#guaranteed to have me on my knees wagging my tail is all i’m saying | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

johnsbleu · 6 years ago

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Hold My Hand: John Wick & Reader Chapter 39

warnings: none, just softness

The bedroom door creaks open, but you're too tired to lift your head to look. Slowly and reluctantly, you open your eyes when you feel the bed shift under the weight of someone. Looking up, you see Bleu tilt his head as he stares at you. He leans forward to sniff you and wags his tail when he sees you're awake.

“Hi, baby.” you reach out to pet him and the sheet pulls down, revealing your naked body. “Oh, shit.”

He's only a dog, but you still feel uncomfortable being naked in front of him. Bleu lays down, completely unaware as you frantically sit up and grab your bra from the floor. Bending over at the waist, you feel a dull ache between your legs and you smile to yourself when you remember John’s birthday present to you.

Pulling your clothes on quickly, you open the bedroom door further and immediately hear Harper laughing. Well, someone is awake.

You slowly walk down the stairs and see John laying on his stomach with Harper on the floor in front of him. He reaches out and taps her nose with her finger and she giggles loudly, drool dripping from her chin.

Focusing hard on being quiet, you don't see Bleu's squeaky duck toy on the floor and your foot lands on it causing it to squeak loudly. You freeze in place as John looks over his shoulder. When he sees you, he smiles wide and his eyes sparkle.

“Hey.” he laughs when he sees you frozen in place with your foot on the toy.

“Hi.”

“Come here.” John scoots over on the floor a little for you to lay next to him. He's placed pillows all around Harper and he has one arm stretched out to hold her back. “Come on, baby.”

“Hi, cutie.” you say and wave at Harper as she wiggles a little in place, seemingly happy to see you. You look down at John and smile, “Hi, handsome.”

“Good afternoon, beautiful.” John looks up at you as you straddle his back and you wrap your arms around his chest. “What are you doing?”

“You're comfy.” you say and snuggle into his neck, inhaling his cologne; your favorite scent.

Harper’s little ankles are rotating and you know she's going to start walking on her own soon, and you’re still hoping like hell it doesn't happen while she's at your house. She kicks her legs fast and you both laugh as you watch her.

John looks over his shoulder, puckering. “Can I have a kiss?”

“Yes, of course.”

You lick your lips, leaning over his shoulder and close to his face, slowly kissing him a few times and wanting to savor every second. You slide off his back and onto your side, lips still glued to his and he wraps his free hand around your side and pulls you closer, until you're on your back and almost under him. It's uncomfortable, but you don't care.

Pulling back, you smile softly and kiss his cheek, “Hi.”

“Hey.” he smiles.

Harper begins to babble and you roll over onto your stomach, resting your head on your hands. John starts to laugh and looks over at you as you talk to Harper.

“Tell me all about it, little lady.” you say and Harper squeals loudly, “Oh my goodness, that’s so funny!”

“What’s she saying?” John laughs and looks back and forth between the two of you.

“She said that she doesn’t really like you, she likes me better.” you nudge John’s shoulder and he laughs. You look at John and nod to her. “Talk to her.”

“I don't...” he looks back at Harper then at you again. “I don't know what to say.”

“You were talking to her before I came out, continue your conversation.” you bump his shoulder with yours and his cheeks turn pink with embarrassment.

John looks at Harper and starts laughing when she babbles unintelligibly. “Hi, Harper. I'm going to get your brother from school soon, and then we're going to eat some dinner later, maybe go to the park and play with Bleu.”

“Why are you talking to her like she’s 80 years old?” you laugh and John shrugs. “Talk to her like she’s a baby!”

“Uh…” John looks so out of his element and he laughs again. “Hi, cutie.”

“Oh, god.” you cover your face with your hands, on the verge of tears. You look up at John as he talks to Harper, and the happiness on his face is making you sink into the floor. “So, what are we going to do for dinner? I'm starving already.”

“I don't know. We can do whatever, I'm fine with pizza or whatever you want. God, she really is a beautiful baby, isn't she?” he says and you smile when you see how comfortable John is getting. “You are so beautiful.”

Harper looks up at John as he talks to her and she smiles big, still babbling. She's not saying anything of course, she's only nine months old, but you and John both hear it clear as day: Dada.

Both you and John look at each other, eyes wide in shock. You hide your face in your hands and begin to laugh. John is in complete shock and keeps opening his mouth to talk, but nothing is coming out. When he finally manages to get the words out, he stutters.

“D-did she...did you...” John can't get the words out and he starts to laugh. “Did she just call me...what I think she called me?”

“John, she's nine months old. She's just babbling.” you look at John and you both know you're lying, you heard it.

“She did, didn't she?” John starts to tear up a little and you scoot closer to him, rubbing his back.

“Baby...” you rest your head on John and smile at him. He hangs his head then looks back up at you quickly. “Don't worry, I'm sure she's said it to Aurelio too.”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes! Why do you think she's saying it so much?” you say and look back at Harper, still saying it in between her giggles. “She's definitely said to to him already, I can guarantee it.” You look at John and sit up a little, watching his eyes fill with tears.

“Kinda made my heart melt.” he says, looking over at you.

“Yeah, mine too.” you nod and lean in to kiss John, tearing up as well. “And seeing your reaction…”

John wipes his eyes with his hand and sniffles, “Sorry, it was just...really cute.”

“You are so perfect, you know that?” you lay on your side and prop your head up on your hand, watching John as he plays with Harper.

“Stop.” he laughs and leans over to kiss you again.

“What time is it?” you ask and reach for his watch.

“A little after one. I'll have to go get Benji in a bit. I have a few places I need to go first.” he says, picking up Harper in his arms and reaches down to help you up.

“Did you feed her?”

“Yeah.” he nods, beaming.

You look at Harper and notice her clothes: a rainbow striped shirt and peach colored polka pants. “You dressed her?”

“She helped me pick out her clothes.” he laughs and hugs her tight to his chest before handing her to you.

“Clearly...” you say, hoisting Harper on your hip.

“What does that mean?” he asks, offended.

You start to laugh and gesture to John. He’s wearing a pair of jeans that fit him perfectly and his shirt is just dark blue, but it probably costs over 40 dollars and the shoes he’s wearing, you remember from seeing a receipt for, and they cost quite a bit of money.

“I’ve seen your work suits. You have a great sense of fashion,” you hold Harper up in front of John and peek around her to see his face, “This is just...bad.”

“Hey! Be nice, she picked it all out.”

“Okay, okay.” you laugh and hoist Harper up on your hip again.

“I'm gonna head out now.” he says, kissing your cheek and he brushes his thumb against Harper's cheek. “Got a few places I need to go.”

“Oh, where do you need to go?” you ask, slipping your hand into his and he squeezes it tight, then brings it to his lips to press a few kisses to it.

“I'm going to the airport and then--”

“The airport?” you cut him off, tilting your head a little.

“Yeah,” he says as he starts walking to the closet for his jacket, still holding your hand. “I like to go there and just drive a little bit. Gotta keep my skills...sharp.”

“Makes sense.” you nod.

“Plus, I'm getting a haircut.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa...you're what?” you grab his arm as he turns. “You can't.”

He starts to laugh, “And why is that?”

“I love your hair.” you say, running your fingers through it and he closes his eyes. “Please don't cut it.”

He shoves his hands in his pockets and shrugs, “Well, I don't want it long anymore. So, I'm just going to shave it all off. My beard as well.”

“Jonathan, please.” you start to whine and pray he's joking. “It’s not even that long, it’s like it always is. Tell me this is a really bad joke.”

His face is so serious, you really can't tell and you hate it. He's so good at hiding his emotions sometimes, it infuriates you. He slowly starts to smile and cups your face to kiss your forehead.

“You’re so cute. I'm not cutting it, more of a trim.” he laughs. “Remember how it looked when we met...I had just gotten it trimmed.”

You exhale, laughing, “Please, don't ever come home bald.”

“I won't.” he laughs, leaning down to kiss you.

“And don't ever shave your beard.” You place your hand on his face, rubbing your fingers against his beard. The two of you stare at each other for a moment and you tap your inner thigh as you raise an eyebrow.

“I won't.” he looks down, smirking. “You only like me for my beard and my hair, I knew it.”

“You caught me!” you laugh and shake your head, “Maybe your heart too.”

You can see John's knees almost buckling and he pulls you and Harper into his arms. He leans back and smiles, “Kiss?”

You stand on your tiptoes, pecking John endlessly and Harper giggles. “Oh, I think she wants one too.”

“Can I have a kiss?” he asks and leans down as Harper leans forward to kiss him. “Okay, that was cute.”

“It was.” you say and Harper looks at you. You pucker your lips and she instantly leans over to kiss you.

“Oh, my god.” John puts his hands over his face and tilts his head back. “That was so cute.”

“You are honestly the funniest man I know.” you say and grab John by the collar of his jacket to kiss him again.

“I really gotta go this time.” John says and caresses your cheek. He whistles for Bleu and moments later, you hear him running to the front door. “Gonna surprise Benji.”

“You take him in the car when you go driving?” you look at him in shock. “John, the poor thing will get sick.”

“He has his little seat belt. He's fine, he likes it.” he laughs.

“I find that hard to believe, but okay.”

Watching John leave, you sigh and head back to the kitchen. It's lonely without John and Bleu, but when Harper wiggles in your arms, you feel excited that you’ll be able to spend time with her. Hopefully she’ll end up liking you as much as she likes John.

“Hi, sweetie.” you tickle her tummy and she laughs.

John has already set up Harper's high chair and you place her in it with a handful of Cheerios. You perk up when you hear your phone ringing and reach against the table to grab it.

Tess.

“Hello?” you say, with a smile on your face.

“Are you busy?” she asks, and you can hear Jimmy singing loudly in the background. Some 80s song, of course.

Looking over at Harper in her high chair, you shrug. “Uh, we actually have the kids -- Aurelio’s kids, but no, we're not busy. I'm home alone right now actually. Wick is gone running some errands, then he's getting Benji from school. Why?”

Tess squeals and laughs, “Okay, well Jimmy and I are coming over in like an hour or so.”

You're sitting in the kitchen with Harper when you hear the door open and you quickly get up to peek around the corner to see Jimmy and Tess. They're smiling and kissing each other relentlessly, his hand is on her stomach and when she looks down, he presses a kiss to her temple. You smile to yourself and walk back over to Harper to give them their privacy.

“Well, this is a nice sight.” Tess says when she sees you sitting in the chair in front of Harper.

“Oh,” you laugh and turn around to hug Tess and Jimmy. “Hey.”

Tess waves at Harper and leans down in front of her. “Who are you?”

Jimmy immediately walks over, leaning close to Harper. “Hi, you're cute. I've met your big brother, but I haven't met you yet.”

Harper looks back and forth between Jimmy and Tess then bangs her hands on her tray as she squeals loudly. She kicks her legs fast in her chair and reaches out to grab Tess’ hair, tugging on it hard, but Tess doesn’t seem to mind.

“This is Harper, she is eight months – wait, she's nine months now. A very happy baby, as you can see. She’s kind of in love with John, a little uninterested in me when he's around. And to be honest, the feeling is mutual. He is enamored.”

“John...with a baby...I need to see that.” Jimmy laughs and Tess hits his shoulder. “Ouch! What? I just meant that it would be funny to see because he's...John.”

“He’s really sweet with her. She, uh…called him 'dada' earlier.” You look back down at Harper and smile. “Didn't you?”

She smacks her hands on the highchair and laughs, shrieking and saying it over and over again.

“How did John react?” Tess asks and puts her hand over her heart.

You look at Jimmy then back to Tess, “He teared up, the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Then he felt bad and was worried she hadn’t said it to Aurelio yet, which she obviously has.”

Jimmy leans against the counter and nods, “I won't lie, I'll sob when it happens.”

“Oh, we know.” Tess laughs and points at Harper, “Can I hold her?”

“Yeah, go ahead!”

You watch Tess take her out of her high chair and she sits down at the table with Harper in her lap, “She's beautiful. God, not to force it on you, but if you and John had kids…they would be beautiful.”

If you had a child with John and they looked exactly like him, you'd be happy. John looks like he was sculpted from marble. His arms are toned, but so soft to the touch. He's tall and lean, his eyes are the perfect shape and the most delicious shade of brown. His lips are full and pink, and his nose is perfect. Every time you try to describe John, only one word comes to mind: beautiful.

Jimmy sits down across from Tess, lightly tapping a pencil on the table and starts to laugh.

“Why are you laughing?” Tess asks.

He holds up the pencil and starts laughing harder. You look over at Tess and shrug. “Is there like…some inside joke I'm missing?”

“You don't know?” Jimmy asks with a smile on his face.

“James, oh my god. Obviously we don't.” Tess snaps.

He holds up the pencil again, “There's a story about John.”

Tess scoots to the edge of her seat, “I love these stories. John is a very interesting man.”

“You two just talk about him when you're bored?” you ask, laughing.

“Pretty much.” Tess shrugs.

“There's a story about John that everyone knows – well almost everyone.” he gestures to Tess and you. “Years ago, back before Helen, before everything, there aren't many details, but he killed three men in a bar.”

“Yeah, he's...killed a lot of people.” you laugh nervously.

“No, he did it...” he holds up the pencil and rolls it in his fingers. “With a pencil.”

Tess covers Harper's ears, “Holy shit, with a fucking pencil?”

Jimmy starts to laugh and nods, “Yeah, he's like...a legend. I'm sure you know about his Baba Yaga persona, but you've never seen it and I hope you never do, to be honest. He's scary as...” he looks at Harper and reaches across the table to cover her ears, “He's scary as fuck.”

“I don't know, I'd like to see it. Might be kinda hot.” Tess says, shrugging. “It’s weird when I’m around John, I completely forget that he like…kills people. He’s just so soft, and he’s so sweet.”

“Yeah, with her.” Jimmy laughs.

“Hey! He’s nice to me too.” Tess pouts and Jimmy lets out a loud laugh.

Pulling out the stool, you sit down and stare at the floor in shock. “With a pencil? How do you even...”

Jimmy starts to laugh and reaches out to touch your knee. “Are you okay?”

Bleu’s feet on the kitchen floor alert that John is home and you exhale, trying to process the pencil story. You quickly walk out to the living room and see John carrying Benji on his back. Leaning against the wall, you watch the two with a smile on your face. John sees you and flexes his arms hard as he sets Benji down. Rolling your eyes, you walk over to him as Benji runs past you into the kitchen.

“Hi, Y/N.” Benji says, skipping past you into the kitchen.

“Hey, buddy.” you say, and you feel John's hands on your waist.

“I missed you.”

“You were gone for like two hours.” you laugh.

“You didn't miss me?” he frowns.

“Of course I did.”

Quickly looking over your shoulder, you check to make sure no one is watching as you scoot closer to John. You run your fingers through his hair and bite your lip. You can tell he got a haircut, but it's not much different. John’s fingers press into your waist as he pulls you closer to kiss you, tongues sliding against one another.

“Mmm,” he hums and tilts his head back with his eyes closed, “I missed your lips.”

“Oh, stop it.” you push him back a little, but he grabs your hand and pulls you into his arms. John leans back down to kiss you again and smiles against your lips when you wiggle away from him.

“Keep kissing me.” he pouts and you shake your head.

“You’re pathetically cute.” you laugh as you lean back up to kiss John. “Jimmy and Tess are here.”

“Yeah, I saw her car out front. I figured it was just Tess.” he says as you walk backwards with him into the kitchen, still pressing kisses to each other’s lips.

Tess has started putting peanut butter on celery and when she glances up, you give her a thumbs up and whisper. “Good job, mom.”

“He just wanted a snack, is that okay?” Tess asks and stops spreading the peanut butter. “I don’t want to spoil his dinner."

“Yes, of course.” you bump her shoulder and John steals a piece of celery from the plate.

“Oh, I see John likes celery.” Tess laughs.

“He’s so good at eating his fruits and veggies. Me, not so much.” you say and lean against the counter next to Tess. “He practically begged me to eat cauliflower the other day and I refused.”

“She put up a good fight?” Tess asks and looks up at John.

“She did, and in the end, she won. I promised I wouldn’t make her eat any vegetables she didn’t want to.”

You look over at Tess and shrug, “He’s weird.”

Tess watches as John and Jimmy begin talking, and she leans close to your face to whisper. “He’s trying to keep you healthy, keep you around for awhile.”

“Oh, god.” you roll your eyes and stand up straight.

John walks over to Harper, taking her out of the high chair and presses a soft kiss to the top of her head. You love how comfortable he's gotten in this new role, even if it's only temporary. Tess sets Benji's plate on the table and moves over to look at Harper.

“I'm sure you've met Harper already.” John says, handing her off to Tess. “She likes when you bounce her a little bit.”

“Oh, she told you that?” Tess laughs.

“No...I mean, wait...” John looks at you, frowning.

“John, she likes it. Be nice to him, Tess. He's new at this.”

“I'm kidding.” she laughs and squeezes John's arm. Harper reaches out for John again and he gives Tess a wicked grin as he takes Harper from her arms. “Okay, so she obviously likes you.”

“Told you.” you say and walk over to John. He wraps his arm around your waist to pull you closer and from the corner of your eye, you see Tess smiling. “What?”

“No, nothing.” she says and shrugs, trying not to cry, “You just...look like a family. I'm sorry, I'm so emotional today.”

“Yeah,” you smile and look up at John, “Babe, you can put her down. She's probably in need a nap now anyway.”

John leaves the room with Benji trailing right behind him, and you love how packed the house is with your friends and kids. It's full of love – just like John once described it.

“They love him.” Jimmy laughs.

You exhale and start cleaning up Benji's plate. “They do.”

“You want kids?” Jimmy asks.

“I'm fine either way.”

“She's lying. I know that seeing John with a baby is killing her, and her ovaries are probably screaming right now.” Tess says then laughs.

You all start to laugh and you turn back around to face them, “Yeah, it's killing me. He's just so cute with them.”

John walks back into the kitchen with Benji still on his heels, and he leans against the counter next you, “She went out as soon as I laid her down.”

“Uncle John, is she your wife?” Benji asks, staring blankly at John.

“Uh...” John looks up at you then back to Benji, and you all start to laugh when you see how uncomfortable John is. John looks at you and shrugs. “What do I say?”

“Nope, I’m just his friend.” you say to Benji and he stares at you for a minute.

“But you live here?”

“I do.” you nod and John wraps his arm around your shoulder, “I’m uncle John’s special friend.”

“God, don’t say ‘special friend’, you dork.” Tess laughs and looks down at Benji. “She’s uncle John’s girlfriend. Do you know what a girlfriend is?”

“A girl you think is pretty and funny…and you like her.” he says and you smile at how innocent he is.

“Yup, and uncle John thinks she’s very pretty and very funny.” Tess smiles and leans closer to Benji, “I’ll let you in on a secret: uncle John likes her a lot.”

John’s grip on you tightens and you look up at him. The two of you stare at each other as Benji starts talking to Jimmy and Tess, and he pulls you closer to his chest to hug you, “I do like you a lot.”

“I like you and I love you. That’s a pretty good thing.” you laugh and John leans down to kiss you.

Benji tugs at the bottom of Jimmy’s jacket and looks up at him, “Have you caught any bad guys?”

“Uh, haven't caught any bad guys today.” Jimmy says and looks up at John, “You know who also catches bad guys?”

“Who?” Benji asks and Jimmy points to John. “Uncle John?”

“Uncle John.” Jimmy nods. “He catches the really bad guys.”

“The bad guys who are mean to people?” he asks and looks over at John.

“Yup.” John nods.

“Whoa!” Benji laughs and starts talking to Jimmy again.

John looks over at you and shrugs, “This is a little weird.”

“It's not weird, baby. He thinks you're cool.” you say and pat his chest, reassuring him.“He's six, he has no idea.”

“Can I go watch cartoons now?” Benji stands in front of you and asks.

“Of course, go ahead.” you say and wave him off.

“Kids. So clueless.” Tess laughs.

John gestures to the table and you all move to sit down. Instinctively, you scoot closer to John, holding his hand under the table. His hand is so big compared to yours and so warm. He squeezes it tight and you smile at him. You already know what Tess is here to announce, but you don’t say anything.

“I can't do it, Tess.” Jimmy starts to laugh. “I can't hold it in any longer.”

“I'm eight weeks pregnant!” Tess laughs and sticks out her stomach. “We’re having a baby!”

“Congratulations!” John quickly stands up to hug both Tess and Jimmy, and your heart melts a little every time he shows them affection. You watch him as he hugs Jimmy and Jimmy’s face is red, tears brimming his eyes.

You get up and hug Jimmy, then move to Tess. Tears are filling your eyes and when you look at Tess, she's already sobbing.

“You're going to be a mommy. I can't believe this.” you put your hand on her stomach and rub it. “There's a human in there, like...just growing. Wait, you're eight weeks pregnant – two months pregnant – and you didn't know?”

“Yeah,” she laughs and nods her head, “It was mostly because I kinda knew, but I was too nervous to take a test.”

“Well, I'm nervous.” Jimmy admits and John squeezes his shoulder.

“You'll be a great dad, Jimmy.” John says and turns to Tess. He reaches out slowly to touch her stomach and pulls his hand back. “I’m sorry, that was rude. May I? I’ve just never…”

“Felt a baby bump?” she laughs.

“Yeah.” he says quietly and looks over at you. You give him a small smile and watch as he places his hand on her stomach.

“I'm not really showing yet…well, I am a little bit, but it’s not very noticeable to anyone but me.” she laughs and watches John as he rubs her belly.

John's hand engulfs Tess' stomach and a smile spreads across his face. He looks up at you, smiling and you catch a tear forming in his eye. “That's amazing.”

“Are you kidding me with this guy? He’s so fucking cute.” Tess laughs and looks at you.

“The little one is as big as a raspberry right now.” Jimmy says and high fives Tess then leans down to talk to her belly, “Growing away in there, aren't you?”

“We haven't even told Jimmy's parents yet, we wanted you both to be the first to know.” Tess gestures for you to sit back down and she reaches out for your hand, “We love you both so much. You're our best friends -- our family.”

“Uh oh.” you say and feel yourself tearing up again.

“But you--” she points to you and you freeze, “No one will ever know me like you do, no one will understand me like you do. No one will ever come between us and no one -- not even this one,” she points at John and laughs, “He will never love you as much as I do.”

You feel John’s hand on your back and you look over to see him smiling at you. You know he’d love to debate with Tess over who loves you more, but he doesn’t say anything. You look back at Tess as she wipes away tears.

“You've always been there for me, and I've always been there for you. Your mom took me in when I was young, and you never held any resentment when her and I would bond over something, or just spend the day together alone. We’ve been friends for years and literally have never fought. You are my sister.”

“Tess.” you say, wiping away a tear and you feel John's hand on yours.

“And John,” she wipes away another tear and starts to laugh, “You have made her so incredibly happy, I've literally never seen her like this before. I think you two are the perfect match and as corny as it sounds, I don’t know two people who are more suited for each other. She loves you so much.”

“I love her.” he says, nodding.

“I know you do.” she nods and reaches out to pat John's cheek. She sits back and exhales, looking over at Jimmy, “So…with that being said, would you want to be our baby's godparents? We know that if anything happened to us, you would be the perfect fit for our baby. There is so much love between you two and in this house. That’s exactly what we would want for our child, and you could afford to take it on and we know you would love our child like it was your own.”

“Are you kidding? Of course!” you say, not even taking a moment to think about it. John, on the other hand, is looking down at the table. “Baby, are you okay?”

“I'm in shock.” he laughs and shakes his head, “You want me...to be the godfather of your child?”

“Yes.” Tess says, staring at him.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” she sits back and Jimmy's hand instantly finds its way her stomach.

“We trust the two of you, we know you would take care of our child if something ever happened to us. There’s no doubt in our minds that you would be good parents. John, you're my best friend, and I trust you.” Jimmy says with his hand still on Tess’ stomach.

“Aw!” you and Tess both say in unison, and you wipe away another tear.

“Well, what do you say, Wick?” you ask, excitedly.

He reaches for your hand under the table and you squeeze it hard – or what you consider to be hard. He looks back at Jimmy and Tess, slowly nodding. “Yeah, I'd love to be the godfather of your baby.”

You shake your head and laugh, “I can't believe you're going to be a mom. It feels like just yesterday we were planning our weddings and what we were gonna name our kids in that stupid little book of ours.”

“I still have that book, by the way. We have some interesting names in there, saw a few I liked though. It’s so weird…everything is happening so fast, but I know this pregnancy is going to last forever.” she looks down at her belly and starts talking to it, “Hurry up in there so we can meet you!”

Jimmy taps on the table and looks at Tess. “Well, should we go to my parents?”

She nods her head and laughs, “Let's go tell mom and dad.”

“Speaking of mom…” you say as you get up from the table.

“I'm telling her at the wedding. I want to tell her in person. I hate to put it off for so long but…”

You nod and wrap your arm around Tess' shoulder as you walk to the door, “I get it. Your parents would be really happy for you.”

Tess stops at the door and turns around with tears in her eyes, “Yeah, I'd like to think my dad would love James.”

“Okay, first of all, dying over ‘James’, and he definitely would.” you say and look over at John talking away with Jimmy. “You’re gonna be his wife soon.”

“Mrs. Hendricks.” she nods, pointing at herself.

“Oh…my god.” you look at Tess as you laugh. “Oh, my god!”

John looks over at you, furrowing his brow, “Baby…are you okay?”

“Oh, my god…you’re literally Jimmy Hendricks.” you say, bending over at the waist as you laugh. “How did I never put that together?”

“Well, spelled differently and technically, I’m James Hendricks.” Jimmy does an aggressive air guitar and laughs, “I play the guitar too.”

“No, you don’t.” you look up at him and widen your eyes, “Shut up.”

“He does.” Tess says and wraps her arms around him, “He’s really good too. I mean not as good as Jimi Hendrix, but who is?”

“Jimmy Hendricks.” you whisper quietly to yourself. “Tess Hendricks sounds good.”

“It really does, doesn’t it?” she says, looking at Jimmy and leaning in to kiss him.

“I can't wait to see what your name this little goob.” you say and put your hand on her belly. “I can't wait to be with you every step of the way. Anytime you need us to babysit,” you nod to John and point to yourself, “Call us.”

“I haven't even had the baby yet.” she laughs.

“Well, if you need someone to help pick out baby shit, I'm your gal. Or maybe you can ask John since he went there today, lied and told the people at the shop that he had a wife and daughter.”

“What?” Jimmy laughs and looks at John.

“I just went there to buy a few things and I didn't want to look weird.” John looks over at you and shakes his head. “I just said that my daughter and wife were at home.”

“Your wife?” Tess smirks and nudges John.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” John rolls his eyes and turns away as he laughs, looking over his shoulder and waving. “See ya later.”

“You gotta marry her, John! She’d make a really good Mrs. Wick!” Jimmy yells as you slowly close the door, and you can't help but laugh.

#john wick x reader #john wick x you #john wick #semi canon that that is jimmy's last name we cant fucking tell #either way its funny to think about dfjklsd;#sorry this chapter is boring af i promise the stuff coming up soon is much more intersting #Fic: Hold My Hand

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cant-icle · 7 years ago

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For the 200 follower promptaganza can I request an angsty (although with a happy end) Werewolf!Ryuji x Akira/Ren fic please?

“Look, I’m not expecting you to want to talk, but I feellike we need to. There’s some things we should discuss before you just shut meout completely, right? You’re my best friend. I...though we were getting to becloser than that, even. Can you...will you call me back? Please? I miss you.”

Akira hangs up the phone and barely keeps himself fromthrowing it at the wall. It’s been threedays. Three entire days sincehe’s so much as seen Ryuji, three days with no response over the phone orthrough text, and the anxiety would be clawing its way up his throat if Annhadn’t told him she’d visited him yesterday.

He doesn’t know what he did wrong, that’s the thing—if he did something, Ryuji should’ve toldhim, so he could’ve fixed it and not just ghostedhim. And it’s not like—he doesn’t even know where Ryuji lives, Ryuji always comes to Leblanc to hang out, so it’s not likehe can bring over some soup if he’s sick.

He’d thought—he’d really thought that maybe, they might begetting somewhere that night in Inokashira Park, when Ryuji’d put his hand ontop of Akira’s and leaned in, and the full moon was so beautiful in his eyesthat Akira’d blurted something stupid—

Is that what thiswas all about? The stupid thing he’d said? Something like “The full mooncouldn’t compare to your eyes,” god,Akira cringes so hard thinking about it that his shoulders touch his ears.Okay, yeah, if someone said that to himmaybe he’d ghost them for a while. But still!

It sucks, and he sucks, and his life sucks, and it’s makingPhantom Thievery very difficult without his right-hand man at his, well, righthand. He gets knocked on his ass three times during a single fight in Mementosbefore Queen all but drags him back to the Mona-Mobile.

He’s not sulking.

(He’s maybe sulking.)

When he tries to slink off at the entrance to Mementos, Anngrabs his arm. “You’re this torn up about it?” she says like she already knowsthe answer.

“He won’t answer any of my messages,” Akira mutters,scuffing his shoe along the floor with his hands in his pockets. “I don’t knowif he’s dead or sick or hit in the road somewhere or arrested or—“

“I can guarantee that he’s none of those—or, well, most ofthose. He might’ve been hit in the road.”

“Ann, don’t saythat—“

“Ugh, boys andtheir feelings,” Ann groans, and tugson his arm. “You probably would’ve found out sooner or later, but if you’regonna be distracted enough in Mementos that you’re getting your butt whooped bya Pixie—“

She leads him to a line that leads out towards the edges ofthe city. It’s still early in the day; the train isn’t packed enough that theyhave to stand, but Ann refuses to answer any of his questions and spends theentire ride messing around on her phone.

They ride for almost an hour and a half, long enough thatthey pass the suburbs and get into fields and forests, and the train car is allbut empty when they disembark. It’s hot; hot enough that Akira regrets wearinghis overshirt and rolls the sleeves up as high as they’ll go.

The road, once they leave the station, is unpaved. Ann leadshim down it for nearly twenty minutes, confidence in every inch of her body,every step that she takes. Somehow, she looks more like she belongs out herethan she does in Tokyo.

She leads him to a house, big and sprawling, that backs ontoa long field backed by a deep, dark stretch of forest. Akira expects thatthey’ll knock, but Ann just opens the door and walks right in, bold and brazenas you please, toeing off her shoes once she gets inside. “Ann,” Akira says,low and uncertain, “what—“

That’s when the biggest fucking dog he’s ever seen in hisgoddamn life steps into the hallway, its claws clicking on the linoleum, it’sears tilted up and at them. It’s big and black and bushy and one of the mostbeautiful things Akira’s seen in his life. “Holy shit,” he breathes in awe and delight (and a little bit ofapprehension,) “Ann, look at how big that dog is, what the fuck.”

The dog laughs athim.

Literally. It drops its jaw and huffs, front paws shufflingback and forth on the floor as its tail swishes once-twice behind it. “Oh mygod,” Akira groans, dropping down to his knees. For a brief moment he doesn’treally care where he is or what’s going on, because if there’s anything KurusuAkira loves in his life, it’s dogs.

(Don’t tell Morgana.)

“Hey, do you—is it friendly?” He looks up at Ann, who hasboth hands slapped over her mouth looking like she’s trying not to laugh athim. “Ann, is it—“

The dog laughs at him again and clicks its way down thehallway, shoving its face into Akira’s. He’s greeted with a muzzle full of verysharp, very white teeth as the dog sniffs his face, his ears, his hands, andfinishes off with a big sloppy lick right across his glasses. Ann loses herfight with laughter at that, even more so when the dog shoves its head into thegap between Akira’s arm and his side. Seriously, it’s huge. It dwarfs him while he’s kneeling—it’s gotta weight at leasta hundred kilo, easy.

He’s finger-combing his way through the dog’s thick ruffwhen he realizes that Ann’s further down the hall, talking to someone. He leansback and up to look, but the dog rolls over and exposes its belly veryappealingly – welp, his belly,clearly—and wriggles in invitation, distracting Akira enough that Ann andwhoever she’s talking to are almost on top of him before he looks up again.

“Akira,” Ann says, laughter in every line of his body, “I’dlike to introduce you to Sakamoto-san, Ryuji’s aunt. Ryuji, get off the floorand stop making an idiot of yourself.”

Akira stands and makes polite introduction before Ann’ssecond sentence sinks in. “You, um, named your dog after your nephew?” heblurts out before he can help himself. Sakamoto-san, Ann, and the dog laugh at him.

Or, well...now that Akira’s looking closer, it looks morelike a wolf than a dog—it’s got the big triangular ears, the long, slendermuzzle, the narrow eyes and very large teeth. Maybe a mixed-breed? A wolf-dog?They have that sort of thing, right?

Wolf-dog-Ryuji follows him around the house whileSakamoto-san makes pleasant talk and insists that they stay for lunch; eachtime Akira stops, dog-Ryuji shoves his head under Akira’s hand. Dog-Ryuji istall enough that Akira can rest his hand on his back and ruffle his fur whileAkira is standing; dog-Ryuji is also shedding fit to burst, leaving long, softfur all over his hands and his leg.

Out of habit, he takes his phone out and levels it atdog-Ryuji; dog-Ryuji tilts his head and drops his jaw, just a bit, in a caninesmile. It’s a cute picture; he saves it and sends a copy to Ryuji out of habitwith the caption met your namesake today.

Across the room, attached to a charger on the kitchencounter, Ryuji’s phone goes off.

As it turns out, dog-Ryuji isn’t a namesake. As it turns out, it’s a wolf, and it’s alsoregular Ryuji.

“Hold up,” Akira blurts in the middle of the explanationSakamoto-san tries to give him, grabbing onto Ryuji’s head and staring himstraight in the eye. Ryuji makes a grumble in the back of his throat and foldshis ears back in appeasement, shuffling his paws and wagging his tail. “So youmean—all this time you’ve been hamming it up, watching me make an idiot ofmyself—“

Ryuji nods, and drops his jaw to grin a little wider. Hiseyes are the same, a warm chocolate brown. “I would’ve thought you’d be blond.”

“Nah,” Ann says, “he dyes his hair. It doesn’t carry overwith the transformation.”

Akira has a lot of questions. Like, a whole lot of them. “Is this why you ran off the other night?” heasks, a little tentative. Ryuji whines and pushes himself up onto his haunchesto drape his forepaws over Akira’s shoulders. He then proceeds to swipe histongue very messily over Akira’s face, over and over and over again until he’showling in laughter and his glasses have been knocked off somewhere.

They’ve got a lot totalk about, that’s for damn sure, but in the meantime it’s nice to have Ryuji’shead warm and heavy on his lap, and it’s nice to run his fingers through Ryuji’sthick fur and scratch behind his ears hard enough to hear his tail thumping onthe ground behind them. Ryuji’s just as cute a wolf as he is a human; so whatif he goes all furry a few times a year? It’s something Akira thinks he canbring himself to deal with.

(things i wanted to fit in but couldn’t figure out how:

ryuji’s extended family has a massive property outside of tokyo bc werewolfism runs in the family, it’s basically a pack house for the times when they have to be transformed

in this the full moon is a very strong call; they can resist it for one moon, but no more than that, and if they forcibly stay human for too long they’ll be stuck as a wolf for like a week or so when they can’t resist anymore (like stretching a rubber band too far or smth whatever this is just a small prompt why am i trying to plot)

#filed under:#canticle's (bi)centennial celebration #Anonymous

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xankix · 7 years ago

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Valentine’s Day Festival Pt.1

Valentine’s Day Festival

Sidon x Link BOTW AU and Sidon x Link and Mipha x Zelda Modern AU Pt.1

BOTW AU

It’s been 3 years since the ending of the calamity, everyone was able to rebuild and live their lives without fear. There was still the monsters, but not many and the Yiga were still a problem, but it became a lot easier to tell the difference between a normal traveler and a Yiga member. In a few days, there was going to be a festival, the special part about it. It was the day of love known as Valentine’s Day, couples would spend a great deal of time with each other, new relationships will form and some will just spend the time with all the people they hold dear. Link and Zelda were sitting in the study in the castle, Zelda going over diplomatic and political papers, while Link was reading a book on Hyrule’s history. Zelda put the quill down and stretched in her chair, “That’s it for today, I don’t think my body can take another minute of sitting in this damn chair.” She got up and walked over to Link and placed all her weight on him.

“Zelda, please don’t.” Laughed Link. “But, Link I want to.” She giggled.

She looked at the page he was on, it was the chapter for the Hero of Time, “I always loved his part, it made me feel so bad that he wasn’t remembered like the incarnations. Makes me want to go back in time and give him hug,” she hugged Link in the process. He grunted, surprised by the queen’s strength.

“By the way my knighty friend, the Valentine’s Day festival is coming up, planning on confessing to your prince.” She said with a sly smirk. Link blushed, it was written all over his face. “I-I would love to, but what if he doesn’t like guys?” Link asked.

“I don’t know what rock you been living under, but I can guarantee, he likes guys.” Zelda replied.

“And how would you know that?”

“Have you ever payed attention to how he acts when around you, how praises you like you’re the only person in the world, how oblivious can you be?”

Link blushed, but laughed anyway to deny it, “You must be the one living under a rock, because when I talk to him about the festival, he mentions this person he wants to confess to. Yes it hurts he might not share the same feelings I do, but I want my friend to be happy. And Zelda the praises is because of what I did for them, he’s just really grateful.”

Zelda just stared at Link with this face like she was about to say, “Bruh”, ‘Did he just, no one in the world is this stupid.’ She thought to herself, Link went back to reading his book. “You might be right, I don’t know what I was thinking. Well I’m going get a snack, want anything?” Zelda stood up and was heading to the door, “Some milk and apple would be nice,” responded Link not looking up from his book.

Zelda walked out the study and headed to the kitchen.

(time skip to day of the festival)

The day has finally come, the citizens of Hyrule all gathered in Castle Town early to set up their booths for the festival. The Gerudo were selling their specially crafted jewelry, Gorons setting up games for every race to play, Rito had archery games for children and adults, Zora brought in fish based meals and had water games and the Hylians served many other foods for everyone to enjoy, while also setting up games.

Zelda was getting ready in her room, she had just finished putting on her festival dress she had Paya custom make for her. She even had one for Link to match. The dress went down to her knees, the color scheme was pink and white, around the neck was a little bow, around the waist of the dress was a white sash and there were frills along the sleeves and hem at the bottom of the dress. There was a knock on the door and Zelda answered, “Come in!” The door creaked open and walked in Link, in his matching outfit Zelda had gotten made. Of course it was pink and white as well, it was made similar to his champions tunic, with a long white sleeved shirt underneath, the pants being white with a pink stripe going down both legs, the belt around his waist was also white. What topped the whole thing off, was his angry blushing face, Zelda let a big laugh and almost fell over, “Why you look so mad Link,” She continued to laugh as Link got angrier.

“You know damn well, when I got up this morning to get ready. All my clothes in the closet and dressers were missing, but this one with a note saying, ‘All your clothes were removed per my orders, so you have no choice but to wear this. Love Zelda.’ Really Zelda, this is embarrassing!”

All she could do is laugh even more. “I’m sorry, but it’s just perfect for the occasion and I wanted us to match for the fun of it. Your reaction just makes it a lot better.” She hasn’t stopped laughing, ‘Why am I stuck with her, I had the chance to leave live like I want. But nooo, I decided to stay as her knight.’ He thought angrily.

Once Zelda got her composure back, they made their way out the castle and into the busy streets of castle town. The people complimenting on how cute they were matching, some even saying what a cute couple. It made Zelda blush, but she knows she wasn’t the one Link was in love with and she was going to make sure that her friends get together. They passed up a Gerudo stand selling luminous stone necklaces. “Sa’vaaq Queen Zelda, Champion Link,” greeted the Gerudo woman. “Sa’vaaq ma’am, and no need for formalities you can just call us Zelda and Link,” Zelda said with a big smile.

“Such a kind woman you are Zelda, what may I help you two with?”

“Just seeing what is being sold throughout the town, your necklaces are quite beautiful.”

“Thank you Zelda, any lucky people you plan to give presents to?”

“Since you asked, precious cinnamon roll Link here has a crush on a certain Zora prince. And I was just helping him find the right gift.” Linked look at Zelda with the most shocking expression, ‘Did she just tell my business? How does someone say such a thing with a straight face.’ He thought.

“Zelda, could you not?!” He yelled, earning stares from the other people. The Gerudo woman and Zelda both went into hysterics. “I’m sorry Link, but your face just made my day even better.” Zelda laughed.

What they didn’t know, was a few stands down, Sidon was with Dunma, Rivan and Bazz (Bazz is such a hottie) exploring the different types of food. They all heard the yelling just to their right and walked over to see what it was. Sidon’s tail wagged with excitement as he saw his closest friend and champion Link.

He ran to them with his short legs, “Morning dearest friends!” Link tensed up at the prince’s enthusiastic voice, “Morning Sidon, good to see you enjoying the festival,” Zelda says elbowing Link in the arm. He jumps out of his trance and greats Sidon, “O-oh morning, sorry about that. Yeah I hope some of the stuff is to your liking.” Said Link rubbing the back of his neck.

That made Sidon’s tail wag more. No one else in the world could make him as happy as this Hylian. “I’ll see you guys later, going try to see how much I can stuff my face with,” with that Link ran off into the crowd. “What was all that about?” Asked Sidon. Zelda and the Gerudo woman both looked at each other and smirked.

(time skip to night time)

In just about an hour there will be a special fireworks display, this was for many of the future couples to confess their love for each other. The male will reveal a red string and if the other accepts they will tie the string to their pinky finger showing the unity of love.

Link was walking around the town, stuffed from all the food he devoured throughout the day and went to sit in the field where everyone will go to for the fireworks.

He sat under a tree to lean against but not block his view, “I can take a nap until the fireworks, it’ll at least kill some time.” Link said to himself.

He got comfortable and closed his eyes, welcoming sleep to come to him. But the sound of footsteps in the grass woke him up, he opened one eye to see who it was and surprise surprise it was Sidon. “Evening my friend, I saw you walk this way and thought I could give you company. But looks like you were just here to relax,” Sidon was about to walk away, but Link spoke, “I could use it, anything to make time go by faster. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen fireworks and times going by too slow.” Sidon sat next to him and leaned against the tree.

The rest of the time, they both talked about things they’ve done, the duties they completed, what they did in their free time and the funniest moments in their respective homes. Before they knew it, the field was getting packed with people. There were a lot of couples sitting together and Link spotted Zelda sitting next to that Gerudo woman from earlier, both women looked in his direction and smirked giving a thumbs up. Link blushed madly and Sidon took notice, “My friend are you alright, you’re as red as a tomato.” Sidon said with concern.

“Oh it’s nothing I’m fine, something was just on my mind.” He waved his hand in the air. Soon there was an explosion in the air and a bright red colored flashed across the field. The first firework had just exploded and the people looked in aww.

The display went on for a few more minutes and the males started pulling out their red strings. Each one turned to their lover, Link had a small smile on his face, ‘They all look so happy, Valentine’s Day is such a wonderful time. If only I could spend it with him.’ Link though then he snapped, ‘Wait speaking of, shouldn’t the person he mentioned be here. Why’s he still with me?’ Link thought it over and over again in his head.

He turned to Sidon to ask the question, but stopped. In Sidon’s hand was a red string and he motioned the string to Link. “S-Sidon?” He stuttered.

Sidon just gave him a small smile and spoke up, “Is this the biggest surprise in your life? When I spoke of the person I loved for a while, I meant you. it was really funny to see how oblivious you were to the fact, that I kept it up and waited till now to confess.”

Link sat there star struck, “And you may not have noticed, but I knew you were feeling the same way. You just didn’t think I did, but your troubles can be put at ease.” Sidon grabbed Link’s hand and got closer to him, “Link I want to spend my life with you and only love you in the most romantic of ways. Will you accept my l-.” Sidon was cut off by Link’s soft lips touching his, he melted into the kiss and placed both his hands on the sides of Link’s head deepening the kiss. They both pulled away for air, “Does that answer your question my love?” Link asked taking the string and tying it to his pinky. Sidon’s tail wagged as he tied his end. Zelda and the Gerudo woman were whooing and screaming I ship it, earning looks from the other couples who soon turned their attention to Link and Sidon. Both men blushed, but drowned out everything and went in for another kiss.

#vdtw #valentinesdayinthewild #sidlink

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ma-sulevin · 7 years ago

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The Use in Being King

Day 2 of @alistairappreciationweek is all about Alistair as a king. In my self-indulgence AU, Alistair breaks up with Sophie Amell after the Battle of Denerim and ends up ruling Ferelden alone for a few years. Here he’s dealing with the pressure of being king, the stress of Teagan, and a still-mending heart.

He’s had lots of practice keeping a straight face when trying not to fall asleep in council sessions. The trick, he’s found, is not to blink too much. Blinking makes him want to keep his eyes closed, and he’s promised Teagan he won’t fall asleep in the middle of another meeting, not after the first time.

Another trick is to pretend to take notes and just doodle little mabari all over the paper instead. The scribe takes the real notes, and Teagan takes better ones than Alistair does even when he actually tries.

It doesn’t usually matter. The issues are almost always trivial, or ones he just needs to sign. He takes more of an interest when it comes to the Wardens, or to the alienage, and at least they listen when he puts his foot down. It took them a while to realize he was actually going to be the king and not just a puppet.

But sometimes… he wishes he was just a puppet.

He calls the meeting to an end when it’s clear no more work is going to get done, and the council files out with only minimal grumbling. Teagan remains behind, as is his way, waiting until they’re alone before he brings up the same thing he always does.

“Have you looked at the dossier I gave you?” His tone suggests he knows what the answer will be, but Alistair gives him his best unimpressed look and answers anyway.

“Haven’t found the time,” he says and grins when Teagan barely manages to suppress an eye-roll.

Teagan still sighs. “You--listen, it’s been long enough, Alistair. Ferelden needs a queen, it needs heirs, and you have to stop dragging your feet and be a man about this.”

Alistair’s grin vanishes as quickly as it came, replaced by an ache behind his eyes. It always seems to come when talking to his uncle--especially about Ferelden’s need for a queen.

Just because Teagan is right doesn’t mean he has to be happy about it.

“Just look at it, please. The Cousland girl would be a very good match for you, we think, and she’s--”

“Who’s ‘we’?” Alistair demands, voice sharper than usual. It makes Teagan swallow whatever else he was going to say, eyes widening and cheeks turning pale. It’s Alistair’s king-voice, the one he rarely finds he has to use.

It lets everyone know he’s ready to be serious.

“Er--” Teagan hedges. “Myself, of course.” Another pause. Alistair grits his teeth together and feels his headache growing stronger. “Eamon. The rest of the council--”

Alistair rubs at his forehead for a moment before running his fingers through his hair. It makes the front stick up a bit, out of the style from that morning, and he ignores the way Teagan frowns at it. “I’ll look at it later, Uncle.”

Then he turns and walks away, leaving Teagan -- and his notes -- behind. The door slams behind him, unintentional, but he can’t bring himself to feel bad. He lifts his chin and lengthens his stride, his shoulders square enough that even the boldest of nobles won’t stop him if they see him.

He’s tired of being king. So tired. This is nothing like the life he imagined for himself when Duncan recruited him to the Grey Wardens, nothing like the life he imagined for himself when he first fell in love. This life is nothing like the one he wants.

He’s nearly jogging by the time he makes it back to his room -- his chambers, too big to really just be called a room -- and those doors slam closed too. He shucks the fine clothes expected of him as king and slips into more comfortable, more simple, trousers and tunic. He laces up a pair of sturdy boots and leaves his rooms a mess behind him.

He keeps his head down this time, but he still walks quickly. He finds people are less likely to notice him when he dresses like a regular person, though it’s becoming less reliable the more times he tries it.

No one stops him as he leaves the main part of the castle, and he makes his way to the stables without interruptions.

He stops just inside the door and takes a deep breath. He lets it out with a smile and makes his way through the hall around to the back.

Here, away from stray breezes and curious strangers, is his favorite part of the whole city. He’s been working on breeding and training more mabari to add to the army, and though he hasn’t taken one for himself yet, he still loves to come watch the little ones play.

He picks up speed and then slides to a stop, dirt clouding around his feet, when he sees that he isn’t the only visitor to this place. A woman stands before him, her elbows resting on the half door that keeps the puppies in their stall, her chin in her hands. Her dark hair is long, spilling over her shoulder and blocking her face from him.

She doesn’t look up until he starts walking again, his footsteps echoing dully around the stable. She jumps and stares at him, eyes impossibly wide, and she hurries to stand straight. She fumbles into something that’s half curtsey, half bow, and Alistair struggles not to sigh.

Instead, he waves his hand dismissively. “None of that.” She freezes, head still bowed, and then she stands up straight and clasps her hands behind her back. “I see I’m not the only one who enjoys watching them play.”

She relaxes immediately, a wide smile springing to her face. Alistair’s eyes drop to her dimples, then -- against his will -- to trace down her body. She’s dressed in riding clothes, in men’s riding clothes actually, that look rather fetching on her. He tears his gaze away, but she’s already turned back to looking at the pups.

He moves to stand next to her, a respectful distance away, and mimics her posture. He props his elbows on the door, leaning down, and rests one foot behind him on the toes of his boot. The mabari mother glances up at them with tired interest, but dismisses them as harmless and lays her head back down. One of the puppies pounces at her, landing across her neck, and she heaves a great sigh that makes the woman giggle.

Alistair glances over at her again, smiling when he sees the soft expression on her face as she watches the pups play.

She doesn’t look familiar to him. The Denerim citizens aren’t supposed to be able to just wander into the castle, especially not this late in the day, but he didn’t get word that they were going to have any visitors -- did he?

He forgets to look away from her as he’s searching his memories, and she glances over at him with her lips twisting into a small smirk.

“I used to have a mabari,” she offers finally, giving him that bit of information instead of her name or anything that would help him identify her. She looks back down. “Oliver. We sort of grew up together, and he…” Her voice catches, and she clears her throat before trying again. “He died during the Blight.”

She’s frowning now, and Alistair’s heart seizes in his chest.

“Oh--I’m, I’m so sorry,” he stammers. She looks back at him, eyes wet but cheeks dry. “I didn’t, uhh…”

She smiles again, and he relaxes somewhat. “It’s okay,” she says, softly. She extends one hand as though to comfort him, but quickly pulls it back as her cheeks turn a lovely shade of rose. “It’s been a few years, but I still miss him.”

Silence falls again. Alistair stares down at the pups, still so young. One is sleeping on his back, snoring, little paws up in the air where he fell in the middle of wrestling with his brothers.

An idea springs, not quite fully formed, into Alistair’s mind. These are too young, but…

“Here, look.” He grabs for the woman’s elbow but releases it before he has time to get embarrassed. She follows him easily enough, deeper and to a different stall, where six older mabari pups rest without their mother. They’re in a little pile, all snores and big ears and wagging tails, and they don’t perk up until Alistair starts to speak again. “These are old enough to be imprinted.”

The woman freezes. She stops breathing even, just for a moment, then she turns her whole body to face him. “No.” The objection leaves her lips in a gasp even as her eyes begin to shine. “I -- you can’t.”

Alistair fights back a laugh and presses a hand to the center of his chest. “I can’t? No one else has told me that.” She bites her lip, wavering, so he pushes a little more. “What’s the use in being king if I can’t give away mabari to beautiful women?”

She turns even pinker at that, but he seems to have won her over because she nods rapidly.

“I can’t guarantee anything, but…” he steps back and opens the stall door, pulling it back enough so that she can slip inside. He closes the door behind her, trapping her with the puppies, and she immediately drops to her knees and extends her arms.

The pups erupt into activity, scrabbling all over each other to reach the new human. They’re all a pretty uniform brown color, black noses and inquisitive brown eyes, little stumps of wagging tails all ready to be petted.

She scoops them up and coos to them, kissing their little faces when she can pull them close enough. One is trying desperately to get her attention, little yips leaving its mouth, its front paws up on her shoulder. She scoops it up as soon as she sees it, holding it like a baby and rubbing her face against it.

Alistair leans against the door and smiles, chin resting on his hand, watching her cooing over the pup. Drawn by the noise of voices and little barks, the kennel master emerges from wherever he spends his nights. He nods a greeting at Alistair and comes to stand next to him, looking down at the strange woman.

She gazes up at them with bright eyes, a question on her face as plain as the hope that tints her cheeks pink and makes her lips twist up at the corners.

The kennel master grunts at her. “Looks like she’s chosen ye,” he mutters. If Alistair hadn’t spent so much time here, he’d think the man annoyed. The woman blinks at him, her eyebrows starting to draw together. “Ye’ll have to take her with ye now or there’ll be no comforting her.”

The woman stands up, the other puppies scattering from her sudden movements, the one in her hands still licking at every inch of skin she can reach. She clutches the puppy a little closer, letting her front paws rest against her shoulder, and turns to Alistair.

“Thank you,” she breathes, voice serious.

He opens his mouth to brush away her thanks, but the kennel master interrupts by shoving a bag of supplies at the woman.

“Collar, food, bone,” he says, voice gruff to hide the sadness that comes from saying goodbye to one of his mabari. The woman takes the bag and slings it over her shoulder, mumbling thanks and praise as Alistair steps away and lets her out of the stall.

The pup starts to squirm as soon as the woman starts to walk, and she struggles to contain her for a moment before smiling apologetically. “I need to get her settled in,” she says. She looks from the kennel master to Alistair and back again. “Thank you.” She dips another little half-curtsey half-bow, the dog gives a little yip, and then they disappear together.

Alistair watches her go, then turns to the kennel master. “Who was that?”

The older man starts, then frowns. “Why would I know?” He shakes his head and turns away from Alistair, shuffling back to wherever he’d appeared from in the first place.

Alone, again, Alistair runs his hands through his hair and pulls lightly on the strands. He should probably just… go to bed.

---

“Did you read that dossier last night?”

Alistair’s right eye twitches at Teagan’s words, both because of the irritating reminder and at the answer he knows he’s going to get in trouble for: “...no?”

Teagan sighs and rubs his temples where his hair is already graying, but he doesn’t look surprised at all. Just… resigned. Tired, with lines around his eyes when he looks back up to meet Alistair’s bland expression. “Well, it’s too late for that now,” he grumbles, and Alistair’s eyebrows shoot up.

Has Teagan given up? Has Ferelden accepted that he’s going to die on the throne -- sooner rather than later, thanks to the taint -- alone?

He clears his throat and shifts in his seat, trying to distract that train of thought before it makes him want to forget whatever Teagan has planned for him and climb right back into bed.

He almost misses the rest of Teagan’s explanation: “...she’s here now, waiting to meet you.”

“No.” Alistair doesn’t hesitate. He knows he isn’t interested.”

Teagan stands a little straighter. “You don’t have to marry her today, Alistair,” he says, voice sharpening. “You just need to meet her and Teyrn Cousland, eat breakfast, and then we can send them right back to Highever if you want.”

Alistair resists the childish urge to whine. If he’d been asked before if he wanted to meet the teyrn, he would have given an unequivocal no. But since they’re already here, it would be rude to ignore them. It might even cause some sort of political scandal that would involve apologies and gifts and a lot more work than a simple breakfast.

Teagan sees the moment Alistair gives in and claps his hands together. “Excellent. They’re already waiting.” He grins, an annoying little expression that Alistair wants to wipe away.

He doesn’t.

He just follows behind Teagan through the hallway to the lovely hall with the large fireplaces that they use for smaller dinners -- and, apparently, breakfasts. Two soldiers stand guard on either side of the door, and they both bow low before opening the double doors to allow Alistair and Teagan to pass through.

A conversation is already taking place, hushed tones between siblings that Alistair can still clearly hear.

“You shouldn’t have brought her.” The man, Teyrn Cousland -- Fergus? -- hisses, annoyance and exasperation clear in his tone.

“I couldn’t very well leave her with the maid,” the woman says, sounding more amused than Fergus, and Alistair actually freezes mid-stride at the sound of her voice. Teagan bumps into his back and makes a little huffing sound at the interruption. “And, anyway,” she continues after a pause, “he gave her to me.”

Teagan pushes at him again and Alistair finally starts moving, aiming for the head of the table but keeping his eyes on that woman from the night before. She and Fergus stand quickly, and as Alistair moves to be able to see their faces, he sees the mabari pup sitting at attention in one of the chairs.

His face breaks into a wide smile, and when he looks up he sees Fergus and the woman both bowing to him.

“It’s a pleasure to see you again, your majesty,” Fergus says, and stands straight. He glances at Teagan, then back to Alistair. “May I present my sister, Ophelia Cousland?”

Ophelia. Ophelia. Oh fee lee ah.

She shoots her brother a dirty look, not at all concerned with propriety in front of the king who waved off her curtsey the evening before. She’s wearing a dress today, a fine one from what he can tell, but he finds he prefers her riding clothes from their last meeting. The dress looks wrong somehow, and when she smooths her fingers over the corset and smiles back at him, he realizes it’s because she’s uncomfortable.

“Lia is fine,” she corrects, still smiling. Teagan stiffens a little and clears his throat at Alistair’s side, but Alistair ignores him.

“Lia,” he echoes, and her smile grows, showing him her dimples once more. He looks down at her mabari who perks up a little under his attention, cocking her head to the side and letting out a tiny bark. Even Teagan has to smile at that. “It’s nice to see both of you again. Does she have a name yet?”

Lia’s face turns that lovely shade of pink again, but she doesn’t look away as she answers: “Princess.”

Alistair can’t help the little chuckle that burbles out from the center of his chest. “A fine name,” he says, still smiling, and he can’t help but think that maybe -- just maybe -- this isn’t the worst plan Teagan has come up with after all.

[Ophelia/Alistair masterpost]

#alistair appreciation week #alistair theirin #self indulgence au #my writing #2017 writing

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claroquequiza · 8 years ago

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McHanzo Week, Day 3: Downtime || Undercover

McCree falls in a ditch. Hanzo helps him out, and they make a new friend in the meantime.

“Hey, uh, Hanzo? Could I get a little help?”

Hanzo stopped dead on the narrow street, scanning his surroundings before he walked casually to sit on the concrete curb lining the gutter, bending over to hide his face and speak into the comm as he untied and retied the laces on the running shoes he wore over his prosthetic feet.

“Hanzo here. What is you status, McCree?”

The cowboy chuckled ruefully, “Ain’ that serious, Hanzo. I’m, uh, I’ve just fallen into a big ol’ ditch.”

Hanzo frowned. “A ditch?”

“Well, the drainage channel. Got a twisted ankle. I’m just by 6th Street.”

“I am en-route.” Hanzo did not ask for a further explanation, not right then anyway. If there was anything McCree was, it was professional, despite his getup and loud behavior. If the situation was serious, he would not beat around the bush, to borrow a phrase. Hanzo did hurry, however, breaking into a quick jog that was not out of keeping with his runner’s clothes, the long nylon pants and thin long-sleeved shirt disguising his prosthetics and tattoo. He had been doing an initial sweep of the area around the safehouse, familiarizing himself with the layout, just in case. McCree had expressed a desire to do the same right when Hanzo was heading out; he must have done so, but how he managed to fall into the enormous concrete chute that contained the Los Angeles River was anyone’s guess.

He arrived at the high chainlink fence that lined the channel in short order. He spared a quick look around him, but the oppressive heat of the day still clung to the early evening air, and there was nothing in this neighborhood to tempt anyone to endure it. He lightly sprung over the fence and crept to the edge of the enormous, slanted embankment of the channel. He spotted McCree immediately.

He was sitting next to a small pile of driftwood that was thoroughly matted with dried grass and dead branches, one leg stretched out and placed atop a small log he must have purloined from the pile, the other folded awkwardly in a kind of half-crossed legged position.

He had a dog with him.

It was a big dog, at least 20 or 25 kilos, and it had a smooth, yellow-and-white thin coat, perfect for the intense heat, with its tail curled and flopped over its back. It seemed to be inspecting McCree’s outstretched leg; it kept lowering its head to sniff it before pawing at it slightly and looking at McCree’s face, currently hidden from Hanzo by the baseball cap he wore that looked so wrong even from so far away.

“Arenas?” called Hanzo, using McCree’s pseudonym for the mission. “Are you--”

As soon as the dog spotted him, it started barking and yipping, running directly beneath Hanzo before whining and making false starts towards McCree before stopping dead and staring up at him. Hanzo could hear McCree’s pleased chuckles echo slightly off the hard concrete. “Hey there, Sakaguchi. My friend here’s ‘bout to have a heart attack, but he’s real friendly. Come on down.”

Hanzo carefully made his way down the embankment, the surface hot and surprisingly slick. No wonder McCree could not get up it in his condition. When he made it to the bottom, the dog whined and backed off, suddenly shy of the stranger. Hanzo merely nodded at him as he went over to McCree and crouched next to him. He reached out to inspect the injured ankle, finding it swollen and tender, as McCree attested with a hissing intake of breath. Hanzo shook his head. “Of all days not to wear those boots of yours,” he muttered. “They would have contained the swelling better than these.”

McCree laughed. “Yeah, but it’s probably cuz of them that my ankles have gotten so delicate. Rolled out right from under me when I was slidin’ down the wall there.”

“Were you trying to aid the dog?” asked Hanzo, looking over his shoulder. The dog was cautiously approaching, torn between his wariness of the stranger and his apparent concern for McCree. Hanzo knelt and reached out a hand for him to sniff. He tilted his head but came forward readily enough, inspecting Hanzo’s hand before wagging his curly tail and licking it. Fears assuaged, he came forward to sniff and lick at Hanzo’s face as well. He turned his head away to let him lap at his cheek, catching a blinding grin on McCree’s face that he immediately smoothed into a smile instead.

“Ayup, saw the poor guy tryin’ t’get up, but it’s too slick for him. No collar, so I figured nobody was missin’ him, so--”

Hanzo nodded. “I will get you both up, then.” He stood slowly, not wanting to spook the dog. He immediately started whining and pawing at McCree again, prompting a chuckle out of both men, though McCree’s was cut off almost immediately. He was looking up at Hanzo with marked surprise.

“Wouldn’ta marked ya for a dog person, Sakaguchi.”

Hanzo shrugged as he held out an arm for McCree to grasp. “Most do not. They assume I would like cats better.”

McCree groaned as Hanzo easily hoisted him to his feet. “Yep, includin’ me. So, not a cat person then?”

“They are fine creatures. They remind me of the dragons more often than not. However, cats are often aloof to strangers, while dogs are usually more--” he paused as he slung McCree’s arm over his broad shoulders. The dog was literally running circles around them, pausing to sniff concernedly at McCree’s legs as they moved towards the embankment. “--open, with their affections and camaraderie.”

“That they are,” said McCree, smiling at their companion. Hanzo set his foot on the embankment, but McCree hung back. “Actually, why don’ you take him up first? Don’ want him thinkin’ we’re abandonin’ him.”

Hanzo hummed. “Yes, the inability to explain our intentions is often quite distressing for them.” McCree looked at him with a strange expression before he eased himself down to the ground again. The dog took the opportunity to lick at his face, while Hanzo took the opportunity to gather him up in his arms. He stiffened but otherwise allowed it. “I wonder if he truly has no home,” he mused. “He is very friendly and well-behaved.”

McCree shrugged. “An awful lot of street dogs have people lookin’ out for ‘em. We can swing by a vet t’see if he’s chipped, though.” Hanzo nodded as he began making his way up the embankment, stepping carefully to avoid slipping. He made it up with little fanfare, letting the dog down to the ground gently. He circled in place a couple of times, pleased to be up and out, but then he went to the edge and barked down at McCree.

“Don’ worry none, sweetheart,” he called back up to him as Hanzo started down again. “He’s a-comin’ t’get me, don’ you worry.”

It was much more difficult to get McCree out. Hanzo was a solid support, but McCree was a big man, and they had to drop to their knees more than once to keep from sliding back down. Eventually they made it out, and Hanzo had the unenviable task of ferrying first the dog over the fence, throwing him over one shoulder and praying he would not try to scramble off at the wrong moment as he went up and over, and then perching on top of it as he more or less heaved McCree up and lowered him down to avoid jostling his ankle too much. But soon they were hobbling back to the safehouse, the dog leading by a few paces as he sniffed at random spots on the sidewalk. McCree watched him with a soft look.

“We should work him into the mission, somehow,�� he murmured, as if he did not realize he was speaking.

Hanzo glanced at him, feeling his cheeks heat a little from the exertion of carrying McCree’s weight, but also from being so close to his face with his arm over his shoulders. “Pardon?”

“Y’know, since we’re gonna be here a while. He could be our pet that we’re takin’ for walks when we do our perimeter checks.”

Hanzo rolled his eyes. “And if we find ourselves in battle? If we take him in, we are responsible for him, and we cannot guarantee his safety. We should check if he has a chip, and take him to a shelter if he does not.”

McCree made a small noise. “Never liked shelters. No guarantee that someone will take him before--”

“There are no-kill shelters,” said Hanzo gently.

“Yeah, that’s true. But, we won’ be invitin’ trouble except when we’re actively bein’ guard dogs for that producer, y’know? He’d be safe enough with us in our downtime. Could be a great morale booster while we’re here, and then we could take him to the no-kill shelter before we go.”

Hanzo snorted. “After we have bonded with him. After he ingratiates himself to us more than he already has. Do you think Kim Hyun-ji will let him go after she meets him?” Until now, he would have expected Hana to be the biggest obstacle to letting a team pet go when a mission was over. Now he suspected it was already too late. McCree was silent, watching the dog wistfully.

Hanzo sighed. It really was too late. It was too late when McCree called on Hanzo to help, really. He was a dog person, after all.

“Keep in mind that we must still check for a chip, but if you wish to retain naming privileges, you should think of one before the rest see him.”

McCree’s eyes snapped to Hanzo’s. He stared for a few seconds, as if waiting for Hanzo to take back his words. Hanzo looked steadily back. A grin slowly spread over McCree’s lips. “Aw, darlin’.”

Hanzo jerked his gaze straight ahead at the pet name, but he could still see McCree beaming out of the corner of his eye. He searched desperately for something to say to ward off the warm feeling in his chest at the sight. “I passed a park before you called. If we have any more downtime, it might be a good place to take him for exercise.”

“Sounds like a plan,” said McCree cheerfully. “Lemme see here, a name, a name--Sage, maybe? Hmm.” McCree returned to watching the dog, murmuring under his breath as they continued down the sidewalk. Hanzo, for his part, watched McCree, the warmth in his chest continuing to rise. He was caught off-guard when McCree turned back to him and said, “Actually, what d’you think? You’re the one who rescued him. Rescued both of us, I might add.”

Hanzo flushed and looked away. “It was no trouble. You were the one who found him.”

“Yeah, and then I promptly fell on my ass,” laughed McCree. “Besides, you’ve been a good sport about it all. I was expectin’ a scoldin’.”

Hanzo looked back at him. “You were doing a good deed, and your injury was completely accidental. There was no need for censure.”

McCree grinned. “C’mon. What d’you think’d suit him?”

Hanzo considered. “Jiro.”

“Jiro,” McCree repeated. “Jiro. Here, Jiro! C’mon, Jiro! What d’you got in your mouth, Jiro? Y’know, I like it.”

Hanzo chuckled. “It will do for now. If another name suits him better, we can change it before he gets used to it.”

“Hey, Jiro!” McCree called out. The dog paused at the loud shout, looking back at McCree. When McCree smiled and beckoned, he wagged his tail and came trotting back, tongue lolling out in the heat. “Well there you go, he likes it, too.”

Hanzo shook his head, but he could not help smiling either.

#mchanzo week 2017 #mchanzo #my fics #today's excerpt #I found the name from the tale of Taro and Jiro #it's a fascinating story of survival in Antarctica

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akatsuki-shin · 8 years ago

Text

Stammi Vicino, Non Te Ne Andare - Ch. 03

--- Yuri!!! on Ice Musician AU

Pairing: Viktor Nikiforov / Katsuki Yuuri

Rating: M

Genre: Romance, Drama, Fluff & Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Physical Disability

Summary: The story of a violinist bereft of inspiration and a young man who speaks through his music.

Also Available in:

Archive of Our Own

FanFiction.net

CHAPTERS: 01 | 02 | 03

Author’s Note: Hello, guys. First of all, I’m terribly sorry for the extremely late update for Chapter 3. A lot of things are keeping me busy and when I did have time to write, I got writer’s block so many times that I kept re-editing everything I’ve written before.

Nevertheless, I want to confirm something that has been asked by a couple of readers before. I will not drop this story. I know I can’t guarantee that the next update will come fast, but one thing for sure is that I’m going to continue this fic until the last chapter.

That said, I apologize once again to have keep you waiting. I’ll try to find more time to write, but in the meantime, I hope you enjoy this update.

Thank you very much for reading my fic. :)

With a sword I wish I could cut those throats singing about love I wish I could enclose in ice The hands that write those verses of burning passion

This story that has no meaning Will vanish tonight together with the stars

A scrap of crumpled paper fell to the floor.

There was another one falling afterwards. And another…and another…until the small room that was supposed to be a private studio looked as if it had been changed into a garbage bin to dump discarded papers.

Sitting on the desk was supposed to be the world’s phenomenal composer, Viktor Nikiforov. At this moment, however, he looked nothing like the grandiose, magnificent figure that people were accustomed to see on stage. His silver hair was unkempt; his shirt was messy and looked as if it had been worn all day long. His hand kept writing notes after notes on the manuscript pad, but at the same time he kept tearing the pages off and tossed them away to the floor, crumpled and completely ruined.

He had been engrossed in it for hours, and yet after discarding the last sheet of paper, the young Russian let out a frustrated groan as he threw himself on top of the desk.

“I can’t do this.”

Viktor took a brief glance from his arm. His faithful violin was there, cold and useless, leaning against the wall for its owner had left it there since hours ago. It was the only thing Viktor could do to prevent himself from slamming the instrument to the floor out of frustration. Of course, before attempting to write down notes on the manuscript pad, he had tried playing random melodies on the violin in hope they might turn into good music. It was what he had always done most of the times after all, allowing his inspiration and instinct to take over his body, giving birth to masterpiece after masterpiece over the years.

And yet this time, not only did he fail to find the right melodies, but forcing himself to create one only served to make him sick of hearing the sound of violin – or any other musical instruments in that matter.

“I should not have accepted Chris’ offer. Now I’ll just end up disappointing everyone.”

A doorbell ring brought him back from his self-deprecating. Makkachin’s cheerful barks could be heard from outside, and Viktor had no choice but to lazily drag himself out of his studio. While crossing the living room, he caught the sight of his poodle already sprinting to the front door, scratching at the wooden texture.

“Now, now, Makkachin, calm down. You’re going to scare our guests, whoever they are,” he cast a gentle smile at his four-legged companion. To his words, the poodle made a small whimper before sitting down on the floor, wagging his tail when the Russian playfully patted his head.

Just like that, Viktor turned the knob and pulled the door open.

“Hi, Viktor! Long time no see—Ugh, you look terrible!“

“Oh, hello, Mila and Georgi. It’s been awhile.”

Having no excuse to explain his unusually pathetic appearance, Viktor could only smile as he made way for his two guests to come in. The first was a young girl with vivid red hair and blue eyes, while the other a black-haired older man who was about the same age as him. He had known them for several years, even before he left Yakov’s orchestra and became independent. Obviously, since the two of them were also part of the entourage. Although Mila and Georgi could both play a couple of musical instruments, however, they were in a different group than that of the violinist.

“Good grief, Viktor. We haven’t seen each other for months and when we finally do, you look like you just woke up from a bad sleep,” Georgi commented with a sigh, “Were you pulling an all-nighter?”

“I apologize for this messy getup, but yes, you’re right,” the silver-haired chuckled, “Come on in, you two. Let’s not talk on the doorway.”

He led his former colleagues to the living room and offered them coffee. Before long, the three of them already settled on the comfortable sofa, each sipping on their warm drink until Mila finally decided to strike a conversation.

“So this is where you’ll be staying in Moscow,” she said while sweeping her gaze around, “It looks somewhat similar to your place in St. Petersburg, doesn’t it?”

“Let’s just say it makes me feel closer to home, although I couldn’t really hear the sound of seagulls around here,” replied the violinist, then he shrugged his shoulders with an apologetic smile, “I’m really sorry for showing you guys this unsightly side of me. I’d planned to visit everyone in Bolshoi one of these days, but you beat me to it.”

“It’s quite alright. We just returned from practice ourselves when Georgi remembered that you’re staying around this area,” Mila said, “That, and since we will be working together again for the next months, I think it’s not too bad to surprise the maestro who would compose new songs for us. Don’t you think so, Georgi?”

“Well, it’s always a pleasure working together with an old friend, but I heard the current project’s a bit different from usual?” asked the older man, “Yakov said it’s a musical theatre written by Director Giacometti.”

“That’s right. Chris and his team already decided on the main casts, but I proposed that both Yakov’s orchestra and choir should be involved. The overall theme is a classic, so I figured having the choir’s support will add to that feeling,” Viktor leaned forward, smiling while resting his elbows on his knees, “I’ll be counting on you guys to become the voice of my lyrics.”

“If you said it like that, it would be an honor for us,” the red-haired giggled happily, “Oh, by the way, have you heard about Yuri?”

“Yuri?”

“Yuri Plisetsky. Who else?” replied Mila as she frowned, “Do you remember he won first place in last year’s International Music Competition? Recently, he’s become an official member of Yakov’s orchestra.”

“Ah, about that… He’s been terrorizing me ever since to fulfill my promise.”

“What promise?” Georgi cast him a questioning look.

“To compose a music piece exclusively for him. I promise I’d do it if he won first place in that competition,” Viktor laughed, “But that’s great. If he’s already in the orchestra, I could probably compose one for a specific scene in Chris’ musical and let Yuri plays solo on that part.”

“It would be wonderful, as long as you don’t make him play solo during JJ’s part,” said Mila with a mischievous smile, “Or maybe you could try it. I’m sure it’s going to be interesting.”

“Don’t listen to her, Viktor. The kid will murder you if he knows about this.”

Georgi’s words were welcomed by a hearty laugh from the other two. It was happy news for Viktor, nonetheless, to hear that one of his juniors had started to show such promising development. After all, he, too, used to compete in the same events for many years during his younger days. There had never been an occasion where he didn’t become a finalist, and of course, in most of those occasions the first place always went to him. Although it wasn’t his intention to brag, the violinist wouldn’t deny that he was quite proud of it.

“Have they decided when and where this year’s competition will be held?” he asked.

“I forgot the date, but I recall Yakov saying it will be six months from now, in December,” replied Georgi, “And as for the venue, apparently it’s been decided that Moscow is going to be the host this year.”

“That’s interesting. If it’s in December, then the selection must’ve started already.”

It has,” Mila said, “The professors have recently screened the students to choose who are to be sent to the Russian preliminary next month. Yuri will also be there, of course, but he will be representing his own school.”

“Oh? And who will be the representative of our conservatory?”

“You will be surprised to hear it’s not a Russian this time.”

At the red-haired’s remark, Viktor raised his brows. While their conservatory had indeed been housing many foreign students, it was extremely rare for the said foreign students to be appointed for an event of this level. Obviously, since talent wasn’t the only category used for the screening. But still that did not mean not a single foreign student had ever been chosen. There were some, and they were really outstanding musicians. To think that another had been selected this year, this student must’ve had extraordinary talent.

“You look surprised, Viktor,” Georgi chuckled in amusement, “But I was showing the same reaction when Yakov told us about it earlier.”

“Well, it was something unexpected, even to me,” the violinist seemed a little embarrassed as he scratched the side of his face awkwardly, “Out of curiosity, do you guys happen to know who this amazing student is?”

“I’m not sure if you know him, but it’s a Japanese,” replied Mila, “I’ve shared a few classes with him. His name is Yuuri Katsuki.”

A string of melodies; the sound of piano were streaming from a certain chamber in the conservatory. It wasn’t necessarily happy or sad, but the tunes were calming enough for whoever listening to them to enjoy.

Viktor was walking through the corridor on the first floor. There weren’t a lot of students roaming around at this time of the day; most likely they were all attending classes with their respective professors. The atmosphere felt pleasantly serene, and the further he stepped forward, the clearer those melodies sounded. He didn’t need any guide to find the source of the music and before long, the Russian had arrived in front of the music room.

“Now this feels like a déjà vu, isn’t it?”

The Russian smiled to himself. Again, inside was a young Japanese man, playing the black grand piano. He did not seem to realize that another person had entered the room. Even when Viktor was standing only a few meters away from him, the pianist continued to recite notes after notes as his fingers skillfully treaded on the keys. Viktor had thought of this since the first time they met; this man was so ordinary that he could not point even one distinct feature of him.

And yet ironically, the sight of the black-haired playing the piano in this room dominated in white had burnt itself into his mind that Viktor could never get it out of his head.

“…Was that an original piece, too?”

The violinist asked casually after the younger man removed his hands from the monochrome keys. It was a normal question, but apparently the Japanese was indeed way too engrossed in his play that he jumped from his seat; his brown eyes went wide upon seeing the maestro standing beside him. Viktor chuckled as he tried to calm him down.

“There’s nothing to be surprised about. It’s just me, Viktor Nikiforov,” he said with a smile, “This is the second time we meet, Yuuri. Are you doing well?”

The Japanese nodded shyly. He seemed to be fiddling with his fingers, looking up at the older man before him only to cast his eyes down again in nervousness. Viktor thought he looked cute. Even though Yuuri didn’t say anything, for some reason he could sort of tell what he was thinking and the violinist felt strangely amused.

“I heard from a friend that you have been chosen to represent us in the preliminary competition. Congratulations, Yuuri,” Viktor offered him a handshake, to which the younger man timidly responded to; his face turning even redder, “The piece you played just now… It was different from the one I heard back then. Were you the one who composed them?”

Again, Yuuri nodded, only this time it seemed that he was anxious about something. Perhaps it was because he found him playing those songs in secret, Viktor guessed. But having no other way to prove his assumption, the Russian decided to put it to test.

“I only heard you playing those songs when I was passing by coincidence, but I must say I enjoyed listening to them. They sound really nice, you know?” the Russian smiled, “Do you come here often? Would you mind if I drop by again to listen to your music?”

To his words, the pianist’s face brightened in both surprise and excitement. So it was true… This guy was probably worried he might say the songs were bad or something along that line. He didn’t ask for his opinion, however, and jumped straight to that conclusion. In a sense, somehow it felt rather sad. Someone with this much talent shouldn’t be having so little confidence in himself.

“I wonder what I could do to motivate him?”

Viktor had no idea why such a thought emerged in his mind. This person was a stranger to him after all. Nevertheless, at the same time he saw the younger man taking out a cell phone from his chest pocket, typing something before hesitantly showing it to him.

[“I only come here whenever I don’t have classes or assignment, so I can’t give you an exact time.”] was what written on the display [“But if it’s not too much trouble, I will be very happy if you come again.”]

“Of course. I will be staying in Moscow for awhile, so I’ll make sure to visit whenever I’m free,” Viktor replied almost immediately, “Also, Yakov allows me to borrow the instruments in this room if the students are not using it, so I guess I really would be coming here pretty often.”

The black-haired tilted his head; a look of confusion was clear in his eyes. At first, Viktor wasn’t sure if he should tell him what he was working on since this guy was technically an outsider in their project. However, something inside him said that it would be alright to let Yuuri knew.

“Are you familiar with the name ‘Christophe Giacometti’?” he asked, and the Japanese nodded in affirmation, “Recently, he invited me to join a new project of his. It’s a musical theater, and he wanted me to compose songs for the performance. Yakov— I mean, Professor Feltsman is also part of our team.“

Yuuri seemed to be brimming with curiosity. He started typing another response into his cell phone, visibly correcting typos here and there as his fingers were moving too fast.

[“When is the musical going to premiere? Would it be in Moscow?”]

“I can’t give you a precise date yet because we’re still just starting, but I’ll let you know if something comes up. And yes, it’s going to premiere at Bolshoi,” Viktor laughed, “Are you interested to watch the show, Yuuri?”

The younger man nodded vigorously. It was funny; for awhile now Viktor had been having this impression that Yuuri might be the quiet, gloomy kind of person. He didn’t expect the black-haired would get excited over something like this, but it wasn’t a bad thing either. Just earlier today, he was losing more and more motivation about working on the music for Chris’ project, and yet knowing that there was someone out there so looking forward to it, the composer thought he could at least try a little harder for this guy’s sake.

“And here I was, thinking what I could do to motivate him. He ends up to be the one giving me motivation instead.”

Unconsciously, a smile was drawn on the violinist’s face. He only came to realize it when Yuuri stared at him with a questioning look, but even then his smile didn’t vanish. On the contrary, a sudden idea rose to his mind and he decided to bring it up.

“Yuuri, while we’re here, let’s play a song together,” he said, “What do you have in mind? Waltz? Jazz? Anything is fine, actually. I’m not that picky of a person.”

Being asked something like that out of the blue, the younger man became so baffled he ended up standing frozen in place. He looked like he had a lot of things he wanted to ask, but his hands holding the cell phone remained stiff that only his brown eyes expressed the countless questions he had for the older man. Viktor only grinned wide in response, however, and approached the startled pianist nonchalantly, holding his shoulders and made him sat down on the piano chair. Like that, he circled his arms around the Japanese from the back, resting his chin on top of those strands of black hair.

“Wow, I can feel your heart beating so loud through your clothes,” he laughed, obviously making the younger man even more flustered, “Try naming a song, Yuuri. You can pick anything you like and I’ll try to adjust to your tempo.”

He could feel the black-haired quivering in his arms, nervous and confused. Viktor didn’t plan on letting him go, however, but at the same time it wasn’t his intention to tease him either. Hugging him closer, the Russian whispered into the other’s ear, this time with a more reassuring voice.

“Do you have anything in mind?” he asked, “Don’t worry. Take your time and pick a song that you like best.”

To his question, Yuuri looked back at him; his hesitant eyes seemed as if they were saying “Are you sure about this?”. The Russian laughed softly. Nodding in confirmation, he made a small distance between them, and yet his hands were still placed on the younger man’s shoulders. Yuuri took a long, deep breath, turning to face the piano and after a brief pause, put his fingers on the piano keys again.

A string of melodies began to stream throughout the room.

“……?!!”

“…Is it not good?” – that question appeared to be written all over the Japanese’s face as he halted his performance at once, turning back with an anxious face. Realizing that Yuuri had misunderstood his reaction, the violinist immediately responded.

“Oh, no, no. That’s not it,” Viktor shook his head, “I was just surprised you pick that song.”

[“Do you prefer a different piece?”] Yuuri wrote on his cell phone.

“No, this is fine,” the Russian smiled to him, resting his chin on the other’s head like before, “Actually, I’m quite curious to hear your version of this score. Could you please play it again?”

Despite the brief pause, eventually Yuuri nodded and placed his hands on the black and white keys once more. Just like that, for the second time, a flow of melodies resounded throughout the room.

— The Lilac Fairy

The strongest of the six fairies invited by King Florestan XXIV and his Queen on the Christening day of their baby daughter, Princess Aurora. Beauty, courage, sweetness, musical talent and mischief – all these virtues were bestowed on the child as gifts from the good fairies. However, just as the Lilac Fairy was about to give her blessing, there was a clap of thunder and the entire palace grew dark.

Carabosse, the evil fairy, arrived in fury for not being invited to the Christening. She placed a curse on the infant, that on her sixteenth birthday, she would prick her finger on a swindle and die. Nevertheless, the Lilac Fairy intervened. Albeit not having a power strong enough to undo the curse, she was able to alter it. Instead of dying, the princess would fall into a peaceful slumber. And after a hundred years, she would then be woken up by a kiss from a handsome prince.

The score, created by a renowned Russian composer, was part of one of the world’s most famous ballets – The Sleeping Beauty, which consisted of a Prologue and Three Acts. “The Lilac Fairy” was in the Prologue, and far before the ballet was first performed in 1890, the story of “The Sleeping Beauty” itself had become a tale known to all.

Of course, Viktor was also more than just familiar with this fairytale, but it wasn’t the reason why he was so taken aback upon knowing that the younger man chose “The Lilac Fairy” as their first incidental duet.

Why, this was the score he performed on that day eleven years ago, the day he claimed a golden trophy that marked the beginning of his musical career.

“…Keep playing,” he gently whispered to the black-haired while slowly distancing himself, letting go of those thin shoulders he’d been holding. There were many other instruments in that room aside of the grand piano, but it was obvious to which instrument his decision would fall. Without wasting another second, Viktor took up one of the violins, returning to the younger man’s side and placed his bow on the strings.

A mellow, tender melody then blended in with the lone piano tunes.

“It feels so long since I last played this score…”

He could not help but feel nostalgic. That day, in Vienna’s Musikverein, on the stage of the Golden Hall, his younger self was performing this piece in front of hundreds audience and the juries. They were expecting a flawless performance from him, and a flawless performance was what he delivered to them. He was certain of his victory, that his music would surely surprise those watching him on the stage. The “Viktor Nikiforov” from that day was still so full of inspiration, so full of dreams that whenever he took up his bow and violin, he could never wait to bring out more and more new songs for all to hear.

Compared to that time, seeing himself right now almost felt like a joke.

He kept creating songs after songs, attempting to please the countless admirers he had gathered for himself over the years. But in the end, none of those really matter. Because what good would it do, if by the end of the day, there was just him and his drying well of inspiration?

“When I approach a music like a new beginning, I know I will surely be able to surprise everyone. But does that mean…I can only find new strength on my own?”

Viktor cast his eyes down. He thought his heart had become lighter when he started to engage in this duet, but that was proven to be wrong. Although he kept playing his violin until the last note, the sound of the instrument felt somewhat empty that he had no idea why he started all this in the first place. It was just like last night; if the song were to last even a bit longer, he wasn’t sure if he could bring himself to keep playing until the end.

And yet those thoughts shattered immediately when he lifted his face, looking at the sight waiting right in front of him.

“…Yuuri?”

What he saw before him was none other than the young pianist who had been his duet partner in the past few minutes due to his whimsical request. The Japanese appeared startled at first, fiddling with his fingers as his cheeks flushed in red and his eyes looking down in embarrassment. He still looked the same; an ordinary black hair, an ordinary pair of glasses, a rather old-fashioned set of clothes that left no distinct impression on others. But when he lifted his face then, his expression was painted with a smile.

So genuine was that smile, that Viktor could barely realize how it had moved his heart if not for a little bit.

“Amazing! I’ve never heard a duet like this.”

A sudden applause broke the silence between them. A male student was standing by the door, clapping his hands with a look of amazement beaming all over his face. His appearance was rather unique; natural tanned skin, black hair and dark eyes – just like those coming from tropical countries in Southeast Asia. He appeared friendly, nonetheless, as he approached the two of them with a smile.

“I’m really sorry to bother. I was looking for Yuuri when I heard a lovely song coming from this direction,” he said, “I thought it was a recording. To think that the two of you were the ones performing it… That was so beautiful!”

“Why, thank you for the compliment. Glad to hear that you enjoyed listening to our little performance,” replied Viktor as he then turned to the pianist beside him, “Is this a friend of yours, Yuuri?”

[“Yes. He is my roommate.”] to his question, the Japanese nodded and typed those words as an answer. He smiled to the other student, waving his hand as he arrived in front of them.

“Hello, my name is Phichit Chulanont. Yuuri and I share the same room in the dormitory. Pleased to meet you, Viktor,” he said cheerfully.

“The pleasure is mine. I’m terribly sorry for monopolizing your friend,” replied the Russian with a kind smile, “I hope I wasn’t bothering any of your activities?”

“Don’t worry about it. As his friend, I’m happy that Yuuri finally gets to meet his idol. He has been admiring you for a very long time.”

“Is that so…?”

“Yes! You see, a couple of weeks ago when he met you for the first time, Yuuri was so happy that he started to—Mmpffhh?!“

[“PHICHIT, STOP!!”]

Before they knew it, the Japanese had sprung from his seat, face beet red all the way to his ears. He muffled the other student’s mouth with one hand, while the other hand was holding his cell phone with those words written in bold capital letters. Nevertheless, even though he nearly choked on his own breath, the student named Phichit appeared to be grinning wide from ear to ear. He barely seemed to have any regret, which was understandable, Viktor thought.

After all, Yuuri’s reaction was quite priceless.

“I see. So you’re a fan of mine, Yuuri. That’s really an honor,” the violinist said, winking purposely towards the panicking younger man, “Would you like to take a commemorative photo?”

“Go for it, Yuuri! It’s not every day you get a chance to take a picture with Viktor Nikiforov.”

Being attacked from both sides, the pianist furiously shook his head. By this time, his face had turned so red that Viktor was afraid he might start blowing smokes from his head. As funny as it seemed, perhaps it was time to show some mercy.

“Well, it’s alright. Just let me know if you feel like taking a picture, okay?” he chuckled happily before turning at the other student, “So… Phichit, was it? You were looking for Yuuri, right?”

“Oh, yeah,” Phichit clasped his hands, looking at his still flustered roommate, “Yuuri, I have a message from Celestino. He said he wants to talk to you and he’ll be waiting in his office.”

[“About what?”] replied the Japanese, showing his friend the display of his phone with a confused face.

“It’s about next week’s charity concert. He’s talked to Leo and Guang Hong earlier and just needs to confirm a few things with you.”

Yuuri nodded in response. In the meantime, Viktor threw a curious look at the two students.

“Pardon my interruption, but… This ‘Celestino’ you’re talking about, could he be Celestino Cialdini?” he asked.

“Right, that’s his name. Do you know him, Viktor?” Phichit turned at him, seemingly surprised.

“I’ve never been in his classes before, but yes I know him. He started teaching in this conservatory around the time I was on my second year,” the Russian smiled. However, he then peered at Yuuri’s face with a secretive smile, to which the younger man became quickly overwhelmed by confusion again. “And? What is this talk about charity concert, Yuuri? You never mention anything like that to me before.”

[“I thought…you wouldn’t be interested.”] replied the black-haired timidly.

“If you’re going to perform in it, of course I will be very much interested to attend,” Viktor playfully smacked him on the back before turning at the other student, “May I know when and where this concert will take place? If you don’t mind, that is.”

“No, no, we don’t mind at all! It’s would be amazing to have Viktor Nikiforov visiting our small event,” Phichit said with a delighted smile, “Do you know that public park nearby? We will be there next Saturday starting from nine in the morning.”

“I see. I’ll make sure to keep my schedule open on that day.”

He noticed the Japanese staring at him with an indescribable look. Either Yuuri did not expect him to be interested to come, or the pianist might be thinking about something he could not yet understand. Viktor returned his look with a smile, and in a kind voice, he asked the younger man.

“What is it, Yuuri? Is something the matter?”

[“You will come?”] hesitantly, Yuuri showed him those words. Only those three words, but it was impossible to mistake how his brown eyes glistening behind those glasses. Not in excitement or happiness, but in anticipation and worry, as if he was preparing himself to hear the worst.

“...Of course I will. It’s a promise.”

Viktor told him those words, only those words, and yet it was all it took to bring the smile back to the younger man’s face. He had lost count how many times the color of red had painted Yuuri’s pale cheeks, but this time Viktor knew it wasn’t embarrassment that turned him so.

“How could he become so happy just with this?”

“Yuuri, Celestino is waiting for you, you know?” Phichit’s laugh broke the momentary silence between them, “I know you’re happy that Viktor’s going to watch your performance, but you shouldn’t keep your instructor’s waiting.”

“Ahh… Now this one’s a face of embarrassment” – was what Viktor thought upon seeing the Japanese flinched at his friend’s teasing, abruptly collecting his belongings and putting them all into his bag. He stood up at once and seemed to be ready to sprint towards the door. However, Yuuri stopped after only one step, looking back at him with those brown eyes of his flickering again.

There were no words said, but Viktor understood what he meant to convey.

“See you next Saturday, Yuuri,” he smiled, and the next thing he saw was the pianist’s expression of relief before he jogged away and left the music room. Viktor watched him until that shy figure disappeared from his sight.

“……Will you really come?”

“Huh?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I don’t mean anything bad by that,” Phichit quickly corrected his remark. The student looked like he was trying to tell him something, but unable to find the right words to say so. Scratching the back of his head, he looked at the Russian again. “I mean, it’s just that… I haven’t seen Yuuri this happy in awhile, so…”

“Are you worried that I may break my promise?”

“No, well… Yes… I guess, a little bit…” with the cheerful smile now gone from his face, Phichit averted his eyes, seemingly conflicted, “A lot of students here are your fans, Viktor. I’m also one of them, so I’m sure everyone’s going to be happy to see you visiting a small event we organized. But Yuuri… Yuuri is different.”

“What do you mean?” the Russian tilted his head.

“Sorry if I’m confusing you. What I mean to say is… This is Yuuri’s last year in this conservatory, so I want him to have as much fun as possible. You coming to our concert would mean so much for him.”

“Of course, I will come. I won’t go back on my own words,” the violinist said. He saw Phichit’s expression gradually becoming one of relief as the student brightened once again. However, still Viktor did not miss the slight bitterness in his smile when the black-haired said his next words.

“Thank you so much, Viktor. I’m really happy to hear that,” he replied, and then the younger man let out a soft laugh, casting his dark eyes to the floor and mumbling as if there was something running in his mind that he would not reveal. “With this, I hope… I hope I won’t get to see Yuuri’s sad face again.”

“Phichit?”

“Ah, no, never mind,” the student shook his head once again and showed him his usual friendly smile, “Thank you again, Viktor. Looking forward to see you at the concert.”

With that said, Phichit bid him farewell and trotted away after his friend. Viktor could only stare at his back until the black-haired, too, could no longer be seen after he stepped out of the door. But even though he was now left by himself, the words murmured by that student earlier remained ringing in his ears.

“I don’t think Yuuri has any more room left for another disappointment.”

Note: "The Lilac Fairy" was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. In "Yuri!!! on Ice", young Viktor Nikiforov skated to this program during the Junior World Championship, wearing the "Eros" costume. Young Yuuri Katsuki was first introduced to Viktor by Yuuko Nishigori when they saw this program on TV at Hasetsu's Ice Castle.

#Yuri on Ice #Yuri!!! on Ice #YOI #Victor Nikiforov #Katsuki Yuri #Victuuri #Phichit Chulanont #Georgi Popovich #Mila Babicheva #Musician AU #Fic #Fanfic #Fanfiction

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bad-draft-stuff · 5 years ago

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Fate Goes (to the market)

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Arsé-kun: *A NEW DAY A NEW START I HOPE SENPAI THE WIZARD DIDN'T FUCK SHIT UP* Sheepy: Satoru: *he comes downstairs* Good morning, everyone- Arsé-kun: Vlad: Good morning, Satoru. I hope you didn't need this garlic bread. Sheepy: Satoru: But... aren't you allergic? Arsé-kun: Vlad: I was, until I stopped being a vampire for some reason? Sheepy: Satoru:.....? Sheepy: Satoru: That's odd... Arsé-kun: Vlad: No, odd is that I'm suddenly a Lancer, as is Carmilla. Sheepy: Satoru: Is Carmilla no longer a vampire too? Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... I.... Don't know. Get something to eat, then head outside. That's where the others went. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Thank you! Sheepy: *Satoru eats and then goes out.* Sheepy: Satoru:...... Arsé-kun: Mori: Ah, good morning, Satoru. Welcome to... Whatever happened. Sheepy: Satoru: Um... Sheepy: Satoru: Wh...what is Cu Chu... wearing? Arsé-kun: Mori: Caster robes. Sheepy: Satoru: He's wearing a see through top... Arsé-kun: Mori: That isn't the worst of it. Either way, all of our classes- Bar Hessian Lobo- seem to have been shuffled. Sheepy: Satoru: What is everyone now? Arsé-kun: *Mori covers what he Knows* Sheepy: Kintaro: A very very golden good morning to you, Chief! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Volume, Kintoki! Sheepy: Kintaro:...Sorry, Ruffles. Arsé-kun: Mozart: It is all right. *he resumes attempting to aim an arrow. he misses, but it makes a cool musical twang noise* Sheepy: Cu: Oi, Master! Hanging out is nice, but shouldn't we get busy? Let's go fishing! Sheepy: Cu: Right now, you're just a baby, but if you try hard, you'll grow into a respectable man. Arsé-kun: Proto: Fishing? Sheepy: Cu: Fishing requires patience and- What in the...?! Proto! What happened to you?!? Sheepy: Cu: You have a centipede thing coming out of your back! Arsé-kun: Proto: I want to know that, too! *he wags his tail..? tail?* It's kinda cool though! Sheepy: Cu: Did you switch classes too..? Arsé-kun: Proto: Apparently. I don't know what to. Sheepy: Cu: I want to go to town and see pretty women. And fish! Master, let me teach you how to fish! Sheepy: Satoru: *he hides behind Mori. Nevermind.* Sheepy: Cu:...Alright, you come, Proto! Arsé-kun: Proto: Excellent! *his tail is really wagging now* Sheepy: Lobo: *he sniffs Proto* Sheepy: Cu: Let's go, then! Sheepy: Lobo: Boof? Arsé-kun: *An arrow soars past Proto, snagging itself in the fur on Cu's hood* Sheepy: Cu: *AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA* Arsé-kun: Herc: I wouldn't leave if I were you. *he's. fully dressed for once? Summer outfit. FULL SENTENCES* Sheepy: Cu: You trying to kill me gives me all the more reason to leave! Sheepy: Lobo: *growl* Arsé-kun: Herc: It was aimed for your hood as to not inflict harm. Leaving may mean that you will not receive the counterspell. Sheepy: Cu:...*he hesitantly takes ths arrow out of his hood* Sheepy: Lobo: *he is still growling but not as much. that was his friend...* Arsé-kun: Proto: *he lowers his voice a bit* It's so weird hearing him use full sentences. Sheepy: Cu: It's weird seeing him with clothes. Arsé-kun: Proto: I had no idea he could use a bow. Sheepy: Cu: I don't think he can. I think it was just a cover-up for a murder attempt. Sheepy: Lobo: *he continues to growl. is he scary yet? his tail is wagging.* Arsé-kun: *there's a howl from the other house, followed by a wolf... thing busting out of the doorway. Jekyll is clinging onto it's back for his life. help him* sheep: Lobo: *he sniffs the wolf thing* Sheepy: *Lobo has already decided that he's the alpha, apparently, because his tail is sticking up like a flag. He's standing with an air of confidence* Sheepy: Guin: Ah, does this mean Lance has changed classes...? I need to go find him... Arsé-kun: *the wolf lies down next to a bunch of the girls. Jekyll looks shaken but unharmed* Arsé-kun: Hyde: Do any of you lovely ladies want to have se-- Arsé-kun: Jekyll: HYDE! Be quiet! Sheepy: Guin: Nevermind, I already hate him. Arsé-kun: Jekyll: I am so, so sorry for his behavior. sheep: Rider: "As long as he isn't a bad influence on Lobo and doesn't mess with anyone I know, I don't care." Arsé-kun: Jekyll: He most likely will. sheep: Rider: "Does he wish to keep his head?" Arsé-kun: Hyde: Don't touch me, headless. I'll kick your ass. sheep: Rider: "Don't touch anyone from our household or make sexual comments towards them if you want to keep your head." Arsé-kun: Hyde: Fine, I'll wait. sheep: Rider: "Wait? For when?" Arsé-kun: Hyde: Wait to stop being this ratty canine so I can go to a bar and pick up some dudes n' chicks. sheep: Rider: "Good." sheep: Lobo: *he sniffs at Hyde again* sheep: Rider: *he claps his hands* "No, Lobo, don't associate with him. You have standards, don't you?" Arsé-kun: Hyde: What do you want, stinko? You wanna go to the park and sniff some bitches? sheep: Lobo: *he looks excited!* sheep: Lobo: *boof* sheep: Rider: *he claps his hands again, but this time louder* "No, Lobo!" sheep: Guin: Jekyll, where is Lance right now? Arsé-kun: Jekyll: Lancelot? Inside, I believe. Do check on him- I haven't seen him all day. sheep: Guin: *she goes in* Arsé-kun: *She immediately sees Andersen lying on the floor. This is normal and Andersen-like, except he's an adult, and he looks downright miserable. More than usual* sheep: Gil: Big brother! Are you sick? sheep: *Gil, meanwhile, is the opposite: hes a kid.* Arsé-kun: Andersen: I may as well be. Tell me not to take more medication. sheep: Gil: Don't take more medication! It can hurt you in large quantities. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Thank you. sheep: Gil: That's what Goldie read. Thankfully while Goldie isn't here, I still know a lot that he knew! sheep: Guin: ...Um, excuse me, have you seen Lance? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Yes. sheep: Guin: Do you know where he is right now? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Upstairs. Please pardon my appearance. sheep: Guin: No, no, we changed classes too. sheep: Guin: Don't worry about it. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Is that it? I should have noticed.. sheep: Guin: Do you mind if I go visit him? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Go ahead. sheep: *Guin goes upstairs to find Lancelot* Arsé-kun: *No sight of him at first, but the bathroom light is on and the door is open* sheep: Guin: *she hesitantly peeks in* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he's... facing away from the door, trying to cut his own hair. He's mumbling as he does, but it's intelligible* ... No, no, this isn't right... sheep: Guin: Lance? Do you need help? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he jumps like an entire foot into the air, dropping the scissors and knocking things over turning to look at her* I-I wasn't ready yet! sheep: Guin: Oh. Sorry. sheep: Guin: I'll come back later if you want. Arsé-kun: Lance: Uh... Um, no, it's okay! sheep: Guin: Okay, do you need help? You sounded like you were struggling with something... Arsé-kun: Lance: Please. *he bends down and retrieves the scissors* Sheepy: *Guin comes over to help.* Arsé-kun: *Significant improvements are made. To his hair.* Sheepy: *Thank goodness.* Sheepy: Guin: Your hair is much neater now! Arsé-kun: Lancelot: I feel a lot better! Say, do you think Merlin did something? Sheepy: Guin: I don't know. He might've... Sheepy: Guin: ...That'd explain everyone's, uh, situation. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: Uh? Did he make a mistake? Sheepy: Guin: Everyone's classes have been swapped. Sheepy: Guin: Instead of being a Saber, I'm a Rider now, for example. Arsé-kun: Lancelot: ... .... I would be inclined to believe I took Saber from you, then. Sheepy: Guin: I wouldn't be surprised. Sheepy: Guin: I prefer you taking Saber from me than anyone else, at least. Arsé-kun: Lance: Fair. Let me clean up, and then we can talk! Sheepy: Guin: Okay! Arsé-kun: *He does so, and then starts talking. At least half of it is apologies, a quarter is being a hopeless romantic, and the last quarter is miscellaneous. They head back out, meanwhile* Arsé-kun: Lance: -- But what I mean to say is that I apologize for my behavior Sheepy: Guin: You don't need to apologize. I understand. Arsé-kun: Eliza: *chanting from the roof* O T P, O T P, BEST SHIP Sheepy: Guin: ?! Arsé-kun: Lance: ?!? Sheepy: Guin: Why are you on the roof?! Arsé-kun: Eliza: Nobody stopped me from climbing up! Hey, do you think I could sing well from up here? Sheepy: Guin: ..I guess? Sheepy: Guin: I don't see why altitude would affect your singing, unless you're on a mountain. Arsé-kun: Eliza: Well, okayyyy! Arsé-kun: Eliza: Lemme just warm up, first! Arsé-kun: *both Jekyll and Hyde immediately cover their ears. Mozart notices and follows suit* sheep: Guin: ...? Arsé-kun: *Eliza just takes a moment to scream. Honestly? relatable* sheep: Guin: *she covers her ears* sheep: Lobo: *he starts growling and barking loudly. he doesn't like it.* sheep: Rider: ......... sheep: Cu: SHUUUT UUUPPP!! Arsé-kun: Eliza: YOUUUU SHUUUUTT UUUUUUPP Sheepy: Cu: YOU SOUND LIKE A DYING CAT! Arsé-kun: Eliza: And you look like a biiiiitch~♫ Sheepy: Cu: That's not singing, lady! That's just screaming at the top of your lungs! Arsé-kun: Eliza: I didn't say it was! It was a warm-up, now shut up! Sheepy: Cu: If you sound annoying when you sing, I can't guarantee I won't set up ablaze! You already make me really mad and all you've done is your "warm up"! Arsé-kun: *And Elizabeth kicks into singing God of Marie. Elizabeth.... She's probably doing this because few people will even know what it is. Either way, Eliza, no.* Sheepy: Cu: *he is quickly getting impatient* Arsé-kun: Mozart: .... If not for the actual lyrics, not so bad. Grating, but not awful. Sheepy: Cu:..... *he looks irritated* Sheepy: Kintaro: ? Arsé-kun: Proto: *he also looks irritated* ....... Sheepy: Cu: *and he, unsurprisingly, loses his temper* Shuuuuuuut uuuuuup, lady! Sheepy: Cu: You said you'd sing! You're still bleating like some stupid goat! Get down from your stage for your imaginary concert before I ram this staff so far through my heart that not even battle continuation can save me! Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she DOES shut up. ... followed by falling to her knees and crying* Sheepy: Cu: Rather than crying, actually try learning from a music teacher instead of listening to "music"! Sheepy: Cu: Music tells stories of intense battles and of the tears of maidens! Not drugs! Sheepy: Satoru: But Uncle Mozzy's songs don't discuss either. Sheepy: Cu: Mozart does what Mozart pleases. Arsé-kun: Mozart: They do sometimes. Sheepy: Satoru: Really? Sheepy: Satoru: I don't understand music. Sheepy: Satoru: She didn't sound bad, but I was tuning her out. Arsé-kun: Andersen: *he stumbles outside, groaning loudly* Whatever that was, it better not start again! Sheepy: Gil: Miss! You're upsetting big brother!! He's hurting! Be nice to him! Arsé-kun: Proto: *he was angry, now he's.. Still angry, but also super confused* What did you just say? Sheepy: Gil: I said, "Miss, you're upsetting big brother! He's hurting so be nice to him!" Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she peers off the roof. She DOES lower her voice* Oh my gosh, you're adorable. Sheepy: Gil: Huh? Arsé-kun: Herc: ..... *even he has to suppress a laugh* You're finally joining us, Gilgamesh? Sheepy: Gil: Big uncle Herc! You're here too! Sheepy: Gil: "Gilgamesh" sounds really formal. Call me "Gil"! I'm not like Goldie! Arsé-kun: *In the far background, Minako excuses herself so she can have a fit of giggles* Sheepy: Gil: I don't want to become Goldie! I hate him! Arsé-kun: Hyde: Then why don't you spam his phone with pictures of yourself? And send them to everyone else, so he can't play "LOL THIS DIDN'T HAPPEN" bingo. Sheepy: Gil: ? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Check your pockets. *he sit down on the grass* Sheepy: *Gil takes out a phone* Arsé-kun: Andersen: Camera. Go nuts. Sheepy: Gil: Big brother! Take a picture with me! Here, here, I'll get you in the shot! Arsé-kun: Andersen: ... I look awful. *he adjusts his glasses* Look, you can even see burns on my face. Arsé-kun: Andersen: ... *he sighs and forces a small smile for the camera* Sheepy: *Gil takes a picture with Andersen!* Arsé-kun: Andersen: *he proceeds to flop down onto the grass* Sheepy: Gil: Are you okay? Arsé-kun: Andersen: Nope. Sheepy: Gil: Do you need anything? Arsé-kun: Andersen: A barrel to be smashed over my head, killing me instantly. Sheepy: Gil: I don't think I have anything like that. Arsé-kun: Andersen: Hey, do you think big uncle Herc wants to take a picture, too? Sheepy: Gil: Probably! Sheepy: Gil: Take a picture with me! Arsé-kun: Herc: I don't suppose I have a reason not to. Sheepy: *Gil takes a picture with Herc!* Arsé-kun: Eliza: Me too! Me too! Arsé-kun: *And now, a short list of background events that May or May Not be happening: Proto is trying to take a branch from Lobo, with his mouth. He's hanging off off this branch. Progress is Low. Lance and Guin are being hopeless romantics. Mozart thinks it's adorable, as does Elizabeth. Emiya can't see. Carmilla is a fucking catgirl.* Arsé-kun: *Also Merlin is alternating between fixing his staff and napping. On occasion, he also tries to piece together a broken perthro rune* Arsé-kun: *I'm gonna keep doing this until you inevitably Do Something. Moriarty is standing with Satoru. Vlad still hasn't finished the garlic bread, and he isn't sharing under any circumstances. Cu is dying inside. Robin wants to leave. Medusa can't hold this bow and this book at the same time and keeps dropping both. Jekyll takes a nap on Hyde's back. Hyde wants to shake him off. Emiya still can't see* Sheepy: Satoru: You know, there's still a few people missing. Sheepy: Satoru: Mephisto, Merlin, and Minako. Arsé-kun: Minako: Hey! I'm right here! Sheepy: Satoru: Then, if it's not you, who am I forgetting? Arsé-kun: Minako: Not Merlin either! He's over there. Sheepy: Satoru:.... Arsé-kun: Minako: Mephisto is... ... Y'know, I don't know where he went. Sheepy: Satoru: Maybe he left because he was sad. Sheepy: Emiya: *he has his arms outstretched and is waving them around as he walks. he's going to get where he wants to go eventually.* Arsé-kun: Minako: ... No idea. Emmy, do you need help? Sheepy: Satoru: That guy is covered up completely! Maybe he's Mephisto! Sheepy: Emiya: I'm baking. Arsé-kun: Minako: No horns, no tails. *she goes and tries to pull the bandages off his head. or whatever those are* Sheepy: Emiya: Thank you. Arsé-kun: Minako: Why didn't you just take it off? Sheepy: Emiya: I couldn't see what I was doing. Arsé-kun: Minako: Too stubborn to ask for help? Sheepy: Emiya: It's easy to poke an eye out that wa- Sheepy: Cu: Oi, Archer! Let's fight with our new classes! Arsé-kun: Minako: Oh, right, you guys were gonna do that! Kick his butt, Emmy. Sheepy: Emiya: I don't know where my weapons are. Sheepy: Emiya: Do I even have weapons? Sheepy: Emiya: Anyway, no. Arsé-kun: Minako: No? Sheepy: Emiya: It'd be stupid to waste my energy when there's clearly more important things to deal with. Arsé-kun: Minako: After, then? Sheepy: Emiya: Lancer has a luck stat of D anyway, so chances are his spells will explode in his face, anyway, killing him instantly and wasting my time. Sheepy: Cu: Excuse me! I'm no idiot! Arsé-kun: Minako: Harsh! All right, but give me advice. I'm gonna go check on Mephisto, but, who should I bring with me? Do you wanna come, or? Sheepy: Emiya: I'll come. Sheepy: Emiya: I believe he is in the attic as always. Sheepy: Cu: Don't run away like some baby! Sheepy: Emiya: Babies can't run! Sheepy: Emiya: They crawl! Sheepy: Kintaro: Let's give Moose a visit! Arsé-kun: Minako: Oh, are you coming, too? Sheepy: Kintaro: Yes! Arsé-kun: Minako: Okay! We're all set, let me just.. *she looks to Cu* Could you get Proto down from there before he breaks something? Sheepy: Cu: Proto! Get down! Arsé-kun: Proto: *he goes to talk. first mistake. he lands on his ass* Arsé-kun: Minako: Quick, Emmy, get inside. Sheepy: *Emiya goes inside and up to the attic* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he's lying on the couch, shaking and shuddering* Sheepy: Emiya: Mephisto! *he rushes over to his side* What's wrong? Sheepy: *the music box is playing...* Arsé-kun: *Mephistopleles does not respond. In fact, he doesn't seem at all aware that Emiya is present. Upon closer inspection, "shaking" and "shuddering" are not proper terms. The most accurate terms would be "twitching" and "convulsing".* Sheepy: Emiya: Something is wrong! Arsé-kun: Minako: What do you mean something's wrong? *she climbs up the ladder* What's up? Sheepy: Emiya: He's shaking. Sheepy: Kintaro: What happened to Moose? Sheepy: Teddy: ...he started trembling all of a sudden. is he going to be okay? Arsé-kun: Minako: ! ! Sheepy: Teddy: it's not helping... Arsé-kun: Minako: *she moves a bit closer* Did.. Did this only happen now? Sheepy: Teddy: uhuh! Arsé-kun: Minako: .... I guess it's better than happening repeatedly. *she bends down and unties Mephisto's bow. she's on a mission* Sheepy: Teddy: if mama was here she could help mister pheles. I need to find her... Arsé-kun: Minako: Huh.. *she glances towards Emiya* Is that whatever was going on with paperwork? Sheepy: Emiya: Yes. Arsé-kun: Minako: Neato. We'll get back to that after all this. *she starts sifting through Mephisto's hair, like she's looking for something underneath...* Sheepy: Kintaro: Moose! You've gotta snap out of it! Sheepy: Emiya: What are you doing? Arsé-kun: Minako: Looking for something. Doubt he's shown you guys, so maybe I shouldn't... .. Aw, fuck it. *she just moves his hair away from his neck to show some sort of markings on it. If inanimate markings and circles could be unhappy, they fucking are* Sheepy: Emiya:....? Sheepy: Kintaro: It's like...ehh, pictionary on his neck! Sheepy: Kintaro: Except without the guessing! Arsé-kun: Minako: May as well have guessing. I know nothing about alchemy except stuff from anime. Sheepy: Emiya: I know very little about alchemy myself. Move. Arsé-kun: Minako: ...? *she moves to the side* What are you gonna do? Sheepy: Emiya: Trace, on! *he touches Mephisto's neck* ... ... ... Arsé-kun: Minako: Eh??? I thought you said that didn't work on people.. Sheepy: Emiya: It doesn't... Arsé-kun: Minako: ... Sheepy: Emiya: *he is doing his best to focus on it.* Arsé-kun: Minako: *she wisely shuts up* Arsé-kun: Minako: ... ....... *she's considering this with a grain of fear* ... And I thought the first time was bad. Hold on. *she goes to the window and opens it* Yo, Merlin the wizard! Hurry your ass up, it's starting to cause problems! *she now returns* Nailed it. Sheepy: Emiya: First time? Arsé-kun: Minako: Later! Sheepy: Emiya: Fine. Arsé-kun: *the shaking finally stops. He did not Die.* Sheepy: Kintaro: Moose? Sheepy: Kintaro: Is Moose dead? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: .... ngnnnh? *he finally comes to, blinking in confusion and looking in Kintaro's direction* Taro..? What're you doing here...? *he sounds exhausted* Sheepy: Kintaro: I was very, very concerned! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: About what...? This clown looking thing we call me..? Sheepy: Kintaro: You were shaking violently! Sheepy: Kintaro: Like I do when I see a boob! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: .... Heh? Run that by me again..? Sheepy: Kintaro: You were trembling like you saw something that terrified you! Like a boob! Arsé-kun: Minako: Now make it possibly lethal. Sheepy: Kintaro: Breasts can kill you! Arsé-kun: Minako: ... At least Lizzie's can't. Sheepy: Emiya: Are you feeling alright, Mephisto? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ..... Nnnnnot really.. Sheepy: Emiya: Everyone changed classes. Your body appears to be rejecting it. Sheepy: Emiya: For example, I am an Assassin, and Kintaro is... Kintaro is...? Sheepy: Kintaro: My intended class, a Berserker! Sheepy: Kintaro: A very very golden greeting to you, Moose, in my true form! Cool! Powerful! Shocking! Because I use electricity! Sheepy: Teddy: mister pheles is back!! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ... So you're Currently making Re-Volt-ing puns? ... Oh, hey, Teddy.. Sheepy: Kintaro: I should write those down! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: .... I'll help when I feel better. Who'd know better about bad jokes than a clown? Sheepy: Kintaro: Meese? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: oH NO *he starts laughing* Sheepy: Kintaro: ? Sheepy: Kintaro: You're a moose and you know a lot about jokes. Sheepy: Emiya: A group of moose is moose. Arsé-kun: Minako: I can't believe he's a moose, Emmy. Sheepy: Kintaro: No, no! Sheepy: Kintaro: The plural of goose is geese! Sheepy: Kintaro: The plural of moose must be meese! It's the golden rule! Arsé-kun: *Mephisto keeps laughing at "meese". Why? No idea. It's just That Funny.* Sheepy: Kintaro: Similarly, the singular of beef is a "boof"! Sheepy: Emiya: Incorrect. The plural of beef is beeves. Arsé-kun: Minako: I thought it was just beefs! Sheepy: Emiya: No. Sheepy: Kintaro: Beef is a plural! Sheepy: Kintaro: The singular is a boof! That's why Lobo says it so much! Sheepy: Kintaro: Right, Moose? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he wipes away a single tear. he was laughing that hard* Apparently so, if it's the Golden Rule. Sheepy: Kintaro: You see? Moose knows the Golden Rule! Sheepy: Emiya: When Merlin can he'll fix this mess. Until then, just relax. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: hnn. *he shifts himself* When'll that be? Arsé-kun: Minako: I don't know, and I don't like it! *she frowns* It's bad enough that happened. I thought the first time around was bad, but... Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ... We're really gonna talk about that? *he sighs* That one was worse. Took longer to fix. Was a lot more lonely. No puns. Ehe. Arsé-kun: *Minako doesn't seem amused* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Okay! Sorry. Sheepy: Kintaro:? Sheepy: Emiya: First time? Sheepy: Emiya: I assume I wasn't present for it. Sheepy: Kintaro: There's always a first time for anything! That is the second golden rule! Arsé-kun: Minako: It was a whiiiiile back, Emmy. None of you guys were there yet, except Mephisto. sheep: Emiya: I see. sheep: Kintaro: Ah, ah! I've got it! Arsé-kun: Minako: Oh? sheep: Kintaro: I know what can make you feel better! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ... What? sheep: *Kintaro leaves and returns with golden delicious apples!* sheep: Kintaro: Here, here! Golden delicious apples! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ... Didn't you say it was your favorite..? sheep: Kintaro: Yes! sheep: Kintaro: That's why it'll make you feel better. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ... Thanks, Taro. sheep: Kintaro: No problem! Sheepy: *Meanwhile, Bedi finally arrives.* Arsé-kun: *Bedi is not stopped by the security wolves. One is being a lazy sack of shit. The other is Lobo* Sheepy: Bedi: There you are, Merlin...! *he pauses and looks over at Lancelot, visibly surprised. he has emotions past :) ????* Arsé-kun: Lance: Good afternoon, Bedivere! Sheepy: Bedi: Sir Lancelot! You look much better than you did yesterday! ...You're speaking clearly, too. Were you just not feeling well yesterday...? Arsé-kun: Lance: Not at all, unfortunately. Merlin decided to try something. While it worked, it's ruined everyone else's classes. Sheepy: Bedi: ...I see. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Don't blame me, you plum! My staff broke right in half! There was also an unexpected reaction to the runes.. Sheepy: Bedi: But don't you keep your staff well-maintained? Sheepy: Bedi: ...So clearly, you must've made a mistake... Arsé-kun: Merlin: Someone tried to use it as a fetching stick. *he shoots Lobo a glare* Sheepy: Lobo: *he walks over to Merlin, places a paw on his face, and pushes him over. no.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Ach! I'm being assaulted! Sheepy: Lobo: *boof* Sheepy: Guin: Lobo, no. Arsé-kun: Lance: Lobo, yes. Sheepy: Lobo: *he places a paw on Merlin's chest and stares directly into his eyes with a penetrating glare. know your place, Merlin* Sheepy: Lobo: *he hesitantly raises his paw and looks over at Guin and Lance* Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, are you okay? Sheepy: *Bedi comes over to help Merlin up* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'll live. Sheepy: Bedi: Sir Lancelot, I apologize that I couldn't stick around to talk yesterday. Arsé-kun: Lance: Accepted. You were busy. Sheepy: Bedi: I work as the ... I guess the term is "barista"? Arsé-kun: Lance: That sounds correct. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm there often, so if you go to the store again, I'd appreciate if you stopped by and said hello. Arsé-kun: Lance: If I am able to remember that after this, I shall. Sheepy: Bedi: I'll be looking forward to it, then! Sheepy: Bedi: How have you been and what have you been up to? Arsé-kun: Lance: Not very much. It's hard to keep a goal in mind as a Berserker. Yourself? Sheepy: *Satoru has finally left Mori's side to investigate Bedi's arm. touch. touch. Bedi doesn't seem to notice...* Sheepy: Bedi: I've been fine. I live with Merlin, so things are usually entertaining. Arsé-kun: Lance: I'm unsure if I should pity you or not. Sheepy: Satoru: It's shiny... why's it so shiny? Sheepy: Bedi: We are the only two servants, though, so... Sheepy: Bedi: It can be a bit overwhelming at times. Arsé-kun: Lance: That sounds peaceful. Or it would be, if not for Merlin. Sheepy: Bedi: ....Ah. Peaceful... Sheepy: Bedi: ...No, no, not really. Sheepy: Bedi: Even without Merlin it wouldn't be peaceful. Arsé-kun: Lance: Oh? That seems like a stretch. Sheepy: Bedi: Delving into detail would be breaking the trust that has been put on me, but at the same time, you're a very close friend... Arsé-kun: Lance: No, no. If it's that kind of case, I can live not hearing it. Sheepy: Bedi: Thank you. Sheepy: Bedi: If it weren't for that, then yes, it would be peaceful. Sheepy: Satoru: Do real knights always wear armor, Uncle Lance? Arsé-kun: Lance: We often do, yes. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm...very conflicted. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Doooo it. Sheepy: Bedi: But- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Before I do it! Sheepy: Sherlock: *he strides over like he owns the place* Based on my interrogation's results and the way you're acting... You know his biological father, yes? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Certainly. Congrats, kiddo, the dad you have was adopted! Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, no! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Merlin yes! Sheepy: Guin: That... that'd explain a lot. Arsé-kun: Lance: I've been utterly underinformed. Catch me up to speed. Sheepy: Guin: How do I explain this... Sheepy: Guin: His "father", Masato, is... Sheepy: Guin: Neglectful, uncaring, and at times, downright abusive. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... .... Sheepy: Guin: And that's why Satoru summoned us. To be the family he wanted, as opposed to the family he had. Sheepy: Guin: The fact that he's the result of a different relationship makes a lot of sense. All that man sees him as is a tool. Arsé-kun: Lance: ..... I regret asking. Bedivere, spar with me. Sheepy: Bedi: Right here...? If you want to, but... why? Arsé-kun: Lance: Because I most likely won't be able to later. *he sounds a little growly..* Fight me. Sheepy: *Bedi takes out his sword* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he takes out his own and steps away from the others* Sheepy: *Bedi follows so they can spar over where they won't hurt anyone.* Arsé-kun: *AND THEY SPAR. INTENSE* sheep: Bedi: *pant* Have you calmed down now, Sir Lancelot...? Arsé-kun: Lance: *pant, pant* Yes, thank you. That was the best spar I've had in years. sheep: Bedi: Ahah, I can say the same... sheep: Bedi: We should go sit down. I think I overdid it, at least, haha. Arsé-kun: Lance: That would be... A great idea. sheep: *Bedi comes back to the group and plops down in the grass* Arsé-kun: *Lance follows his example* sheep: Guin: Welcome back! Arsé-kun: Lance: Thanks. sheep: Guin: *she joins them* sheep: Satoru: *he followed* Uncle Lance! Why aren't you a Lancer? Arsé-kun: Lance: Because I don't use a lance. sheep: Satoru: *he looks confused* sheep: Satoru: But... you lance a lot. Sheepy: Satoru: ...right? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he's been dragged outside by Kintaro. He's hanging onto Kintaro's shirt for dear life. Either way, he hears the pun and starts laughing* Sheepy: Satoru: .... Sheepy: Satoru: I thought it was a title? Sheepy: Satoru: You're Sir Lance A Lot because you use a lance a lot? Sheepy: Satoru: But I didn't know your name so I used what Auntie Guin called you instead. Arsé-kun: Lance: It's a name as well. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: What's going on out here, anyway? Sheepy: Satoru: Everyone's switched classes. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Oh, I learned that part the hard way! Sheepy: Gil: *he looks over at Mephisto* Hello! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Why, hello! Sheepy: Gil: You haven't met me before, but you've met Goldie! I'm Gilgamesh, but you can call me Gil! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Oh, there's a difference? Are you not going to threaten everyone? Sheepy: Gil: Goldie's a snobby rich king who let power get to his head. Sheepy: Gil: Unfortunately, I have no choice but to become him one day, but... Arsé-kun: Mephisto: But we can sure annoy him, can't we? Sheepy: Gil: Goldie doesn't deny my existence because he hates me, is embarrassed by me, or finds me in some way lacking in worth compared to him. Sheepy: Gil: Goldie denies my existence because he never was me, and I never will be him. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Actually, I just want to annoy him in general, but okay. Sheepy: Gil: You'll need to wait until that wizard is done to be able to annoy him. Sheepy: Gil: Since, I doubt he'll remember anything from now. Sheepy: Gil: Unless you mean you want to take a picture with me. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You're taking pictures??? Of course I'll take one. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: That's gonna drive him nuts for sure. Sheepy: Gil: I have my doubts that it's possible to remember him ever being me. Arsé-kun: Merlin: i suggest magic. Sheepy: Gil: ? Arsé-kun: Merlin: Magic tends to be the answer to everything when done properly. Sheepy: Gil: But what if it's done improperly? Arsé-kun: Merlin: More magic fixes it. Sheepy: Gil: Well, okay. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Either way, I think I'm ready for the fix. Sheepy: Satoru: Really? Sheepy: Satoru: So is Uncle Lance going to make gurgling noises to communicate again? *he seems a little disappointed, despite only communicating with Lancelot for a few moments.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: I've got my doubts. Once given sanity, the brain most likely won't want to lose it, or something. I'm a magician, not a doctor. Sheepy: Satoru:....Well, okay. Sheepy: Satoru: I'll believe you. Sheepy: Sherlock: Once you finish your fix, I can finish my case, so the sooner, the better. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Righto. Everyone hold onto your hats. *he (finally) stands up and begins casting magic. the effect is near immediate.* Sheepy: Gil:....When did I get out here? Arsé-kun: Minako: This morning! We used your phone to keep track of everyone, if you don't mind. Sheepy: Gil: I see! Then, feel grateful I let you, mongrels! Arsé-kun: Herc: ... Stop talking. Sheepy: Gil: Don't order me around, mutt! Sheepy: Guin: Lance? How are you feeling? Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Tired. Unsure if it's the same tired or more tired. Sheepy: Guin: I'm sorry to hear that. Did you sleep last night? Arsé-kun: Lance: Yes, surprisingly. Sheepy: Guin: That's good. If you sleep more often, you may start to feel better. Arsé-kun: Herc: Then quit calling me a mutt, you gold-plated flapdoozle. Arsé-kun: *this is met with roaring laughter from Andersen. He seems to feel better* Sheepy: Gil:...Mmh, I thought that that pretty woman over there only taught one dog to speak. I wasn't aware that she taught you to speak as well, mutt. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... You shut up. Sheepy: Gil: Unfortunately, I haven't a care in my entire treasury to give you. Arsé-kun: Herc: Good. I don't want one. Sheepy: Gil: What, do you dislike me calling that woman with you attractive, or calling you what you are: some mongrel? Sheepy: Guin: Unless you want the beating of a lifetime, I'd suggest you not insult my husband. *she's smiling, but...* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... .... *he slowly copies her expression, making this more uncomfortable than it ever needed to be* Sheepy: Gil: Hahah! I love women with a wild side! Hahahahah! I guess even dirty mutts can choose good women sometimes! Good going, Lancelost! Because you are a Berserker and have lost your sense of self! Hahahhaa! Laugh, a King of Heroes Joke! Arsé-kun: Lance: ....... ......... Guinevere, dear, may I borrow your sword? Mine is far too small to do any damage to his thick skull. Sheepy: Guin: *she nods and passes him her sword* Arsé-kun: *Lance stands up with it. He stares at Gil* Sheepy: Gil: Ah, ah? Are you protecting your woman, mutt? How respectable! I wasn't aware there was more than anger in that one-tracked mind of yours! Arsé-kun: Lance: There is more. I don't believe you know the definition of loyalty. ... That, and I'd rather face you myself than let her destroy you. Sheepy: Guin: I am nobody's woman except for my own. Lance is protecting you from me. Sheepy: Gil: Loyalty is for weaklings. Sheepy: Gil: Loyalty is simply a word people use to control you. Sheepy: Gil:...Oh dear, I forgot! Sheepy: Gil: I'm speaking to the great Lancelot, Knight of the Round Table, loyal to the King Arthur! But wait, wasn't it that woman there who caused your downfall, along with your betrayal of your king? Sheepy: Gil: Why should I listen to a speech about loyalty from someone who's anything but? Arsé-kun: Lance: No. You won't listen anyway. Sheepy: Gil: I won't listen to a hypocrite like you. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Well, then. Guinevere, take your weapon back. Sheepy: Guin: *she is shaking ftom anger. maybe now is a good time for everyone to back off and recollect their thoughts- aaand she almost yanks the sword away, clutching it tightly. there's the armor.* Arsé-kun: Lance: Go get him, babe. Sheepy: *Despite her very heavy-looking armor, Guin launches herself at Gil! Gil jumps away. he attempts to defuse the situation by complimenting her appearance in comparison to Artoria's, which only serves to make Guin more mad. A fight breaks out.* Arsé-kun: Jekyll: *since remerging with Hyde, he's had a killer headache. This is not helping, so he decides to stumble his way back to the house.* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he keeps his eyes on the fight, just in case Guin needs help* Sheepy: *After a while, Guin seems to start to tire.* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he, with his armor, decides to step in, hijacking a fallen weapon to get started* Sheepy: Guin: *pant, pant* Sheepy: Gil: *he aims a few Gates of Babylonia at both of them* Who invited you, dog? Sheepy: Satoru: *he gently tugs on Gil's coat* Sheepy: Gil: What is it, mongrel? Can't you see that I'm busy?! Sheepy: Satoru: *stare* Sheepy: Gil:...Out with it, pup! I don't have all day! Sheepy: Satoru: *stare* Sheepy: Gil: You're making me uncomfortable!! Stop!! Arsé-kun: Lance: *he skids to a stop upon noticing Satoru. He's far too close.* Arsé-kun: Merlin: Well, that's one way to stop a fight. Sheepy: Gil: Can someone please get this kid away from me so I can go back to teaching those two a lesson? Sheepy: Satoru: Oh, oh! I remember what I wanted to say now! You forgot your hair gel! Sheepy: Gil: ?! Sheepy: Gil: *He rushes inside. His hair is more important than Lancelot.* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... ..... *he quietly laughs, but it ends up louder* No one tell him it's empty. Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: But how will he know to go to the store and buy more? Arsé-kun: Minako: Thhhree, twooo, any time now.. Sheepy: *Gil basically kicks the door open* Sheepy: Gil: Who did it?! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Did what? Sheepy: Gil: Used my hair gel? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Wasn't me. I was upstairs all day. Sheepy: Gil: I demand whoever did it to speak up, or I'll punish the person of my choice! Arsé-kun: Mori: It was no one of my household, so keep us out of it. Sheepy: Gil: It doesn't matter if you're responsible or not if it's intended to make a statement! Sheepy: Gil: ...So, since obviously no one is going to speak up. Sheepy: *Gil snaps his fingers. Kintaro gets hit with Gates of Babylon! Ouch.* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Hey!! Uncalled for, you jerk! Sheepy: Gil: What're you going to do about it, clown? Sheepy: *Satoru goes over to Kintaro to see if he's okay.* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: I'll stuff your damn treasury full of bombs, that's what I'll do! Sheepy: Gil: Hah! What do you care anyway? Sheepy: Gil: Why stand up for some idiot mongrel when nobody cares about you anyway? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *his tails stop moving. He's silent for a moment, then suddenly grins, cheshire style* Because it entertained me, of course! Ehehe! It doesn't matter! What did you expect from a clown? Sheepy: Gil: Ah, so you're a daredevil. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Not exact-ly! You want to know what I am? Sheepy: Gil: What? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: I'm not going to tell you! Did you think I'd make things so easy for the King of Heroes? Laugh, for I've made a Kings of Heroes joke! Sheepy: Gil: Don't compare yourself to me, fool! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Tooooooo late! Arsé-kun: *Mephisto dodges the attack, before making a beeline for the gate itself* Sheepy: Gil: ?! Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You can't hit me if I've got all your stuff hostaaaaage~ *he zips in before Gil can close it* Sheepy: Gil: ...Hmph, idiot. Sheepy: Gil: Have fun rotting in there. Arsé-kun: Minako: Hey, you said nobody could get in there! Sheepy: Gil: He just got lucky. Arsé-kun: Minako: Nothing bad better happen to him in there! Sheepy: Gil: Whatever. Sheepy: Gil: I could get him out if you really want me to. Arsé-kun: Minako: Without stabbing him? Sheepy: Gil: *He points his Gates of Babylon at Kintaro again* Arsé-kun: Minako: Hey, hey! Sheepy: Gil: Mephisto, do you want your friend to live? Then get out. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he pops his head back out* Sheesh, you're an asshole! Sheepy: Gil: Get. Out. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Then don't you dare ever hit him again, or I'll start taking shit. *for once, he's dropped the grin in favor of being dead serious* And I'll personally destroy them, you got it? Sheepy: Gil: I'll hit him again if you don't get out. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he gets out, mostly* Don't do it again. Sheepy: Gil: Get out and I won't. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he exits, but still looks cross with Gil* Sheepy: *Gil closes it* Arsé-kun: Medusa: .... *this is interesting and all but is the dude alive* Sheepy: *Sort of? Satoru has a blank expression on his face* Arsé-kun: *what do you mean Sort Of* Sheepy: *He's a little conscious?* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he decides staring down Gil is not going to help anyone and floats away to check on Kintaro.* Youuuu all right, buddy? Sheepy: *Kintaro looks over at Mephisto. He seems dazed. It'd be easier to tell if he was if he wasn't wearing his stupid sunglasses.* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he moves a bit closer, to try and peer over his glasses* Sheepy: *Kintaro squints, trying to clear up his vision* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Taro? Sheepy: *Kintaro pats Mephisto's face, visibly confused* Sheepy: Kintaro: Your face is all... blurry. Sheepy: Satoru: Clown, is he okay? Can you help him? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Well, he's alive. I'm of no help otherwise here. Arsé-kun: Minako: *she goes to retrieve the weapon that was thrown at Kintaro. It proceeds to be fucking heavy. be entertained by her trying to drag it to Gil. so she can try to smack him with it* Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Thank you for stepping in. Sheepy: Lobo: *he comes over to Minako and picks it up* Arsé-kun: Minako: Good boy! Sheepy: Lobo: *his tail is wagging. he is waiting for direction as to what to do wih it.* Sheepy: Gil: Don't touch my treasure, fleabag! Arsé-kun: Minako: Let him have it, pup! Sheepy: Lobo: *he drops it on Gil's foot. Gil yelps and clutches his foot.* Sheepy: Kintaro: *he slowly sits up* D-don't worry - this is nothing. Arsé-kun: Roman: *he's been freed from Lobo, so he can FINALLY come over. and check on Kintaro, while he's at it* sheep: Satoru: Ah! Dr. Marshmallow is here! Arsé-kun: Roman: I said I was coming, didn't I? Here, let me see the wound. Sheepy: Kintaro: *he sits still so Roman can look* Arsé-kun: Roman: Ouch. Doesn't seem to be too bad, but don't do too much until it heals. *he sticks a bandaid onto it. it's gold. it has hello kitty on it* Sheepy: Kintaro: A very very golden thank you... Sheepy: Satoru: It's, uh... Sheepy: Satoru:...Pikachu! Arsé-kun: Roman: *he looks to Satoru, and hands him the bracelet he owes* As promised! Sheepy: Satoru: !! Sheepy: Satoru: Thank you! Arsé-kun: Roman: Quite welcome! Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow, Kintaro said he'd drive you home, but at this point that'll be impossible until he recovers. Sheepy: Satoru: So what will you do until then? Arsé-kun: Roman: Oh, I'll figure something out ^^ Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yooo, Doc Ock! *he comes over and claps Roman's shoulder* What are you doin' here? Arsé-kun: Roman: Had a delivery to make, Magi- Arsé-kun: Merlin: Don't you dare say anything about that in public! Arsé-kun: Roman: Okay, okay! I won't! I was just going to remind you to fill queue! Arsé-kun: Merlin: Yeah, yeah! Hey, Bedi, do you think Eij would mind a visitor? Arsé-kun: *Another Meanwhile! Vlad has hurried back inside, most likely to "discard" the garlic bread. Eliza's gone back inside, but she's eyeing Carmilla-senpai from the window. Jekyll- or is it Hyde?- comes back outside. Lance has sat back down with Guin. Proto lies down on the grass for a nap* Sheepy: Bedi: Good afternoon, Dr. Romani. Sheepy: Bedi: I doubt he'll mind Dr. Romani visiting, if you mean him. Detective... Holmes, I believe? Already left to speak with him. Sheepy: *Guin has taken off her helmet and looks exhausted. Cu joins Proto in taking a nap in the grass. Gil hurried back inside. Carmilla is petting Lobo. Rider is staring at Eliza... maybe? Emiya has gone back inside.* Sheepy: Bedi: Although, I suspect that he will be taking action sooner than expected due to what Detective Holmes will be informing him of, and his mood may not be the best. Sheepy: Bedi: So, while you stay with us, please don't bring up Satoru's similarities to him. Arsé-kun: Roman: ... You know, I hadn't noticed until you brought it up! But yeah, gotcha. Arsé-kun: Herc: ... ... *he doesn't seem sure what to do. Time to resume archery practice. This bow is not his. He's using it anyway* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: ..... *he puts a hand on Kintoki's shoulder* You wanna go inside n' do something? Sheepy: *Kintaro nods* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Cool! Just don't make me carry you! *he'll try if he has to, though* Sheepy: *Kintaro unsteadily stands* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Steady! You're not some broken see-saw, are you? Sheepy: Kintaro: No, Moose... my head just hurts a lot. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Gotcha. Here, let me... *he goes behind Kintaro, and hooks his arms under taro's. Support!* Sheepy: Kintaro: *he appreciates this.* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Hum! My place is closer. Not a problem, right? Sheepy: *Kintaro shakes his head* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Neato. *and they Get Going* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Here, Taro, have the couch. Sheepy: *Kintaro takes the couch.* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: You, uh, want anything? Or something? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Oh, duh! Sure, lemme see if we haaaave any! Sheepy: Kintaro: Alright.. Arsé-kun: *Mephisto zips off to find one. He comes back with an icepack and two icepops* Sheepy: Kintaro:...? Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he hands the icepack over, and starts opening a pop* ...? What? You want one? Sheepy: Kintaro: No thank you. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Well, okay! *he opens the other one. and proceeds to stick them both in his mouth* look Taro, I'm a walrus. Sheepy: *This makes Kintaro laugh. mature.* Arsé-kun: Mephisto: *he makes some fucking noise. is it supposed to be a walrus noise??* Sheepy: *Kintaro laughs more. please* Sheepy: Kintaro: Moose... thank you for acting like you cared when I was hit. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: What do you mean "like"? Thank you for acting like you cared when I was sick. Sheepy: Kintaro: No problem, buddy. It's what friends do. The number one golden rule. Sheepy: Kintaro: Don't believe Goldie, by the way. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: .. Huh? Sheepy: Kintaro: I heard what he said to you when you went into that portal thingy. It's not true. I care about you and Chief likes you as well. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Oh. Yeah. Of course he lied! Master Mink cares about me, too..! Sheepy: Kintaro: Yes, her too, I'm sure. Sheepy: Kintaro: I can't see why she'd be too different from Chief in that respect. She's just more open and expressive compared to Chief. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Is it hard figuring him out? He seemed so..... Sheepy: Kintaro: Chief has... difficulties showing how he feels, probably because of Masanori. You'll come to learn the subtle differences that show how he feels if you're around him enough. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Gotcha. We're neighbors, so I'll probably be around a bunch! Sheepy: Kintaro: Earlier, he was actually very upset. His left eyebrow was furrowed. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Just the left? Sheepy: Kintaro: Yes. Sheepy: Kintaro: It's important to know when you're pushing his emotional limits. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Well! The more I know! *his tails have finally stopped being stiff. He seems to have relaxed, and they're kinda just doing. whatever they want* Sheepy: Kintaro: Yes! If he plays dead, you know you've gone too far. Arsé-kun: Mephisto: Hmm.. Sheepy: *Meanwhile, an arm suddenly wraps around Mori's shoulder..* Sheepy: Sherlock: Good evening, Professor Moriarty! Arsé-kun: Mori: *fOR THE LOVE OF GOD* What do you want, Holmes?! Sheepy: Sherlock: Is that how you greet all of your friendly rivals? Sheepy: Sherlock: Ah... I guess I'm the only one, now that I think of it. Arsé-kun: Mori: You're going to give me cardiac arrest at this rate! Sheepy: Sherlock: Can servants even have cardiac arrest? Arsé-kun: Mori: I don't see why not. Sheepy: Sherlock: Well, they can survive car accidents just fine, so... Sheepy: Sherlock: Although, I wonder if car accidents count as Rider type damage? Arsé-kun: Mori: Carry on. What, exactly, do you want? Sheepy: Sherlock: Can I not speak with an old ...hmm, friend is too strong of a word. Sheepy: Sherlock: Even if two people are friendly, that doesn't necessarily mean they're friends. Arsé-kun: Mori: We're absolutely not. Get your hand off of me. Sheepy: Sherlock: *he moves his hand* Arsé-kun: Mori: Where did you run off to, anyways? Sheepy: Sherlock: To his father's house so I could discuss the matter with his mother. Arsé-kun: Mori: You did not come from... ... Ah, I see what you mean. Sheepy: Sherlock: Until I find the "missing person" and clear up all loose ends, my case isn't done. Arsé-kun: Mori: Then go finish up, will you? Sheepy: Sherlock: You are the one who asked. Sheepy: Sherlock: And so, I told you where she is. Sheepy: Sherlock: Masato didn't appear to care. Arsé-kun: Mori: You have. However, Satoru needs to be given an understanding of the situation. As the detective, it is your job to do so. Sheepy: Sherlock: You yourself stated he didnt care.. Arsé-kun: Mori: And he does not. What I'm trying to say is to leave me alone. Sheepy: Sherlock: *he frowns* Sheepy: Sherlock: So you're saying that you didn't get any enjoyment out of our battles of wit? Sheepy: Sherlock: Do you intend to let yourself stagnate with no one of your caliber to compete with? Sheepy: Sherlock: I see. Arsé-kun: Mori: This is not competing. If we have the chance to, then I'll enjoy it. Sheepy: Sherlock: However, if all we do is compete, what are we? Arsé-kun: Mori: Rivals. Sheepy: Sherlock: Incorrect. Sheepy: Sherlock: We are strangers. Sheepy: Sherlock: Two people can compete for any goal, but if they don't even stop to speak to one another, they might as well be strangers- Sheepy: Satoru: If you're lonely you can talk to me. Sheepy: Sherlock: Lonely...? No, no. I'm not speaking with him because I want companionship. Arsé-kun: Mori: Sure. sheep: Sherlock: I'm not! Arsé-kun: Mori: Then why not interact with anyone else? Or is it because I'm the only one you're familiar with? sheep: Sherlock: I don't know anyone else. Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Fine. I will tolerate you for now. sheep: Sherlock: "Tolerate"... Arsé-kun: Mori: As nice as it is to see you, it's not exactly comforting. Neither of us want a repeat of the last time we were together. sheep: Sherlock: As long as we stay away from waterfalls, we should be fine. Arsé-kun: Mori: Touché. sheep: Satoru: Your corset makes you look like a spider. Arsé-kun: Mori: Doesn't it? sheep: Sherlock: I... guess so. *he mumbles something about hating spiders* Arsé-kun: Mori: What was that? Speak up. sheep: Sherlock: ... sheep: Sherlock: *he mumbles again about spiders.* Arsé-kun: Mori: .... .... Would you like to come inside? Perhaps we could have a bout of wits over chess and tea. sheep: Sherlock: Ah! That sounds nice. sheep: Satoru: Grandpa, I found Choo Choo earlier today, but... Cu Chu stepped on him! Arsé-kun: Mori: Rest in the floor tiles. sheep: Satoru: Choo Choo was my friend. sheep: Satoru: He was Lobo's friend too. Lobo would play tag with him, but Lobo always seemed to be it... Arsé-kun: Mori: Choo choo gave everyone anxiety because of that damn movie. sheep: Satoru: Kintaro didn't see it so he can't say whether he liked it or not Arsé-kun: Mori: I doubt he would. sheep: Satoru: I didn't understand it but I found it strange! sheep: Sherlock: What's Choo Choo? Arsé-kun: Mori: A particularly large bug. sheep: Sherlock: ...... sheep: Sherlock: ...how many legs? Arsé-kun: Mori: How many does a centapede have? Fifty? sheep: Satoru: They can have between 15 and 177 pairs of legs. Arsé-kun: Mori: Too many. sheep: Satoru: Choo Choo has 15 pairs of legs. Arsé-kun: Mori: Enough of this discussion, though. sheep: Satoru: He's a male because his 15th pair isn't really long. sheep: Sherlock: *he looks downright terrified* Arsé-kun: Minako: What are we talking about? sheep: Satoru: Choo Choo! Arsé-kun: Minako: Ours? Or..? sheep: Satoru: He's a centipede and my friend!! Cu Chu stepped on him. sheep: Satoru: He didn't like the human centipede that much... Arsé-kun: Minako: I've heard things about that movie... Is it worth it? sheep: Satoru: I didn't get it but I liked it. Arsé-kun: Minako: If a kid can watch it, it can't be that bad! sheep: Satoru: Auntie Guin was the only one who didn't leave partway through or hold someone else for comfort. sheep: Satoru: I don't get why. It wasn't that bad. Arsé-kun: Minako: I take it back? Now I wanna watch it though. Arsé-kun: Mori: .... So, Sherlock, lets get going, hm? sheep: Sherlock: *he nods, looking a little sick to his stomach* Arsé-kun: *Mori and Sherlock escape successfully* sheep: Satoru: I named Choo Choo after a train because he looked like one. Arsé-kun: Minako: Good point! Millipedes kinda do, too. sheep: Satoru: I want a pet millipede! sheep: Satoru: They look like really long rolly-pollies! Arsé-kun: Minako: They're cute! sheep: Satoru: I like centipedes because they're prickly! Lobo likes to play with them. sheep: Satoru: And then he eats them. sheep: Lobo: *he heard his name.* Arsé-kun: Minako: Puppy! sheep: Lobo: *boof* Arsé-kun: Minako: Oh, hey! You got the bracelet! Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh! Dr Marshmallow gave it to me! Arsé-kun: Minako: *she laughs* Marshmallow??? Oh, I'm so calling him that from now on! Sheepy: Satoru: His hair reminds me of marshmallows. Arsé-kun: Minako: It does, you're right! Sheepy: Satoru: Why do doctors need teleporters? Sheepy: Satoru: What will ambulances do if they aren't needed anymore? Sheepy: Satoru: Is he a real doctor??? Arsé-kun: Minako: Oh, he's definitely a doctor. He's only allowed to use the teleporter cause Chaldea needed a stand-in boss, and he was the only one there with enough qualifications. As for the ambulances, no idea! Sheepy: Satoru: He looks like a college student from movies. One who sleeps and then realizes that he never did his essay and is going to fail his finals. Arsé-kun: Minako: Hhhhhuh. Maybe? Sheepy: Satoru: That's why his hair is messy and he walks around with his coat open. Sheepy: Satoru: Because he's always just gotten out of bed. Arsé-kun: Roman: *this isn't weird.* Sheepy: Satoru: Hello! Arsé-kun: Roman: Hi again! I realize I forgot to show you how that bracelet works! Sheepy: Satoru: How does it work? Arsé-kun: Roman: Easily. *he presses a button on the O of Fiction. A little holographic screen pops up!* Here's the main screen. Sheepy: Satoru: *he is visibly impressed* Arsé-kun: Roman: ....And here's the last thing! This is what I call the mission screen! If there's ever anything that needs to get done, it'll be posted here. If there's one close by, why not take one up tomorrow? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. I'll do my best. Arsé-kun: Roman: Great! Sheepy: Satoru: What are missions usually like? Arsé-kun: Roman: They vary. Sometimes they're just community service. Sometimes there's a monster that needs to be stopped. Sheepy: Satoru: Monsters? Arsé-kun: Roman: M-hm. That's not too common, last I checked. Sheepy: Satoru: I saw a monster earlier. Arsé-kun: Roman: Literally, or are you insulting someone? sheep: Satoru: It was Godzilla. sheep: Satoru: She was on TV and fighting a moth. Arsé-kun: Roman: *he sighs with relief* Not that kind of monster. I wouldn't expect anyone to fight something that big! sheep: Satoru: I wouldn't fight Godzilla. sheep: Satoru: She's just a mom who's trying to protect her baby. Arsé-kun: Roman: Fair point. sheep: Satoru: She's a good parent. sheep: Satoru: I wished for a dad like Godzilla and instead Vlad appeared... Vlad isn't a dinosaur but that's okay. Arsé-kun: *Roman takes a moment or so to take in that information* sheep: Satoru: He's as old as a dinosaur. sheep: Satoru: Vampires come from the age of the dinosaurs but they all died when the comet hit which is why we never see vampires anymore. Arsé-kun: Roman: If he's alive, apparently not. sheep: Satoru: The comet was actually Santa Claus delivering the greatest gift to humanity: life. sheep: Satoru: ...So says Kintaro, but... sheep: Satoru: ...Santa Claus doesn't exist, so who killed the dinosaurs? Arsé-kun: Roman: The meteor did that. sheep: Satoru: But who sent the meteor? Arsé-kun: Roman: Space? sheep: Satoru: *gasp* Arsé-kun: Roman: Space kind of does what it wants. sheep: Satoru: I don't like space anymore. Arsé-kun: Roman: Space is scary. sheep: Satoru: I wanted to meet the dinosaurs... Arsé-kun: Minako: Birds are pretty close.. sheep: Satoru: Birds are the dinosaurs after they went to heaven. sheep: Satoru: That's why they have wings. sheep: Satoru: They're angels. sheep: Satoru: Flightless birds are fallen dinosaur angels whose wings burned when their hearts opened to sin. sheep: Satoru: Kiwis are like the bird equivalents of Icarus. They're blind because they flew too close to the sun. Arsé-kun: Roman: Who told you that?? sheep: Satoru: The same person who told me that vampires are weak to the sun because it reminds them of their final moments before the meteor struck... Kintaro. Arsé-kun: Roman: Well, Riders do tend to be... Eccentric.. sheep: Satoru: He's very smart, which is why nothing he says makes sense sheep: Lobo: Aruuuu? *he heard Rider. he's curious. he tilts his head some* Arsé-kun: Minako: Puppy!! sheep: Rider: "Don't group me in with the likes of him." sheep: Rider: "His intended class is Berserker, anyway." Arsé-kun: Roman: I meant the class. You and Lobo are Avengers, after all! sheep: Rider: "I see." Arsé-kun: Roman: But, yes, having originally been a Berserker probably does play a part in it. sheep: Rider: "Berserkers are usually idiots." Arsé-kun: Roman: Not exactly. Most often, they're just sanity-impaired and judgement-impaired. sheep: Rider: "They act like idiots, then." Arsé-kun: Roman: Fine. sheep: Rider: "The only exception being Vlad, surprisingly." Arsé-kun: Roman: His I can explain. He was originally a Lancer. Berserker was the best class to give after becoming a vampire with a reason for bloodlust. sheep: Rider: "I see." Arsé-kun: Roman: This might be rude, but do you..? Like, actually? sheep: Rider: ........ sheep: Rider: *he slowly raises his hands to answer and then stops* sheep: Rider: ............. Arsé-kun: Roman: You know what? Never mind. sheep: Rider: "I... don't know." Arsé-kun: Roman: Chalk it up to ghost powers and call it a day? sheep: Rider: .... sheep: Rider: "...Sometimes during the spring, because of the pollen, my eyes water and I feel like sneezing but..." sheep: Rider: "...When I go to rub my eyes or sneeze, I remember that I'm incapable of it." Arsé-kun: Roman: That's harsh. sheep: *Rider walks off, having an existential crisis* Arsé-kun: Roman: I hereby fire myself from asking those kinds of questions. Sheepy: Satoru: I once asked him how he can think or feel considering he has no brain and later I found him huddled in the corner in a fetal position, shaking. Arsé-kun: Roman: Maybe we shouldn't ask at all. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo never makes him sad like that. Lobo knows him well. Sheepy: *Bedi is quietly lurking near Lance* Arsé-kun: Lance: .....? Sheepy: Bedi: ...Ah, sorry, am I bothering you? I can leave. Arsé-kun: Lance: Not at all. Sheepy: Bedi: Do you mind if I sit next to you? Arsé-kun: Lance: Nope. Go ahead. Sheepy: *Bedi sits down* Sheepy: Bedi: I'm happy for you. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Thank you, Bedivere. Sheepy: Bedi: I know I sided with King Arthur, but... I don't think of you as any less of a person for your actions. I think more of you. We who served the king were called "brave" for our actions, but we had a strong leader. You were alone fighting this strong leader for your beliefs, and that... takes courage and love that I never knew existed in such levels. Arsé-kun: Lance: ..... ..... I tried to come back, too. I wanted to help fight at Camhain. I was not allowed to. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm sorry. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... It's fine, I suppose. I got what I deserved eventually. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes. Life with the one you love. Arsé-kun: Lance: That wasn't what I was saying... Sheepy: Bedi: Huh? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Artoria let me off. We knights were meant to be punished for crimes, yes? But she wouldn't. It drove me nuts, until she finally did so. I don't want to say I was a masochist or anything of the sort, but.. Sheepy: Bedi: I wasn't punished for my crime either. Sheepy: Bedi: I can understand how it feels. Arsé-kun: Lance: I'm a Berserker for a reason. I'm not sure you do. You want me to kick your ass for it? Sheepy: Bedi: Yes, you're right. It hasn't driven me nuts. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Though, I'm still a Berserker, and I'll most likely return to my former mentality tomorrow. I'm over it, so why am I still..? Sheepy: Bedi: I don't know. Sheepy: Bedi: Do you want me to punch you for it too? Arsé-kun: Lance: Please. Sheepy: Bedi: *he punches Lance* Arsé-kun: Lance: Yow! Did... Did you just dent...? *he has to take his helmet off to look* Sheepy: Bedi: It's a representation of my sin. Arsé-kun: Lance: Almost breaking my shoulder isn't a sin, Bedi. Sheepy: Bedi: Ah...I'm sorry. Sheepy: Bedi: My arm isn't just metal like when we were alive and I forget this sometimes. Arsé-kun: Lance: What did you do, anyway? Sheepy: Bedi: I failed King Arthur's final mission for me. Arsé-kun: Lance: Is that really a sin..? Sheepy: Bedi: I hesitated before returning the Excalibur to the lady of the lake and found I couldn't do it. Arsé-kun: Lance: ..? Sheepy: Bedi: I lied to King Arthur, stating that I had seen nothing out of the ordinary, and was berated for my actions. Sheepy: Bedi: He was dying but he lost his trust in me and insisted to watch as I returned it. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... You don't have to say he, you know. It's only me. Sheepy: Bedi: It's habit. Sheepy: Bedi: To remind me of my crime... Arsé-kun: Lance: Fair enough. You got berated, though. That on it's own is a punishment. Sheepy: Bedi: My arm was infused with the power of the Excalibur. Arsé-kun: Lance: I want to be jealous of that. Sheepy: Bedi: It's not as fun as it might sound. Arsé-kun: Lance: More fun than going berserk. Sheepy: Bedi:...You're not wrong. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I wonder if it would be able to stop me from going berserk, actually. Sheepy: Bedi: We could try... Arsé-kun: Lance: But not now. Sheepy: Bedi: How will we fix your armor? Arsé-kun: Lance: Like we always do. Stop looking at it for a while. Sheepy: Bedi: That's how to never get anything done... Arsé-kun: Lance: Punch the inside of it. Done. Sheepy: Bedi: Do you want me to...? Arsé-kun: Lance: Later. Too much of a hassle taking it all off now. Sheepy: Bedi: Have you experienced the magic of making coffee yet? Arsé-kun: Lance: Nope. Never had it. Sheepy: Bedi: You haven't? Arsé-kun: Lance: Nope. Sheepy: Bedi: I'm not a fan of the taste myself unless it has milk, but... I think I've gotten skilled at making it. Arsé-kun: Lance: You can do that..? I've only seen it be... Just coffee. Then again, I'm using Andersen for reference.. Sheepy: Bedi: Yes. I can't handle bitter things. Arsé-kun: Lance: Oh, it's bitter? ... Maybe not, then. Sheepy: Bedi: You can make it sweet. Arsé-kun: Lance: Thank goodness. Sheepy: Bedi: It depends on the beans you use, your blend, and whatever additional things you put in it. Sheepy: Bedi: Eiji has us working at the store as well because, well, I wouldn't say we have a lot of money.... Sheepy: Bedi:...But we're happy with what we have, and that's what matters. I learned about coffee for my job, which is fun except when it's crowded. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... Huh. Arsé-kun: Lance: Either way, I'll come by one day. If you're not busy, maybe you can tell me more. Sheepy: Bedi: That sounds nice. Arsé-kun: *anyway, everyone goes home. kintaro is dropped off by Mephisto. Vlad hasn't stopped dying, but that's his problem.* Sheepy: *In the middle of their conversation, Sherlock suddenly rolls up a nearby paper and... maybe there was a spider there? If there was, there isn't one anymore.* Arsé-kun: Mori: Good shot. Sheepy: Sherlock: ...I don't know where it went. Arsé-kun: Mori: It's probably gone. Don't worry about it. Sheepy: Sherlock: Did you see the size of it...? Arsé-kun: Mori: I did not. I was not looking. Sheepy: *A few minutes later, Sherlock bats at it again... it's not there...* Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Sheepy: Sherlock: Ah... I missed. Arsé-kun: Mori: I did not see anything that time. Sheepy: Sherlock: I did. Arsé-kun: Mori: .... .... Have you eaten at all today? Sheepy: Sherlock: Are you concerned about me? *he laughs* I had a granola bar, don't worry. Arsé-kun: Mori: That's it?? Sheepy: Sherlock: Yes. Arsé-kun: Mori: I'm more concerned about the energy tolls you may be taking on your master. Go eat something. I can't believe I have to tell you this! Sheepy: Sherlock: You sound like you're my mom! Sheepy: Sherlock: Babysitting truly has taken a toll on you Arsé-kun: Moriarty: When your lack of self care skills kill your master, I don't want to hear anything. Sheepy: Sherlock: Okay, Mother Moriarty. Arsé-kun: Mori: Go home and take care of yourself. I absolutely cannot believe I have to tell you this. Sheepy: Sherlock:...Fine. Sheepy: Sherlock: Watson used to tell me. Sheepy: *Sherlock gets up* Arsé-kun: Mori: We can continue our discussion tomorrow if you're still alive. Sheepy: Sherlock: Good night, Professor Moriarty. *he leaves* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he waits a minute or so* I'm free. Arsé-kun: Mori: *he swivels his chair around, and puts the tv on. It's a science documentary about waterfalls.* Sheepy: *Remember your great fall, Mori?* Arsé-kun: *He'd rather not to! He changes the channel. It's the Emperor's New Groove! All well and good... Except it's the waterfall scene.* Sheepy: *Thats your favorite scene, right?* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he skips a few stations. Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull-- Tv is turned off* Sheepy: *Did you have a nice trip at the Reichenbach falls, Mori?* Arsé-kun: *Nope!* Sheepy: *Meanwhile, Satoru in his room, reading!* Arsé-kun: *There is a Knock on his Door.* Sheepy: Satoru: *he opens it* Arsé-kun: *It's Dad! And he doesn't look mad or annoyed at you for once!* Sheepy: Satoru:...Um, hello. Arsé-kun: Masato?: Good evening. *he's carrying himself and speaking in a rather proper manner... It's rather odd* It's come to my attention that not all of your homework has been handed in. Has it been completed? Sheepy: Satoru:...Not all of it. Arsé-kun: Masato?: Oh? Whyever not? Sheepy: Satoru: I got busy with... other things. Arsé-kun: Masato?: May I take what has been done, then? Sheepy: Satoru: Yes. Arsé-kun: Masato?: Then go ahead and get it. I shall wait. Sheepy: *Satoru goes to get the homework he's completed.* Arsé-kun: Masato?: *he takes a step into the room, but does nothing else* Sheepy: Satoru: *he hands it to Masato* Arsé-kun: Masato?: Thank you. Sheepy: Satoru: Um.. you're welcome. Arsé-kun: Masato?: *he starts looking through the papers* Sheepy: Satoru:........ Arsé-kun: Masato?: .... This is all you have done? Sheepy: Satoru:..Yeah. Arsé-kun: Masato?: This entire week, and this is it? Sheepy: Satoru:...yeah. Arsé-kun: Masato?: Forget about what we want you to do for a moment. How will you survive as an adult if you don't handle responsibilities now? Sheepy: Satoru: Um... I don't know. Arsé-kun: Masato?: Has the lesson not been hammered into you yet? Sheepy: Satoru:....I don't know. Arsé-kun: Masato?: I see. *he neatly puts the papers down* Sheepy: Satoru:....... Arsé-kun: Masato?: Come here, you. Sheepy: *Satoru slowly approaches* Arsé-kun: *Masato? grabs a hold of Satoru. A single, disciplinary smack is one thing. Actively hurting the child is another.* Sheepy: *Satoru goes limp... apparently he's decided playing dead is the best solution to this.* Arsé-kun: Masato?: Pathetic. *he drops Satoru. literally* No wonder your mother left. She's probably embarrassed by how worthless you are. *with that, he picks up the papers and leaves* Sheepy: Satoru:......... Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he comes in moments later, clearly concerned* Are you okay? Sheepy: Satoru: *he shakes his head. no. no he isn't.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: I should have come in before I heard... That. I'm very sorry. Sheepy: Satoru: There's nothing you can do. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I could have stopped him. *he sits down next to Satoru* Sheepy: Satoru:...No. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No? Sheepy: Satoru: He'd just come back later. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Which he may do anyway. I'm going to stay here with you. Sheepy: Satoru:...thanks. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Quite welcome. Would you like me to help you change, or are you ready for bed as is? Sheepy: Satoru: I can't sleep. Arsé-kun: Mozart: We'll see about that. Sheepy: Satoru: What if he comes back...? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Then I'll kick him out. Sheepy: Satoru: ...Okay. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Here, it's getting late. *he offers a hand to Satoru* Lets go to bed, shall we? Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *Mozart carefully picks up Satoru, and places him into bed. He sits down nearby, and picks up a toy keyboard from the floor* Sheepy: Satoru:...? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Does this still work..? *it turns on* Excellent. Arsé-kun: *Mozart slowly begins to play it.* Sheepy: *It seems to be helping Satoru relax.* Arsé-kun: *as intended.* Sheepy: *Eventually, Satoru drifts off to sleep. you did it mozart you helped.* Arsé-kun: *Mission Accomplished.* Arsé-kun: *The next morning, Mozart is no longer there. Time to get up!* Sheepy: *Satoru gets up and goes downstairs.* Arsé-kun: *And the first thing in sight is Vlad holding back Mozart's arms so he can't scratch and tear at himself. Vlad looked annoyed at most, but Mozart, poor Mozart, his wild eyes darting about as he struggles* Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Mozzy?! Sheepy: *Satoru rushes over to the two* Arsé-kun: *Mozart doesn't seem to hear him at all, not noticing Satoru until he is seen* Sheepy: Satoru:...? Arsé-kun: *Upon closer inspection, Mozart looks more panicked than anything* Sheepy: Satoru: *he hugs Mozart. does this help?* Arsé-kun: Mozart: ..! *it helps a little* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Temporary hearing loss. He'll be fine. There seems to be a boggart about. Arsé-kun: Vlad: From Sherlock having seen a spider, to James having seen nothing on the telly but waterfalls, there is no other explanation. Sheepy: Satoru: Boggart...? Sheepy: Satoru: ...........Maybe... that was just the boggart too. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Wolfgang did mention something occurring last night.. Lets presume it was the boggart until otherwise noted. sheep: Satoru: Okay, it makes more sense that way. sheep: Satoru: How long will Mozzy be deaf? Arsé-kun: Vlad: I don't know. sheep: Satoru: Can we make the boggart go away? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Yes. sheep: Satoru: How? Arsé-kun: Vlad: By attacking it and driving it away. sheep: Satoru: ........ sheep: Satoru: I don't want to hurt it, but it's hurting us. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Exactly. Gather everyone. It's best to confront it in a group. sheep: *Satoru goes off to find everyone* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he's trying to unlock a door. with a paperclip. Hm* sheep: Satoru: Hello! Arsé-kun: Mori: Morning. *he turns the paperclip around. try #5* sheep: Satoru: What're you doing? Arsé-kun: Mori: Trying to unlock this blasted door. sheep: Satoru: I didn't know there was a key... Arsé-kun: Mori: There isn't. Back up. sheep: *Satoru backs up* Arsé-kun: *Mori whips out the coffin gun and shoots the doorknob clean off. Much easier now.* sheep: Satoru: Dad said to collect everyone together to kill the Babadook. Arsé-kun: Mori: I'll join him downstairs soon. *he pulls the door open* sheep: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *Look at all those BOOBS! I mean, serious honkers. Real sets of badonkers. Packin' some dobonhonkeros. Massive dohoonkabhankoloos. Big old tonhongerekoogers.* Arsé-kun: *... All over the walls. I should have specified that.* Arsé-kun: *The walls are quite literally covered in gigantic bonkhonagahoogs.* sheep: *Kintaro is hiding behind Cu Chu, who has his hands over his own eyes* Arsé-kun: Mori: Out, quickly! sheep: *Kintaro and Cu run out* Arsé-kun: *once theyre gone, the room resumes looking normal* sheep: Satoru: ... sheep: Satoru: What was on the wall? Arsé-kun: Mori: Those are referred to as breasts. sheep: Satoru: Like chicken breasts? Arsé-kun: Mori: No. sheep: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Mori: Moving on! sheep: Satoru: We need to find everyone else still. Mozzy is with Dad. Arsé-kun: Mori: Carmilla is downstairs last I checked. Rider and Lobo I do not know. Guin, I am not sure about either. sheep: Satoru: Let's look for Rider and Lobo then. sheep: Satoru: They're always together so if we call for Lobo he should come with Rider. Arsé-kun: Mori: Good plan. sheep: *Suddenly, there's loud barking!* Arsé-kun: Mori: Found Lobo. Sheepy: Satoru: Let's check on him! *he goes* Arsé-kun: *Mori follows him* Sheepy: *Lobo is in deep trouble!! THERES A VACUUM CLEANER!! it's not on.* Arsé-kun: Mori: .... Sheepy: Lobo: *grrrooowwwlllll* Sheepy: *Rider is in a fetal position in the corner...* Arsé-kun: Mori: Shush, Lobo. *he goes to walk past the vacuum. It makes a fucking watery crashing noise. Mori hurries up.* Sheepy: Lobo: *he hesitantly approaches it...it starts up. Lobo starts whining, creating a huge distance hetween it and himself.* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he sits down next to Rider* Are you all right? Sheepy: Rider: ....... "my face..." Sheepy: Rider: "it...itches... I have no face... how do I see? how do I hear?" Arsé-kun: Mori: ... .... I wouldn't know. Sheepy: Rider: "I have pollen allergies..." Sheepy: Rider: "Every spring I feel it." Arsé-kun: Mori: ... Perhaps Vlad would have an answer? I do not. Sheepy: Rider:....."wheres... vlad?" Arsé-kun: Mori: Dining room. Sheepy: Rider: "I have a headache from Lobo's barking." Sheepy: Satoru: It can't hurt you, see? *he touches the vacuum. Lobo whines gently picks him up by the back of his shirt, moving him away from the vacuum. no.* Sheepy: *Rider stands and heads to the dining room* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he stands back up and crosses the room* Go on, Lobo. Sheepy: Lobo:.......*whine* Sheepy: Lobo: *he slowly turns and leaves with his tail between his legs* Arsé-kun: Mori: *he sighs and grabs the vacuum handle. Just in case* Sheepy: Satoru: Who left the vacuum out anyway? Arsé-kun: Mori: I don't think it's a vacuum. Sheepy: Satoru:...? Arsé-kun: Mori: Considering- *the vacuum makes the watery sound again. Mori flinches, but doesn't let go* that. Sheepy: Satoru: So then, it's the one who...... Sheepy: Satoru: ..... Sheepy: Satoru: Do you think if we talk to it it'll leave? Or will we have to resort to violence? Arsé-kun: Mori: Most likely the latter. Go ask Vlad what to do. I'll hold it. Sheepy: *Satoru goes to the dining room to see Vlad.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he's let Mozart go* Welcome back. Sheepy: Satoru: We found the Babadook! What do we do with it? Arsé-kun: Vlad: I live up to my name. Where is it? Sheepy: *Satoru states the room it's in.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he picks up his lance and heads off* Sheepy: *Satoru follows* Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he stops in the doorway* Sheepy: Satoru: What's wrong? Arsé-kun: Vlad: That's just not fair at all. Sheepy: Satoru: It's just a vacuum cleaner. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Not anymore it isn't. Sheepy: Satoru: What is it now? Arsé-kun: Vlad: You. James, let go. It's mine. Sheepy: Satoru: ? Arsé-kun: Mori: Take it. *he lets go. He's very unhappy.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he glances back down at Satoru, like he needs to make sure Satoru is standing there with him, before throwing his lance across the room at the fake. Direct hit! The boggart screeches and turns into an insect, before escaping to outside* Sheepy: Satoru: Oh, it's gone... Arsé-kun: Vlad: It can easily return. We're not safe until it is dead. Sheepy: Satoru: How do we catch it? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Find it, hit it, repeat until it is dead. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... I didn't want to go outside this early, but I suppose we must. Sheepy: Satoru: Will you be okay? Arsé-kun: Vlad: I should be. Sheepy: Satoru: Be careful, though. It can change the appearance of rooms. Arsé-kun: Vlad: It's that strong..? What did it do? Arsé-kun: Mori: *he explains how it turned the room into a collection of humungous hungolomghnonoloughongous* Sheepy: Satoru: They're like chicken breasts except not made of chicken. Sheepy: Satoru: They're made of wall. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Satoru, those are called boobs. I'm not sure why James didn't just tell you that. Sheepy: Satoru: Kintaro said that that's where babies come from. Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... I told him that as a joke. How much more has he told you?? Sheepy: Satoru: He told me that birds are angel dinosaurs and that vampires come from the jurassic times. Sheepy: Satoru: They're scared of the sun because it reminds them of the comet. Arsé-kun: Vlad: I'm so sorry. Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: Vlad: None of that is correct. Birds evolved from dinosaurs. Vampires do not come from the jurassic. We tend to be weak to the sun because we are purely nocturnal. Sheepy: Satoru: But... Sheepy: Satoru: You're awake during the day. Arsé-kun: Vlad: I only became a vampire when you summoned me. Carmilla is a far better example. Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Satoru: Then... Sheepy: Satoru: Was Dracula a lie? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Absolutely, one hundred percent. Arsé-kun: Vlad: At least, in the regards of it being about me. Sheepy: Satoru: Do you hate being a vampire then? Arsé-kun: Vlad: I did. Enough talk. We need to find it before it finds anyone else. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *they get Going and go outside. Vlad shields his eyes from the sun* Sheepy: *There's the loud noise of clashing swords and swords hitting armor... * Arsé-kun: Vlad: That's our cue. Sheepy: Satoru: Let's follow the noise! Arsé-kun: *they do so, and come across Guinevere fighting Lancelot! .. A very worn down and broken lancelot* Sheepy: *Guin is fighting defensively exclusive, refusing to strike Lancelot...* Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he rushes in, aiming to impale the fake lance on his... lance. ... english.* Sheepy: Guin: ! Arsé-kun: Vlad: It's not him. *he pulls his lance out and goes to stab the boggart again.* Sheepy: Guin: I'm sorry... it has his face. I can't strike it. Arsé-kun: Vlad: You're not the only one it tried this stunt on. *he kicks the boggart down and goes to decapitate it. It just reforms and speeds away as a shade. bye* Sheepy: Satoru: It ran away again... Arsé-kun: Vlad: I can barely see it.. Sheepy: Satoru: Maybe it'll leave for good this time. Arsé-kun: *a sword is thrown from the neighbor's window with perfect accuracy! the boggart has taken too much damage! it. ... unceremoniously poofs into thin air.* Sheepy: Satoru: *gasp* Where'd it go??? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Away. I'm going back inside. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he's still watching from the window, frowning* .... Sheepy: Guin: *she looks over* ..Thank you. Arsé-kun: Lance: ... You're welcome. I'd come out, but.. Sheepy: Guin: Huh? Arsé-kun: Lance: There's something I have to do first. Sheepy: Guin: Understandable. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he closes the window and turns away before, just* AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRTTHHHUUUURRRR!!! *he is IMMEDIATELY responded to by Herc, yelling even LOUDER. Lance opens the window* Morning alarm. I'll be out in just a minute. Sheepy: Guin: *oh.* Sheepy: Satoru: Aaaarthuuurrrrr??? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he comes out. sweatpants, tanktop, this man isn't ready to be ANYWHERE.* Yeah. Sheepy: Satoru: He's an aardvark! Arsé-kun: Lance: Not that Arthur. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Sheepy: Satoru: The Babadook attacked us. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Eh? Sheepy: Satoru: The thing you killed. Arsé-kun: Lance: Oh, the boggart. Sheepy: Satoru: Uhuh. Sheepy: Satoru: I think it attacked me last night but I don't know. Arsé-kun: Lance: All I know about them is that they shapeshift, and very powerful ones tend to be aggressive. So..... Maybe? Sheepy: Satoru: Where did it come from? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he shrugs* Sheepy: Satoru: I was told that it was very strong because it created a boob room, but... it had to have come from somewhere. Arsé-kun: Lance: it made a what. Sheepy: Satoru: A boob room. Arsé-kun: Lance: ...... *snnrrrrkkk* Sheepy: Satoru: I learned that babies don't come from boobs. Arsé-kun: Lance: *he's trying to hold back a grin. he's failing, miserably* Sheepy: Satoru:? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he laughs. work of art, 10/10, need encore* I'm sorry! That's just so...! Sheepy: Satoru: Kintaro told me that babies come from them Sheepy: Satoru: Kintaro is scared of them. Arsé-kun: Lance: *it's stopped being funny. mostly* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I get the impression nobody has told you anything about that yet. Sheepy: Satoru: About what? Arsé-kun: Lance: Babies. And I'm not doing it. Arsé-kun: *SO OF COURSE, LANCELOT AND GUINEVERE END UP EXPLAINING WHERE BABIES COME FROM. CONGRATS, SATORU, YOU LEARNED THE THING.* Sheepy: Satoru: Do you have any kids? Arsé-kun: Lance: Nope. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Lance: While I wouldn't mind it, I doubt that's an option anymore. Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Lance: I'm doubting Servants are fertile. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Okay. Arsé-kun: Lance: But enough about that. Sheepy: Satoru: ...................... Sheepy: Satoru: Where do people go when they die? Arsé-kun: Lance: Depends who they are. Sheepy: Satoru: Where did you go when you died? Arsé-kun: Lance: A grave, followed by the hall of heroic spirits, I guess. Sheepy: Satoru: ...... Arsé-kun: Lance: As did the rest of us, I suppose. Sheepy: Satoru: Really? Arsé-kun: Lance: Well, it'd make sense. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: *the bracelet lets out a little ring!* Sheepy: *Satoru answers* Arsé-kun: Roman: Good morning! Are you and your Servants ready for your first mission? Sheepy: Satoru: ...Um, we just killed a boggart. Arsé-kun: Roman: Good job! Sheepy: Satoru: I guess, but.... I don't know if everyone is up for it. Arsé-kun: Roman: Of course, of course! Recovering from an unexpected boggart attack can take a while! That comes first. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay... what is the mission, anyway? Arsé-kun: Roman: Busting some skeletons. Y'wanna see? Sheepy: Satoru: Skeletons? Arsé-kun: Roman: *he puts some video feedback on screen. Skeleton warriors* Sheepy: Satoru: ? Arsé-kun: Roman: Skeletons. Sheepy: Satoru: How do we kill something that's dead? Arsé-kun: Roman: Smashing it into pieces. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Roman: That's why Servants do it. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not strong enough to. Arsé-kun: Roman: I'd hope not. It'd take superhuman strength to break these with your bare hands! Sheepy: Satoru: Kintaro can make trees fall with ease! Sheepy: Satoru: He also sumo wrestled with a bear once! Sheepy: Satoru: Unless you mean a different type of strength. Sheepy: Satoru: Lobo might like skeletons? Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know, but I could ask him. Arsé-kun: Roman: Both sound good, but is Kintaro feeling well enough to? Sheepy: Satoru: I don't think so, so I'll ask Lobo. Sheepy: *Lobo heard his name. He is here now.* Arsé-kun: *the fluffest of boofers* Sheepy: Lobo: *Bawuuuu?* Sheepy: Lobo: *he seems eager about skeletons...* Arsé-kun: Lance: Eager, are we? Sheepy: Lobo: *boof* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... ... I am not particularly in the mood to come, but I will ask if anyone else wants to. Sheepy: Satoru: What's wrong? Arsé-kun: Lance: ..... I'm not very prepared to go, for one. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay! Sheepy: Satoru: That's fine! Auntie Guin will be happy to stay with you probably! Arsé-kun: Lance: *he nods and turns to look at Guin* Sheepy: Guin: That's fine by me. Was there anything you wanted to do? Arsé-kun: Lance: Not really.. Arsé-kun: Roman: ... I'll, uh, I'll stick this onto your mission tab. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay! Sheepy: Lobo: *he is wagging his tail* Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Lets go see if anyone wants to go with them, I guess. Sheepy: Guin: Good idea. Sheepy: Lobo: *he nudges Lance with his snout, as if insisting on him finding teammates* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he is almost knocked over* I'm going, I'm going...! Sheepy: Lobo: *he wags his tail and sits* Arsé-kun: *lance (and guin?) exit stage right* Sheepy: *guin goes as well, yes* Arsé-kun: Andersen: *he's able to be seen from the living room. he's pouring himself coffee- and standing on a chair to reach the counter. tiny boy.* Sheepy: Guin: Do you need help? Arsé-kun: Andersen: I'm fine as is. Sheepy: Guin: Okay. Sheepy: Guin: Do you want to join Lobo? He's going out to helo Dr.Roman with skeletons. Arsé-kun: Andersen: I've got no time for that. I've got impending deadlines to deal with. Sheepy: Guin: Good luck! Arsé-kun: Andersen: Thank you kindly. *he hops off the chair and exits. the coffee is in a fucking kids sippy cup. nobody wants scalding hot emo everywhere* Sheepy: *Guin doesn't comment.* Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she flits and flaps her wings instead of aCTUALLY USING THE STAIRS* Is something happening? Sheepy: Guin: Do you want to join Lobo? He's doing a job for Dr. Roman - destroying skeletons. Arsé-kun: Eliza: I'd love to! Lemme go ask Boss if I can! *she runs off to do so. she can be faintly heard yelling upstairs* Sheepy: Guin: I'm glad it was easy to find someone to help Lobo out... Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she comes back* Boss said it was okay! Sheepy: Guin: Lobo is outside right now. Sheepy: *Lobo is staring in through the window* Sheepy: *...Rider is with him, but it's difficult to tell if he's staring in through the window as well.* Arsé-kun: Eliza: Is that why the big bad wolf is leering at us through our tiny window? Sheepy: Guin: Yes. Arsé-kun: Eliza: Exciting! Sheepy: Guin: He's waiting for someone to come out to join him. Arsé-kun: Eliza: All right, going! Bye, Miss Guin! See you later, grumpy! *she exits the door and runs up to Lobo* Puppy! Sheepy: Lobo: *boof* Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she reaches up to pet him* You ready to get bones, puppy? Sheepy: *Lobo's tail is wagging. He's excited!* Sheepy: *Rider gets onto Lobo's back* Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she gets into the air, but changes plans and swoops down to Satoru* Boss said I could come with you for dem bones! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Have fun. Arsé-kun: Eliza: I will! Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she leans over Satoru's shoulder to see the video feed* Oooh! Where is this? Sheepy: Satoru: We aren't supposed to go there because there's monsters. Arsé-kun: Eliza: More than just skeletons? Sheepy: Satoru: Yes. Arsé-kun: Eliza: Exciting! Sheepy: Satoru: Why? Arsé-kun: Eliza: I wanna see what kind of monsters are around here! Sheepy: Satoru: Good luck! Arsé-kun: Eliza: Good luck? Aren't you coming? Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not strong. Sheepy: Satoru: I rarely go out. Arsé-kun: Roman: Then make a change! If you go out and get stronger, you'll be fine, right? Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know. Sheepy: Satoru: I'll do my best. Arsé-kun: Roman: You sure will. Do you want me to keep in touch for now? Sheepy: *Satoru nods* Arsé-kun: Roman: All right, I'll keep the line open. Sheepy: *So the four go to fight skeletons!* Arsé-kun: *well roman isn't physically there but he's in this too* Sheepy: *There's harp music.* Arsé-kun: Eliza: ?? *she considers getting off of Lobo's back* Did people beat us here? Sheepy: Satoru: That or the skeletons can play harps. Arsé-kun: Roman: The only recorded case of that was David. Wait, no, he's just really skinny. Carry on. Sheepy: Lobo: *he follows the music* Sheepy: Lobo: *There's the skeletons! That's all that matters. He doesn't care about the redhead playing the harp.* Arsé-kun: Eliza: Dibs on the one with the sword up in front! *she more or less dives off of Lobo to Engage In Combat* Sheepy: Lobo: *he has picked up one of the skeletons and has started shaking it. the music stops* Arsé-kun: Eliza: Hey, hey! *she pushes the skeleton away and looks back to the harpist* Keep going, bard! Sheepy: Satoru: Dr. Marshmallow, who's that? Sheepy: *The redhead, upon request, returns to playing the harp again. The harp is actually a bow with multiple strings. His harp playing seems to be damaging the skeletons closer to him.* Sheepy: Satoru: Do they work for you? Sheepy: Lobo: *he drops the skeleton that he was practicing disembowling on and then places his paw on the head of another skeleton and smashes its face into the ground* Arsé-kun: Roman: Him? He helps out, yes. He's, uh.. *he takes a second to check the records* That's Sir Tristan. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay, that's good. It didn't seem like he was doing anything, so I was worried that maybe he needed help... Arsé-kun: Roman: He is battling them in his own way. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh. Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she's smacking the skeletons around with her lance and humming. Any more than a hum and it's probably a threat of impending death. I'm kidding* Sheepy: *Lobo is still having fun smacking the skeletons around while Rider is making sure Satoru doesn't fall off of Lobo's back* Arsé-kun: *Because Satoru falling off would be Bad* Sheepy: Satoru: There's a lot of them and it doesn't look like the numbers are thinning any... Arsé-kun: Roman: There's usually a reason for that! There's usually some sort of leader. Sheepy: Satoru: Really? Arsé-kun: Roman: Uh-huh! Sheepy: Satoru: Do you know if the leader is nearby? Arsé-kun: Roman: Uhhh.... Yeah! There's a decently strong magical reading a bit north from where you are now! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay, I guess we should go check that out. Should we ask Sirtristan to come with us? Arsé-kun: Roman: I don't see why not! He's here for the same reason. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Mr. Sirtristan! Dr. Marshmallow says that the one commanding the skeletons is up north. Arsé-kun: *Eliza doesn't input, but she giggles. Something is funny to her. here* Sheepy: Tristan: I see. Lead the way. Sheepy: Satoru: But you have your eyes closed... Arsé-kun: Eliza: He can probably see better than I ca- Oof! *she wasn't watching where SHE was going, and slammed into a lightpole.* Sheepy: Tristan: What is there worth seeing in this planet that cruelly stole my life for committing the crime of loving the wrong woman? Arsé-kun: Eliza: That's so sad! Do you wanna sing about it later? Sheepy: Tristan: It is my song to her that caused my life to end, that caused me to be separated from her. ...Yes, I think that singing about it and releasing the emotional suffering that constricts my heart would ease my pain some. Arsé-kun: Eliza: Okay!! *she's amazed someone even ACCEPTED her offer* Sheepy: Satoru: I can give you a hug. Maybe that would help. Arsé-kun: Eliza: I second that, too!! Sheepy: Tristan: I will consider your offer. Sheepy: Lobo: *he is sniffing at the air* Sheepy: *Eventually they reach the leader.* Arsé-kun: *which is a Daemon. Thankfully a rather basic one, but STILL* Sheepy: Satoru: Big!! Arsé-kun: Eliza: What a brute. Sheepy: Satoru: It doesn't look mean! Maybe it's just lonely! Arsé-kun: Roman: Not really! Sheepy: *Rider tightens his grip on Satoru. No running up to daemons.* Arsé-kun: *Smart Rider.* Sheepy: Satoru: Are you sure? It looks nice... Arsé-kun: Roman: Not one bit! Arsé-kun: Roman: They're nasty little shits! Sheepy: Satoru: Okay... Sheepy: *Tristan is playing his harp again* Arsé-kun: *the daemon has Noticed Them!* Sheepy: *Lobo lunges at it!* Arsé-kun: *the daemon backs the hell up and casts magic! ... It's nowhere near enough to STOP Lobo* Sheepy: *Lobo shakes it off and goes for the jugular* Arsé-kun: *C.... Critical hit?* Sheepy: Lobo: *he picks it up and shakes it* Arsé-kun: *This is Painful, but it doesn't stop the daemon from spotting and aiming a shot at Satoru and Rider* Sheepy: Rider:?! Sheepy: *Rider does his best to shield Satoru, but considering Satoru is in front of him, there isn't much he can do...* Arsé-kun: *Satoru ends up getting pushed into Dog Fur Heck. Leaving Rider to, y'know, take the hit full on* Sheepy: Rider:....!!!! *OW OW OW* Sheepy: Lobo: *This only serves to make Lobo stop treating the Daemon like a toy and start treating it like an actual enemy. He drops it on the ground, places a paw on its chest, and starts pulling on its arm* Sheepy: *Rider also fell off. rest in pepperoni.* Arsé-kun: Eliza: *There's no way she can dive fast enough to catch him, so she goes and joins Lobo in fucking this daemon up* Sheepy: *Satoru is playing dead on Lobo's back.* Arsé-kun: Roman: H-hey! Are you still there? Sheepy: *Satoru lets out a small whine. Guess who's scared? It's this kid!* Arsé-kun: Roman: Are you hurt?! Sheepy: Satoru: Uuh... R-Rider is... Arsé-kun: Roman: ... I feel like I should have actually come with you. Anyone else hurt? Sheepy: Satoru: I... uh, don't know... Arsé-kun: Roman: ... I'll come back over to your place and clean up, okay? Sheepy: Satoru: O-okay.... Sheepy: Rider: *he approaches the Daemon and decapitates it* Sheepy: *Lobo begins gently nudging Rider with his muzzle* Sheepy: Satoru: I think it's dead.... Arsé-kun: Eliza: *she goes to punt its head away* Yep! Sheepy: Satoru: That's good. Sheepy: Satoru: I want to go home. Arsé-kun: Eliza: Yeah, me too. I don't like this place. Sheepy: *They head home. ... Tristan follows at a distance...* Arsé-kun: *what a weirdo.* Sheepy: *He isn't playing his harp either. And his eyes are still closed.* Arsé-kun: *As promised, Roman is waiting for them on the street corner. Which is close enough to the house without it being WEIRD.* Sheepy: *Lobo cautiously approaches Roman* Arsé-kun: Roman: Hello, Lobo. You're not hurt, are you? Sheepy: *Lobo nudges Roman* Arsé-kun: Roman: ? Sheepy: Lobo: *whine* Arsé-kun: Roman: What? What is it? Sheepy: *Lobo sits down and Rider slips off of his back. Satoru has his face buried in Lobo's fur. play dead activate.* Arsé-kun: Roman: Oh! *he goes to check on Rider* Arsé-kun: *While this is happening, Eliza doubles back to Tristan* Arsé-kun: Eliza: Are you lost..? Sheepy: Tristan: There is no "lost". Sheepy: Tristan: Every destination has its own adventure set in store, even if it isn't the intended destination. You never lose something by going to the unintended destination... ... Sheepy: Tristan: ... Yes, I should write that down in my list of "complicated excuses that'll make my conversation partners not ask if I'm currently suffering from a moment of weakness". Arsé-kun: Merlin: *presence concealment EX. because he's just suddenly here.* Tristan! Sheepy: Tristan: Merlin? Arsé-kun: Merlin: It's me! Its you! Sheepy: Tristan: No, I'm not you. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That's not what I meant! Sheepy: Tristan: If I were you, I would not be sad, because I would not have ever landed a cursed relationship like the one I had. Sheepy: Tristan: Not to imply that you're incapable of finding a lover, but rather, I doubt you'd be chased down across the country because you had a lover you were not intended to marry. Sheepy: Tristan: Because you have quite the way with people. Arsé-kun: Merlin: The last girl I tried to be with stuck me in a tree for a good century Sheepy: Bedi: I can't really understand either of you... how do you have such bad luck? Arsé-kun: Merlin: No idea. Sheepy: Bedi: Good evening, Sir Tristan. I'll tell Sir Lancelot that you're here. Arsé-kun: Merlin: That'll be fun to watch. Sheepy: *Bedi leaves to get Lance* Sheepy: Lobo: *he is watching Tristan very closely* Arsé-kun: *as is Elizabeth* Sheepy: Tristan: *discomfort* Sheepy: Tristan: I see, it's wrong to follow people home. Arsé-kun: Lance: Yes, it is. Sheepy: Tristan: Sir Lancelot. It's good to see you. Arsé-kun: Lance: You as well, Sir Tristan. Sheepy: Tristan: How have you been faring? Arsé-kun: Lance: Decently... Yourself? Sheepy: Tristan: As well as I can be. Arsé-kun: Lance: That's.... Good? Sheepy: Tristan: I see you got a dog. Is it difficult to walk? ...Are those bear traps a fashion statement? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... That's not mine. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... Neighbors'. Sheepy: *Lobo nudges Lance with his muzzle* Arsé-kun: Lance: *he is nearly toppled over* ?? Sheepy: Lobo: *he plops down on the ground and stares intently* Arsé-kun: Lance: *questioning grunt noise* Sheepy: *Lobo places his head flat to the ground and stares up at Lance* Arsé-kun: Lance: ??? Sheepy: Tristan: Ah, yes, I forgot to mention that I work with Dr. Roman. This dog appeared and started shaking my target. Unfortunately, it decided to blast his rider and the child on his back as a response. ...Have you ever seen a daemon's head be used for soccer? This is my first time seeing that. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... I have. *he gives a pointed look towards Elizabeth. SHE is still looking at Tristan's harp* ... ... *he finally catches on to Tristan having mentioned a child* ..! Sheepy: Tristan: Have you? I didn't know they showed up around here. Arsé-kun: Eliza: Neither did I! We just moved here! Arsé-kun: *Lance, meanwhile, makes a beeline for Satoru, who is still on Lobo's back* Sheepy: *Whether Satoru is sleeping or playing dead is a mystery. Lobo is watching Lance closely. Gaze.* Arsé-kun: Lance: *how do I handle child? if done badly, guin will have my head. uh.* Arsé-kun: *Lance applies a single hand to Satoru's back. are you alive child* Sheepy: *Satoru looks up at Lance. Oh. It's safe to stop playing dead.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ... ? Sheepy: Satoru: Oh, it's just you... Sheepy: Satoru: I was scared so I just played dead the entire trip home. Arsé-kun: Lance: .... *he kinda just. awkwardly pats Satoru's back before picking him up off of Lobo* Sheepy: Satoru: ...How do you become brave? You're a knight... knights are brave, right? Rider was hurt by the monster because I didn't protect myself. I can't fight my own fights, either... I just play dead because I'm too scared to do anything... but it never works... Arsé-kun: Lance: .... You can be scared and brave at the same time. Sheepy: Satoru: ......? Sheepy: Satoru: Are you scared when you fight? Arsé-kun: Lance: ... I have been. ..I've been in things I was scared to do. What makes you brave is that you do it anyway. Sheepy: Satoru: I'm not scared of much.... but the stuff I'm scared of, I don't feel like I can face... but if one can be brave and scared... Sheepy: Satoru: I should at least try to stand up to him. But he scares me so much. He did this yesterday. *he shows off the bruising from getting messed up yesterday. That does not look fun.* Arsé-kun: Lance: ..!!! Sheepy: Satoru: It's not the first time. I just play dead... last night he stuck around and said that I'm why she's gone... am I that bad? Arsé-kun: Lance: *he shakes his head and utters a low growl. Angry.* Sheepy: Bedivere: *he gently places his Metal Hand of Power on Lance's shoulder* Please don't do anything rash. Sheepy: Satoru: Sorry, I didn't mean to make you angry... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... You didn't, don't worry. Sheepy: Satoru: ...Okay, that's good. ...Next time he comes in, I'll try to stand up for myself, but... I don't want it to escalate further... Arsé-kun: Mozart: If you are able to do that, we'll hear it and be able to assist. *he's here* Sheepy: Satoru: Really? Sheepy: Satoru: I don't know if I can do it... Arsé-kun: Mozart: At minimum, I will hear it. I think you can. Arsé-kun: Lance: Whatever you want. Arsé-kun: Merlin: *he's... pulled out a marker and started doodling on Tristan's face* Sheepy: Bedi: Ah, he isn't reacting... Arsé-kun: Lance: ... How does he do that? Sheepy: Bedi: He walks around with his eyes closed all the time... Arsé-kun: Lance: Not that. Sheepy: Bedi: What? Sheepy: Bedi: Sleep on his feet? I don't know. Arsé-kun: Lance: I would say wizardry, but Merlin isn't that skilled. Sheepy: Bedi: Good point. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'm right here! Sheepy: Bedi: Please don't take it in an insulting way. Sheepy: Bedi: You're good at other things. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I sure am. Sheepy: Bedi:...But in this field, compared to Sir Tristan, we are like newbies. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Is that even a good thing? Sheepy: Bedi: No. Sheepy: Bedi: But you are good at many bad activities too. Arsé-kun: Merlin: Damn right. Sheepy: Bedi:...Merlin, please, I don't mean anything sexual. Arsé-kun: Lance: ..... I'm going to bring this child back to his house. You two keep, uh, talking about that. Arsé-kun: Merlin: I'VE BEEN GIVEN PERMISSION TO TALK ABOUT IT. Sheepy: Bedi: Merlin, please! Arsé-kun: Roman: *he kinda. slides into view, blocking Merlin* I've finished! Rider's a-okay! Sheepy: Satoru: Really?! Sheepy: *Lobo is wagging his tail excitedly!* Sheepy: Rider:..... Sheepy: *Rider is here.* Arsé-kun: Mozart: You're in one piece. Fantastic. Sheepy: Rider: "Yes." Sheepy: Rider: "As are you." Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'd like to stay that way. Sheepy: Rider: "Unfortunate. I could decapitate you if you wanted." Sheepy: *Lobo licks Roman's face. He's thankful!* Arsé-kun: Mozart: Please don't. Sheepy: Rider: "I won't." Arsé-kun: Mozart: Thank you. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Shall I take- oh. *Satoru has been shoved into his arms* Sheepy: Bedi: Please don't go and rough up his father now that you don't have anything in your hands. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Don't at all. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I've got a non-musical theory I'm working on regarding him. Sheepy: Satoru: What is it? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Though the pitch is the same, there are times where his voice has a wildly different tone to it... It is not an emotional thing, either. Sheepy: Satoru: He acts weird sometimes. Sheepy: Satoru: He was acting weird last night. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Yes, exactly. Sheepy: Satoru: Why does he act like that? Sheepy: Satoru: Is it because he's mad? Arsé-kun: Mozart: Emotionally or mentally? Sheepy: Satoru: Emotionally. Arsé-kun: Mozart: No. Sheepy: Satoru: Huh? sheep: Satoru: Then...? Arsé-kun: Mozart: The latter. Just a theory, though. sheep: Bedi: ...Anyway, all of you don't have much to worry about. We'll inform his mother and she'll deal with the rest. But, even though you're servants, you can still get arrested. ...So, be careful - assault and defending a young one can be a thin line. sheep: Rider: "Unfortunate. Decapitation is not allowed. It's regrettable that a man like him has been blessed with a head, while men like myself lack one." Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'm tempted to lift Vlad's ban for this. Sheepy: Rider: "Is that a good idea?" Arsé-kun: Mozart: No. Sheepy: Rider: "Don't." Arsé-kun: Mozart: I can't. It'd have to be a group decision. Sheepy: Guinevere: I vote no because I don't want Vlad to do anything he'll regret. How are you feeling, Lance? Arsé-kun: Lance: Tired. I'm going back in. Sheepy: Guinevere: Good idea. Don't push yourself. Arsé-kun: *Lance Exits Stage Right* Sheepy: Satoru: Uncle Mozzy, is your hearing back to normal? Sheepy: Satoru: You seemed really scared earlier and I was worried about you. Arsé-kun: Mozart: It is, yes, thank you. I.. Panicked, to be honest. Sheepy: Satoru: It's okay. I understand why you would. Sheepy: Satoru: What's important is that you're okay now. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I am. sheep: Rider: "I'm going in now." Arsé-kun: Mozart: Lets. sheep: *so they go inside* Arsé-kun: *hooray* sheep: Kintaro: Chief is back! Arsé-kun: Vlad: *he looks up from his knitting* Welcome back. sheep: Satoru: Is everyone better from earlier? sheep: *Carmilla is eyeing the yarn...* Arsé-kun: Vlad: It does seem that way, yes. My apologies for not having come with you. sheep: Satoru: Rider was hurt during the fight. You might've gotten hurt too. sheep: Rider: "I'm fine." Arsé-kun: Vlad: Still. I had said that I would go with you. Sheepy: Satoru: Did you want to go? I didn't know, sorry. Arsé-kun: Vlad: I would have liked to, but staying put was more important. Aftermath of the boggart and all. Sheepy: Satoru: I understand. Sheepy: *Carmilla looks over at Vlad and then bats at his yarn ball. yarn, meet floor.* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Why are you like this? Sheepy: Carmilla: Lack of attention. Wanting to mess with you. Every fiber of my being telling me to knock it off. Arsé-kun: Vlad: I see this. Please put the yarn back. I'm going to need that. Sheepy: Carmilla: *She puts the yarn back* Arsé-kun: Vlad: Thank you kindly. Sheepy: Carmilla: Were you scared by the boggart? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Merely unsettled. Sheepy: Carmilla: Just unsettled? Arsé-kun: Vlad: If I'd been afraid, I'd have been unable to harm it. *is he.. proud of himself?* sheep: Carmilla: Uhuh, okay. Arsé-kun: Vlad: What's that supposed to mean?? sheep: Satoru: I don't think it ever visited me. sheep: Carmilla: If you can't face your fears that makes you a coward. Arsé-kun: Vlad: .... Right. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Satoru. About that. sheep: Satoru: Uhuh? Arsé-kun: Mozart: I already suggested it, Vlad. Was there evidence..? Arsé-kun: Vlad: And more. I. I may or may not have bent a rule. sheep: Satoru: What do you mean? Arsé-kun: Vlad: I mean I did not break a set rule, but I almost did. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Some of the set rules were: To not harm Masato, to not mess with him, and to not go through others belongings- Especially his. Correct? Arsé-kun: Vlad: I decided to personally ask him about the events of last night. He has no recollection of any events that transpired. sheep: Satoru: ...Really? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Truly. Sheepy: Satoru: Could his lack of memory of last night be correlated to him acting strangely? Arsé-kun: Vlad: Going by what Wolfgang has noticed, I'm inclined to say yes. Sheepy: Satoru: I can try looking into it online... Arsé-kun: Vlad: If you'd like to. Sheepy: Satoru: Do you have any ideas of what might be going on? Anything can help. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Well, he's clearly not doing these things. Sheepy: Satoru: We have a doctor next door. We could ask him. Sheepy: Satoru: In the book he acts differently sometimes too, but that was from the power of science. Arsé-kun: Vlad: We could.. Sheepy: Satoru: You seem a little hesitant. Sheepy: Satoru: Is now a bad time? Arsé-kun: Vlad: It's nighttime. As a general rule, yes. Yes it is. Sheepy: Satoru: Oh...okay. Sheepy: Satoru: I'll wait for tomorrow then. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'll volunteer ahead of time to go with you. Sheepy: Satoru: Thank you. Sheepy: Cu: Oi, Mozart, just keep Satoru away from that red archer, alright? Sheepy: Cu: He's bad news. Real bad news. Arsé-kun: Mozart: I dislike that tone in your voice. Noted. Sheepy: Cu: If he picks a fight with me, I swear, I'm shoving my spear so far down his throat that he'll be the first human shish-kabob. Arsé-kun: Vlad: I've already done that. Numerous times. Sheepy: Cu: You don't count! You're Vlad the Impaler! Sheepy: Cu: You're known for being unnecessarily cruel and killing people without reason. Sheepy: Satoru: Vlad wouldn't do that! Sheepy: Satoru:...But... Sheepy: Satoru: You're nice, so you're a good person. Sheepy: Satoru: You wouldn't do that now. You're better than that. Arsé-kun: *Vlad's heart has grown one size. So has his ego.* Sheepy: Satoru: You wouldn't be my dad if you were malicious. You'd just be like Masato, so I'd avoid you. Arsé-kun: Vlad: *CRITICAL HIT!* Arsé-kun: Mozart: Gee, I didn't know Masato impaled people. Arsé-kun: *Mozart gets punched in the shoulder. That's leaving a mark* Sheepy: Satoru:? Sheepy: Satoru: That's not what I meant. Sheepy: Satoru: I meant that Masato is mean and hurts people, while Vlad isn't. Sheepy: Satoru: And that whether or not Vlad hurt people in the past doesn't matter - he doesn't hurt people now. If you base your opinions on people off of their past mistakes instead of who they are now, what's the point of turning a new leaf? Arsé-kun: Mozart: A fair point, I suppose. Sheepy: Kintaro: Does that mean that's accurate, Chief? I know very little about human nature. I had a very very golden childhood in the forest! Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'd believe it. Sheepy: Kintaro: Believe what? Arsé-kun: Mozart: I'd believe what Satoru said as correct. Sheepy: Kintaro: Golden advice! Sheepy: Kintaro: My advice is! Sheepy: Kintaro: Bears are good people! You just need to get to know them better! Arsé-kun: Mozart: Glad to know. I'll become more acquainted with one while it eats me alive and sh- Sheepy: Kintaro: No no no! Arsé-kun: Mozart: No? Sheepy: Kintaro: Bears are good friends! Sheepy: Kintaro: When I was a little one, I sumo wrestled with a bear! He was my playmate! Sheepy: Kintaro: Our friendship was golden!! Arsé-kun: Mozart: *he mutters about something else being golden* Sheepy: Kintaro: Bears! Bears are golden! Sheepy: Kintaro: Chief, let's go camping and meet a bear! Sheepy: Satoru: The outside world scares me and I like my room more. Arsé-kun: Mozart: Count me out. Sheepy: Kintaro: It'll help you come up with music ideas! Sheepy: Cu: Hmmm... sounds fun. Sheepy: Cu: I'm in. Sheepy: Carmilla: I'm not going unless Vlad is going. Arsé-kun: Vlad: I don't know. Arsé-kun: Vlad: While it would be nice, I don't know if I would be able to do so. Sheepy: Carmilla: Because your sun sensitivity. Sheepy: Carmilla: If you wear sunscreen you should be okay! Clearly. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Because there is no human blood in the woods outside of our own. Sheepy: Carmilla: Hmm. Sheepy: Cu: Oi, Master, here's a reason to go camping: You'll get away from Masato. Sheepy: Satoru: *he has a blank stare on his face...* Arsé-kun: Vlad: ... He has a point. Go with Cu and Robin. You cannot be harmed there. Sheepy: Satoru: ...Okay. Sheepy: Satoru: I want to meet a deer. Arsé-kun: Vlad: Plan it tomorrow. It's too late for this. Sheepy: Satoru: Okay. Arsé-kun: *And then everyone goes to bed, unless they don't*

#old bds content #fate goes au #2

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cryptoga-blog · 7 years ago

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To the Moon? Time to Expand Up, Bitcoin

http://www.cryptoga.com/news/to-the-moon-time-to-expand-up-bitcoin/

To the Moon? Time to Expand Up, Bitcoin

Michael J. Casey is chairman of CoinDesk’s advisory board and a senior advisor of blockchain exploration at MIT’s Electronic Forex Initiative.

In this viewpoint piece, aspect of a weekly series of columns, Casey suggests that bitcoin’s selling price may well be in a bubble and that curtailing the mania close to it would be excellent for the technology’s long term.

This is not “regular.”

Of training course, not currently being regular is aspect of bitcoin’s attractiveness. Bitcoin has redefined money and established the hitherto non-existent idea of a scarce electronic asset. It’s hard to maintain it to the specifications of “regular” property.

But as anyone who put in many years observing economic markets go as a result of repeated designs of exuberance and retrenchment, I’m fairly uneasy with bitcoin’s hottest runup. A 20% gain in excess of the weekend left it up 60% in excess of two months and up an eye-popping 900% 12 months-to-date.

History-breaking gains are irrelevant in isolation. The vital problem is “as opposed to what?” And the look for for an apples-to-apples comparison is primarily challenging for an asset class whose binary set of outcomes may well lie in an all-or-practically nothing array of $ to $1 million.

Cryptocurrencies really don’t have any genuine precedent from which to create benchmarks. That tends to make them hard to benefit.

But currently being hard to benefit doesn’t get us off the hook. Traders ought to at the very least check out to assign numbers to the property they get. And any rational assessment of something’s benefit ought to, by definition, look at it to the benefit of one thing else. Benefit is an inherently relative idea.

Tulips… there, I claimed it

This is a benefit comparison value pondering about.

Three lengthy months in the past, when bitcoin was only value $7,000, Convoy Investments pointed out that, all through heritage, the only other selling price general performance for an asset class that exceeded bitcoin’s was the Netherlands’ notorious Tulip Mania of 1619-1622.

As most pupils of finance know, that a person did not conclude so well.

Bitcoin as opposed to other bubbles. There is only a person which surpasses it: the Dutch tulip mania.

The chart is from a newsletter from my lengthy time good friends at Convoy investments. If you’d like to subscribe, e-mail them at [email protected] pic.twitter.com/ZdLSFXcvLn

— The Long Perspective (@HayekAndKeynes) November 8, 2017

Even though it is genuine that resorting to the Tulip Bubble analogy has been a somewhat hackneyed, knee-jerk device for numerous bitcoin critics, I think the intuition among the numerous bitcoin bulls to mock them for resorting to it is often similarly simplistic.

William Mallers did it final 7 days in an impassioned rebuttal of economic blogger John Lothian’s criticism of the CME Group’s prepare to introduce bitcoin futures.

The dilemma is that these rebuttals often resort to strawman portrayals of the critic as anyone who misunderstands bitcoin’s significantly-achieving societal likely, as an ignoramus who thinks it is as worthless as a tulip bulb. This misses the place.

The dilemma with the tulip bubble wasn’t that the tulip bulbs were value practically nothing, it was that a cycle of mania, speculation and FOMO (anxiety of missing out) pushed their selling price significantly out of line with their realizable benefit. It’s not unreasonable to argue that a identical phenomenon is pushing bitcoin’s selling price significantly outside of what’s justified by its unproven likely, conceivably powerful as that may well be.

In a person of my incredibly initially articles on bitcoin four years in the past, I much too evoked the Tulip Bubble comparison as the BTC selling price was then topping $1,200. It turned out to be prescient, as the selling price soon thereafter fell to close to $200 and then took three years to get back the dropped floor. But by then I did not treatment. Composing that column led me to explore cryptocurrencies far more deeply.

I grew to become a transform, wrote a reserve about bitcoin, and in the end left The Wall Road Journal to be a part of the Electronic Forex Initiative at MIT’s Media Lab.

The place is that I’m not alluding to tulips out of Jamie Dimon-like ignorance. I feel, strongly, in cryptocurrency technologies, and just as importantly, in its main guarantee of a exceptional, far more sturdy and universally acceptable variety of money.

It’s just that I also think it is wholesome to individual that inherently hard-to-quantify factor of its elementary benefit to humanity from the distinct, fleeting, quantitative expression it finds in the market.

Cult mindset

What anxieties me most is the cult-like mindset of the investor neighborhood, with its “to the moon” rallying cries and simplistic justifications for selling price general performance.

The idea, for case in point, that bitcoin’s in-developed scarcity will drive its selling price higher ad infinitum assumes it operates in some kind of detached vacuum. The at any time-present prospect of program forks, while not technically introducing to the supply of bitcoin main, points to a huge set of selections for investors in the long term.

If they locate these selections far more attractive – and who’s to say a superior concept will not appear along? – it will make a difference practically nothing that only 21 million cash will at any time be produced. (For a brutal breakdown of other professional-BTC arguments, read through this critique by the economist Constantin Gurgdiev, who, like me, is a believer in the underlying energy of cryptocurrency technologies.)

The dilemma I have with the immaturity of bitcoin’s investing tradition is not that it is setting the market up for a correction. It’s that it constrains development toward attaining the technology’s far more elementary social benefit.

Speculation is unavoidable, even useful in bootstrapping innovation. But if bitcoin is to modify billions of life, it requires to turn into a far more mainstream asset class, a person that’s linked to the genuine globe that these people today occupy. As significantly as we may well all really like this quirky, irregular “honeybadger of money,” bitcoin requires to turn into far more regular.

It requires far more stability. It requires a two-way market.

That two-way market is coming. And it will be introduced to us by economic gurus, hordes of whom will be showing up at CoinDesk’s inaugural Consensus: Invest meeting Tuesday. At the similar time that undertaking capitalists and hedge funds are building investment cars to get optimistic bets on bitcoin and other crypto property, investment banking companies and exchanges are building amenities that will enable other establishments to bet against it.

Futures in bitcoin’s long term

The bitcoin bulls who’ve welcomed the CME Group’s ideas to introduce bitcoin futures contracts right before 12 months-conclude as an less complicated way for institutional investors to make investments in the sector may well want to be far more cautious what they desire for.

The quarterly-ROI-obsessed fund supervisors who will trade these contracts share none of quasi-religious mindset of bitcoin HODLers. And now they have a device, in the futures contracts on their own, with which to brief the market.

If it tends to make feeling to do so, they will gladly get steps that drive the selling price reduce. Wall Road is pragmatic, self-interested and obsessed with its brief-expression bottom line. It doesn’t HODL.

To be sure, it is not crystal clear how significantly of an speedy impact futures investing will have on the spot market for bitcoin – the CME’s contracts will be cash-settled, which suggests that neither counterparty to a trade requires physical ownership of the underlying asset. Traders will merely deal with the underlying bitcoin market as a reference.

But as the futures market gains liquidity, and as cross-market hedging tactics turn into far more refined, the futures selling price on the CME may well well turn into a driver of spot market prices. With these an imbalance amongst the dimensions of the institutional and retail markets, the tail could start off wagging the dog.

Here’s the factor: This ceremony of passage is welcome. By decreasing volatility, two-way institutional engagement will boost the impact that bitcoin can have on the globe.

It’s an vital step in fulfilling bitcoin’s objective. But it also suggests the moon may well have to hold out.

Peter Pan graphic by using Shutterstock.

The leader in blockchain news, CoinDesk strives to supply an open platform for dialogue and discussion on all things blockchain by encouraging contributed articles. As these, the views expressed in this post are the author’s own and do not always replicate the view of CoinDesk.

For far more specifics on how you can post an viewpoint or examination post, view our Editorial Collaboration Guide or e-mail [email protected].

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badlydrawnstuff · 7 years ago

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Fate Goes (to the market)

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#fate goes au #badlydrawnstuph #2

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