#hard shut off. black screen. no reviving.

[preciouspatriots]

crying over my completely broken laptop right now hoping my tears will revive the four years of writing and stories on it like they did for rapunzel with eugene

[clearlydiamondz]

Loyalty to Royalty

Erik!Stevens x OC

Part Eight

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Princess Imani was the black sheep of her family, never really fitting the female royal type. When an arranged marriage between Prince   N'Jadaka and her is set up, she tries her hardest to get away... but she just can’t.

- - - - - - - - - -

"We as a nation continue to mourn a great loss. We are still in the works of pinpointing how the King and his Step Daughter were killed. The Royal Family are still waiting for the autopsy-"

The TV screen was shut off before Imani turned around to see who the intruder was. She saw that it was Erik before she sighed closing her eyes. "I didn't mean to interrupt your program, but the councils are waiting for you," Erik said walking into the living room, where she was.

For the last few days after she was medically released on the watch of both Nakia and Shuri, everyone thought it would be much safer for her to stay in Wakanda. Not being seen in the public eye since the death of her father, there were news outlets all over the world wondering where she could be.

Some tiktokers speculated that she was the one who killed so she could get the throne faster. Some other conspiracy theories thought that all of the Kambaho family was murdered. It was in her best interest not to leave the palace until the councils knew who she was and what she was capable of.

"You are fine," she whispered standing up. She wiped her dress off as he walked in front of her with a tilt of her head. "Do I look okay?" she asked him as he grabbed her hands brought them up to her lips and kissed her knuckles.

"Gorgeous.. but that ain't nothing different." he joked as she laughed lightly looking down at her feet. "Listen-" he lifted her head by the chin to make him look at her. "I don't care what happens in there. I will always be beside you.." he whispered to her. She smiled at him, almost tearing up. She threw her head back to prevent the tears from falling.

"I'm trying so hard not to cry," she whispered as he laughed. He placed a kiss on her forehead before placing a kiss on her lips.

"Let's do this." We walked to the throne room where the councils from both countries sat. The talked amongst each other until the two of us walked through the door. T'Challa stood up bowing at the two of us before the councils followed through.

"Your majesty." They said in unison, as Imani cringed. She would not be getting used to that at all.

"I have invited the soon-to-be queen and king because they will be sharing some interesting news," T'Challa replied sitting down.

"And that is?" The council member, Jean asked with a tilt of her head.

"We did a toxin screen report on the King when he passed away." she started.

"I thought he died of natural causes?" M'Baku asked.

"The night that the palace was attacked, I don't believe that they were trying to attack Amarah... I believe that they were trying to attack me. The screen reported that there were traces of cyanide in his body before he died." I replied. The council room broke out into conversation before one of the council members for Kambaho spoke up.

"Why are we just finding out about this now?" Council member, Zakariah asked. "This should have been known from the moment the King passed away."

"I understand- but circumstances enabled me to do so. I too was poisoned." I stated. Ramonda gasped as everyone shook their heads in disbelief.

"Impossible. You wouldn't be standing here to tell your story if this was true!"

"The night of the helicopter crash that took her mother, it also took her life," T'Challa said standing up as the room got quiet. "She was coding, Nakia and Shuri were trying to bring her to life but she wasn't coming to. In a fit of desperation, I allowed the two to give her the herb to revive her." T'Challa admitted.

The room ripped up into an uproar as the two sides started to argue with them. "This is the most foolish thing you could have ever done!" the merchant tribe elder exclaimed in anger.

"Kambaho now has a black panther?" Jean asked as the elders gasped at his statement.

"You guys will never have such power as the black panther!" one of their elders exclaimed. "Don't ever let that name come out of your mouth!"

Imani looked around the room, feeling a tad bit overstimulated. They were yelling across the room at each other while others were trying to plead their case. At that moment, she realized that there was little time to argue with each other and had enough.

"Enough!" she yelled. Her voice echoed across the room as everyone present turned to look at her. "I apologize if you seem betrayed that your King decided to save my life, but we have bigger fish to fry here!" she snapped. She walked closer to the middle before saying, "The Americans worked with Oshana and killed my father and killed her daughter. Their blood will not go down in vain no matter how you feel about me!"

"Princess, how do you know it was the Americans?" M'Baku asked curiously.

"The night the palace was attacked, I heard American accents," she said. "Look, they are becoming bold with their attacks. One way or another, they'll become a little too bold and it might affect Wakanda."" she finished off. The council members of both countries looked at each other before saying,

"Your majesty what do you need us to do."

"I have a proposition," Erik said. "Shuri and scientists back in Kambaho are expanding the barrier to protect also Kambaho citizens. I expect that they will be expecting this, in an attempt to get the American soldiers back." He finished.

"Well, this wasn't approved by us?" An elder of the border tribe said.

"Doesn't matter. I approved it. And plus, with these two about to be married, it is in our alliance to keep each other safe... correct?" T"Challa said. The elder said nothing as she kissed her teeth looking away.

"I know that this is bad...and I am willing to try to make amends for what happened, but right now our countries need each other more than ever. I have already lost everything I have known." she pleaded with them. The council members once again looked at each other.

"And plus, we have probably the world's strongest and smarter rulers. Physically and mentally. We are a force to be reckoned with as one." Ramonda suggested.

"I'm sure their military knows that we have them but aren't going to publicly announce how they received them considering that they were caught red-handed in an assassination and an assassination attempt of the new queen. This can buy us some time." Okoye replied as Imani raised her eyebrow in confusion.

"Time for?"

"Well your majesty, your wedding."

____________________________________________

"I already have to plan two funerals, now I have to plan a wedding?" Imani ranted walking around her room back in Kambaho. The two of them had just gotten out of the shower and were preparing to head to bed. A busy day awaited them with conferences about the King's and Amarah's death.

"Well you know you don't have to do this all alone right?" Erik asked her sitting at the edge of her bed. "I'm here, and I'm sure T'Challa and Auntie Ramonda do not have any problem helping you out.

"I know it's just-" she put her hands over her face and sighed. "-Usually I'm so great with this kind of thing. I know how I want it, I know what to say, I know what to do but my mind is just-" she paused trying to find the word but it never came out.

"To be fair, usually you aren't doing these things in the midst of the death of your father," he said as a matter of fact. "Look, it seems like you are spiraling-"

"You think I am spiraling?" she asked him crossing her arms over her chest.

"That's not what I meant. What I'm saying is-" he stood up grabbing her hands. "You have a lot of emotions going on, and you think that you have to do it all. Because if you don't you think it'll all go too shit." Erik said.

As much as she hated it, he read her to complete filth. That's exactly how it was. The fact that her father passed away, without her being queen left her country without a proper leader in the midst of all this chaos. It seemed like it was a directed attack and to add on top of all that, she was still grieving.

"You're right... I'm sorry if I was a little snappy," she told him as he smiled at her.

"Here, I'll make a few phone calls tomorrow. They can start planning everything but nothing gets done unless you approve it." he grabbed her face as she nodded.

"Okay.. perfect. That sounds perfect." she smiled at him. He kissed her on the lips then pulled away. He then traced his thumb on the bottom of her lips.

____________________________________________

She couldn't fall asleep. With Erik beside her sleeping peacefully, she envied him. Her mind was running a thousand miles a minute with no end goal in mind. Overwhelmed, she threw the blankets over her body and walked out. She walked around the palace before stopping at a portrait of her father, mother, and her a few years ago.

She remembered arguing with her father the night that Oshana and Amarah moved in that they needed to keep it. Oshana hated the portrait and wanted a new one with just her father, Amarah, and Oshana. That proposition got nipped right in its side.

Her mind begins racing to the death of her father. Though after the death of her mother, they weren't as close, it was still her father. The one who trained her for the day to become queen. And it wasn't fair to either one of them that he wouldn't be able to see her. Anger filled her emotions, but just as quick as it came it went away. She knew that she couldn't kill the soldiers down stairs, or even totrue them.. but she had something else in mind.

Imani found herself on the outside of the one-way glass, looking at the soldiers who were tied up inside. No clothes on and in just their underwear, they seemed so helpless. There were about six of them who were caught. After much research, she found out that they were trained Navy Seals who were on a blackout operation.

"Good evening, I just came here to take the soldiers on a tour of the castle." she smiled at them. They looked at her confused before saying,

"Your majesty, are you sure? They seem-"

"Just open the door please and thank you," she told them. Hesitantly, they opened the door for her as the lights kicked on. The soldiers groaned in agony as she stood in the middle of the room as they looked at me in shock.

"Good evening soldiers. I hope I didn't have you guys in here for too long. I was in my grieving period." she smiled at them as they stared at her and said nothing. "Awe I apologize, I hope my guards have been kind to you. They have been feeding you correct?" she asked them. Again nothing.

Tilting her head to the side they had yet to say nothing. Grabbing the remote to the electrical handcuffs before she said, "I"'m going to release you from your strains. Please don't try anything stupid. There are about thirty Dora Milaje soldiers around this premises, and also three very super beings who can break your leg bones within a matter of seconds. So please.. don't try anything stupid." she begged them. She unlocked the controls before some of them fell over having to be stuck in that position all week.

"So I actually-" she walked to the doorway before grabbing a bin. "Grabbed you guys some clothes. I know the cold here is brutal, especially being under the structure so I grabbed you guys some clothes. Please." she opened the chest. They all looked at her, still not moving as she sighed. She looked up and saw one of the soldiers who name was Richard Brady.

"Mr.Brady is it?" she asked him. He looked confused, almost shocked that she knew his name. "See I took the time to get to know who each and every one of you sitting here. What you do when you aren't stationed, where you go on Sundays for church," she stated while taking the clothes out of the bin and placing them out. "But on a more intimate level... I know every single one of you guys has a wife and children waiting for them to get back too. Taylor, Jannette, Maria, Isabella..." she trailed off naming off the names of their wives.

"You touch my fucking wife I'll gut you!" Richard snapped at her as she sighed shaking her head, then chuckled.

"Mr.Brandy, I don't think I mentioned ever killing your wife and kids... I don't even think I ever mentioned killing you," she said. "With that being said, I'll give you guys a few minutes to get dressed. Show you guys around the castle." she turned around to give them their privacy before standing back outside. She looked at them slowly stood up and walked to the bin where they had clothes.

"Are we really going to listen to this nut job?" Micheal, one of the seals, asked confused about why they were standing up.

"Firstly, it's cold as hell in here. And two, that nut job just so happened to list of my wife's name first!?" Kyle whispered and yelled back.

"At this point, the worst thing they can do is kill us," Richard mumbled slipping on the pants. Imani couldn't help but to smirk to herself, as she saw the men give in to her demands.

"Let the Wakandian security know I am moving with the soldiers," she said patting the guards on the back of their shoulders.

As they exited the cellar, the guards followed behind them as she turned around. "You don't have to follow me," she told them. She looked at them waving her hands.

"You can leave," she responded to them as they looked at each other.

"Your majesty, w-we can't leave you alone with them," she replied.

"I think I can take it from here," Okoye replied standing in the doorway. She was in her full gear, holding her spear. Imani looked at her confused.

"Do you sleep in that?" she asked her as Okoye shrugged.

"Usually I don't. But when colonizers who are amid...well colonizing, I tend to," she replied fake smiling at the soldiers. Imani chuckled at the joke before shaking her head.

"I am actually taking these soldiers a look around the palace. I'm sure they know the inside and out of this place due to my dear stepmother, but I want them to see it in person," she said as Okoye raised her eyebrow at her.

"Of course... but why?"

"Why not?" Imani shrugged her shoulders. "Follow me," she told the soldiers as she walked passed Okoye.

Imani showed the soldiers the historical palace, showing them different artifacts and paintings that hang around. She stopped at the family portrait. It was a painting of her father, mother, and her when she was eleven years old.

"Mani!" she looked to her right and saw Erik and a few guards running towards her grabbing her arm. "Is everything alright? I heard that they had escaped?" he turned to look at them as she shook her head.

"No... I was just taking them on a tour." she smiled at him. Erik looked at the soldiers before looking back at her.

"Why though?" he asked her, confusion written all over her face.

"Why not?" she responded as she did with Okoye. Before Erik could respond, Micheal snapped.

"This crazy ass bitch, go put in her a fucking psych ward." Erik looked back at the soldiers before walking over towards him.

"She might want to spare your life but I don't mind putting a fucking knife through your eye." He reached in the band of his sweatpants grabbed a dagger and put it to the poor man's neck.

'Wait.. that was kind of sexy.. ' Imani thought but shook her head at the nasty thoughts.

"Woah their jaguar.. the last thing we need is American blood on our hands." Okoye stopped him with her spear. Erik's stare didn't stop as he said,

"Speak to her like that again, I'll send your body parts to your wife bitch ass nigga."

"What kind of sick joke is this? Huh? Y-You take us on a tour of this place before you kill us?" Micheal asked. Okoye couldn't help but scoff.

"My goodness... for a navy seal you are quite scared of death." Okoye teased them. It fell silent before Imani decided to cut the tension.

"This is the last portrait painted of my family before the death of my mother. She was taken away from me.." Imani said staring up at the picture. "And my father who was... well you know the story. You guys have a major role in that story." Imani mentioned looking back at the soldiers.

It was silent again before she turned around. "To answer your question Micheal.. no I am not going kill you." she turned around looking at them. Micheal was shocked that she knew him by name. "Trust me, I was. I was going to make it slow and painful. But then, in my revenge plan, I have seen this portrait." she looked back at it again.

"I know each of you guys have children and wives of your own, and to be quite fair I had a long thought. I cannot put them through the pain that I had to face. I wouldn't be able to live." she put her hands in front of her staring at them before saying,

"These are the hands of a queen, a ruler of her country, a leader of her people. The hands of the silver leopard., who saves and protects her country. The hands that spare. Hands that will only kill to protect what is her's. My hands will always have a place in history." she said before grabbing Michael's hands.

"These... are the hands of a murderer. The hands of evil. The hands that are owned by your government to make them do their dirty work. Who has no issue with you dying, and giving you a few gunshots to prove their grievances." she dropped his hands in disgust, wiping it on her gown.

"I'm sure that when we hand you guys over to the Americans, they'll throw you a parade, give you a purple heart, maybe even sing a little song for you if you're lucky." she chuckled. "But in the midst of your celebration, while you're hugging your family. While you receiving your purple hearts and trophies and whatnot, it's because of me. You didn't fight to stay alive. You are America's bitch. You.. are not brave by taking my father from me and attempting to kill me. You. Are. Not. Brave."

The entire room fell silent as the soldiers looked at her, puzzled and embarrassed. She cleared her throat before smiling at them. "So this is how it's going to go. You will continue your visit here in Kambaho under extreme supervision. We will release you back to your command once I am queen and I make my announcement. No one will cause harm to you or your loved ones." she responded back with a smile.

"Though I did say I won't kill you, please don't make me change my mind. You guys did try to kill me so I won't hesitate to have you killed." she then looked back at Erik grabbed his hand and looked to the guards. "You can take them back to the cell. Give them some food, blankets, and some proper bedding, please. When I return them to the Americans, I need them in good condition."

Erik was more than thrown off by her actions. He honestly didn't know whether to fear or admire the princess. As the two walked back to the room she stopped before turning back around.

"I hope I didn't offend you. I know you were a seal yourself," she responded, feeling a tad bit guilty on her tangent. He chuckled before kissing her on the lips before saying,

"Nope, honestly I think I admire you. If it was me, they would've been killed already," he said with a chuckle.

"Eh, that's the easy way out," she said continuing to walk to their room. After entering the room and shutting the door, he couldn't help but ask her,

"Why didn't you kill them?" he asked her sitting on the bed.

"I couldn't. They are only doing what they are instructed to, if I do want to kill someone it would be either Oshana or the people who instructed them," she responded with a shrug. "Plus, if I sat there and tortured them what real harm could I do? They are trained to receive that sort of pain.. and physical wounds can heal with time," she replied getting back into bed.

"Psychological wounds though? Those are what cause real harm. They'll never receive a reward within their years of service without remembering what was told to them." she replied settling into the bed and underneath her covers.

"And let's be honest, they don't seem like the type who believes in therapy." He chuckled before cuddling into her.

There was a silence before she broke it. "After the funerals, I will tell the world the truth," she whispered. Erik looked at her, a tad bit shocked before saying,

"Are you sure you want to do this? Now?" he asked her as she turned her body to look at him.

"I need to do this. With the barrier and everything that we need to have ready in order for us to become rulers, I believe I need to," she admitted to him.

"Aye.. this is a good decision. But do be warned... with everything that's happening.. the spotlight is going to be on us... for a while." he warned her as she nodded, with a smirk.

"That is what I want."

_____________________________________________________

"Yesterday, my father and step-sister were laid to rest with the ancestors and spirits of our loved ones," Imani spoke into the mic and looked at the cameras of the plentiful news stations. A broadcast that was being shown all over the world.

"It is hard, I will not say it is easy. To sit here after saying my final goodbyes, but truthfully... I have an odd feeling that this isn't our last of time being with each other. This is what gives me the courage to come here and tell you what I do now." she looked over the crowd of people.

"You guys may wonder why the Wakanda barrier may have reached our motherland. Rumors and speculations indicated that it was because of the transitioning of powers, that my fiance and I needed the protection. But in all honesty, it wasn't because of the protection of ours, but for the people of Kambaho. My father., did not die of natural causes. My father was killed right along with my step-sister," she replied. Questions and comments filled the air as gasps were heard.

She continued to tell the people of Kambaho the truth about the death of her father. Even going into description about the whereabouts of Oshana, and her part in the death. However, she did leave out crucial information about the attack on the palace. Erik and her decided that to keep America in the blind, not announcing their attack would most likely give them a chance to play make-up.

If America wasn't being blamed, how could they come and defend themselves?

"Not only was our King poisoned with Cynanide, but I was also a target. However, due to my current condition, I was able to survive the poisoning." Confusion and questions filled the answer once again knowing that the princess was poisoned. Clearing the questions, she then spoke again.

"A few years ago, when Queen Kamila and I were in a terrible accident that resulted in the death of our Queen and my mother. I, as well was on the brink of death. The King of Wakanda, T'Challa made the hard decision to break a Wakiandian law and saved me using the Heart-Shaped Herb that grants the Black Panther and The Golden Jaguar, their abilities." she confessed.

''With these found abilities, I have taken it upon myself to protect those under my leadership, taking on the accomplice of the White Leopard.""

Though she could hear the chaos that ensured, it only tuned out in her head, hearing it faded as her heartbeat increased. She stepped from the mic as she examined the crowd of reporters, asking questions about the status of their new Queen and future King.

''With that being said, I understand my country for centuries has had a huge hand in the passing of the crown to your future leaders. But under the circumstances of what we are as a country, and who we deem as threats to our security, the sooner that we have rule is the sooner I can guarantee each of your safety. For the time being, to protect our future, the events of our wedding and our crowning will only be in quarters, where you as a nation can see it from the comfort of your own homes. Only to ensure ours, but more importantly your and your families' safety and security." she said. She continued her speech, promising her country that she would find out who was working with Oshana.

___________________________________________

Like clockwork, she sat in her father's office watching the different news stations around the world break the news of what just happened a few hours ago. Like always, there were supporters of the princess and her true identity, while there were some who didn't.

She had more positive feedback from both the country of Kambaho and Wakanda, more than she thought initially. She was glad that her country took it well, especially with her main problem being how they would feel about the princess keeping it from them so long.

As she sat in her father’s office, she couldn’t help but feel an ick as she sat in the palace. Maybe it was the fact that it reminded her of the past, a past that she no longer was in. Without her father and mother, it didn’t just feel like home.

She heard a knock on the door before she muted the television. "Come in!" she yelled through the door. Erik stood there with a plate of food as he placed it in front of her. "The chefs said that this should bring you out of your dump." she looked at it to see Dumpling Soup of all things as she chuckled.

She and her mother took a trip to China for a few weeks when she was younger and fell in love with Dumpling soup. It was to the point where that's what everyone had for like three weeks straight until her father finally had enough.

Erik turned around seeing the news, and before he could say anything, she grabbed the remote turning it off. ''You know I can't help it." she sighed before taking a sip of the soup. She stood up before going over to her father's liquor cabinet.

"Alright, I know the old man has some good liquor stashed away, and ooh- here we go." she grabbed the Barrique de Ponciano Porfidio, the expensive tequila that he got from Mexico a few months back. She grabbed two shot glasses before putting them on the desk and pouring them a shot. Tapping the table, they threw back the shot before humming.

"Oh.. that's smooth," he said looking at the shot glass. "Well, you can have it." she handed it to him as he raised an eyebrow at her.

"Are you sure?" he asked. “This is worth like… thousands.” She nodded her head before walking to the cabinet. She poured herself a glass of whiskey as he followed behind her.

“Erik..” she called his name.

“Hm..” she turned around to look at him. “I don’t wanna be here.” she whispered.

“We can always go back to Wakanda.” He told her grabbing her glass as she shook her head.

“No I’m talking about long term. I don’t want to stay in this place.” She said looking around. “This place is no longer my home. Without my mother and my father, it’s just the place that’s filled with bad memories.” She confessed to him.

He listened to her as she gave more reason to her not wanting to stay in the main palace. He couldn’t help but notice how her plans now mentioned him. He knew deep down inside, that after the death of her father and as the new Queen, she could have easily broken their agreement and not gone with the marriage. T’Challa would be more than okay with it.

“And I know my mother and father have property on the boarders that we could possibly look at.” She finished. He didn’t say anything, he was deep in his thoughts, with her noticing it.

“What are you thinking?” She asked him, as he looked down at her.

“Nothing important.” He kissed her forehead before saying, “I wouldn’t expect you to want to stay here after everything. Let me know when you wanna get everything situated.” He smiled at her as she smiled back.

The two of them exited the office, making her way to her room. The two of them started to get ready for bed. Erik sat in a chair as she sat at her vanity table preparing to go to bed. “Ya know.. I was lying earlier.” He said looking at her as she looked at him through the mirror.

“About what?” She asked curiously.

“When I said that I wasn’t thinking of anything. I actually was.” He said leaning back in the chair.

“Go on…”

“I remember how you felt when we first met. About the entire… arranged marriage stuff.” He started off, standing up. “You know that because your father passed, you can become queen without the marriage.” He said walking towards her as she followed his gaze.

“Huh, didn’t think about that.” She said with a shrug. “Are you interested in creating an agreement that voids the first agreement.” she said, seeming unbothered. But quite honestly, she was pissed.

Sure, she really wasn’t up with the arranged marriage. But after these last few months, Erik deemed himself more than capable of being a King. More of the fact, she hated to admit but she did develop deep feelings for him.

Erik noticed the shift in her attitude as he smirked. “What you making that face for, huh?” He asked bending down to whisper in her ear. “Did I say that I wanted to void it?” He asked her as she bit her lip. She shook her head as he placed a kiss on her exposed shoulder. “Oh aight then.” He chuckled standing back straight. She rolled her eyes before standing up. He grabbed her waist pulling her into his chest, before lifting her chin.

“I only mentioned it because you were so worried about it when I met you. I just don’t want you to regret this in the future.” He whispered to her looking at her in the eyes.

“I mean… I’m not going to lie. When I was on medical watch, I did have that thought. Only because I knew you had your goals and what not in mind so I didn’t say anything. Honestly if you didn’t say anything, my mouth would’ve been shut.” She confessed to him.

How could she not remember this rule? When she found her father arranged a marriage for her, she made a list of things that could let her become queen. All it came down to was her father dying, or her overthrowing the crown.

“So.. you do wanna marry me?” He smirked at her as she playfully rolled my eyes. “Nah, don’t be all mean now. You do wanna be my wife.” He teased her.

“I do like you… a lot may I add.” She started as he chuckled. “I can run this country on my own, that’s a fact. But after this past year I came to the realization that I can’t let my prejudice and pride get in the way of me helping and protecting my people. Two rulers are always better than one. You are intelligent, kind, and brave and that’s what a ruler needs to be. And if it takes me marrying you to ensure that our country prosper, then so be it.” She finished as he smiled at her.

“I can respect it.”

“And plus… the sex is too amazing not to marry.”

__________________________________________

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[arllenn]

Hey there, I rarely check on Tumblr nowadays due to work and stuff but I've played Dragon Raja for a while now so if it's not too troubling, I would like to request a fic of MC giving Osho and the others a well deserved verbal smack down during the final showdown (the MC didn't blame the Gen siblings for what happened to them and managed to save Erii from Osho). Bonus if MC cut ties from everyone after the mission... Sorry, I'm a huge fan of angst.

Tags for this chapter: angst, violence, all bitter no sweet, respawn system gets abused for angst Tw: cannon typical violence, graphic-ish descriptions of death, blood, suicidal thoughts and almost actions, wounds and the like

You’re clutching yourself as you shake knees getting weaker by the second, hiccuping and heaving the flood of tears that decorates both your face and the street under you with the weight of your emotions are the only constant for you. You’re drowning in your own emotions, phantom pains of all of your recent deaths and revivals clawing at you demanding your attention, demanding your time. You’re hugging yourself trying to mimic the comforting action that you remember from your childhood. “Why isn’t it working.” You choke out sobbing harder as you grip your arms. It’s too tight yet not tight enough, your limbs responding to your pleas is a sign that you’re still alive yes, but, but this is, this isn’t what you want.... this isn’t what you want at all. Your nails are far sharper than you remember them they tore through the flesh of your arms lightly. You could feel Herzog’s claws ripping through your flesh as well, everything hurt, you want to go home, you want to go home, you want to go home.....

But you can’t. Everyone was dead, at one point Caesar had said that Black Swan Bay had sunken, so the actual land was probably gone too, nothing left to remember that place but you Zero and Z. God you wanted to see them right now, the area on your head that he had patted earlier seemed warm giving you a small amount of comfort but also dealing even more damage to your psyche. You wanted to go back to those warm days in your childhood when none of this was known to you. When you weren't running around matchmaking and doing everyone else's work while also getting nothing in return, not a thanks, not even a small indirect amount of appreciation or encouragement. Your legs buckled under you your arms reching out as if to grab onto something to stop you from falling. Your knees met with the ground violently scraping at the skin there. You can't breathe, you can't breathe, youcantbreatheyoucantbreatheyoucantbreatheyoucantbreathe, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, it hurts, ithurtsithurtsithurtsithurtsithurts, why is he doing this to you didn't he love you? That man, Herzog, had raised you. You had spent so much time at that orphanage, you were so happy. So why.  whywhywhywhywhyhwhywhy. You recalled warm winter nights spent in front of the fireplace curled up with Zero on one side and Z on the other.

You remembered one day specifically. Back then you lot were young, so, so, so, young. You chuckled choking on your tears, that day Z and you had spent a solid hour arguing over who would run over to get Zero, that day it had started raining, then the rain had turned to hail mid hide and seek game. Z had found you moments before the storm started. You two ended up huddled under the ice bridge. The orphanage in sight but seeming miles away due to the storm. Zero had been caught first and had gone back to the courtyard as per the rules so she was probably fine. You needed one of you to go and get her so that she could bring back an umbrella for the other. Then you had heard it, the sound of thunder wolves nearby. Then Z, with no hesitation had, scooped you up put your head under one of the flaps or his jacket and ran back to the cottages. All while you could hear the heavy ‘thunk thunk thunk’ of wolf paws behind you. Looking back on it now those wolves were probably the result of Herzog’s experiments and not a naturally occurring species. The souring of your childhood memory made bile rise in your throat, the thought of looking at your early life through that lens rather than just christmas day made you want to scream. Z and Zero were so different from your seniors. If you had been with any of them back then you knew for a fact that they would’ve sent you to deal with the wolves, only coming in when you were a hairs breath away from dying.

But that hadn’t save you before, you can’t count how many times you’ve died sense meeting them. From your flesh being torn from your bones by death servitors to bleeding out in some nameless alleyway after being shot by hydra’s soldiers. You had also drowned at one point, that death had been the worst. You remembered clawing at the water begging for the chance to live once again, you remembered feeling your legs tear off after the submarine had exploded, you remembered reaching your mangled arms out, out, out towards the light that came from the surface of the water. You remember feeling the water force itself down your throat and into your lungs, it burns, it hurts, it burns, it hurts. You had been seeing flashes of reality as well as the last time you ended up in cold waters like those. It didn’t matter because in the end you had died. It never matters how hard you try, how many times you die, because you always end up failing.

You lay on the sidewalk screaming, there was no one nearby nor anything that you could hear other than the pounding of rain on the sidewalk and your own sobbing. Your hand burned with the new blood that flowed inside you. Your mind burned with the scars of the past that it never got to address, your heart burned with the open wounds this mission had left you with. You wanted to die right here, sink away into nothingness. Stay in the room with the grand piano and flowing waters. No one could bother you there, no one could make you do meaningless tasks without your say, there was no matchmaking, no pointless errands, no suicide missions, there was nobody but yourself there, just you, just you. Luminous wouldn’t be there to make you do his work, he wouldn’t be there swearing to be by your side to help you while simultaneously doing nothing at best and dragging you down at worst. There wouldn’t be a Caesar there to send you on every reconnaissance mission with no backup and no direction. Johann wouldn’t be there to demand information on your past like he had even earned the right to know it, like he didn’t need to earn that right because it should just be given to him. Just you in a place where no one could hurt you.

You looked up from the ground that you had been staring at, bringing your hands up to your neck you squeezed. It wouldn’t work in terms of killing you, you knew that, but it worked as an easy substitute, feeling the pressure of your own hands on your neck, the shortness if not complete lack of breath, the light headed feeling, it served as a less drastic solution for now.

“It’s great to see you all safe and sound!” Eva’s voice cut through the momentary peace that you had found, your hands reflexively letting go of your neck.

“Safe and sound?!” You repeated in disbelief, “What part of any of me seems to be safe and sound?” It felt like she was mocking you. The memories of Herzog’s claws slicing through your spine, through every part of you, flashed then the words ‘It’s great to see you all safe and sound!’ Played over them, those words were the last thing you wanted to hear right now. Why,why,why,why,why is your pain always ignored like this? Why is it always your job to make everything right? You can’t do this anymore! You won’t do this anymore.

Bringing your fist up you smashed at your communicator, “Cassell- will...turn th-this into- into no-nothing more th-th-th-then a dream for every- every- everyone” Eva’s voice though distorted still managed to snake its way out of the thing despite all the damage you had done to it.

"AGH, SHUT UP!" You yell slamming your fist down harder and harder, each time screaming, begging for her to "JUST SHUT UP" You're crying even harder now. The glass that made up the outer layer of the screen. The rest of her words came out broken and jumbled, and even if they hadn't been due to the damage your screaming and shouting would've drowned it out anyways. "STOP. TALKING. JUST. SHUT. UP."

"Caesar helping you to-to-to destroy- criminal underworld.... true story- believe." Your fist paused midair at those words. Caesar had helped to destroy the criminal underworld? That was the story that they were going with? Not even the whole team, just Caesar what kind of absolute bullshit was that. You had done 100 times more then the supposed hero of the story, hell Luminous had done more, fucking Erii had done more. So where did they get off on this- this- you didn't even have a word for it it was so stupid, so stupidly infuriating. Herzog had said that the people from Cassell had experimented on you, and while he wasn't one to be trusted you sure do feel so fucking dumb for defending them. At least Herzog had the common decency to put up an air of kindness. These people just treated you like a convenient tool, something to be used and dealt with as they pleased. Something that didn't need thanks or praise or a break because it was an object meant to be used and thrown away as they saw fit. "Re-re-re-return to takamagahara to say-say-say-say-saysay goodbye-bye-bye to-" Your fist swung down with overwhelming strength shattering the communicator completely. Broken pieces of metal and glass embedded themselves in your hand bringing a fiery pain that slowly destroyed all of you in its wake. You fell even further onto the concrete clutching your hands one in the other relishing a bit sickly in the pain that it brought. Your right palm glowed with the same light it first had when you had accepted Erii's blood. Then it started rejecting the pieces of metal and glass in both of your hands. Slowly pushing them out and healing the cuts instantly once they were out.

Chuckling you flipped over your hands looking at both perfectly healed sides. It was like you had never been hurt in the first place. You marvled at them, twisting them over and over again, bringing them to your neck once again you smiled and closed your eyes. You had no idea what you were. Had you always been like this? An undying freak with special powers? Had Herzog's experiments done this to you? It was obvious that your new healing ability came from Erii's and the light king's combined blood but what about everything else? Had you been born this way? Was it Herzog's half baked evolution pills? Had Cassell truly experimented on you? Z said you had the capability to become a dragon lord now, but what did that mean? What did that make you? Your chuckles turned into full of peels of laughter, your cheeks stinging at the feeling of both the semi dried tear tracks being pulled at as well as the force of your laughter. The peels of laughter soon mixed with pained sobs and you were once again back to crying. You weren't going to put up with this anymore. Dropping your hands you slowly stood up like a puppet on strings. Walking at a slow pace one second in between each step you started walking.

----------------

Anjou is in one of the VIP rooms with a man dressed like a pastor. You don't care what they're talking about, stepping in front of the pastor you look over at him. He takes steps back on his own, unprompted, it's a first but then again you suppose that you probably look like the walking dead, and in a way you were, not to mention that you also felt like it. A lukewarm apathetic haze settled over your emotions as you looked down at Anjou. He's the second person you met after waking up, he's the whole reason you, a freshman at his wacky school that you hadn't even been asked if you wanted to join, were on this mission. How stupid is he? He had sent you, a person who had what he described as 'little control' over your extra skill and who had just woken up after a freeze bath in Siberia on this mission, an SS ranked one that he was hesitant to even send his best students on already. So why had he chosen you? Why did you have to die over and over for a cause you didn't understand and people you don't know. "Freshman." he nodded as though prompting you to speak. He never broke eye contact or even showed any emotions other than a laid back and relaxed expression. It pisses you off. Why is this old dingbat relaxing, kicking back and enjoying his time while your'e such a mess? He gestures for the priest to leave and he does. Leaning forward elbows on his knees he looks you up and down before going back to making eye contact. "What has you so worked up?"

You want to cry, its the closest you've gotten to an 'are you ok' sense waking up but at the same time you wanted no part of a wellness check led by the man in front of you. "Herzog said that Cassell College experimented on me. Is that true?" You can almost make out a hint of surprise in his eyes before he starts laughing. You bight your lips pulling them into your mouth in a desperate attempt to hold back your anger wanting to get your answer first before you rip him a new one.

"Goodness no, why would you ever believe anything that old snake had to say, and here I thought you were a once in a decade genius. I suppose that title still belongs to Johann then." You ball your hands into fists. Its more than obvious that he's making light of the situation. Didn't he know that you had been raised in Black Swan Bay? Didn't he know that Herzog, a man who you had trusted, had experimented on you? Is he incapable of connecting the dots between your trauma and your current situation combined with Herzog's words? No he did know, he knew and he still chose to make light of everything you had gone through. Insinuating if not blatantly saying that you were an idiot for believing that what happened to you once could happen again. Slamming your hand down on the table you levied on him the worst glare you could, the burning behind your eyes letting you know that you probably looked less menacing then you wanted to.

"Where the fuck do you get off saying something like that to me." It's phrased as a question but its really not. It's a challenge for Anjou to defend his words, one he unfortunately takes you up on.

"I understand that this whole mission and especially today has been taxing on your team but that doesn't mean you should and can snap at everyone like that freshman. Take sometime to cool off, go outside and talk to your seniors, hopefully they'll be able to reach you in ways I cannot." He's getting up to leave after his mini lecture, essentially passing you off to be someone else's problem but you wont let him leave that easily. Your hand grabs onto his forearm stopping him in his tracks. For a millisecond you consider punching him. Beating him over the head with one of the glasses on the table, but the part of your brain that still, despite everything, says that you ca't do that to him because he had pulled you out of Siberia's ice who knows how long ago says not to. And it wins.

"I'm not going to apologize for my language-" He cuts you off with a tut of his tongue, now you have no regrets for the words you planned on saying next. Letting go of his arm you continued. "I'm entitled to be angry when an asshole says asshole things. And I'm allowed to curse said asshole out however much I want." You step in front of the exit crossing your arms, you catch a momentary glimpse of your face in one of the metal outlinings of the wall as you do. You truly do look dead, eyes lifeless and lightless, face twisted into a painfully weak version of the you that you wanted to portray. You know that in this position you run the risk of your conversation leaking out of the room but honestly you don't care, like at all. At this point you want to just scream and cry your emotions out. But you can't because you don't want to, you don't want to be any weaker in front of anyone than you already are.

"Freshman-"

"I was raised by Dr. Herzog for so so many years and the whole time he was experimenting on me and everyone I knew. And-and-and you expect me to just trust you when you say that you didn't do anything. You expect me to rule that out as a possibility when you've given me no reason to, not in terms of character or proof. So why would you say that me believing that random strangers who I've known for less then a month and who I, if I'm being honest don't trust, experimenting on me is a dumb fear?" You clutch at your heart bunching up the cloth that protects it. "I just- do you see why thats dumb? Do you see why it makes no sense to me? One day I'm celebrating christmas as normal with my friends the next minute I'm smacked in the face with the fact that the man that I considered a father," you gag a bit on the word, "has been experimenting on me and everyone that I love, that he's been killing all of us as soon as we turn 18 because we wont survive to 22 because of his experiments? Finding out that he thought of us, children he had been raising for years as nothing more then science experiments who had outlived their uses. Do you have any idea how much that fucking hurt? I had to watch everyone die around me while I wasn't able to do anything! Zero even sacrificed her life to save me and I still ended up dying so many times anyways." You're clutching at yourself again, seeking comfort in the only arms that you can trust right now, your own. You're glaring down at the floor trying to blink the tears away. It doesn't work. You're basically two steps away from dry heaving and sobbing. Anjou reaches out his hand, most likely to guide you to sit down but you slap it away. "Don't fucking touch me. You sent me, a freshman who hadn't really even enrolled in your school or been given the choice to do so on a suicide mission with other students and no adult supervision from the college itself. I've died so many times sense waking up. It always hurts, it's never been painless, I've never been thanked and yet you expect me to just what- put my blind trust into you? I spent more time around Chime then I did you and he spent half of the time as Ruri Kazama."

'"Freshman you're hyperventilating you need to calm down."

"I WONT CALM DOWN" You're yelling now, its not the same kind of painful shouting that you had done earlier on the street, this is loud as well yes, but its from a frustrated sadness rather than a devastated anger. "Why did it have to be me? Weren't there other students you could've sent? Adults? Why did it have to be me? You had no reason to trust that I wouldn't kill the others. I had justwoken up and you decided that I was your best choice? You didn't tell me anything you just threw terms out and expected me to understand. You didn't even give me time alone to breathe let alone ask questions." Your chest is tight, you can feel each of your deaths, piercing pain of claws slicing through flesh, the burning heat of bullets, the singeing of fire, being torn to pieces. You can feel it all and it all hurts so much. You want it to stop, you need it to stop. You don't want to hear these people talk like they're your friends like they care anymore. It's all too much, you're almost sobbing now, curling in on yourself to try and mitigate any pain that may come.

"Newbie whats-"

You turn eyes catching onto Caesar, Johann, Luminous and Finger standing behind you. When did they get here, how much did they hear. It burns and it burns devouring everything in sight. All the memories that you have with them that you've been trying to view in a happy light, all of them crumble to the ground in front of you the moment you see them. "SHUT UP, USE MY NAME FOR ONCE WILL YOU?! NEWBIE DO THIS, FRESHMAN DO THAT, YOU HAVE NEVER EVEN ONCE USED MY NAME!" Full on sobbing you bulldoze through every thought that comes to mind yelling them out at the people surrounding you. "YOU'VE NEVER ONCE ASKED ME IF I WAS OK. YOU;VE NEVER ONCE SENT ANYONE WITH ME WHEN YOU SEND ME ON THOSE STUPID SUICIDE MISSIONS. I'M A FRESHMAN A NEWBIE YOU HAD NO REASON TO TRUST ME WITH ANY OF THIS. WHAT WOU;LD'VE HAPPENED IF I HAD DIED AND STAYED DEAD? WHAT WOULD'VE HAPPENED IF I HAD BEEN CAPTURED? WHAT THEN?" You clutch onto yourself harder, seeking even the smallest bit of comfort from the feeling. Your voice has lowered in volume, you no longer have the emotional or physical strength to do anything other than keep your voice above a whisper. "Do you lot remember when Ruri had specifically said that even two of us couldn't handle Herzog alone? And yet you still thought that it would be a good idea to send me up alone, acting like you were tough for taking care of the death servitors at the entrance." You sigh, there are so many other examples you could go through but you also don't want to be here any longer. "What about you Luminous? I get that you had to watch Erii, but making me do everything and anything you could think of by myself while knowing that Johann and Caesar were constantly sending me on missions as well? You even complained that I took too long to do things. Maybe if you did something for yourself for once instead of just saying that you will then running away and hiding like a coward these things wouldn't happen. Maybe then Erii, Chisei and Chime would still be alive and I wouldn't have to deal with- with this fucking guilt!"

"Look I'm sorry about the Erii thing but listen, we had no idea you were feeling like this. You should've come to us-" Finger is trying to mediate, trying to comfort you, but it only makes things worse.

"And how could I have," You croak out, "How could I have trusted that you would listen, that I would get a break? You never even presented the option for me to have any kind of choice in how I carried out my missions let alone not do them at all. I had nothing I still have nothing. I'm presumed dead at best and no longer exist at worst in terms of my original legal documents. And even if I had access to them I'm still 20 years younger then I'm supposed to be." With a watery chuckle you continue, "Even if I did tell you if I was thrown away I wouldn't have any papers to do anything, to get a job, to live a life, I'm completely reliant on the college for everything. Not to mention the fact that I know nothing about the world. If Cassell had deemed me" You shudder at the word "a failure, then I would've had nothing, not information on the world at current, not even an identity." You shake your head walking in between them and towards the exit. "I don't care I'm not doing this anymore. Find some other freshman to be you dog."

You walked out and onto the streets of Tokyo. You glanced back once lamenting the fact that you hadn't gotten to say goodbye to Zero. You turned away glancing in the direction of the convenience store that Luminous would always make you go to to buy Erii's milk. You trudged down the streets of Tokyo back to that place. Hopefully you can buy paper and a pen to leave her a note with what little money you have.

The bell on the store door jingled when you opened it. The man was standing behind the counter as he always was. You're experience with father figures have been lack luster this far but you've always thought that this man gave off the air of one. It made you relax, seeing someone that while familiar wasn't from the orphanage or Cassell. He looked up at you wearing that same smile that he always did. You knew it wasn't for you specifically but rather something that he probably gave all of his costumers but still it made you feel a bit warm inside.

"Hey kiddo you look a bit rough, everything ok?" You take a few steps forward and nod a bit

"I think it will be now. Or at least I hope so." He hums and nods his head at your answer deciding not to pry, a decision you appreciate.

"So then you here for the usual?" You look back at him and glance around the store, you don't see paper or pens of any sort. It's a bit of a let down but you suppose asking wouldn't hurt.

"Ah no actually," Your voice is still raw, and a bit choked up from all the crying and yelling that you did earlier, you hope you don't sound weird." "Do you sell like, um... paper and pens or something like that? I want to write a note to a friend before I leave."

He scratches at his chin mumbling under his breath as he thinks for a few seconds before getting up and going around the store coming back with a bottle of warm milk in hand. He then returns to his spot behind the counter pulling a note pad and pen out from under it. He places the milk next to the writing utensils and pushes them towards you. "Here, milks on the house, I don't sell paper or anything but feel free to use that and leave the note with me. I'll give it to your friend."

You give him a small smile. It's all that you can manage right now. Your eyes burn with tears again. "Thanks, my friends name is Zero she's blonde has blue eyes and is about," you place your hand were Zero's head is about as accurately as you can, "This tall. She has a flat affect and seems kinda emotionless but she really is a sweet girl. Um, her hairs long and she has a big black bow tying it back." The man nods his head repeating your description back to you. After gaining conformation he sticks his thumb up and takes the letter from you promising to hand it to her the moment she walks through the doors of his shop. You thank him one last time and promise to come back there if you're ever in trouble before leaving.

As you walk through Tokyo's streets aimlessly, you repeat the words in your letter, speaking them into the rain. "I hope that we can meet again in a more peaceful time, preferably away from the bay and Cassell as I don't have the best impression of them. With lots of love, your best friend..." You laugh a bit, your words were supposed to be a parody of what Z said to you. You think its fitting for a farewell letter.

You meld into the raindrops after looking back one last time.

[theres-an-impulstor-among-us]

For possible writing request could i get just,, anything from the trainwreck in the most recent Friday night stabby stabby of: tango sheriffing evil, tango dying, evil not noticing that he just dropped dead behind him, joker walking up on tangos body, joker dying to revive tango as the altruist, evil walking over and seeing tango revive, and tango just absolutley screaming because 'oh my god what do I even say here' upon waking up, as evil desperately asks him who killed him and finally, while his game actually crashed, story wise he probably straight up passed out in embarrassed panic. If not for writing requests just your thoughts on this would be great because it was hysterical from tangos pov sHsjdjdjf

i got u guys :D

...

Tango has been discreetly following Evil around for the last minute or so. He heavily suspects his friend of being the imposter, though he can’t say for sure why. Call it a gut feeling. Or “I feel it in my bones”, as Impulse would say.

As he watches Evil perform a task just outside laboratory, he decides to go for it. After all, he may not be alive for much longer.

So he lines up the gun and takes the shot.

Immediately, pain rips through his body and he blacks out before he can even scream.

When his eyes open, he sees his transparent hand and knows immediately what happened. “Ah, dangit. Oh well, took a shot.”

He gets up and starts to continue with his tasks but then he spots Joker entering the room and just dropping dead next to him.

“Wh-What?!” Tango yelps. “What the-?!”

Joker’s ghost sits bolt upright and meets Tango’s eyes. “What?! I thought that would work! Why didn’t that work?!”

“Why didn’t WHAT work?” demands Tango. “What’s going on?”

“I’m the altruist! I tried to save you - why didn’t it wor-”

Tango gasps as life returns to him. Joker’s ghost is gone, and his body is back to normal. He’s alive.

“Tango!” gasps a voice.

Tango glances sharply over and finds Evil standing in the doorway, staring at him. “Wh-What just happened?”

Tango’s addled brain doesn’t quite process the situation properly. All he knows is that Evil was right there when he died; he can’t quite make the connection that because his kill failed, that means Evil is perfectly safe.

So he scrambles to his feet and runs past Evil, dashing towards the button. Evil pursues him, calling, “Tango, wait! Did you get res’d? Tell us who killed you!”

But Tango keeps going, panic pushing him onward.

Just as he enters the office building, the world glitches around him, causing him to skid to a halt so fast he almost falls over.

A second later, the world disappears entirely, leaving only a blank white void.

Tango screams, his feet no longer touching solid ground. He feels like he’s suspended mid-air in this abyss, his flailing arms grabbing at nothing.

“TANGO!” Evil’s voice yells. “We can still hear you! Are you okay?!”

Tango can’t form coherent words. Pure terror has taken him completely and all he can do is keep screaming.

“Tango, tell us who killed you! We can end the round and save you! Who killed you?!”

But Tango still can’t respond. Even if he could, how is he supposed to explain that it was HIM? That HIS own failed kill was responsible for his death?

He finally manages to summon the energy to stop screaming and weakly looks around him. There’s nothing he can see or do that will help him get out of here, so it seems all he can do is just wait for the round to end. It’s hard for him to just hang here uncomfortably, perpetually scared that he’ll suddenly fall into the abyss of nothing.

…

“Why is he still unconscious?”

“I don’t know, Evil. Maybe you killed him too hard.”

“For the last time, I didn’t kill him! You KNOW that; my picture was on the victory screen.”

“Uh huh. Go tell it to Tango. Oh wait, you can’t. Cuz you killed him too hard.”

“Brody, I swear to-.”

“Both of you shut up!” comes Skizz’s distant voice. “Etho, what-.”

Tango lets out a low groan, inadvertently interrupting his friend. He slowly opens his eyes to find himself lying on the ground of the lobby, a bunch of faces hovering over him.

“Give him some space,” Etho says. “Guys, give him some space. Tango, can you hear me?”

Tango can only let out another groan as he attempts to move. Impulse and Skizz, who are on either side of him, help him sit up. “Gah, my head is killing me.”

“Are you okay?” Impulse asks worriedly. “We heard you screaming but nobody had an idea what happened to you.”

Tango blinks at him. “Wh-What do you mean you heard me screaming?”

“We all heard your screaming simultaneously,” explains Impulse. “Like, everywhere on the map all at once. It was terrifying, dude.”

“Oh.” Tango rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. “S-Sorry about that. I think the game glitched or something cuz I just got flung into a white void. I could hear Evil’s voice for a while but I didn’t realise you guys could hear me.”

“Yeah, that sounds like a glitch,” says Etho. “The game’s been really glitchy today for some reason. But you’re okay now, right?”

Tango nods. “Apart from this headache that’s slowly going away, I’m fine, yeah.”

“So Tango, can you settle this?” Brody asks suddenly. “Who killed you? Nobody seems to know.”

“Ah… yeah… about that…” Tango gives a sheepish chuckle. “I tried to sheriff Evil.” A chorus of groans comes from his friends.

“Are you serious?” demands Brody. “THAT’s what we’ve all been stressing over all round?”

“Yup. I took a shot and died, Joker res’d me, and I panicked and fled when I saw Evil. All in all, it was kinda embarrassing and I’d like to forget it happened.”

“Me too, cuz I was thrown out for that,” Evil says wryly.

Tango stares at him. “What do you mean?”

“I tried to call a meeting but someone reported a body first, so when I tried to tell everyone about you, I got accused of killing you and got voted off. Thanks to one person in particular,” he adds pointedly.

“Sorry about that,” says Etho sheepishly. “I really thought you were trying to big-brain us.”

Evil raises an eyebrow. “Uh huh. Just so you guys know, if Etho’s dead first next round, it’s definitely me.”

A chorus of chuckles come from his friends.

With help from Impulse and Skizz, Tango gets unsteadily to his feet, regaining his balance.

“You sure you’re okay, Tango?” Etho asks.

“I’m fine. I’m ready to go again. Just…” He glances upwards. “Game, if you’re listening, don’t make me the sheriff again. I’m terrible at it.”

“Just don’t try to kill me ever again,” Evil says innocently. “That’s a good strategy.”

Tango shoots him a mock-annoyed scowl. “Shut up, imposter.”

“We’re in the lobby.”

“I stand by my words.”

"Hey, Tango?" comes Joker's voice suddenly.

Tango turns to face him. "Hey. Thanks for res'ing me, even if I didn't get to enjoy it for long."

"That's what I was gonna say; I'm not gonna do that for you again. Next time you die, I'm just gonna walk over your corpse and maybe give you a kick in the face."

Tango smirks. "Thanks, Joker. Love you."

"Hate you too."

[archive-archives]

SIX BY SONDHEIM (2013) Run Time             86:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1 - English Aspect Ratio       1.78:1; 16 X 9 Widescreen Product Color    COLOR Disc Configuration           BD 25

From award-winning director and frequent Sondheim collaborator James Lapine, Six by Sondheim is an intimate and candid look at the life and art of legendary composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim, who redefined musical theater through such works as Company, Sweeney Todd and Sunday in the Park with George. Told primarily in Sondheim’s own words from dozens of interviews spanning decades, the film is a highly personal profile of a great American artist as revealed through the creation and performance of six of his songs. It features rarely seen archival performance footage and original staged productions – created exclusively for this film – with stars including Audra McDonald, Darren Criss, America Ferrera and more.

HARLEY QUINN: THE COMPLETE FIRST AND SECOND SEASONS (2019,2020) Run Time             594:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1 - English Aspect Ratio       1.78:1, 16 X 9 Widescreen Disc Configuration           2 BD 50

Harley Quinn (Kaley Cuoco) has finally broken things off once and for all with the Joker (Alan Tudyk) and attempts to make it on her own as the criminal Queenpin of Gotham City in this half-hour adult animated action-comedy series. With the help of Poison Ivy (Lake Bell) and a ragtag crew of DC castoffs, Harley tries to earn a seat at the biggest table in villainy: the Legion of Doom. Don’t worry – she’s got this. Or does she? In Season 2, Harley has defeated the Joker, and Gotham City is hers for the taking…what’s left of it, that is. Her celebration in the newly created chaos is cut short when Penguin, Bane, Mr. Freeze, The Riddler and Two-Face join forces to restore order in the criminal underworld. Calling themselves the Injustice League, they’re intent on keeping Harley and her crew from taking control as the top villains in Gotham.

NEW 2021 1080p HD master! PUMP UP THE VOLUME (1990) Run Time             102:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        DTS HD-Master Audio 5.1 - English Aspect Ratio       1.85:1, 16 X 9 Letterbox Product Color    COLOR Disc Configuration           BD 50 Includes Original Theatrical Trailer (HD)

By day, Mark Hunter (Christian Slater) is a painfully shy new kid in a small Arizona town. But by night, he’s Hard Harry, the cynical, uncensored DJ of a pirate radio station. Idolized by his high school classmates (who are unaware of his real identity), Harry becomes a hero with his fiercely funny monologues on sex, love, and rock and roll. But when he exposes the corrupt school principal, she calls in the FCC to shut Harry down. An outrageous rebel with a cause, Slater gives a brilliant performance as the reluctant hero who inspires his classmates to find their own voices of rebellion and individuality. A movie with a message, Pump Up the Volume is a raw and witty celebration of free speech that will make you laugh, make you cheer and make you think.

NEW 2020 1080p HD master! A TALE OF TWO CITIES (1935) Run Time             126:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 - English, MONO - English Aspect Ratio       1.37:1 Disc Configuration           BD 50

Special Features: Audioscopiks (MGM short); 2 Classic Cartoons 'Hey, Hey Fever' and 'Honeyland'; Radio adaptation with Ronald Colman; Trailer

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” Charles Dickens’ tale of love and tumult during the French Revolution comes to the screen in a sumptuous film version by the producer famed for nurturing sprawling literary works: David O. Selznick (David Copperfield, Anna Karenina, Gone with the Wind). Ronald Colman (The Prisoner of Zenda) stars as Sydney Carton – sardonic, dissolute, a wastrel…and destined to redeem himself in an act of courageous sacrifice. “It's a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done,” Carton muses at that defining moment. This is far, far better filmmaking too: a Golden Era marvel of uncanny performances top to bottom, eye-filling crowd scenes (the storming of the Bastille, thronged courtrooms, an eerie festival of public execution) and lasting emotional power. Revolution is in the air!

NEW 2021 1080p HD master! BABY DOLL (1956) Run Time             114:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 - English, MONO - English Aspect Ratio       1.85:1, 16 X 9 Letterbox Product Color    BLACK & WHITE Disc Configuration           BD 50

Special Features: "Baby Doll: See No Evil" vintage featurette; Original Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Times are tough for cotton miller Archie (Karl Malden), but at least he has his child bride (Carroll Baker), who’ll soon be his wife in title and truth. The one-year agreement keeping them under the same roof – yet never in the same bed – is about to end. But a game with a sly business rival (Eli Wallach) is about to begin. In Baby Doll, as in A Streetcar Named Desire, director Elia Kazan and writer Tennessee Williams broke new ground in depicting sexual situations – earning condemnation from the then-powerful Legion of Decency. They earned laurels too: four Academy Award® nominations, Golden Globe® Awards for Baker and Kazan, and a British Academy Award for Wallach. Watch this funny, steamy classic that, as Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide proclaims, “still sizzles.”

NEW 2021 1080p HD master from nitrate preservation elements! SAN FRANCISCO (1936) Run Time             115:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 - English, MONO - English Aspect Ratio       1.37:1 Product Color    BLACK & WHITE Disc Configuration           BD 50

Special Features: Alternate Ending Sequence; "Clark Gable: Tall, Dark and Handsome" featurette with Liam Neeson; two vintage FitzPatrick Traveltalks: 'Cavalcade of San Francisoco' & 'Night Descends on Treasure Island'; Classic Cartoon 'Bottles"; Theatrical re-issue trailer (HD)

Romantic drama combines with humor, starpower combines with lavish spectacle and the walls come tumbling down! This Academy Award-winning extravaganza’s street-splitting, brick-cascading, fire-raging recreation of the cataclysmic earthquake remains "one of the greatest action sequences in the history of the cinema, rivalling the chariot race in both Ben-Hurs" (Adrian Turner, Time Out Film Guide).

Clark Gable plays rakish Barbary Coast kingpin Blackie Norton. Jeanette MacDonald portrays a singer torn by her love for Blackie and her need to succeed among the operagoing elite. Earning the first of nine career Best Actor Oscar® nominations,* Spencer Tracy is a priest who supplements spiritual advice with a mean right hook. He urges Blackie to change. But if love and religion can't reform Blackie, Mother Nature will.

NEW 2021 1080p HD master from 4K Scan of original Technicolor negatives! SHOW BOAT (1951) Run Time             108:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 STEREO - English, DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Original Mono Theatrical track- - English Aspect Ratio       1.37:1 Product Color    COLOR Disc Configuration           BD 50

Special Features: Commentary by Director George Sidney; Till the Clouds Roll By - Show Boat (1946) Sequence; "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" and "Bill" Ava Gardner Audio-only Outtakes; Lux Radio Theater Broadcast (2/11/1952); Original Theatrical Trailer (HD)

From novel (by Edna Ferber) to Broadway smash (by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II) to three film versions (1929, 1936, 1951) to stage revivals. Like Ol’ Man River, Show Boat just keeps rollin’ along. Produced by Arthur Freed and directed by George Sidney, this 1951 version of the saga of riverboat lives and loves has glorious stars (Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Marge and Gower Champion) in Technicolor® radiance, a made-from-scratch 170-foot paddle wheeler, timeless songs and an equally timeless outcry against racial bigotry. “This was music that would outlast Kern’s day and mine,” Ferber said in recalling her first reaction to hearing “Ol’ Man River.” She was right as rain.

NEW 2020 1080p HD master! MY DREAM IS YOURS (1949) Run Time             101:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        MONO - English, DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 - English Aspect Ratio       1.37:1 Disc Configuration           BD 50

Special Features: Vintage Joe McDoakes Comedy Short "So You Want to be An Actor"; The Grass is Always Greener short subject; Classic Cartoon 'A Ham in a Role' ; Original Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Talent agent Doug Blake (Jack Carson) is giving 100% to earn his 10%. He walks away from his arrogant singing star (Lee Bowman) and scrambles to discover another who will shine even brighter. He finds effervescent songstress Martha Gibson. Doris Day plays Martha. Think she has a chance? During the shooting of Day’s first film (Romance on the High Seas), director Michael Curtiz was sure the sparkling newcomer had much more than a chance and set the wheels in motion for My Dream Is Yours. Curtiz dots his film with authentic Hollywood locales (including the fabled Schwab’s Pharmacy). And Bugs Bunny himself hops into a dream sequence. Welcome to the Dream Factory. Make it yours.

NEW 2020 1080p HD master from 4K scan of Original Technicolor Negatives! ON MOONLIGHT BAY (1951) Run Time             95:00 Subtitles               English SDH Audio Specs        MONO - English, DTS HD-Master Audio 2.0 - English Aspect Ratio       1.37:1 Disc Configuration           BD 50

Special Features: 'Let's Sing a Song About the Moonlight' vintage short; Classic Cartoon 'A Hound for Trouble'; Original Theatrical Trailer (HD)

Not since Judy met the boy next door in St. Louis has there been a heaping of tuneful, romantic Midwestern American life like this! Doris Day and Gordon MacRae team for spoonin’, croonin’ and swoonin’ On Moonlight Bay, based on Booth Tarkington’s Penrod stories. “Try not to walk like a first baseman,” Mama (Rosemary DeCamp) tells tomboy Marjorie (Day) as she prepares to date college man Bill (MacRae). The advice takes. The lovebirds hear wedding bells ahead, just as soon as Bill gets his sheepskin. But World War I rages “over there.” And Papa (Leon Ames) rages at home after a flap with his prospective son-in-law. Will harmony return to this Hoosier home? Surely Day and MacRae will make musical harmony. And On Moonlight Bay will have you sailing along.

[daisukissed]

【 Okay, Gamer 】

❧ pairing: kozume kenma x gn!reader, slight kuroo x reader if you squint hard enough

❧ synopsis: who would've thought you'd meet the love of your life through fortnite?

❧ genres: fluff, e2l (the enemy phase being 5 seconds lMFAO), one-shot

❧ warnings: guns, shootings, violence all the stuff you do in a battle royale if that needs a warning???? oh, and cursing.

❧ word count: 2k-ish

❧ a/n: purely self indulgent hehe the things i'd do to game with this guy 🥴

Your fingers move swiftly across your controller, pressing the combinations of buttons that have been ingrained in your brain from muscle memory. Your eyes shift from left to right, focusing solely on the screen of your TV as you scan the large platform for the person who shot you earlier.

Gaining another shot from the right, you immediately toggle your left stick towards the sound of the gunshot, aiming for the pink haired player not far from you.

"SHIT!" You throw your controller out of frustration, seeing it bounce a few times on your bed before making its way onto the floor with a large thud.

"I'm knocked down by the tree, the enemy's literally at 15 health." You groaned through the microphone, picking up the controller back up as you hear a soft hum in reply.

You could see your partner making his way towards you, building up floors and ramps skillfully as he avoid the shots made by the other player earlier.

It doesn't take much time for your teammate to kill off the female character, various items of different colors dropping from her death to which he gathers immediately.

"Oh my God, you're really out here looting and healing first when your teammate is literally seconds away from dying?!" You yell, feeling more and more frustration pile up as you see your health bar becoming shorter and shorter.

"It's your fault that you got knocked down."

Your grip on the controller got tighter than before as you take a deep breath, holding in all the numerous curses plagued on your mind as of now.

"Username 'applepi', I swear to God if you don't get your ass back here and revive me, I'll come and haunt you in real life."

You hear a exasperated sigh from the other side of the call before seeing a purple and black skeleton running his way to the tree you're currently residing in.

The rest of the game went out just as bad as the start of it. He would fire shots aimlessly and pointlessly to attract enemies nearby, solely because he knows it'll piss you off. Of course, you can't just back down from his childish antics so you pay him back by following him everywhere and anywhere, stealing any weapons and materials he got on his sight.

"Hey, there's someone coming over towards your left."

"You already did that trick, try again next time."

"No, I'm serious-"

Bam!

And he's down.

"What the fuck?"

You couldn't help but obnoxiously snort at the sight of your teammate falling down to his knees, only being able to crawl and nothing else as he watches his health bar dwindling into nothing.

"Pfft- See! I-I fucking t-told you but you wouldn't even l-listen!" You stammer in laughter, clutching your stomach in pain. Tears are starting to form in the uppermost corner of your eye, your cheeks beginning to feel sore and chest heaving up and down uncontrollably.

"Shut up and revive me." The player behind your laughter said in an unamused tone. You could hear the aggravation behind his sighs, the sound of what seemed like a device or some sort being put down forcefully followed behind, leaving you in fits of blissful giggles.

Oh, how sweet that karma is by your side.

Top 3.

That's all it takes for the endless banter between you two to cease.

Your body is tense, not wanting to move a single inch from your spot, afraid that it'll wreck the whole game if you put any attention to anything else besides the ongoing match. Your hands are clammy, layered with sheets of sweat between your palm and the black controller you're gripping at, holding it tight as if it's your only hope in winning the game.

You rapidly toggle the small joystick, trying to aim for the player in front of you as you furiously press buttons to shoot and evade at the same time, taking a few shots in the process.

Pressing the R2 button a few more times, you finally knocked your enemy down, shooting them in the head to truly end them.

The green health bar located on the bottom side of your television has about a quarter of it left, causing you to move away from the enemy's sight, searching for a secluded place to refuge in.

Switching your shotgun into a red and white bandage, you heal yourself up, anxiously waiting for the timer to count down to zero to finish healing, hoping that no one comes to ambush you in the meantime.

Your heart thumps against your chest, caused by the surge of adrenaline through your body.

The timer ticks down to six when you get shot, all your remaining health diminishing in one go along with your energy and enthusiasm.

You see your shooter immediately make his way to your teammate, greedy for kills, leaving you to watch your character slowly die in all fours. You think it's a stupid mistake that they didn't finish you off but you're thankful for the chance given.

"Applepi, revive me!" You order frantically, your hope of winning the game slowly decreases as you see your fellow teammate's health at half, the sight of him frantically moving backwards to create distance between his two opponent tells you that he's having a hard time.

"We'll both die before I have the chance to revive you."

An aggravated sigh left your chapped lips as you watch one of the players close in on him.

"Well, you can't beat two players all on your-"

Before you can finish your sentence, soft party music suddenly booms from your speakers, a large blue banner with the writing 'Victory Royale' displaying on your screen. It is as if the gods above and he himself are playing with you, proving you wrong before you could even try.

"What did you say?" The male asks in fake innocence and you might be dreaming but you think that you can hear the slight smile in his husky voice.

You let out a small groan as the game cuts off to its loading screen, the voice chat between you and the quiet male ending.

Trying to fight off the disappointment growing in your heart, you take off your blue headphones, finally setting your controller down after what seems like hours.

Blinking the tiredness of your strained eyes, you give the in game menu a final scan.

As if all the negative emotions that you felt were never there, you hold back a smile, feeling a budding hope when you make out the words in front of you.

Applepi sent you a friend request!

You learned a lot of new things about your new friend.

You learned that his real name is Kozume Kenma, he's a year older than you and goes to Nekoma High, the school a few stops before yours.

You learned that he has blonde hair and ebony roots, along with gold slit eyes and small pupils that makes him resemble a cat.

You also learned that he uses the username 'applepi' because he loves apple pies, he's a quiet person in general, not just in game but in texts as well. Sometimes he surprises you, getting chatty and affectionate at rare times.

You screech out his name, the boy being mentioned having to wince at the loud sound from his headphones. You run around the grassy platform, avoiding the player coming for you at all cost due to your lack of good weapons.

Kenma watches you for a while, contemplating whether he should just leave you or actually save you.

He opts for the latter, he always does.

Rushing in with a stronger weapon than yours, he jumps through bushes and cars, avoiding anything that seems to block him. Turning left from the rocky road, the blonde male immediately shoots at a purple character near yours, focusing on aiming at the small figure faraway.

"You suck, Y/N." He points out, controlling his skeleton-like character to run towards you after finishing the last blow.

"Yet you always play with me anyways." You argue.

You know you hit the mark when he doesn't give you any sort of response.

Your lips curl up into a soft smile as you hear the boy you grow more and more fond of talk about today's practice.

You don't know how or when it happened but the hectic calls while gaming are slowly replaced by a more ordinary and intimate one instead. Insults about the other party's skills turns to subtle compliments and childish banters turn into curious questions about one's life.

You would be lying if you said you didn't like the change.

"So this Hinata guy just spikes without even looking at the ball?" You ask intriguingly, genuinely interested at the dynamic duo he had been telling you about.

"Uh-huh, he's amazing."

You let out a small giggle at his response.

He doesn't notice but the tone of his voice always seems to change when he's talking about the things he's passionate about. Whether it be the new game he started playing or even volleyball, when he played an intense match. It's a minuscule change but you notice it anyways.

A slight click of the door opening followed by one or two footsteps can be heard from Kenma's room, a sly voice resonating throughout the walls.

"Ah, is that your Fortnite girlfriend you're calling again?"

You can vaguely recall the voice belonging to Kuroo Tetsurou, one of Kenma's teammate whom you shared a few conversations with before, much to the blonde's dismay. Feeling a slight cringe upon hearing the tall athlete's words, along with a hint of envy, you choose to stay quiet as they talk.

"It's not. Get out of my room, Kuroo." The cat-like male spit out, black eyebrows furrowing in annoyance.

Kuroo's lips twitches up into a infuriating smirk, knowing full well of the ticking time bomb in front of him. He does as he was ordered to, stepping his foot out of his childhood friend's door.

Not before dealing a blow though.

"If you don't ask her out soon, I might just go and steal her, you know~?" The clever male goads before escaping out of the room.

Upon hearing those words, Kenma's mind goes into a havoc, his heart dropping down into his stomach.

He knows that you and Kuroo have been texting as well lately, the said man mentioning that he is in fact, quiet interested in you.

What are you bothered of anyways? People can get close to her however they'd like, he thinks, yet he feels all these negative emotions swirling around his head when he imagines you going out with the suave boy.

"Fortnite girlfriend?" You inquire, breaking his train of thoughts. You can't help the slight bitterness in your tone when you speak, though you're sure it goes unnoticed by the person you're speaking to.

"It's nothing, just ignore what he said."

Not satisfied with his answer, you push more, "Well, shouldn't you really ask her out? We can't let Kuroo be a step ahead of you, can't we?"

You try your hardest to play it as a joke, masking your jealousy with a cheerful and joking tone.

It is exactly this that gives Kenma the final push, giving him the last ounce of courage and guts that are needed to say his next line.

"Then Y/N, would you like to go to the cat café I mentioned about together this Saturday?"

Your mind short circuits, incompetent to form words and your eyes widen by a tenfold. To say that you are shocked would be an understatement

You can hear Kenma beginning to take back his words, scared that he's putting you in a difficult place or making you feel uncomfortable but before he can finish his words, you cut him off with a stuttered and loud 'yes!'

The Pudding Head smiles slightly at your agreement and before arranging his plans with you, he opens the messaging app on his phone, immediately texting the number one contact.

Kozume Kenma

I did it.

Kuroo Tetsurou

Took you long enough.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #414

“mirror, mirror, tell me who you see  /  am i you or me?  /  i can never remember”

How many people have you kissed? Four. Ever kissed someone you weren’t dating at the time? No. Of the people you’ve kissed, how many do you regret kissing? Two. Ever been kissed by a legal adult when you were a minor (or vise-versa)? Yeah, with Jason, but it was only a two-year difference. Ever kissed someone on a dare/as part of a game? No. Where’s the most public place you’ve ever made out with someone? Nowhere public. I wouldn't do that. Can you snowboard? Never tried. Have you ever made a mixed cd for someone? No. Do you use recycle bins at your house? Yes. Do you own more than one bathing suit? No. Have you ever kissed someone who smokes weed? Jason did occasionally with his best friend, but he stopped for me. How are you right this second? I'm all right. Last night was pretty rough, so I'm just glad that's over. My body is just tired. Is there anything you disliked about your last birthday? Honestly, I barely remember what I did on my last birthday. I just remember it was fine. Oh wait, actually, on the way home from going out to eat, we had to call the cops while behind a car whose driver was obviously drunk or high OFF. HIS. ASS. He was swerving like crazy and almost hit SO many cars. I was having an absolute panic attack. I pray to God that guy was more than just found and fined. Do you keep a diary or journal (offline or online)? No, unless you count surveys, I guess. What were you like a year ago? I was the unhappily the same. Is someone on your mind right now? Fucking always. Having a warm dream about him last night didn't help. Who was the last person you sat next to? My mom. What do you currently hear right now? My screen is split so I can watch John Wolfe play some indie horror games. What’s something you need to go shopping for? I need to get new bras baaaadly because I'm tired of none fitting properly. What’s the last thing you ate? I had a donut 'cuz Mom stopped at Dunkin' for coffee. Do/did you do good in school? I did up to college. Then I just... sucked. Do you always get along with your siblings? I mean I don't see/talk to them every day or anything, not even very regularly even, but we generally get along fine now as adults. We disagree about shit for sure, but keep our mouths shut. Or probably talk to Mom about it while I'm not present. I don't even think they like me half of the time. Are you frustrated with anything? So much. Why did you fall for the last person romantically? There were/are a lot of factors. Just she as a person is phenomenal. What’s your younger sibling’s name? Nicole. Can you speak in a different language conversationally; if so, which language? A tiny bit of German. Do you ever fear of falling asleep? With my nightmares, I used to dread it. Now, thankfully, my APAP mask has prevented them from happening, mostly; I've only had two in the month that I've had it, and I ordinarily had them every single night. Do you have an idea of what kind of profession you’d like to have? I do, but I honestly doubt I'm going to succeed in even making it a part-time job by this damn point. Which beach would you say is your favorite? I don't have a favorite. I don't even like the beach very much. What kind of cookie is your favorite? Chocolate chip. Have you ever had a churro? Yes. Too crunchy and ridiculously sweet, not a fan. Truth be told, are you more into looks or personalities the most? A good personality beats good looks any day. How is/was your chemistry class in high school? I actually didn't take chemistry; my graduating year, physical science was offered as the alternative, which I took. How does alcohol affect you? I get hot, and my face flushes badly. It'll make me more talkative. Have you ever tried lemon brownies? No, and I don't want to. I don't like lemon-flavored stuff like that. What was the last type of meat you ate? Beef. Have you taken any medication today? I have prescriptions I take every day. Have you ever watched Parks and Recreation? I've seen some of it at Sara's house. What is your favourite kind of pasta? Just spaghetti with tomato sauce and meatballs, really. I've been on a major chicken pesto kick lately, though. Have you set an alarm today? No. Think of a random person, and give them a message here, no names: Literally just the chance to say "I'm sorry" would be fucking amazing. Just two fucking words. What if there were two of you? Would the world be in trouble? No. That'd be a waste of space, though. Not like I'm contributing much to society. Would you prefer an ice cream sundae or an ice cream cone? I dunno man, it depends on my mood and what I want in the moment. Do you watch movies with the subtitles on? No; I find it to be distracting. Is the last person you kissed yours? I hate this saying. She's her own person that belongs to nobody but herself. But to just go along with it and answer the question, no, we're not together. Do you think you will be married by the time you are 25? Welp, I'm halfway through 25, so. Do you have siblings over the age of 21? All of my siblings are. Do you have a hard time admitting you’re wrong? No. Especially as I've aged, I'd say I'm pretty quick to accept if I've fucked up. Who has the ability to hurt you the most emotionally? Jason will probably always have that power, even if he's not in my life. Would you ever be a stripper? God no, nobody wants to see that. What are your plans for tomorrow? Just get through the day, man. Do you owe anybody money? No. How would your parents describe you? Reserved, shy, a deep thinker, animal lover, uhhhh... What is the most you have ever weighed? Let's not. Would you ever work at McDonald's? No. I'm never working in food service. If you aren't already, would you go vegetarian or vegan? I want to be a vegetarian and being a vegan would be perfectly ideal for me, but I really don't think I can healthily accomplish either. I am FAR too picky to where I'd almost definitely become malnourished. To make it even worse I absolutely cannot "suck it up" if I don't like a food, so it's not like I could choke down stuff I don't like. Not to mention I'd be pretty sad without any yummy food to look forward to, aha. Coolest person you've ever met? Uhhhh I don't know. Do you wear boxers? No. Girls, how old were you when you first learned how to put in a tampon? I don't remember. Would you ever attend a gay pride parade or festival? I would absolutely love to. Did you see Paranormal Activity 2? I think I've seen all of the movies. I liked them, given paranormal horror films are probably my fave. What would you do if an old man grabbed your ass? Kick him in the fucking balls so goddamn fast and probably slap him across the face at the same time. Probably cry later from feeling violated and having my fear of men aggravated. Do you like moustaches? It depends on the person, but I'd say I generally prefer an attached beard and a mustache versus JUST a mustache. Could you hack into someone's computer if you tried hard enough? No. I have no idea how to do that. Have you ever smoked a cigar? No. Do you go out on Black Friday? Hell no. NOT worth fighting people for deals. Do you have curtains in your bedroom? No; I have those blinds that you can close upwards or downwards. Did you like the Spice Girls when you were little? Yeah, I did. Can you sing the entire Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song? I think I can. Do you get heartburn? I'm literally on an antacid prescription, or else I get insane heartburn every day. Are you scared of elevators? To a moderate degree, yes. I'm terrified of it getting stuck. Have you ever seen a dead body in person? Yes, at an open-casket wake. Have you ever seen The Goonies? I have. If you're white, do you ever wish you were black? Or vice versa? I'm fine being Caucasian, but ultimately don't care. Do you bake cookies all the time around Christmas? I don't bake. Do you like your hair pulled? Uhhh... I'm assuming you mean this in a suggestive context, in which case no. Never pull my hair, actually. What kind of jeans do you like? Ripped skinny jeans. What do you think is overrated? Who really cares. Let people enjoy what they enjoy. And what are your goals for the remainder of this year? Lose lots of weight, find a job, get back into old hobbies and develop new ones... Name a city that starts with A in your state/province etc. Asheboro. Name a landmark that starts with M in your state/province etc. I'm blanking right now. When was the last time you gave a horse a carrot? Been years. I think I've only done that once, and I can't even remember where it was. Have you ever had to shovel snow? No. How many seasons is your favorite TV show in so far? MM was just revived for its fifth season! :') Where would you most like to go in your state, etc. that you haven’t been? NC actually has this really old Wizard of Oz theme park! It's on the other end of the state, though, and NC is one wiiiiiide state. What was the last bird you saw? A robin, I think. What color was the last thing you drank? Green. Has a wild animal ever been loose in your house? Besides insects, no. Well wait, scratch that, once or twice we had a small mice problem when we lived in the woods. What’s the name of the bookstores in your city? The only one I know off the top of my head is Books-a-Million. Where do your parents live? I live with my mom, and Dad lives in the same city as us. Have you ever seen or touched an iceberg? No, but that would be cool. What colour are your father’s eyes? Brown. If your ex turned up on your doorstep now, with nowhere else to go, would you let him/her stay? Well one, this isn't my house, so I can't make that decision. My mom being who she is though, she'd let pretty much anyone stay the night. If it was Sara, Mom would let her stay as long as she needed. The last time you cried, was it connected with someone of the opposite sex? Ugh, yes. My PTSD was BAD last night. Delicious warm brownies or a giant cookie? I'll take the brownie. Have you visited a haunted building or area before? No, but damn I'd love to. Have you been to North Carolina? Ayyyyeeeee that's my home.

[abalonetea]

Just Keep Breathing: Chapter Three

I was partnered with @the-dot for the @originalfictionbigbang​! Thank you for working with me, Dot!

Here is the first chapter! I’ve split the first 10k words between four chapters, and will be posting them all in a masterpost in just a moment!

Summary: It’s the height of storm season and everyone in Hi-Banks, Florida is getting ready for the bad weather. It should be a year like any other - but on the tails of a national pandemic, a new disaster strikes. More than one new disasters. So many disasters that Eddie Carver would like to put some of them back, thanks. He’s just a down on his luck guy living in the local trailer park with his boyfriend. He’s not interested in dealing with the revival of an old murder case - which he knows nothing about, thanks -, the storm season of the century, or…zombies?

Yeah. Absolutely not interested in the zombies.

This black-comedy follows the inner workings of a small town as they band together to survive, and the young man - reckless, mean, angry, written off b the big city folk come to look into a cold case - that might hold all of societies survival in his hands.

Forget about society.Eddie’s only interested in keeping his friends alive.

Chapter Three – The Troubles Begin

“ - the riot appears to have originated inside of an office building in Toledo, where the CEO of Marino Corps was evidently thrown from the top floor window. The cause of the riot is unknown, but it has grown both in number and in scale of violence. The hospitals in the area are overflowing with victims, many of whom are suffering from bite wounds - “

Click.

“ - and if the tropical storm continues on this path, it will run directly in front of Hurricane Beth. The resulting storm will make land fall with Florida - “

Click.

“ - is the streak of violence we’re currently seeing in large cities a result of drugs, a side affect of the vaccine, or something else entirely? Today on The Sooty Orange we’re going to discuss - “

Click.

Carson groans. “Everything sucks. Just hit the radio.”

Eddie stretches over and clicks on the radio instead, oldies crooning into the quiet trailer park. “Man, why is it so hard to just find something fun to watch, huh? What happened to playing movies and stuff?”

“Dunno. It’s a real drag first thing in the morning, though,” says Carson. They’ve got a spread of coffee in mismatched cracked mugs on the little table in front of them, along with a few microwaved breakfast burritos and an open bag of sweet chili pepper flavored chips. “You work today?”

“Yeah, I’ve got to hit up the garage this evening.”

“Ugh. So we still aren’t going to get the truck up?”

“Part might be in today. I’ll check on it,” says Eddie.

They aren’t talking about the news and they aren’t talking about the agents, and that’s just facts. They didn’t need to speak about it. They just both sort of came to that conclusion. No point in discussing something that can’t be changed, and Eddie won’t say a word on the Mulborne case, not even to Carson.

They eat and change and head off on their own separate ways, passing Bonnie Barker and her dog Poncho on the way out of the trailer park. She waves at them and the dog goes nuts barking. It’s cloudy and gross out, and Eddie has a really bad feeling that it’s just going to be a bad damn day.

* * *

The little black car is parked outside of the mechanic shop, and the moment that Eddie gets close to it none other than Agent Russo steps out. He’s got this awful slicked back hair and a stupidly expensive looking suit. The other agent isn’t there.

“Ugh. You again?” Eddie squints at him and sucks on his front teeth. “I told you, man, I don’t know anything about the Mulborne case.”

“Something tells me that’s not the truth. I’ve looked into you, Eddie Burke. In and out of trouble for years. You’ve got a record a mile long, and you were the last recorded person seen speaking to those missing tourists,” says Russo. “I think that the two of us need to have a little talk.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t.” Eddie makes to walk in past him but the agent grabs him by the elbow, wrenching him to the side. “Hey! Get the Hell off of me, man!”

“I don’t know how you people do it out here, but let me tell you this,” says Russo. “When I say we need to have a talk, it’s not something that’s up for debate.”

A sharp whistle splits through the air. “Alright, boys. That’s enough. You want to talk to him, you get here with a warrant or you do it off my property,” says Penny. “That’s how it works around here, boy. And you, Eddie, you get to work. I got a car that needs the tires changed out, pronto.”

Eddie jerks his arm out of Russo’s grip, flips him off, and scurries into the garage. There’s not actually a car needing the tires changed so he mostly just loiters around until Penny comes inside, shaking her head.

“This is a whole lot of bad business that we don’t need to be dealing with right now,” says Penny, clucking her tongue. “I don’t like that man poking around none. You think someone needs to go out and give Benny a heads up?”

Eddie hops up onto one of the counters. “No way. Benny’s on his own.”

Penny purses her lips. “Neighborly.”

“Hey, I ain’t neighbors with him,” says Eddie. “You want to hike all the way out there for this, you be my guest. I’ve got enough that I’m dealing with. You been keeping track of this storm?”

“Yeah,” says Penny. “We’ll have to close up shop if it gets too much closer.”

“Red’s still planning on going out to his cabin. That dumbass.”

“Really? I don’t think I’d want to go out in this kind of weather.”

“You’re telling me,” mutters Eddie. “Hey, do you actually have work for me today?”

Penny gives him another pinched smile. “Yep. You’re gonna work on my boat motor. Put those skinny fingers of yours to good use for a change.”

Eddie groans. He hates working on boats but – cash is cash, he supposes.

* * *

Eddie swings by the gas station on the way home from work to buy a six pack. TJ’s working and Rat’s hanging off him out at the front counter, the door to the beak room blocked open with a tire iron and the grainy box screen style TV showing off the national news; the riots are spreading across the country, hitting every major city. There’s talk of it possibly being related to the vaccine or even a new street drug that’s being passed around, something similar to a hyped up bath salt.

“That’s stupid,” says Rat. “I’ve done those before, and no one out in some big city pent house is going to snort bath salts.”

“Coke,” says TJ.

Rat squints at him. “Coke doesn’t make you bite people.”

“Nah,” says TJ. He lights a cigarette. “But that’s what they do, you know. At those fancy parts. Snort coke.”

“Gimme one of those.” Eddie wiggles his fingers at the pack.

Rat pipes in, “oh, if he’s having one, I want one too!”

TJ grouses and grumbles but passes them each a smoke. “You owe me for that.”

Rat sticks out his tongue. “Join the club. I owe everyone.”

“Man, after the day I had, I deserve one of these. You all seen those feds running around?” Eddie asks. “Can you believe they’re out here about Benny?”

Rat perks up. He’s actually pretty good friends with Benny, even despite everything that’s happened. “What, really?”

The bell above the door chimes and they glance over almost as a group, only for Smith to come walking in. She heads for the back of the store, grabbing a few things from the little center rack where all the pre packaged and over priced sandwiches only tourists buy are at.

And sure, maybe the smart thing to do would be to just shut up, and stay quiet, and let the whole thing blow over, but Eddie’s never been particularly smart. He’s sharp and mean and good with his fists, and he scuttles across the gas station, still clutching his bummed cigarette, just so he can get right up in Smith’s face and tell her, “you need to make that little attack dog of yours back the Hell off. I didn’t do shit, you hear me?”

Smith, clutching a plastic wrapped chunk of carrot cake pulls back. “Excuse me?”

“I said that you need to back off. I don’t care who the Hell you people are. If that asshole shows up at my work again, I’m gonna clock him,” says Eddie, all teeth, and from the other side of the gas station Rat crows with laughter.

“Shit! Did you have the feds sicced on you?” Rat jams his cigarette out against the top of the counter. “That’s a trip!”

“I – have no idea what you’re talking about,” says Smith.

“Yeah, I totally believe that.” Eddie takes a step back, takes a drag off his cigarette. “You people come tearing in here and start shit, but you know what? No one around here is gonna put up with that. We got enough troubles happening. We don’t need you dragging up old ghosts that are already put in the ground.”

“What? No, that’s not – we already discussed that,” says Smith, shaking her head. “I didn’t realize that he was going to try and follow up on a dead lead. I’m very sorry. If there was an issue with your work place because of this, I can – I’ll happily speak with them tomorrow.”

The apology is so out of the blue that it takes Eddie off guard. He freezes, glances over at the counter. TJ shrugs his shoulders.

Smith continues, “we’re not looking to cause issues for anyone. We’re just doing our job, same as anyone else. I’ll speak with Russo. It won’t happen again.”

She steps around Eddie, all neat as can be, pays for her wares, and leaves. Just like that. As if it’s all nothing.

In the wake of it, Eddie sidles back up to the counter and puts out his cigarette in the little fish shaped ash tray. “I’m outta here. Just ring me up for the beer.”

TJ does, the chime of the register, and says, “I don’t know. I think I would’ve spilled the beans already.”

“You say anything to those agents, I’ll break your face,” warns Eddie, the words a sort of harshness that only comes from fear. “You got that?”

Rat cheerfully chimes in, “I’ll totally help.”

[andillwriteyouatragedy]

for your prompts maybe - miniseries eddie and richie in a storm or a flood or hurricane?? trapped together and maybe huddling for warmth or something??

Two hours ago, most of the Losers had just left Eddie’s apartment. It was while waving goodbye to Stan and Patty, the last to drive away, that Richie had noticed the dark clouds outside and turned on his television set to learn that a nasty storm was coming their way.

Richie whistles, leaning his head out Eddie’s kitchen window, while Eddie nervously sits himself on the edge of the coffee table in front of his television.

“Look at how fast it’s moving,” Eddie says. He has to resist the urge to lean in and grip the set with white knuckles. Behind him, he hears the window slide shut, then lock; after a moment, Richie’s hand comes to settle on his shoulder, then the back of his neck. He digs his fingertips in, and Eddie sighs, hanging his head.

“It’s going to be alright,” Richie tells him. “It’s just a storm. We can get up to all sorts of stuff in a storm.”

Eddie huffs a laugh, shoving his glasses up into his hair so he can scrub the back of his wrist against his eyes. He sighs, then wipes his palm flat down his face before clutching his throat. Tipping his head back, he makes eye contact with Richie.

“It’ll be okay,” Richie says again. He pulls Eddie’s glasses free of the tangles of his hair and slips them back into place.

“Should I call and make sure everyone got home okay?” Eddie asks.

“When there’s been enough time for them to get home,” Richie says, “you can do anything you want.”

Eddie breaks their eye contact to look down at the television again when the screen flashes. Frowning, he watches the stormfront move on the set just as a distant crack of thunder sounds, rattling him down to his bone marrow.

“I don’t think you should drive home in this,” Eddie says. Richie crouches beside him and takes Eddie’s chin in his hand, turning his face down so their eyes can meet.

“This is home,” Richie tells him firmly. Eddie’s chest tightens impossibly quickly, hearing something like that from Richie, out of nowhere; he thinks Richie can see it in his face, because he adds, “And, plus, I have no intention of leaving you here. I thought we had a date tonight.”

Eddie glances to the window again. Richie lets him, for a moment, before he uses his hold on his chin to tug his attention back down.

“I really don’t think we should be going out in this, Ri—”

“No, God, no,” Richie cuts him off, “I didn’t mean— No, I meant we should just have our date here.”

Eddie relaxes, feeling a little bit of the tension leech out of him. Richie smiles, and Eddie even feels better after that, knowing he’s not alone here, and that Richie isn’t angry with him, and that everything will probably, logically, be okay.

Thunder crashes again, making him jump and tense up again. Richie stands, kissing his cheek on the way up.

“Let’s see what I can scrounge up for food,” Richie says. Outside, the small, rapid patterings that bring the beginning of a storm start to sound, and Eddie’s skin crawls.

“I’m going to find candles,” Eddie tells him, shoving up from the coffee table.

He has more than candles in the emergency kit in his hall closet, but he tries not to dig it out all that often, so there’s no reason for Richie to know that. Eddie slides it out from the back of the closet and snaps it open, peering inside. For a moment, he can’t decide what to take, so he just drags the whole thing into the hallway.

“Packing up and heading out?” Richie asks. Eddie lifts his head to find Richie in the hall in front of him, holding— something. He offers the bag out to Eddie and asks, “Want a pretzel?”

“This is our emergency kit,” Eddie tells him, waving the pretzels off. He grabs the heavy kit by the handle again and drags it down to his living room.

“What, to revive us if one of us dies?” Richie asks. Eddie smiles, laying the kit on its side, snapping it open. “Oh, my God, Eds.”

“It doesn’t hurt to be prepared,” Eddie says defensively over his shoulder. He pulls a few of his candles out from underneath one of the first aid kits, passing them off for Richie to hold in the crook of his arm.

“Hey, Spaghetti Man, I’m gonna drop something,” Richie tells him, while Eddie’s still rooting for the matchbooks. Eddie’s only just lifted his head to reply when the lights flicker. They go in and out once, twice, and then stay on, but Eddie’s blood’s already turned to ice.

He feels frozen, crouched there on the floor of his living room, until Richie nudges him again. Terrified, heart pounding, he lifts his head so they can make eye contact.

“Hey,” Richie says, voice gone soft and genuine now. Eddie hides his face behind his hand, mortified when the backs of his eyes begin to burn, but Richie brushes his hand away easily, tips his face up to meet his eyes again. “You’re going to be okay, Eds.”

“But what if the building gets— I don’t know, what if it gets struck by lightning?” Eddie asks him, hand shaking. “Or if it floods, or— What if your house floods? Or it catches on fire, or— God, what if Bill’s—”

“Whoa, hey, no no no,” Richie interrupts him. He pulls Eddie to his feet and into a tight hug, letting him bury his face in Richie’s chest. He hides his face there instead, closing his eyes tight against the flickering lights and the rain darkening the entire world outside. Richie strokes his back slowly, up and down. “Everything’s going to be okay, Eddie, I swear. The odds of something bad happening are so astronomically low, and the odds of something good happening are so astronomically high—”

“What do you mean?” Eddie asks.

Richie withdraws a bit, separating them just enough that he can cup Eddie’s face in his. After a moment, he leans in and kisses him. He doesn’t deepen the kiss at all, but he presses in hard, tips his face and grips Eddie tight, and Eddie starts to shake. He reaches up and wraps his fingers around Richie’s wrist, tilting his head. Richie makes a little sound, just catching his breath, and Eddie pushes in even closer, feeling like he wanted to climb under Richie’s skin.

When they pull apart, Richie cups Eddie’s chin in his hand and grins. “I mean, what’s a better way to spend a rainy night in than—”

A bolt of lightning illuminates Eddie’s apartment for one heart-stopping moment before the lights whine and all go out at once. Eddie can feel his spine stiffen before he can stop it.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Richie tells him. They can both hear the whine from the hallway as the building’s backup generators kick on. He knows that the hall must be bathed in blue light but, here in his apartment, all there is is darkness. “I’ve got your candles right behind me here. Did you find the matchbooks?”

Eddie nods. When Richie releases him, though, he still has a brief moment of panic where his breath catches.

“I’m right here,” Richie says. There’s another beat before Richie comes back to him, his hand landing on Eddie’s shoulder. “Right here. I got the candles for you, honey, give your matches here.”

Hand shaking, Eddie pushes the matchbook into Richie’s palm. There’s still blackness everywhere for another long moment before the match strikes and catches, illuminating Richie’s face with a dim orange glow. When he lights the candle, there’s enough light to see the whole of him by. Eddie grabs one of his candlesticks from the bookshelves beside the television for Richie to set the candle in.

“I told you we were gonna have our date here,” Richie reminds him. “What’s better than a candlelit evening at home, right, sweetheart?”

Eddie’s chest feels tight again, heart pounding. He can’t help but smile, tipping his face down. Another match strikes, and Richie sets up a second candle beside the first. His warm hand takes Eddie’s face and tips it closer. After a moment where all Eddie can see is Richie’s shadowed face in the flickering candlelight, Richie kisses him again.

“Do you think everyone got home okay?” Eddie asks, when they separate. Richie huffs a laugh.

“I think so,” Richie tells him. “They all had more than enough time to get home, baby. They would’ve come back here if they needed to.” Eddie hesitates, long enough that Richie adds, “Everything’s okay, I promise. What would make you feel better, hm?”

Eddie shakes his head. His heart’s still pounding, but he feels better for being able to see Richie, at least.

“Why don’t you come with me?” Richie suggests. “It’s a little chilly out here, I’d rather be somewhere nice and warm with you.”

Eddie yelps when Richie hauls him up and off his feet, throwing him over his shoulder. He grabs the candles with the hand not wrapped around Eddie’s waist, holding him secure. Even with all the blood rushing to Eddie’s head, he finds it in himself to wind his arm around Richie’s chest, burying his face in the small of his back.

“Hey, what’re you doing back there?” Richie asks, hauling him off down the hallway. Eddie slips his hand down the back of Richie’s pants, slipping his fingers just past his belt. Richie’s footsteps stutter, and he laughs. “Hey, you watch it—”

“What do you mean?” Eddie asks.

“I mean—” Richie starts, but he cuts off when Eddie smacks him on the ass. Eddie’s laughing already before Richie is, indignantly exclaiming, “Hey—”

“You’re the one who kidnapped me,” Eddie reminds him. Richie kicks his bedroom door open.

“Is it a kidnapping if you come willingly?” Richie asks. Eddie hears the clatter of the candlesticks hitting his bedside table before Richie flings him backwards onto the bed, bouncing on the mattress. “Where’s all your extra blankets?”

“Top shelf in the hall closet,” Eddie says.

“You okay if I steal the candles for a sec?” Richie asks.

Eddie nods, and Richie kisses him on each cheek before vanishing into the hall with the candlelight. There’s not even enough time for Eddie to start being nervous in the darkness again before Richie’s coming jogging back in, blankets stacked in a pile so high they spill from his arms over the top of his head.

“Take this, please, honey,” Richie tells him. Eddie takes the candles from him and sets them back on the nightstand. A single drop of wax falls from one candlestick, and Eddie inhales sharply, yanking his hand back from the candles.

“Damn it,” Eddie hisses.

“Oh, baby, c’mere,” Richie coos. He sits on the edge of the bed beside Eddie, taking his hand carefully in both of his own. With one soft brush of his hand, he swipes the wax away; in its place, he kisses Eddie’s skin softly. Eddie laughs breathlessly.

“That’s much better,” he says, “thank you.”

“Mm,” Richie hums. He pulls away from Eddie to grab the blankets he’d retrieved from the hallway.

“What’re you doing with that?” Eddie asks. Richie spreads out blanket after blanket in bed; after those, he tugs Eddie’s spare pillows out from under his bed and props them up against the headboard, too.

“I’m keeping you warm,” Richie answers. He shucks his belt and pants so he can climb into bed beside Eddie comfortably, pulling him into his arms. Lightning fills the room again, briefly illuminating them both in blinding white light. The thunder that follows makes Eddie shake. “Oh, hey, baby, c’mere.”

Eddie tucks his head underneath Richie’s chin, wrapping his arm around his waist. Richie kisses the very top of his head. With his heart racing, Eddie asks, “Will you stay over here tonight?”

“In this weather?” Richie asks. “I have no plans to leave.” Richie tips Eddie’s chin up so he can kiss him again, nice and slow. Eddie can feel him start to smile just before they separate. “And with you here with me, honey, you couldn’t pay me to go.”

Eddie grins, and doesn’t even get to answer before Richie kisses him again. In the warm nest of blankets that Richie’s made for them in bed, candlelight flickering against the dark and pounding rain outside. The storm’s so loud that Eddie can hardly hear anything but that and Richie’s heart, when he rests his head back on his chest.

“I’m gonna keep you safe,” Richie murmurs to him. He smiles against Eddie’s temple when he kisses him there once, then twice. “No storm’s gonna get you while I’m here.”

Eddie pinches his side, laughing when Richie yelps, squirming into him. The two of them settle deeper into the bed, and Eddie yawns, relaxes. “Thank you.”

“Mm,” Richie murmurs, “thank you.”

comment on this story on ao3!!

[dreaming-gamer]

DMC Week Day 7: College AU

For my final entry for DMC week, I chose to write the trio as college students playing Final Fantasy XIV – Nero, V & Nico.

A self-indulgent AU fic (haven’t played Final Fantasy XIV in years) based on a few college headcanons.

Thank you to everyone and all that’s read my works during this week! Your support means a lot ❤️❤️❤️ Here we go, hope you enjoy!

Nero as Warrior, tank

Nico as Machinist, damage dealer

V as Summoner, damage dealer

***

Nero nervously stared at his health-bar steadily going down as attack after attack scratched down his life despite all the buffs his character had on. The controller vibrated furiously in his hands, his jaw clenched. The boss would be dead at any second and the healer was trying their best but the bad connection they had so far had was making Nero nervous. Wasn’t a heal long overdue? Weren’t their character just standing still?

“If you perish, I got Resurrection ready.” V said, his voice ever so calm that it actually made Nero grin. Was he ever happy he’d gotten himself this new headset that let him regulate game and party sounds separately? Yeah, they were in a bad spot, but the boss was so close to dead now. They’d get through it.

“Nico!” He called the second the limit break chime could be heard in his headset.

“On it!” Nero could basically hear the buttons on her controller being slammed, together with her laughter. “Eat this!” Nico’s machinist character pulled out the crossbow, ready for the shot that would send the boss to oblivion.

“Dammit!” Nero shifted his character as an AoE marker appeared under his feet, along with certain death as his health was reaching less than 5000. Even if V revived him instantly, Nero as the tank dying now might just spell their doom.

The boss inched after him, leaving the indicated line of Nico’s limit break. Winds whipped around their characters, but they all managed to avoid more injury.

“Whoa, whatcha doing?!” Nico exclaimed in disbelief.

“Just aim again!” Thrill of Battle was back off cooldown, restoring some of his health. Sweet.

“It got used up, asshole! Healer dc’ed!” Nico’s voice snapped his focus back. Another buff off cooldown and he used it.

“What?!” Did that have to happen at this crucial moment? One quick glance at the party list said ??? for the healer’s status.

“Nero, your Holmgang should be ready for use. Just hold on.” V calmly stated and Nero blinked as he realized V was right. Had he been counting seconds since the last four minutes??

“Fuck!” The progress bar over the boss’ life told him a tankbuster was coming. Nero waited, his finger on the trigger for Holmgang, his sweet 6-seconds of almost invincibility to save him if needed. He pushed the button, the bright orange line above the boss filled the entire way, the hit connected, the controller in his hands vibrating valiantly. Hit points sailing down to zero. Swears bubbled up in his chest, flowed out of him like a sailor when the boss started to move towards Nico. But it had sooo little HP left!

“I pushed the button, I swear!” Nero shouted in disbelief, heart pounding in his chest, did they really have to redo this??

A sharp blast of white light engulfed the boss, sending it to the ground and the screen faded to black for a second before the victory cutscene played, with Nero’s own character magically on his feet. This was why he loved having V as a summoner on their team.

“Freaking finally! We did it!” Nico celebrated. Nero grinned, feeling as if a stone lifted off his shoulders.

“Let’s check gear!”

“No healer means one less to compete with!” Nico singsonged, letting her character put her grabby hands on the treasure chest. A healer chestpiece popped up on screen. Nero’s sigh was mimicked by Nico, none of them were a healer, not even close. At least there was a Strength ring for him to grab.

Nero blinked as the notifications told him V had grabbed the healer chestpiece. Unprompted, the summoner spoke.

“Perhaps I should go as a scholar, for our next dungeon. Our luck with healers tonight has been… less than fruitful.”

“Nah man, continue with summoner if you want, we’ll be--”

“Do it!” Nico stated on the top of her lungs, her microphone bumping into her chin as she grabbed for a cigarette. “I wanna see the end of the next dungeon tonight!”

“I can go paladin for extra heals.” Nero shrugged, even if neither of his companions could see it.

“And give up that sweet damage, really?” Nico teased, making Nero huff.

“I can play defensively every once in a while.”

“Uh huh…” Nico snickered, while all he heard from V was a chuckle.

“What, I can! Come on, let’s go to the next one!” Nero prompted and grabbed for his soda, eager to go again. Leaning his head back for a sip, there were just two drops meeting his tongue. Damn, when had his beverage run out?

“As… enjoyable as progressing further would be, I am fairly certain you both have lectures in the morning?” V said matter-of-factly while there was a weak rustling of a book page being turned coming from his microphone.

“Yeah, so? I can do it for a bit longer--” Nero started, checking his phone for time. It was waaay too late! “It’s already FIVE?!”

Dry coughing made it clear Nico had just swallowed smoke.

“Y-y-yer…” Cough. “kid-ding!”

“Hell no!” Nero exclaimed.

“Why didn’t ya say somethin’?!” Nico coughed at the sole calm person.

“I did try to, both at one and three o’clock. You both were a bit too… absorbed in what we were doing.” V calmly stated, making Nero groan, oh yeah, they might have been into everything. It wouldn’t be the first time…

“I gotta scram, I’ve got an exam tomor-- today!” With that, Nico’s character was logged out, her voice chat icon offline.

Nero sighed.

“Hope that works out for her. What about you V?” The sign out option showed up at the click of a menu and Nero clicked himself out, the calming music of the title screen trickling through his second-hand headset that smelled of energy drink. At most he’d be able to get what, two hours of sleep? Was it even worth it at this point?

“I will attempt to sleep. I do not have a lecture until the afternoon.”

“Lucky you, vampire.” Nero snorted, his dormmate’s chuckle meeting his ears. “Catch you at lunch then?”

“If I have awakened until then, yes.”

“Great.” Nero knew he should log off, get some sleep. But damn, he didn’t feel sleepy at all. He knew something would keep him up, if he went now.

“Hey V?” He tried, hoping the other hadn’t shut off his headset just yet.

“Yes Nero?” V didn’t sound bothered by the quiet inquiry, despite being about to head to sleep. Nero inhaled, through his nose.

“I told you my grade dropped a bit, right? From last exam?” During the day, he brushed it off, no problem. But at night, it was hard to not feel some… nervousness over what could happen, if his grades dropped too much. Nero needed to keep it up, if he wanted a new scholarship and he not only wanted that scholarship, he needed it so badly to stay.

“Yes.” A pause, followed by V softly closing a book. “Are you worried it might happen again?” He softly asked.

Nero scratched his nose, V even knew before he voiced the issue? He wasn’t sure if he felt relieved or called out.

“Yeah, something like that. I know our subjects are pretty different…” No shit, considering V was reading the classical poems and literary works of people whose names Nero barely could pronounce. But V had great study technique, always fixing his assignments on time, something that Nero had failed to do, several times. He admired that, about the dorm vampire with a love for classical music. V’s voice was always a joy to listen to as well. Maybe he didn’t say everything he was thinking, but his voice was deep, calming at this late hour.

“But, you up for studying together? Someday this week? I think I need someone to help me not procrastinate so much and Nico is not that…” If anything, she either sat with her notes and realized she had found out something brilliant for her own studying, or she was digging the rock music Nero always put on while studying, just as much as he was.

“I don’t mind.” V replied, making Nero grin with relief over having one guy in his corner. “We can start with hiding your headphones. Or your Bluetooth speaker.”

“Right…” Maybe that wasn’t such a bad idea, Led Zeppelin did snatch his focus otherwise. Nero let out a small laugh. “But you’ll give the headphones back, right? I need those for my morning runs.”

“Hmm, perhaps.” His dormmate teased.

“Or you’ll come along on my morning runs to keep me company?” Nero tried, he had given hints to get V to join him in the fresh air, the early morning sun for weeks now.

“Too chilly for me, I’m afraid.” Was the soft reply. “I will retire for now, Nero. Do try to get some sleep.”

“Yeah, fine… Thanks V.” Nero’s eyelids actually felt a bit heavier now.

“You’re welcome. Goodnight. Or perhaps, good morning.” V replied with a chuckle.

Nero groaned, giving a goodnight before ending the voice chat.

[artistic-mathematics]

Daphne/Velma one-shot. Prompt from... myself, because I literally can’t with myself. Rated G. (Short summary: Velma tries to come to terms with her emotions at two in the morning.) AO3! if you prefer reading it there, of course. Thank you, again, to @apapercheesecake for being my proofreader and emotional support. <3 If anyone else wants to send me prompts, PLEASE hmu. Help me revive this fandom, lmao.

Do you ever look up at the stars and wonder if I’m looking at them as well?

She’s aware that it’s well past midnight, but she doesn’t care. Velma sits at her desk, as she’s done for hours beforehand, staring out of the window right above it. The Milky Way is beautiful. Mysterious. Sometimes, she can barely believe that the Earth is a part of this sea of light and wonder.

Tonight, though, a sadness hangs in the sky. There’s a certain… something. The usual spark is gone, replaced with a feeling of… gloominess.

Maybe quarantine has finally gotten to her, surrounding her like a bad omen.

Or maybe it’s her own melancholy dragging her down.

I am not upset, she accuses herself, but even as she does so, she subconsciously wipes a tear away, feels the path of tears that had dried long ago on her face. I’m not! she tries again, to no avail.

New tears begin falling down her face.

So much for being not upset.

“Shut up,” she says out loud.

There’s no one else around. It’s two in the morning. In the back of her mind, she knows she should sleep. Sleep her anxiety away. Sleep all of her worries away.

Even nowadays, however, sleeping seems like a trap, one concocted by Fred in terms of how well it works. Whenever she tries to rest, she’s thrown into a terrible world—one where she stands, frozen, as her friends collapse around her. Where she sees a flash of bright ginger hair fall with them, and she realizes the sun would never rise again—

She shakes her head, and glances back up at the infinite universe beyond her reach. I wonder if she still cares?

She. Daphne. Just her name makes Velma feel a little nervous. Jittery. She feels her chest ache with longing.

She can’t remember the last time anyone made her feel like that, because there wasn’t anyone.

Daphne always made her feel loved. Beautiful, even, when Daphne was the pretty one—so why is it that the other girl is suddenly ignoring her?

She’s not.

Deep down, she knows Daphne isn’t that kind of person—but it’s been almost three months since receiving her last text message. She’s aware that Daphne is terrible at responding to text messages, especially since the other girl is actually popular. She’s seen the absolutely ridiculous amounts of notifications Daphne receives every day, from trashy girls who just want a status boost in the community to pushy jocks who are only after her money… and her body. She’s probably getting way more messages than usual, she reasons, now that no one has anything better to do.

She doesn’t understand how Daphne deals with it, considering that Velma wants to chuck her set of encyclopedias at every single one of those fake, spoiled brats.

(They don’t even deserve to have encyclopedias thrown at them. Those idiots are worth as much as the Twilight series. They do have one thing in common, though; they should all burn in a fire.)

With all that in mind, there’s no possible way Daphne could be ignoring her, so why is Velma so scared?—and why is it that she can’t convince herself otherwise?

She grits her teeth, tries to will the negativity to just leave her alone. She wants to feel good about herself, feel good about her relationship with Daphne.

But I can’t.

Daphne is the sun and Velma… well, if we’re going with this analogy, I’m basically Pluto. Small, insignificant, distant. Demoted and degraded because people saw who I really was.

If Daphne is the sun, then maybe she’s distancing herself for a reason. If drawn too close, a tiny dwarf planet like Pluto would burn up.

Burn up or not, I’d try to get closer anyway. I’m… I think I’m addicted.

She reminds herself of the last time she felt this way, the last time she depended on someone like this. How she spent so much time with them, just studying and understanding and giving, only to find out that she had been associating herself with someone so ridiculously fake.

Like a fake planet—wait, am I that fake too?

Her thoughts come to a full stop as she tries to process the idea—what if she, too, is just as fake as Daphne’s so-called “fans”? There is plenty that Velma has concealed within the deepest recesses of her heart. She’s passionate about anything related to logic or pure fact—that’s what she’s known for, after all.

Her actual feelings, however, she keeps hidden. She refuses to talk to anyone about her raw emotions, except the obvious exception. Even then, the other girl has to catch her in a particular vulnerable state of mind. She wonders if hiding her feelings makes her a terrible person. Daphne has always been open to her, but it’s never been the other way around. It makes her feel vulnerable. She detests the idea that it could happen again. That someone might take advantage of her if she opens herself up.

That, she realizes. That’s why I’m so afraid. She’s terrified that people will keep coming and leaving, taking pieces of her as they go. Hundreds and thousands of people, ripping her into shreds and snatching what they can, before eventually they no longer need her and there’s nothing left of her.

Being with Daphne makes all of those unpleasant thoughts go away. Velma feels so hopeless alone, like she’s lost in the middle of space, so she clings onto Daphne like a rope thrown to guide her back to the spacecraft. Without Daphne, she drifts further into the unknown, into the darkness, into the black hole that is her own mind, plaguing herself with the doubts of years long past.

She shakes her head to clear her mind, before suddenly jolting. In her stupor, she hadn’t noticed her phone ringing. She glances down to see Daphne’s name lit up on the screen.

Oh!

The girl immediately swipes to answer the call. As soon as the screen changes, she turns speaker mode on.

“Hi Daph,” she says. She immediately curses herself for how wobbly her voice sounds.

There is a slight pause on the other end of the phone, before Daphne’s voice fills her ears.

“Oh! Hey Velm! I knew you weren’t asleep, because you never sleep at this time, but you didn’t respond to my other eight phone calls—”

“Wait, what?” She frantically checks her phone notifications to see that she indeed has eight missed calls. “Oh, I’m so sorry, I was… I spaced out.”

Another pause. “You never space out.” The tone is accusing, but the volume is gentle. Quiet. “What’s going on? Is something wrong?”

“N-no.” She hears Daphne sigh. “Okay, fine, yes. I just… I miss you. It feels lonely here. For once, books can’t solve my problems.”

She’s almost impressed by how smoothly the words leave her mouth. On any other given day, she wouldn’t have relented so quickly, even to the other girl.

I must be really out of it.

“It’s fine, really,” she adds, in hopes of reassuring Daphne. “How are you doing?”

There’s some rustling before Daphne speaks again. “I’ll tell you when I get there.”

“Get wh—Daph, no, we’re in the middle of a pandemic!”

“Open your back window for me!”

“Daphne Blake—”

The phone beeps and Velma heaves a sigh. Having Daph over would be nice, she tells herself, just as the knocking begins. She looks over to see Daphne grinning through the glass.

After Velma’s pulled Daphne through the window and knocked both of them onto the floor in the process, she begins her interrogation. “Okay, explain,” she hisses, standing up.

“Explain what?” Daphne says innocently.

“Why are you here?”

The taller girl stands up as well. “Well, for starters, I haven’t responded to your texts in three months, and I feel like giving you a phone call and apologizing wasn’t going to cut it.” Okay, fair. “Also, you always respond to your calls within three rings, no matter what time it is. I figured something was wrong. Then you told me, surprisingly, told me about how you were lonely and said books weren’t helping without me needing to pry, so I knew something was definitely up.”

Velma stares at her and Daphne shrugs.

“And judging by your face, you’ve been crying as well.”

“As if you needed to add that after perfectly analyzing my entire afternoon and evening,” Velma says, crossing her arms. She hates how Daphne read her like a book.

“Well, I’m a mystery solver too.”

“A damn good one.”

Daphne smiles. “I learned from the best.”

“You flatter me,” she responds, trying to scowl at Daphne for her ridiculousness. Daphne has always been a master mystery solver—it was just a fact.

Despite it all, Velma finds herself smiling back. Daphne’s smile has always been bright. Contagious. Pretty.

At least one thing hasn’t changed.

“You missed me.”

She raises an eyebrow. “It’s not hard to guess that, considering I told you that.”

The smile twists into a smirk. Normally, on any other day, she would be flustered, even a little annoyed. Instead, Velma’s reminded of just how lucky she is. She gets to see all of Daphne, not just the bits and pieces she chooses to show to the public eye.

“So you admit it,” is all Daphne says.

“I don’t know what your point is, but don’t get used to it,” Velma responds flatly. She’s still grinning, though, because she can’t help it. It’s been too long since she’s last seen Daphne and she’s excited.

So excited, in fact, that she’s barely able to restrain herself when Daphne raises her arms to offer her a hug.

“Daph, social distancing.”

“You literally opened the window and pulled me inside your room and you’re only now worrying about social distancing?”

She feels her face heat up. “I couldn’t just leave you outside!”

“And I couldn’t just leave you here while you were all mopey and sad!”

“I am not mopey—”

“Velm, I love you, but please before my arms fall off—”

Her heart begins racing and the tears begin falling. Fast. She loves me, she repeats to herself. She loves me.

“Wait, no, Velm, please don’t cry!” she hears Daphne cry in desperation. She tries opening her mouth, tries pouring her heart back out to Daphne, but she’s sobbing loudly to respond. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have—”

She feels herself panic enough to choke out “it’s not that, Daph.” Thankfully, it’s enough. The taller girl gently guides Velma to her bed, coaxes Velma to lean on her. Daphne slips a hand around her waist and kisses her head. Murmurs galaxies upon galaxies of tender, reassuring words. Subconsciously, she returns the hug and she holds on tight, holds onto that life-saving rope.

It’s warm. Safe.

She leans into Daphne’s touch, takes a few deep breaths. She inhales, catches a whiff of Daphne’s signature perfume, and nearly bursts into tears again.

“I’ve got you,” Daphne whispers. “Take as much time as you need. I’m here, I promise.”

Velma nods into Daphne’s shoulder.

“But afterwards, I owe you another thousand apologies and a well-worded explanation.”

She chuckles at this. “That seems fair.”

When even her hiccups are gone, she speaks again.

“I’m ready,” she tells Daphne. “Thank you.”

She feels Daphne smile against her hair before launching into a lengthy explanation. Velma is barely paying attention, however. She doesn’t care about what happened. She’s just glad that Daphne is back.

It may be far away and insignificant, but even Pluto has seasons. And winter is finally over, she thinks.

“I’m sorry,” Daphne repeats again, snapping Velma out of her trance.

“Do me a favor and stop apologizing,” she says, pulling away to glare at Daphne. As the other girl opens her mouth, presumably to apologize for apologizing, Velma pulls her into a kiss.

Daphne raises an eyebrow when they part. “I thought you were worried about social distancing.”

“I was being stupid,” Velma admits. “Even the size of the universe is trivial compared to my love for you.”

Of course I think about you when I look at the stars. You are all I think about when I look at them.

[kimberly-spirits13]

For Wandering Dreamers (Bonus Story & Not Technically Part of the Series Just Same Universe It’ll Make Sense)

Synopsis: You had a chance to watch Spoilers for Justice League Dark Apokolips War and it ended it angst and fluff

Notes: This is taken from the same concept as my For Wandering Dreamers series and is just what would happen if you watched the movie in that set universe since you still have access to your old phone. This is also a bit angsty at the beginning and fluff at the end.

Warnings: Spoilers for Justice League Dark Apokolips War, language

Word Count: 1770

You were sitting on your bed in Wayne Manor, phone in hand, now connected to your computer. It was the release day of the new movie back home where you were from and you were pumped for the movie. The only issue for you was seeing Damian and Raven together on screen what with you dating him and all. It was a bit weird but you weren’t going to let that stop you from watching the movie.

           Damian was going out for patrol and had just left. You didn’t really know how violent this movie would be but there were rumors that it would be pretty hardcore. It was just a movie though, and you were sure to teleport into a universe that wasn’t as... doomed as Flashpoint.

           Damian walked out of the room after one last kiss before you started up the movie and sat back to embark on whatever was supposed to happen. You watched as the movie started getting kind of intense.

           “A bit early dontcha think DC?” You muttered arms crossed.

           The film continued and eventually you stumbled across some of the bloodiest and most violent scenes that you’d ever witnessed. Would it have kind of messed you up watching it without knowing that this stuff was real? Yes. But now, knowing that this thing really happened, it hurts in a new kind of way.

           You watched as your favorite heroes died one by one. It was the most antagonizing thing that you’d ever seen in so long. Babs, eaten alive, Hawkman having his wings ripped off, it was like watching everyone that had raised you as a kid be killed off one by one. It broke you seeing what happened to the heroes as the casualties started sky rocketing. What really made you sick was the Titans dying.

           Star was split in half, her blood everywhere and spine showing through, Conner’s neck was snapped and then you saw it, Dick being stabbed to death. The sound made you feel queasy you felt sick to your stomach and then your heart dropped when the parademon saw Damian. You felt tears well in your eyes on anticipation only breathing when he was just knocked into the water seeing as there was a chance of his survival.

           It was hard going on, but know you were glued to the screen watching in anticipation of what was to happen. Eventually after sticking your nose up to what you knew as the DamiRae parts of the movie in jealousy, you got to one of the last battles. It was Damian vs Bruce and you knew it was not going to be pretty. If there was anything that you would never show him besides this entire movie, it was going to be this part and you knew it. You grimaced at the words that Bruce said. They echoed in your mind, his voice sticking there for a few seconds.                  “Your mother mentally broke me.” He continued, “You’re a burden.”

           “Damn B, I know you’re brainwashed and crap but what happened to Batdad?” You said getting a bit mad at the dialogue.

           After a little while, you watched in absolute horror as Damian jumped in front of Bruce. You were at a loss of words watching him shrivel into what looked like an ancient version of himself. Words clumped into the back of your throat as you started to cry hearing Raven screaming and then the climax of the movie hitting. It was terrible seeing him like that. You didn’t stop crying when he was revived either, you didn’t stop until the end of the movie where finally you went to the bathroom for a second.

           Damian wasn’t due to be home for a bit. It was an amazing movie, but seriously? You thought you’d be sick seeing the outcomes of Dick and everyone else. Yes, Flash would hopefully fix everything running into the Speed Force, but it costed everything. You went to the shelf in your bedroom, grabbing your character guide to flip through it. Tears only really came for those with the worst deaths. You didn’t know what happened to some of the characters but you were sure it either wasn’t good, or they weren’t in the movie at all. It was weird seeing everyone in this light and really didn’t affect you too terribly until you thought of Diana. She was the mother you never had and your childhood hero. Watching her become this cyborg version of herself, losing everything was something you didn’t take well.

           You flipped the page to her four pages and cried looking down at the now broken hero, seeing her in a whole new way of defeat and near death. You didn’t realize how much time had passed when you got a knock on the door and a voice that was certainly Damian’s.

           “Beloved?” He asked before you said he could come in, “Are you alrig-“

           Damian stopped dead in his tracks looking at your tear stained face with much concern and then saw the book open in your hands and the black screen of your laptop, it turning off automatically.

           “What happened?” He asked scooping you into his arms and sitting on your bed.

           “E-everyone d-died.” You choked up, “A-and Diana, she, I just, she was completely broken." “Y-you...” You trailed off not wanting to continue, the look on your face being very evident too Damian that that was the case.

           “Y/N, it doesn’t happen here, you know that. It was you who told me that this kind of thing would have already happened since it just got made into a movie.” Damian said, “Everyone is fine.” “I’m fine, I’m here with you, and you’re fine.”

           You looked up at him and shut the book before deleting the file of the movie, “Do not go watching that Damian.”

           “I won’t beloved, you have my word.” Damian promised tucking you two in and shutting off the lamp, “Remember, I’ll always be right here with you. I love you.”

           “I love you too.” You said not falling asleep as quickly as typical.

           It was a few hours later when a dream came on about the movie. You were there in some kind of clear box watching from afar. Damian was bleeding looking up at Bruce before it forwarded more and you saw the league in ruins once more. Damian was strapped into a machine and you were trying to get to him. There was no use in this however. He looked at you and pleaded for help before suddenly, without a moment’s notice, he shriveled into the grey corpse you had seen him in previously.

           “Y/N! Beloved wake up!” Damian was shaking you awake gently before you shot up, sweat covering your face and tears starting to stream down your face as you latched onto Damian, his arms wrapping around you tightly.

           “You’re okay Y/N, it was just a dream.” Damian said tenderly.

           “Please don’t stop talking.” You whimpered feeling him start to trace patterns ono your back as he started talking again, his hot breath dancing on your shoulder.

           “My love, when we first met I couldn’t believe that you were from a different universe.” Damian chuckled some, “To think you were so accustomed to Gotham and fought that man with such pride, I could have thought you had lived here your entire life. After I- you took me back to the cave, I thought you would have demanded to become a vigilante along with the rest of us.”  “I’m glad that you didn’t, it makes me feel better knowing that you’re safe but can also handle yourself at any given time. I’m so sorry that you had to see what you did in this kind of context.”

           His touch became still on your back before he took a long, drawn out sigh as if he was thinking about what he was going to say, “I love you like I love the stars, they are a small light of mystery and beauty in this world.” He smiled some kissing your shoulder.

           “I love you like the ocean, your thoughts and it infinitely deep and everchanging.” He kissed your other shoulder.

           “I love you like I love stories, complex and an escape from reality.” He kissed your jaw.    

           “You are my sun, the light of my life.” He kissed your other cheek”

           “You’re my rest and comfort” He kissed the tip of your nose, “My first love, not just a meaningless relationship.” He kissed your forehead, “My eyes, seeing the beauty in the world.” He then kissed your eye and smiled as you grinned some, “You are my beauty, something that I adore every day.” He lightly kissed your other eye.

           “But most importantly,” Damian paused as you opened your eyes some, “You are my last love, my beloved, and my entire world.” This time he pulled you in for a real kiss, something that felt like it lasted for days or even centuries.

           “I love you Damian.” You smiled as he fell back onto the pillow, taking you down with him and holding you closely still to his chest as you literally laid on top of him.

           “I love you Y/N.” He smiled running his fingers through your hair and fell asleep quickly after you did.

           You awoke from your sleep, light pouring into the bedroom.

           “Good morning beloved.” You heard Damian mutter, a smile in his voice now with an accent.

           “Good morning Dami.” You replied yawning some.

           “Did you sleep well after everything?” He questioned running his fingers through your hair.

           “I did, thank you.” You laughed, “That is the last time I watch that movie.”

           “I’m glad you’re doing better, it sounded like a terrible thing to see what with now knowing it’s relevancy.” He explained, an arm still wrapped tightly around your waste as he sat up.

           You laid in his lap before sitting up, facing him. You were straddling him, your feet pressing against his hips but only because you had socks on. He kissed you lightly smiling into it. You laid your head on his chest and sighed.

           “Last night felt like a fever dream.” He chuckled at your comment.

           “I assure you beloved, it was not a dream.” Damian said, “The good parts especially weren’t.”

           “I’m glad for that.” You smiled, “Anyways, we should probably get breakfast now.”

           “But what if we stayed in bed?” He asked.

           “What if we quickly ate something and had a relaxing weekend?” You asked.

           “That sounds wonderful.” Damian said as you guys got up to head downstairs and start your weekend.

[lilahdesignforperformance]

DESIGN MATRIX

CHARACTERS:

Physical characters:

Alannah Devlin

Fianna Devlin

Da - Peter

British solider

Mentioned characters not necessarily seen:

Mammy

Father Kearney

Maggie

CHARACTER CHANGES:

Alannah Devlin ( Early thirties)

Fianna Devlin ( Late twenties )

Peter “DA” Devlin ( Mid-fifties)

British soldier ( Mid-twenties )

Crocodile - Da

ALANNAH -

Clean (OCD tendencies), innocent (unsure, on edge), quite, polite.

Smokes secretly

Shuts down gets panicked from the fire alarm

Becomes fed up with Fianna

Over thinks which can be seen by her story about the lyrics from Africa by Toto

Becomes more and more agitated and uneasy

Alannah becomes transfixed by chaos

Loosens up which is seen as she takes swig from the bottle Fianna was drinking

Eats the chips off of the ground

Starts to drink more and smoke without trying to hide it

Stabs DA (character shift) - this is the turning point for Alannah and how she breaks out of the innocent, quite and polite shell she was living in

Becomes wildly drunk

Changes completely from who she was at the start as she now wishes pain on DA when before she was too afraid

FIANNA -

Aggressive behaviour from the beginning

Forward and confronting “i’m not gonna hurt ya, i’m just gonna bash your face in”

Expressive of her emotions 

Fianna switches from chaotic character to being the character with their head screwed on when Alannah becomes erratic 

DA -

Paralysed

Gunshot wounded

Bleeding out fast

Bossy

Rude

Controlling

Becomes legless after Alannah saws his legs off

Non responsive

Manipulative

COSTUMES:

ALANNAH -

Hair in Scrawny little bun

Puts a pair of marigolds on

Becomes covered in Da’s blood

FIANNA -

Wreath around neck

Dirty boots

Tattoos

Leather

Big hair

Denim

Gun

Cigarettes

Becomes covered in Da’s blood

LAYOUT OF SET:

Isolated farmhouse - refurbished in 70’s-80’s

Cream laminate cabinets, wooden table matching chairs, pale tiles, modest stove

Stage left door to outside world, with a small telephone table and mirror hanging above

Downstage right staircase and hallway covered by curtain

Upstairs over the sink, large window that stares out to darkness

Uncomfortably clean

Muggy

Shiny worktop

New wallpaper

Pristine

Toilet down the hall

Everything within the cupboards is colour coded

No bin inside

Chair that Da is sat on

Candles scattered across the room

PROPS AND USES:

Rock thrown through window

Stove - Alannah cleans it precisely and intensely

Eight packets of crisps which are referred to as sad crisps

Incense is lit becomes extinguished by Fianna

Rock smashes window (page 40)

Alannah slices bread - burns it

Gun in Fiannas pocket

Cigarettes DA rolls

Bottle of rum in wine glass

Alannah tops up drink, slices apple

Telephone - Alannah picks up, pauses, puts it down

Pipe on the table

Fianna has a chainsaw

Alannah drinks rum from the bottle

Alannah puts pot on stove

Fianna plays banjo

Fridge freezer stores a CD

Knife used to stab Da

Coin (heads + tails)

Glass of cold water (To revive DA)

SLK riffle at Alannah's head

Petrol bomb

LIGHTING:

Night (dark) - act 1

Occasional search light outside - Act 1

Weather begins to get worse, begins to get even darker

Cloudy weather outside

Light flickers - Page 76

Light flickers - Page 80

Light flickers - Page 88

Black out

Candle light

Candles go out

Flash of light - Page 114

Black out - End

MEDIA REFERENCES:

Thunder crackling (Act one)

Helicopter sounds over head 

Frog croak

“Some say the Devil is Dead” The Wolfe Tones

Window smash

The Shining

The Poltergeist

Fire alarm

Frog croaks again pg 51

Flush of toilet

Knocking from upstairs pg 57

Africa by ToTo plays pg 60

Both Fianna and Alannah sing

Music volume increases (come on feel the noize by quiet room plays)

Roof hammers

A gunshot pg 72

Water splashes onto floor

Telephone rings

Frog croak pg 75

Thundercloud breaks“Africa” TOTO

Turns of music

“You’ll never get away from me” by Tony Bennett plays

Turns music off

Storm raging on

Demented noise, from “Alligator wine” by screaming Jay Hawkins

Carrie

“O-O-H child” The Five Stair steps

Noises upstairs, noise upstairs stops

Pan smashes to the floor

Soldiers radio, speech and the static

Thud from upstairs, house shakes

Crackling on radioHouse shudders

Blood dripping

Predatorily breathing

Female screen from cassette player, scream melts away

Helicopter sounds overhead

Frog croaks

Chainsaw

EXTERNAL REFERENCES:

Set rural Camlough, south armagh northern Ireland 1989

Tayto Cheese and Onion crips

Superking Menthol Cigarettes

Ireland

Bible verses

Paras

G&T

The Clangers

Jay Hawkins

Armagh Jail

Newry canal

Chinless wonders

Armagh

Rachel O’Briain

Rachel Devlin

A Nightmare On Elm Street

Quiet Riot

Bible verses

Asmat tribe

Leviathan crocodiles

One Eyed Willie

Billy Connolly

IRA

Colossians: chapter three, verses twenty-two

Hitler

Bible verses/prayers

Children of the Corn

Brits

South Armagh, North Ireland

Corinthians: Chapter Eleven, Verse Eight

Empress Jaro

Psalms

MUSICAL REFERENCES:

The first song mentioned it Africa by TOTO. "Africa" is a song recorded by the American rock band Toto in 1981, for their fourth studio album Toto IV, and released as the album's third single on September 30, 1982, through Columbia Records. The song was written by band members David Paich and Jeff Porcaro. 

Lyrics:

I hear the drums echoing tonight But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation She's coming in, 12:30 flight Her moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation I stopped an old man along the way Hoping to find some old forgotten words or ancient melodies He turned to me as if to say "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you" [Chorus: Bobby Kimball] It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in Africa Gonna take some time to do the things we never had [Verse 2: David Paich] The wild dogs cry out in the night As they grow restless longing for some solitary company I know that I must do what's right As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti I seek to cure what's deep inside Frightened of this thing that I've become [Chorus: Bobby Kimball] It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in Africa Gonna take some time to do the things we never had [Bridge] Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you [Chorus: Bobby Kimball] It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa I bless the rains down in Africa Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

The second song to be mentioned in the play is Cum on feel the noize by Quiet Riot. Quiet Riot is an American heavy metal band founded in 1973  by guitarist Randy Rhoads and bassist Kelly Garni. The band is ranked at No. 100 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock

Lyrics:

[Chorus] Come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild Wild, wild, wild [Verse 1] So you think I got an evil mind I tell you, honey I don't know why I don't know why So you think my singing's out of time It makes me money I don't know why I don't know why Anymore, oh no [Chorus] So come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild Wild, wild, wild Come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild Baby! [Verse 2] So you say I got a funny face I got no worries And I don't know why I don't know why Oh I gotta sing, it's some disgrace I'm in no hurry And I don't know why I don't know why Anymore, no, no, no [Chorus] Come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild Wild, wild, wild Come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild, baby Come on! [Guitar solo] [Verse 3] Well, you think we have a lazy time You should know better I don't know why I don't know why So you say I got a dirty mind I'm a mean go-getter I don't know why I don't know why Anymore, oh no Come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild Wild, wild, wild Come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild Oh, wild Come on! (Come on!) Feel it! Come on! (Girls, rock your boys) Work it! We'll get wild, wild, wild (We're gonna get wild) Wild, wild, wild (We're gonna get wild tonight) Come on, feel the noise (Rock it tonight) Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild (Oh, yeah) Ah, ah-ah ah-ah (Whoo!) Ah, ah, ah Come on, feel the noise Girls, rock your boys We'll get wild, wild, wild Ah, ah-ah ah-ah Ah, ah, ah

The third and final song reference made in the play is You’ll never get away from me by Tony Bennett. Anthony Dominick Benedetto (born August 3, 1926), known professionally as Tony Bennett, is an American singer of traditional pop standards, big band, show tunes, and jazz. He is also a painter, having created works under his birth name that are on permanent public display in several institutions. He is the founder of the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens, New York.

Lyrics:

You'll never get away from me You can climb the tallest tree, I'll be there somehow True, you could say, "Hey, here's your hat" But a little thing like that couldn't stop me now I couldn't get away from you Even if you told me to, so go on and try Just try and you're gonna see How you're gonna not at all get away from me Rose, I love you, but don't count your chickens Come dance with me I warn you, that I'm no Boy Scout Relax awhile, come dance with me So don't think that I'm easy pickin', the music's so nice Rose, 'cause I just may some day pick up and pack out Oh, no you won't, no, not a chance No arguments, shut up and dance You'll never get away from me You can climb the tallest tree, I'll be there somehow True, you could say, "Hey, here's your hat" But a little thing like that couldn't stop me now I couldn't get away from you Even if I wanted to well, go on and try, just try Ah, Rose and you're gonna see Ah, Rose how you're gonna not at all Get away from me

SPACE CHANGE REFERENCES:

Uncomfortable clean space “shinny, perfect”

Window in kitchen becomes broken from a Fianna throwing a rock through

Floor tiles become muddy from Fianna’s boots

Fire alarm ripped from the ceiling

Becomes smoky from cigarette

Pipe on table- Page 73

Smell of burnt bread

Table moves and becomes dirty as Fianna stands on it

Alannah opens all the cupboards

Crisps opened and crushed all over the floor

Hallway door opens as Da comes in

Blood begins pooling out onto the floor

Pot brewing on the stove

Da slumped in a chair in the corner, legless

Blood spilling out onto the floor

Stew all over the floor and pan is knocked over

Smokes comes out from the curtain

Leviathan crocodile in room

Smoke billows from behind the crocodile

Cupboard door is ripped off to barricade window

PHRASES/SLANG/TERMS:

Craic

Sacred heart

Mother Superior

Wreath off a hearse

Crown during The Famine

Dirty we tout

Firebug

Ye

Hold on a tick and a half

Okey dokey

Daft eejit

Crocodile tears

ALANNAH -

Polite “please, Thank you”

“Flipping sake”

“Oh whoop-dee-flippin-do”

FIANNA -

“Some say the devil is dead

“Thanks be to god”

“Pot fucking kettle, gin eyes” pg 43

“Taking the mick” pg 45

“Ireland, through us summon her children to her flag and strike for freedom”

“See you later alligator, fuck off crocodile”

“So you think i’ve got an evil mind (quiet riot)

“Ye daft cunt”

THEMES/GENRES:

References to mental illness such as OCD

Black comedy

Stockholm syndrome

Sister relationship

Reference to domestic abuse and pedophelia

Sexism

REFERENCE IMAGERY:

70′s Kitchen:

70′s Wallpaper:

Farmhouse:

Crocodile:

Lighting:

[caspian-skye]

The Apoptosis Project Ch.8, Making a Statement

“Twenty-five years after Salem's defeat, twins Caspian and Lazula Skye are finally of age to attend their father's academy; just in time for the Creatures of Grimm to return. While fighting the revived horror alongside Frontline Biomedical's controversial Organic Androids, they begin to unravel a web of secrets ensnaring more than they could have ever known.”  

"Okay, let's go ahead and get started for the day!" Professor Corvis-Braun began eagerly. Caspian looked to the lecture hall's stage, where Lilly's mother peeked over the podium. Whenever Caspian had seen the diminutive, feathery-haired woman in the past, she wore some stylish mixture of cardigan, blazer, skirt, sweater, vest, and tights. Her outfit never strayed away from moody hues of black, white, midnight blue, and silver. Apparently, her work attire was no exception.

"Welcome to your first day of Interspecies History!" the professor announced. A pair of dark eyes flicked to the full rows of long, rounded tables forming eight half-circles up to the back of the room. "I'm Professor Corvis-Braun, but you can call me Professor Corvis if it's easier. Or Professor Braun, I love my husband. This class has the reputation of being a bit dry, especially at a school that teaches Grimm Studies and Practical Weapons Training. But! It's important. Plus, every year I've had a handful of students that really take to this class, so that might end up being you!" She took a sip from her water before continuing. "This is a special year for me, because my own daughter happens to be in this room! I won't call her out, but-"

Lilly smiled and turned, waving to the rows behind her.

"Oh! Well then, that's her," Professor Corvis confirmed above a chorus of laughter and "aww"-s. "Anyway, though faunus are equal in law now, and a big city like this sees very little overt racism, we're living in quite an important time right now. Can anyone tell me why this class has become so relevant?"

After several seconds, she pointed to a hand toward the back of the room.

"The Red Claw?"

Professor Corvis-Braun pulled back a bit in surprise. "Yes! I mean, that wasn't the answer I was looking for, but that's an important issue we'll cover in depth starting next week. Any other answers? Good answer, by the way."

At the furthest section of the room, a few rows back, Noxis raised his hand. Professor Corvis called on him.

"I wouldn't count them as a species," Noxis began, leaning back in his chair. "But are you talking about Organds?"

By the end of his first lecture at Sentinel, Caspian's wrist burned from writing, and his stomach was empty. The beginning of class saw a quick, broad overview of course content, which eventually shifted into administrative and logistic details of the class. Professor Corvis finished with a minute to spare, just as the zipping and shuffling of all the backpacks in the room began to drown her out.

Caspian clutched his stomach. "Man, I'm hungry. After Grimm Studies, you guys wanna meet at The Roots?"

"I'm down. I'll ask Ichigo," Rowan agreed.

"I suppose I'll stop by for a bit," Lilly said. "I'm meeting a new friend later this afternoon, though."

Unease crept into Caspian's mind. A new friend...

"Want to come to The Roots after next class?" Caspian typed into his Holoband. He looked across the room.

Noxis flashed his Holoband's screen, looking at it for a few seconds. He shut it off, slung his bag over a shoulder, and made his way out the door.

As Cedar Hall, Sentinel's first-year dormitory building, was built into the side of the steep hill holding the academy above the bay, The Roots Cafe was below ground level on one side, but well above the street on the other. One wall was almost entirely windows, revealing the impressive view from shopping center to the North, to the flat tract of land across the street that held the SFC, sports fields and sparring courts to the South. Looming furthest away, against a backdrop of skyscrapers and sea, was Sentinel Stadium.

The Roots itself was quite cozy, Caspian thought. The side furthest from the windows was a winding maze of counters and kiosks. It got fairly busy at dinner, but the food seemed decent so far, a selection from all over Remnant. Toward the windows, comfortable booths and tables in many shades of brown found space among gently curving half-walls and wooden pillars. At each end of the cafeteria was a near-abstract mural of huntsmen and Grimm.

The day after initiation, Rowan found a round table nestled in a half-circle alcove facing the window. Every meal since, he had refused to sit anywhere else.

"The flesh of Frontline Biomedical Technology's Organic Androids is created from human stem cells. The 'organic components,' as they are called, are mounted onto a titanium alloy and carbon-fiber frame, making Organic Androids nearly indistinguishable from humans," Caspian read. "Though they look much like us, what would be their brain is actually called a 'Brain-Core System.' The 'core,' in the android's chest, handles power and low-level internal functioning. The 'brain,' in the android's head, allows for higher-level processing. However, it should be noted both brain and core are incapable of thought and emotion."

Caspian looked up to Lilly expectantly.

"I see..." she pondered. "I think you do a wonderful job of setting up the issue, and differentiating between Organd and human. However, I fail to see the main point of your paper. I believe it would be helpful if you transitioned into your main point from what you have now." She looked to him. "Do you have any ideas?"

Caspian pursed his lips. "Hmm... I guess, I'll talk about how people generally respect Frontline because of its medical advancements, but there's a lot of distrust toward Organds." He looked up from his screen. "People don't like things that look so human and... aren't."

"Why'd your mom have to go and assign a paper on the first day of class?" Rowan complained. "Always seemed like a nice lady, but that's just cruel."

Lilly's lips drew up in a muted smile of amusement. "It's only two to three pages, and is worth a very small portion of your grade," she reminded. "This is more a measure of your starting point than anything. Have you started?"

"It's due Monday, right?"

"Yes."

"Nope. I think I'll start Saturday. Maybe Sunday," Rowan responded. He tore into his sandwich.

"I think I'll distinguish between combat models and companion models too, because their internal coding and ability to fight is different enough to note," Caspian commented, leaning into his laptop. He struggled to type a few words with his left hand, his right still wrapped up in a sling. "Writing an essay is hard enough with two functional hands."

"What about third gen Organds?" Ichigo inquired.

"They're not out yet. I might mention them, but I don't think I know enough to say much about them..."

Rowan raised a finger, gulping down an ambitious bite of his lunch. "You hear that the third gen ones are gonna be able to eat? Isn't that weird?"

"They can't digest though, what happens to the food?" Ichigo questioned.

"Damn, good question," Rowan admitted. He flicked on his Holoband, typing up a search.

"We're eating," Lilly reminded. "Perhaps we should leave this question for later?"

"...So who's the new friend, Lilly?" Caspian asked, attempting to pass off his budding jealousy as innocent curiosity.

Lilly smiled gently. "Her name is Aspen. She's a second-year, we happened to run into each other when I was exploring the campus libraries."

Good. A girl.

Lilly looked down to her Holoband in surprise, and switched it on. "Oh, that's her right now!" she announced. She dabbed at her lips with a napkin, and shuffled across the half-circle booth until she was free of the table.

"I'll see you later!" Caspian bid with a grin.

Lilly waved, and was on her way.

"Y'know, one of these days it won't be a girl!" Rowan chided.

Caspian balled a napkin in his fist. "I know..."

"When are you gonna make your move? Sentinel's full of dudes. I'm just trying to help you along! You've got that 'childhood friend' thing going for you, but-"

"Can we please talk about anything else?"

-

Sentinel's dorms were a rough transition for Lazula. She had grown so used to her plush bed, giant bathtub in a bathroom with marble floor and golden faucets, and gourmet food whenever she liked. Now in the land of shared showers, standard-issue mattresses, and long lines in The Roots, at least getting up for her morning routine was easier.

Only a few days in, Lazula fell into her routine. Every morning, she would wake exactly at six. She would grab a healthy bite, and run the trail around Sentinel's campus. The loop was almost exactly two miles, so would take eleven or twelve minutes. Then to the Student Fitness Center right as it opened, when no one was around to gawk at her, or the weight she put on bar and machine alike. She would be back before nine to shower and take a second breakfast, making it just in time for her first class.

Classes had just concluded for the day, so the SFC was a bit more crowded than usual. Lazula walked up to the front desk, nodding to the attendant as she neared.

"Where can I find the Sparring Team?" she asked. "I heard there's a meeting here today."

"Oh, that would be..." the student at the front desk began. He keyed a search into the computer. "Room 202. Right up those stairs, first court on the left."

"Thanks." Raising her wrist up to the sensor, her Holoband pulsed once with vibration, and the hard-light door allowed her through. She went to the locker room first, donning her combat attire in its entirety before continuing onto room 202.

"As is the case every year, let's start by talking recruitment," a young man's voice declared from behind the door. Strong, but friendly. Lazula had heard the voice before. "Cole is already working on designing flyers, and I'd like to start handing them out in front of the library starting next week. I'll also ask the Headmaster if-"

The door shut loudly behind Lazula, drawing everyone's eyes to her. One hand rested on Impetus's hilt as Lazula locked eyes with the man, cocking her head back ever slightly.

"I challenge you to a duel."

He cracked a grin. The same impossibly white, straight-toothed smile that decorated Sentinel's promotional material, and advertisements for countless brands having nothing to do with huntsmen. His hair was styled just as neat as the pictures, a close shave on the sides and back of his head, with hair in front and top swept to the side in golden waves, one unruly lock drooping to his brow. She had never realized how thoroughly dark his eyes were.

"And here I was, wondering how long I should wait for you to settle in before challenging you," Midas welcomed. "I admire your initiative."

"I'm a twelve-time tournament champion at a new school with some of the strongest huntsmen in Vale," Lazula reminded. "It only makes sense I challenge the very strongest one here, and beat him."

Midas's smile continued. "Well, then. I accept your challenge."

Lazula drew Impetus from its sheath, positioning her feet and staring down her opponent.

"...After our warm-ups, of course!"

Lazula's shoulders sunk, and she sheathed her blade.

"Sure."

After a quick jog down to the water's edge and back, and a bit of dynamic stretching, Lazula and the rest of the Sparring Team returned to their room in the SFC. She had been sizing up Midas from the moment she agreed to warm up. She knew he fought with Resplendence, a halberd that unfolded into a bow, and channeled the electricity Midas produced with his semblance. He was well built but still looked nimble, and kept up with her on the run down to the water. He had a height advantage of over half a foot.

"By default, Sparring Team matches use a safety parameter of twenty percent. Is that alright?" Midas asked.

"Seems fair."

"Good." Midas pinched the screen he projected from his Holoband and flicked it upward. It hit a strange metallic structure suspended from the ceiling, and two screens flashed above the pair, displaying their names, pictures, and aura level.

Midas and Lazula took their places at opposing ends of the court. "It's too bad we're inside," Lazula said. "I'll have to hold back a bit if I don't want to break something."

Midas grinned. "I can hold back too! It's only fair."

Lazula shook her head. "That won't be necessary."

The excited buzz of the room quieted as a girl in robes of silvery blue stepped between them. "This is an impromptu sparring match between Team Captain Midas Baine, and challenger Lazula Skye," she announced. "The first combatant to decrease their enemy's aura level to twenty percent, or the combatant with highest aura level after five minutes, will be declared winner." She turned to Midas, then Lazula. "The match will begin after a ten second countdown."

As the clock began to count down, Lazula unsheathed Impetus, hearing the familiar, comforting sound of steel leaving its sheath. She pointed it at the ready, lowering her head.

As soon as she heard the tone, Lazula tore toward Midas. He stood his ground, halberd at the ready. Lazula smirked. "People should know by now that some attacks are just too strong to parry," she thought. She swung her blade across her body, but slashed through air.

Midas had spun around the side of her attack, and she felt a heavy strike down her back. Before she could turn, Midas spun his weapon and jabbed her spine, flinging her forward as she yelped with surprise and pain.

No one had hit her like that in a while, she recalled. Her first tournament? Or was it the second, over in Vacuo? It didn't matter now.

"No way! Look at her aura!" a voice called from the crowd.

"Ninety-five percent?! After a hit like that?"

She ducked under a slash parallel to the floor, pivoting into Midas and springing up with a vicious bash by Aegis. She slashed twice as he was knocked off balance, but her third swing was met by the shaft of his weapon. Cracking a grin, Midas channeled electricity down the length of his arm and into his weapon.

Lazula ripped Impetus away just as electricity began to course its way into Resplendence. She flung his weapon away and met him with an elbow to the chestplate before spinning and knocking him back with her shield. Midas slid backward, and used the distance between them to transform his weapon into a bow. He drew as Lazula ran forward, but at the last minute lowered his shot and let fly a bolt of lightning into Lazula's boots.

Electricity crackled across the ground as Lazula leapt over the attack, and crashed down on Midas with her blade. As his weapon rose to meet hers she channeled her semblance, taking his resistance into her own swing and amplifying it. Resplendence gave way, and Lazula slashed across his chest.

Midas's recovery was impressive. By the time Lazula swung back at him, he regained focus and parried her strike. A second and a third attack were met as well. Lazula took a split second to drop back and regain her focus before lunging at the golden-haired huntsman once more. "He's faster than me," Lazula realized. No matter how quickly she attacked, Midas's spinning of body and weapon alike caught her blade and tossed it back.

Finally, Impetus swung into Resplendence's axehead. Midas grinned, twisting his weapon until her blade was locked in his. Electricity crackled around him once more as Lazula attempted to rip her weapon free to no avail. She felt heat on her hands, then a seizing of her muscles, as if some searing entity inside of her arm controlled it from within. She let go of Impetus, and the Sparring Team scattered as the blade was flung their way. Midas turned and brought the head of Resplendence down on his unarmed foe.

Lazula blocked the attack with Aegis. Channeling as much of her semblance as she deemed safe, she wrenched her arm outward. Midas's armor crushed with the weight of her blow. He was flung back, providing Lazula an opening to retrieve Impetus.

She eyed the screen above her as she picked up her blade. She had been hit a few more times since, but her aura was still above ninety percent. Midas's hovered just over forty. The huntsman panted at the far side of the room, shoulders hunched. Letting out one last breath, he straightened and transformed Resplendence back into a bow.

Lazula raised Aegis to block a lightning bolt, then a second. She ran forward, keeping an eye out for more as she approached. She and Midas were locked in combat for several more seconds, before Midas ducked under one of her swings, and spun on the floor in an attempt to sweep her feet from under her.

Lazula buried Impetus's tip, vaulting over Midas's attack. She took its force into her blade and channeled it into her legs, blasting Midas with a potent kick to the gut. He rolled into the nearest wall, losing Resplendence. Lazula jumped after him, finishing their fight with a final strike.

The Sparring Team broke into hoots and cheers of excitement. With one foot on the ground, Lazula stepped on Midas's chestplate, bringing Impetus's tip dangerously close to his throat.

Her triumphant glare softened. She sheathed her weapon and extended a hand.

"I didn't hurt you, did I?" she asked as Midas took her hand. "That last hit was a bit much for how much aura you had left."

Midas met her worry with an easy smile as he walked over to grab Resplendence. "No need to worry about me, I'm durable!"

Lazula huffed in amusement. "You're not bad. That was fun." She looked to the crowd that began to fill the sparring court, then back to Midas. "How do I join the team?"

Midas shook his head with another smile.

"After a fight like that, you're in."

[7-wonders]

As Above, So Below Ch. 18

Summary: Your average, mundane life as a college student is flipped upside down when the man you thought you knew as your next-door neighbor turns out to be the God of the dead. When Michael lures you down to Hell, everything that you thought you knew about the world is proven wrong.

Word Count: 3976

A/N: You know the drill! If you enjoyed this, I would love if you left a comment or an ask. Feedback is always appreciated, like and reblog if you liked reading this. Thanks so much for supporting my little passion project!

Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6| Chapter 7| Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18: And the Birds Sing

The fire in Michael’s room is already roaring by the time he returns with you tucked safely in his arms, a sure sign that everyone in the Underworld knows about what had happened on that frozen lake of the damned. He gently sets you on the chest at the foot of his bed, darting back and forth as he attempts to find the needed supplies. Shivers wrack through you, your body already missing the heat that Michael provides you. A pile of blankets sits waiting on top of the bed, and Michael finally returns from his office with a knife.

“Gonna put me out of my misery?” You struggle to say the joke, teeth chattering hard enough to make you mildly concerned that one will crack. Michael smiles thinly, a sign that he’s trying not to make his anxiety visible.

“No, but I do need to get you out of your wet clothes, and there’s too many layers to worry about taking them off one at a time.” You nod, dipping your head slightly to allow Michael to remove your crown from your wet strands of hair.

“Why is it that I always seem to get into trouble when I’m wearing a beautiful dress?” You ponder, lamenting the loss of the masterpiece of a dress that Michael is carefully slicing off of your body. 

“I’d much rather we lose the dress than lose you,” Michel mutters, tongue poking out in concentration as he works the blade through your corset. “Stand up, please.”

It takes a little effort, your legs wobbling and Michael having to support you while he also removes your now-ruined dress from your body. You’re left standing in just your undergarments, Michael holding your hands so that you can step out of them. Despite the freezing cold that has replaced the blood running through your veins, you still feel your cheeks heating up at being naked in front of Michael. It’s not like he’s never seen you naked before, but it’s still something that’s very intimate to you. Michael, however, shows no sign of being phased by your lack of clothes. He barely even glances at your body, instead walking you over to sit on the bed and starting to wrap you up in blankets. He’s dedicated in completing the task, using each and every blanket until only your face is poking through the nest that now surrounds you. 

“Why can’t I just take a bath or something? I’m still wet,” you point out, nose wrinkling as your hair starts to leak through onto the blankets.

“If I warm you up too fast, it could be dangerous to your health.”

“And here I thought you wouldn’t know much about mortal ailments.”

“When you’ve lived for as long as I have, you tend to pick up a few things.” You raise an eyebrow when Michael starts to strip, ending up in the same state as you.

“Um, can I ask why you’re also taking your clothes off?” You’re determined to keep your eyes on his face and not on his sculpted body.

“Body heat is also a good way to warm someone up when they’re getting hypothermic.”

Michael slides under the covers next to you, pulling your blanket-wrapped self up against him. Even under the mountain of blankets, his warmth still radiates through to you. He hums quietly, your head feeling like it’s being rifled through in what you assume is Michael absentmindedly listening to your thoughts. You want to scold him, but you know that he likely doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. It’s a bad habit, he’s explained to you before, and he always feels really bad whenever he finally catches on that the thoughts are not his.

“I always thought you would be really cold,” you say quietly, eyes fluttering as you stare at the fire. “Imagine my surprise when I learned you’re actually a space heater.”

“Why did you assume that I would be cold?”

“The whole ‘God of the Dead’ thing. Dead people are pretty cold, so I thought you’d be the same way,” you speak through a yawn, the silence of the room and Michael’s steady breathing starting to lull you to sleep.

“Isn’t there a saying? ‘The warmer you are, the closer to Hell you are,’ or something like that?” You’re not looking at him, but you can still see the cheeky smirk he must have on his face.

“It’s about being short, not being warm.” Michael revels in your response, gently shaking you when he can sense that you’re about to fall asleep. “What the hell, Michael?”

He ignores the opportunity to make a joke. “I don’t want you to sleep until I know that your temperature is back where it’s supposed to be.”

“Damn you and your common sense.”

Without your knowledge, Michael summons a member of the staff. Cassius, the demon who had agreed to sacrifice his very existence for the sake of defeating Satan, appears. Cassius looks at Michael, as if to make sure it’s okay for him to use his powers. When Michael nods, the demon takes a very cautious glance at Michael’s thoughts to determine what he needs without either of them alerting you of his presence. The smaller man with horns and fangs disappears before returning with a small tray of what Michael had requested. Michael nods, both to thank and dismiss his loyal subject; black eyes dart to you before he transmutes out of the room. 

“Are you feeling up to drinking some tea, darling mine? I would think its warmth would help to warm you up.”

“How did…” you turn your head, looking over at the tray that just seems to have magically appeared in the room. “You and your damn demon posse.”

“Here, drink.” Michael brings the steaming cup to your lips, waiting patiently until you begrudgingly start to drink it.

“You know, I can hold it myself.”

“(Y/N),” Michael says in exasperation, “I almost lost you today, for the second time. Please, just this once, let me take care of you.” 

His words have you stunned into silence, and you finally nod in agreement. “Okay,” you say quietly, at a loss for words at how much this has affected him.

“I apologize for snapping at you, but you must understand how I felt when I saw the ice starting to break under your feet. Watching you fall into the lake, and being rendered helpless to rescue you, was the epitome of my worst nightmare. I have never felt fear quite like I did when I was attempting to spot you through the ice. I thought that--that you would be swept away, and lost forever. I had just gotten you back, and then it seemed like I was going to lose you all over again.”

“You were the only thing I could think of when I realized that I wouldn’t be able to find the surface,” you admit. “Out of all of the possible thoughts that could be my last, I was worried about how you were going to fare when I died.”

“I would have been a complete and utter mess.” When Michael’s satisfied with the amount of tea that you’ve drank, he sets the cup down and picks up a thermometer. “How does this thing work?”

You take it from him, swiftly uncapping it and positioning it under your tongue. The cool metal fills you with nostalgia, reminding you of trips to the nurse’s office throughout your years in school. Whether you were sick or not, that thermometer would always be a guarantee for any need, even one as simple as obtaining a painkiller. Michael’s silent while you wait for the device to beep, and you idly play with the rings that still decorate his long fingers. A shrill beep pierces the air, and Michael stares at the thermometer like it’s a foreign object.

“What’s a normal body temperature for a human?” Stifling a giggle, you read the numbers on the LED screen before putting it back on the tray it appeared on. 

“Ninety eight point six-ish?”

“So is it bad that yours is ninety three?”

“Not good, but not bad. It means I’m recovering. Considering you had to revive me, it could be a lot worse.” Michael groans, pulling you closer into his arms as if to remind himself that his resuscitation efforts actually worked.

“Please don’t remind me about that.” The cheeky smile on your face falls when you hear his strangled voice. Turning your head in his grasp, you see that his eyes are shut tightly while he attempts to prevent any tears from escaping.

“Hey,” your voice grows soft as you disentangle one of your hands from the nest of blankets, using it to stroke Michael’s cheek, “stop thinking about it. I’m right here, in front of you. I’m warm...er than I was, and I’m alive and recovering and safe in your arms.”

“But you weren’t...I saw you dead…” he mutters, lost in the events that preceded your current situation.

“Michael,” you wait for him to look at you before speaking. “Look at me. What happened was not your fault.”

“It was all my fault, (Y/N). I’m the reason there’s a prophecy in the first place, and the reason why you’re stuck here. You almost died--no, you did die, all because I put you in the middle of my battle with my father.”

“Stop talking like that, or else I’ll get Madison to hold me,” you threaten sternly. “Every action has been my choice. I chose to complete the Seven Wonders and come back here, I chose to tell you that I love you, I chose to be a part of the plan that I came up with. Do not, for a single second, blame yourself for anything. I am an adult who is capable of making my own choices, which I did.”

Michael listens silently, mulling over your words as he kisses the top of your head. “I’ve never been more proud of anyone than I was of you today.”

“Lying to make me feel better.”

“No!” Michael insists, moving the blanket away from your face so he can actually see your facial features. “Not only did you handle the burden of a coronation, however fake it may have been, with dignity and grace, but you also managed to be a total...what’s the word?” He trails off, brows furrowing as he attempts to figure out what he wants to say.

“Badass?” You fill in with the only word that pops to mind. 

“Yes! I don’t really know what it means, but you say it a lot and it seems to describe how you were when distracting my father.” His cheeks color a tantalizing shade of red, and you can’t help the urge to lean over and plant featherlight kisses on them. 

“While I appreciate that, Michael, I highly doubt it was anything too extraordinary.”

“You undervalue yourself far too often, my love. If I ever get lucky enough for you to accept my offer, you will most certainly be the best queen the Underworld could ever have. You’re kind, and brilliant, and selfless in ways that I could never be.”

Michael, sensing your hesitation at how best to respond, places the back of his hand on your forehead.

“You seem to be warming up. Are you still feeling up for a bath?”

“A bath sounds nice.” Michael stands, and you can’t help but to admire the firmness of his ass before your eyes fly up to his face in embarrassment. 

“I’ll be only a moment,” he promises. When the bathroom door closes behind him, the wistful smile on your face remains just as prevalent.

/////////////////////////////

“You’re doing much better than you were, I presume?” The garden (your garden, you suppose) that you’re sitting in is bathed in warm sunlight, courtesy of Michael giving in to your pleas to have just a couple hours of sunlight at the castle every once in a while. You tap your foot against the ground nervously, being gentle not to nudge a sleeping Cerberus and smiling politely as you sit across a small table from the Queen of the Gods herself. Violet’s dressed in what you believe is her version of casual; a beige dress that falls to her knees, accompanied by a large red cardigan. 

When you woke in the morning after falling asleep in Michael’s arms, hair still wet from the warm bath, an ornately sealed letter sat on the dresser. Olympus, Michael read out loud, had learned of what had happened on Cocytus. An emergency council was to be held between the trio of main gods, with the meeting taking place in the Underworld in order to give Zeus and Poseidon the opportunity to inspect the locale where Satan was now entombed. To everyone’s surprise, Michael’s beloved sister made the trip as well, with the specific request of speaking to you privately. Needless to say, nervous would be an understatement as to how you’re feeling.

“I am, thank you. It was...frightening, to wake up on the ice and not have any clue what was happening, but I knew I was in good hands.”

“Knowing Michael, he would have personally found a way to reverse time if he hadn’t been able to bring you back to life,” Violet sips delicately at her tea. “What is it like?”

“What is what like?” You question, cocking your head slightly.

“To die, not only once, but twice?”

“Four times, technically.”

“Pardon?”

“Oh, when my body was shutting down because of the ‘nothing living can survive in the Underworld’ prophecy, my heart stopped twice once I was admitted to a hospital Above.”

Violet stares at you for a long moment, a slow smile spreading across her face. “A true warrior, then. So tell me, (Y/N), how does one feel after dying and being brought back to life multiple times?”

“I’m not the same person that I was when I was first brought here, that’s for sure,” a dry chuckle accompanies your statement as you shake your head, staring down at the milky surface of your beverage. “I don’t think that you get to die and come back the exact same as you were. You come back...wrong, in a way. Like there’s a part of you missing, or a part of you that’s changed. Maybe your soul splits into a thousand little pieces when you die, and a few of those pieces don’t get the memo that they’re supposed to return to your body. We are all, after all, made up of stardust. Our souls must, in theory, return to the stars when we die, and the most rebellious parts of it refuse to come back down on the occasion that a person is brought back to life.”

“So you believe all creatures are celestial beings?”

“With all due respect, I don’t mean to get into a theological debate.”

“No, please, I’m intrigued. I would appreciate it if you continued.” She waves her small hand in the air, signalling you to continue.

“It’s a fact that, no matter what created the universe, parts of the universe are embedded in each and every one of us. Iron, one of the most abundant metals, can only be created in the depths of a dying star. We’re not celestial beings, in that we’re not heavenly bodies or something that’s not of the world that we, as mortals, know. However, we’re celestial beings because we’re literally composed of bits of the very fabric of the universe itself.”

For all of the talking that Michael does, Violet is the opposite. Whereas Michael would have interjected to provide his own viewpoint on whatever matter he agrees or disagrees with, Violet waits until you’ve reached the conclusion of your statement before forming her own response. The differences between them are stark, but the more time you spend with Violet, the more you notice mannerisms and characteristics that remind you of the man that is now your lover. When he smiles his genuine smile, he looks just like his sister. Their eyes both contain that same twinkle of mischief, and they share the same biting wit.

“You are quite the introspective soul, (Y/N). I pity what we may have lost had death decided to fully claim you.”

“Thank you, my Lady.”

“Please, after yesterday’s events, I believe we are far past the stage of formalities.” Your eyes widen as you understand the hidden meaning in her words. 

“It wasn’t a real coronation, it was just a ruse to lure Satan to us,” you explain hurriedly. 

“I’m aware. Very clever, might I add. But,” her kind eyes pierce through you, to the depths of your soul, “I know there was an ulterior motive to you undertaking the tests of the Seven Wonders.”

“I wasn’t about to let the end of the world be solely my fault.”

“Admirable, of course. However, you seem to be under the impression that my dear brother does not choose to share anything that he deems to be important with me.” Your expression sours with the realization that Michael writes to his sister about his (and presumably your) love life. “You have both professed your love for each other, then?”

“I mean, yeah, but it’s a lot more complicated than that.”

“How so?”

“For starters, the fact that completing the Seven Wonders only buys me some time. I’m still very human, and I’m going to have to leave here before my body starts trying to kill me for being in the Underworld again.”

“How are you to be queen, then?”

“I’m not--I’m not sure if I’m ready to be queen, or even if I want to be queen.” You absentmindedly pet one of Cerberus’s heads, a foolproof way to help calm your rising nerves. 

“What is holding you back?” You’re reminded how much of a child you truly are in the eyes of this millenia-old goddess as you avoid making eye contact and give Violet a half-hearted shrug. 

“I don’t want to leave Above for the rest of time. I like being human, no matter how much I complain about it.”

“You enjoy the sorrows of a mortal life? War, famine, poverty, tragedy, sickness, and all of the other terrible occurrences that would be avoided were you to become Michael’s queen?”

“Are there not versions of suffering that the gods experience as well? I’ve learned quite a bit about all of the different wars that have been fought, either directly or indirectly by Olympians. There may not be poverty in the traditional sense, but you can be lacking in a lot of different areas. Surely, you must also feel terrible when tragedies hit mankind? I mean, Michael literally kidnapped me so that he could stop the apocalypse.

“Yes, there are bad parts to humanity, but there’s bad parts of every species. I like getting to see the comradery that happens in times of turmoil, and the activism that my generation is using to make legitimate changes in society. It’s the little things, as well, that make being human worth it. Long car drives with no set destination in mind and the music blasting, street festivals, eating ice cream on a hot summer night, watching the leaves change, the holiday season. Getting excited over a new movie coming out, re-reading a favorite book, the families that we create, hobbies that get us through a long week. To you, these may seem dumb and miniscule. To me, however, it’s what makes life worth living. I don’t want to lose that.”

Violet sits in silence, wrapped up in her mind as she thinks over what you’ve just said. You tap your fingers against the edge of the table, looking anywhere and everywhere in an attempt to not lose your mind at the thought of possibly upsetting a goddess. Maybe your little speech was too impassioned? It’s not that she offended you, but her seeming aversion to the human race was enough to send you rushing to defend your fellow humans. 

“You and Michael are the definition of a juxtaposition,” she finally speaks, allowing you to let out a breath that you weren’t aware you were holding.

“Um, I don’t really see what that has to do with my defense of humanity?”

“Where Michael is dark, you are light. You smooth out his rough edges, while making him whole again at the same time. He’s rooted in reality and cynical, but you allow him to see the more fantastical, rose-tinted side of things. Yin and yang, I believe it is called?” You nod silently, letting her know she’s got it right.

“It’s nice to know that we complement each other so well, but that still doesn’t solve my dilemma.”

Violet’s pale hand is suddenly on top of yours, making you freeze in your spot. Smiling kindly in an effort to soothe the sudden rush of panic seizing your body, she stands from the table and pulls you up with her. Cerberus’s heads perk up, but he quickly dozes back off when he realizes there’s no danger. She clasps her hands in yours and, although she’s smaller than you, you feel shorter than her in this moment. 

“Talk to him. Let him know that you want to be his queen, but without sacrificing your humanity in the process. Trust me, if he loves you half as much as he claims in his letters, he will find a way to make you happy. Communication is the key to a healthy relationship; that is something that I wish Tate and I knew much earlier in our time together.”

As is your signature move when faced with a rush of emotion that you don’t know how to translate into words, you wrap Violet in a hug. She seems much more familiar with the expression than Michael, returning your gesture happily. 

“Thank you,” you mutter against her shoulder.

“Of course. If I am to have a ‘sister-in-law,’ as you mortals call it,” she teases, “I could not hope for a better one than you.”

“Violet!” Tate’s voice booms through the garden, alerting you both that the rendezvous is now over. “Violet, we need to be leaving soon.”

“It appears as though that is my cue,” she laments. “Do you promise that you will talk to him?”

“I will,” you nod.

“Good. Send me a letter and let me know how it goes; Hermes makes the trip from Olympus to the Underworld, and back again, daily. Give it to him and he shall know what to do with it.” 

Violet kisses both of your cheeks before turning to walk through the garden and find her husband. Once they’ve both disappeared into the palace, you set off on a renewed quest to find Michael. He’s not in the throne room, nor is he in his office, which only leaves one other place that you know he frequents: the library. The library in which, arguably, you allowed your walls to come down and let Michael wedge his way into your heart. 

He’s sitting on the bottom of one of the winding staircases that lead to ancient Greek texts, pensieve as he thinks about the meeting that has just transpired with the gods that are his equals. When you call his name, he tilts his head up, standing to greet you. His hands are clasped behind his back, and a smile lights up his face. It’s ironic, you note, how much the God of the Dead smiles when in your presence. 

“What is it, (Y/N)? Did something happen?” Michael asks. You shake your head, taking his hands in yours in a gesture reminiscent of Violet’s, mere minutes ago.

“No. Michael, I’ve made up my mind.”

“About?”

“I want to rule beside you. I want to be your queen.”

///////////////////

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[21stcenturyyfoxx]

Sabotage: Chapter one

Characters:

Keanu Reeves, Y/N, Andi, possibly Chad Stahelski appearance; who knows?

Summary: You and Keanu have been friends for a couple years after working together on several movies. But what happens when someone comes in and tries to ruin the friendship.

Warnings: Angst, Fights, Curse words... just a bag of just MESS.

———————————————————

You sat there silently, listening to the other end of the line; your breathing caught in a fight to escape your chest to your throat and out of your mouth, but it wouldn’t come.

The words that spewed out of their mouth like fire, you were sure they were flavored with honey as they praised the woman they had been working with the past year; now, however, things had turned on a dime, there were — feelings.

“... and she talked about us three grabbing dinner tomorrow night at Bacchus...” He said.

“Y/N? ...”

“Y/N? Are you even listening?”

“Yeah, sorry, Ke.” You cleared your throat, a sigh escaping your parted lips.

To be overwhelmed was an understatement, you were absolutely in panic mode as the realization came that you had a feeling you couldn’t shake.

You had this inexplicable sensation that this girl Keanu was purring over was not all she had painted to be, something perturbed you but, you’d give her a fair shot, maybe it was just you being protective of your friend.

———————————————————

Two years earlier

———————————————————

You sat on the couch, your fingers and mind aimlessly swiping your thumb across the screen of your phone. Your trailer was the perfect home away from home, decorated with trinkets of your actual home that laid tucked into the hills of California; your favorite color danced around you in the atmosphere.

You had been on set for exactly three months, filming the first in many franchises you’d grace your presence with, the fourth installment of The Matrix.

You had been ecstatic about getting the role of Crash, the savvy and sarcastic computer programmer/hacker that was planned to save the next human race when she would revive Neo and Trinity, or rather, if she could.

You had always wanted to meet the star of the movie, Keanu Reeves, but it proved to be trickier than you’d originally thought until the script landed in your managers hands and then the role subsequently fell into yours.

——

A knock at the door interrupted your mindless scrolling; standing up you groaned, the line work had put you in a state of torment, your body sore and bruised.

You swung the door open revealing the source of the knock, Keanu.

Your mouth parted to say something, anything, but nothing would forfeit out of your vocal chords.

“Sorry to bother you, Ms. Y/N, but I was wondering if you’d happen to have a cigarette? I’m out and in all honesty, too tired to go to the gas station.” He chuckled, a sheepish grin forming on his mug.

“Of course, Mr. Reeves, I actually have a pack you can have.” You smiled softly, moving into your trailer grabbing the two packs and the lighter that was atop of the cartons before stepping outside.

“You know you can call me Keanu, right?” He said muffled as he placed the cigarette in between his lips, lighting it successfully on the first try.

“Keanu..well, if that’s the case then just call me Y/N.” You smiled softly, placing a cigarette between your lips and taking a sharp inhale.

———————————————————

You and Keanu struck up a friendship quickly, gossip blogs never ceased to follow you two around, penning you two together like a royal couple of the film arts.

But it was far from the truth, nothing ever was between you; but now, something didn’t feel right, something sat deep within your gut about this female he had been blabbering on about for the past hour, two hours? You zoned out often.

“So the dinner— tomorrow? Me, you, and... I’m sorry what’s her name again?” You sighed, lighting a cigarette up, not caring if the offensive smell lingered in your house.

“Andi. Her name is Andi.” He said shortly, your stomach churned thinking if Keanu was angry at you for the forgetfulness.

“Sorry, I was somewhere else when you brought her name up. Anyway, yeah, tomorrow night, 7, Bacchus. Sounds good to me.” You said hastily trying to get off the phone, you simply couldn’t take another second of his incessant speech about this woman.

“Alright, yeah, 7.” He said sighing into the line before hanging up without a goodbye.

You sat there, phone in hand, thoughts like a rolodex.

——

The night felt full of dread as you went through your routine of picking a dress, heels, and wether or not to smoke a whole pack of cigarettes.

The thought of suddenly dying amused you more than having a nice dinner date with your friend, although, before you’d love nothing more than to sit across from the man, but now, the tides changed with the new moon, a woman was thrown into the atmosphere and now suddenly you had a sickening feeling that it wasn’t all pretty fixtures and flowers.

You slipped your new dress on, it reached your thighs; black, pairing it with black high heels and a black leather jacket that rested perfectly on your waist.

You sighed as you did dark makeup, you normally favored lighter tones to bring out your eyes but tonight, was a funeral of sorts, at least that’s what your instinct screamed.

——-

“Y/N! I’m so glad you’re here..” Keanu rushed to your side, holding the umbrella over you as the abnormal Los Angeles rain fell onto the pavement. You had just stepped out of the Uber, opting out to drive through the Saturday night traffic in your own vehicle.

“What makes you think I’d miss seeing my favorite man?” You looked up at him, a sweet smile tugging on your blood red lips, you had decided in the car to put some lipstick on, red being the classiest choice.

Keanu kisses your cheek, his hand firmly resting on the small of your back. Protectively. Guiding you inside the restaurant.

His hand dropping as the two of you approached the round table.

Then you saw her.

Andi.

She had short brunette waves with flecks of grey tucked hidden away, her eyes were this piercing emerald.

She stood up to meet you, she was taller than what you had expected.

Her hand reached for yours, her handshake making your stomach churn.

“Keanu has told me so many great things of you.” Andi said with a smile, her eyes flashing between you and Keanu.

“Well, I’d hope so.” You half heartedly laughed, shaking her hand in response.

——

After dinner and exhausting conversations about how the two met and eventually began a romantic agenda, you had excused yourself to the side door for a quick smoke. The alley was dark but you weren’t worried if someone were to grab you.

You had your back turned when you heard the door shut behind you, you thought it was maybe Keanu joining you, but alas, you were wrong.

You saw her in your peripheral, an exhale of smoke billowed from your pout. You decided to play nice and not warn her that you would end her existence if she would happen to fuck up with Keanu.

“So I think it’s pretty cool you made that one, uh, sculpture. The picture you showed me looked pretty cool — twisted up like that.” You said in a bid to compliment her on her arts.

She looked at you, the facade crumbling.

She smoothed her hair back with her fingers, a soft laugh erupted from her lips as she stepped closer to you. Her face only several inches from yours.

“You know, he thinks you’re annoying..” she started, causing your adrenaline to feed into your body, your heart raced.

“He got off the phone with you last night and told me how immature you really are, how you can’t even pay the simplest attention to hold a conversation.”

“He’s told me how he didn’t even want to work with you, he just did it because his manager told him it would be good publicity and a good role change.”

You and Keanu had in turn did a high-grossing horror film together the past year. You gulped not knowing what to say, tears threatening to fall.

“You should save yourself some embarrassment and just go home — he’s going to confess, after we sit back down, that he doesn’t want to be friends with you anymore, because, how did he put it, you’re too immature, reckless, and he thinks it’s creepy you have some high school crush on him...”

The last phrase hit you hard.

With the cigarette long abandoned, you gathered yourself and maneuvered your way through the restaurant and grabbed your purse.

Keanu looked up at you concerned, his hand reaching for yours — he didn’t find it.

You rushed outside, rain hitting your face as the tears spilled; you didn’t care to call an Uber or hail a cab.

You, however, failed to notice Keanu rushing after you.

“Y/N?” He yelled but you didn’t turn around, instead, you kept walking.

Finally reaching your house after what felt like hours, you slammed the door behind you, stripping your dress off as it felt like a noose at this point and slid down the door, knees to your chest.

“Fuck them. I don’t.. I don’t need anybody.” You cried out, voice rattling like the broken heart in your chest and rib cage.

You fell asleep at your door that night, too exhausted to rise to your feet; too empty not to care anymore.