time until I randomly dropped in during a bad time.” Dante sighed, kicking his legs to cross them the other direction. “Nero was the one that told me about the seven-year thing. We...tend to stay out of each other’s business. The only common connection we have is Nero. He’s the one that might take over Devil May Cry when I get ready to retire or some shit.”

“‘The family business, saving people hunting things’...oh my god my nerd showed I’m so sorry.” Yvette smacked her hand over her face.

“Supernatural?” Dante snickered. “You have to admit, they come up with some really interesting ideas. I wouldn’t mind fighting some of the demons they’re hunting, but I’m not too sure they can handle ours.”

“Two different worlds, that’s for goddamn sure. They’d shit themselves seeing our demons, I wholeheartedly agree.” Yvette blew her hair from her face, “What was it like? Finding out Nero was family?”

“Insane,” Dante admitted bluntly. “Vergil’s not the type that goes after women, let alone a longstanding relationship. But they seemed to have lasted...for a while. I wouldn’t blame her if she walked away. Our lives are difficult. Hard. Vergil, more so.”

“If Vergil’s not the type to pick a woman lightly, she wouldn’t have walked.” Seeing the way he relaxed under Charlotte’s touch gave plenty away, and Dante’s explanation helped solidify that idea. “What would make more sense to me is if she met the same fate as my parents because you’re right, this life’s hard. Dangerous as fuck. Dog-eat-dog world and all that.”

“Well can’t blame me for hoping that she was smart.” Dante sighed, “But you’re not wrong. Missing for seven years and coming back looking like that? He must have gone after her, or something happened in the Underworld and didn’t want to tell me about it. We have our differences about it. It’s caused us both a lot of pain.” He stretched. “Enough with the depressing talk. Nothing’s gonna get fixed if we mope about it.”

“Yeah, that was harsh. Sorry.” She eyeballed him, “Stiff?”

“Nothing I can’t handle, Yeti. You’re good. Stiff? Yeah, a bit.” Dante agreed. “It’s from sitting in uncomfortable places for too long, I’m sure.”

“I’ll give you a surprise if you never call me Yeti again.”

“Where’s your sense of adventure? I thought you were the less stuck up one.”

“Rude. Fine. Close your eyes.” When he arched a brow at her she did the same until he stubbornly obeyed. Standing up she went around and wiggled and stretched her fingers before she pounced. This was what she really enjoyed doing, giving massages. Taking into account his thick coat she adjusted pressure and slid along his muscles smoothly.

“Oh god, that hits the spot.” Dante groaned as she got right into a good knot. “Damn.”

“Take this off and it’ll get better.” Yvette’s grin went from ear to ear as she tapped his shoulder and lifted her hands long enough for him to shrug his coat, draping it back over the seat and she went right back at it. This time she even worked along his neck, back and forth creating gentle friction, then along the back neck tendons, behind his ears to his temples, back again, working his shoulders and repeating. Even though she’d been awake forever by now, doing something she loved made her giddy and woke her up.

As she worked on the knots around his neck and shoulders, he felt himself relax completely into her hold. It wasn’t often he let himself go like that, but this was a safe spot and he knew the Lysander reputation well enough to know that if they had his back on the battlefield, then they’d have his back here as well. He wasn’t even aware when he started purring deep in his chest.

Biting her lip to keep herself in check, Yvette took a breath through her nose and calmed down, instead focusing on the rhythm of it and eventually her own body rocked to the movement. She didn’t hum like her sister, so the only sound was the soft ‘scritch scritch’ when she went through his hair, his purring and soft groans when she did something particularly good. Eventually, her wrists and fingers started to cramp and she gave him a couple of pets to smooth his hair down after messing it up, “I think he’ll be fine if you wanna crash,” she whispered in his ear so not to startle him from his reverie.

It sounded like a good idea, but Dante decided against it, shaking his head minutely and then pulling himself out of the trance. “Nah, but thanks for the moment.” He told her sincerely. “It’s been a while.”

“More than welcome,” she looked at the window. Sunrise. “You cool if I do, then?”

“Go for it,” Dante assured. “I got this.”

X

It was much later in the afternoon. Nico wasn’t at all surprised to know that the apartment was still crowded as hell from the appearance of a couple of witches and Vergil coming back from wherever the hell he was. It was enough of a crowd that made her go back into the garage to fix the damn van that they used for mobile calls. She wandered out, cigarette already in her hand and ready for a lighter when she noticed a shadow coming across the garage.

Great, it was going to be Nero and Vergil all over again, wasn’t it? “Hey psycho!” Nico called to the shadow that paused. “Stop loitering! Either get yer ass in here or leave.”

Here’s the thing, Nico was expecting a demon. She was expecting someone to go under the door, weapon out and she would have to call for Nero to save her dumbass and Nero would never let her live it down for weeks. What she wasn’t expecting was a curvy goth pinup girl. She was a gorgeous piece of work and Nico could appreciate it when she saw it. “You lookin’ for something?”

“Not really a something.” The girl said, her voice soothing. Nico wondered who would out mom the other: this woman or Kyrie. “I’m looking for someone that runs Devil May Cry. Is that you?”

“Girl, you came to the right place with a bunch of us hoarding around a coffee table. Only you also picked terrible timing since one of us is down for the count and we’re all losing our heads over him.” Nico said, bringing the cigarette to her mouth to inhale and then exhale the smoke. “What did you do? Summon a demon you can’t get rid of? Pretending you’re a witch?”

The pained expression on the woman’s face told Nico that she hit some nails on the head, but not all of them. “Not me.” The girl said, and now that Nico was getting a closer look at her, damn. This girl knew how to put on makeup.

“Your eyeliner looks like it can cut a bitch.” Nico complimented. “Come upstairs. I’ll get the morons.”

“Thanks.” The girl smiled, and Nico snubbed out the cigarette before guiding her back up to the apartment.

“So, what’s your name?” Nico asked conversationally as she shoved the door open.

“Alexina.”

“How many nicknames you got outta that name?”

“I’m still counting to this day.” Alexina sighed.

Nico whistled. “Lucky I only get the one. Oi! Loser!” She called into the apartment. “I got a job for you hot shit!”

“Be more specific on the ‘loser’ part, Nico-nee,” Yvette chirped and Kyrie smacked her chest with the back of her hand. The two lighter brunettes were indeed sitting ‘round the coffee table.

“Customer?” Kyrie eyed Alexina and immediately she frowned, “What do you take? Coffee or tea?”

“Don’t know if customer’s the right word, but uh...I normally take a coffee.” Alexina said turning towards Kyrie. “Thank you.”

“OI!” Nico shouted again.

“I HEARD YOU THE FIFTH TIME!” Nero’s voice rang through the apartment and Alexina blinked as the boy in question walked down the stairs. His hair was short, and he looked...young. Younger than Alexina thought he was. Maybe they wouldn’t have a clue. Maybe this was a bad idea after all. He glanced at the girl that was standing beside Nico and gave her only a once over. “Sorry about my mechanic.” He said. “She’s usually better trained than this.”

Nico casually flipped him off. “I’m goin’ back downstairs in case the van’s needed. Y'all let me know where I need to head.” She said as she walked off without another word.

If there was one thing Nero couldn’t do, it was talking to strangers. Customer service was not his thing still. Kyrie could handle them so much better, and Dante was probably heading down here since Charlotte was taking over watching his dad.

“So,” Nero said slowly as he sat down on the coffee table, leaning a bit forward. “How may I help?”

“It’s more or less a question that I have,” Alexina said slowly. “Do you know anything about demon summoning.”

“I am not summoning a damn thing,” Nero said bluntly.

“I’m not asking you to, I’m asking if you knew anything about it.” Alexina held her hands up. “As in. Do you know to reverse a deal.”

Yvette was intrigued, but she didn’t want to steal Nero’s thunder so she simply listened. Kyrie was bustling about getting coffee in the coffee maker, but she peered over her shoulder, “We might be able to answer that better if you explain to us what happened.”

Nero watched the woman for a moment. The way she lifted her hand up to the tooth that was around her neck. How she fingered and played with it as she thought. “Someone close to you made a deal huh.” He didn’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to figure that out. “That sucks.”

Her lips twitched. “It was my fault.” The bluntness of the statement took Nero back a bit. “I was sick. He thought it was a good idea. The only idea. Summoned a demon and now he’s the one suffering. Apparently, his energy and demon energy aren’t...he’s not a witch. I at least don’t think he is. I don’t know his bloodline, he’s an orphan, see. Clearly, something’s going wrong with whatever the deal was.”

“How?”

“Best way to describe it is that he can force the energy to create familiars. I’ve only met two of them, but there’s three.” Alexina said softly. “Griffon’s alright. Mouthy and a bitch, but he’s alright. Shadow’s a huge cat, and I don’t have any problems but...I don’t know it’s a bad feeling in my gut that tells me something’s wrong.”

“If I may?” Yvette piped up, looking at Nero for permission. It was never a bad thing to follow Char’s rule about not sticking their noses in the business of Devil May Cry, but ‘witch’ and ‘demon deal’ in the same breath of conversation wasn’t a good sign.

“Go for it.” Nero gestured.

“Did your friend happen to mention to you that a summoning for a normal person isn’t supposed to work?” Yvette went right to the point.

Alexina sucked in a sharp breath. Nero had a feeling that the friend probably glossed over that fact, but Alexina was a sharp cookie. “I figured as much.” She said after a moment. “I study the occult for fun.”

“I bet your friend does, too,” she rubbed her forehead, “An orphan, yet you’re sure he’s not a witch. It’s rare as fuck, but not unheard of for a modern witch to start a new line. There was a lot more magic and raw force and energy back when my bloodline started. Could you tell me more about him so I can piece this together?”

“Admittedly, I’m the bookworm when it comes to the occult. He’s more of the...poet. Literally. I met him back in high school.” She sat down on the edge of the couch, smoothing out her skirt. “We have one of those friendships where you can ask us how we met and we’ll have several different stories. What I do remember was that he stood out and blended in. Quiet. Honest. But only if you ask. Only if you even try.” She rubbed her lips together, smearing the dark raspberry color around but nothing too rough. “Mom died after we graduated. We moved in together since we were the only family we had left. But then I got sick.” There was a long pause. “He thought I was going to die.”

Kyrie listened as Yvette only hummed at first as she went quiet, sinking into her chair, forefinger over her mouth and spinning the ring on her thumb. Putting together the coffee, taking Alexina in and making a good hard guess on how she liked it, she brought it over, “He had a purpose.”

“My life means more to him.” Alexina agreed as she took the coffee cup. “I called him out on it when I was in the hospital, but...he was adamant it was the only way and that he wasn’t going to...walk away. He was ready for me to. Griffon told me that later on when he wasn’t around to overhear. I know it’ll mean my death.” She looked at Nero firm. “But I’m a fighter. I’ve been around chronic illness all my life, I can do it again.”

Nero looked over at Yvette.

“If there’s a reverse I’d have to research it and ask my sister to help, but in all actuality, it may not be as much of a pressing matter as you think.” She tapped her chin, “He’s a poet so he’s eloquent. Had a strong definite purpose. Was no doubt willing to accept death if you lived. That’s the problem a lot of modern wannabes don’t have the solid willpower. A sliver of doubt at any given moment during their attempted rituals and it fails. Or they summon something and it doesn’t end well. He’s still around and here you are, healthy as all can be. Then there are his familiars. They sound kind. Protectors. What he did was profound. That’s more than a success. That’s a triumph.”

“As much as you’re singing praise,” Nero couldn’t help this part. “You’re talking about an untrained witch running around with three familiars that we don’t know what they can do. As well as, what price did he pay for it?”

Yvette smacked her forehead with the heel of her hand, “This is why Char is around. I’m hairbrained as fuck. Thanks and sorry. Yeah, a brand-spankin' new witch is sure to draw attention. Where the hell do you guys live?”

“Across town, on the outskirts of the city.” Alexina nodded her head towards a direction. “We like the quiet.”

“I bet you do,” Nero muttered. There were hardly ever any attacks on the outskirts. Not a lot of humans, not a lot of chaos. Now that there was a witch there, he could expect that to grow. “It sounds like me to it’s not much a reversal, but we can do something to help with his powers. That’s a start. While he harnesses those, it might slow down whatever price he made right?” He looked at Yvette. “Or do you think that’ll speed it up?”

“No, no, you’re on the right track. Smart kid,” Yvette beamed at him, “Training helps strengthen the spirit as well as the body. Being a poet will end up being useful if he wants to learn spells. Hell, his favorite poems could be spells if he damn well wanted them to be.”

“He’s stubborn enough I’m sure,” Alexina said dryly. “I’m not sure how to bring him here without him getting suspicious. Hell, he’s probably wondering where I’m at as we speak.”

“You didn’t tell him you were doing this?”

“He didn’t exactly ask me for my permission when he summoned a demon so I think this is more than fair.” Alexina shrugged.

“Yeah, definitely fair. You say you live crosstown? I kinda live in the middle of there and here, and if you’d like you could make up some bullshit story how you heard about my little cleansing business and I can drop by your place?”

Without another word, Alexina pulled out her phone from her purse and tossed it to Yvette. “Type in your number and I can text you the address. I’m on Seaside.” At her confused look, Alexina frowned. “You know, past the intersection of Dwight and Morningstar?” Another confused look. “You are terrible with directions aren’t you.”

“That’s why Charlotte’s my GPS.” Yvette deadpanned but she fiddled with Alexina’s phone and put in her contact information as well as her sister’s for good measure, “Pay me for gas and it’s all good. Curiosity's got me too good for me to care much about pricing.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Alexina assured as she set the half-drunk coffee cup onto the table and she looked at Nero. “I hope whoever’s injured is feeling better soon.” She said gently as she stood up. “I should take my leave before I get a phone call and Griffon squawking.”

“Yeah,” Nero said watching her leave the apartment and he turned to Yvette. “I never heard of anyone summoning a demon and living to tell about it. Either this friend of hers is a witch, or he’s part-demon of some sort.”

“I’m voting neither, but he did make himself a witch with the summoning. Believe what you want, kiddo, but I’m gunna go with my witchy instincts on this one.”

“Go for it, at least it’s not my job. I’d fuck this all up.” Nero shrugged as he got off the coffee table. “I’m going to check in on father and Charlotte. I bet she’ll be curious too. About this mysterious friend of Alexina’s that can summon a demon and get familiars out of it.”

“Might as well tell Dante there’s coffee,” Kyrie smiled at him, “I’m sure he’ll appreciate it after not sleeping all night.”

“I’ll bring him a cup.” Nero agreed as he went to her side and pressed a kiss against her cheek before heading to the kitchen to grab that cup of coffee that Kyrie made and go back upstairs where people were.

It bothered him to no end really. He’d do the same for Kyrie, no question if their situation had been the same as those two. Yet, he couldn’t shake off this feeling that her friend was going to be a lot more dangerous than any demon he saw yet.

He should’ve taken the time to ask Alexina what she even knew about demons. Oh well.

X

So far, the constant pain and agony had mostly gone away. His back was the source of it, still soaking in the antidote, but his body ached. Charlotte had been kind and brought him a glass of water, so his throat wasn’t parched and feeling like a desert, either. Propped against the pillows, Vergil had his ankles crossed in front of him and his personal book in his lap Dante had retrieved from his coat. Not for the first time and certainly not the last time he was grateful for his demonic healing, though he wouldn’t be fully well for at least a few more days.

Charlotte had taken refuge in a seat, curled into a ball that looked uncomfortable but she made no noises of complaint and she barely spoke, though sometimes she’d leaned her head towards Vergil when she heard him mutter a line under his breath, but never asked to repeat it or to speak up. The door opened and she looked up. “Hey, Nero. Dante’s in the shower.”

“I figured.” Nero sighed as he handed her the coffee instead. “You get this then.” He watched her take it from his hands and curled up even more with it. “How are you doing, pops?” Nero turned his attention to Vergil.

“Being weak is not something I enjoy, but…” Vergil examined the same hand that had reached out to Nero yesterday in the garage, no longer grey and black-veined, though he was still too pale for anyone’s liking, “...I am doing well. Charlotte’s antidote is working on  healing my back now.”

“That’s good,” Nero said as he looked at his father. He looked a lot better than yesterday, but the image still burned into his mind. Of the flecking skin, and the black veins. He turned towards Charlotte. “So I got a question for you. Know anything about demon summonings?”

“I’ve done a few in my lifetime.” Charlotte pulled her shirt down to show a long scar down her neck and chest. “I learned my lesson. Why?”

“You’re going to go on a wild trip with this one. Apparently, there’s a girl who has a friend, not saying names here cuz she didn’t give me any, who not only successfully summoned a demon but made a deal with it, too.” Nero clicked his tongue. “Vet’s playing detective.”

“Of course she is.” Charlotte sipped the coffee.

“A common occurrence?” Vergil turned his head only slightly to look at her, “You don’t seem at all concerned.”

“It’s Vetty.” Charlotte turned towards Vergil this time. “The only time I need to get concerned is when she bites off more than she can chew. Otherwise, it’s if there’s a big demon she’s probably near it.” She turned to Nero. “I get the feeling that “successful demon summoning” line has a story behind it.”

“Yeah. Friend’s not a witch until now.” Nero concluded.

“That’s where everything goes to hell.” Charlotte sighed. “Whoever the friend is walked over my grave.”

“That is an interesting turn of phrase.” Vergil drawled, his attention seemingly returning to his book, “So will you be off, then? Duty’s done, after all.”

“Hmmm.” Charlotte shrugged. “I’ll let my sister suffer. Give her free reign. See what she comes up with.”

“A damaged car and a broken ego.”

“See if Vetty was here to hear that, you’d be window flying right now.” Charlotte gestured towards the window using her coffee cup, grinning at Nero. She looked over at Vergil. “I’ll stay here and be back up for once.”

Nero looked between the two of them, made a soft noise and then headed out towards the door. “Tension is tension. I know where I’m not needed.”

Vergil knew everyone wanted answers, and he was secretly surprised that Charlotte had decided to stay. “I know not all sibling relationships are like mine and Dante’s. You do not have to remain here, the danger has passed.”

She turned her attention towards him and she sipped on the coffee once more. “Is this you asking me to leave, or is this you wondering why I’m staying?”

“Stay because you want to, not because you feel you should.” Vergil answered instead, flipping the page of his book even as his eyes read not the words, “I only have a problem if it is unnecessary, but I cannot stop you from doing what you please, same as I cannot stop Dante from eating pizza morning noon and night.”

“Stick pineapples on it and olives.” Charlotte unfolded herself from the chair. “I’ll go ahead and take your advice then and come by later. I’m stealing Dante’s cup of coffee regardless.”

A whisper of a smirk graced his face, “That’s more like it.”

“I can be a mastermind of evil too.” Charlotte grinned as she walked towards the door. “You owe me a page of reading though.” She grinned wider as she shut the door behind her.

X

“Xina. What did you do?” While their lives didn’t necessarily have a rhyme or reason, Vitale liked to believe he knew this particular woman like the back of his hand. The first tickbox that alerted him something was out of the ordinary was her long absence. He knew when she visited her usual haunts. Since making the deal, feeling her energy stretch at different distances had fascinated him and gave him an odd sense of comfort. Today, however, she had gone far enough out of reach it nearly set him into a panic attack and Griffon’s constant stream of words had been his only distraction. The following tick box had been her attitude. Aloof might be the best word he had at the moment.

“V almost had a heart attack because you went too far.” Griffon echoed his thoughts exactly, appearing without being commanded to and landing on Xina’s shoulder. “Shakespeare didn’t know if you were going to go be gone for good this time or what!”

“Sorry.” Alexina reached and scratched Griffon’s back, letting him ruffle his feathers before turning towards her best friend. “I went to the city.” She promised. “You know. Looking for answers.” She looked over at her friend. He looked exhausted, tired circles were gentle around his eyes and he was holding himself up well, but she could tell that he wanted to topple over. She felt guilty that she had made him worry so much. She felt her heart sink into her stomach as she watched him watch her. A long time ago, Alexina wouldn’t have to question what was going through his mind. Now, she felt as though she was reaching and feeling the air.

“Answers...about me?” V pressed his hand to his chest, brow pinching. He was well aware all of this still bothered her, even three, nearly four months later and his attempts at comforting her didn’t always work. “I’m still here, Xina. Life still goes on.”

Instead of answering, Alexina closed the distance and threw herself into a hug. Griffon let out a cackle as he flew upwards and away from the two lovebirds. At least, he knew they were. Griffon watched as V slowly brought her closer against his chest, letting her in. It’s been months since the summoning, and Griffon was starting to tell that something was on the brink of changing. Whatever Alexina did, it was either bad or good and Griffon wasn’t about to say a word. Let V figure it out.

He was still here. She could practically squeeze the life out of him since he was so skinny and bony. He always had that type of body, but with the deal, she wondered if one day he’d turn into dust and disappear on the wind. She pulled away, trying to find her courage, her bravery. He was here for now. Life would go on as normal, but she had to obey her instincts. Nothing about this was normal. Normal people can’t summon. What he did was a success, a triumph. “I won’t lie to you. I found a witch.”

Griffon let out an uncomfortable sound at that.

V’s eyes found Griffon’s, “Is that supposed to mean something?”

“It means pretty boy that she might’ve found a way to go back into that coffin in the grave you’ve been keeping her away from.” Griffon translated.

“Not yet.”  Alexina gave Griffon a dark look. “What it means is that I might have found someone that we can talk to. Someone for advice.”

“Not yet means you’re thinking it.” V frowned, “Good people for advice? What advice do you believe they have for me?”

That was the question, wasn’t it? She reached for his hand and took it into hers, biting her lip as she tried to find a way to explain. “They were impressed that you were able to gain familiars and to do a successful summoning. That has to mean something, V.”

“She’s not wrong there pretty boy,” Griffon concluded. “We already established, sweetheart, he’s not a witch.”

“No, but what if he’s the start?” Alexina turned towards Griffon. “Or what if there’s a lineage somewhere that we don’t know. Yvette was pretty sure that was the case.”

“Oh boy,” Griffon shuddered. “Lysander Sisters are back. More trouble.”

Of course, Griffin would know them or know of them. V squeezed Alexina’s hand back, albeit not very enthusiastic, “Should I be concerned for you, Griffon?” He wasn’t about to give up his deal, and he would protect his familiars as he swore to protect Alexina.

“Awww Shakespeare, you’re melting my stone cold heart.” Griffon chirped. “They’re strong witches, but nothing that we can’t handle. No, I’d worry more about Hathaway over there. They can help you, pretty boy, but they’ll toss her to the fire. Try to get her to be a demon hunter or some shit.”

“Demon hunter?” V muttered. He wasn’t entirely sure how he should feel about that. Letting out a long sigh he looked down at Xina, “Did you have plans with the witch you found?”

“I didn’t say anything about them showing up but they might?” Alexina offered.

“Lysander’s don’t believe in schedules. They do what they want.” Griffon ruffled his feathers. “They’re no worse than the Sparda family. Show up, do their thing, walk away with property damage. Do you two have insurance? 'Cause you might need that. Especially if little Lysander’s going to be coming over.”

“She’s not that bad,” Alexina assured quickly. “Don’t listen to him, V. Yvette’s not...that insane.”

Unfortunately, V was more inclined to believe Griffon on that one, but he nodded to Alexina anyway. Might as well see how it would go and make his own conclusions.

[scuzmunkie]

Run, Little Rabbit, Run: Chapter 6

A/N: Oh my precious, darling, little pumpkins!! You are all so amazing!! I look forward to all of your comments and I cherish each and every one of them!! I can’t tell you how much they mean to me!! Every heart, reblog and comment are so dear to me as are each of you! I absolutely love all of you and can’t thank you enough for the support you all continue to show me!! As always, please lmk if there are any mistakes and if you’d like to be added to the tag list!! And now I give you chapter 6, enjoy! Smooches!! Baron Corbin x OFC Word Count: 3000+ (I got a little carried away) Warnings: Language, y’all if terminal illness and thametic elements. Summary: Run, Addie, the Constable is coming for you..... +++ Baron watched Addie as she stared at her phone, poking her pasta. Cole’s words ringing in his ears, ‘She’s your luna.’ He couldn’t get them out of his head. His wolf all but howled at the revelation. It had been almost two months since that night, leaving him with seven months at best to make a decision. ‘She is ours!’ His wolf growled out, interrupting Baron’s thoughts. ‘She’s dying. She’s not going to survive long enough to be our luna.’ Baron reminded his wolf. ‘But WE can save her, you stubborn asshole!’ He screamed causing Baron to wince. ‘BUT WHAT IF I KILL HER?!’ Baron gasped and felt his heart clench at his admission. ‘What if I get my hopes up and she dies. No... it’s better to just keep my distance than allow myself to get close to her and lose her.’ His wolf understood Baron’s fears and pain. It was rare for a wolf to have a mate nowadays. Soulmates were a fairy tale anymore, something their ancestors had. Modern wolves simply fall in love like humans do. The fact that Baron was given a mate that was not only human but dying as well was a cruel, sick joke from the moon goddess. ‘But what if we save her? What if she lives? We could watch her change, watch her take her first run as a wolf and watch her belly grow with our little ones.’ His wolf pleaded with Baron. Just as Baron was about to answer, his attention was stolen by the sound of Addie’s laughter. Looking in her direction, he saw Dolph had joined her. Allowing his anger to get the better of him, Baron bent his fork in half. It seemed that anywhere Addie went, Dolph was right there. Even if Baron wanted to get close to her, Dolph found ways to sabotage that. Word had spread to a few that Addie found out about the existence of the supernatural. Dolph was one of the few who found out and used that to his advantage. Baron saw just how far Dolph would go to ruin any chances he had with Addie a week and a half ago. —- Baron was quietly talking with Ruby Riot, one of his trusted pack members, when an infuriated Addie stormed up to them. “Who the hell do you think you are?!” She yelled at him, turning to Ruby, “I’m so sorry Ru-Ru, could I talk to Baron a minute?” She asked with so much kindness that Baron couldn’t believe that this same woman just screamed in his face. Ruby looked at Baron, trying her hardest not to laugh. She could tell that he was in deep shit and wanted nothing more than to stay and watch him get reamed. Ruby quickly pecked Addie on the cheek and walked away, but not before mouthing ‘you’re screwed’ to Baron behind Addie’s back. Once she was gone Baron turned his attention to the seething makeup artist. “Ok, you wanna tell me-“ “NO! You don’t get to speak! I think I’ve been pretty compliant with your wishes, I haven’t said anything to anyone and I’ve steered clear of the woods!! Would you agree?!” By now she was toe to toe with Baron, who simply nodded. “Then imagine my surprise when I got to the parking garage and found my back tire completely flat because of four CLAW marks! What gives you the right?!” She yelled, pushing him with all her might only to have him barely budge. He was so confused. Baron would never do that to her, so why think it was him? “I almost missed a very important doc-“ she quickly cleared her throat, “meeting! Had it not been for Dolph I would’ve missed it completely! Even he thought that they looked like claw marks!” And there was his answer. There wasn’t a doubt in his mind that Dolph was the one who slashed her tire in hopes of being her knight in shining armor. He also led Addie to believe that Baron was the culprit because he used all four of his claws instead of just one in hopes to incriminate Baron. He could feel his wolf getting angry at the thought of Dolph moving in on his mate. “Look, I’m sorry about your tire, I really am, but I didn’t do it.” “Oh really? Hmmm. Let me think.” She said sarcastically as she tapped her chin, “Who else here a) hates me and b) is a werewolf? Any guesses, Fido?” She said, looking him deadass in the eyes. Baron had to admit that she looked damn hot when she was pissed, his wolf loving her fiery glare. He started to fill Baron’s head with all the ways he could ‘tame’ her earning him a ‘not now, asshole’. Sighing, he decided to pop her little world. “First of all, I don’t hate you.” She scoffed at his confession. “Second, little rabbit, there are more of us here than you think and not just werewolves.” He smirked at Addie’s visible and audible gulp. “Third, stay away from Dolph, he’s bad news.” “Please, he’s a better man than you. At least he doesn’t treat me like some inconvenience.” She mumbled the last part. Groaning, Baron rubbed the back of his neck. It seemed that Dolph already had his hooks in her. “Listen, I just need you to promise me you’ll be careful, especially around Dolph.” He outstretched his hand, “Give me your phone.” “Uh, why?” Addie stared at him bewilderedly. “Please? I swear no funny business.” Hesitantly, Addie placed her unlocked phone in Baron’s open palm. She watched as he quickly typed away. Satisfied, he gave it back to her. “There, you have my number now. I need you to promise me you’ll call me if there’s anything out of the ordinary.” She just stared at him. “Adelina, promise me!” “Ok, ok! I promise. Why do you care tho?” She asked, making Baron inwardly wince. “Just be safe.” Annoyed at his lack of an answer, Addie curtly nodded and walked away, leaving a pining werewolf in her wake. “You can come out now.” Baron said, looking at a dark corner. “Sorry, I just really wanted to see her rip you a new one.” Ruby said, stifling her laughter. “Now, how the hell did she find out about us?” Huffing, Baron gave her the shortened version of what happened. “Wow, careless much?” She said, taking joy in Baron’s predicament. “Watch it!” He growled out, his wolf taking over at her disrespect. “Sorry alpha.” She quickly said, not wanting him to lose his shit. “Good.” He nudged her head with his, “I need you to do me a favor. I need you to keep an eye on Addie especially when Dolph’s around. I don’t want him pulling the same old shit he always does.” —- Addie sat with Dolph, laughing at his ridiculous stories, when she noticed Baron storming out of catering. She couldn’t explain it, but she felt a pull towards him, stronger than some silly crush. “You with me, cutie?” Dolph asked, gently placing his hand on hers. “Y-Yeah, sorry. Just a lot in my mind.” She smiled. “So, I was wondering if you wanna go for a walk ‪tomorrow night? It’s supposed to be a lunar eclipse. I was thinking we could bring a blanket, find a nice spot and watch it together? What do you say?” He asked, placing his hand on hers. “Um, sure. That sounds like fun!” Dolph pulled her hand towards his lips but was interrupted by someone putting their plate right between them, forcing Dolph to release Addie’s hand. “Hey guys! Mind if I sit?” Ruby asked as she plopped down between them. Irritated, Dolph stood, glaring at Ruby, who was sporting a shit eating grin on her face. No doubt Baron had told her to watch over Addie. She seemed to pop up whenever Dolph got a little close for comfort. Before leaving he turned to Addie. “See you ‪tomorrow night‬, cutie.” He said, winking at her then walked away. “So, you two seem to be getting kinda close.” Ruby blurted out while popping a strawberry in her mouth. “Oh, I mean I guess. He’s been nice, a little much at times, but...” Addie trailed off. “But he’s no Baron.” Paige blurted out as she joined them, sporting a pair of dark sunglasses with a sliver hydro flask in her hands. “Geez! Say it louder, why don’t you, for those who didn’t hear you!” Addie whisper yelled. “Ok, ok, sorry love!” Paige said, although her smirk said otherwise. “What’re you doing here, babe?” Addie asked Paige, who was usually on Smackdown. “Oh, creative wanted to film a segment between Baron and I but decided last minute to nix it, so now I’m here with you lovelies!” She explained, watching as Ruby cuddled into Addie’s side. Addie had begun to notice as of late that Ruby had become more physical than usual. Constantly hugging her, increased kisses on her cheeks, forehead and nose, or snuggling up to her if they sat next to each other. Addie didn’t mind tho. Growing up an only child, she never had the joy of siblings. Bless Ruby tho, she tried to contain herself, she really did, but itt was difficult for her. She could feel Baron’s unacknowledged love for Addie through the pack bond which in turn made Ruby feel so much affection for her as well. Unbeknownst to the outside world, the love a pack has for their luna is extremely strong and is stronger than their love for their alpha. She is the mother of their pack, the heart. The only thing that can calm down an angry alpha with just a simple touch. Any pack member would gladly die for their luna and alpha. Clearing her throat, Ruby looked at Addie, she couldn’t get that strange scent outta her mind. Leaning closer, Ruby pressed her nose into Addie’s neck, inhaling deeply. Had she been a lesser wolf, like say a rogue, she would’ve missed it completely.  “Hey” Addie giggled, “what are you doing?” Playfully pushing Ruby away. By now Nia, Alexa, Alicia and Nattie had joined them, all laughing at Ruby’s strange behavior. That was, until she sat up straight, tears brimming her eyes. “Ru-Ru, what’s wro-“ “You’re sick.” Was all she said. Everything fell dead silent. Addie felt her heart drop as she stared at Ruby, confused to high hell at how she found out. “What are you talking ab-“ she tried to play it off but Ruby was having none of that. “You’re. Sick.” She repeated, this time with a little force as a bastard tear slid down her cheek. “H-How did you find-“ but before she could finish her sentence, Ruby’s eyes flashed a brilliant gold. Sighing, Addie looked down, remembering Baron telling her that there were more wolves and supernatural creatures out there. “You’re a werewolf too, huh?” Addie asked. She looked around the table at the faces of her friends. None of them seemed surprised by Ruby’s small transformation which could only mean one thing; they were of the supernatural world as well. “Are you all werewolves?” She whispered. “I am. I belong to Baron’s pack.” Nia said proudly. Addie had no idea that Baron was the alpha!! “Ew, no.” Alexa said, a ‘disgusted’ playful look on her face. “I’m a pixie!” Removing her sunglasses, Paige revealed blood red eyes and a dazzling smile complete with two razor sharp fangs. “Vampire, m’love! My eyes are only red when I’m feeding.” She said, jiggling her flask, snickering as Addie tried her hardest not to grimace. “This may not come as a surprise, given my love for cats and all, but I am a werecat.” Nattie announced. “I’m a witch! I belong to Aleister’s coven. I’m sure that doesn’t shock you one bit’ him being a warlock. I mean his name is pretty fitting ‘Aleister Black’. It only makes sense! He also happens to be my husband. We don’t tell many people outside of the coven, but don’t tell anyone or I’ll have to turn you into a toad!!!” Alicia giggled as Addie’s jaw dropped. “I’m just kidding.” The girls giggled at Addie’s reaction, loving that she was trying to keep a calm expression on her face. Then reality set in. They all stared at Addie with forlorn faces. “I’m so sorry, Addie! I didn’t mean to blurt that out.... twice.” Ruby said as tears fell from her eyes. Not being able to explain the pull she felt towards her, Addie immediately engulfed Ruby into her arms, cradling her to her chest. She gently ran her fingers through her ebony hair. Little did she know that her luna instincts were slowly kicking in, something that was extremely rare for a human to possess. “It’s ok. Don’t cry.” She softly cooed, trying to calm her down until she was able to sit up on her own. “Truth be told, I’m actually sort of relieved you all know.” “What do you have?” Nia asked, never being one to beat around the bush. “Leukemia.” “And, how are treatments going?” Nattie piped in. “Um, they’re not.” Addie whispered. “What do you mean?!” Paige demanded. “Treatments are pointless.” Addie admitted, smiling sadly. “How,” Alexa could feel her bottom lip trembling, “how long do you have until...” she couldn’t bring herself to finish her question. “Best case scenario, seven months.” Nobody moved, no utterance of a single word, one could swear that there wasn’t even a breath inhaled or exhaled. Addie lovingly smiled at the beautiful women who sat around her. “No.” Alicia sobbed out, “that’s not right! It isn’t fair.” “It’s ok, I’ve come to terms with it. I’ve lived a great life! I got to travel the world and meet all of you! Let’s not dwell on the sadness of it all. I just want these last few months to be the best ever and I want you all to be a part of it!” “Then the best damn months these will be!!” Alicia exclaimed, the other girls cheering in agreement. Addie couldn’t help the tears of joy that threatened to spill over at the love she felt from her friends. —- “This must be eating you alive.” Dolph said with a cruel laugh. “The hell you talkin about?” Baron could feel the anger crawling up his body as he stared at the rogue. “Knowing that Adelina would rather spend time with a lowly rogue than an all mighty alpha.” He mocked. What Dolph should’ve done was walk away at that point, but he didn’t. “In no time I’ll have her writhing underneath me, begging me for more and screaming my name! Oh yeah, she’ll be the sweetest victory yet.” Without thinking, Baron grabbed Dolph by the collar of his shirt and threw him into the nearest object. Never one to back down from a fight, Dolph got up and charged Baron, slamming him into the wall, leaving behind a huge crack in the hard surface. The sound of fabric ripping and horrible growls filled the air as both men began to shift into their wolves. However Baron, being the stronger of the two, shifted into his wolf twice as fast, leaving Dolph extremely vulnerable. Baron’s wolf stood tall with an unquenchable thirst for blood... Dolph’s blood. Snapping his teeth at Dolph, Baron crouched on his haunches, preparing to lunge, his teeth ready to rip into Dolph’s throat. “Baron, STOP!!” Before Baron could attack, Addie ran between the two of them. Her chest heaving, hands shaking as the adrenaline pumped through her body. The commotion could be heard all the way in catering. Smelling her scent, Dolph had quickly returned to his human form before Addie could reach them, keeping his secret... for now. “The both of you fighting like children! Baron, you could’ve killed Dolph!” She scolded them, angry at their behavior. Baron snapped his teeth again at Dolph, but Addie thought it was directed at her. Mustering up all her courage, she walked closer to Baron and wrapped her hands around his snout, glaring at the giant wolf. “Do not snap your teeth at me, pup!!” She grit out, releasing his jaw. Everyone watching stared in shock. Addie should be dead, torn into ribbons, but in this case, her touch calmed the beast. Baron bowed his head, his ears flattened against his head. “Look around you,” She said calmly, “Not only have you caused tons of damage but you could’ve killed anyone walking by.” “You’re right, Addie, I’m-“ “Don’t even try it, Dolph. You’re just as much to blame!” Baron snickered at Dolph’s defeated look. “The next time you two decide to have a dick measuring contest, make sure you do it in a place where no one can ge-“ She was cut off by a coughing spell, her body getting too excited by her emotions. Addie covered her mouth as she violently coughed, trying desperately to catch her breath. Once it passed she looked back at the two culprits in front of her. She then noticed the uneasy expression on everyone’s face as they stared at Addie. “Addie, sweetie.” The soft voice of Stephanie McMahon brought Addie out of her thoughts, a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I think you need to sit down.” Baron quickly shifted back into his human form, pulling on a pair of sweat pants Corey threw at him. “Oh, I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean to step out of line.” She stuttered out as a very concerned Hunter joined his wife. “It’s not that honey,” his deep voice reassured her, “um, your hands.” Worried, Addie looked at her hands and gasped in horror as she stared at the blood in her palms. It was only then that she recognized the metallic taste in her mouth. Grabbing a handkerchief from Hunter’s jacket, Stephanie went to help Addie but was beaten by Baron. 

Snatching a piece of his torn shirt off the ground, he gently pulled Addie into his arms, turning away from the crowd, shielding her from prying eyes, protecting her from the world. He softly wiped the blood from her mouth and chin, her hands following after. Without thinking, he placed gentle kisses on each knuckle. With a quivering lip, she hung her head and whispered; “It’s spreading faster than predicted.” Feeling eyes burrowing into her, she quietly thanked Baron and ran from the area. Baron went to follow her, his wolf wanting to comfort his luna, but was stopped by Stephanie. “Let her be. She needs to be alone.” the water witch said as a tear slipped down her cheek as Hunter pulled her into his arms, trying to comfort his wife. 

Hunter being an older werewolf, once an alpha himself, was able to hear Addie’s talk of something ‘spreading faster’. Concentrating, he picked up the scent of cancer in her body. He had to whisper to Stephanie of his discovery.

It was no secret that Addie held the hearts of many in the WWE. She was always so happy and bubbly, she genuinely cared about everyone she met and was deemed the ‘mother hen’ backstage. She had this innate ability to see into the eyes of all she came into contact with and could always tell when someone was down, ready with a warm hug and a listening ear. The fact that she was slowly being ripped away from them felt like a knife slowly being twisted in their guts. Walking into the nearest bathroom, she splashed her face with cold water. She was so confused by Baron’s actions, him being so hot and cold. She was trying to let go of her feelings for him, but this just made them grow even stronger. Now that she was alone, she allowed herself to breakdown. She sank to the floor, pulling her knees close to her chest as she sobbed into her arms. Through this entire ordeal she convinced herself that she had come to terms with her fate. She was wrong. She cried bitter tears for the husband she’ll never love, the babies she’ll never hold and the life that she’ll never live. Never waking up every morning next to the love of her life or hearing precious little voices call her ‘mama’. Gasping, Addie was startled by the feeling of something rubbing against her leg. Looking down, there was a beautiful orange cat purring. “N-Nattie?” Addie whispered. Sitting up, the cat nodded. Letting out a small whimper, Addie scooped her up into her arms and cradled Nattie to her chest as she cried into her soft fur, Nattie licking away her tears. Finally being able to calm down, Addie wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. She smiled at the orange feline in her arms, petting her back. “Thank you Nattie.” She said as she put her back on the floor. Walking out of the bathroom, Addie felt a strong hand on her shoulder. Turning around smiling, but it slightly faltered when she saw the man in front of her. “Hey cutie, you alright?” Dolph asked as he pulled her into a hug. “No, but I will be.” She answered truthfully. “You wanna reschedule ‪tomorrow night?” He watched as she bit her bottom lip, mulling things over. “No, I wanna watch the stars still. Is that ok with you?” She asked, her eyes closed as she rested her head on his chest. “Of course! I’ll stop by your hotel room ‪around 9 tomorrow night‬, ok cutie?” Not having the energy to speak, she simply nodded. Dolph’s lips curled into a cruel smile. ‘Oh sweet, naive Addie,’ Dolph thought to himself, ‘if only you knew what I have planned.’

+++

Darling little pumpkins:

@haven-raven012591 @hanaslay @melinatedmuse @empress-with-the-crown @kittysilver86 @wrestlingfae @neversatisfiedgirl @calwitch @lost-in-the-stories @feathers-and-flesh-and-wrestling @captainwinterwriter @imagine-all-the-fandoms @hardyfangirl3 @yndaree @belsoleleann @briqueenofthenorth @finnbalorsbabygirl @nonnirenea @team-elias @houndsofjxstice @scarlettquinn

[broken-clover]

Dust Strikers Story Mode 2/4

Part two of the story mode transcripts for Guilty Gear: Dust Strikers.

Part 1, Part 2 (Potemkin, Chipp, Eddie, Baiken, Faust), Part 3, Part 4

Potemkin

Potemkin: You youngster there. I see you have some talent. How about testing some of that talent on my fists? Axl: Man, you've got a nice build. But what do you have to gain? Plus, are you sure you can handle me? Potemkin: I wouldn't underestimate me. My drive for freedom locked inside my heart is my greatest weapon. Axl: Cool. I love peace and freedom too. But you might get out of breath when you're so stiff all the time. Ky: So you're fighting in the name of peace and freedom. Perhaps I might come up with answers for myself too. Excuse me, I'd like in as well. Jam: Just drive won't take you anywhere. There's no victory for those who can't face reality. I'll prove it to you right now!

May: Wow! Look how big you are! Potemkin: And so are you. May: Hey! That's not very nice! Potemkin: No, I just thought you grew a little compared to the last time I saw you May: Well thanks for the compliment. Think I'm good enough for Johnny now? Eddie: Having a host in her growth spurt...might not be a bad idea. Johnny: Out of the way, May! Potemkin: Humph! May:...Thanks Johnny: Thanks. I owe you one. Eddie: How dare you... May: Now it's my turn! I'll prove it to you that a girl in love is unbeatable!

Testament:...Long time no see. Millia: That's a first. You coming up to me to say hi. Things have changed, haven't they? Testament: You're still caught up in the past and changing the thorny path. Millia:...it's none of your business. Move out of the way, will you? Testament: I don't have a problem, but... Millia:... Testament: You seem hesitant. With such mixed feelings, it may cost you your life. Millia:!!! I must have lost my edge, to be getting advice from you. Potemkin: What he's saying is on the money. Those with swaying motivation never fight to their full potential. Please excuse my eavesdropping. Anji: Just happened to pass by. Millia: Then I guess I'll have to eliminate all doubts before I get to him. I'll need your cooperation for that.

I-no: That's an exciting combination Potemkin: That red outfit and guitar...you must be... I-no: You remember me? That's nice to know. Potemkin: Someone like you go unchecked...lucky for you I'm a little busy now. You pull out and I'll let you go. Zappa: Grrr! I'm gonna curse you! Faust: Looks like this won't need treatment. If we take too much time, the patient is not going to make it. I-no: Look, the beasts are making noise. But I'm afraid I don't understand what they're saying. So loud and annoying. Potemkin: That should be enough! It's time for me to shut you up. Faust: Looks like it is your mind-set that needs treatment. Fine, I shall treat you, then. I-no: Trying to act tough, are we? You damned animals. I'll cut you up and feed the dogs!

Dizzy: Umm, thanks for saving me back there in the woods. Sol: Forget about it. Didn't really mean to save you. Just did it for the hell of it. Dizzy: I think I found my place too. Potemkin: Didn't go according to Zepp's plan but the president understands. I'm relieved to see you smile. Dizzy: It's all thanks to you guys Slayer: Sorry to interrupt. Look at you. Looks like you've managed to find your way through. Dizzy: Yes, I think I learned that courage will open the doors to success. Though I still prefer not to fight. Slayer: So what about you? Do you have a verdict yet? Sol: It's none of your business. Potemkin: And what kind of revelations have you had in combat? Perhaps such things are unnecessary for people like youself. Slayer: Indeed. To me, combat is combat. Nothing more. It may be a means for deciding who wins and loses, but in the end it is merely a method. Potemkin: Then allow me the opportunity to put this method of yours to the test. Slayer: Fine. Let us see what you're made of.

Potemkin: Very unfortunate. Gig: Grr... Potemkin: It looks like it's too late. Gig: Grrrgh! Potemkin: Sympathy is the least I can give you.

Gig: Grr...grr... Potemkin: This is the end. Gig: Ghhh.... Potemkin: Rest in peace! Gig: Grr.... Potemkin: Don't take it personally. It would've been best if you turned out like him.

Potemkin: I see you're doing well. Dizzy: Yes, we're all getting along well. Potemkin: To be honest, I was initially reluctant about giving you up to pirates. But I can say for certain that now out Head of State understands. Dizzy: Yes. Right now I'm...pretty happy and peaceful. Potemkin: I can see that in your calm smile. I wonder if my painting can keep up with such a beautiful smile.

Chipp

Chipp: Hey! Hold it right there! Testament: What is it, human? Chipp: You're a Gear, aren't you? Testament: What are you going to do about it if I was? You one of those foolish humans who start attacking as soon as they find out someone's a Gear? Chipp: Not me. I've learned from experience that just because someone's a Gear, it doesn't mean they're all evil. Testament: That's a surprise. Thought you'd be the type that would steam through, and only act on emotion. Chipp: Don't screw with me. I'm gonna become president and the strongest in the universe. Just wanna put my skills to the test. Testament: Very well, then. Show me your so-called human powers. Dizzy: In that case, I'd like to help out. Sol: Sure, why not... Chipp: HEY!! Wait a sec! I never said 3 on 1! Testament: What are you talking about? There's only going to be one winner. Chipp: Oh, I get it. Not like I was scared or anything. Let's do it!

Chipp: Please, I'm begging you! Baiken: Geez, what is your problem? Chipp: Make me Japanese! Even samurai give mercy, don't they? Baiken: No samurai here. Not a chance, buddy. Be a big boy and get over it, willya? Anji: Hey, what are you doing here? Chipp: You'll do! Please, tell me how to become Japanese! Anji: There's no way in hell, man. Be content being the 'president' Chipp: NO! I wanna become the president, become a Japanese, surpass master's ninjutsu abilities and take revenge! May: You guys arguing over something? Chipp: Damn...what are you doing here? Anji: Yup. A 'Japanese' May: Japa...what? Why're you crying sir? Something wrong? Did I do something wrong? Chipp: I will reach the top! You watch me, master! May: Wow, you scared me! You know I'm tough when I'm mad!

Chipp: Hey! I have a question. Axl: Hi there, you look very hot. I-no: You talking about me? Axl: Of course! Who else would it be? Great body, silky smooth hair, you're electrifying! I-no: You're very good with words. Let me ask you then. Who's hotter? That woman or me? Chipp: Hey, listen up! Millia:...don't bother me. Chipp: !...you used to be in the guild! Millia: Yes, but that was a long while ago. Now I'm in the same boat as you. Axl: Ah man, this is a tough one. They're both really hot. Chipp: I'm taking down the guild! You women stay out of it! Millia: That I cannot do. Just like you, I can't pull out. Axl: This is a tough decision... Millia: And...quit staring at me with that perverted look on your face! Axl: Oops, I think I got her mad at me.

Potemkin: I heard from the president. I've been looking forward to this day to finally exchange shots with you. Slayer: One of the disciples, I gather. You think you can take me? You should beat him before coming to me. You'll pay a high price for this! Chipp: HEY! Hold it right there! You're the dude who founded the guild, aren't you? Slayer: That was quite a long time ago...I no longer have any involvement...but it is true that I am the founder. Chipp: That simplifies matters. I'm gonna destroy you! Jam: Looks like I've gotten myself into a hostile environment. Better get outta here... Slayer: Hmm, looks like you're a ki wielder. I'm interested in your combat style. Would you mind showing me some of it? Jam: I'm no cheap street performer. If you give me some of that spice, I'll think about it. Slayer: I should be able to accommodate you. Jam: That's a promise! Chipp: Quit ignoring me, both of you! You're going down!

Johnny: Oh man, I wasted so much time...There you are! Eddie: I'm impressed. Didn't think you would detect me. Johnny: I have the power to see the truth. You can't fool me with magic tricks. Venom:...Found you! You beasts who degrade Master Zato. Finally you can rot in hell! Eddie: You humanoids are good with words. But that kind of talent is needed to be adequate for my body. Chipp: Freeze! Don't you move! You're all guild members, aren't you! I hold all of you responsible for killing my master! Venom: At a time like this? I'm not letting anyone lay a hand on Master Zato's body. Johnny: Well, I'm kinda... Chipp: Shut up! Guilds, pirates, no difference! Today you face death. Eddie: Ha! Foolish humans once again, being hostile against one's own kind. I shall erase you altogether!

Chipp: Damn! Gig: Grr... Chipp: What is it? You wanna dance? Then I'm taking no pity on you! Gig: Grrgh! Chipp: Holy Zen! Go to hell!

Gig: Grr...grr... Chipp: Ha! I guess it's my victory! Gig: Grr... Chipp:...what's this? I'm feeling sick to my stomach....damn it!

Chipp: (That monster smiled before it died. All I was doing was battling hard. Wasn't aware of things I can't see. Did I really get stronger? Guess I still got a long way to go!)

Eddie

Eddie: Haha. There they are. Human, candidates to become my host. Ky:...! There you are! Eddie: You've found me. But I'm even more excited about your combat abilities. Ky: You're...! Zato! Or have you already been taken over. Eddie: That's correct. Former leader of the Holy Knights and a Japanese woman. And you there, I sense a lot of potential. Axl: You talking about me? Baiken: This monster sure does talk a lot. Eddie: Haha! You should feel honored. I shall find out right now whether you are adequate to become my body! Baiken: Who do you think you are? Beat it!

Bridget: Whoah, everybody looks tough Chipp: Hey! what's a kid doing here? Eddie: A child. Attractive in terms of her youthfulness but too immature to become my host Bridget: You're not taking me seriously? Then let me show you my moves Sol:...back off. Don't be wasting my time Eddie: Interesting. I shall keep a record of the battle results for future reference Bridget: Don't be surprised! Here I come! Sol: What am I, a babysitter? I can't deal with this...

May: Wow! Look how big you are! Potemkin: And so are you. May: Hey! That's not very nice! Potemkin: No, I just thought you grew a little compared to the last time I saw you May: Well thanks for the compliment. Think I'm good enough for Johnny now? Eddie: Having a host in her growth spurt...might not be a bad idea. Johnny: Out of the way, May! Potemkin: Humph! May:...Thanks Johnny: Thanks. I owe you one. Eddie: How dare you... May: Now it's my turn! I'll prove it to you that a girl in love is unbeatable!

Eddie: You are the same as me. Zappa: Yes...I feel the animosity. Eddie: Looks like it's a mind parasite. No good as a host. Dizzy: Are you two...related? Or have you both been exploited badly by humans in the past? Eddie: That's correct. As a weapon. But things will be different from now on. Dizzy: Huh? Eddie: I shall find a more powerful host, and I shall be the one to dominate the human race! Faust: Can't let that pass. I apologize for the selfish acts of humans, but your body can't live without a host. This is where I can help you. Eddie: Silence! You lowly human! I am going to acquire Gear power and take revenge on humans! Dizzy: What? So you're planning to use my powers? Not all humans are bad, you know. If you sit down and talk to them. You can't take my happiness from me!

Millia: So...we meet again...Zato. Eddie: So you still haven't gotten over him? Millia: Shut up, you damn beast...I'm talking to him, not you! Eddie: What do you want to talk to ME about? Millia: I'm taking you down. I'm sick and tired of looking at your pathetic, bony remains. Venom: Not so fast...! Master Zato is regarded as the crown-jewel of the guild. You'll have to hand him over to me...! Slayer: I've told you the Guild is no more. No raison d'etre and no purpose. Continued existence will only bring further regret and despair. Venom: Oldtimes can keep their mouth shut. The guild no longer belongs to you. Millia: It has nothing to do with me anymore, I don't care what happens to it. I just want to take care of this guy with my very own hands. Eddie: Do you think it will be that easy? What do "I" think?"...Not so easy, "I" say. Venom: I sense you...Master Zato. I am going to free you, Master, from the evil spell of death! Eddie: Ha ha...this is great! Lowly humans who cannot accept death. That's the right evil spirit to have! Slayer: I'm the one who started all of this. I must atone for my past deeds. Fine, let us put an end to it all.

Eddie: You've been taken over by power. Gig: Grr... Eddie: What a pitiful sight... Gig: Grrgh! Eddie: Funny how I'm the one saying that.

Gig: Grr...grr.. Eddie: Even Gear with all of its power released is not so powerful. Gig: Ghhh... Eddie: Die. Gig: Grr...

Eddie: Can't seem to find any good bodies. Since nobody is as powerful as I am. That female's body had a chance. But again, my powers were too much and again it did not work out. Hahaha!

Baiken

Johnny: Bravo! Very impressive! Baiken: What do you want? Get outta here. Johnny: Nothing beats having a beer in the company of a beautiful woman. How about a drink? May: Johnny! Johnny:...Maybe we’ll have to call it off. Baiken: So the stud turns helpless in the presence of an innocent girl. See ya! Slayer: Hmm, a Japanese...is it a coincidence that both of you are rather...masculine? May:...huh? Johnny: Hey, better stop talking so much. Old people can take a hike.

Faust: Traveling lady with the scent of blood. Where are you headed? Baiken: Get lost, you lame doc. It's none of your business. I can kill whoever I want. Chipp: Woman enduring countless bloodshed. So you're that Japanese beauty? Ky: There's nothing but anger inside you. As a protector of public safety, I can't let such hateful words pass Baiken: Kid, if you don't wanna get hurt, you should just keep your mouth shut Ky: I have confidence in my sword. Not exactly my favorite option, but in this case I have no choice Faust: What you need is some time off in total peaceful serenity. As a physician, it is my obligation to make sure that you are cured.

Zappa: Um, excuse me, I was wondering... Baiken: Yeah what? Why are you so fidgety? Act like a man, will you? Zappa: Oh, I'm sorry. I'm looking for a person, Fa- Baiken: Fa...who? Zappa:...Fricken nasty! Baiken: What's going on here? I'm surrounded by freaks. Testament: How rude of you to say that. I've long given up my human name, but by no means am I a freak. Venom: This is a supernatural phenomenon. Quite interesting. I'd like to see more of your powers. Baiken: Man, this is a real drag. I'll blow you all away! Testament: Lowly humans shall die!

I-no: What do we have here, the desperate bachelorettes council? Baiken: What kind of greeting is that? That's not a very nice thing to say Jam: That's right! You're rude! And what about you? I-no: Oh dear, don't be so uptight. It's just a joke, honey. Or were you offended 'cause I was right on the mark? Millia: You're a joke. Why don't you get outta here. I-no: Oh no. I'm scared. I guess this is how women become as they get older. Baiken: You crazy! I'll cut you up into pieces! Jam: I'm not showing you any mercy either! Millia: If you're not gonna get outta here, we'll have to get rid of you. It's as simple as that. I-no: You're such sweethearts. Very well, I make you cry lots. We'll find out how loud you can cry.

Anji: Finally found you. Sol:...It's you again. Anji: Let me ask you straight out. Do you have any idea where 'he' is? Sol: So what if I know? Anji: Can you tell me where he is? Of course I'm willing to work for it. You and I have a bout, and if I win, you tell me. Sounds fair? Baiken: Wait! Let me in on the festivities Sol: Sorry, not interested. You guys enjoy each other's company Anji: Even Justice feared my powers...Still not interested? Sol:...! Baiken: Shut your trap! You're starting to get on my nerves. I'll kick all of your butts right now! Axl: Whoa!...Damn it...is this a bad time? Baiken: Eavesdropping, are we? I'm not impressed! Axl: I just wanted to ask chief something Sol: And even you. Why does everyone want to stick their noses in other people's business! Axl: No worries, chief! Just a quick bout, no hard feelings! Sol: I'm not responsible for what happens.

Baiken: There may be no point in asking you, but I'll ask anyway. Gig: Grr... Baiken: Some Gears out there aren't violent. Are you one of them? Gig: Grrgh! Baiken: Alright. I take that as a 'no'

Gig: Grr...Grr... Baiken: Okay...I guess that's it. Gig: Ghhh... Baiken: Let me take you to the land of the dead where you belong! Gig: Grr...

Baiken:...This guy's a pain in the neck. 'That Man' can't even take care of his problems himself, what a joke. Sit back and enjoy life while you can. I'm coming for you!

Faust

Faust: Traveling lady with the scent of blood. Where are you headed? Baiken: Get lost, you lame doc. It's none of your business. I can kill whoever I want. Chipp: Woman enduring countless bloodshed. So you're that Japanese beauty? Ky: There's nothing but anger inside you. As a protector of public safety, I can't let such hateful words pass Baiken: Kid, if you don't wanna get hurt, you should just keep your mouth shut Ky: I have confidence in my sword. Not exactly my favorite option, but in this case I have no choice Faust: What you need is some time off in total peaceful serenity. As a physician, it is my obligation to make sure that you are cured.

Sol:...Whew... Jam: How rude. What's your problem? Faust: Is there something wrong? Sol: A doctor and a chef? This is a big joke. Quit following me wherever I go. Go back to your real jobs, man! Faust: This is what it takes to master the tricks of the trade. It's necessary to learn to see things from the patient's perspective. Jame: The art of cooking is also a quest. You're not gonna find anything new just by sitting around. Venom: Then I should get to know a wider variety of opponents. Let's roll! Sol: Move it. Just go to bed!

Anji: You know Sol, don't you? I-no: You meet a woman for the first time and that's the first thing you ask me? I want to know more about you. Anji: My apologies. Last name is Mito, first name is Anji. I'm just a journeyman. I-no: thanks for the introduction. And what can I help you with? Anji: I've been wanting to meet 'That Man.' I-no: Really. You won't live long, dear. Eddie: That's not necessarily the case. As long as you become a part of my body! Ha! Anji: Two on one? This is a tough situation. Faust: Looks like you're having trouble. I can assist you to the best of my humble ability. I-no. Thanks for showing up to your own funeral, doc! Faust: No matter who, my mission is to save lives. Let us apply some drastic remedies, shall we?

May: Phew... Faust: That was a deep sigh. Did something happen? May:!...I have the chills again... Faust: Oh, excuse me. I'll back off. Looks like something's troubling you. Whatever I can do to help May: Thanks...um, I don't know what it is, but my heart feels tingly and I feel gross. Faust: That's not good. Let me take a look. Dizzy: May! We were looking all over for you! Johnny: Finally found you, girl. Where were you? Why'd you disappear all of a sudden? May: Johnny! And Dizzy's with him too... Faust: Hmm, I see, I see. I think I understand the situation. Times like these, you need a breather. Perhaps some exercise will help.

Bridget: Wow, what a massive frame you got. Potemkin: Well, I was born big. This fist I use for what I believe in and to engage in art, nothing else. Bridget: So you're an artist. Good for you. Maybe you can draw something for me? Faust: Should be safe if I've come this far. Bridget: Wow, landing using just an umbrella, that's amazing. You from the circus? Faust: No actually, believe it or not I'm a... Zappa: Dr. Faust! (sigh...sigh...) Faust: My goodness, he's caught up already. Bridget: This is remarkable! How do you bend your joints and run like that? You must be a yoga expert. Zappa: Quick, doctor, please do something! Look! I'm bent all over the place! Oh no!!! Faust: Looks like it's begun. I'll have to take drastic measures. Potemkin: Is it fate that I happen to be here? What the heck, I can help out. Bridget:...! What amazing tricks! Now it's my turn! Check this out!

Faust: This is quite a serious condition. Gig: Grr... Faust: That's right, don't be scared. I'm here to treat your condition. Gig: Grrgh! Faust: I think you'll need some anesthetics.

Gig: Grr...grr... Faust: Finall you've calmed down. Please stay still. I'll take a look. Gig: Ghh... Faust:...! You saying you want euthanasia?...Alright then. Regrettable, but this is the only way. Gig: Grr... Faust:...

Faust: Now, where should I go next? I shall continue practicing medicine as long as there are patients to treat. That is my mission in life!

[swanky-batman]

Tv

Supernatural

Castiel x Reader

Warnings: probably drinking, maybe swearing and violence

Hunters? Great, just the people you were hoping to avoid. (just a quick one shot before I go to sleep!)

Masterlist

—–

“Cas, can you hear me?” Dean yelled and moments later he turned around to face him. “We have to get you a bell.”

“You rang?” Castiel attempted, which Sam cracked up at.

“No pun intended, right?” Dean smirked.

Cas looked at both of them without cracking a smile.

“Alright then,” Dean cleared his throat, “We got word there’s some activity we should be tracking near Seattle-”

“I will check it out.” He vanished.

“Sometimes I really hate him.” Dean groaned, grabbing his go bag and Sam followed.

–

“Excuse me.” A man in a trench coat came up to the counter and your eyes shifted around a little.

“Uh, yeah? I mean, what can I get you?” You spoke up, you normally worked as the cook in the back of this restaurant, not used to seeing customers unless you were dropping off food.

That being said, it made it really hard to focus, you should have called off sick. The last couple of days made you notice things about people you wish you hadn’t known. Language barriers were no longer an issue and weird people started showing up- or maybe they had always been there. This guy was something else.

“Have any strange occurrences been happening?” His eyes searched your face, squinting ever so slightly.

“Like lottery winning or crop circles?” You managed to lightly ask, interested in this curious man- this curiously cute man.

“Yes.” He answered back which made you snort.

Your face turned back, “Oh gosh, you’re serious?”

He seemed to smile a little, “I usually am.”

You heard a bell ding from behind you and you mumbled some lame excuse that you hadn’t but he should talk to a couple of customers. He nodded as you turned to grab food and complete some orders.

To your surprise he walked up to a couple and asked some questions before walking to an empty booth. A couple minutes later you came around with a menu.

“Can I grab you something to drink?” You smiled to him, taking out your pad.

He ordered a coke and the first thing he saw off the menu.

“I’ll have it right up.” You nodded, turning to go towards the back to drop off the order. You bumped into someone, “I’m so sorry.”

You looked up and shrunk back a little as the man from the table stood up. “You should be.” He cackled a little as he turned to walk out of the door.

“On second thought, I’ll come back later.” Trench coat guy said as he walked past you, following that guy.

“Hang on, mister-” You tried to warn him, giving the pad to the waitress who came in a couple minutes ago, “I’m going on break, Dottie.” You sighed, following him. You don’t know why you wanted to warn him what that dude was but you couldn’t just leave it alone. You saw a swish of his coat going down an alley and half jogged there, peeking around the corner.

“Hey,” You whispered for the trench coat guy, “You shouldn’t be following them- they aren’t human.” You braced yourself for a laugh but instead the guy nodded, grabbing the guys head and a light bursting out from him.

You fell backwards onto the ground, too shocked to scream. He looked over at you and his eyes squinted again, “I know what they are, what are you?”

“What are you?!” You shot back, trying to crawl back as he took a step towards you. You started tracing the ground but you didn’t know why.

He frowned slightly at the action but stopped, leaning down, “I am… a fallen angel.”

Your brain immediately told you he was right but you questioned him still, “Oh yeah, did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” 

He nodded slightly, “It did a bit.” Your face straightened up again as he proceeded, “What are you? You look human.”

“I am human.” You shot back and he took another step forward, “Woah, hold on Mr. Fallen Angel.”

“Castiel.” He corrected, stepping forward again.

You placed your hand on the ground, throwing him backwards as you bolted up, heading inside quickly to grab your tips for the evening and slip out the back door towards home. You started seeing weird marks every time someone showed danger towards you, and they worked- they sent them flying backwards or made them vanish.

You packed up your bag, cursing yourself for following them out there and turned to leave, seeing an Impala pull up across the street. The man in the trench coat, Castiel, was walking towards them. You cursed and moved out the back of the building, jumping over a fence and sliding down a hill towards a state route. You walked along for a couple minutes trying to hitch a ride and stopped when an Impala pulled off.

You started booking it away, running straight into Castiel. “What the hell?” You swerved around him and he grabbed you by the waist and carried you towards the two new people.

You started squirming and slipped down, pulling his frame over yours and flipping him, you darting the other way. He popped up again and you kicked, hard, in the nads. His head tilted a little but otherwise did nothing and you shrieked a little, diving in between his legs.

“Need some help, Cas?” The shorter man called from the sidelines and the taller one chuckled.

“Get off me.” You yelled, kicking him in the hands as he dragged you with him. After he got you closer, you got hit in the face and passed out.

—-

You shifted a little, waking up later. You hissed when you realized you had a bump on your head and figured out you were in chains. There was a design above you and below you, as well as etched into the metal.

A couple minutes later, they walked into the room, chuckling.

“If you’re going to kill me, kill me- don’t sacrifice me to your goat lord.” You spoke, trying to control your breathing.

The shorter one chuckled, “Yeah, right, demon.” He threw water on you and you spit it out, they both looked you over for a second.

“Am I supposed to be melting now?” You questioned.

The shorter one chuckled but the bigger one glared at him as he walked over and cut your arm with a dagger.

“Jesus Christ, you guys are sadistic.” You grumbled at the cut as he stepped away.

They mumbled among themselves for a minute and then threw salt at you, “Seriously, what is wrong with you?” And then the salt hit your cut and you hissed a little, “Owwww.” You frowned.

“Are you a hunter?” They asked after another minute.

“No, gross- I don’t even like putting worms on hooks when I go fishing. Don’t know why you’re trying to get to know me, thought.”

“Like a demon hunter.” The tall one boomed.

You snorted, “No?”

They looked at you and then the short one unlocked the cuffs and moved away. You slowly stood up and looked at them, “What now?”

They pointed to the other room and you stepped past the circle that was in on the ground. They shrugged to each other as you walked past and the other one, Castiel, popped in front of you.

“Geez!” You jumped, “You need a bell.”

“That’s what I said!” The shorter one stated and the taller one glared at him again. “What? She isn’t anything we’ve encountered if she isn’t human.”

“Then we have to found out what she is.” The taller one answered.

“I am right here.” You spoke up, “You guys are kind of creepy, by the way.”

“She is human.” Castiel spoke up, “Sam, Dean, I think she is something like a prophet.”

“But didn’t jerk face stop the line of them?”

“She isn’t one. Maybe it’s like a clause.” The tall one interjected.

“Either way, I’m outta here.” You raised your hands- Castiel touched you and you both flashed to the alley outside the diner.

“I apologize for the interruption to your routine.” He nodded.

Your jaw fell open a little, “You’re apologizing? Strange.” You glared a little at him before turning, “Thanks, Angel.” You stepped a step and he walked next to you. “Err, is that all?” You stopped.

“Oh, I cannot just leave you alone. Not until Sam and Dean figure out some way to make sure you can stay safe.”

“Because more weirdos will find me?” You sighed after another minute since you noticed he wasn’t going away.

“Yes.” He nodded and you giggled. 

You walked towards a place to rent a car, “So, what’s the plan?”

He thought for a moment, “Well, we should move on for now. Keep a low profile for a couple of days.”

He worked something out and you both drove off the lot and kept on going for hours. It was night time before you stopped and found a motel.

“Well, this place looks like it has bed bugs. I guess this is our stop.” You frowned, walking up to the counter.

“One room, please.” Castiel spoke. The guy nodded and told you the rate, you handed him money and he handed you the key.

You dropped your bag at the door and flipped on the light. “Crap, they only gave us one bed.”

“This will be fine.” He stepped next to you and you slapped him as a reflex.

“Sorry, I was shocked and then I remembered you don’t have to sleep.”

He looked taken aback for a quick second before, “Ohh, you thought I was inferring to a sexual implication.”

You laughed, “Yeah.” You clicked on the tv and flipped through channels.

He cautiously sat down next to you and watched the box, “Do you require food? Or any supplies?” He asked, not breaking eye contact from the tv. 

“I mean I’ll need food soon-” You started and he flashed gone. “Well, bye.” You chuckled another minute later, “I guess it’s better than arguing for an hour about what I want.”

A little while later he reappeared and scared you again.

“I have brought food and extra drinks from a gas station.” He set everything down and you looked through it.

“Thanks, Castiel. This was really nice.” You smiled, “Although I don’t need these yet.” You threw a box of tampons on the bed.

He scratched his neck, “I wasn’t sure.”

“You wanna watch some tv?” You asked, looking in the food bag and pulling out a container.

He smiled and nodded.

—-

Over the next couple of days, Castiel really only left your side when he went to get an update from Sam and Dean. He was peculiar but you really enjoyed spending time with him. You got the sense that he liked spending time with you too, or maybe it was just a nice break from monsters all the time. 

“So this man works with tools, but not well. And has a television show inside the television show?” He tilted his head.

You laughed, “Yep. And he grunts like a dog.”

He gave a face and you laughed even harder. “I like your laugh. It sounds genuine.”

“It is, and thanks.”

“I also like being near you. Maybe it’s from your gift.”

“Thanks, Castiel. I also enjoy spending time with you.” 

—-

Sam and Dean called two days later. They figured out a way to have you stay safe and that Castiel could go back to helping them with other things.

You packed up your stuff and drove back to the rental place to drop off the car.

He walked you to your apartment and you turned back to him.

“I guess this is it.” You sighed a little, “I liked spending time with you, Castiel. It was the best thing about this whole mess.”

“I also enjoyed our time together. It was very informative on television programs. And I also liked you. Maybe I could come back and check on you some time.”

You chuckled, “You could come back anytime, Castiel. Not just to check on me, either. To hang out.”

“Hang out? Is that what we were doing?” He slightly smiled.

You laughed, “Yes, that’s what we were doing.”

He stepped closer, “Maybe we could also go out. Together. Some time.”

“Like on a date?” You almost choked.

“Yes, that.” He nodded.

You smirked to him, “Maybe.” You winked to him and kissed him on his cheek before you walked inside. When you turned back he was gone, but he didn’t stay away for long. You had a lot of movie nights with him.

And then the dates came. You guys kind of just clicked- you helped on some cases with Sam and Dean but you mainly worked with Castiel. 

———————

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[thatssonanii]

Line In The Sand - Chapter Eight

Tama Tonga/OC

Author’s Note: Honestly .... a lot of arguing. lol. Before we get to the romance and love. And sadness ....

The ride to the house Colin had purchased was quiet. Tama nor Sevyn made a move to turn on the radio or strike up a conversation. Tama was afraid she would lash out at him; Sevyn just wanted nothing to do with him. She was angry and she wanted him to know it. She wanted to know when Colin had purchased the home instead of reservations at a hotel but that would mean she would have to talk to him.

 His car had barely come to a stop before Sevyn had bolted out of it. She stood at the front door of the rather large house waiting for her to let him in.

 “I’ll go back later and get our bags,” he whispered pushing the door open.

 Sevyn hummed, stomping into the house. Her focus was on finding a room she could away from Tama in. She couldn’t stand to be around him,

 “Baby, I’m sorry. I didn’t think she would do that to you.”

 She knew he would follow her, that didn’t mean she had to talk to him though. If this is how things were going to go then she could have stayed locked up in her room back in Florida with Colin. At least she knew what to expect with, he let up eventually.

 “How long are you gonna ignore me, Sevyn? The silent treatment is pretty childish for people our age.”

 Just as she had closed the door to a bathroom she had found, she stopped in her tracks at his words. She rolled her eyes not bothering to turn and face him.

 “Fuck you, Tama,” she scoffed.

 Her words made him pause. She wasn’t just angry at him, he had hurt her. Hurting her was never his intentions.

 “Look, I’m sorry. I don’t know how many times you want me to say it.” He sighed rubbing his silky beard anxiously. “The bedroom is the last door on your right, Sevyn.”

 Humming out a ‘thank you’, Sevyn went to the room attempting to close the door behind her. He pushed the door back open, going to sit beside her on the king sized bed.

 “Please talk to me. I don’t like not hearin’ your voice, Sugar.” He pled quietly.

 “Yeah well I don’t like being ambushed like that.”

 “I know I should have said something but I thought she was gonna be nicer than what she was.”

 “Your sister is not changing her mind about me. To her, I mean nothing and I am nothing. Because your sister feels so strongly about me we could never e together if I got away from Colin, Tama,” she explained glaring at him. “And because I smacked the shit outta her ass.”

 With his head hung low, Tama grabbed for her hand lacing his fingers with hers. He didn’t like to argue with anyone, Sevyn was no different.

 “I can fix that, Sev.”

 She snatched her hand from his grasp as she stared at the side of his face. “You think you can fix everything and you can’t, Tama! You can’t fix your sister’s fucked up perception of me, you can’t fix how Colin treats me and you for damn sure can’t fix the position I’m in. You’re trying to be Captain Save-A-Hoe and it’s just not worth it. I’m not worth it.”

 “Sevyn, please. Listen, you’re stressed out and all over the place. Let’s just calm down,” he suggested lifting his head to look at her.

 “Stop!” She shouted. “Don’t tell me what I am and what to do. I’m tired, I am so fucking tired.”

 Tama moved closer to her, shoulder to shoulder. “Tired of what, Sev?”

 “This and you,” she sighed softly. “I don’t get why you’re going so hard about this. You don’t really want me, I’m just easy access for you.”

 “No, you’re not, you’re more to me than that. I care more for you than any other woman in my life besides my sister.”

 “I hear you, Tama. I just,” she paused looking at her hand cradled inside of his, “I wanna believe you but I can’t. No one just wants me for me. They want me for their own good, for what I can do for them.”

 “Let me show you that I mean what I say. Can I do that?” He asked kissing the back of her hand.

 “I don’t care, Tama. Just give me some space. I need to be alone right now. Please?”

 “You got it, beautiful. But before I go let me get some sugar, Sev.”

 Looking over to him, she smirked seeing the sneaky grin on his face. She leaned in quickly placing a quick kiss on his lips.

 “There now go,” she laughed pushing his chest away.

 “Kiss me like you mean it,” he whispered.

 Tama pulled her face to his by her chin, pushing his lips against hers. He deepened the kiss as he laid her back on the bed. Their bodies intertwined with him lying between her legs. One hand gripped her thigh and the other wrapped loosely around her throat, putting slight pressure on it. The room was quiet outside of the smacking of their lips and their groans. In the heat of their kiss, Tama hitched Sevyn’s leg up on his waist preparing for his next move but she had other plans, she pulled away from the kiss and pushed him off her.

 “The space I asked for, Tama. I meant it. Go,” she demanded softly.

  “Alright, alright,” he laughed raising up from the bed, “I’m gonna go grab our stuff from Mel’s house. I’ll lock up behind me, call me if you need anything, Sevyn.”

 “You know I will, Tama. Go before her hateful ass cuts my shit up.” He gave a warning glance making her laugh. “I was joking. Geez.”

  “You better not have that bitch with you, Tama.”

 Tama rolled his eyes as he entered the kitchen, approaching the island his sister and Roman stood. She held an ice pack to the cheek Sevyn had slapped, Tama could see a bruise forming.

 “Her name is Sevyn. I won’t say it again.” Tama spoke through gritted teeth, barring down on the island.

 “Why the fuck do you keep taking up for that bitch? Her pussy can’t possibly be that good.” Melanie spat tossing the ice pack down.

 Tama took slow deep breaths, trying to calm himself. He loved his sister dearly but he was over her attitude.

 “Chill, Mel. He clearly doesn’t like what you’re saying,” Roman said placing a hand on her shoulder. “Just stop it.”

 “I don’t give a fuck what he likes, Roman. He shouldn’t have brought her hoe ass to my house.”

 “Shut the fuck up,” he growled loudly. Melanie sat stunned at her brother’s words. He had never spoken to her that way. “I’m so tired of your fucking attitude every single time I bring someone to meet your spoiled ass. Even after I told you she was a good person and shit, you still stood here in her face and disrespected her.”

 “Well, you shouldn’t have brought that bitch he—,” Tama slamming his hands down on the counter startled her. She closed her mouth tight watching her brother closely. “Do not call her out of her name again, Melanie! Are we clear?” he asked staring dead into her eyes.

 “Either way, Tama. You brought her here and expected me to laugh and smile with her like we’re best friends.”

 “No, I expected to bring her here and you not act like you’re a spoiled ass brat. That shit was kind of cute, funny even at times when you were younger but now it’s old,” Tama ranted moving his hands around as he spoke. “Every female I bring to meet you, you act like a fucking brat towards them. Either you’re gonna act like you got sense or I’ll be gone. Because now you’re not only fucking with my love life but you’re fucking with my job and I’m not havin’ that shit, Melanie.”

 “So you’re really gonna choose her over your sister? The only flesh and blood you have in this world,” she scoffed.

 Roman stepped in before Tama could answer her question. He knew Tama would have cursed her out with no hesitation and left. “Mel, you’re missing the point. He’s not choosing her, he’s asking you to grow up and stop being so childish. You’re putting his work in jeopardy and he clearly has strong feelings for Sevyn.”

 “Oh, I’m putting his work in jeopardy? Me?” She chuckled looking between her husband and her brother. “That’s funny cause I think you did that when you stuck your dick inside her.”

 “You know what,” he humbled laughing lowly to himself, “I’m gonna go before I do or say something I regret later. I just came here to our bags anyway.”

 “Don’t leave, Uce. Let’s talk about this.”

 “Nah, Ro. Let’s not,” he said staring directly into his sister’s eyes. “We clearly aren’t gonna see eye to eye on this and I’m not fighting with my sister, my only flesh and blood.”

 Melanie watched him walk away, her anger fading with each step he took. She wanted to stop him but her pride wouldn’t let her. The things she said about Sevyn, she was not going to take back and she knew that would be the only way Tama would speak to her again.

 After taking a two-hour drive around Los Angeles, Tama finally headed back tot the house he and Sevyn were sharing. He knew she was probably worrying about him, figuring he wouldn’t be gone long. He pulled into the gated driveway, making sure it was closed before he pulled into the two-car garage.

 He found her lying on the sofa in a ball with a comforter wrapped tightly around her.

 “Hey, Suga,” he said kneeling to kiss her.

 “You got our stuff,” she asked after kissing him back.

“Mmhm. You tired, huh? Jetlag’s a bitch.”

 She shook her head then sat up a little so he could sit down. Tama pulled her back down, so she could lie her head in his lap. “No, it’s my stomach. I’ve been sick since you left.”

 “Like throwing up or the other thing,” he asked laughing.

 She popped his chest laughing a bit, “Throwing up, Tama. And now I’ve got heartburn.”

 “Might’ve been the plane ride, babe. Or that virus you had a couple of weeks ago is making it’s comeback.”

 “Whatever it is, I need it to go away,” she sighed looking up at him playing in his beard, “How did it go with her sister?”

 “She’s still being all bitchy and disrespectful so I left. I tried talking to her but it didn’t work. I wasn’t gonna stand there and allow her to attack you that way.”

 “Baby, you didn’t have to do that. Melanie is your sister and I don’t want to come in between that.”

 “Don’t worry about it, Sev. She’ll come around eventually,” he said as he scrolled thorugh his emails.

 “If she doesn’t?” Sevyn asked.

 He shrugged in response not really caring for the conversation anymore. In his mind, he knew he wasn’t wrong so there was no need to even dwell on the situation.

 Sevyn rose suddenly from her spot eith her hand cupped over her mouth, tossing her comforter aside and ran towards the bathroom off the side of the living room slamming the door behind her. 

@lavitabella87 @macfizzle @vivalavonvon @cool-snowball-22-blog @rollinsdar

@designrwriterchic @anerdysouthernbelle

[localrobosexual]

so how about The Last Knight huh

HECKO I totally forgot to make that post about what I thought about Transformers 5 after I watched it whOOPS

so here they are now!! :0 it’s kinda long though. Sorry about that. Unlike my post about GOTG Vol. 2 that one time, for this one I just kinda wrote down some erratic notes about thoughts and reactions I had as I watched the movie, and then I kinda summed up my opinion about it overall down at the end?? so yeah. That’s how this one is gonna play out lol. Generalized running commentary style.

(fair warning: this WILL contain spoilers!! Like I can’t,,, , talk about it without giving stuff away lmao. If you haven’t seen the movie, and still want to and plan on doing so, I don’t recommend you read this!)

alright u made it past the spoiler warning so here we go!!

-  Quintessa gave me a lot of G1 Unicron vibes with the whole "I made you, you are mine to command" thing

- "Why do we tell these stories, besides the fact that dragons are wicked" girl same lmao

- I literally cannot. CANNOT. Take Barricade seriously. With those ridiculous "punish" and “enslave” branded brass knuckles. Buddy. My dude. Please chill. You're literally trying to be so edgy man just. Turn it down a notch lmao - Optimus literally didn't sound at all like himself at first?? It sounded like he had a different voice actor for those first few lines he spoke?? That was weird. It wasn't until the second time he appeared on screen where Quintessa was telling him about where the staff was hid was I like "oh wait yeah there's Peter Cullen" - the "Cybertron is coming" shot looked sUPER fake and green screened to me for whatever reason?? like idk I think it was the lighting they had on him but it was reALLY FUNNY PFFFFTT

- Bee swinging his legs on top of that roof was sUPER CUTE THANK U IM BLESSED

- Mohawk. Um. Who thought turning Junkrat into a Transformer was a good idea bc that’s literally all this dude is lmao

- What kind of name is Nitro Zeus. Im cryin. PRETTY SURE HE HAS THE SAME VOICE ACTOR AS THE ONE TIGER ALIEN FROM BEN 10??? I DON’T REMEMBER HIS NAME BUT HE WAS THE ONE THAT ALWAYS WENT "LEMME TELL YOU SOMETHIN". WHY DOES HE HAVE SHOCKWAVE'S FACE. IM SO DONE

- I like how they had the whole holoform bike thing going on?? like how Prowl's was in TFA and Arcee’s was in TFP that was neato - I WILL NEVER GET USED TO HEARING BUMBLEBEE SWEAR I S2G but the Siri voice thing was pretty funny ngl. I saw that in a trailer on instagram and didn't actually think it was actually a real scene that they kept I thought it was just made for that specific ad but nOPE IT WAS REAL LMAO - Megatron musing over Starscream's decapitated head oh my god liSTEN MAN PUT HIM DOWN DONT BE LIKE THIS COME ON - HI CAN WE TALK ABOUT COGSMAN I LOVE COGMAN A LOT I LOVE HIM HE WAS REALLY GREAT EASILY A BIG FAVE HE WAS SO ENJOYABLE TO WATCH I love how,,, ok heck I don't know this guy very well bc I didn't watch Age of Extinction but it's the green dude with the trench coat built into him,,, Crosshairs?? I think it's Crosshairs yeah but the fact that he called him a C-3PO rip off was fUNNY MAN that also got a good laugh outta me and he totally rekt his heckin finger lmao. He was rlly short?? that surprised me kinda like from the trailers it looked like he was pretty average human sized but nope he’s super short - BEE'S DOUBLE CHEST POUND FINGER GUN "ayyy my dude" THING WAS ADORABLE THANK U - THEY ACTUALLY WENT THROUGH WITH THE WHOLE EARTH BEING UNICRON THING HOLY HECK now that,,, that was really interesting. Didn't expect that. AND the whole Nemesis Prime deal?? OP getting brainwashed?? THAT'S why he's heckin evil nO WONDER MAN GEEZ I didn't think OP would willingly do all that to the earth just because. That makes me feel a lot better actually lmao - Soundwave!! Shockwave!! u guys are famous!! wow way to go im so proud of u!!!! - Hot Rod tho,,,, , oh boy he was a mess lmao. I only really know Hot Rod through MTMTE and the 80s Transformers movie so,, , not too too much to go off of, but he just was so incredibly DIFFERENT and off-putting from what I was used to that I honestly didn't like him so much?? I mean he was alright. Grew on me a bit more as the movie went on I think. He was ok. That time warp weapon thing he had was cool tho!! nice!! seemed kinda overpowered a bit but cool!! - COGMAN SPINNING AROUND IN A CIRCLE WHILE HE WALKED THE DOG WAS ADORABLE THANK U - you know that movie trope where he background music will become like a song on the radio and then a character comes and switches it off?? YEAH THEY DID SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN THIS MOVIE WITH THE EPIC WORLD-CHANGING ORGAN MUSIC AND I JUST. COGMAN GOING HAM ON THAT ORGAN HAD ME CRYYYYYYYIIINNG HE WAS SO INTO IT MAN OH MY GO D. I LOVE COGMAN THANK U THAT’S ONE OF MY FAVORITE TROPES AND IT WAS HILARIOUS GOD BLESS - HE CAN SING OPERA TOO IM CRYYYYIINNNG MAN JUST. PLEASE LET HIM HYPE UP THE MOMENT HE'S DOING HIS BEST!!!! - THE TABLE WAS WRITTEN IN OLD CYBERTRONIAN yknow if you could get Cyclonus down there he could probs read that for you no problem. Or don't actually. Please don't drag him into Bayverse oh I s2g nevermind nevermind - HEY MAN I LOVED THAT ROBOT HYDRA WOO BOY THAT WAS COOL and it's like?? a Combiner?? but not really. Burton just said the twelve knights combined into the dragon but I doubt they can all unfuse from that form lmao it was probs just a one time thing. So not a Combiner. Still cool tho. Robot dragons. SICK!!!!!! - HEY they did the whole Unicron's a planet-eating god thing this time around too wow. Neat. Listen man all I'm saying is I glad I watched TFP and bits of G1 and that 80s movie bc if not I woulda had no idea why Unicron was important lmao. That was pretty neat tho!! Interesting. Interesting. - OK BUT COGMAN LAUGHING AND SINGING "MOVE B!TCH GET OUT THE WAY" WHILE DRIVING 200 MPH DOWN THE ROAD WAS HILARIOUS WHAT A BLESSING THANK U - Surprisingly Bee seemed to be ok in that open water??? Hanging on to the side of a submarine?? I mean. Salt water man. Buddy watch out ur gonna rust plEASE BE CAREFUL

- speaking of which didn’t they say there was gonna be a submarine transformer in this movie?? like didn’t they say that in interviews before the movie came out?? I mean. We never saw that. It might’ve been that the submarine WAS a transformer but it never spoke, never transformed, nothing. Didn’t give any indication that it was uniquely Cybertronian aside from Vivian’s magic touch thing. Idk. That wasn’t explained so I mean. Hmm.

- Cogman can make sushi!! dang!! wow!!! bravo!!! - OP'S HECKIN INTERDIMENSIONAL BOOB POCKET OH MY GO D dang wish I had one of those lmao - THAT FINAL FIGHT WITH OP AND BEE THO AAAAAAAA OH MY GO S H HECKO MAN!!!! OPTIMUS RIPS OFF BEE'S DOOR WINGS MAN!!! GEEZ!!!! what I wanna know is like since when did Bumblebee have a hammer lmao. Like,, , is it supposed to the the Forge of Solus Prime?? When did he get that?? How and why?? I don't know and it was never explained but I mean. Why tho. - OH MY GOD BUT BEE'S VOICE!! IT ACTUALLY WORKED!!! DANG!! WOW BUDDY!!! AAAA!! IM GLAD HE'S OK!!! and that's all it takes to snap Optimus outta his brainwashed phase lmao ok then. Cool. Wasn’t what I expected him to sound like either but then again I really don’t know what I expected in the first place lmao - I feel a LOT better knowing Optimus didn't willingly wanna destroy the earth like. He was brainwashed. And when he snapped outta it he felt absolutely awful about what he did. I mean it felt like that whole plot point was rushed, a lot of this movie felt very rushed, but it makes me feel better at least lmao. Optimus I'm sorry man can I,,, , give u a hug or something man it rlly looks like u need a hug - "YOU CHOSE THE WRONG SIDE" OOOOOH BOY FLASHBACKS TO THAT CAPTAIN AMERICA CIVIL WAR BIT IN PRI.ME(3) LMAOOOO - CADE. BUDDY. YOU CANT JUST BLOCK A SWORD LIKE THAT. THAT WAS A KILLING BLOW DEALT BY A GIANT ALIEN ROBOT I DONT CARE HOW SPECIAL THAT MEDALLION THINGY IS U CANT JUST DO THAT LMAOOOO. And then as soon as he whips that sword out the rest of the knights are like "oh wait yeah let's stop killing this guy we're chill now let's all point out swords together" lmaooooo - Crosshairs' "Love that guy. Goosebumps every time" line after Optimus gives his mandatory speech lmAO DUDE SAME - "You were by far the coolest" alright Cogman you ruined the moment a lil bit but man I still love u hecko - OK THIS IS GONNA SOUND REALLY STUPID BUT LISTEN MAN I'M GLAD THERE WAS,,,, , a lot of hand holding going on towards the end. Like fr. Cogman to dying Burton and Vivian and Cade as they were gonna jump outta that plane onto the Cybertronian tendril whatevers. Just. Small bits of physical reassurance and comfort in times of real great distress. I appreciate that a LOT more than like, watching two characters make out right before the big climactic final showdown lmao. Thank u movie wow I really didn't expect that - SO THERE WAS A COMBINER TEAM!! A COMBINER MINOTAUR!!! DANG NOT EVEN GONNA LIE THAT THING WAS NEATO!!! - Ok forget what I said about Hot Rod at the beginning he redeemed himself at the end. I didn't like him and first but now,, , now we chill. Granted I still can't see him as being HOT ROD bc he's just so different from what I know him as Rodimus but I can still appreciate him as his own character. Cool cool. - OPTIMUS RIDING THE ROBOT HYDRA INTO BATTLE AND BLOWING EVERYTHING UP WAS GREAT. MAN THAT WAS GOOD. "DID YOU FORGET WHO I AM" WOOOO BOY CHILLS MAN!!!! - OH COME ON they still made out. Lmao. Dangit. It was inevitable but I mean come on man. Alright. They kept it short and quick thank you tho if u had to put in a make out scene at least u kept it to a minimum. Thank you. Can we get back to the robots now pls. - AAAAA BUMBLEBEE'S "STING LIKE A BEE" LINE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA - that ending was pretty sudden lmao. A lot of this movie was sudden and fast. They just jump cut STRAIGHT to those credits man not even an ending panorama or clean slow zoom out shot or anything lmao - AND OH BOY THEY TEASED UNICRON’S GONNA ACTUALLY COME BACK AND APPEAR IN ANOTHER MOVIE AAAAAAA OH NO OH BOY NOT AGAIN GOSH DARN IT LMAO 

All in all, surprisingly, I actually ended up kinda enjoying it!! Like it really wasn't as bad as I thought it would be!! Tbh for me it might even be second best in the series!! (First being the first movie from 2008 lmao) Honestly I was really REALLY surprised at how much I didn't hate it. Like. I still dislike it to a degree because it's still Bayverse, and I probably won't watch it again unless I'm with friends (like I do with the rest of the transformers movies) but it honestly wasn't too too bad! It really exceeded my expectations as far as plot, and I wasn't hardcore cringing for most of the movie so hey that's a plus!! The movie had a lot of genuinely funny moments, especially with Cogman, which got some pretty good laughs outta me like I was really having fun at those parts!! Optimus’ absence for most of the movie didn’t sit well with me for some reason. Like it just felt strange. But it kinda had to be for the story to move forward so I guess I can forgive that lol. The pacing was REALLY whack and way too fast though. Like they were REALLY trying to cram a whole lotta stuff into a relatively short amount of time. The movie's almost two and a half hours long but it really didn't feel like that because of how fast the pacing was. Some of the dialogue felt really forced because of this issue too. It didn’t feel genuine sometimes. But that has to be like, pretty much my only specific issue with it?? surprisingly?? wow. I'm honestly super shocked lmao dang man I didn’t think I’d like this movie at all but I was very much proved wrong!! I hated those old ladies tho and their obsession to get Vivian a boyfriend and the whole innuendo thing. Yeah. No. Don't do that. Stop. I'm too ace for this. 

anyways yeah those were my thoughts sorry that was so long lmao whoops  

[thelastspeecher]

Pint-Sized Sixer

Okay so this morning, I went through my bookmarks and AO3 and re-read @novantinuum‘s AMAZING fic in the Smaller Than He Seems AU, which is an AU where Ford gets stuck at a younger age while traveling through the multiverse, and returns to Gravity Falls as a child about the same age as Dipper and Mabel.  And after I finished re-reading it, I became inspired to crossover that AU with my own base AU that is part of my brand at this point: Stanley McGucket, aka where Stan gets effectively adopted by the McGucket Family and graduates high school and has kids and grandkids.  Sadly, none of my McGucket OCs appear in this, but Stan’s kids do.

A couple notes: Since it was a spur of the moment thing to write this, I avoided the majority of the angst that would come with this particular situation, so just assume it happens off-screen.  And in a similar vein, the very last scene takes place at the end of the summer, when everyone has had time to come to grips with Ford’s circumstances.

Anyways, enough rambling and background.  Have some...whatever this is.

              “We can probably come up with a way to fix this.”  Ford looked at his newfound niece, Emily.  He shook his head.  “What makes ya think we can’t?” she asked.

              “I’ve tried everything,” Ford said solemnly.  “Nothing worked.”

              “Yeah, but-” Emily started.  Stan looked up from the box of clothes he was currently digging through.

              “Squirt, go make sure Dipper and Mabel are in bed,” he instructed.  Emily rolled her eyes.

              “Fine,” she sighed.  She exited Ford’s study.

              “Ha!” Stan said triumphantly.  He pulled out a pair of khaki shorts and a T-shirt with a lion on it. “Knew I had some of Emmett’s old stuff.” He held out the clothes.  “Here ya go, Benji.”  Ford didn’t take them.  He frowned at Stan.

              “Pardon?”

              “I- oh.”  Stan grimaced.  He set the clothes on the floor.  “I just called ya Benji, didn’t I?”

              “Yes.  You did. Who’s Benji?”

              “Danny’s oldest.”

              “…Danny has children?”

              “Yep.  Four, and a fifth on the way.”  Stan dug around in his back pocket before pulling out his wallet.  He opened the wallet and removed a picture, handing it to Ford.  Ford looked at the picture of his niece, whom he had last seen when she was three.  He smiled faintly.

              She’s an adult now.  In the picture, Danny stood in front of a house Ford didn’t recognize, her arm around a man he assumed was her husband. Intelligence still sparkled in her eyes, even if they were hidden behind glasses now.  Three toddlers sat on the grass directly in front of the couple, while a young boy stood proudly by Danny’s side.  The boy looked more like Ford’s twin at the moment than Stan did. He had inherited the Pines family nose, Danny’s rich brown eyes, and rowdy brown curls from somewhere, despite Danny and her husband’s hair lacking both that color and texture.  He even wore glasses similar to Ford’s.

              “I see the resemblance,” Ford choked out.  Stan took the picture back and returned it to his wallet.

              “Yeah.  Luckily, Benji hasn’t been up here since the triplets were born, so no one around town should confuse you for him.”  Stan chewed on his lip.  “But if nosy people ask, maybe we should still say yer my grandkid.”

              “What?  No!” Ford burst out.  Stan sighed. He sat down on the floor in front of Ford.

              “Whattaya want us to tell ‘em, then?”

              “Nothing.  I won’t be going out in public.”

              “Ford…”  Stan rubbed his forehead.  “You can’t stay cooped up in the house.  It wouldn’t even be the full house!  If you don’t want people outside the fam’ly to see you, you’ll be stuck with only part of it.  We’ve got tourists tramping through every day to see the exhibits, after all.”

              “I can and I will stay indoors.”

              “I don’t think-” Stan started.  Ford crossed his arms.  “…Fine. You’ll get sick of it sooner or later.” Stan got up with a small groan. “Sittin’ down was a bad idea,” he muttered to himself.  He nodded at the box.  “Go ahead and put on whatever you want.  I’ll send Emily out to find some more clothes tomorrow.”

----- 

              Ford poked his head around the door plastered with the “Employees Only” sign.

              The coast is clear.  Damn Stanley and his correct assessment of how I would feel about staying inside the house.  Ford took a cautious step into the empty Gift Shop.  Nothing happened.  No tourists appeared out of nowhere to stampede over him, no relatives manifested from thin air to ask him prying questions.  Ford let out a sigh of relief.  Perfect.  He made his way over to the shelf of souvenirs he could most easily see at this height.

              “$100 for a snowglobe?” he mumbled out loud, picking one up. “Ridiculous.”

              “You lost or something?” a voice asked behind him.  Startled, the snowglobe fell from his hands.  “Aw, man.  That sucks.  Bet you’ll be breaking the piggy bank to pay for that.”  Ford slowly turned around.  At some point while he was distracted, a teenage girl had entered the Gift Shop.  She blew a strand of long, red hair out of her face.  “Better find your parents fast.”  The girl took a seat on the stool behind the register, propped her feet up on the counter, and opened a magazine.  Ford continued to stare at her silently.  After a moment, she sighed and closed her magazine.  “I was kidding.  I’m not actually gonna make you pay a hundred bucks for a cheap snowglobe.  I’ll just tell Stan that it got knocked off the shelf or something.”

              She must be one of Stan’s employees.  The girl raised an eyebrow at him.  If you try to go back to your room now, she’ll stop you, because she thinks you’re a tourist.  Introduce yourself!  Ford opened and closed his mouth silently.  Say something!  She’s just a teenager, she shouldn’t intimidate you! The girl got up with another sigh. She walked over to him and crouched down to his eye-height.

              “All right, kid, I’ll help you find your parents.  Did they go on a tour?”  She frowned.  “Hang on. You look a lot like Stan.  You one of his grandkids?”

              “…Yes,” Ford squeaked, seizing the less-than-ideal way out of the conversation.

              “Ah, okay.  Didn’t realize he had family other than Dipper and Mabel visiting.  He usually makes a big fuss about it.  When’d you get here?”

              “Last week.”

              “When that earthquake happened?” the girl asked.  Ford nodded.  “Oof. Bad timing.  Usually, things don’t float around here.  What’s your name?”

              “F-Ford.”

              “Ford.”  The girl stuck out her hand.  Ford hesitantly shook it.  “I’m Wendy. So, which of Stan’s kids is your parent?”

              “Um…”

              “Wendy, get ready, we’ve got a busload comin’ in ten minutes!” Stan shouted, barging into the Gift Shop.  He frowned at Wendy crouched in front of Ford.  “Get back to work.”

              “Geez.  You usually like it when I talk to your grandkids,” Wendy muttered, standing back up to her full height.  “Whatever.” She ambled back to the register and resumed her position behind the counter, idly reading her magazine.

              “You lookin’ fer food or somethin’, Ford?” Stan asked.  Ford’s stomach rumbled.  “Yeah.  It’s lunchtime.  Let’s fix you up a sandwich before I gotta run tours again.”  Stan ushered Ford back into the residential area of the house. Wendy waved at Ford as they left.

              “No need to say you told me so,” Ford said softly.  “You were right.  I couldn’t handle being stuck to the residential rooms.”

              “Yeah, no shit,” Stan said under his breath.  He looked down at Ford.  “What’d ya think of Wendy?”

              “She’s nice.”

              “Yep.”  Stan nodded. “She’s a good kid.  Helps keep Dipper and Mabel outta trouble.”

              “She asked me if I was your grandson, and I couldn’t think of any other reason that wouldn’t involve her dragging me around looking for my parents, so I said I was.”

              “That’s fine by me.”

              “She also asked which of your children is my parent.”

              “Hmm.  That’s a good question.”  Stan rubbed his chin.  “Maybe we could say Daisy.”

              “I don’t want- why are you so blasé about this?” Ford demanded.  Stan shrugged.

              “After raising four kids in Gravity Falls, there’s not much that’ll surprise me anymore.”

              “…That’s how you knew I would get sick of staying hidden,” Ford said quietly. “You’ve raised four children.”

              “Yeah.  Kids your age have too much energy to stay put for extended periods of time.  You actually held out longer than I thought.”

              “Fantastic,” Ford mumbled.

              “Ford, I’ve been thinkin’.”  Stan scratched his cheek.  “Sure, you might not wanna talk to people outside the fam’ly.  But that shouldn’t stop you from doin’ stuff.  It’s not healthy, fer one thing.”

              “But if I run into someone-”

              “Bring Dipper or Mabel or Emily with you.  They’ll handle whoever you come across.  Hell, you can even bring Soos or Wendy.”  Stan glanced at Ford.  “By the way, I made Soos promise not to spill about you to anyone.  That’s why Wendy didn’t know who ya were.  Figured you’d wanna keep it a secret fer now.”

              “…Thank you,” Ford said softly.

              “No problem.”  Stan cleared his throat.  “Seriously, though.  Next time the kids decide to go do whatever it is they do in the woods, join ‘em. It’ll be good fer ya.”

              “I’ll take that into consideration,” Ford said after a moment. Stan nodded.

              “That’s good enough fer me.”  He checked his watch.  “Shoot, the tourists are gonna be here any second.  Think you can handle lunch on yer own?”

              “Yes.  I’m biologically ten, not two.”

              “Good.  I’ll see ya later.”  Stan adjusted his suit slightly and went back into the Gift Shop.  Ford watched the door swing a few times before making his way to the kitchen.

              And the web of lies begins. Ford let out a small sigh.  I certainly hope this doesn’t result in my attending public school.  I’ve been through that once already.  I don’t want to go through it again.

----- 

              Ford drummed his fingers idly on the arm of Stan’s chair, his attention split between the TV currently blaring National Geographic and the door, through which Stan and the rest of his family were supposed to enter any moment.  He hoped that they would arrive before Soos came to check in on him.

              I am not a fan of this system. Ford scowled.  But agreeing to allow Soos to stop by every day was the only way Stan would leave me here alone.  Even though part of him ached with the desire to reunite with Stan’s children, he cringed at the thought of showing up to the birthday party being thrown for Danny’s triplets.  Stan would have to either come up with a lie, forcing me to act the part of a child, or he’d tell the McGuckets who I really am, which would be humiliating.  He heard the unmistakable sound of tires crunching against gravel.  Voices carried from outside, along with the slamming of car doors.  Ford turned off the TV.  The front door opened.

              “Hey, Ford, we brought you some cake,” Stan said cheerfully, marching into the living room.  He handed Ford a piece of cake in a sealed plastic container.

              “…Thank you,” Ford mumbled.

              “Oh, uh, and Emmett and Lucy are here,” Stan said.  “Emmett decided to take a semester off.  The stress was gettin’ to him.”  Ford perked up.

              I can finally meet the last of Stan’s children.  A tall young man entered, holding the hand of a young girl.

              “Dad, I-” the young man started.  He caught sight of Ford and stopped.  “…What’s Benji doin’ here?”  Before Stan could respond, the man squeezed his eyes shut.  “No, I ‘member now.  The drive messed with my brain a bit.  Wow, they look exactly the same.”  The girl whose hand he was holding looked at Ford curiously.  “Lucy, why don’t ya go with Grandpa Stan and get your room set up?  We can do introductions later.”

              “Okay!” the girl – Lucy – chirped.  She ran upstairs.

              “Sweetie, don’t run so fast.  Your grandpa has bad knees,” Stan called after her.

              “So?” she shouted.  Ford chuckled.

              “She’s certainly your granddaughter.”

              “Yep,” Stan said.  He followed Lucy upstairs, leaving Ford alone with the young man he now recognized as his nephew, Emmett.  Emmett approached Ford.

              “Uh, hi,” Emmett said awkwardly.  He rubbed the back of his neck.  “Sorry ‘bout the confusion earlier.”

              “It’s fine.  Stan showed me a picture.  Benji does look eerily like me.”

              “Yeah.”  Emmett swallowed.  “So, uh, yer my Uncle Ford.”  Ford nodded. “Geez, this is weird.”

              “It’s weird for me as well,” Ford said gently.  Emmett smiled weakly at him.  “But I’m excited to have met you.”

              “Same here.  I mean…I don’t really like the whole Gravity Falls weirdness stuff, but I do like fam’ly. And my whole life, I’ve been told that we might share somethin’ in common.”  Emmett looked down at his feet.  “Don’t know how much I believe that.”

              “A healthy dose of skepticism is required for functioning properly, I’ve found,” Ford replied.  Emmett snorted.

              “Man, the illusion that yer a kid just goes poof the second ya open yer mouth.”

              “That’s a good thing.”

              “…I guess.”  An awkward silence fell.  Footsteps sounded loudly on the stairs.  Stan poked his head into the living room.

              “Emmett-” he started.  Emmett shook his head.  “Okay. Good.”

              “You were the one who wanted to tell ‘im, so…”

              “Tell who what?” Ford asked.  More footsteps scurried downstairs.  Lucy ran into the living room and stopped in front of Ford, staring at him intensely.

              “Lucy-Loo, let’s go help Auntie Emily,” Emmett said, putting his hands on his daughter’s shoulders.

              “But-” Lucy started.

              “C’mon, we better go before she hurts herself,” Emmett insisted.  Lucy’s eyes widened.

              “Oh gosh.  Yeah.” She darted back outside.

              “I’ll let ya know when I’m done talkin’ to Ford,” Stan said to Emmett. Emmett nodded.  He followed his daughter outside.  Ford looked at Stan oddly.

              “Stanley, what is going on?” he asked.  Stan ran a hand through his hair.

              “On the drive, we got to talkin’.  Since it seems like we can’t fix this, we gotta get ya some paperwork and identification and all that good stuff.  Luckily, Danny works in the government, so she knows a guy who’s gonna help us out.”

              “That’s good.”

              “I talked to the kids, and we realized that if we wanna pretend yer my grandkid, which will be the easiest way for us to get you papers, there’s only one kid who could really pull off actin’ like yer parent.”

              “Let me guess.  Emmett?”

              “Yeah.  Danny’s got her own family, Daisy hasn’t even kissed anyone as far as I know, and Emily’s…well…”  Stan swallowed.

              “She lives in town, so the locals would be surprised if she had a child without anyone realizing she was pregnant,” Ford said.  Stan nodded.

              “Sure.  Let’s go with that.”

              “So, my identification will list Emmett as my father?” Ford asked.  Stan nodded again.  “I’m assuming the story is that I am the product of a one-night-stand, and Emmett wasn’t aware of my existence.”

              “Basically.  It works out pretty well, actually, since Lucy happened from a one-night-stand.”

              “Emmett doesn’t seem the type to sleep around.”

              “Well, you did just meet him.  You haven’t gotten to know him that well.”

              “Will I have to move in with him?” Ford asked quietly.  Stan shook his head.  Ford let out a small, relieved sigh.

              “No,” Stan said.  “It’d be better for you, Emmett, and Lucy if ya stay here.  Since this is the first time you’ve met Emmett, it’ll be easy to make the case that you shouldn’t stay with him.  And I’d hate fer ya to have to act like a kid around Lucy.”

              “You won’t be telling her the truth.”

              “Not yet.  Maybe when she gets older.”  Stan looked into Ford’s eyes.  “That’s what we came up with, but if you don’t like it, we’ll scrap the whole thing.”

              “…No, it’s…”  Ford looked down at his lap.  “It’s the best option, given the circumstances.”

              “It still sucks,” Stan said.  Ford nodded.

              “I won’t deny that.”  He swallowed. “Okay.  I can be Emmett’s son.”  Stan’s shoulders slumped in relief.

              This was clearly the best idea they could come up with to make everyone as happy as possible.

              “In public,” Stan said.  Ford looked back up.  “You’ll be Emmett’s son in public.  In private, you’re still my brother.”  Ford managed a small smile.

              “Good.”  Ford sighed again.  “Maybe Lucy and I can form a familial relationship of some sort.  It might be nice to have a sister.”

              “Emmett claims it’s overrated,” Stan said with a shrug.  Ford chuckled.

              “It’ll be easier to bond with Lucy if I’m not living in the same household as her,” he continued.  “I’d imagine the jealousy over an older sibling not attending school would be difficult to get past.”  Stan was quiet.  “…I won’t be expected to attend school, correct?”

              “Um…”  Stan looked away.

              “Stanley.”

              “You won’t have to go to school this year.  Let’s leave it at that.”

              “Stanley-”

              “We’ll burn that bridge when we get to it.”  Stan headed for the front door.  “Come outside and help us unload.”  Ford got out of the armchair.

              “That’s not how the saying goes, Stanley,” he grumbled.

              “Yeah, yeah,” Stan said breezily.  “Whatever.”

[theadasave]

bill n bor

Barbor - 04/12/2018

------------ Bor poofs in while being in a box, loafing in it with some jerky in their beak's mask and a braille book in hand. They just wanted to visit this place to nap in after reading this cool story, this is- Oh shoot! Is that a roach pushing a cart?

They deserve some of this jerky, Bor places a few good pieces of the dried meats in there for it's travels.~

NULL - 04/12/2018

Bill seems distracted, but he does drift up in his small triangle form to float idly around the edge of the box with limp limbs and a decidedly absent looking eye staring deep into the braille. How long will it take him to learn to read braille just by looking at it? Probably nowhere near as long as it would take a person. Hah, people, those silly things. (15 codebreaking) It'll still take a while, though.

Barbor - 04/12/2018

[12 codebroken!] It was a bit of a well known book by HP Lovecraft, the collection edition! This part of the book was about a detective going mad after seeing dreaming about something. It looks like bor is trying to get some inspiration on how to make places that'll make mortals go mad(or at least have some trouble living in it). Bor felt like there was something looking over their shoulder and they had a hunch on who it is, his peach fuzz and patches of fur got super floofy while puring lots!~ "Hi Bill!~ Long time no see, how goes it?~"

NULL - 04/12/2018

"Oh, Lovecraft. I remember that guy. What a weirdo. He wrote some neat stuff though, and inspired even cooler things." His eye blinks to life once he's got the braille figured out and a general idea of what Bor is reading in it. "Boy, did you get even cuter than before?" He hovers closer, gives the baph a gentle prod with his elbow, then settles in right there, enjoying the contact with a friend whom he'd clearly missed. "It's going... better. I think I'm getting things figured out. A lot has been happening but there are still people for things to happen to."

Barbor - 04/12/2018

"Dude, I agree 100%~ I never met him but this stuff is cool.~"

The feeling is mutual! Bor is trying to restrain themselves from giving this triangle a big bug four armed hug, just prompted the baph to do so!~ A big snuggly hug with a weird mix trill-purr and demonic growling. "I dunno, man~ Maybe I have.~" "I'm glad to hear that things are getting better, you deserve it.~" That last part almost got bor confused but than they remembered Bill is omniscien, "You gotta catch me up on what's going down, I feel like I missed too much.

NULL - 04/12/2018

"You have missed a lot, but it shouldn't be hard for me to give you a summary of the important stuff sometime. A basic outline, anyway. That's all you'll really need. Where've you been, anyway? I can't bring myself to be mad at you because I know you've got stuff going on, but I was pretty lonely for a while there. Only Steve really stuck around after the whole Weirdmageddon thing and just. Ugh." He returns the hug with a sudden influx of extra arms for emphasis. Maybe even clings a little. For all his big talk and excessive power, he's probably still a pretty lonely guy at his core. "...alright so here's the super short and sweet version. I sat around and pouted for a while because I felt like I made a mistake in not just wiping this place out because things got boring fast. Nobody did anything and I was starting to get the feeling that I wasn't the only one sick of it all, right? So, since I decidedly don't want to break things beyond repair yet, instead of causing trouble myself, I started gradually wearing away at the borders between realities, and intentionally involving other, less god-like, but still pretty strong trouble-makers and do-gooders."

Barbor - 04/12/2018

They closed their book to give him their full attention, when Bill finished Bor had their antennae and ears perked up in surprise, so that's why there's so much new people here. "That's actually pretty smart," they let out a small hummed chuckle, not at all minding the clinginess"I know when you said you owned everything you mean everything, but you probably own those other realities too.~"  if this guy isn't a great role model when it comes to these things and it'll be really hard for them to change their mind. Bill's question made the demon gnaw on the still hanging piece of jerky anxiously. "And about me disappearing... I wanted to head back to my original world to give my ass of a old boss a piece of my mind. But," The baph shrugged a bit "I should've expect the guy to die from his own disease. It's sucked I didn't get to do it, but what can you do?... I'm sorry for leaving like that Bill, I should've let you know where I was going. At least let you tag along, I'm sure you would had fun killing the guy too."(edited)

NULL - 04/12/2018

"Aw geeze, well revenge sure is a good reason to get out of here for a while, but I would have appreciated a heads up. Note for next time, huh? I got myself pretty attached to you, so just let me know when you need downtime, if you can." Surprisingly agreeable, for Bill. The relatively short but still somewhat substantial amount of time he's spent out of isolation has done at least a little bit of good for his communication skills. He's probably going to stay attached to Bor like this for a while now, too. "So yeah! I'm pitting people against each other for entertainment. They'd probably call it "evil" or "manipulative", but honestly. Everyone would be so bored if not for me! That or off somewhere else, and frankly, I'm not too keen on sitting around by myself anymore. I'd like to never do that again."

Barbor - 04/13/2018

Bor is enjoying this multi-arm hug so much that they're actually considering napping like this, it's very comfy.~ They let a couple of chuffs in agreement, the demon would make sure to let him know. This demon is actually pretty relieved, they were kinda anxious about him being a bit mad after leaving like this. "I hear ya, you're just trying to keep things lively.~  I don't see why that's evil or manipulative," they paused for a bit, tilted their head a bit. eh, if they were in their shoes that'll be probably be the right words to put it. But HECC!! a little chaos never got anyone bored why should that be a problem now. "*humans pit themselves against each other before, I don't see why you doing it should be any different.  They'll probably be glad it happened when they look back at it in hindsight~"

NULL - 04/13/2018

Bill doesn't sleep, but he's been known to zone out and stare through space and time while sticking close to a friend in need of a dreamless rest, so he'd probably be willing to do that here and now with Bor. He hums in agreement, letting his eye drift closed while a few arms retreat back into his body, but not too many. Gotta keep that good grip. "Oh, and they do most of the legwork themselves. Whether they want to admit it out not, people are always looking for something or someone to fight against. If it's not full-scale war, it's a personal one, and if not that, they spend more time looking for things to get mad about than they do actually enjoying the peace. In general, anyway. There are always going to be exceptions."

Barbor - 04/13/2018

Dat good grip!~ A dreamless rest would be nice every now and then, everything gets confusing when their four little eyes are always open. Dreams and reality blends up too much for them to enjoy their rest sometimes. The fearamid is chaotic enough for it seem like one, and sure putting a eye mask on their head helps but it feels to silly to use. "Snrk, that sounds like the best part.~  It's like that fighting stuff is in everyone's blood, sometimes it's just good to get that outta ya.~" Bor cackles when they remember when they over heard a few people arguing over a vending machine before they came to this world. "Yeah, there gotta be some exceptions or else the world might be too unbalanced.  I think. Maybe?"(edited)

NULL - 04/13/2018

"Yeah, that sounds right. If it were all chaos and fights all the time, there's be nothing yet. I think I determined that a while ago. Oh, you remember that weird black dog? I made him a god, too. Just, you know, so that "balance" thing happens, and because running the place myself is a pain in my blocky foundation. You know what that means, don't you kid? It's like my ass. Haha." Those arms anchor down tighter and Bill enlarges himself to a reasonable Bor-lifting size. He proceeds to do that, floating with the Baph and his box both in tow up to the penthouse.

Barbor - 04/13/2018

"Kahaha, god do- whoah!" THEY'RE??? BEING CARRIED???? Hey this makes the baph/hell-cat bug thing very very happy, so much so that they're doing little bleating sounds while having those sparkle eyes their vessel always has. It's really never a dull moment when they're being carried while not being a roach, it's super thrilling~ "Oh ma-ehehehaan!" They couldn't help but bleat in mid-sentence, "where are we-" Oh it looks like they're going to the penthouse, better rephrase that question. "Why we heading to the penthouse?" It's a silly question they realized but the excitement didn't let them think it through.